TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
The February 6, 2024 regular joint meeting of the Taft City Council/Taft Successor Agency, held in the Council Chamber at Taft City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268, was opened by Mayor Dave Noerr at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Orchel Krier and invocation given by Pastor Sean Peifor.
PRESENT: Mayor Dave Noerr and Mayor Pro Tem Orchel Krier Council Members Josh Bryant, Carlos Chavira and Ron Waldrop City Manager Craig Jones and City Attorney Jason Epperson City Clerk Yvette Mayfield
1. PROCLAMATION – SAFE SURRENDER BABY MONTH
2. PROCLAMATION – KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY AWARENESS MONTH
3. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was none.
4. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Council Member Waldrop wished his wife a happy anniversary.
Council Member Bryant shared about the recent grand opening of the Berry Theatre at the Fox and invited everyone to attend the S.T.E.A.M. Room Grand Opening.
Council Member Chavira mentioned that there is a lot going on globally and that it is important to be informed, he shared a list of what he believes is important basic information to know and shared several related quotes.
Mayor Pro Tem Krier stated that Taft is a great city with a lot going on and encouraged everyone to get involved.
Mayor Noerr discussed the sticker shock of his California PG&E bill, discussed the difference in utility prices in other states and talked about how California is the poster child for energy poverty.
5. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner, Jerry Livingston, reported that at their last meeting they approved the Alcoholic Beverage Control permit for La Cima Restaurant.
6. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief, Damon McMinn, reported to Council the January statistics for the police department.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
February 6, 2024
7. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
There was none.
8. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
9. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
There was none.
********************************************************************************************* CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 10-13
Bryant abstained from Item 13
Motion: Moved by Krier, seconded by Waldrop to approve consent calendar items 10-
13. AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
10. MINUTES
January 16, 2024 Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
11. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 011924 Check No. 99148-99213 $ 747,243.38
Warrant # 011924 Check No. 99214-99229 $ 155,803.79
Warrant # 013024 Check No. 99230-99241 $ 281,160.81
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
12. MONTHLY REPORT FOR KERN COUNTY FIRE STATION NO. 21- DECEMBER 2023 Recommendation – Receive and file the monthly report for December 2023 from Kern County Fire Station Number 21 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
13. APPROVE THE MOU BETWEEN TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL AND THE CITY TAFT POLICE
DEPARTMENT FOR AGREED JOINT USE OF THE DISTRICT COMMUNICATION TOWER Recommendation – Motion to approve the MOU with Taft Union High School regarding the implementation of the Taft Police Department communication equipment and allow the City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
February 6, 2024
Mayor to sign the MOU and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
********************************************************************************************* At 6:34 PM the meeting recessed to closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER Government Code 54957.6 – All units
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) – Taft Union High School vs. City of Taft The City Council discussed in closed session that item agendized for closed session discussion and direction was given to staff. No other reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT - With no further business to conduct the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM. __________ ____________
Yvette Mayfield, MMC Dave Noerr
City Clerk Mayor