CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY HALL, 291 N. MAIN STREET
PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 4, 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
• Felipe Martinez, Porterville Exchange Club, invited the Council to the Public Safety Recognition Dinner and encouraged the new members of Council to consider joining a community organization.
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION:
A. Closed Session Pursuant to:
1 - Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claims: Claimants: Angelica Galvez, Hector Calleja Galvez, Heriverto Calleja Galvez, Jeronimo Calleja Galvez, And Raul Calleja Galvez. Agency Claimed Against: City of Porterville. 2 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (3) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation: Related to potential easement over APN: 255-240-013, Near Reid Avenue and N. Main Street. 3 - 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.
4 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of Litigation: One case. 6:35 P.M. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION AND REPORT ON REPORTABLE ACTION
TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Lew reported action pertaining to A-1, as follows:
A-1. On a MOTION made by Council Member Raymond Beltran, and SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey the City Council unanimously rejected the claims filed by Angelica Galvez, Hector Calleja Galvez, Heriverto Calleja Galvez, Jeronimo Calleja Galvez, and Raul Calleja Galvez.
Documentation: M.O. 01-020425
Disposition: Claim rejected.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Rivas.
Invocation - a member of the public came forward and gave an invocation.
PRESENTATIONS
Porterville Fire Department Fire Personnel Recognition
Employee of The Month - Christina Tank
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Greg Shelton, Porterville, shared his thoughts on the composition of the Charter Review Committee.
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, presented the council with documents related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also stated that it is only a matter of time before other athletic clubs approach the city for funding.
• Dr. Larriann Torrez, Porterville Chamber of Commerce, spoke of upcoming events hosted by the Chamber.
• Teresa Gonzalez, Porterville, introduced herself and addressed the poor and unsafe road conditions at the intersection of Putnam and Third Street. • Evelyn Medina, Porterville, requested an update on traffic conditions near the Santa Fe Community Center.
• Steve Flowers, First Southern Baptist Church, raised concerns regarding the high- water bills that his church, along with others, are facing. • Josh Flowers, Strathmore, voiced his concerns about Item No. 23., emphasized the importance of maintaining local control, and expressed worries about not awarding contracts to local businesses.
REPORTS
1. Staff Informational Reports
1. Charitable Car Washes Quarterly Report - Calendar Year 2024
2. Code Enforcement Quarterly Report
3. Building Permit Activity Quarterly Report FY 2024-2025 (October - December 2024)
4. Streets Performance Measure Quarterly Report FY 2024-2025 (October - December 2024)
5. Golf Course Quarterly Report FY 2024-2025 (October - December 2024)
6. City Commission and Committee Attendance Quarterly Report FY 2024-2025 (October - December 2024)
7. City Council Member Appointments Attendance Quarterly Report FY 2024-2025 (October - December 2024)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item Nos. 7, and 8, were pulled for further discussion at the request of Mayor Greg Meister.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council approve Items Nos. 1-6, and 9-14. The motion carried unanimously.
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE CHLORINE GENERATION
ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. Direct the Finance Director to initiate a Purchase Orderto De Nora Water Technologies LLC, in an amount not to exceed $16,270 (inclusive of all parts, taxes, shipping and a 10% contingency) for the Electrode Assembly; and
Technologies i a UPOn retorio or ence enroed be Pair
Works Director.
Documentation: M.O. 02-020425
Disposition: Approved.
UTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT ROTATING POMI
SSEMBLY FOR VETERANS PARK BOOSTER PUMP STATIOI
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. Direct the Finance Director to initiate a Purchase Order to Pump Tech Inc., in an amount not to exceed $30,089 (inclusive of all parts, taxes, shipping and a 10% contingency) for the Peerless Rotating
2. Direct the Finance Director to make payment to Pump Tech Inc., upon receipt of invoice approved by the Public Works Director.
Documentation: M.O. 03-020425
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO REPAIR CITY WELL NO. 32
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. Direct the Finance Director to initiate a Purchase Order to Willits Pump for an amount not to exceed $32,353 (inclusive of all parts, labor, taxes, and a 10% contingency) for the replacement parts for City Well No. 32; and
2. Direct the Finance Director to make payment to Willits Pump upon receipt of the invoice approved by the Public Works Director.
Documentation: M.O. 04-020425
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE OVERDRIVE
SUBSCRIPTION
Recommendation:
a 5% increase per year.
Documentation: M.O. 05-020425
Disposition: Approved.
5. APPROVAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH PORTERVILLE
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR USE OF VEHICLE CHARGING
STATIONS AND BUS WASH FACILITIES
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the License Agreement with the Porterville Unified School District (PUSD) to allow non-exclusive use of the City's vehicle charging stations and bus wash facilities; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
Documentation: M.O. 06-020425
Disposition: Approved
AUTHORIZE DRAFT RESOLUTION APPROVING TCAG-CITY OF
PORTERVILLE SB 125 PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT TO
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN OF ZERO-EMISSION
MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the draft resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute TCAG-City of Porterville SB 125 Program Supplement to Cooperative Agreement for the design and construction management of the zero-emission maintenance facility.
Documentation: Resolution No. 10
Disposition: Approved.
SECOND WATER SERVICE - 478 S. DOYLE ST
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the draft resolution approving the second water service connection at 478 S. Doyle Street.
Documentation: Resolution No. 11-2025
Disposition: Approved.
10. SURPLUS LAND AND NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR APN 260-300- 034
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Adopt a draft resolution declaring the approximately 4.47 acre arcel of City-owned property, APN 260-300-034, as non-exempt surplus property as defined in Government Code Section 54220 et seq.; and
. Authorize the City Manager or designee to take any actions anc execute any documents necessary to ensure compliance with the Surplus Land Act and State regulations relating thereto.
Documentation: Resolution No. 12-2025
Disposition: Approved.
11. FINANCIAL STATUS REPORTS
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the Financial Status Reports as presented.
Documentation: M.O. 07-020425
Disposition: Approved.
12. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the Quarterly Investment Portfolio Summary Report.
Documentation: M.O. 08-020425
Disposition: Approved.
13. APPROVAL FOR COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - OPTIMIST
CLUB/PUSD/BSD - PORTERVILLE CELEBRATES READING - APRIL
12, 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Community Civic Event Application from the Optimist Club of Porterville, Porterville Unified School District and Burton School District to hold the "Porterville Celebrates Reading" event on Saturday, April 12, 2025, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A and Exhibit B.
Documentation: M.O. 09-020425
Disposition: Approved.
14. 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. 10-020425
Disposition: Approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. EL MALECON MODIFICATIONS 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 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Code of Regulations; and
3. Adopt the draft resolution approving Modification No. 1 to Conditional Use Permit (PRC 2018-007-C) for a Type 47 On-Sale General alcohol license.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Contract City Planner Jeff Oneal presented the staff report.
Mayor Meister opened the Public Hearing at 7:16 p.m. and closed the Public Hearing at 7:16 p.m. when no one came forward to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council adopt the draft resolution approving Modification No. 1 to Conditional Use Permit (PRC 2018-007-C) for a Type 47 On-Sale General alcohol license for El Malecon located at 58 E. Mill Avenue. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 13-2025
Disposition: Approved.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
16. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD HOC HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council consider approving the draft resolution establishing an Ad Hoc Heritage Committee.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member AJ Rivas, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council adopt the draft resolution establishing the Ad Hoc Heritage Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 14-2025
Disposition: Approved.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A DOWNTOWN PORTERVILLE COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the draft Resolution establishing th owntown Porterville Committee and consider appointment of tw City Council Members to serve on the Downtown Porterville Committee.
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 approve the draft resolution establishing the Charter Review Committee, along with amending the resolution to include businesses and land owners be eliaible to AYES: Rivas, Green, McKervey, Meister
NOES: Beltran
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Documentation: Resolution No. 15-2025
Disposition: Approved.
18. ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council consider adoption of the draft Resolution and direct staff to advertise for the Charter Review Committee membership.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Council Member AJ Rivas that the City Council adopt the draft resolution establishing a Charter Review Committee, along with the addition of adding two Alternate Committee Members, the addition of eligibility
requirements be a land or business owner within the city limits. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 16-2025
Disposition: Approved.
19. CONSIDERATION OF SPONSORSHIP OF PORTERVILLE LITTLE
LEAGUE
Recommendation: That the City Council consider approving the draft resolution authorizing an allocation of $2,500 from the City's Special Purposes Reserve Fund for FY 2024/2025 to Sponsor Porterville Little League.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Council Member Stan Green that the City Council adopt a draft resolution authorizing an allocation of $2,500 from the City's Special Purposes Reserve Fund for FY 2024/2025 to sponsor Porterville Little League.
AYES: Rivas, Green, McKerveym Meister
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Beltran
ABSENT: None
Documentation: Resolution No. 17-2025
Disposition: Approved.
20. REVIEW OF WEED ABATEMENT AND HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT
ABATEMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction to staff regarding the weed abatement program.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Parks and Leisure Services Director Donnie Moore presented the staff report.
The council directed staff to prepare an item for a future meeting to discuss amending the regulations regarding unauthorized camping. This amendment would focus on the 72-hour notice requirement for individuals to dismantle established campsites or camp facilities.
Additionally, staff was directed to prepare an item for a future meeting to consider increasing the pay level for weed abatement employees, making it equal to that of personnel involved in homeless encampment abatement.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey, SECONDED by Council Member AJ Rivas that the City Council approved bringing back an item to a future meeting to discuss amendments to the unauthorized camping regulations ordinance, specifically regarding notification procedures; and to bring forward another item to consider increasing the pay level for weed abatement personnel so that it matches the pay level for homeless encampment abatement personnel.
AYES: Rivas, Green, McKervey, Meister
NOES: Beltran
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Documentation: M.O. 14-020425
Disposition: Approved.
21. CONSIDERATION TO REBRAND TRANSIT VEHICLES
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction regarding the rebranding of the City's transit vehicles, including modifying the design approach or branding elements and the number of vehicles based on Council preferences.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Transportation Director Rich Tree presented the staff report.
A discussion took place among council members regarding the most cost-effective strategies for rebranding the city's transit system. The council agreed that the rebranding process should be implemented in phases instead of all at once. Staff indicated that they would be able to rebrand two incoming buses in the next few months, with additional buses to be addressed later in the year.
Council members recommended that the American flag be prominently displayed on the buses, with the "In God We Trust" logo placed in a more prominent area.
The City Council directed the staff to proceed with the rebranding of the incoming fleet buses. They also requested further renderings and design options for review and recommendations to be presented at a future meeting.
Documentation: None.
Disposition: Direction was given.
22. CONSIDERATION TO AMEND FY 2024-25 TRANSIT DIVISION
BUDGET AND PROGRAM OF PROJECTS
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the draft resolution adopting the amended FY 2024-2025 Transit Division Budget and Program of Projects;
2. Authorize staff to submit necessary updates to TAG and the FTA; and
3. Direct staff to report back on the status of key projects during the next quarterly update.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Transportation Director Rich Tree presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Raymond Beltran, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council adopt the draft resolution rescinding Resolution No. 57-2024, and adopt the draft resolution amending the FY 2024-2025 Transit Division Budget and Program of Project. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: Resolution No. 18-2025
Disposition: Approved.
23. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO A
JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
PORTERVILLE AND PORTERVILLE IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Recommendation: That City Council:
1 .Approve the Porterville Groundwater Sustainability Agency Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the City of Porterville and the Porterville Irrigation District;
2. Authorize the appointment of a Council Member and Staff Member to sit on the Porterville GSA Board; and
3. Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached JPA Agreement to form the Porterville GSA.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Assistant City Manager Michael Knight presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council approve the Porterville Groundwater Sustainability Agency Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Porterville and the Porterville Irrigation District; and amended the agreement to include three city members be appointed to the Porterville GSA Board consisting of two Council Members and one Staff Member.
AYES: Rivas, Beltran, McKervey, Meister
NOES: Green
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Documentation: M.O. 12-020425
Disposition: Approved.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Council Member Raymond Beltran that the City Council approve the appointment of Mayor Meister and Vice Mayor McKervey to serve on the Porterville Groundwater Sustainability Agency, along with appointing Assistan Citv Manager Michael Knight to serve as the alternate member. In motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 13-020425
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE CONSULTANT CONTRACT -
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR
THE COMMUNITY CENTER & PARK PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to negotiate a scope of services contract with
2. Authorize staff to negotiate a scope of services contract with QK, Inc. if staff is unable to negotiate an acceptable contract with Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council approve the authorization for staff unable to negate an acceptable cant race acte a recs, indif negotiate a scope of services contract with QK, Inc,. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 14-020425
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
ADJUSTMENTS TO LEASE RATES AND APPROVAL OF A DRAFT
MASTER GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE PORTERVILLE
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to schedule a public hearing to be held on February 18, 2025, to consider adjustments to lease rates for properties at the Porterville Municipal Airport based on the findings t the market rent appraisal repon
. Approve the draft Master Ground Lease Agreement for use witl airport lessees, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and grant assurances, pending final approval by the City Attorney; and
3. Direct staff to publish the necessary public notices in compliance with California Government Code Section 6066 and notity all current tenants of the proposed rate adjustments and the availability of the draft Master Ground Lease Agreement for review.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
City Attorney Lew stated for the record that the recommendation seems misleading and clarified that staff is not seeking approval of the Master Ground Lease Agreement at this time; approval will be considered when the Public Hearing is scheduled.
Mayor Meister presented his reasons for pulling the item for further discussion and noted his concerns with the proposed rate increases, expressing concerns specifically about the increases on the restaurant and small land parcels at the airport.
Vice Mayor McKervey expressed concerns regarding flaws in the market analysis presented in the report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Greg Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council schedule a Public Hearing at the City Council Meeting of February 18, 2025, to consider adjustments to lease rates for properties at the Porterville Municipal Airport based on the findings of the market rent appraisal report, and approve the draft Mater Ground Lease Agreement. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 14-020425
Disposition: Approved.
AB 1234 REPORTS
1. Tulare County Economic Development Corp. (TCEDC) - January 22, 2025 Interim City Manager Ridenour reported on a presentation that was given by RACE Communications.
2. Cal Cities New Mayors and Council Members Academy - January 22 - 24, 2025
Mayor Meister, Vice Mayor Mckervey, Council Member Green, and Council Member Rivas shared about their experiences attending the training together. They reported having similar interactions, including conversations with council members from different cities and discussions on various topics during the event.
3. Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) - January 27, 2025 Mayor Meister stated that the meeting was business as usual and mentioned projects relevant to Porterville, including a roundabout on Westwood and Highway 190, as well as discussions regarding the SB 1 Gas lax.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
OTHER MATTERS
• Council Member Beltran discussed the Employee of the Month, his attendance at the Porterville Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony, and addressed a recent incident involving a protester and an incident regarding a shooting. • Council Member Rivas had no comment.
• Council Member Green had no comment.
• Vice Mayor McKervey emphasized the importance of making significant progress on both weed abatement and the removal of homeless encampments. He also addressed community concerns about the high water bills that the local churches are receiving and requested that the council consider the following motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Meister that the City Council approve Vice Mayor McKervey's request to bring an item at a future meeting to review exempting nonprofits and churches to be exempt from the City's water conservation efforts.
The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 15-020425
Disposition: Approved.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Greg Meister that the City Council approve Vice Mayor McKervey's request to bring an item at a future meeting to consider and discuss reviewing the recent sewer rate increases, specifically associated with the Churches in the city. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 16-020425
Disposition: Approved.
• Mayor Meister expressed appreciation for the firefighters at the earlier presentation and praised the efforts of the Porterville Police Department in addressing the recent protest in the city.
• City Manager Jason Ridenour praised the Porterville Police Department for their effective handling of a recent shooting incident.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT -
The Council adjourned at 9:59 p.m. to the meeting of February 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Fernando Gabriel-Moraga,
Acting Chief Deputy City Clerk
SEAL
Leister