Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Sanger City Council
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023
6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
1700 7th Street, Sanger, California 93657
A. C ALL TO ORDER
The City Council called their meeting to order at 6:15 PM.
A moment of silence was observed in honor of Police Officer Manvir (Manny) Dhanoa.
B. OP
ENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was offered by Pastor Paul Canaday.
The flag salute was led by Mayor Frank Gonzalez.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Frank Gonzalez, Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Martinez, Councilmember Esmeralda Hurtado, Councilmember Mike Montelongo, Councilmember Dolores Melendez
Absent: None
C. AGE
NDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
By motion of Councilmember Montelongo, the agenda was approved as posted. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
D. P
UBLIC FORUM
Kevin Carter said the City needs election reform. He said any vacancies on the City Council should only be filled by election. He said the City needs to do away with districts because it does not serve the City in a positive way. He said we need most qualified candidates who are experienced to run the city. He said we need to do away with the mayor being elected by residents and it should be appointed by Council. He said the City should adopt campaign spending limits at $4,000 or $5,000.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
Unidentified audience member said at the last meeting, a Councilmember said he was against postponing the Geary project because his mom lived there and another Councilmember said he would not talk to people on West Avenue because he already told them it was going to get done.
Brandon Young said he has been a resident for 11 years and feels that the town has adopted him.
He said he knows a lot of people and is friendly with police. He said he understands what is on the docket today regarding rate increases and does not mind. However, he has elderly in laws who have been dealing with water pressure issues for a long time. He said he bought a new house and they can’t get water right. He said he doesn’t mind paying increases but asked Council to fix water pressure issues before asking for money.
Mario Garcia, head coach for Boxing Club, said the program has had a lot of success. He and the instructors are pushing the kids hard and the boxing community is beginning to take notice and recognize Sanger as one of the best gyms. He said they plan to take the kids to the national competition and will need more funding. He said he not only teaches boxing but also advocates for higher education. He said they need more help from the Council and invited the Council to visit the gym to see the conditions they are working with.
Mr. Mazo said he has been a professional boxer for seven years and has witnessed what Coach Mario, David and Ruben had done at the gym. He said the financial burden is affecting the group. He said the group has champions and they don’t want the gym to close because of no income.
David Palestrini said he is a coach at the gym and thanked the Council for the use of the facility and for the new equipment. He said they have a lot of success but it’s not just boxing. He said they are trying to instill good virtues. He said they have a lot of kids and it is important to have the funds to accommodate them.
Ruben Iglesias spoke on behalf of Sanger Boxing. He thanked the volunteers and for being acknowledged for their work. He said he hopes they can continue to get support.
Moises Hernandez, Sanger resident, said at the last city council meeting, a member of the public requested an apology from a Councilmember regarding how they come across to certain City employees. He said City employees get paid well enough and should be able to stomach it. He said in the spirit of requesting apologies, he asked that the Mayor apologize to District 1 Councilmember Hurtado for antipathy towards her.
Osvaldo Vera said he ran the Boxing Club for 40 years and saw four world champions. He said Mario is in charge and doing great.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez pulled Agenda Item E-1 and approved Agenda Items E-2 through E-9 on the Consent Calendar:
2. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Warrants including Check Nos. 89195 through 89374.
3. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Payroll including Direct Deposit Nos. 59801 through 60025; Payroll Check Nos. 58964 through 59005; and Benefit Check Nos. 1892 through 1899.
4. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Police Department Monthly Report.
5. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Fire Department Monthly Report.
6. SUBJECT: APPROVED - FY 21/22 Local Street Improvements Project.
The City Council:
1. Awarded the contract for the project to AJ Excavation, Inc., 9662 W. Kearney Blvd., Fresno, CA 93706, in the amount of $1,038,407.00, as lowest responsive and responsible bidder;
2. Approved a construction contingency for change orders in the amount of $103,840.00 (10%) for this project; and
3. Authorized the City Manager to sign contract documents on behalf of the City.
7. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Rehabilitation of Clarifier No. 1 and No. 2 – WWTP.
The City Council authorize d the payment for the rehabilitation of Clarifiers No. 1 and No. 2 and authorize d the City Manager to execute all purchasing related documents.
8. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Letter of Support authorizing the County of Fresno to submit CalRecycle Application on behalf of the City of Sanger.
The City Council authorize d the City Manager to sign a Letter of Support authorizing the County of Fresno to submit CalRecycle grant application for the Used Oil Payment Program 14 (OPP14) on behalf of the City of Sanger.
9. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Ratification of School Partner Program with Sanger Unified School District.
The City Council ratified the agreement between the City of Sanger and the Sanger Unified School District for the School Partner Program to include interns for the Sanger Police Department.
The motion to approve Consent Calendar Agenda Items E-2 through E-9 was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Minutes of the Regular Meetings held on May 18, 2023, and June 1, 2023.
Councilmember Hurtado asked that the District 1 handout she shared at the June 1, 2023 meeting be attached to the minutes.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member said he could see why Councilmember Hurtado would want it attached because the packet was very well put together and it shows the needs of the District.
Jerry Valadez, CEO of SAM Academy, said he also would like to support the request. He said it is not a handout but a very detailed report and is warranted in this case. He said he has raised in the past that the minutes have been vague and never include discussion.
Kevin Carter said this is ridiculous. He said the entire budget presentation is not in the minutes.
He said the purpose is to reflect briefly what happened or there would be hundreds of pages in the minutes.
Councilmember Hurtado made a motion to insert a bullet point breakdown of the presentation.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Melendez and failed by the following vote:
AYES: HURTADO, MELENDEZ
NOES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, MONTELONGO
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The Council, by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez approved the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ
NOES: HURTADO
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - City of Sanger Operating and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
The City Council held a public hearing to discuss the City’s Operating and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Public comment:
Jerry Valadez , CEO of Sam Academy, said funding for training is good for professional development. He said he has seen through the minutes that training has always been approved for staff so why not for Council. He said Councilmembers should never have to take it out of their own pockets. He said he also supports the report that Councilmember Hurtado put together and said it is not changing the budget but changing the language of what to get done. He said as a member of the Downtown Beautification Committee, there are items that need attention but it is always only talk and nobody has the power to create action.
Mario Garcia thanked the Council and said he is not just a boxing coach but a mentor and father and he inspires the kids, some of whom don’t have it at home.
David Pallestrini said the $10,000 adjustment would be amazing. He said they took 12 kids to compete in Las Vegas and each coach paid approximately $1,300 out of pocket. He said the $10,000 would allow an opportunity for fundraising events.
Mr. Mazo thanked the Council for the additional funds.
Ruben Iglesias thanked the Council for allocating more funds.
Osvaldo Vera said he is happy the Club will receive more funds.
Kevin Carter said it’s difficult to prioritize street repairs. He said assigning priorities started months ago with public input at meetings. The 5-Year CIP was first presented to the Planning Commission then to Council and that was the time to discuss changes, not at the last minute.
Unidentified audience member said the last speaker is right. He said the Fire Station remodel started at $8.5 million but now is changed to $9.5 million.
Moises Hernandez said he is a S anger resident and is working with the Downtown Revitalization Committee. He said it looks like the City can’t prioritize alleyways but maybe in the upcoming year. He said he is in support of Councilmember Hurtado’s plan for downtown.
Bobbi, Sanger resident, said District 1 is the most widely used area in town. It hosts parades, Farmer’s Markets, and new restaurants and there is no good parking.
The City Council closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Hurtado made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-26 approving the City Operating Budget and City Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 and the Measure S 10-Year Spending Plan with an amendment to reprioritize downtown alley repairs and 5
th Street repairs. The motion failed for lack of second.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo a pproved Resolution No. 2023-26 approving the City Operating Budget and City Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and the Measure S 10- Year Spending Plan. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez:
1. Approved Resolution No. 2023- 27 establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2023-2024;
2. Approved Resolution No. 2023-28 authorizing the Regular Full-Time and Regular Part- Time positions in the City service effective July 1, 2023, in accordance with the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024;
3. Approved Resolution No. 2023- 29 making the determinatio n of the Necessity of Continuing the Utility Users Tax;
4. Approved Resolution No. 2023-30 adopting the City of Sanger’s Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2023-2024; and
5. Approved Resolution No. 2023-31 adopting Master Salary Tables for all employees for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The Council called for a recess at 7:44 PM.
The Council reconvened their meeting at 7:56 PM.
The City Council Meeting recessed and the Sanger Housing Authority Meeting convened.
2. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Sanger Housing Authority Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
The Board of Directors held a public hearing to discuss the Sanger Housing Authority Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Public Comment:
None.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
The Board closed the public hearing.
The Board of Directors by motion of Board M ember Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 2023-01 approving the Sanger Housing Authority Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The motion was seconded by Board Member Martinez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The Sanger Housing Authority Meeting adjourned and the Sanger Financing Authority Meeting convened.
3. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Sanger Financing Authority Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
The Board of Directors held a public hearing to discuss the Sanger Financing Authority Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member asked what will be the final budget for the Fire Department remodel.
Administrative Services Director Patrick Chaffee said the amount identified in the Budget is an estimated place holder.
The Board closed the public hearing.
The Board of Directors by motion of Board Member Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 23- 01 approving the Sanger Financing Authority Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. T he motion was seconded by Board Member Martinez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The Sanger Financing Authority Meeting adjourned and the City of Sanger as Successor Agency to the Sanger Redevelopment Agency Meeting convened.
4. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Sanger Successor Agency Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
The Successor Agency held a public hearing to discuss the Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Public comment:
None.
The public hearing was closed.
The Successor Agency to the Sanger Redevelopment Agency by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez adopted Resolution No. 23-01 approving the City of Sanger as Successor Agency to the Sanger Redevelopment Agency B udget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Melendez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The City of Sanger As Successor Agency to the Sanger Redevelopment Agency Meeting adjourned and the City Council Meeting resumed.
5. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Proposed Increases to City Water and Sewer Rates.
The Council held a public hearing to discuss proposed increases to City water and sewer rates.
Dan Bergmann presented on the item.
Public comment:
Kevin Carter said the study was way overdue. He said what happened in the past is irrelevant.
The situation today is to move forward. He said everyone needs to pay their fair share.
Karen Pearson said rate increases are long overdue.
The Council closed the public hearing.
City Clerk Rebeca Padron reported no protests were received regarding the proposed water and sewer rates.
City Attorney Hilda Cantu Montoy announced there is not a majority protest to the proposed water and sewer rates and the Council may proceed to adopt the resolution regarding water and sewer rates.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
The City Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem M artinez: adopted Resolution No. 2023-32 ratifying the Proposition 218 Process Relating to Increases Water and Wastewater (Sewer) Service Charges and adopting Monthly Water Rates and Sewer Rates to be charged for Water and Wastewater (Sewer) furnished by the City for a Five- Year Period effective July 1, 2023.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ
NOES: HURTADO
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez: adopted Resolution No. 2023-33 approving a Low-Income Water Rate Program for Low-Income Customers and authorizing payment from General Fund to Water Fund for such discounts. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
G. CITY MANAGER/STAFF COMMUNICATION
City Manager Tim Chapa commended the Council for the decisions they had to make tonight, which allows the City to go into Fiscal Year 2023-24 with a balanced budget. He said the City is in a strong position. He commended the Council for the difficult decision they made regarding rate increases.
H. MATTERS INITIATED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez
1. Thanked his colleagues for approving Consent Calendar Item E-6, which includes improvements to Canal Drive and Church Avenue. He said it is something he has been advocating for four years.
2. Asked if having already purchased the bonds for the fire station remodel provided a lower interest rate than rates being offered now.
Administrative Services Director Patrick Chaffee said the bonds purchased were at a 2 ½% to 3 ½% rate which is at least 1 percentage point currently being offered.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
Councilmember Hurtado
1. Requested and received consensus to have Staff look into the PG&E program for converting overhead lines with underground lines.
2. Requested and received consensus to get an update on the Tombstone connection.
3. Requested and received consensus to get an update on sewer and wastewater.
4. Requested and received consensus to ask the railroad company to place rail posts at 5 th
Street and Academy Avenue.
City Manager Chapa said Staff will provide a written report regarding the PG&E program. He said the Tombstone issue connection is an easement acquisition and Staff will provide an update.
He said the City is waiting for the consultant to finish the sewer plan. Staff will provide a written update. He said a Staff was recently contacted by the PUC and there may be movement regarding the railroad post at 5
th and Academy.
Councilmember Montelongo
1. Asked that when the fire station remodel item comes to Council, it include alternatives such as a substation.
2. Requested an update on street repairs on 7
th Street from Lyon Avenue to Hawley Avenue
and Lyon Avenue from Webster to Jensen Avenue.
Councilmember Melendez
1. Asked that the Council consider a policy review regarding $5,000 fund limit for Council travel budgets to allow that funds not used by a councilmember be used by another councilmember.
City Manager Chapa said there is currently no policy but prior practice is by Council action.
Councilmember Montelongo said he does not use his travel budget and doesn’t mind if another councilmember uses it.
Mayor Gonzalez
1. Asked Staff to forward to Council an email previously received regarding homebased eating establishments.
2. Requested and received consensus to recognize Alyssa Samorano for the national championship in boxing.
3. Requested consensus to place an item on the next agenda regarding out of state travel to attend the National League of Cities.
City Manager Chapa said he will ask Corina to reach out to the Mayor to get more information needed to place the item on the agenda.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
I. ADJ
OURNMENT
Being no further business, the Council adjourned their meeting at 8:54 PM.
ATTEST:
Rebeca Padron, City Clerk