CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY HALL, 291 N. MAIN STREET
PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 1, 2024, 5:30 PM
Call to Order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Council Member Greg Meister, Council Member Raymond Beltran, Council Member Donald Weyhrauch, Vice Mayor Kellie Carrillo, Mayor Martha A. Flores
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION:
A. Closed Session Pursuant to:
1 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (3)- Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation: Two cases in which facts are not yet known to potential plaintiff.
2 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)- Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of Litigation: Two cases. 6:30 P.M. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION AND REPORT ON REPORTABLE ACTION
TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Lew stated that no reportable action had taken place during Closed Session.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Meister.
Invocation - a member of the public came forward and gave an invocation.
PRESENTATIONS
Employee of the Month - Chris Smith
Employee Service Awards
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• David Horowitz, Porterville, expressed his frustration with the trash and homelessness issues in the city.
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, reported potential unethical conduct related to political signage by a City Council candidate.
• Stephanie Torres, Porterville Chamber of Commerce, spoke of upcoming events that will be hosted by the Chamber.
County of Tulare.
Documentation: M.O. 05-100124 Disposition: Approved.
8. Recommendation:
AUTHORIZATION OF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR FIRE
PERSONNEL
That the City Council authorize out-of-state travel for three Fire Department personnel to Boise Mobile Equipment (BME)
Manufacturing Facility located in Idaho, for the final acceptance inspection for the Type 6 fire apparatus purchased through BME.
Documentation: M.O. 06-100124
Disposition: Approved .
9. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF REORGANIZATION WITHIN THE
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the reclassification of the Field Service Supervisor (Salary Range 192) to a new Transportation Manager classification at Salary Range 248 ($7,772 - $9,483);
2. Approve the establishment of a new Grants and Procurement Coordinator classification at Salary Range 212 ($5,430 - $6,627);
3. Approve the establishment of a new Operations and ADA Coordinator classification at Salary Range 212 ($5,430 - $6,627);
4. Approve the reclassification of the Airport Services Coordinator (Salary Range 192) to the existing and updated Field Services Worker Ill - Airport classification at Salary Range 178 ($3,870 - $4,723);
5. Approve the reclassification of the Field Services Worker 1/11 positions (Salary Range 158 and 168) to the existing and updated Field Services Worker 1/11 - Airport classification with no change to the salary ranges; and
6. Authorize the Human Resources Office and Finance Department staff to amend such documents as may be necessary to effectuate such proposed changes.
Documentation: M.O. 07-100124
Disposition: Approved.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF REORGANIZATION WITHIN THE
STREETS DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. Adjust the Salary Range for the Field Services
Superintendent/Streets from Range 218 to Range 220 ($5,939- 7,249);
2. Approve the establishment of a new Field Services
Supervisor/Streets at Range 192 ($4,449-5,430); and
3. Authorize the Human Resources Division and Finance
Department to amend the documents necessary to implement the proposed changes.
Documentation: M.O. 08-100124
Disposition: Approved.
11. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - TULARE COUNTY
HEAL TH & HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY (HHSA) BEHAVIORAL
HEAL TH - MENTAL HEAL TH AWARENESS MOVIE NIGHT IN THE
PARK - OCTOBER 11, 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached Community Civic Event Application and Agreement submitted by the Tulare County HHSA Behavioral Health to hold the "Mental Health Awareness Movie Night in the Park", on October 11, 2024, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C and Outside Amplifier Permit.
Documentation: M.O. 09-100124
Disposition: Approved.
12. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - TRUNK OR TREAT
SPOOKTACULAR- OCTOBER 31, 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council:
Approve the Community Civic Event application from the Porterville Police Department to hold the "Trunk or Treat Spooktacular Event" on October 31, 2024, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement.
Documentation: M.O. 10-100124
Disposition: Approved.
13. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - PORTERVILLE FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH - MOTHER'S UNITED AGAINST GANG
VIOLENCE "UNITED BY KINDNESS" - NOVEMBER 2, 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Community Civic Event application
from Porterville First Baptist Church to hold the Mother's United Against Gang Violence "United by Kindness" event on November 2, 2024, at Centennial Park, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C and Outside Amplifier Permit.
Documentation: M.O. 11-100124
Disposition: Approved.
14. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - VETERANS
HOMECOMING COMMITTEE - VETERANS DAY PARADE -
NOVEMBER 11, 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Community Civic Event Application and Agreement submitted by the Veterans Homecoming Committee for the annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2024, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A, Exhibit Band Outside Amplifier Permit.
Documentation: M.O. 12-100124
Disposition: Approved.
15. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - TULE RIVER TRIBE
POWWOW COMMITTEE - TULE RIVER VETERANS POWWOW
OVERNIGHT CAMPING - NOVEMBER 7 - 11 , 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Community Civic Event Application submitted by the Tule River Tribe Powwow Committee to use the Porterville Sports Complex for overnight camping during the Tule River Powwow on November 7, 2024 through November 11, 2024, subject to the restrictions and requirements contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C.
Documentation: M.O. 13-100124 Disposition: Approved.
16. STATUS AND REVIEW OF DECLARATION OF LOCAL FLOOD
EMERGENCY
Recommendation: That the City Council receive the report of status and review of the Declaration of Local Emergency and determine the need exists to continue said Declaration.
Documentation: M.O. 14-100124
Disposition: Approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
17. CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, REZONE,
MASTER PLAN, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PERTAINING TO THE SOUTH OF TULE RIVER DISTRICT MASTER PLAN
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Hold the public hearing to receive comments on the South of Tule River District Master Plan project, and then:
2. Adopt the Draft Resolution to adopt the findings required by CEQA, certify the EIR, adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and
3. Adopt the Draft Resolution to approve General Plan Amendment 2024-002; and
4. Introduce by title only an Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map to rezone the SoTu Master Plan Area; and
Adopt the Draft Resolution to approve Master Plan 2024-001, adopting the South of Tule River District Master Plan.
Deputy City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Community Development Director Claudia Calderon presented the staff report.
Mayor Flores opened the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m.
• Korey Wells, Springville, submitted documentation to the council concerning the proposed rezoning of the area. Mr. Wells's documentation outlined his concepts aimed at enhancing the area's development and recommended that the area be a commercial district.
• Sonia Duran Aguilar, Porterville, expressed her concerns about the Correctional Facility mentioned in the Master Plan, to which she sought clarification on this meaning, and emphasized her preference for creating more walking paths rather than bike paths and bridges.
• Cathy Capone of Porterville briefly discussed the homelessness issues surrounding the Tule River Parkway and praised city staff for their efforts in addressing the unhoused individuals in that area.
Mayor Flores closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Council Member Donald Weyhrauch that the City Council adopt the draft resolution adopting the findings required by CEQA, certified the Environmental Impact Report, adopted the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopted a Statement of Overriding Consideration; adopt the draft resolution approving the General Plan Amendment 2024-002; approve first reading of the ordinance being,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PORTERVILLE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL CITY OF PORTERVILLE
ZONING MAP TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 447 ACRES (19
PARCELS) WITHIN THE PROPOSED SOUTH OF TULE RIVER
(SOTU) DISTRICT MASER PLAN AREA (REZONE 2024-001) TO
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD (RN) ZONE DISTRICT
CONSISTENT WITH THE PORTERVILLE 2030 GENERAL PLAN AS
AMENDED, waive further reading , and order the ordinance to prin; and adopt the Draft Resolution to approve Master Plan 2024-001. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 74-2024, Resolution No. 75-2024, Resolution No. 76-2024, M.O. 15-2024
Disposition: Approved.
18. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
FOR VILLAS AT SIERRA MEADOWS 4 & 5 DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Open the public hearing to receive comments on the amendment to the conditional approval for the Villas at Sierra Meadows 4 and 5 Tentative Map; and
2. Adopt the draft resolution approving the revised conditions of approval for the Villas at Sierra Meadows 4 and 5 Tentative Map.
Deputy City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Contracted City Planner Jeff O'neal presented the staff report.
Mayor Flores opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. and closed the Public Hearing at 7:38 when no one came forward to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Martha A. Flores, SECONDED by Council Member Greg Meister that the City Council adopt the draft resolution approving the revised conditions of approval for the Villas at Sierra Meadows 4 and 5. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 77-2024
Disposition: Approved.
19. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO SERIES 200AND SERIES 300 OF THE PORTERVILLE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Hold the noticed Public Hearing and consider the testimony provided;
2. Consider whether to approve the draft ordinance, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Porterville Amending Series 200 and 300 of the Porterville Development Ordinance Regarding the
Employment Zone Districts IG (General Industrial) and IP (Industrial Park); and
3. If so approved, give first reading by title only, and order the Ordinance to print.
Deputy City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Contract City Planner Jeff O'neal presented the staff report.
Mayor Flores opened the Public Hearing at 7:42 p.m. and closed the Public Hearing at 7:42 p.m. when no one came forward to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Martha A Flores, SECONDED by Council Member Greg Meister that the City Council approve the first reading of the ordinance being, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE AMENDING SERIES 200 AND 300 OF THE
PORTERVILLE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT ZONE DISTRICTS IG (GENERAL INDUSTRIAL) AND IP (INDUSTRIAL PARK), waive further reading, and order the ordinance to print. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 16-100124 Disposition: Approved.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
20. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY &
LITERACY COMMISSION
Recommendation: That the City Council consider the reappointments of Esther Figueroa, Edith Lavonne, and Irene Ortega to the Library & Literacy Commission for terms to expire in October 2027.
Deputy City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Administrative Services Director Yuliana Andrade presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Martha A Flores, SECONDED by Council Member Greg Meister that the City Council approve the reappointments of Esther Figueroa, Edith Lavonne, and Irene Ortega to the Library and Literacy Commission for terms to expire in October 2027. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 18-100124
Disposition: Approved.
21. DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES FOR
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Recommendation: That the City Council designate a Member of Council to serve as a voting delegate, and up to two Members of Council to serve as alternate voting delegates, at the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting.
Deputy City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Martha A. Flores, SECONDED by Council Member Donald Weyhrauch that the City Council designate Council Member Weyhrauch as the voting member and Mayor Flores as the alternate noting member for the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting to take place at the Annual Conference in Long Beach on October 18, 2024. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 18-100124 Disposition: Approved.
AB 1234 REPORTS
1. EASTERN TULE GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY (ETGSA) - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 (REPORT CARRIED OVER)
Council Member Weyhrauch spoke of a mistake that was made on the date of the meeting but indicated the Finance Committee and Land Subsidence Committee met recently.
2. TULARE COUNTY TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS - SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
Mayor Flores reported on those in attendance, the approval of Minutes, presentations on Proposition 1 and Visual Faces, and updates from various committees and subcommittees.
3. MIGHTY 190 COMMITTEE - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 - No report was provided.
4. TULARE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (TCEDC) - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
Mayor Flores reported on those in attendance, approval of Minutes and Financials, project and client services, and staff updates.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
OTHER MATTERS
• Council Member Beltran mentioned several upcoming events, including Pioneer Days, the Porterville Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, and a Ribbon Cutting for the Santa Fe Byway Trail. Council Member Beltran also commended the staff for their work on the So Tu Master Plan and noted that the Animal Services Facility is now at capacity and reminded the community to be responsible pet owners.
• Council Member Weyhrauch stated it was an honor to recognize the recipients of the Employee of the Month and Service Awards, spoke of an incident involving First Responders, and reiterated comments he made about safe driving. • Council Member Meister addressed comments made by a member of the public, provided input on various agenda items, and suggested adding the words "E pluribus unum" under the city seal in the council chambers as part of the reconstruction. In addition, Council Member Meister congratulated all the recipients of the Employee of the Month and Service Awards.
• Vice Mayor Carrillo praised the staff for their efforts in serving the community and expressed regret for not being able to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Santa Fe by Way trail due to a scheduling conflict. She also congratulated the employees who were recognized as Employee of the Month and for Service Awards. Additionally, she thanked Council Member Beltran for bringing attention to the Library Facility Planning Committee meeting and the comments made during the meeting. • Mayor Flores discussed her participation in the police department's promotional ceremony, the Bells Across America Event, and expressed gratitude to the IT department for their dedicated work for the city.
• Deputy City Manager Ridenour mentioned upcoming events, such as Coffee with the Cop and the Ribbon Cutting for the Santa Fe Byway Trail.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned at 8: 15 p.m. to the meeting of October 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
SEAL
Martha A. Flores, Mayor
Fernando Gabriel-Moraga,
Acting Chief Deputy City Clerk