KINGSBURG CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING Minutes
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Invocation was given by Pastor Faith Escobedo, Rick Alonzo Ministries, 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 6:02pm.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Vince Palomar, Laura North, Staci Smith, David Silva and Mayor Brandon Pursell Jr.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
APPROVE AGENDA: A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member Silva, to approve the agenda, as published. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
Public Service City Award - Fire Captain Wayne Osborne
Mayor Pursell, Jr. spoke about Captain Osborne’s leadership and quick thinking during the heat related critical event at the assisted living home in Kingsburg. Council congratulated Captain Osborne.
Downtown Business Improvement District Trash Can Presentation – Chairman Leslie Carpenter Chairman Carpenter presented the new downtown trashcans and thanked Council and Mid Valley Disposal for their partnership. She also recognized and thanked long time BID Board Members Steve Safarjian and June Hess for their service.
Mid Valley Disposal Refuse and Recycling Reports- Presentation by Isaac Kulikoff and Thomas Hamon
Mr. Kulikoff and Mr. Hamon presented regarding the City’s refuse and recycling. Our town is always recognized for our compliance. Mid Valley has been educating the public at Kingsburg events and at elementary schools.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Blake Carlson, Covenant Evangelical Church, wanted to notify Council that they will be doing a major restoration project of their grand facility starting January 2025.
John Johnson, resident, is not for the rezoning of the properties with the housing element.
Rick Jackson, non-resident, is not for the rezoning of the properties with the housing element.
Laura Gai, resident, is not for the rezoning of the properties with the housing element.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 20, 2024
Prisilla Perez Chica, Summerlyn resident, is not for the rezoning for the properties with the housing element.
Erica, Summerlyn resident, is not for the rezoning of the properties with the housing element.
CONSENT CALENDAR –
Mayor Brandon Pursell Jr. pulled items 10; 11; 12; and 18.
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the items 1-9 and 13-17 appearing on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by an unanimous voice vote.
1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Approve the minutes from the November 6, 2024 Regular Council 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 October 29, 2024 through November 11, 2024 as prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Marsha Alves.
Sponsor: Finance Department
3. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Leslie Carpenter to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
4. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Amanda Carrasco to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
5. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Lauren Cooper to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
6. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Michele Buckner to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
7. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Teresa Nino to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 20, 2024
8. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Julianne Williams to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
9. Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Penny Kyle to the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Board to a term that is set to expire November 2025.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
13. Community Service Commission Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Kelly Matsuoka to the Community Service Commission to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
14. Community Service Commission Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Cathleen Lawler to the Community Service Commission to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
15. Public Safety Committee Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Vincent Latham to the Public Safety Committee to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
16. Public Safety Committee Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Alan Roberts to the Public Safety Committee to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
17. Approve the Roadhouse 99’s request for a partial street closure of Smith Street between Ellis Street and Draper Street for Roadhouse 99’s “10 year anniversary community event” on December 21, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Closure will only affect the southernmost portion allowing for the parking lots to remain open)
Sponsor: Community Development Department
PULLED ITEMS:
Mayor Pursell Jr. pulled items 10, 11, 12 because he would like all applicants to come to the December 4th, 2024, City Council meeting.
10. Planning Commission Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Robert Gonzales to the Planning Commission to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
11. Planning Commission Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Craig Ruch to the Planning Commission to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 20, 2024
12. Planning Commission Appointment- Accept Mayor Pursell, Jr.’s appointment of Barbara Taylor to the Planning Commission to a term that is set to expire November 2028.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Smith to table items 10,11, 12, and 13 until the December 4th, 2024, City Council Meeting as it appears in the consent calendar. The motion carried by an unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Pursell Jr. pulled 18 as a council member wanted to recuse themself. Council Member North recused herself because she is the one who submitted the application. At 6:43pm she left the council chamber.
18. Approve the Kingsburg Community Education Foundation request for a partial Draper Street closure between Smith Street and California Street for their “Kingsburg You Matter Day” on May 10, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsor: Community Development Department
A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member Silva to approve item 18 as it appears in the consent calendar. The motion carried by an unanimous voice vote of those present.
Council Member North returned to the council chamber at 6:44pm.
REGULAR CALENDAR
Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce Update – Presentation by President Reggie Gierke.
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
Reggie Gierke and Tammy Morgan presented to council an update since the last City Council meeting they attended. Based on legal counsel and research, the Chamber Board unanimously voted to re-open. Both legal counsel and the Chamber believes the Chamber is a mutual benefit organization, therefore they were not required to register with the Attorney General’s office.
They will be working with county resources to help the chamber and Kingsburg businesses.
Julgransfest and Santa Lucia will go on as usual.
Council Member Silva asked for clarification on how they’ll be designated, will they still be a 501 C 6? He also wanted clarity on whether there will or will not be a nonprofit designation.
Reggie clarified that nothing would change, they will still be a 501 C 6. They’ll be a tax-exempt organization; they are not a charitable agency meaning they cannot accept charitable donations.
Chris Peterson, resident, asked series of questions about the Chamber meeting regarding past issues and she discussed the previous council minutes.
Mr. Gierke notes that these questions have been answered in the past and encourages members to come to board meetings to ask these questions.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 20, 2024
Leslie Carpenter, BID Chairman, there needs to be trust, grace and cooperations to all parties during this time to allow the Chamber to get running again. The BID supports the Chamber.
Council Member Silva asked when the next Chamber meeting is, Mr. Gierke let Council know it is December 10th.
Mr. Gierke thanked city staff, Lions Club, Steve Safarjian and others that stepped in to assist.
Council thanked Reggie and Tammy for their hard work.
Informational – No action needed.
Townsend Public Affairs Legislative Update & Agreement Consideration. – Presentation by Spencer Street, Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
Spenser Street from Townsend Public Affairs presented an update on legislative and funding activity. Mr. Street’s updates included a 2024 legislative recap, gave funding updates, anticipated issues for 2025, and detailed an advocacy program.
City Manager Alexander Henderson is recommending that we go forward with the lobbying services but only for the upcoming year. City staff does the primary work for grant writing, so the city will be better served with lobbying only.
Council Member Palomar asked if it is one year contract again? City Manager Henderson confirmed it is one year.
Mayor Pursell Jr. said council appreciates what Townsend has accomplished.
A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the proposal for lobbying services only and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement after review by the City Attorney. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
City Engineer’s Report- Presentation by City Engineer Dave Peters.
Sponsor: Engineering Department
Engineer David Peters presented updates on completed and ongoing projects. Mr. Peters highlighted projects like the Senior Center kitchen remodel, the Laurel Street Dog Park, and the Memorial Park bathrooms. The planning and development projects included but not limited to, Sinclair Gas Station remodel and Kwik Korner.
Engineer Peters notified Council he would be bringing forward some amendments to a few of the standards for approval.
Council Member North asked about the proposed housing at 6th and Kern, wanted to clarify location and if it will be a single family? Mr. Peters confirmed yes.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 20, 2024
Council Member Silva asked if the temporary sink can be used at the senior center while we wait on the new one. Mr. Peters said not really, it is being used right now it will be modified and become what is called a mop sink.
Council Member Palomar asked when it will be completed. Mr. Peters hopes we’ll get the last bit of materials in the next couple weeks, and a couple weeks to install. Could potentially be by the end of the year. Council Member Palomar asked how close are we to the architect’s design? Did they have to make any modifications? Mr. Peters stated, I don’t think so. Council discussed other projects.
Informational – no action needed
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Reminded council the Police Department’s Situational awareness class is coming up, November 25, 2024.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Silva, Kingsburg Health Care District met on 11/13. Let council know that Crestwood’s lease was renewed for another 10 years. He also attended the Senior Center Harvest Lunch, well attended. Attended the Car Show committee planning meeting, they are planning on over 400 cars next year.
Council Member Palomar attended the Public Safety Committee last week where Lt. Stephens presented the Police Department’s body and vehicle cam program. Also updated on the Planning commission’s meeting where they recommend housing allocations, but not the housing element re-zoning. SKF met.
Council Member North stated the BID and Chamber gave their updates already. Worked with Center Point to link them up with the Chamber to give them guidance and resources.
Council Member Smith noted the Finance Committee hasn’t met. Last Saturday Kingsburg High School hosted the regional competition for band, Kingsburg took first place. Thanked city staff.
The band has one more performance, this weekend they will be performing in the grand championship.
Mayor Pursell Jr. let council know the Fresno County Council of Governments (COG) will be meeting next week.
Mayor Pursell Jr. adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting into Closed Session at 7:39 PM.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
California Government Code Section 54957.6
City Designated Representative: Christina Windover
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
November 20, 2024
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 7:59 PM.
Attorney Michael Noland – Nothing to report.
Mayor Pursell Jr. adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 8:00 PM.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk