Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Sanger City Council
THURSDAY, JULY 18, 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 6:00 pm.
B. OP ENING CEREMONIE
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 Esmeralda Hurtado, Council Member Michael Montelongo, Council Member Dolores Melendez
C. AGE NDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez approved the agenda as posted. 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
D. C
EREMONIAL MATTERS
1. The City Council recognized Ken Garcia for his service on the City’s Planning Commission.
2. Mid Valley Disposal representatives announced the Sanger High School and Sanger High West Scholarship Winners.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
E. PUBLIC FORUM
Wilfred Laemmlen provided comment regarding the City’s denial of his claim for damage.
Henry Provost indicated that the handicapped parking sign at 7 th Street & Academy Avenue is
illegible and the curb needs to be repainted.
Al Alvarado stated this was the fifth time dealing with the City and that he is still living under a temporary certificate of occupancy after one and a half years.
Unidentified audience member stated that fireworks were thrown behind her house and her kids were scared. She called 911 and was told that if it was not an emergency she needed to call a different phone number.
Rodney Nielson asked the Council to encourage City staff to follow the public records act. He said it is past 10 days and has yet to be responded to, specifically to his request for information regarding Quality and 9
th Street. He indicated that he called the City to report a broken line and was told someone would fix it but on Monday there was still leaking water.
Kevin Carter said there have been some problems and have identified the problems. He said the City has stepped up and addressed them and he thinks the City is moving in the right direction.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo pulled Agenda Items F-2 and F-8 and approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
1. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Minutes of the Special and Re gular Meetings held on June 6, 2024 and the Special Meetings held on June 24, 2024 and June 26, 2024.
3. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Payroll including Direct Deposit Nos. 63098 through 63571; Payroll Check Nos. 59623 through 59714; and Benefit Check Nos. 1996 through 2011.
4. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Police Department Monthly Report.
5. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Fire Department Monthly Report.
6. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Extension of the School Resource Officer Agreement with Sanger Unified School District.
The City Council approved the Fourth Amendment to Agreement with Sanger Unified School District for School Resource Officer Services and authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
7. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Annual Report to Public – AB 481.
The City Council accepted and approved the Military Equipment Annual Report.
9. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Negative Declaration CEQA Fresno County Regional ATP.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2024-43 adopting the Negative Declaration for CEQA for the Fresno County Regional Active Transportation Plan.
10. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant, Sanger/Newmark.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-44 to list City Manager Nathan Olson as authorized to execute Sanger/Newmark AHSC Standard Agreements (21-AHSC-16971).
11. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Memorandum of Agreement Among Fresno Council of Governments – U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.
The City Council authorized City Manager Nathan Olson to sign the Memorandum of Agreement Among Fresno Council of Governments – U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.
12. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Letter of Support Authorizing the County of Fresno to submit CalRecycle Application on Behalf of the City of Sanger.
The City Council authorized 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 15 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
2. SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL ITEM - Warrants including Check Nos. 91826 through 92314.
Joe Rocha asked that the City Manager call him to answer questions regarding Check Numbers 50568, 50760, 50769, 50771, 50576, 50578, 50579, 50580, 50581, 50240.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
8. SUBJECT: APPROVED - Adoption of Fresno County Regional ATP.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member stated he wanted to make sure that everyone involved understand that it’s a public something and said he couldn’t think of the word.
The City Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez approved Resolution No. 2024-42 adopting the Fresno County Regional Active Transportation Plan.
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
H. PUBLIC HEARING
1. SUBJECT: Placement of a No Tax Rate Increase, Public Safety Measure on Ballot Continuing Special Tax for Public Safety to City of Sanger Voters.
The City Council held a public to discuss placement of a No Tax Rate Increase, Public Safety Measure on the ballot continuing Special Tax for Public Safety to City of Sanger voters.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member stated there should be a percentage guaranteed to non-profits and it would pass with flying colors.
Henry Provost stated if there is no sunset, once the faucet gets turned on it will never get turned off again. He stated if the City needs to increase taxes it should bring businesses and houses.
Kevin Carter stated the City needs this badly and he would hate to think how Police and Fire would continue without this funding.
Karen Pearson, President/CEO of Sanger Chamber of Commerce, stated that the City needs to make sure Fire employees have sufficient protective equipment and ensure no interruptions in protecting the community from crime. She stated she is glad this includes fiscal accountability.
Efren Rubio stated he would like to keep it as it was with a 10-year end.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
Rodney Nielson stated he supports Measure S but with no sunset, it may cause people to questions. He cautioned in using the letter “P” so as to not get caught up with a neighboring city.
A local business owner stated that Mayor Gonzalez ran on a campaign of getting back to basics and he can’t imagine anything more basic than this.
Zoom audience member stated that trying to pass it with no sunset is trying to take advantage of citizens.
The Council closed the public hearing.
Council Member Hurtado made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-45, changing the measure to include a sunset of 10 years and include a paramedicine program. The motion died for lack of a second.
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 2024-45 submitting a ballot measure to continue the Special Sales Tax for Public Safety with no increase of tax rate to City of Sanger Voters at November 5, 2024 Municipal Elections, Requesting County Elections to conduct the Election; requesting Consolidation of Election, and authorizing City Clerk to carry out all necessary Procedures. 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
2. SUBJECT: Levying Annual Assessments for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1.
The Council held a public hearing to discuss levying annual assessments for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 and Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2.
Public comment:
Rodney Nielson stated that he knows this is necessary and asked the City to address what should be seen from this tax. He stated in his area the landscape is better now than four or five years ago but it is not great. He stated perhaps the City is not getting the value from the County.
Unidentified audience member asked what is happening to Faller Park and JFK Park. He stated there is stagnant water at both parks.
The Council closed the public hearing.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez approved Resolution No. 2024-46 Confirming Diagram and Assessment for the Annual Levy of Assessments for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 for FY 24-25, and directed the City Clerk to record this resolution with the Fresno County Office of the Auditor-Controller.
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
3. SUBJECT: Levying Annual Assessments for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2.
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo approved Resolution No. 2024-47 Confirming Diagram and Assessment for the Annual Levy of Assessments for Sanger Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2 for FY 24-25 and directed the City Clerk to record this resolution with the Fresno County Office of the Auditor-Controller. 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: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2023- 04 requesting a text revision to Municipal Code Sections 90-693 and 90-733.
The Council held a public hearing to discuss Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2023-04 regarding a revision to Municipal Code Sections 90-693 and 90-733.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member stated he thinks this is all necessary.
The Council closed the public hearing.
The Council by motion of Council Member Hurtado waived the full reading and introduced, by title only, Ordinance No. 2024-05, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sanger approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 2023-04 amending Sections 90-693 and 90-733 of the Sanger City Code, adding “Storage buildings, mini storage facilities” to the list of conditionally permitted uses within the C-4, General Commercial, and C-M, Commercial and Light Manufacturing zone districts, and associated CEQA finding under CEQA Guidelines City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
15061(b)(3). 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
5. SUBJECT: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2024- 02 requesting a text revision to Municipal Code Sections 90-40 and 90-653.
The City Council held a public hearing to discuss Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2024-02 regarding revisions to Municipal Code Sections 90-40 and 90-653.
Public comment:
Jacob Zaillian stated that a few months ago this was formatted differently. He stated the last time it was said that HOP wanted to do it. He stated this is so close to his church and they help people get sober. He asked what will be done regarding portable restrooms, security, lighting, and parking.
Unidentified audience member stated he would like to see more family friendly events. He stated that in a 2022 survey, 46.8 million people sought help for addiction. He stated he wants our town to be family friend and there are six places that sell alcohol in that small vicinity.
Henry Provost stated the first miracle was turning water into wine and all things should be in moderation.
Unidentified audience member stated this has many issues and should be tabled for next month.
Kevin Carter stated there is not much parking downtown but if the City provides something the people want to come to, they will walk.
Unidentified audience member stated they would love a place like this but to be fair there are not enough answers to the issues. He said the live entertainment will be amplified and so close to a church.
Karen Pearson stated this will refocus energy and will not be a just a bar. There will be live entertainment and food. This will be an event venue and provide a family friendly environment.
She stated HOP is family friendly.
Tom Nicholson, former Chair of Downtown Revitalization Committee, stated this will restore, reenergize and reconnect the community downtown and this fits what the Committee is trying to achieve. It will be a safe environment and the venue can be used for ministry.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
Tommy, owner of House of Pendragon, stated he thinks what he envisions for the area is being misconstrued. He stated the craft beer culture is not about keg stands and pounding beer. He said in his eleven years of operation, the police were never called. He said this will be a place for families to unwind, spur a spark to the downtown and build up other businesses.
Javier Elizondo (Zoom participant), owner of Mi Linda Tierra, stated this is very concerning to him. He said if events are held on Fridays and Saturdays it will wipe him out in sales.
Unidentified Zoom participant stated that this is a godsend. It is an opportunity to bring life to downtown Sanger.
The Council closed the public hearing.
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez waived the full reading and introduced, by title only, Ordinance No. 2024-06, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sanger approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 2024-02 amending Sections 90-40 and 90-653 of the Sanger City Code, adding “Outdoor venue – outdoor dining (mobile vendors), serving alcoholic beverages, live entertainment” to the list of conditionally permitted uses within the C- 3, Central Commercial, zone district and associated CEQA finding under CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3). 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. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. SUBJECT: Sanger Wastewater Plant Determination of Emergency.
Public comment:
Judy Case McNairy stated that when the sludge is removed they made find other things not seen before and then can’t stop the flow of waste. She stated that the City has had two notices of violation from the wastewater board but Sanger is taking good steps.
Rodney Nielson stated the City should do whatever needs to be done to fix the odor permanently.
He said there have been unpleasant smells for the past couple of years but it has improved in the last couple of months.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
Kevin Carter stated we needed $700,000 to fix the problem and have $8 million in the sewer fund but it was not done. He said he asked for a tour but was never given one. He talked to the wastewater board and they are very encouraged by the new city manager.
Unidentified audience member thanked the City Manager for transparency about the situation.
The Council by motion of Council Member Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 2024-48, approving City Manager’s Determination of Emergency at the Sanger Domestic Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility and authorizing the City Manager to make required emergency repairs on those facilities without competitive bidding in accordance with Sanger Code Section 2-214(d) and the Public Contract Code. 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
2. SUBJECT: Investment Advisory Services, Optimized Investment Partners, LLC.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member asked whether monies will be available in case of an emergency.
The Council by motion of Mayor Pro Tem Martinez authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of Sanger and Optimized Investment Partners, LLC, to perform Investment Advisory Services. 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
The City Council convened in Joint Session with the Successor Agency to the Sanger Redevelopment Agency.
3. SUBJECT: Consider Approval of Pur chase and Sale Agreement with KYA Realty LLC.
Public comment:
Unidentified audience member asked what will be done with the monies from this sale.
City Manager Nathan Olson stated the revenue will go to the general fund but nothing is currently earmarked.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2024
The Board by motion of Board Member Montelongo adopted Resolution No. 24-02 approving the Purchase and Sale Agreement with KYA Realty LLC regarding the 4.75 Acre Parcel located in the Sanger Kings River Technology Park for $725,000 and authorizing the Executive Director or Designee to sign the Agreement and related documents following approval by the Oversight Board and California Department of Finance. 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
I. C
ITY MANAGER/STAFF COMMUNICATION
None.
J. M ATTERS INITIATED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. S UBJECT: TABLED - Mobile Vendor Regulations. tabled RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive staff’s report and provide direction on Mobile Vendor Regulations.
T
he Council by motion of Council Member Hurtado tabled Agenda Item J-1 to the August 1, 2024 meeting. 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
K. ADJ
OURNMENT
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.
ATTEST:
Rebeca Padron, City Clerk