Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Sanger City Council
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024
6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
1700th Street, Sanger, California 93657
A. C ALL TO ORDER
The City Council called their meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
B. OP
ENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was offered by Pastor Jessica Guerra.
The flag salute was led by Mayor Frank Gonzalez.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Frank Gonzalez, Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Martinez, Council Member Esmeralda Hurtado, Council Member Michael Montelongo, Council Member Dolores Melendez
Absent: None
C. AGE
NDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
The Council by motion of Council Member 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 Brian Gong and Michael Ohashi for Gong’s Market 62 years in business in Sanger.
2. The Council received a donation from Centerville Girl Scout Troop 5178 to the Sanger Fire Department for the purchase of pet rescue oxygen masks.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
E. PUBLIC FORUM
Jacob with Set Free Sanger stated that flooding is causing pot holes in the alley behind their property and asked if the City would fill the holes.
Unidentified audience member stated there are lots of cats in her neighborhood and asked that the City address the problem.
Unidentified audience member stated he has suggested at the last three meetings that the handicapped parking downtown be placed in the middle of the block.
Osvaldo Vera stated he has been asking for yellow lines but has received no response.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo approved the Consent Calendar:
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on March 21 , 2024.
2. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Ordinance updating Council District 1 Boundaries to include property annexed into the City (North Academy Corridor Annexation).
The City Council waived full reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-01 amending Section 2-29 of the Sanger City Code adjusting the Boundaries for City Council Election District No. 1 to add the Annexed North Academy Corridor Area to Council District 1 as Required by Law.
3. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2024-01 to Streamline Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permits.
The City Council waived full reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-02 amending the text of the Sanger Municipal Code Sections 90-23 and 90-887, and adding Section 90-901 to streamline electric vehicle charging station permits.
4. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Donation from Centerville Girl Scout Troop 5178.
The City Council accepted the donation in the amount of $200.00 for the Fire Department to purchase life-saving equipment for pets that are involved in fires.
5. SUBJECT: APPROVED - North Sanger Groundwater Recharge Project.
The City Council:
1. Awarded the contract for the project to JT2, Inc. dba Todd Companies, PO Box 6820, Visalia, CA 93290, in the amount of $743,100.00, as lowest responsive and responsible bidder; and
2. Approved a construction contingency for change orders in the amount of $74,300 (10%) for this project; and
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April 4, 2024
3. Authorized the City Manager to sign contract documents on behalf of the City.
6. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Annual Assessment for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2024-12 initiating proceedings to levy the annual assessment for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1.
7. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Annual Assessment for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2024-13 initiating proceedings to levy the annual assessment for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2.
8. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Equipment Purchase – ABBA Bare Pump Assemblies.
The City Council authorized the purchase of two (2) new ABBA bare pump assemblies in the amount of $62,904.46.
9. SUBJECT: APPROVED - State Water Resource Control Board – California Extended Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2024-14, approving a budget adjustment to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget to record the receipt and appropriation of $416,791.94 from the State Water Resource Control Board for the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program.
10. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Commission to Advance the Status of Women & Girls Draft Bylaws and 2024 – 2026 Work Plan.
The City Council approved the draft bylaws and 2024 – 2026 Work Plan adopted by the Commission to Advance the Status of Women and Girls.
11. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Out of State Travel – NALEO Conference.
The City Council authorize d Out of State travel for Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and Council Members Hurtado and Melendez to attend the NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected Officials) 41
st Annual Conference in Las Vegas,
Nevada from June 18 – 20, 2024.
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
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April 4, 2024
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
G. PUBLIC HEARING
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - General Plan Amendment 2022-02 and Zoning Map Amendment 2023-02 relating to Real Property located at 2431 Jensen Avenue.
The Council held a public hearing to discuss the General Plan Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment relating to real property located at 2431 Jensen Avenue (continued from the March 21, 2024 City Council meeting).
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member stated they appreciated the presentation and said the issue is whether there is a reason to make the change.
Raul Cantu, representing Mr. Aziz, stated he was available to address any questions from the Council or public.
The Council closed the public hearing.
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo:
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-11 to redesignate the General Plan land use designation of a portion of real property located at 2431 Jensen Ave (APN 315-101-05) from Office Commercial to Neighborhood Commercial and adopt ed a CEQA Finding of Consistency with the 2035 General Plan EIR; and
2. Waived full reading and introduced, by title only, Ordinance No. 2024-03 adopting Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment No. 2023-02, amending the official Zone Map, rezoning a portion of real property from the “C- P” (Administrative and Professional Office) District to “C-1” (Neighborhood Commercial) District, for a portion of property located at 2431 Jensen Ave (APN 315-101-05), containing approximately 1.03 acres.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
H. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Planning Commission Appointments.
Public comment:
Kevin Carter, member of the Planning Commission, stated Mary Lopez is currently a member of the Planning Commission and she is a good commissioner and attends regularly. He stated he does not know any of the other applicants but he values the opinion of the two people who conducted the interviews.
Council Member Hurtado made a motion to appoint Mary Lopez and Jesalyn Harper to the Planning Commission. The motion failed for lack of second.
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Martinez approved Mayor Frank Gonzalez’s appointment of Mary Lopez and Chaided Bouasavanh to the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Council Member Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ
NOES: HURTADO
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
2. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Appointments to the Citizens Oversight Committee-Measure S.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member stated they were very impressed with the candidate because of his credentials.
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo approved Mayor Frank Gonzalez’s appointment of Hector Madrigal to the Citizens Oversight Committee-Measure S with a term ending June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and approved by the following vote:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
3. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Full Cost Allocation Plan, Comprehensive Fee Study, and Development Impact Study Contract Award.
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez approved the consultant agreement with MGT Consulting, in the amount not to exceed $165,000 and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement. The motion was seconded by Council Member Melendez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
4. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Revisions to the City of Sanger Annual Budget’s Financial Section for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez adopted Resolution No. 2024-15 adopting the revised City Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The motion was seconded by Council Member Montelongo and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
5. SUBJECT: Council Priorities for FY 2024-2025 Budget.
Public comment:
Jared Case stated he attended the budget workshop and voted heavily that the City work on the sewer farm to remove the odor. He said the east side of town is plagued by the smell since last October and they can’t spend time in the backyard or open windows.
Judy Case McNairy, 3670 S. Newmark, stated there has been no improvement to the plant in about 25 years and the City is on shaky foundation. She said she appreciates the efforts to fix downtown but even 7
th Street smells of sewer. She said she wants to be part of the solution and suggested and looks forward to working with the new City Manager.
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April 4, 2024
Unidentified audience member stated he agrees with Ms. Case and that water and sewer are top priority. He said the roads downtown are next priority and the sports complex and investments follow.
Kevin Carter stated the Council should concentrate on basic functions: water, wastewater, code enforcement, etc. He said the City is having a hard time keeping employees because of low- paying jobs.
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo approved the Council priorities for FY 2024-25 Budget:
First Priority: Water and Sewer.
Top Priorities: Downtown Revitalization: Focusing on enhancing the city center to improve economic activity and community engagement.
Economic Development: Promoting business growth and job creation within the city.
Park Development and Renovation: Improving existing parks and developing new recreational areas for the community.
Public Safety and Gang Prevention: Strengthening law
enforcement and community programs to enhance safety and reduce gang activity.
Investing in Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Upgrading and maintaining essential water and sewer systems for the city’s sustainability.
Other Priorities: Road and Sidewalk Repair: Addressing infrastructure needs to ensure safe and accessible transportation routes.
Code Enforcement Improvement: Enhancing the effectiveness of code enforcement to maintain city standards.
Homelessness Solutions: Developing strategies to assist and reduce the homeless population.
Blight Elimination: Removing deteriorated properties to improve neighborhood aesthetics and safety.
Additional Staff Support: Providing necessary resources for city staff to effectively serve the community.
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April 4, 2024
The motion was seconded by Council Member Hurtado and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
6. SUBJECT: APPROVED - April 18, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.
The City Council by motion of Council Member Hurtado cancelled the regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2024. The motion was seconded by Council Member Melendez and approved by the following vote:
AYES: GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, HURTADO, MONTELONGO, MELENDEZ NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
I. CITY MANAGER/STAFF COMMUNICATION
City Manager Nathan Olson announced:
1. Met with Pitman Farms representatives, received commitment from them to clean up, and help solve issues. Consultants are coming in the next two weeks to recommend short-term remedies for the odor.
2. Met with Consolidated Irrigation District representatives to review plans for trails and a pedestrian over cross on Jensen Avenue. They asked the City to submit plans and they will work with the City and do what they can to help improve the City.
3. There is an additional vacancy on the Planning Commission. An item will be on the next agenda to fill the vacancy from the applicant pool created with the recent recruitment.
J. MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez announced:
1. Had issues last couple of weeks with cars and RVs parked on the streets. City Manager Olson and Police Chief Garner took care of the issues.
2. Commended Public Works Staff for their work on filling potholes.
3. Thanked Staff for working on the bridge at Jensen Avenue.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
Council Member Hurtado announced:
1. Waiting on a response to three items from last meeting; i. Concession stand
ii. 8
th street crosswalk signage
iii. Brehler square trees
2. Requested a report regarding distribution of funds to recipients of the Downtown Façade Program.
3. Requested gravel be placed in alleyway on 7th Street behind Set Free Church to help prevent future flood damage.
4. Requested the City look at creating an incentive program to recruit a low cost veterinarian for the community and report back with options.
5. Requested the yellow stripes on 5th street between Academy and Harrison be repainted.
Council Member Montelongo announced:
1. Thanked Community Development Director Brletic for helping with code enforcement issues.
2. Requested that the Rotary pit be up and running well.
3. Indicated that Kings River Casting asked if the City Manager would tour their facility.
Council Member Melendez announced:
1. Thanked City Manager Olson for the efforts of code enforcement to clean up in District 2.
Mayor Gonzalez announced:
1. Clarified that Zoom will be utilized for meetings when the agenda contains items of high priority.
2. Indicated that the yellow lines on 5
th street are part of the 5-year plan.
3. Clarified that the Animal Control Officer only picks up dogs but not cats.
4. Thanked the Council for approving the out of state travel to attend the One Voice trip with COG. He reported his meetings as follows:
i. Department of Labor Workforce Development Board;
ii. Transportation Board to promote cross valley rail;
iii. Senator Butler and Senator Padilla who indicated they really want to help with letters of support;
iv. Congressmen Costa, Valadao, and McLintock;
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April 4, 2024
v. Stayed an additional day and met with Congressman Costa’s office to talk about the wastewater treatment plant. Congressman Costa was supportive.
He has already provided funds.
vi. US Environmental Protection Agency and talked about ways to fund water and wastewater projects. There is a new program called WIFIA that acts as a bank and fund up to 80% of projects at low interest rate and long payback.
K. ADJ OURNMENT
Being no further business, the Council adjourned their meeting at 8:23 pm.
ATTEST:
Rebeca Padron, City Clerk