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MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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Regular Meeting March 14,2023
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:00 PM
Roll Gall
Council Members Present: Mayor Victor Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem Libertad "Liberty" Lopez, Council Members Jose Alonso,
Joseph Riofrio and Oscar Rosales
Council Members Absent: None
Flag salute led by Augie Perez
lnvocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of final Agenda.
City Manager Gonzalez requested that Presentations item 1 be tabled to a future meeting and that the agenda language for Business item 1 be modified to reflect that the public hearing be scheduled for April 11th and reported that an updated Ordinance No. 23-01 and staff report for Business item t had been distributed to the City Council and public.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt the modified agenda as requested by staff, seconded by Council Member Rosales; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
PRESENTATIONS
1 ' e ity e euneil te reeegni-e the AMOR Wellness Center fer its eentinued serviee te the eernmu+itf
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\-, Prese ntations' item 1 was tabled to a future meeting Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board and Workforce Connection to present information on the services that the organization provides.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Martha Espinoza introduced the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board and Workforce Connection team ("Workforce Connection") and presented information on the services provided by Workforce Connection. lvonne Lopez with Workforce Connection interpreted the information shared by Ms Espinoza to Spanish.
Discussion was held on the information provided by Ms. Espinoza and Ms. Lopez of Workforce Connection.
CITIZENS ORAL AND WRITTEN PRESENTATIONS
Dino Perez thanked the City Council for their support of Westside Youth, lnc. ("WSY"); provided clarification on what items are sold at WSY's Open Market and stated that rumors shared on social media about items possibly sold at the Open Market are false.
David Garcia shared information about art projects that are completed by students at WSY and inquired if the City has a location to display the student's art work.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mr. Garcia.
Ofelia Ochoa commented on a food sale fundraiser that will be held on Saturday, March 17th at the Mendota Youth Recreation building beginning at 9am to benefit children with special needs.
Augie Perez commented on a fundraising campaign led by students at Mendota High School ('MHS") for its Varsity Footballteam championship rings; thanked the City Council for their recognition of the MHS Varsity Football team; shared the positive impacts that the MHS Football program has on students and the community; and requested that the City consider providing financial assistance to help with the cost of championship rings for the MHS Varsity Football Team.
Carlos Quintanar commented on his positive experience with the MHS Football program, and the positive impacts that the program has on students and the community.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 28,2023.
2. Notice of waiving of the reading of all resolutions and/or ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 March 14,2023
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\-, A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to approve items 1 and 2, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 28,2023 THROUGH MARCH 8, 2023
WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS.52948 THROUGH 53013
TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $455,862.37
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-12, directing staff to proceed with the purchase of a cap and cable assembly replacements from MuniQuip, LLC for the Lozano Lift Station.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-13, approving an amendment to the agreement with the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, for the provision of Available Court Connection and Electronic Support Services.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-14, approving the Consultant Services Agreement and Proposalfrom Provost & Pritchard Engineering Group, lnc. for Land Surveying & Engineering Services for the Sth & Quince Street Reconstruction Project and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-15, conditionally approving Exclusive Facility Use Permit Applications submitted by organizations for the exclusive use of City of Mendota facilities for 2023.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-16, approving an amendment to the employment contract of the City Manager.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-17, authorizing the City Manager to purchase two vehicles for the Public Works Department in an amount not to exceed $120,000.00 plus taxes and fees and execute all documents necessary to effectuate the purchases.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 23-18, ratifying and extending the Proclamation of Local Emergency issued by the Director of Emergency Services on March 9,2023, to address rain and flooding throughout the City.
Discussion was held on Consent Calendar item 3
A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to approve items 1 through 8, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
BUSINESS
1. Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 23-19, confirming its Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 March 14,2023
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v intention to approve an amendment to the contract between the Board of Administration, California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Mendota; and Ordinance No. 23-01, authorizing an amendment to the contract between the Board of Administration, California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Mendota.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Director of Administrative Services Lekumberry provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Director of Administrative Services Lekumberry.
A/layor Martinez opened the floor to receive public comment.
Officer Gurrola with the Mendota Police Department ("MPD') commented on his positive working experience with the City of Mendota and voiced his support for the implementation of the California Public Employees' Retirement System ("Ca|PERS") for safety category employees, including the positive affects the approvalof the CaIPERS contract amendment will have on MPD.
Discussion was held on comments made by Officer Gurrola Ittlayor lt/lartinez closed the floor to receive public comment.
A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to approve Resolution No. 23-19, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 23-01 and schedule its public hearing for April 11, 2023, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Council discussion and consideration of potential solutions to the perceived proliferation of illegal food vending operations throughout the City.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez, including the enforcement of the Mendota Municipal Code ("MMC"); the negative impacts that illegalfood sales have on local businesses; and the permits that are required for businesses.
Police Lieutenant Rodriguez commented on the issue of illegal food sales in the City, including the need to enforce the MMC and relevant State laws and regulations.
Mayor Martinez opened the floor to receive public comment. \-,
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Ofelia Ochoa commented on whether exceptions can be made for food fundraisers held by non-profit organ izations and g roups.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Ms. Ochoa.
Assistant Attorney Castro commented on regulations that non-profit organizations must also comply with regarding food sales.
Anthony commented on the issue of illegalfood vending operations throughout the City and the negative impacts of allowing too many food trucks to operate in the City have on local businesses.
Raquel Garcia commented on the impacts that the increased amount of food trucks has on local businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Lopez left the Council Chambers at 7:13 p.m. and returned at 7:15 p.m.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Anthony and Ms. Garcia; the possibility of regulating operationa! hours, and regulations on sidewalk vendors.
Margarita Sanchez commented on the need for food trucks in the City, and the hours of operation of existing food trucks.
Emerita Martinez commented on the negative impacts that illega! businesses have on local businesses and the City.
Discussion was held on comments made by Ms. Martinez
Margarita Sanchez commented on fundraising possibilities for individuals fundraising for funeral services.
Alfredo Arambula commented on food trucks not respecting the MMC citations and State laws, and the negative impacts of allowing too many food trucks to operate in the City.
Discussion was held on comments made by Mr. Arambula
Sergio Valdez commented on state regulations and shared his opinion on what the City can do to regulate illegalfood vending in the City.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mr. Valdez.
Anthony commented on the need to regulate illegal businesses who advertise on "The Community of Mendota, CA" Facebook page.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Anthony.
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\-, Mayor Martinez closed the floor to receive public commenfs Discussion was held on how to address the issue of illegal food sales A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to direct staff to prepare a public notice to advise against illegal food sales; research possible solutions for addressing illegal food sales for discussion at a future City Council meeting; and look into possibly holding trainings to educate community members on the requirements for having food sale operations, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 23-20 establishing the fee schedule for the use of the William Robert Johnston Municipal Airport.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the issue of homelessness in the City; and the possibility of local dance hall businesses contracting MPD officers for security at events.
A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to approve Resolution No. 23-20, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Mayor Martinez left the Council Chamber at 7:49 p.m. and returned at 7:50 p.m. 4 Council discussion and consideration of its participation and attendance at various externalevents.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia, including which City Council Members would attend which externalevents.
A motion was made by Council Member Rosales to direct staff to prepare for City Council attendance at various external events, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Finance Director
a) Grant Update
Finance Director Banda provided a grant update and commented on an upcoming S81383 educationalworkshop being held at the AMOR Wellness Center, and the rescheduled Adelante Movie Night.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Finance Director Banda and on the status Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 March 14,2023
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\-, of the American Rescue Plan Act funding that the City previously received City Engineer
a) Update
City Engineer Osborn provided an update on ongoing City projects, including the RojasPierce Park Phase 2 Expansion Project, the Mendota Junior High School Safe Routes to School Project, the 2022 Local Street Reconstruction Project, the Mendota Stormwater lmprovement Project and the Derrick Avenue and Oller Street Roundabout Project.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Engineer Osborn; the status of the proposed gas station in the City; the possibility of discussing future road projects at a future meeting, including the possibility of purchasing equipment for the Public Works Department to help with road maintenance.
2. 3. City Attorney
a) Update
Assistant City Attorney Castro provided an update on the upcoming AB 1234 - Ethics Training.
4. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on current flood issues being faced by the City, including ways in which the City is working to improve conditions; the availability of sandbags for community members at the City's Public Work's Yard and vegetation management issues being faced at various Iocations in the City.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez; whether the City is able to provide financial assistance to the MHS Football program; the issue of illegal food sales in the City; the need to educate the public on regulations, permits and fees and requirements for businesses; and the possibility of the Mendota Community Corporation holding its own Open Market at the Airport.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Member(s)
Council Member Rosales inquired about the possibility of regulating food truck business hours, and thanked City staff and the City Council for their work.
Council Member Riofrio commented on the recent rainstorms, and the involvement of Ed Petry and his experience and knowledge of water infrastructure/matters in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Lopez commented on an upcoming food sale fundraiser being held by Ofelia Ochoa and Mendota Youth Recreation for the grand opening of the inclusive Minutes of City Council Meeting 7 March 14,2023
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\-, playground at Rojas-Pierce Park; a meeting held with State Senator Caballero; the need to identify streets missing sidewalks, and the possibility of looking into grants to build sidewalks on said streets; thanked City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia, and the Public Works Department for their help in providing sandbags to community members during the recent storms; commented on the progress being made at Mendota Pool Park; thanked Director of Administrative Services Lekumberry for herwork with the CaIPERS item and commented on the issue of homelessness in the City.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez thanked City Staff for all of their work and commented on the issue of homelessness in the City.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Mayor Martinez.
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 8:52 p.m. by Council Member Rosales, seconded by Council Member Alonso; u nan sly a ayes).
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ATTEST
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