TRACY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
City Hall, 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy Web Site: www.cityoftracy.org
Mayor Young called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
There were no actions taken pursuant to AB 2449.
Roll call found Council Members Arriola, Bedolla, Evans, Mayor Pro Tem Davis and Mayor Young present.
Mayor Young led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pastor Kevin James, New Creation Bible Fellowship offered the invocation.
Mayor Young proclaimed January 15, 2024, as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR – Motion was made by Council Member Arriola and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis to adopt the Consent Calendar. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered. Council Member Evans and Mayor Pro Tem Davis made comments on Item 1.D. Mayor Young opposed on Item 1.E.
1.A. Adoption of December 5, 2023 Closed Session and Regular Meeting Minutes – Minutes were adopted.
1.B. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the City’s Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 22-23 on Development Impact Fee revenues and expenditures, in accordance with the Mitigation Fee Act.– Resolution 2023-244 approved the City’s Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 22-23.
1.C. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Off-site Improvement Agreement between the City of Tracy and Genesis KC Development, LLC for offsite improvements required for the Tracy Medical & Professional Office Center Project.– Resolution 2023-245 approved the Off-site Improvement Agreement with Genesis KC Development, LLC.
1.D. Staff recommends that the City Council waive the second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending Section 4.16.030 of the Tracy Municipal Code to amend the Definitions to include “Sensitive Areas” that consist of designated parks and a 1000-foot buffer around such parks. – Ordinance 1342 was adopted.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis and Council Member Evans requested to make the following comments on Consent Item 1.D.
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Mayor Pro Tem Davis expressed her gratitude to Council for supporting Consent Item 1.D regarding the sensitive use areas. It is an important policy that further defines how public parks in the City can be used with the objective of protecting designated areas from conflicting use or that pose health and safety risks to youth in areas that were designed for youth. As public servants of this body it is a primary responsibility to ensure safety of the community especially children who rely on adults to protect them.
Council Member Evans echoed Mayor Pro Tem Davis’s sentiments since the public knows Consent Item 1.D pertains to Tracy Municipal Code that will provide for sensitive use areas including Tracy’s parks. Once implemented we will be able to ensure our parks are clean and safe again and acknowledged accomplishments by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and Council Member Bedolla on THAC, and for efforts and progress made at El Pescadero Park. With their leadership there are additional shelter units which will be open and accepting people tomorrow and will be able to give El Pescadero back to our youth where they belong.
1.E. Staff recommends that the City Council waive the second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending sections 10.08.3196(b) and (d) of the Tracy Municipal Code to expand the definition of youth center and to establish buffers between proposed cannabis uses and (a) sensitive uses and (b) existing cannabis uses.– Ordinance 1343. Mayor Young opposed.
1.F. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution: 1) approving Subdivision Improvement Agreements between the City and Toll West, Inc. for Phase 2 of Tracy Village, Tracts 4157, 4158, 4159, 4160, and 4161; and 2) authorizing the City Clerk to file each Agreement with the Office of the San Joaquin County Recorder. - Resolution 2023-246 approved the Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Toll West, Inc.
1.G. The Tracy Finance Committee recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution: 1) Authorizing the acceptance of a grant award from San Joaquin County American Rescue Plan Act allocation in the amount of $7,167,798; and 2) Appropriating the total grant funds to the Temporary Emergency Housing project (Capital Improvement Project 71112).– Resolution 2023-247 authorized the acceptance of a grant award from San Joaquin County American Rescue Plan allocation, and appropriating funds to the Temporary Emergency Housing Project.
1.H. The Tracy Finance Committee recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution: 1) Authorizing the acceptance of a grant award from U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative sponsored by Congressman Josh Harder in the amount of $3 million; and 2) Appropriating the total grant funds towards the construction of Phase II of the Temporary Emergency Housing Facility project (Capital Improvement Project 71112). – Resolution 2023-248 authorized the acceptance of a grant award from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative sponsored by Congressman Josh Harder and appropriated funds toward Phase II of the Temporary Emergency Housing Facility Project.
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1.I. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution (1) accepting the construction work completed by Tennyson Electric, Inc. as part of Phase IV of the Temporary Emergency Housing Facility at Arbor Avenue, CIP 71112, (2) authorizing the City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion with the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office, and (3) authorizing the City Engineer to release the bonds and retention payment in accordance with State Law.– Resolution 2023- 249 accepted the construction work completed by Tennyson Electric, Inc.
1.J. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving, under the existing Master Professional Services Agreement between the City of Tracy and Brandley Engineering, Inc., the following new Task Orders related to construction projects at the Tracy Municipal Airport: (A) Task Order 10 (Capital Improvement Project 77593), with a Not to Exceed amount of $69,000, (B) Task Order 11 (Capital Improvement Project 77589), with a Not to Exceed amount of $78,000, and (C) Task Order 12 (Insurance Repair), with a Not to Exceed amount of $13,500.– Resolution 2023-250 approved under the existing Master Professional Services Agreement, Task Orders related to the construction projects at the Tracy Municipal Airport.
1.K. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing 1) the purchase of six (2) new vehicles and (4) replacement vehicles for the City’s fleet, from the National Auto Fleet Group, for a total amount of $573,562.04 and 2) retirement of four (4) vehicles that are in poor condition. – Resolution 2023-251 authorized the purchase of six (2) new vehicles and (4) replacement vehicles for the City’s fleet, from National Auto Fleet Group.
1.L. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution: (1) Making a determination that compliance with the standard procurement process is not in the best interest of the City and dispense the bidding requirements for the additional scope of work pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22050 and Tracy Municipal Code Section 2.20.270(a); (2) Approving the execution of an amendment to the existing contract with GradeTech, Inc., to retroactively expand the scope to include an additional $38,538.21 of work, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $468,661.81; (3)Accepting the construction work completed by GradeTech, Inc. as part of Phase IV of the Temporary Emergency Housing Facility at Arbor Avenue; (4) Authorizing the City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion with the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office; and (5) Authorizing the City Engineer to release the bonds and retention payment in accordance with State Law.– Resolution 2023-252 approved 1) making the determination that compliance with the standard procurement process is not in the best interest of the City and dispense bidding requirements for the additional scope of work and 2) approved the execution of an amendment to the existing contract with GradeTech, Inc. 3) accepted the construction work completed by GradeTech, Inc. 4) authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion, and 5) authorized the City Engineer to release the bonds and retention payment.
2. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE – Robert Tanner stated he was glad that four out of five Council Members voted for cannabis rules for future applicants, not the current Regular Meeting Minutes 4 December 19, 2023
applicants. The Mayor voted no and is not understanding citizens of Tracy and constituents of San Joaquin County District 5.
Mayor Young disagreed with Mr. Tanner’s comments.
Richard Williams congratulated the City and staff for being awarded the 2023 Safe Streets for All Grant on December 13, 2023 which resulted in $3.7 million federal dollars dedicated for safer improvements within the City. Mr. Williams hoped the City will apply for the 2024 SS4A grant asking for illumination materials before the July 10, 2024 deadline.
Dan Randall expressed concern regarding corporations who are considering leaving the immediate Bay Area. These companies are looking for a new place to call home and it is expensive for them to go to Texas. Tracy is in a perfect position to take advantage of this, and spoke about Tracy having good growth several years ago and recently Tracy is not being aggressive about growth.
Amy Benton, representing the homeless community in Tracy shared concerns about how the homeless community has been treated by Police Officers. Items have been taken from them, citations issued with regards to generators, court appearances made, and there are still no charges filed with the court. They do not know where their generators are and are treated with disrespect and has watched them being dehumanized in the park.
Travis Monteyn stated he represented the homeless community, has been treated badly for years and has been homeless for six years. Things should be done differently, and we should all have the same rights and spoke about discrimination.
Anthony stated he is currently homeless due to Police Officers. Instead of trying to help him with his vehicle they took it from him and asked Council for support to help him.
Anthony shared he is having trouble paying the registration as work is not always steady but is doing something to help himself and asked why they are taking everything he owns and leaving him and his dog out in the cold and referred to the Fourteenth Amendment.
Sandy Taylor shared they sent a flyer to the Tracy community, has worked for 20 years collaboratively with previous Councils, staff and Surland to bring an Aquatic Center to Tracy. Over the past couple of years members of the community have been involved in the work to help refine and complete the design documents for the Aquatics Center. As requested by City staff, Surland provided the detailed designed documents to the City late last August.
Molly Lowe stated shockingly City staff refused to evaluate the Aquatic Center design documents and refused to meet with the developer or community aquatic stakeholders which she is one of in order to advance the project. Staff has decided to go in a different direction and start the entire process over for the facility. This makes no sense, is a waste of money, time and City resources, and it is not ok to throw away 20 years of our work.
Michel Bazinet stated the community deserves an Aquatic Center design by aquatic experts to meet the needs of the community. Measure V passed because of interest for a swim center, Mayor Rickman held a groundbreaking ceremony in 2018 touting the Regular Meeting Minutes 5 December 19, 2023
Aquatic Center. Mr. Bazinet shared their goal of the flyer, stated citizens do not want to start over, requested Council accept the available design to fulfil Council promises and shared a Tracy Press article regarding the count down to the Aquatic Center.
Mitchell Harnett stated as part of the Tracy Bike Life Youth Program he got to know youth in Tracy and shared passion for cycling. Mr. Harnett thanked Council for giving the youth and adults places for recreation, asked to create a bike park that was promised in February 2022 and is still listed on City’s website, shared support for a BMX pump track and requested an update on the project.
Alice English stated there was no groundbreaking. Council just accepted the land this year so we can start the Aquatic Center. The design was never brought to the public.
Ms. English added the Mayor should not be able to vote on Consent Item 1.F as she lives too close to that area.
Mayor Young asked the City Attorney if her understanding was that she was not able to vote on Consent Item 1.F.
Bijal Patel, City Attorney responded she was not aware of the Mayor’s residency and could talk off line with the Mayor.
Mayor Young clarified the vote would still stand if she had a conflict as there were four votes in favor and was happy to recuse herself if needed.
Chris Long, Surland Companies stated Surland has worked with the community and the City on the design of the Aquatics Center for many years, there is no reason to start over and the community and Surland does not like it. Mr. Long spoke about the Offer of Dedication (IOD) for the Aquatics Center being unilaterally changed by the City in a product of civil fraud, the community needing assurances that the plans will be realized, they are saddened and disturbed to have to challenge the IOD and will be filing a Government Claim Notice tomorrow to keep the citizen prepared plan in place.
Rosario Arulappan stated he is happy the Aquatics Center project is moving along, the City is appointing a designer to do the design and planning. The project was delayed for 16 years. People are waiting for the pool and the project needs to move ahead without further delay.
Yvonne Boyd asked about the BMX pump bike track that was approved in February 2022.
Her husband is part of Tracy Bike Ride and they normally have to leave town to go to a BMX bike park and asked why there is such a delay.
3. REGULAR AGENDA
3.A Receive an informational update on City’s 2023 Legislative and Lobbying activities, 2) Approve Resolution Adopting The City’s 2024 Strategic Funding Priorities and Amend the City’s 2023-2025 Biennial Legislative Platform (Platform); Approve by motion, after discussion, City Council attendance for the City’s Federal Lobby Trip in Washington DC (April 8-12, 2024).
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Karin Schnaider, Assistant City Manager provided the staff report and responded to questions.
Robert Tanner stated the City applied for 36 grants for $59 million and asked how many of the grants awarded included the Police and how many were driven by the Mayor.
Mayor Young responded to Mr. Tanner’s question.
Council comments followed.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Bedolla and seconded by Council Member Evans to adopt Resolution 2023-253 adopting the City’s 2024 Strategic Funding Priorities and amending the City’s 2023-2025 Biennial Legislative Platform. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered.
Ms. Schnaider confirmed Council’s interest in attending the lobbying trip:
Federal lobbying trip to Washington D.C.: Mayor Pro Tem Davis, Council Members Arriola and Bedolla, and Mayor Young
Council Member Evans interested in One Voice.
All Council interested in State lobbying.
3.B
Approve, by motion, after discussion, out-of-state travel for designated City Council Members to attend The United States Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. January 17-19, 2024.
Sheena Stephens, Executive Assistant to City Manager provided the staff report.
Council questions and comments followed.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Arriola and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis to approve out-of-state travel for Mayor Young to attend the United States Conference of Mayors 92
nd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. January 17-19,
2024. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered.
3.C Appointing Midori Lichtwardt as the new City Manager, effective December 19, 2023, and approving an At-Will Employment Agreement, between Midori Lichtwardt and the City of Tracy for a bi-weekly salary of $11,406.34.
Council Member Bedolla provided the staff report.
Robert Tanner stated he was glad the City went inside to find a City Manager. It should be a unanimous vote.
Mayor Young announced comments were received by email from Karen Moore regarding Items 3.C and 3.D.
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Council comments continued.
ACTION: Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by Council Member Evans to adopt Resolution 2023-254 appointing Midori Lichtwardt as the new City Manager, effective December 19, 2023, and approving an At-Will Employment Agreement between Ms. Lichtwardt and the City of Tracy for a bi- weekly salary of $11,406.34. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered.
3.D Adopting a Resolution authorizing: 1) Amendments to the Employment Agreement dated April 5, 2022, between Bijal Patel and the City of Tracy, to reflect an increase in bi-weekly base salary from $9,882.28 to $10,761.81 for merit and equity adjustments and other term modifications, and 2) Amending the Master Salary Schedule relating to the City Attorney to reflect such amendment.
Council Member Evans provided the staff report.
Robert Tanner stated the City Attorney lost her license, the City was notified, and this is an amendment to the contract so the original portion of the contract should still stand. It was a consensus of Council to keep the City Attorney which was against the contract, should have been terminated, and to give an increase retroactive is not right.
Alice English stated the City Attorney came into turmoil, residents have been saying developers run the City and we need good department heads. The City Attorney has been doing an outstanding job and businesses leaving and going to Lathrop and Manteca has nothing to do with City Attorney. The City Attorney follows policy, conduct and ordinances, is doing what she got hired for and thanked her for hanging in there.
Dotty Nygard agreed with Mr. Tanner, has difficulty with the moral and ethical obligation to a contract when it lapses and need to make sure to respect contracts. Should have been some type of reprimand or probationary period to build trust back and commitment to the community that is to maintain licensure.
Must hold people accountable to contracts.
Mayor Young announced there were email comments on the item received from Karen Moore and Steve Abercrombie.
Council comments followed.
Mayor Young asked for her written statement to be included in the record and read out a paragraph from Steve Abercrombie’s email.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis objected to Mayor Young’s characterization of the Council and the City Attorney. Council Member Evans agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Davis.
Council comments continued.
ACTION: Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by Council Member Bedolla to adopt Resolution 2023-255 authorizing 1) amendments to the Regular Meeting Minutes 8 December 19, 2023
Employment Agreement dated April 5, 2022, between Bijal Patel and the City of Tracy to reflect an increase in bi-weekly base salary from $9,882.28 to $10,761.81 for merit and equity adjustments and other term modifications, and 2) amending the Master Salary Schedule relating to the City Attorney, to reflect such amendment. Roll call found Council Members Bedolla, Evans and Mayor Pro Tem Davis in favor; passed and so ordered. Council Member Arriola and Mayor Young opposed.
3.E Staff recommends that the City Council, by motion, appoint Jenny Wood to serve the remaining vacated term on the Environmental Sustainability Commission.
Adrianne Richardson, City Clerk provided the staff report.
Council questions and comments continued.
Council Member Bedolla stated he came across information regarding a nonprofit and when focusing on the intention of the nonprofit the City is there to support with resources. The Tracy Earth Project has members under their leadership that has continuously participated in the attacking of City staff and projects and has been public record. Council Member Bedolla asked Council if there was an appetite to reopen the recruitment and see if there were other qualified applicants, as is Ms. Wood, but in arm’s length with a very political nonprofit, just coming from a word of caution. Council Member Bedolla was ready to go either way.
Council Member Evans responded he was open to discussing options.
Council Member Arriola supported the eligibility list selection.
Dotty Nygard, resident of Tracy and President and CEO of Tracy Earth Project stated they have never endorsed any political candidacy or any political item.
They advocate and educate on environmental issues in the community and anything that needs reflection on policy. Jenny has been a member of Tracy Earth Project and stepped down from her association when she resigned and shared support for Ms. Wood.
Council discussion continued.
Bijal Patel, City Attorney responded to questions.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Arriola and seconded by Council Member Bedolla to appoint Jenny Wood to serve the remaining term on the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered.
3.F Staff recommends that the City Council appoint, by motion, two Council Members and an alternative to serve as a selection subcommittee to interview applicants and fill two term vacancies on the Tracy Arts Commission.
Adrianne Richardson, City Clerk provided the staff report.
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Council questions and comments continued.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Arriola and seconded by Council Member Bedolla to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Davis and Council Member Bedolla to serve as a selection subcommittee and Mayor Young as alternate to interview applicants and fill two term vacancies on the Tracy Arts Commission. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered.
4. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE – Dan Randall spoke about making Tracy a landing spot for new innovative, diverse businesses. The most important thing Council can do is follow the five-year plan. Tracy has a reputation of not being business friendly, every person or business has a special interest and giving contributions is the way the country works. All development has slowed and going to other cities and will hurt people who built Tracy.
Council Member Evans responded to Mr. Randall’s comments regarding developers and special interest groups.
Mayor Young disagreed with Council Member Evans’ narrative regarding developers and special interests.
Dotty Nygard asked Council what they are most proud of in 2023. Businesses are still looking for their parklets after three years, second year promised for pump track, and now youth going to social media saying how boring it is to live in Tracy. Ms. Nygard stated she has heard residents and developers at Council meetings share frustration with lack of follow through, wished we could say we have done so much in 2023 to improve quality of life for Tracy and quoted from the City’s purpose and vision.
Alice English acknowledged three Council Members and spoke about special interests, lacking amenities, and Aquatic Center being prolonged. The City cannot keep developing, having more industrial and empty warehouses. Need more public safety and law enforcement. The City Manager and City Attorney will keep the vision going forward. Spoke about special interests not giving the pool and threatening Council with more legal to hold it back.
Council Member Arriola objected to the characterization and many of Ms. English’s comments.
Mayor Young disagreed with Ms. English’s comments.
Mayor Young stated an old flyer is circulating stating the warming center is at the Community Center run by Fix’d.
5. STAFF ITEMS – Midori Lichtwardt, Interim City Manager announced the following:
• Thanked Council for putting trust in her as City Manager. • The last public meeting of the year is the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.
• City offices are closed this Friday and Monday in observance of the holiday, as well as next Friday and Monday for New Year’s.
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• Wished everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Brian MacDonald, Interim Assistant City Manager provided a post for the warming location on social media stating the emergency shelter on Arbor Road is being used for an overnight warming location. It will be available from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. when the national weather forecast is less than 33 degrees in Tracy. Familiar Faces has been very active getting people help they need. Have been hitting parks and other areas and were able to give a hand full of people voucher programs through the County. The 38 beds at the temporary emergency housing facility on Arbor Road will be opening in the coming days. Would prefer people go to the shelter. Staff posted today on Facebook and Instagram to call Salvation Army at 209-208-5701 or Familiar Faces at 209-831-6640 who can connect people to all kinds of services.
6. COUNCIL ITEMS – Council Member Arriola requested that the grant application for the Bureau of Reclamation for FY 2024-2025, water and energy efficiency grant in the amount of $5 million for installation and conversion of AMI meters be moved to January 16, 2024, Council meeting and skip the Finance Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Davis supported the request.
Karin Schnaider, Assistant City Manager explained there is a deadline for the grant and needs Council authorization to move forward and could not wait until February or staff would miss the grant opening.
Council Member Arriola asked for an update on the bike park in a memo. Mayor Pro Tem Davis supported the request.
Council Member Arriola wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Jewish Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays and a safe and Happy New Year.
Council Member Evans shared last Saturday there was wreath placing for the Tracy Chapter of Wreaths Across America held at Tracy Cemetery spearheaded by Gold Star mum, Julia Conover. It was a great opportunity to recognize local heroes and support our military families and a great time for community service, can either donate or unload wreaths. Council Member Evans and his wife help unload 2,000 wreaths and placed flags to mark each military grave.
Council Member Evans reiterated thank you to Tracy Homeless Advisory Committee, Council Member Bedolla and Mayor Pro Tem Davis, their diligence and good stewardship has led to opening up new shelter beds tomorrow. Council Member Evans wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to whichever holiday is celebrated and Happy New Year and be safe.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis commended the Southside Community Organization on Posadas on Saturday and Sunday and thanked Assemblymember Villapudua for donating tons of clothes at the Southside Community Organization. Mayor Pro Tem Davis also attended the wreath laying ceremony and thanked Gold Star mum Julia Conover and Loretta Bridges and Jeneice Valacruz. It was very big this year with so many community members supporting the event. Attended SJC County Board of Supervisors holiday open house and commended the Board of Supervisors on their well-attended event and commended our District 5 Supervisor who had an long line.
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Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked about the way certificates are handled as she attended Tracy Fireplace and Hot Tubs ribbon cutting today and several other ribbon cuttings where there has been no certificate. Since she attends nearly all the ribbon cuttings, it would be nice to have a certificate in the absence of Mayor Young.
Adrianne Richardson, City Clerk stated there was a certificate prepared for that event.
Mayor Young responded normally if she knows she will not be able to attend a ribbon cutting, certificates are not requested for every event but are for all the Tracy Chamber ribbon cuttings, she notifies the City Clerk. The certificate was signed and in her office, but today she had got caught up and did not realize that. Mayor Young did let the Chamber know and said she would bring the certificate by at another time.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis requested that if none of Council are going to be there it would look more pulled together if we did have a certificate and she is always ready to stand in on behalf of the Mayor and Council. It looks awkward to attend these events, and this is not the first time, as at the Bay Area Retina there was no certificate, she was the only one there and hopes there is a way to continue to present certificates at these events when the Mayor is not there.
Mayor Young stated it is a problem if she is not being notified. Need to make sure we have a streamlined process that we are all aware and the certificates are created.
Ms. Richardson explained there is a new process with the Tracy Chamber regarding invites and certificates for ribbon cuttings.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis spoke about a mailer that has a lot of misinformation regarding Tracy’s wastewater rate hikes and the mailer is claiming Council Members Bedolla, Evans and herself just raised the rates and that is not true. Mayor Pro Tem Davis explained back in June there was a unanimous Council vote to increase rates as the City had not raised the rates in ten years. Mayor Pro Tem Davis stated she and Council Members Bedolla and Evans have been here three years or less and previous Council’s had plenty of opportunity to raise rates, but they did not so the infrastructure suffered over the years, so it was necessary to do that. Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked the public to be patient while she responds to all the emails regarding the increase which occurred in August. There are FAQ’s on the website. Mayor Pro Tem Davis wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa.
Council Member Arriola confirmed it was a 5:0 vote, was not sure who put out that flyer and shared the same concerns as Mayor Pro Tem Davis about the flyer.
Mayor Young confirmed it was a 5:0 vote. It is difficult to raise fees as fees are needed to be updated but that comes from education and added she has been pushing to put out information to inform our community and have reasonable set fee increases over the years. Previous leaderships continued to kick the can down the road and are not here to deal with it and recommended continuing with education and looking forward when looking at any other fees.
Mayor Young reported on various events and meetings she has attended and thanked all of those who supported her by donating to bailing her out of jail for Brighter Regular Meeting Minutes 12 December 19, 2023
Christmas. Mayor Young wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year. The next Council meeting will be January 16, 2024.
Council Member Bedolla added he attended Las Mañanitas para la Virgen de Guadalupe at Saint Bernard’s Church and the Southside Community Organization.
7. ADJOURNMENT – Time: 9:57 p.m.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Arriola and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis to adjourn. Roll call found all in favor; passed and so ordered.
The above agenda was posted at the Tracy City Hall on December 14, 2023. The above are action minutes. A recording is available at the office of the City Clerk.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk