KINGSBURG CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING Minutes
March 5, 2025
Invocation was given by Pastor Ricky Chambers, Kingsburg Community Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Brandon Pursell.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Pursell called the regular meeting of the Kingsburg City Council to order at 6:02pm.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: David Silva, Laura North, Staci Smith, Vince Palomar and Mayor Pursell.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
APPROVE AGENDA: A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member North, to approve the agenda, as published. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Larry King, non-resident, spoke regarding housing allocations.
CONSENT CALENDAR – A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Silva, to approve the items appearing on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Approve the minutes from the February 19, 2025, 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 February 10, 2025, through February 24, 2025, as prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Marsha Alves.
Sponsor: Finance Department
3. Adopt Resolutions 2025-010; 2025-011; 2025-012; 2025-013; 2025-014- Approving the Budget Amendments as Presented and Recommended By The Finance Committee- Staff Report Prepared by Finance Director Alma Colado.
Sponsor: Finance Department
4. Adopt Resolution 2025-015 allowing the Police Department to apply for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Grant for patrol vehicles. - Staff Report by Neil Dadian, Chief of Police.
Sponsor: Police Department\
5. Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Awards:
* Citizen of the Year Award for Danny and Teresa Cates– Adopt Resolution No. 2025-016 * Junior Citizen of the Year Award for Briar Estes– Adopt Resolution No. 2025-017 Kingsburg City Council Minutes
March 5, 2025
* Educator of the Year Award for Kim Martinez – Adopt Resolution No. 2025-018 * Public Safety Officer of the Year Award for Sergio Gonzales – Adopt Resolution No. 2025-019
* Agriculture Business of the Year Award for Sierra Packing– Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 020
* Business of the Year Award for Coddington Wealth Advisors– Adopt Resolution No. 2025-021
*Note: Resolutions are not included and will be available to the public on March 16, 2025, after the Chamber Dinner.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
REGULAR CALENDAR
2024/2025 Capital Improvement Update and FY26 Introduction- Staff Report by City Manager Alexander Henderson.
Sponsor: City Manager & Finance Department
City Manager Alexander Henderson provided an update regarding the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and discussed different projects and recommendations. City Manager Henderson provided a status update on the FY25 CIP and the adopted policy that outlines the CIP process.
Informational - No Action Necessary
City Engineers Update- Report by City Engineer Dave Peters.
Sponsor: City Engineer’s Office
Engineer David Peters reviewed the ongoing and upcoming capital improvement projects, 2025 streets projects, and various development projects that are process or near completion.
Engineer Peters answered and clarified council members’ questions.
Informational- No Action Necessary
Measure E Extension Discussion- Staff Report by City Manager Alexander Henderson.
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
City Manager Alexander Henderson discussed extending Measure E beyond 2028. The voting history of Measure E was discussed, the first time the measure received 72% of support and went into effect October 1, 2018, for ten (10) years. City Manager Henderson discussed the sunset date noting that unless it is extended, the expiration date will be in 2028.
City Manager Henderson discussed the details of Measure E being a transaction and tax that increases revenue from collections. It was also discussed that Measure E annual revenues exceed what was initially anticipated when it first passed. City Manager Henderson also discussed the positive impact Measure E has had on our Police and Fire Departments, discussing the various equipment and wages and benefits that it has gone towards.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
March 5, 2025
The Finance Committee has recommended the Measure E ballot measure goes on the June 2, 2026, California primary ballot. They have also asked for input from the Measure E Committee regarding the sunset date and want to have both chiefs prepare to talk about the significance to their departments if Measure E is no longer in place.
Council Member North asked about the cost on the ballot and if the start date, if passed, would be the start date be 2026, or in 2028 when it was set to expire. City Manager Henderson said Fresno County has quoted us. According to the language, Measure E extension would start at the end of the existing one in 2028.
Council supports it 100%.
Council Member North spoke about the 10-year sunset, when this was first discussed in 2018.
Doing it right was important, and we needed to show we would be fiscally responsible. Moving forward she would be in favor of putting Measure E on the June 2, 2026, ballot. She would like a longer sunset or no sunset and to make sure the public knows that our safe town is because of their funds.
Council Member Smith agrees with putting it on the June 2, 2026, ballot. She’s also in favor of a longer sunset along the lines of 30 years. However, thinks it might be harder to pass without a sunset, we might not have the support.
Council Member Silva gave kudos to previous council who set it up the way they did. It showed that not only is it a great program, but we have been good stewards. Council Member Silva asked Fire and Police if they have a preference to the sunset date. Both said they would prefer 30 years.
Council Member Palomar stated this is an important subject tonight. He has concerns regarding a 30-year sunset, and thinks it might be hard to pass, the 10-year sunset might be easier.
Mayor Pursell we would like the sunset to be infinite, but understands that the 30 year might gain more support. It is our job to reach out to our constituents to see what their appetite is for the sunset time.
Direction from council for the June 2, 2026, election. City Manager Henderson said we can further discuss the sunset.
Council Member North asked about polling. Mayor Pursell said polling is very expensive. City Manager Henderson said we can add the costs to the proposals. Mayor Pursell is trusting the labor groups will go out there and talk to the citizens.
Chris Peterson, resident, brought up the idea of marketing the safety of our town for future generations. Asked for clarification about the 93631-zip code for the tax revenue. City Manager Henderson stated it is just within our city limits.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
March 5, 2025
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Update on the housing element. Not quite an approval, we need to respond to some items. He will keep them updated. If they have any ideas for the budget, let him know.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Silva stated that the Kingsburg Health Care will meet March 12th.
Council Member North BID met, discussed Christmas tree corners, hiring an influencer for the Swedish festival, and ladies’ night out- Blossoms and Bridgerton. COG- discussed the parking lot upgraded for the Smith Street parking lot. Discussed the One Voice Group. Looking for each mayor to appoint someone to the Measure C Committee.
Council Member Smith reported that the Finance Committee met, discussed Measure E.
Community Services discussed the Dog Park opening is set for April 12, 2025, at 12:00PM.
Looking into grants.
Council Member Palomar discussed the Planning Commission meeting. Division 2 Valley Champions for boys for wrestling who brought home 3 state medals.
Mayor Pursell thanked Council Member North for attending COG.
Mayor Pursell adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 6:52 PM.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk