KINGSBURG CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING Minutes
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
Invocation was given by Pastor Malcolm Light, Orchard Bible Fellowship, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Brandon Pursell, Jr.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Pursell, Jr called the regular meeting of the Kingsburg City Council to order at 6:01pm.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Vince Palomar, Laura North, Staci Smith, David Silva and Mayor Brandon Pursell Jr.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: None.
APPROVE AGENDA – A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the agenda, as published. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Ana Zantana, Kingsburg Youth Soccer League President, would like council to reconsider the regional sports complex.
Elizabeth Salazar, Kingsburg Youth Girls Softball, would like council to reconsider the regional sports complex.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member North pulled item 11.
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Silva, to approve the items 1-10 and 12 appearing on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by an unanimous voice vote.
1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Approve the minutes from the October 6, 2024, Regular Council Meeting and the October 24, 2024, Joint Workshop Meeting as prepared by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
2. Check Register: Ratify/approve payment of bills listed on the check register for the period September 24, 2024, through October 28, 2024, as prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Marsha Alves.
Sponsor: Finance Department
3. Waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2024-06 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KINGSBURG ADDING CHAPTER 8.28 TO TITLE 8 OF THE KINGSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO UNLAWFUL CAMPING ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY with the following recital constituting reading the title of the Ordinance:
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 6, 2024
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KINGSBURG ADDING CHAPTER 8.28 TO TITLE 8 OF
THE KINGSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO UNLAWFUL CAMPING ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY.” Sponsor: City Manager
4. Accept the Treasurer’s Report from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.- Staff Report by Finance Director Alma Colado
Sponsor: Finance Department
5. Adopt Resolutions 2024-044; 2024-045; 2024-046; 2024-047; 2024-048; 2024-049; 2024-050; 2024- 051; 2024-052; 2024-053; 2024-054; 2024-055; 2024-056; 2024-057; 2024-058; 2024-059; 2024- 060; 2024-061 Approving the Budget Amendments as Presented And Recommended By The Finance Committee- Staff Report Prepared by Finance Director Alma Colado.
Sponsor: Finance Department
6. Adopt Resolution 2024-062 declaring Police and Public Works Vehicles and Equipment SurplusStaff Report by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
7. Adopt Resolution 2024-063 Authorizing the destruction of City Records approved by the City Attorney. Staff Report by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
8. Accept the 2024 City Wide Park Improvements Project and authorizing the City Engineer to file the Notice of Completion- Staff Report by City Engineer Dave Peters.
Sponsor: City Engineer
9. Accept the Frontage Road Drainage Repair Project and authorizing the City Engineer to file the Notice of Completion- Staff Report by City Engineer Dave Peters.
Sponsor: City Engineer
10. Accept the Mariposa Street Reconstruction Project and authorizing the City Engineer to file the Notice of Completion- Staff Report by City Engineer Dave Peters.
Sponsor: City Engineer
12. Authorize the City Manager to sign the Third Amendment to the City Hall Facility Lease Agreement- Staff Report by City Manager Alexander Henderson.
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
PULLED ITEM:
11. Accept the TOD Phase 1 Project and authorizing the City Engineer to file the Notice of CompletionStaff Report by City Engineer Dave Peters.
Sponsor: City Engineer
Council Member North brought up concerns about closing this item noting the public has commented on how bad the bike lanes look. Council Member Palomar pointed out the gravel in the lanes is noticeable.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 6, 2024
Engineer Peters stated it is common for this treatment to have gravel. The coarse treatment was due to the quality of the pavement, it will get better in about 6-7 months. We did the same treatment in 2009. This treatment should last 15 years.
Council Member North asked if it isn’t better in the spring, will the warranty cover it. MR. Peters stated, yes.
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Palomar to approve item 11 as it appears in the consent calendar. The motion carried by an unanimous voice vote.
REGULAR CALENDAR
Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce Update – Presentation by President Reggie Gierke.
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
Reggie Gierke, President of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce provided an update from the Board of Directors. In the last month, Chamber recently found out that they had been receiving correspondences from state departments regarding the status of their non-profit. According to the Attorney General, to be compliant they need to register as a charity and that includes needing their by-laws, which they are missing from 120 years ago. The Chamber then hired legal counsel. They have asked the Attorney General to grant them an exemption or to show what charitable assets they have that would make them have to file the paperwork. Legally, they had to close doors until they get their answers. Chamber members are currently waiting to hear back about their exemption status. They have another group that will make sure Julgransfest happens and the Santa Lucia parade, but there will not be vendors if the Chamber is running the event.
Council discussed the logistics of upcoming events and downtown atmosphere through the Holiday season.
Council Member Smith asked if the music downtown will be changed to Christmas music. Mr. Gierke confirmed they will change the music the day after Thanksgiving. They discussed the Chamber website.
Council Member Smith said there is a group of community minded individuals that will make sure there will be vendors and that Santa Lucia will look the same this year, as it does every year. Council Member Smith asked about the speakers for the parade. Mr. Gierke said there will be no one in the chamber office to assist with the sound system
Council Member Silva asked if the phones can be forwarded to a volunteer during this time. Mr. Gerike said since the Chamber owns the phone line it doesn’t seem to be possible. They discussed how this has been an issue for a long time, and he appreciates the Board working hard on righting the wrong that they inherited. Council Member Silva said it is a good time to build back bigger and stronger. He would like to help anyway he can.
Council Member Palomar asked if the Chamber of Commerce is required to file as a charity. Reggie Gierke answered no, the code said it was a mutual benefit organization, this is why they asked for an exemption from the Attorney General. Mr. Gierke stated the Attorney General thought our Chamber was receiving donations, which they were not issuing donation receipts. They do have a letter from 2013 that states the Chamber is exempt from filing as a charity.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 6, 2024
Council Member North reviewed her tenure as the council representative for the Chamber. Through the last 7 years, this is the first time she has heard of it. She stated the citizens who serve on the board put in the hard work for every event in Kingsburg. This is a time that the community in Kingsburg steps up to help keep the traditions that make Kingsburg special running. We want to help, it is important to keep our traditions.
Mayor Pursell Jr. thanked the Chamber for the hard work they have done. He wanted to ensure the City was holding Chamber accountable for any financial aspects or contracts that needed to be upheld.
Assistant City Manager Christina Windover did note that the City is no longer making payments on the contract for now. Mayor Pursell, Jr. is supportive of the Chamber and is thankful for them. He would like to help anyway he can.
Informational – No Action Needed
Government Finance Officers Association Award Announcements - Presentation by Assistant City Manager Christina Windover.
Sponsor: Assistant City Manager’s Office
Assistant City Manager Christina Windover presented two awards the City of Kingsburg recently received. The City is being recognized for two awards by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Program has been awarded to the City for the last 9 consecutive years. The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) Program has been awarded to the City of Kingsburg 7 times.
Council congratulated Finance Director Alma Colado and City Staff. This document speaks volumes about the quality of staff we have here. Transparency is very important.
Informational – No Action Needed
Space Needs Assessment Proposals - Presentation by Assistant City Manager Christina Windover.
Sponsor: Assistant City Manager’s Office
After reviewing five proposals, the city staff has decided to go with Griffin Structures and KPA. The costs is higher than anticipated so the Finance Committee is working with Griffin Structures to meet our budget needs. We budgeted $75,000. All proposals came in significantly higher than the budget. Griffin was the most competitive, after a revised proposal the cost went from $109,500 to $125,000.
Council Member North stated that when this first came, she was reluctant to spend the money. Noting that maybe she doesn’t understand why we need to spend this money. There is no question how cramped our staff is. When know we need more space. She would like to spend that money on an architect.
Council Member Silva states we are outgrowing our space; a finance director deserves an office. Council Member Palomar agrees.
Mayor Pursell Jr. states the reason for the RFP is because we are not experts on building a new building.
It will show us how big the building needs to be, how much space our existing staff needs and future staff. An independent third party will tell us what we need. Council Member Smith added the Finance Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 6, 2024
Committee has been discussing this, it is a lot of money, but we need an expert to come in and tell us exactly what we need. She supports it. Council Member Palomar asked if this would help with grants? Assistant City Manager Windover stated it is not a necessary document, but it will speak to what our needs are. Council Member North asked if we were working with an architect, could this be a part of it? She wants to work on the actual next step.
Assistant City Manager Windover said Griffin also has architects. Council Member Silva asked if this is the right time to do this and if we need it now.
Lance Jackson, resident, spoke about folding in the need assessment with the architect.
Director Daniel Galvez spoke about what the report would have in it. They will interview staff for what they do so we know what the for actual needs will be, including ADA compliance spaces, correct meeting spaces.
Council thanked Director Galvez for giving a clearer picture. Council Member Silva spoke about past experiences with building a new building. It ended up being too small. He sees the value in this report.
Mayor Pursel Jr. said at first glance it seems like a waste money, but with building a new building, this step will allow us to do it correctly. He likes that they will engage with staff. He also doesn’t want to eliminate local builders with a concept to keys in the agreement.
A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member North, to move forward with the revised scope Space Needs Assessment with Griffin Structures, which the final version will come back to Council for approval. The motion carried by an unanimous roll call vote.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Assistant City Manager Christina Windover reminded council of Veterans’ Day breakfast. And stated the City is happy to help the Chamber of Commerce in anyway.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member North stated the BID met to discuss Christmas trees on the corners and the holiday kick off. Center Point will have a food trail kick off and will be looking in to using our trolley.
Council Member Palomar said the Public Safety Committee meets November 12, 2024, and the Planning Commission will meet November 14, 2024. SKF met last month and passed amendments to the CCTV contracts.
Council Member Smith said the Finance Committee will be meeting November 28, 2024, and the Community Services Commission will meet in January.
Mayor Pursell Jr. attended the Swedish Festival kick off meeting. Attended the Kingsburg High School rally. Council of Governments had issues with the Golden State Corridor. Fought to keep funding, it was close but thankful that the funds will stay with the project.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 6, 2024
Mayor Pursell Jr. adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting into Closed Session at 7:18 PM.
12. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
California Government Code Section 54957.6
City Designated Representative: Christina Windover
Employee Organization: Public Service Employees Association (KPSEA) Employee Organization: Police Officers’ Association (KPOA) Mayor Pursell Jr. adjourned out of Close Session into Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 9:16 PM.
Attorney Michael Noland – Nothing to report.
Mayor Pursell Jr. adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 9:16 PM.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 6, 2024