We reemphasize the need to include the community through all stages of the Housing Element Update in a culturally competent manner. While the City did provide printed materials in Spanish during its Housing Element workshops, leading to the development of the First Draft, the absence of qualified professional interpreters during workshop meetings was a significant missed opportunity. This oversight hindered the full participation of Spanish-speakers. Faith in the Valley recommended and provided contact information for Linguistica Interpreting & Translation, LLC. so that the City could hire interpretation and translation experts. Unfortunately, the City did not hire professional services during the development of the First Draft. As a result, Faith in the Valley launched several targeted efforts, in which approximately 200 people were engaged and informed in Spanish. These events, conducted with utmost cultural competence, made Spanish-speakers feel deeply understood and acknowledged. Most importantly, they had an opportunity to participate.
On June 12, 2024, the City opened a 30-day period for public comment on the First Draft.
Unfortunately, a comprehensive or condensed version of the translated document is not available for Spanish-speaking residents to review and provide feedback. The situation is urgent, and we urge the City to invest more financial resources for robust community engagement in the update process and establish more meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations like ours, which engage this segment of the community. A more meaningful collaboration with community-based organizations can significantly enhance community engagement and ensure the inclusion of Spanish-speaking residents in the process.
II. Programs
As noted in the First Draft, survey respondents shared a variety of needs that provide a framework for developing impactful programs the City can adopt. For example, respondents would like to see rent control, affordable housing, and right to counsel programs in place. Additionally, we recommend that the City include a Housing Element Advisory Committee as a Program in the Housing Element. The advisory committee should be composed of a diverse range of residents who live throughout the City, and including community-based organizations, City staff, and developers to play a significant role. Their input in the development and implementation of the Housing Element would be crucial in helping the City meet its public engagement obligations.
III. Conclusion
As we confront an urgent and escalating housing crisis throughout the state, the City must respond by doing its part to ensure that the housing needs of all Taft residents are met in the upcoming years. We understand that this is a complex issue with many challenges, but we are committed to finding solutions with you because a home is not just a physical structure; it is a sanctuary: a sacred space. It is where we learn to live in community with each other, value the needs of others, and share. Home is the cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities, and the City must fully commit to making Taft a place where every single person has a dignified place to call home during this 6th Cycle of the City of Taft’s Housing Element Update.
Taft City Council
July 12, 2024
Respectfully,
Daniel Rodela
Community Organizer
Faith in the Valley
(661) 800-7566
Cc:
Councilmember Josh Bryant, [email protected]
Councilmember Carlos Chavira, [email protected]
Councilmember Ron Waldrop, [email protected]
City Manager Craig Jones, [email protected]
Mayor Pro Tem Orchel Krier, [email protected]
Mayor Dave Noerr, [email protected]
Leslie Woodman, California Department of Housing and Community Development, [email protected]
TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
AUGUST 20, 2024
The August 20, 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 Council Member Krier, and invocation was given by Pastor John Getty.
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. PUBLIC HEARING - AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY OF TAFT TO SUBMIT THE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT 2023-2031 (GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2023-01) TO THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FOR A FORMAL REVIEW
Motion: Moved by Bryant, seconded by Krier to table this item until the next regular City Council meeting on September 3, 2024.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
2. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was none.
3. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Council Member Bryant encouraged those that can to avoid the areas around schools during drop-off and pick-up times, mentioned the first events of the sports season and talked about the celebration of the 100th season of football at Taft High School happening this year.
Council Member Chavira encouraged parents to have their children in activities as the local youth is eager to learn and be involved and he shared two relevant quotes.
Mayor Noerr talked about truth and trust of elected officials, sharing a video of the Governor in one of his appearances stating to one of his constituents that California has one of the lowest electricity rates out of all the states, and he requested people to fact check that if they did not believe it. Noerr in order to fact check, provided the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) rates for all the states that shows that California actually has one of the highest energy rates of all the states.
3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
There was none.
4. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
There was none
5. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
August 20, 2024
6. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
Bryant requested the Council consider an item to change the time or date of the 9/17 meeting in order to allow for Council Members and staff to be able to attend the California for Energy and Science Back to School Night at the Fox that is being held at the same time. Waldrop concurred and City Clerk Mayfield stated that she would bring an item back to the 9/3 meeting to consider.
********************************************************************************************* CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 7-12
Noerr pulled Item #12
Motion: Moved by Bryant, seconded by Chavira to approve consent calendar items 7-
11. AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
7. MINUTES
August 6, 2024, Regular
August 13, 2024, Special
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
8. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 080924A Check No. 100254-100262 $ 41,541.42
Warrant # 081624A Check No. 100263-100269 $ 47,464.70
Warrant # 081624 Check No. 100270-100335 $1,051,398.39
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
9. CANCELLATION OF NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF INCUMBENT
NOMINEES
Recommendation - Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT TO THE OFFICES OF THIS CITY THAT WERE TO BE ELECTED ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 AND CANCEL SAID ELECTION. (Resolution No. 4254-24)
10. ACCEPT THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BID AND AWARD THE TDA ARTICLE 3 - PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS - 10TH STREET & 4TH STREET PROJECT TO J.L. PLANK, INC. dba CEN-CAL CONSTRUCTION
Recommendation - Motion to accept the lowest responsible bid, award the project and to execute a construction agreement with J.L. Plank, Inc. dba Cen-Cal Construction in the amount of $224,500.00 for the TDA Article 3 - Pedestrian Improvements - 10th Street & 4th Street Project and authorize the City Mayor to execute the construction agreement and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
August 20, 2024
11. APPROVAL OF MEMORADUM OF AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS
Recommendation - Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENTS
AND EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS AND UPDATING THE CITY SALARY CHART FOR:
1. THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU LOCAL 521)
2. THE TAFT POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
3. MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY/CONFIDENTIAL COMPENSATION PLAN
4. DEPARTMENT HEAD BENEFITS COMPENSATION PLAN (Resolution No. 4255-24) 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. *********************************************************************************************
12. MONTHLY REPORT FOR KERN COUNTY FIRE STATION NO. 21 - JULY 2024 Motion: Moved by Bryant, seconded by Krier to receive and file the monthly report for July 2024 from Kern County Fire Station No. 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.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
Noerr stated that he pulled this item in order to have Kern County Fire Division Chief, Cary Wright, who was in attendance, give the report and share some about the local fires.
At 6:39 PM the meeting was recessed in order to hold the Annual Taft Public Financing Authority (TPFA) meeting.
At 6:42 PM the meeting was reconvened and at 6:43 PM the regular meeting recessed to closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER Government Code 54957.6 – All units
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council discussed in closed session those items agendized for closed session discussion and directions were given to negotiators and staff. No other reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT - With no further business to conduct the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 PM. __________ ____________
Yvette Mayfield, MMC Dave Noerr
City Clerk Mayor
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: September 3, 2024
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
CHANGE OF START TIME FOR SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY STATEMENT:
At the August 20, 2024 City Council meeting Council Member Bryant asked for an agenda item that would change the start time of the September 17, 2024 City Council meeting in order to accommodate council members and staff to attend the Californians for Energy and Science Back to School Night at the Fox being held at the same time as the regularly scheduled council meeting.
Council Member Waldrop concurred this request.
This item is being brought to Council to accommodate that request and approve moving the meeting time for the September 17th meeting to 3:30 pm, instead of the regular 6 pm start time, making this a special meeting and directing the City Clerk’s office to agendize as such.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to approve moving the September 17, 2024 City Council meeting to a special meeting with a 3:30 pm start time, directing the City Clerk to agendize as such 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.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): No
PREPARED BY: City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
FPPC 2024 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE BIENNIAL NOTICE
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Political Reform Act requires every local government agency to review its conflict-of-interest code biennially, as the code tells public officials, governmental employees and consultants what financial interests they must disclose on their Statement of Economic Interests Form 700. The Act also requires the City to enumerate specific City positions, other than those specified in Government Code §87200, which involve making or participating in making decisions which have a reasonable material effect on an economic interest, and to designate for each position the specific types of investments, business positions, interests in real property and sources of income which are reportable based on the scope of the decision-making authority of the position.
With the reopening of the Taft Community Correctional Facility, we have already acted to update and add needed positions to our conflict-of-interest code back in January, therefore no amendment is required of our code at this time.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to accept that no amendment is required at this time and authorize the Mayor to sign the 2024 Local Agency Biennial Notice 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.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes, 2024 Local Agency Biennial Notice PREPARED BY: City Clerk
www.fppc.ca.gov
FPPC Advice: [email protected] (866.275.3772)
2024 Local Agency Biennial Notice
Name of Agency:
Mailing Address:
Contact Person: Phone No.
Email: Alternate Email:
Accurate disclosure is essential to monitor whether officials have conflicts of interest and to help ensure public trust in government. The biennial review examines current programs to ensure that the agency’s code includes disclosure by those agency officials who make or participate in making governmental decisions.
This agency has reviewed its conflict of interest code and has determined that (check one BOX):
An amendment is required. The following amendments are necessary:
(Check all that apply.)
Include new positions
Revise disclosure categories
Revise the titles of existing positions
Delete titles of positions that have been abolished and/or positions that no longer make or participate in making governmental decisions
Other (describe)
The code is currently under review by the code reviewing body. No amendment is required. (If your code is over five years old, amendments may be necessary.)
Verification (to be completed if no amendment is required) This agency’s code accurately designates all positions that make or participate in the making of governmental decisions. The disclosure assigned to those positions accurately requires that all investments, business positions, interests in real property, and sources of income that may foreseeably be affected materially by the decisions made by those holding designated positions are reported. The code includes all other provisions required by Government Code Section 87302.
__________________________________________ _________________________ Signature of Chief Executive Officer Date
All agencies must complete and return this notice regardless of how recently your code was approved or amended. Please return this notice no later than October 1, 2024, or by the date specified by your agency, if earlier, to:
(PLACE RETURN ADDRESS OF CODE REVIEWING BODY HERE)
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE FPPC.
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
2024 ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On September 30, 2021, AB 481 was signed into law to address the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment. AB 481 requires adoption of a military equipment use policy by the Council, which happened on July 19, 2022 by Ordinance 847-22.
AB 481 requires that the law enforcement agency with the approved Military Equipment Use Policy submit to the governing body an annual military equipment report for each type of military equipment approved by the governing body annually for review, as long as the equipment is available for use.
The attached report has been completed to meet the requirements of AB 481 and is now being submitted to the Council for review.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Review report
2. Motion to receive and file the 2024 Annual Military Equipment Report 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.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): Yes
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes, Annual Military Equipment Report PREPARED BY: Chief of Police
The Taft Police Department
Celebrating 100 Years
1910 to 2010
2024 Annual Military Equipment Report
Assembly Bill 481 (“AB 481”), codified at Sections 7070 through 7075 of the California Government Code, requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval from their governing bodies of military equipment use policies before purchasing, raising funds for, or acquiring military equipment. This initial policy must be passed via ordinance, then reviewed and renewed by the governing body each year. AB 481 provides an expansive definition of “military equipment” that includes many items which law enforcement agencies use, deploy, and obtain on a regular basis. The law enforcement agency is required to return annually to provide a military equipment report (“Annual Report”) to the governing body and the public at large. The law enforcement agency is also required to host a community engagement meeting for members of the public to attend.
A Military Equipment Use Policy (“Policy”) governing the use of items that are deemed “military equipment” is required under AB 481. On July 19, 2022, the Taft City Council adopted a military equipment use policy, by Ordinance 847-22. Since then, the Taft Police Department has successfully maintained the military equipment in accordance with the policy. This Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with Government Code Section 7072(a). The Taft City Council will provide an open forum for the public on October 15, 2024, in the City Council Chambers, located at 209 E. Kern, Taft, CA.
The following constitutes the Taft Police Department’s Annual Report:
(1) 2006 AM General Armored Humvee
(a) Use of Equipment: None
(b) Concerns and Complaints Received: None.
(c) Internal Audit Results and Response: None.
(d) Total Annual Cost (including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs): Approximately $500.00 (I) Funding source for FY 23-24: General Fund.
(e) Quantity: 1
(f) Future Acquisition Plans: None
(2) 2006 AM General Humvee
(a) Use of Equipment: Not used.
(b) Concerns and Complaints Received: None.
(c) Internal Audit Results and Response: None.
(d) Total Annual Cost (including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs): Approximately $500.00. (i) Funding source for FY 23-24: General Fund.
(e) Quantity: 1
(f) Future Acquisition Plans: None.
2024 Annual Military Equipment Report
POLICE CODE ENFORCEMENT ANIMAL CONTROL
(3) 2008 BAE Systems Armored MRAP
(a) Use of Equipment: Not used.
(b) Concerns and Complaints Received: None.
(c) Internal Audit Results and Response: None.
(d) Total Annual Cost (including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs): Approximately $600.00. (i) Funding source for FY 23-24: General Fund.
(e) Quantity: 1
(f) Future Acquisition Plans: None.