CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY HALL, 291 N. MAIN STREET
PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 21, 2025, 5:30 PM
Call to Order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Council Member AJ Rivas, Council Member Stan Green, Council Member Raymond Beltran, Vice Mayor Ed Mckervey, Mayor Greg Meister
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Josh Flowers, Strathmore, read a letter to the council on behalf of Sam Zenz, as he was unable to attend the meeting.
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION:
A. Closed Session Pursuant to:
1 - Government Code Section 54956.8 - Conference with Real Property Negotiators/Property: APN: 260-300-034. Agency Negotiator: Jason Ridenour.
Negotiating Parties: City of Porterville and Self-Help Enterprises. Under Negotiation:
Terms and Price.
2 - Government Code Section 54956.8 - Conference with Real Property Negotiators/Property: APN: A portion of APN 253-171-004. Negotiating Parties: City of Porterville and Sam Zenz. Under Negotiation: Terms and Price. 3 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Sell, Gary Lee Jr. v. City of Porterville, et al., Tulare County Superior Court Case No. VCU313488.
4 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Sousa, Vanessa v. City of Porterville, et al., Tulare County Superior Court Case No. PCU315141
5 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(3) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant exposure to litigation: Three cases in which facts are not yet known to potential Plaintiffs.
6 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of Litigation: One case. 7 - Government Code Section 54957 - Public Employee Appointment/Employment:
Title: City Manager
6:40 P.M. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION AND REPORT ON REPORTABLE ACTION
TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Lew reported that no reportable action had taken place during Closed Session.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Greg Meister.
Invocation - a member of the public came forward and gave an invocation.
PRESENTATIONS
Homecoming Queen and Her Court
Employee Service Awards
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Greg Curry, Porterville, expressed his support of the council's efforts to make youth sports more affordable.
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, shared his views on the Charter Review Committee, recommending the formation of a 15-member focus group to examine the ballot language.
• Derrick Curry, Porterville, spoke in favor of amending the Athletic Field Use Policy. • Ezekial Shultz, Porterville Little League, expressed his love for baseball and raised concerns about the conditions of the ball fields.
• Frank Rodriguez, President of Porterville Little League, stated that while they have a great program, they need better play facilities.
• Chris Cox, Vice President of Porterville Little League, thanked small business owners for their support and endorsed the proposed changes to the Athletic Field Use Policy. • Kristy Martin, Porterville Chamber of Commerce, spoke of upcoming events that will be hosted by the Chamber.
• Johnathan Shultz, Porterville, echoed the sentiments of previous speakers regarding the condition of the ball fields and the Porterville League Program. • Alex Ceballos, an architectural company owner in Porterville, offered his services to provide pro bono work for designing a baseball field.
• Evelina Medina, Porterville, spoke of her concerns about traffic in the area of the Santa Fe Community Center.
• Lee Qualls, Porterville, wanted to keep the council informed about the return of massage parlors to the city.
• Josh Flowers, Strathmore, commended the youth for attending the meeting and voicing their concerns about the ball field conditions and thanked the council members who participated in the Monache Baseball Camp event.
• Alexis Espinoza, Porterville, wished the council a Happy New Year. She expressed excitement about the council's future actions, congratulated Jason Ridenour for being selected as Interim City Manager, and voiced her support for Item No. 6 on the agenda
• Cathy Capone, Porterville, remarked that the MyPorterville app is an excellent resource.
She expressed her appreciation for the SMART team and agreed with other speakers about the need for additional fields for sporting events.
REPORTS
City Commission and Committee Meetings
1. Parks & Leisure Services Commission - January 2, 2025 (Cancelled) - No report was provided.
2. Library & Literacy Commission - January 14, 2025
Commissioner Edith La Vonne reported on participation statistics for December for Thousand Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, and several other events.
3. Arts Commission - No report was provided.
4. Animal Control Commission - January 9, 2025 - No report was provided.
5. Youth Commission - January 08, 2025 - No report was provided.
6. Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee (TUTOC) - No report was provided.
II. Staff Informational Reports
1. Water Conservation Phase IV Status Update - December 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no items pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council approve Items Nos. 1-18.
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 2024
Recommendation: That the Council approve the draft Minutes of December 17, 2024.
Documentation: M.O. 01-012125
Disposition: Approved.
CRIME PREVENTION / JUVENILE DIVERSION POLICE VEHICLE
PURCHASE
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to purchase one police vehicle and the related equipment for a total cost not to exceed $65,000 plus tax, license, fees, and ten percent (10%) contingency for the total purchase; and
2. Authorize payment to the respective vendor upon satisfactory
delivery of the vehicle.
Documentation: M.O. 02-012125
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE HYDRAULIC PUMP AND CONTROL
MANIFOLD
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the purchase of the side loader hydraulic pump and control manifold from One Source Parts at a cost not to exceed $8,974 (inclusive of all parts, taxes, freight, and a 10% contingency); and
2. Authorize payment upon receipt of repair materials.
Documentation: M.O. 03-012125
Disposition: Approved.
4. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) BATTERY-ELECTRIC
SHUTTLE VANS FROM MODEL 1
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of two (2) battery-electric shuttle vans from Model 1 under the CalACT/Basin Transit Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, RFP #20-01, for a total amount not to exceed $243,870;
2. Authorize staff to coordinate with Model 1 on delivery schedules, warranty provisions, and any training requirements to ensure successful integration into the transit fleet.
Documentation: M.O. 04-012125
Disposition: Approved.
5. AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSIT BUS ENGINE REPAIR
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize transit bus engine repair by E. M. Tharp at a cost not to exceed $27,310 (inclusive of all parts, taxes, labor, and a 10% contingency); and
2. Authorize payment of said repair upon satisfactory completion.
Documentation: M.O. 05-012125
Disposition: Approved.
CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH DEL
ORO WATER COMPANY FOR ACQUIRING THE GRANDVIEW
GARDENS AND EAST PLANO WATER SYSTEMS.
Recommendation: That the Council:
1. Consider and approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Porterville and Del Oro Water Company for the and associated claims amounting to cost or price increase deemed reimbursable by State Water Boards, and provided any needed clarifications to address this issue are satisfactory to the Assistant City Manager and City Attorney
2. Authorizes the Mayor or designee, the Assistant City Manager, and/or the Public Works Director to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and any necessary documents related to the acquisition, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
3. Authorizes the Mayor or designee, the Assistant City Manager, and/or the Public Works Director to take all actions necessary to comply with the terms and conditions of Agreement No. D2202050 with the Water Board, including but not limited to environmental compliance, engineering design, and construction activities; and
4. Directs the City Clerk to certify the adoption of this Resolution and ensure that it is entered into the official records of the City.
Documentation: Resolution No. 01-2025
Disposition: Approved.
APPROVAL TO RENEW ADOBE ACROBAT PRO AND ADOBE
CREATIVE CLOUD SUBSCRIPTIONS
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the renewal of Adobe Acrobat Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud from CDW-G for a term of one year in the amount of $7,322.23.
Documentation: M.O. 06-012125
Disposition: Approved.
8. AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW CONTRACT FOR GIS IMAGERY BASE
MAPPING
Recommendation: That City Council authorize the City to renew a 3-year term Contract Agreement with Nearmap to continue the use of referenced imagery utilized by the City's GIS network of software at a cost not to exceed $34,200, inclusive of all services outlined in the agreement and allow for a ten percent (10%) contingency.
Documentation: M.O. 07-012125
Disposition: Approved.
CONSIDERATION OF LICENSE AGREEMENT RENEWAL BETWEEN
THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING CSET
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the license agreement renewal with CSET for an additional three years, and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
Documentation: M.O. 08-012125
Disposition: Approved.
10. AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR TWO MINI SIDE LOAD
REFUSE TRUCKS
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the award of the contract to Ray Gaskin Service for two mini side-load refuse trucks in the amount of $406,457; and
2. Authorize the Transportation Director to execute the agreement.
Documentation: M.O. 09-012125
Disposition: Approved.
11. CITY EASEMENT CONVEYANCE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDISON
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the draft Resolution Authorizing a Grant Deed of Easement to Southern California Edison;
2. Accept Southern California Edison's request to have the City convey an easement for the installation and maintenance of a battery energy storage system (BESS), microgrid controllers, and related facilities;
3. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Grant of Easement; and
4. Authorize the City Engineer to mail the signed Grant of Easement to Southern California Edison for recordation.
Documentation: Resolution No. 02-2025
Disposition: Approved.
12. AUTHORIZATION TO RESCIND RESOLUTION NO. 84-2024 AND APPROVE UPDATED FY 23/24 TDA RESOLUTION
Recommendation:
1. Rescind Resolution No. 84-2024; and
2. Approve the attached updated draft resolution for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Transportation Development Act (TDA) claim; and
3. Authorize the staff to file the approved resolution with the appropriate agencies.
Documentation: Resolution No. 03-2025
Disposition: Approved.
13. CONSIDERATION TO RESCIND THE APPROVED SIDE LETTER
AGREEMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT CONFIDENTIAL SERIES
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Rescind the side letter agreement amending the Employee Pay and Benefit Plan pertaining to the Management Confidential Series employees; anc
change.
Documentation: M.O. 10-012125
Disposition: Approved.
14. CDBG CITIZENS' ADVISORY AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council appoint existing Committee members Rebecca Contreras, Eriselda Lizarraga, Linda Mendez, Isabel Olmos and Jacqueline Verduzco Alanis to the Citizens' Advisory and Housing Opportunity Committee for a one-year term.
Documentation: M.O. 11-012125
Disposition: Approved.
15. POLICE FIRING RANGE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH
FARMERSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1.06/3028; an Agreement for the period of 07/01/25, through
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Porterville.
Documentation: M.O. 12-012125
Disposition: Approved.
16. STATUS REPORT - DEVELOPER IMPACT FEES
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the Status Report on Developer Impact Fees for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
Documentation: M.O. 13-012125
Disposition: Approved.
CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - PORTERVILLE
KIWANIS - VALENTINE'S VENDOR MARKET - FEBRUARY 9, 2025
Recommendation: That City Council approve the Community Civic Event application from Porterville Kiwanis Club to hold the Valentine's Vendor Market on February 9, 2025, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C.
Documentation: M.O. 14-012125
Disposition: Approved.
18. 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. 15-012125
Disposition: Approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
19. AMILY HEALTHCARE NETWORK-ANNEXATION 490 AND
ONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1.Hold the noticed Public Hearing and consider the testimony provided;
2. Find that the proposed project is exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15311 and 15319
2023-030-C) for the establishment of an off-site parking facility in an RS-1 Very Low-Density Residential zone district in conjunction with an existing medical facility.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Contract City Planner Jeff Oneal presented the staff report and requested that the resolution approving the conditional use permit should proceed with the resolution requesting that Tulare LAFCO initiate the annexation proceedings.
Mayor Meister opened the Public Hearing at 8:09 p.m.
• Ralph Martin, Porterville, expressed his concerns regarding potential lighting, noise, and water pollution issues that could affect the area where his mother resides. • Aaron Oliver, representing Lane Engineers, introduced himself and offered to answer any questions related to the project.
• Alexis Espinoza, Porterville, spoke in support of the project but urged the applicant to implement security measures to prevent the homeless population from using the parking lot as a place to set up camps.
• Cathy Capone, Porterville, suggested additional safety measures for crossing the street to access the parking lot.
Mayor Meister closed the Public Hearing at 8:14 p.m. when no one else came forward.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Council Member AJ Rivas that the City Council find the proposed project exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15311 and 15319; adopt the draft resolution requesting Tulare LAFCo initiate proceedings for annexation; and adopt the draft resolution approving Conditional Use Permit (PRC 2023-030-C) for the establishment of an off-site parking facility in an RS-1 Very Low- Density Residential zone district in conjunction with an existing facility located at. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 04-2025 (Annexation),
Resolution No. 05-2025 (CUP)
Disposition: Approved.
20. EXTRA MILE CHEVRON MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT (CUP)
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Hold a Public Hearing to receive public comments;
2. Find the proposed project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulation; and
3. Adopt the draft resolution approving Modification No. 1 to
Conditional Use Permit (PRC 2020-027-C) for a Type 21 Off-sale alcohol license, subject to conditions of approval.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Contract City Planner Jeff O'Neal presented the staff report. Mr. O'Neal noted that a change the recommendation needed to be made, to state that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301, and not Section 15061 (b)(3).
Mayor Meister opened the Public Hearing at 8:26 p.m.
• Sam Lera, Porterville, spoke on behalf of the business and spoke in support of the approval of the item.
Mayor Meister closed the Public Hearing at 8:28 p.m. when no one else came forward to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Council Member Raymond Beltran that the City Council find the proposed project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301, and approve the draft resolution approving Modification No. 1 to Conditional Use Permit (PRC 2020-027-C) for a Type 21 Off-sale alcohol license for Extra Mile Chevron located at 1043 W. Olive Avenue, subject to conditions or approval. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 06-2025
Disposition: Approved.
21. APPROVAL OF THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING
CHOICE AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025 Analysis of
3. Adopt the draft Citizen Participation Plan; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents and further authorize the City Manager to be authorized to make any augmentation, modification, additions or revisions as may be necessary to conform to the requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Community Development Department Director Claudia Calderon presented the staff report.
A presentation on the Community Development Block Grant Analysis of Impediments by consultants Elizabeth McNannay and Lauren McKneely.
Mayor Meister opened the Public Hearing at 8:42 p.m. and closed the Public Hearing at 8:42 p.m. when no one came forward to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Council Member AJ Rivas that the City Council adopt the draft resolution approving the 2025 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; and adopt the draft Citizen Participation Plan. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution 07-2025
Disposition: Approved.
Council took a recess at 8:57 p.m. and reconvened open session at 9:15 p.m.
22. CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF UPDATED PARKS IMPACT FEES
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Conduct the Public Hearing and consider all public testimony; and
2. Adopt and Implement the Parks Development Impact Fee and Quimby Act Fee for residential development; or
3. Adopt and Implement the Parks Development Impact Fee and Quimby Act fee for both residential and non-residential development.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Engineering and Project Management Director Javier Sanchez presented the staff report.
Mayor Meister opened the Public Hearing at 9:23 p.m.
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, stated the update to the park impact fees was long overdue.
Cathy Capone, Porterville, spoke in support of the item. • Taha Saleh, Porterville, spoke of his concern that the fees would impact business owners that are wanting to come to Porterville.
Mayor Meister closed the Public Hearing at 9:26 p.m. when no one else came forward to speak.
Council gave direction for staff to bring back the review of the Parks Master Plan at a future council meeting for discussion.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council approve the draft resolution adopting and implementing the Parks Development Impact Fee and Quimby Act fee
for both residential and non-residential development; and gave direction to add an item at a future meeting to discuss the Parks Master Plan. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 08-2025
Disposition: Approved.
SECOND READINGS
23. SECOND READING - ORDINANCE NO. 1909, AMENDING SERIES 200, SERIES 300, AND SERIES 700 OF THE PORTERVILLE DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE
Recommendation: That the City Council give Second Reading to Ordinance No. 1909, waive further reading, and adopt said Ordinance.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council give Second Reading to Ordinance No. 1909, being AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE AMENDING SERIES 200, SERIES 300,
AND SERIES 700 OF THE PORTERVILLE DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Ordinance No. 1909
Disposition: Approved.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
24. CONSIDERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHARTER
REVIEW COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Provide direction on the establishment of a Charter Review Committee, including the committee's charge and scope;
2. Provide direction on the committee's composition and appointment method; and
3. Provide direction on the proposed ballot measure timeline.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
A discussion took place among council members regarding their recommendations for the creation of a nine-member Charter Review Committee. It was decided that each council member would select one committee member from their respective district, while the remaining four committee members would be chosen by a majority vote of the City Council.
Additionally, the council discussed the eligibility criteria for committee members, specifying that they must be registered voters who reside within the city limits of Porterville.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council establish a Charter Review Committee to undertake a review of the City Charter, that five members of the Charter Review Committee be selected by Council Members from their respective district, and that four Committee members be selected by a majority of the City Council and that they must be registered voters who reside within the city limits of Porterville. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 16-012125
Disposition: Approved.
25. CONSIDERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD HOC
HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction concerning the establishment of a Heritage Committee, including the scope and composition of the committee.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
A discussion was held among council members regarding their recommendations for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Heritage Committee. It was decided that the committee would consist of two council members and city staff, and would assist the City Council in planning celebrations and signage to commemorate two significant anniversaries: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of the filing of the City of Porterville City Charter.
Members of the Council appointed both Mayor Meister and Vice Mayor McKervey to serve on the committee.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council establish a Ad Hoc Heritage Committee to assist the City Council with the planning anc elebrations of both the 250th anniversary of the signing of th eclaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of the filing c the City of Porterville City Charter; and appoint Mayor Meister and Vice Mayor Mckervey to serve on the Ad Hoc Heritage Committee.
Documentation: M.O. 17-012125
Disposition: Approved.
26. CONSIDERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DOWNTOWN
PORTERVILLE COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction concerning the establishment of a Downtown Committee, including the scope and composition of the committee.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
A discussion took place among council members regarding their recommendations for establishing a Downtown Porterville Committee. The council members decided to create a standing Downtown Porterville Committee, which will consist of seven members: two City Council members and five members from the public who are business owners in the Downtown area of Porterville and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce. This committee will serve as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to the Downtown Porterville COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member AJ Rivas, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council establish a Downtown Porterville Committee to assist the City Council with matters related to the Downtown Porterville area, and be comprised of seven members, including two City Council Members and five public members who are either downtown business owners or Porterville Chamber of Commerce members. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 18-012125
Disposition: Approved.
27. CONSIDERATION OF SPONSORSHIP OF PORTERVILLE GIRLS
FASTPITCH
Recommendation: That the City Council consider approving the draft resolution authorizing an allocation of $2,500 from the City's Special Purpose eserve Fund for FY 2024/2025 to Sponsor Porterville Girls Fastpitc Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council adopt the draft resolution authorizing an allocation of $2,500 from the City's Special Purposes Reserve Fund for FY 2024/2025 to sponsor Porterville Girls Fastpitch. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 09-2025
Disposition: Approved.
28. CONSIDERATION TO AMEND ATHLETIC FIELD USE POLICY
Recommendation: That City Council provide direction to staff regarding amending the sports field use policy regarding fees.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Parks and Leisure Services Director Donnie Moore presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Council Member AJ Rivas that the City Council approved an item to be discussed at a future meeting regarding the use of Special Purpose Reserve Funds to cover half of the costs for both utility fees and field usage reservation fees and the city will pay for half of the total costs based on the final bill for one season, and directed that the Athletic Field Use Policy be reviewed annually. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 19-012125
Disposition: Approved.
29. CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF PORTERVILLE AND JASON RIDENOUR
Recommendation: That the City Council consider for approval the Employment Agreement Between the City of Porterville and Jason Ridenour.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and City Attorney Lew presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council approve the Employment Agreement between the City of Porterville and Jason Ridenour. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 20-012125
Disposition: Approved.
AB 1234 REPORTS
1. Tule River Improvement JPA - January 6, 2025
Vice Mayor McKervey stated that the meeting was relatively short, and the main discussion focused on clearing brush along the Tule River.
2. Local Initiatives Navigation Center Committee (LINC) - January 8, 2025 Council Member Beltran provided updates on various topics, including the approval of the minutes, the budget, and the Navigation Center. He also noted upcoming events,
such as the Point in Time Count.
3. Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ETGSA) - January 9, 2025 Assistant City Manager Michael Knight reported on the approval of Minutes, ratification of bills to be paid, and several action items.
4. Cannabis Committee - January 13, 2025
Council Member Beltran reported on several items of interest such as the review of proposed amendments to the Cannabis Dispensary Ordinances, the review of proposed amendments to the Development Agreement with Cannabis Express, Inc., and the review of the Community Benefits Program.
5. Mighty 190 Committee - January 13, 2025
Vice Mayor McKervey reported on discussions among committee members regarding the creation of applications and pamphlets to enhance community engagement, as well as signage for advertisements and marketing efforts.
6. Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness - January 15, 2025 Council Member Rivas reported on discussions regarding different visions to assist the homeless population and noted that the task force was brainstorming various methods to provide resources.
7. Porterville Area Development Authority Meeting - January 17, 2025 (Cancelled)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, urged the council to consider homeless individuals potentially arriving from the Los Angeles area and highlighted the criteria necessary for applying to become an All-America City.
• Gene Rafaels, Porterville, stated that the banners placed at the fields where the Porterville Girls Fastpitch play should be more inclusive of everyone.
OTHER MATTERS
• Council Member Beltran shared highlights from the earlier Veterans Homecoming Queen presentation and Employee Service Awards. He also participated in a bird- watching event at the Tule River Parkway, expressed interest in youth sports, and discussed plans for community projects. Additionally, he provided explanations for the way he had voted on items.
• Council Member Rivas expressed gratitude for everyone's participation in the meeting and is pleased with the direction the city is heading.
• Council Member Green expressed his appreciation for city staff and for the way they addressed a resident concern.
• Vice Mayor McKervey expressed appreciation for the staff's efforts in assisting him in understanding the city's policies and processes. He requested that the council consider the following motions:
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council approve Vice Mayor Mckervey's request to bring an item to a future meeting, as a Scheduled Matter, to consider consolidation of the weed abatement and encampment programs, and potentially expanding hazard pay. The motion carried Documentation: M.O. 21-012125
Disposition: Approved.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Theme and the motto "In God We Trust". The motion carried Documentation: M.O. 22-012125
Disposition: Approved.
• Mayor Meister requested that the council consider the following motion:
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor McKervey that the City Council approve Mayor Meister's request to bring an item to a future meeting, as a Scheduled Matter, to discuss using discretionary funds in the amount of $2,500.00 to sponsor the Porterville Little League, along with getting a banner with the City Logo with the words "In God We Trust". The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 23-012125
Disposition: Approved.
CLOSED SESSION
Council convened into Closed Session at 12:22 a.m. and City Attorney Lew reported that no reportable action had taken place during Closed Session. 11/
11/
111
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned at 1:00 a.m. to the meeting of February 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
Fernando Gabriel-Moraga,
Acting Chief Deputy City Clerk
SEAL
Meister