Maricopa City Council Minutes
Tuesday, March 11th, 2025
Location: Gusher Hall
271 California Street, Maricopa, CA 93252
I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Morse called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. followed by the flag salute.
II. Roll Call
Mayor Morse - Present
Mayor Pro Term Virgil Bell - Present
Council Member John Horn - Present
Council Member Crystal Harris - Present
Council Member James Owens - Present
City Administrator Eric Ziegler - Present
City Attorney Alan Peake - Absent
City Treasurer Dorine Horn - Present
City Clerk Meghan Anderson – Present
III. Council Reports/Statements
a. Report by Public Safety/Sheriff Department/Fire Department – Horton presented Maricopa stats between the dates of 2/11/25 and 3/11/25. Council member Horn addressed the issue of fentanyl use within the city whereas Horton explained how California prioritizes laws and determines jail time. The issue of the pump track and miscommunication of the official opening date was spoken about.
Misunderstandings based off outside communications were cleared up among council members.
b. City Clerk Anderson - None
c. City Treasurer Horn - None
d. City Administrator Ziegler - None
e. City Attorney Alan Peake - Absent
f. City Council Members – None
Council Member Bell spoke about code enforcement, addressing the issue of buildings downtown lacking paint. Additionally, Owens questioned the use of electric vehicles the city has funded and suggested using them more often. Regarding that Ziegler spoke of maintenance issues and said he would look further into it. Horn brought up the gang issue and red tagging happening within the city and suggested keeping the issue a priority.
Kern COG training was addressed and potential times to hold training sessions that are beneficial to the council without obligating the public to attend. An agreement on timing was reached.
IV. Public Commentary
Richard Albright raised concerns about the Pump Track security.
V. Approval of Minutes
a. Approve Maricopa City Council Minutes for February 11 th, 2025
Motion to approve by Bell, 2nd by Horn
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 1
VI. Consent Calendar
a. Approve payment of payroll December 2024 & January 2025 Motion to approve payroll by Bell, 2nd by Owens
Ayes:3
Noes: 1
Absent: 0
Abstain: 1
b. Approve payment of warrants December 2024 & January 2025 Motion to approve warrants by Bell, 2nd by Horn
Ayes:3
Noes: 1
Absent: 0
Abstain: 1
VII. Agendized Items
a. Review/Discuss/ Provide Direction as Necessary re Bicycle Pump Track Security at Maricopa City Park.
The background was presented by Ziegler. Owens questioned whether it is the contractor's responsibility or the city’s to provide security for the Pump Track.
Ziegler stated it varies based on whether the contractors have equipment on the site and other factors. Specs of fencing were discussed.
Owens suggested signs be placed and possibly some orange fish netting. Treasurer Horn stated multiple “no trespassing” signs have been placed as of today.
Motion to place orange safety fencing as soon as possible until temporary fence process can begin made by Owens, 2nd by Harris
Ayes: 5
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Motion passed.
b. Potential acquisition of properties (APN # 042-175-09 & 042-175-08) owned by The Francisco F. Molinari and Mary Aileen Lapuz revocable trust dated April 10, 2015.
Public commentary on item b.:
Albright requested to obtain the location of the property.
VIII. New Business
None.
IX. Closed Session
Conference with Real Property Negotiators- Acquisition of Property pursuant to Gov’t Code Section 549568.
Property (APN# 042-175-09 & 042-175-08)
Agency Negotiator: Eric G. Ziegler
Owners: The Francisco F. Molinari and Mary Aileen Lapuz Revocable trust dated April 10, 2015
Under Negotiation: Price and other terms and conditions of acquisition X. Come Into Open Session
c. Reconvened at 7:06
City Administrator was given direction by council re acquisition of properties (APN # 042-175-09 & 042-175-08) owned by The Francisco F. Molinari and Mary Aileen Lapuz revocable trust dated April 10, 2015.
XII. Council/Staff Items
The issue of vacant/burnt down buildings being used, home clean up, and code enforcement was discussed. Mayor discussed approaches with code enforcement and how to handle the uncooperative individuals.
XIII. Adjourn
Motion to end meeting by Bell, 2
nd by Horn
Meeting is adjourned at 7:13
I certify that a copy of this agenda was posted at Maricopa City Hall, Gusher Hall, and Maricopa Post Office on January 9th, 2025.
Meghan Anderson, City Clerk