CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY HALL, 291 N. MAIN STREET
PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 18, 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, questioned who is truly in charge of the city— the council or the city staff and urged the council to reflect on whether they are present for ceremonial purposes or if they are there to effectively manage the city.
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION:
A. Closed Session Pursuant to:
1 - Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claim: Claimant: Alexander Apolonio-Bernal. Agency claimed against: City of Porterville. 2 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Celina Boelter v. Ochoa, Carlos Jose, et al., Tulare County Superior Court Case No. VCU316725.
3 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Victoria Grayson v. Porterville Municipal Golf Course, et al., Tulare County Superior Court Case No. PCU313670.
4 - 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.
5 - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of Litigation: Three cases. 6 - Government Code Section 54957 - Public Employee Appointment/Employment:
Title: City Manager
6:30 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 Mayor Meister, and SECONDED by Council Member Green the City Council unanimously rejected the claim filed by Alexander Apolonio-Bernal.
Documentation: M.O. 01-021825
Disposition: Claim rejected.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Green.
Invocation - a member of the public came forward and gave an invocation.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Leslie Keele, Porterville, read a letter on behalf of her sister, detailing her experience during the Porterville Library fire, the subsequent events, and the need for a new library. • Wesley Redford, Porterville, expressed his support for a new library and shared his experiences attending the old library.
• Kristin Redford, Porterville, stated that a public library is one of the basic pillars of civilization, and she wants one now.
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, provided handouts to the council that displayed images of council members attending various events together and asked the council to confirm that no official business was discussed during their time in Huntington Beach, as doing so would violate the Brown Act. He also expressed his hope that property owners, both in and out of the city, would be notified regarding the Downtown Porterville Committee. • Teresa Gonzalez, Porterville, suggested installing a brighter light on the pole across from Plaza De Santa Fe and noted that many bus stop signs need replacement and that traffic in the area is hectic.
• Evelyn Medina, Porterville, supports speed limit signs, senior crossing signs, and a speed bump at Plaza De Santa Fe.
• Jean Vafeades, Porterville, expressed her concerns and asked the staff to reach out to her to explain where the funds would be allocated from for the "Rebranding Transportation" and banners.
• Brian Redford, Porterville, expressed his support for the new library, hoping it will be established soon.
• Lee Qualls, Porterville, expressed his gratitude to the city council and the Porterville Police Department and said that he hopes the council enjoyed their time in Huntington Beach, as they deserve to have a good experience together.
REPORTS
I. City Commission and Committee Meetings
1. Parks & Leisure Services Commission - February 6, 2025 Commissioner Arlene Pena provided several updates, including the Pool Renovation, Shamrock Shape Up Fitness Challenge, Military Banner Program, Youth Sports, the opening day for Pool Party Reservations, and the Fish Derby.
2. Library & Literacy Commission - February 11, 2025 - no report was provided.
3. Arts Commission - February 11, 2025
Vice Chair Emily Luna provided updates regarding a special meeting that discussed the annual chalk art booth at the Spring Festival and the current vacancies.
4. Animal Control Commission - no report was provided.
5. Youth Commission - February 12, 2025
Commissioner Ezucue Leon and Commissioner Sawyer Stevens provided an update on the goals of the youth commission, which include environmental advocacy, self- care, supporting local businesses, and enhancing youth employment experiences.
They also discussed a recent event held at the Zalud House.
6. Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee (TUTOC) - no report was provided.
Staff Informational Reports
1. Wall of Fame
2. Water Conservation Phase IV Status Update - January 2025
3. Vacation of Seat on the Arts Commission
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Meister requested that Item No. 4 be pulled for additional discussion, while Vice Mayor McKervey requested pulling Item Nos. 6 and 8 for similar purposes.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by that the City Council approve Items Nos. 1-3,5, 7, 9 and 10. The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES OF JANUARY 21, 2025, AND
FEBRUARY 4, 2025
Recommendation: That the Council approve the draft Minutes of January 21, 2025, and February 4, 2025.
Documentation: M.O. 02-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW THE WEB HOSTING CONTRACT WITH
REVIZE
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a 5-year agreement with Revize, commencing on January 30, 2025 and expiring on January 29, 2030, for the City's website hosting for an annual cost of $5,990.
Documentation: M.O. 03-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT - PERMITTING
SOFTWARE
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Engineering & Project Management Director to execute the Consultant Service Agreement for Permitting Software Services to Granicus in the amount of $123,143.11; and
2. Authorize progress payments up to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount.
Documentation: M.O. 04-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT - FOUNDATION AND
DRAINAGE SYSTEM PROJECT FOR FUTURE DRAEGER PROP
INSTALLATION
Recommendation: That the City Council:
Award the Foundation and Drainage System Project tor Futu raeger Prop Installation to Todd Companies of Visalia in tr amount of $177,500
. Authorize progress payments up to one hundred percent (100%) o the contract amount;
3. Authorize ten percent (10%) for construction contingency to cover unforeseen costs; and
4. Authorize an additional ten (10%) percent for construction management, construction surveying, quality control and inspection services.
Documentation: M.O. 05-021825
Disposition: Approved.
PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION (PLHA) PROGRAM
YEAR 5 FUNDS APPLICATION
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign the streamlined application for the 2023 PLHA funding allocation for submittal to HCD; and
2. Authorize staff to submit the streamlined application in response to the 2023 PLHA NOFA to HCD for 2023 (5th
year of PHA 5-Year Plan) funds.
Documentation: M.O. 06-021825
Disposition: Approved.
9. APPROVAL FOR COMMUNITY CIVIC EVENT - SUMMIT COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL - PI DAY PIK FUN RUN - MARCH 8, 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Community Civic Event Application submitted by Summit Collegiate High School to hold the "Pi Day PiK Fun Run" event on Saturday, March 8, 2025, subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Application and Agreement, Exhibit A and Exhibit B.
Documentation: M.O. 07-021825
Disposition: Approved.
10. 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. 08-021825
Disposition: Approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADJUSTMENTS TO LEASE RATES
AND APPROVAL OF THE MASTER GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT,
AIRPORT LEASE POLICY, AND HANGAR RENTAL AGREEMENT FOR
THE PORTERVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing to consider adjustments to lease rates for properties at the Porterville Municipal Airport based on the findings of the market rent appraisal report; and
2. Approve the proposed lease rate adjustments to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and financial sustainability of airport operations; and
. Approve the Master Ground Lease Agreement, Airport Leas Policy, and Hangar Rental Agreement for use with airport lessee:
eung a aprova by Cry latiny, and grant assurances,
4. Approve the attached draft Resolution to formally adopt the lease
rate adjustments and authorize implementation.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Transportation Director Rich Tree presented the staff report.
Mayor Meister opened the Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m.
• Fred Donke, Porterville, requested that the council postpone both the proposed changes to airport rates and the leases to allow individuals to make a more informed decision and proposed that the council establish an Airport Committee.
• Briana Groves, Porterville, expressed that she is opposed to the hangar rate and lease changes.
• Brock Neeley, Porterville, expressed his concern that the city's taxpayers, who do not use the airport, are essentially subsidizing the airport for those who enjoy its amenities.
• Stacey Doyle, Porterville, requested that the council postpone the item until a future meeting to review the changes to the lease agreements and rates. • Elizabeth Raya, Porterville, spoke of her involvement at the airport and is in opposition of any rate and lease agreement changes.
• Bristol French, Porterville, urged the council not to take away something that she loves, such as the airport hangars.
• Mike Quatacker, Porterville, stated that consideration of this item should be postponed until the city can assess viable options to ensure fairness for all. • Sarah Martin, Porterville, opposed the rate increases and lease changes, noting that the airport community was not properly notified and urged the council to postpone the discussion until a specific meeting date is set to ensure the airport community is informed.
• Chris Shaw, Porterville, echoed the sentiments of all the individuals who spoke before him, opposing the rate changes and lease agreement changes. • Addison French, Porterville, discussed her history with the Porterville Airport and opposed any rate increases at the airport.
• Miles Elliot, Porterville, is opposed to the proposed lease agreement changes and encourages the council to table the item until further research can be done. • Steve Page, Porterville, spoke in favor of tabling the item until further information and research can be done.
• Scott Raya, Porterville, spoke in opposition of proposed rate increases to the airport.
• Jessica French, Porterville, urged the council to postpone voting on the approval of the lease and rate changes until there is a better understanding of their impact on the airport community.
. Ms. Rios, Porterville, spoke about how the Porterville Airport Community has helped her daughter grow by providing the resources she needs to succeed. • Daniel Lovato, Porterville, spoke in favor of postponing the item to a future meeting.
• Danny Rodriguez, Porterville, urged the council to reconsider the rate and lease changes.
• Betty Jo Simons, Porterville, expressed her concerns to the council about whether they fully understand the impact of the proposed changes to both the rates and leases on the airport community and noted that these changes could potentially hinder her ability to sell her hangars.
Mayor Meister closed the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m. when no one else came forward to speak and expressed that after listening to the community's concerns, he does not wish to hinder the spirit of the airport.
The Council reached a consensus to address the concerns raised by the Airport Community regarding the proposed rate increase and the proposed changes to the language in the lease agreement. They decided to postpone any decisions on these matters until a standing Airport Committee can be established. This committee will consist of nine members, including two council members and seven public members who are representatives from the Porterville Municipal Airport, the Porterville Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Porterville Military Academy. This will allow for more thorough discussions regarding issues affecting the Porterville Airport.
Documentation: None.
Disposition: Direction was provided.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
12. AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT - COMMUNITY CENTER
AND PARK PROJECT
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. Award the Community Center and Park Project to AMG & Associates, Inc of Santa Clarita in the amount of $16,875,000;
2. Authorize progress payments up to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount;
3. Authorize a five percent (5%) contingency to cover unforeseen costs;
4. Authorize an additional $2,268,695 for construction management, construction surveying, quality control and inspection services; and
5. Authorize an additional appropriation of Measure I funds in the amount of $1,146,622 to fully fund the project.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Engineering and Project Management Director Javier Sanchez presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Council Member Beltran, SECONDED by Vice Mayor McKervey that the City Council approve staff recommendation. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 09-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONSULTANT AGREEMENT -
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR
THE COMMUNITY CENTER & PARK PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Engineering & Project Management Director to execute the Consultant Service Agreement for the Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Community Center & Park Project to 4Creeks, Inc in the amount of $2, 168,695; and
2. Authorize progress payments up to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Engineering and Project Management Director Javier Sanchez presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor Ed McKervey that the City Council approve. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 10-021825
Disposition: Approved.
13. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF CITY COUNCIL
REPRESENTATIVES TO DOWNTOWN PORTERVILLE COMMITTEE
Recommendation: That the City Council consider appointing two 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 Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Council Member Beltran that the City Council appointed Vice Mayor McKervey and Council Member Green to serve on the Downtown Porterville Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 11-021825
Disposition: Approved.
14. PROPOSED BUDGET CALENDAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND
SCHEDULING OF PRIORITY PROJECTS STUDY SESSION
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the proposed Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and
2. Schedule the Priority Projects Study Session, either as a special meeting or as part of a regularly scheduled City Council Meeting.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Council Member Rivas that the City Council approve the proposed Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and schedule a Priority Projects Study Session as a Special City Council Meeting scheduled to occur in the early month of April 2025.
AYES: Rivas, Green, McKervey, Meister
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Beltran
Documentation: M.O. 12-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO DISTRIBUTE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR BUS STOP SIGNS
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the procurement of bus stop signs.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and presented the staff report Following a brief discussion by the council, staff was instructed to include a design concept in the Request for Proposals. This concept should aim to incorporate a theme similar to that of the future bus wraps, featuring the Americana theme and the inclusion of the words "In God We Trust."
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor McKervey that the City Council authorized the distribution ot a Request tol Proposals, with the inclusion of Councils direction of incorporating a design concept similar to that of the future bus wraps that are themed with an American Flag concept and with the words "In God We Trust." The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 13-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR CALHOME GRANT
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize City staff to submit an application for the 2024 Homeownership Super Notice of Funding Availability.
Interim City Manager Ridenour introduced the item and Economic Development Director Claudia Calderon presented the staff report.
Vice Mayor McKervey believes the city should seek additional grant funds to help Porterville residents obtain affordable housing.
Interim City Manager Ridenour explained that the city is requesting a specific amount of funds because they are confident they can spend this amount within two years. If the city were to apply for a larger sum and fail to use the funds quickly, the Housing and Community Development (HCD) could reclaim the unused funds. This would make it more difficult for the city to secure funding in the future for those who seek to obtain affordable housing.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Vice Mayor McKervey, SECONDED by Mayor Meister that the City Council authorize staff to submit an application for the 2024 Homeownership Super Notice of Funding Availability. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 14-021825
Disposition: Approved.
AB 1234 REPORTS
1. Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ETGSA) - February 5, 2025 Council Member Green provided an update on the approval of the ETGSA Dry Land Farming Non-Irrigated Form. He also discussed the land subsidence management area and gave an overview of the organizational restructuring at the subbasin level to address concerns raised by the state water board.
2. Local Initiatives Navigation Center Committee (LINC) - February 5, 2025 Council Member Beltran provided updates on several items of interest such as the approval of Minutes, a donation increase, and the Navigation Center.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Brian Redford, Porterville, urged the council to direct staff to provide the citizens with a library that meets the needs that the community deserves.
OTHER MATTERS
• Council Member Beltran spoke of his attendance at the fifth-anniversary event of the library fire. He praised the efforts of both the fire and police departments for recent events that occurred. He also noted the new trash receptacles around the city, stating that they look great. Additionally, he discussed the progress of the Villa Street Reconstruction Project and shared his experience using the Santa Fe Byway trail. • Council Member Green suggested designing and selling a baseball cap for the City of Porterville.
• Vice Mayor McKervey expressed his gratitude to Transportation Director Rich Tree for gracefully handling the significant criticism he received during the meeting and spoke of his attendance at the Word Ag Expo. He also mentioned that he discussed matters with the City Manager, which led to the decision to halt the removal of trees on Main Street as part of the Main Street Reconstruction Project. McKervey also shared his positive experience at the Airport Café and emphasized that the airport is a valuable asset that should be promoted as a destination. He highlighted the potential benefits of establishing a Pilot Lounge at the airport. The Vice Mayor reaffirmed his support for the airport community and briefly touched on the ongoing library project. Additionally, Vice Mayor McKervey requested that an agenda item be included for a future meeting to discuss the timeline for agenda distribution.
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 discuss the agenda distribution timeline. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 15-021825
Disposition: Approved.
• Mayor Meister addressed comments made by the public regarding the library. He corrected those comments, reaffirming his support for the library, and stated that he opposes any bonds or tax increases. Additionally, he expressed his desire to memorialize Captain Figueroa and Firefighter Jones with a bronze statue at the entrance of the new library facility. Mayor Meister also mentioned his attendance at the memorial service for both individuals earlier that day. Furthermore, he spoke about the Porterville Wall of Fame recipients for the year 2025 and shared his experience at the World Ag Expo. He suggested scheduling a meeting to discuss Covid-19. Lastly, Mayor Meister requested that an agenda item be included for a future meeting to consider a support letter for the League of California Cities.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor McKervey that the City Council approve Mayor Meister's request to bring an item at a future meeting to discuss a support letter for a League of Charter Cities. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 16-021825
Disposition: Approved.
Mayor Meister also requested that an agenda item be included for a future meeting to consider an ordinance in the city of Porterville, to protect women's safe spaces.
COUNCIL ACTION: MOVED by Mayor Meister, SECONDED by Vice Mayor McKervey that the City Council approve Mayor Meister's request to bring an item at a future meeting to consider a draft ordinance to protect women's safe spaces. The motion carried unanimously.
Documentation: M.O. 17-021825
Disposition: Approved.
The Council reconvened into a Closed Session at 9:49 p.m. City Attorney Lew stated that it was not expected there would be anything to report afterward.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT -
The Council adjourned at 10:45 p.m. to the meeting of March 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Fernando Gabriel-Moraga,
Acting Chief Deputy City Clerk
SEAL
Gree Luster
Grea Meister, Mavo