CHESTRAS
TREE CITY
SANGER Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Sanger City Council THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
6:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER
1700 7 Street, Sanger, California 93657
A. CALL TO ORDER
The Council called their meeting to order at 6:08 PM.
Mayor Gonzalez stated that today's meeting is also being conducted by Zoom.
B. OPENING 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, Council Member Emeralda Hurtado, Council Member Michael Montelongo, Council Member Dolores Melendez
Absent:
C. AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo approved the agenda as presented. 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. PUBLIC HEARING - 6:15 PM
SUBJECT: NO COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED - Public Hearing No.3 for Updating of City Council District Boundaries As a Result of Annexation of Property.
The City Council conducted Public Hearing No. 3 to receive a report from staff on the draft map of City Council District Boundaries as a result of Annexation of Property and to receive public input.
The City Council held a public hearing at 6:15 PM to receive a report from staff on the draft map of City Council District Boundaries as a result of Annexation of Property and to receive public input.
In the absence of the City Clerk, City Attorney Hilda Cantu Montoy presented on the item, noting this was Public Hearing No. 3 that started last December.
City Council Minutes
February 1, 2024
Public Comment:
None.
The Council closed the public hearing at 6:20 PM.
E. PUBLIC FORUM
Unidentified audience member said that at the last meeting a comment was made by a council member about awarding Councilwoman Hurtado travel expenses that she paid. What is the process, will the information be in the minutes and how long does it take for the Council to award her the money? Osvaldo Vera said that he met the new City Manager and he is the right person for the job and thanked the audience members from Lemoore.
David Santos from Senator Caballero's office, thanked Mayor Gonzalez and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez for attending the Senator's open house. He also thanked Corina Tamez for providing Sanger display items for the event. If the Senator can be of any service, to let him know; Ms. Tamez has the contact information.
Unidentified audience member said he missed the last meeting. He said that before welcoming the new City Manager and the Police Chief resigns, the Council should take care of items that were brought up before. He asked about the following: 1.) traffic cameras; 2.) signage at the entrances of town honoring Tom Flores; 3.) the Fire Department was anxious to get money and the item should have been tabled and that the "Taj Majal" should have been built by now, and has cost $2 million more and asked for an update; 4.) previously asked for reasons for expenditures on some bills; 5) had previously asked for the October 19 minutes and video, but no response and items are not posted.
Kevin Carter said that the recent Budget Workshops were valuable and educational. He said that the responses that the department heads gave the attendees was good information.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Acting City Manager Greg Tarascou pulled items F-3 and F-4.
The City Council by motion of Council Member Hurtado approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
SUBJECT: APPROVED - Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings held on January 18, 2024.
SUBJECT: APPROVED - Final Acceptance for Well No. 22 Drilling & Development The City Council:
1- Accepted the work for the Well No. 22 Drilling and Development in the amount of $937,414.00; and
2- Authorized recordation of the Notice of Completion with the Fresno County Recorder; and
3- Authorized payment of 5% retention in the amount of $46,870.70 to Zim Industries upon expiration of the 35-day lien period.
City Council Minutes
February 1, 2024
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
SUBJECT: APPROVED - Agreement between City of Sanger and Merced Community College District.
Acinary is, anager Greg Tarascou presented on the icem, noting that he fictive date of the agreemem is Public comment:
None.
The City Council by motion of Councilmember Hurtado, approved the agreement between the City of Sanger and Merced Community College District for the training and clinical preceptorship of Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic students at the Fire Department and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign the documents on behalf of the City. 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
SUBJECT: APPROVED - Approval of License Agreement with DR Horton CA 3, Inc.
For North and Greenwood Sewer Lift Station Reconstruction Project.
City Engineer Josh Rogers presented on the item. He said Item F-4 was pulled because the attorney had made minor changes to the license agreement after the agenda was published.
Public Comment:
None.
The City Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo, approved the License Agreement with DR Horton CA 3, Inc., authorizing temporary use of three future subdivision lots within Tract 6327 for construction activities associated with the City's capital project to reconstruct the North and Greenwood Sewer Lift Station, and to authorize the City Manager to sign 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
City Council Minutes
February 1, 2024
G. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - City Manager Appointment and Employment Agreement.
City Attorney Hilda Montoy presented on the item, noting that Mayor Gonzalez would read the language on pages 54 and 55, noting a correction on page 55 under Severance to read: Six Nine months' salary and health benefits if termination occurs in the third year of the Agreement.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member - Asked if the numbers in the contract were for the initial hire and not including longevity, and, if that information was left out intentionally? He said that he would like to have had the residents to be part of the hiring committee. He hopes that the council will allow the new city manager some time with the citizens to introduce themselves and get to know him. He said that his original question was about vacation.
With respect to the citizen's question, City Attorney Hilda Montoy said all the details of the City Manager agreement, including vacation, are included in the published staff report.
Osvaldo Vera, community activist, said that it was about time we have a good city manager and that it was long overdue.
Michele Spear, former Assistant City Manager for the City of Lemoore, said she was speaking on behalf of Nathan. She stated that she understood that changes are difficult and that things would change but for the better, noting that Nathan is an amazing man who cares about the community and staff. She wanted to let people know they are getting a good man.
The City Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 2023-04 Approving an Employment Agreement with Nathan Olson to serve as City Manager for the City of Sanger. 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
Nathan Olson thanked his Lemoore family for attending today's meeting and thanked staff for introducing themselves before the meeting. He also thanked the Council and the City Attorney. He said that he is looking forward to building a team in Sanger.
SUBJECT: APPROVED - Accept Grant Funds from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and approve the purchase of a New Alternative Fuel Vehicle for Public Works.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez recused himself at 6:32 PM, noting that he was an employee of San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
Public Works Director John Mulligan presented on the item.
City Council Minutes
February 1, 2024
Public comment:
None.
The Council by motion of Councilmember Montelongo, (1) accepted grant funds from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District ("SJVAPCD"); (2) adopted Resolution No. 2024-03 for a budget adjustment to the FY23/24 Budget to record the receipt and appropriation of $20,000 from SJVAPCD; and (3) authorized the purchase of a new Tuatara UTV 1500E alternative fuel vehicle in the amount not to exceed $35,100. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hurtado and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN (RECUSAL): MARTINEZ
ABSENT: NONE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez rejoined the meeting at 6:54 PM.
B. CITY MANAGER/STAFF COMMUNICATION
Acting City Manager Greg Tarascou provided an update on the Fire Department. He said the Fire administration is moving next week to an office space across the street from the American Legion building and construction is starting April 1, 2024. The move will be announced in social media and in the water bill.
C. MATTERS INITIATED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez.
1. He and Mayor Gonzalez recently attended Senator Caballero's open house. He said that with Corina's help, graphics were provided for the event. He also said that the Senator's office has murals of the communities that she represents and that Sanger is prominently displayed.
He thanked Mr. Santos for attending tonight's meeting
Councilmember Hurtado
1. Requested and received consensus to provide ceremonial recognition to Gong's Market, either at the business or at the Council Chamber.
2. Had a meeting with Public Works Director John Mulligan today, stating that the water slide at the community center needs repairs. She requested and received consensus to explore funding options for the water slide repairs.
3. She met with Congressman Costa last week to discuss the waste water treatment plant, reiterating the dire need for a new plant and facility. She requested and received consensus to request funding from Congressman Costa and Senator Caballero's offices when their budgets open up at the state and federal level.
Councilmember Montelongo
1. During the public comment a gentleman asked about 1.) the Fire Department remodel. At the last council meeting under item F-5 the Fire Department provided a monthly report that included an update on the remodel. 2.) Regarding Almond and Bethel that had a payroll for work done, it was acknowledged at the last meeting that signal lights were going up soon.
City Council Minutes
February 1, 2024
2. Regarding the water tower, he requested that staff provide information as to what telecommunications networks are on the tower. He said he would bring up why at the next meeting.
Councilmember Melendes
1. With all the storms coming up, she thanked John Mulligan for the Public Works department keeping our streets clean.
Mayor Gonzalez
1. Thanked Corina for providing Senator Caballero's office with City items for their recent event.
Regarding the Tom Flores signage at the town's entrances, he said they are working with the NFL Hall of Fame committee to get permission to use the NFL logo on the signage.
3. He provided an update on the recent funding from COG, which total about $5 million:
*. Spicions: Cranio and Grace ve mesation marvemens, Bethe rehabilitation and Annadale Ave.; Central Ave. between Academy and Newmark for rehab.
b. Congestion Mitigation Air Funding -Sanger received money for residential alley paving.
Carbon Reduction Program - Approval for Academy, Jensen, and Greenwood bike routes.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, the Council adjourned their meeting at 8:08 PM.
ATTEST:
corna Fars
Corina Tamez, Deputy City Clerk