Kingsburg City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2025
Invocation was given by Pastor John Dostal, Kingsburg Concordia 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 6:01pm.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: David Silva, Vince Palomar, Laura North, Staci Smith and Mayor Brandon Pursell.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Mayor Pursell stated that there is a need for a closed session to take action on a matter that came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. City Staff did not know about the need for immediate action before the agenda was posted. The Closed Session is as follows:
Conference with Legal Counsel-Anticipated Litigation
Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Subdivision (c) of Government Code Section 54956.9 One (1) potential case.
A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member Silva, to approve the agenda with the addition of the closed session item. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
Measure C Presentation - FCOG Executive Director Robert Phipps Gave his presentation.
Measure C has received $2 billion over the last 20 years, and with that leverage, they have received $8 billion in grants. The City of Kingsburg’s fund have been distributed with $2.8 million in streets, $95,000 in ADA compliance and $3.4 million in flexible funding.
Council thanked Mr. Phipps. They asked how the funds are administered regarding population and road miles/ PCI.
Mayor Pursell stated Measure C is incredibly important for our roads. He has concerns with the current steering committee. His concern comes down to the allocations, he will support if we get the allocations that we deserve.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR: A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member North, 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 August 6, 2025 Regular Council Meeting as prepared by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
August 20, 2025
2. Check Register: Ratify/approve payment of bills listed on the check register for the period July 29, 2025, through August 11, 2025, as prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Marsha Alves.
Sponsor: Finance Department
3. Adopt Resolution 2025-043 Approving the destruction of records as listed on Exhibit AStaff report by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-044 to submit the Local Transportation Purposes Certifications and Claim Forms to FCTA for the City of Kingsburg to collect its share of Measure “C” for fiscal year 2025-2026 and authorize the Finance Director to sign the Local Transportation Pass Through Revenue Certifications and Claim Forms .- Staff report by Finance Director Alma Colado.
Sponsor: Finance Department
5. Authorize the City Manager to enter into Consultant Services Contract (For Local Assistance Federal-Aid Projects) for on-call right of Way, Appraisal, and Acquisition Consulting Services between Universal Field Services and Hamner and Jewel for State and Federally funded transportation projects.- Staff Report by Public Works Director Daniel Galvez.
Sponsor: Public Works Department
6. Authorize the City Manager to enter into Consultant Services Contract (For Local Assistance Federal-Aid Projects) for on-call Materials Testing & Geotechnical Services between BSK Associates, Moore Twining Associates and Krazan & Associates for State and Federally funded transportation projects. - Staff Report by Public Works Director Daniel Galvez.
Sponsor: Public Works Department
7. Authorize the City Manager to execute Consultant Services Contract (For Local Assistance Federal-Aid Projects) for on-call engineering services between Peters Engineering and the City of Kingsburg for State and Federally funded transportation projects. - Staff Report by Public Works Director Daniel Galvez.
Sponsor: Public Works Department
8. Adopt Resolution 2025-045 a Resolution of the Kingsburg City Council giving permission to Kingsburg Fire Department to apply and implement a LISTOS OES CERT grant program. – Staff Report by Fire Chief Rodnie Roberts
Sponsor: Fire Department
9. Approve the surplus and sale of the 2007 Smeal Fire Engine to the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department.– Staff Report by Fire Chief Rodnie Roberts
Sponsor: Fire Department
10. Approve an automatic aid agreement between the City of Kingsburg and Tulare County Fire Department.– Staff Report by Fire Chief Rodnie Roberts
Sponsor: Fire Department
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
August 20, 2025
11. Approve the contract between the City of Kingsburg and Valley Regional Occupational Program (Valley ROP) to participate in field internships with the Kingsburg Fire Department. – Staff Report by Fire Chief Rodnie Roberts Sponsor: Fire Department
REGULAR CALENDAR
Measure E Extension Presentation - Staff report by City Manager Alexander Henderson.
Presentation by Matthew “Mal” Richardson, Partner, Best Best Krieger, Special Counsel Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
Mr. Richardson provided an overview of Measure E, including its background, the election process, and key dates. The earliest date the City Council may adopt a resolution to place the measure on the ballot is January 7, 2026, and the latest is March 6, 2026. The proposed election date is June 2, 2026. Once the resolution is adopted, the City may only provide factual information about the measure and may not campaign for or against it. A potential sunset clause was also discussed.
It was clarified that campaign activities are permitted for individual council members in their personal capacities. Campaign signs may be placed in council members’ yards.
Council members may also campaign through personal social media accounts, attend rallies and community events, and go door-to-door, provided they are not representing the City and are doing so on their own time. Council members should refrain from wearing City-issued attire such as name tags or polos while participating in campaign activities.
City Manager Henderson asked the Council to consider whether they would like to include a sunset clause, create informational websites, or suggest other options for public information.
Informational – no action deemed necessary
Chamber of Commerce Contract Discussion- Staff report by City Manager Alexander Henderson
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
City Manager Henderson reported that the Chamber approached staff to work on a new contract. Before Council is a new $30,000 contract. The Independence Day event has been removed, and the language has been updated to provide clarity and emphasize the importance of celebrating Swedish heritage in our downtown and community events.
June Hess, resident and local business owner, said she has ran the Swedish Cultural Village for 27 years, mostly with her families help and on her own dime. She doesn’t see how she can go forward without the support they have received the last couple years from Steve Safirjan and the Lions Club. The Chamber has told them that they cannot work with the Lions Club for fundraising.
Council Member Silva asked if Mrs. Hess is officially stepping down. Mrs. Hess responded that her primary interest is the Swedish Cultural Village. She noted that without the support of the Lions Club and Steve Safarjian, she is unsure if she can continue.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
August 20, 2025
Council Member North asked whether the Lions Club’s support was in the form of financial donations. Mrs. Hess confirmed, stating that the Lions Club did a great job securing sponsors. She added that encouragement and support from the Chamber Board would be appreciated, particularly if paid staff offered assistance and worked as part of the same team.
Council Member Palomar inquired about collaboration between the Chamber and the Swedish Festival Committee. Mrs. Hess said there has been none and mentioned that the Committee was even asked about a possible repayment of $2,400.
All of council thanked Mrs. Hess for all that she has done.
Janet Kelly, resident, thanked them for the language for continuing the cultural aspect of Kingsburg.
Reggie Gierke, Chamber President, thanked City staff for their hard work. He has been working on having the Chamber follow all the rules, including the contract with the City.
Part of the language of the contract restricted sub-contracting and working with other partners. We worked on removing the restrictive language. This contract is a good win for Kingsburg. The City has a good partnership with Seawolves for the Independence Day celebration.
Council Member North, serving as council liaison to the Chamber, expressed concern that the Chamber informed the Swedish Festival Committee they could not work with the Lions Club on the Friday of the Festival and then placed blame on the City. He emphasized that this is not how the City operates. The Council also discussed the collection of funds.
Council Member Silva encouraged the Chamber to collaborate with the Swedish Festival Committee and all community committees, noting that this is a one-year agreement and, if the relationship is not mutually beneficial, changes may be necessary.
Council Member Palomar also urged the Chamber Board to work with the Swedish Festival Committee and the Cultural Village, stressing their importance to the City.
Council Member Smith expressed appreciation for the updated language in the contract but shared her disappointment with Mrs. Hess’s concerns. She emphasized that Mrs. Hess is a key member of the community and hoped the Chamber Board would work to mend the relationship.
Mayor Pursell noted that the Chamber is run by volunteers. He reiterated that he supports the end product, but it is up to the Chamber Board to determine how to achieve it. He stated that the contract and funding are directed to the Chamber Board, and it is their responsibility to carry out the work. As a contractor, the City cannot dictate how the Chamber conducts its business. However, he stressed that the City remains committed to preserving Swedish heritage and the Swedish Festival, and that the contract includes specific language to protect this priority.
Chris Peterson, resident, found Mrs. Hess’ comments to be really sad. She is upset with the lies and manipulation. She doesn’t understand why someone would want to ruin the festival.
Thanked council for recognizing the volunteers who put on the cultural events.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
August 20, 2025
Council Member Palomar motioned, seconded by Council Member North, to approve the proposed Chamber of Commerce agreement as presented. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Engineer’s Report- Report by City Engineer Dave Peters
Sponsor: Engineering Department
City Engineer reviewed the ongoing and upcoming projects.
Wayne Burger, resident, would like the Smith Street alley to be added to the list of alleys that need to be repaired.
City Manager Henderson explained that alleys are not considered ‘roadways’ so we can’t use public funds. Mayor Pursell said he is working to revise the language for the proposed Measure C ballot measure to include alleys.
Informational – no action deemed necessary
Federal and State Transportation Grant Project Awards - Staff report by City Engineer Dave Peters
Sponsor: Engineering Department
City Engineer presented upcoming grant projects.
Informational – no action deemed necessary
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Alexander Henderson stated the HDC has accepted our Housing Element without the re-zoning that was proposed.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Silva reported the EDC has not met. South Kings will meet on August 27, 2025. The Kingsburg HealthCare District met and staff provided updates on City grant funding.
Council Member North reported the BID will meet on September 2, 2025, and the Chamber on September 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. She announced the Crayfish Festival is scheduled for September 20, 2025, and noted the Chamber is hiring an executive director.
Council Member Smith reported the Finance Committee will meet on August 25, 2025, and the Community Services Committee on September 24, 2025. She attended a well-attended Chamber mixer and reminded Council of the community roundtable scheduled for tomorrow night.
Council Member Palomar reported the Public Safety Committee met last week with no action taken.
Mayor Pursell commended City Manager Henderson for his presentation at Kingsburg High School faculty day and announced Police Chief Dadian’s upcoming retirement.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
August 20, 2025
Mayor Pursell adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting into Closed Session at 7:40pm.
Conference with Legal Counsel-Anticipated Litigation
Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Subdivision (c) of Government Code Section 54956.9 One (1) potential case.
Mayor Pursell adjourned the Closed Session into the Regular Session at 8:22pm.
Attorney Michael Noland stated there was nothing to report.
Mayor Pursell adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 8:22 PM.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk