Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Sanger City Council
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 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 6:02 PM.
B. OP
ENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was offered by Pastor Paul Canaday.
The flag salute was led by Mayor Gonzalez.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Frank Gonzalez, Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Martinez, Councilmember Esmeralda Hurtado, Councilmember Dolores Melendez, Councilmember Michael Montelongo
Absent: None
C. AGE
NDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo approved the agenda 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. C
EREMONIAL MATTERS
1. The Council recognized Alyssa Samorano, USA Boxing Nationals Champion.
2. Senator Melissa Hurtado presented a $5 million state budget allocation to the City for a Communications Center.
E. P
RESENTATION
1. The CrisCom Company presented their Quarterly Report to the Council.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
F. PUBLIC FORUM
Osvaldo Vera asked why the boxing club was closed.
Unidentified speaker stated that as coach, he was hurt by the closing of the boxing club and that his suspension only prohibits him from participating in tournaments for 60 days.
Ruben Hernandez said he is associated with the boxing club and that the youth are being hurt by the closing of the club.
Albert Samorano said he has coached for 6 years with no pay and he does it for the kids. He said the City needs to open the boxing gym because the kids are looking for answers.
Corina said she represents the parents of the students who participate in the boxing club. She said they did not do wrong by trying to raise funds and that every entity does it. She said they were told they would get $5,000 but never did.
Ricardo Pimentel said he is a fighter and represents fighters from Sanger. He said closing the gym ruins opportunities for the fighters who have a desire to win and represent Sanger.
Alex Soto said the boxing gym is like a family to him. He said it provides a place where young people can stay away from gangs.
Ruben Hernandez said he is a fighter from the boxing club and that it is a place that has helped him and where he feels he belongs.
Erica Hernandez said she is an advocate and support for boxers and for the gym to reopen. She said Sanger Boxing helps with preventing bullying on social media. She said it is important to reopen the gym.
Jacob with Set Free Church said that at the last meeting he heard about some alleys that needed cleaning. His group have been picking up trash in those alleys. He said their goal is to keep the City clean, prevent homelessness and stop the drug epidemic.
Denise Jamison, representative of Kings River Conservancy, thanked the Council for their letter of support for Peck Island. She said it is a wonderful area that encompasses Sanger and will provide education for the youth regarding conservation and wetlands and bring hiking trails and fishing access.
Maria Gonzalez said no one has checked the alleys in her neighborhood that need cleaning and that traffic at the chicken factory has not improved.
Mateo Gurrola said he was struggling when his dad suggested he try boxing and he fell in love with it. He said closing the boxing gym takes that away from many of the youth.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
Johnathon and Luis, said they are brothers and they attend the boxing gym. They asked that the City reopen the gym and said that seeing it closed is heartbreaking.
Jose Pimentel said he is a parent of a one of the boxers and asked that the gym reopen.
Kevin Carter asked that the Council consider placing an item on the agenda regarding spending limits for campaigns and to get rid of districts.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo pulled Agenda Items G -5, G-7, and G-8 and approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
1. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Warrants including Check Nos. 89676 through 89876.
2. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Payroll including Direct Deposit Nos. 60260 through 60511; Payroll Check Nos. 59048 through 59102; and Benefit Check Nos. 1908 through 1915.
3. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Police Department Monthly Report.
4. SUBJECT: APPROVED - K Street and Almond Avenue Reconstruction 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 $507,492.00, as lowest responsive and responsible bidder; and
2. Approved a construction contingency for change orders in the amount of $50,800 (10%) for this project; and
3. Authorized the Acting City Manager to execute contract documents on behalf of the City.
6. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging Contract for FY 2023-2024.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-43 approving contracts with the Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging for the Title III CI Congregate Nutrition Program for Older Adults and authorized the Acting City Manager to execute the contracts.
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
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
5. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment No. 2023-02.
Public comment:
Beverly said the Zoning Ordinance affects Greenwood and Bethel Avenues and there is not water pressure in the area and no traffic lights.
Unidentified speaker said there is a lack of water and the City should not build where there is not enough water.
The City Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez waived the full second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2023-07, amending the City of Sanger Zoning Map for the pre- annexation zoning of two parcels from Fresno County’s AE-10 (Exclusive Agricultural) to the City’s R-1-6 (Single Family Residential District) for two parcels of approximately 28.37 acres generally located south of E. North Avenue, east of S. Bethel Avenue, and west of S. Greenwood Avenue (APNs 332-090-01 and 332-090-03). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, MONTELONGO
NOES: HURTADO, MELENDEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
7. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Purchase of Three New Vehicles for the Public Works Department.
Public comment:
Unidentified speaker said they appreciate the homework and agree with EV in the future.
The City Council by motion of Councilmember Hurtado authorized the purchase of three (3) new Chevrolet work trucks for the Public Works Department from Sanger Sequoia Chevrolet in the amount of $133,456.48. 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
8. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Purchase of Vehicles for the Police Department.
Public comment:
Osvaldo Vera said the City is spending more on police cars and that the City should invest in the future.
Unidentified speaker asked what the mileage is on the used vehicles and the cost difference in purchasing new vehicles.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo authorized the City Purchasing Agent to spend up to $95,000 to purchase two used trucks for the Police Department. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hurtado and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: N ONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
H. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Appointment to Citizens Oversight Committee – Measure S.
Public comment:
Corina said Measure S grants funds to the boxing gym and she would like more information about where it comes from.
Acting City Manager Greg Garner said the boxing gym is not funded by Measure S but with the General Fund.
The Council by motion of Councilmember Hurtado approved Mayor Gonzalez’s recommendation to reappoint Monique Reyna and appoint Elizabeth Gonzalez to fill two vacancies on the Citizens Oversight Committee – Measure S with terms ending June 30, 2025. 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
2. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Somerset Park – Preferred Option.
Public comment:
Unidentified speaker said they are happy about the parks but disappointed that it will not be a sports complex.
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo received Staff’s report and confirmed the Somerset Park – Preferred Option for a proposed new 10-acre park as part of a proposed subdivision located south of E. North Avenue between S. Greenwood Avenue and S. Bethel Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ
NOES: HURTADO
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
3. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Fresno County CDBG Project No. 22611 – Chavez Park Sports Lighting.
Public comment:
Unidentified speaker said it will be nice to have the new lights but the area is not really designated as a soccer field.
The Council by motion of Councilmember Hurtado approved the Agreement with the County of Fresno for Community Development Block Grant Cesar Chavez Parks Improvement Project No. 22611 and authorized the Acting City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City. 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
4. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Fresno Council of Governments 2023/2024 Call for Projects – Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, and Carbon Reduction Program.
Public comment:
Unidentified speaker said they worked for the railroad for 33 years at crossings and signals and said the railroad could be interested if it helps to reduce liability.
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 2023-44 supporting and implementing timely use of funds on federal -aid transportation projects, and approve d the project list proposed by Staff. 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 Council called for a recess at 8:10 PM.
The Council reconvened their meeting at 8:20 PM.
5. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Agreement between the City of Sanger and Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo approved the Agreement for Legal Services with Lozano Smith for legal services relating to wrongful employment practices and authorized the Acting City Manager to execute the Agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hurtado and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
6. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Consulting Services Agreement with Recruitment Firm for City Manager Recruitment.
Public comment:
Kevin Carter said this is probably the most important decision the Council will make and the $5,000 difference in cost shouldn’t come into play on who they will hire to conduct the recruitment.
The City Council received the report regarding proposals from Ralph Andersen & Associates and Koff & Associates and by motion of C ouncilmember Hurtado approved a consulting services agreement with Koff & Associates per the City’s standard consultant agreement form approved by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ
NOES: GONZALEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
7. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Acting City Manager Appointment and Acting Pay.
Public comment:
Kevin Carter said the Council should approve as written and can select an interim with different pay effective September 8.
Corina said she is concerned if this will require one person having two roles and that it probably causes a conflict of interest.
The City Council by motion of Councilmember Melendez confirmed the appointment of Police Chief Greg Garner as Acting City Manager, and approved 5% Acting Pay beginning July 13, 2023, and ending upon appointment of an Interim City Manager. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hurtado and approved by the following vote:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
I. CITY MANAGER/STAFF COMMUNICATION
None.
J. MATTERS INITIATED BY CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
1. SUBJECT: Discussion regarding Senate Bill 423 – Councilmember Montelongo.
The Council gave consensus to place an item on the next agenda to consider sending a letter of opposition regarding Senate Bill 423.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez
1. Thanked the Acting City Manager for help with issues regarding cars parked on the street.
2. Asked for communication between the City and the Boxing Club. He said the kids are so passionate about the sport and it takes a lot of hard work and discipline.
Councilmember Hurtado
1. Asked that the issues with the Boxing Club be resolved as soon as possible so the kids can get back to training.
2. Requested a consensus to have staff look into abandoned buildings in the City. Council gave consensus to have staff bring back a report on code enforcement activity.
3. Requested an update regarding alternatives for streaming city council meetings.
4. Requested an update on providing microphones for public input.
5. Requested that Koff & Associates start working on recruiting an Interim City Manager. City Attorney Montoy said a closed session agenda item will be scheduled to discuss the appointment of an Interim City Manager.
6. Thanked Administrative Services Director Patrick Chaffee for his guidance during the South Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency meeting.
Councilmember Montelongo
1. Thanked Police and Fire Departments for the great job at the National Night Out event.
2. Asked for a report regarding issues and repairs needed at JFK Park.
3. Requested and received a consensus to have staff provide a detailed report of what is taking place with the homeless and how we’re dealing with homeless and what other groups are doing regarding homeless.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
Council
member Melendez
1. Requested an update on the sewer.
2. Requested an update on the status of the water park and slide area at JFK Park.
3. Requested an update regarding potholes at Edgar and K Streets.
4. Requested a report on clean up of alleys.
Mayor Gonzalez
1. Said he is starting to see the logic with five district issue. He said not many realize what the mayor’s position is and that it’s not a more powerful position.
City Attorney Montoy said it is not mandatory but the trend is to get away from at- large elections. She said there are firm s going to cities to stop at- large elections. City Attorney Montoy will provide a general report on it.
2. Said there is not public parking downtown and there are empty lots that can be purchased to be made into public parking.
Mayor Gonzalez announced that a City Council Special Meeting will be held on August 22, 2023.
K. ADJ
OURNMENT
Being no further business, the Council adjourned their meeting at 9:28 PM.
ATTEST:
Rebeca Padron, City Clerk