City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024
MINUTES
WASCO CITY COUNCIL
and Successor Agency to the
Former Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Regular Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
746 8th Street, Wasco, CA 93280
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 pm
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Garcia called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2) ROLL CALL: Mayor Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Medina, Council Members: Martinez, Reyna, Saldaña
PRESENT: Mayor Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Medina, Council Members: Reyna, Saldaña ABSENT: Council Member Martinez
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Hurlbert, City Attorney Mark Bateman , Chief of Police Fivecoat, Assistant City Manager Lara, City Clerk Martinez, Deputy City Clerk Flores, Public Works D irector Villa, Community Development Director Cobb, Finance Director Perez-Hernandez, Kern County Fire Chief Appleton, Kern Sheriff Sergeant Stout
3) FLAG SALUTE: by Mayor Garcia
4) INVOCATION: by Pastor Paul Hernandez, Free Will Baptist Church
5) PRESENTATIONS:
a. Proclamation for Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month Mayor Garcia presented the proclamation to Kern County Fire Chief Appleton.
6) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No public comments.
Deputy City Clerk Flores mentioned there were no email comments for this item or any other item on this agenda.
7) SUCCESSOR AGENCY BUSINESS: None
8) WASCO PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY BUSINESS: None
9) NEW EMPLOYEE POLICE DEPARTMENT BADGE PINNING CEREMONY FOR: None
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS:
10) CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Consent Calendar consists of items that, in the staff's opinion, are routine and non - controversial. These items are approved in one motion unless a Council Member or member of the public requests the removal of a particular item.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024
a. Receive and File department payments totaling $2,748,398.34
b. Approval of City Council Minutes for February 6, 2024, Regular Council Meeting.
c. Approval of Travel Expenses Exceeding $500.00 per trip for the Executive Assistant I/Deputy City Clerk Monica Flor es to attend the City Clerks of California Annual Conference on April 3 – 5, 2024, in San Diego, California , and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
d. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Finalize and Enter into an Agreement with PG&E to perform tariff schedule-related work for the Southgate Lighting and Pedestrian Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $11,476.41 and allow the City Manager to execute Contract Change Orders and associated CIP appropriations in an amount not to exceed $3,000, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Reso#2024-4024
Agmt#2024- 004
e. Approval for Travel Expenses Exceeding $500.00 for one Planning Commissioner to attend the 2024 Planning Commissioner’s Academy March 6-8, 2024 in Long Beach, CA., and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
f. Adopt a Resolution Approving a Records Retention Schedule for the Wasco Police Department, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Reso#2024-4025
g. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the preparation and submission of a HOME Program Income (PI) application to the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD), for funds not to exceed $800,000, to complete rehabilitation projects at Sunrise Villa Apartments and Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a standard agreement and any amendments thereof, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Pulled for separate consideration
h. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Endorse and implement changing the waiting period of the Health Reimbursement Arrangement for both the Flexible Benefits Plan (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Plan (HRA) to be the first of the month following the date of hire, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024 State Guidelines; t herefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Reso#2024-4027
No Conflict of Interest on the consent calendar for any of the Council members.
Council Member Reyna pulled item 10.g. for further discussion
Motion was made by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medina, to approve the Consent calendar with separate consideration on item
10.g. by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
g. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the preparation and submission of a HOME Program Income (PI) application to the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD), for funds not to exceed $800,000, to complete rehabilitation projects at Sunrise Villa Apartments and Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a standard agreement and any amendments thereof, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Reso#2024-4026
Council member Reyna requested background regarding funding for the HOME Program.
Community Development Director Cobb explained that the HOME program income has come from past program loans the city has made for first -time home buyers and housing rehabilitation. As the loans have been paid off, the city has accumulated the income and has to reuse it for other home-eligible projects, such as the project at the Sunrise Villa Apartments for rehabilitation.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Medina, seconded by Council Member Saldaña, to approve item 10.g. by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
11) PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing the 2023 Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program Application and Adopting the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Plan Under the California Department of Housing and Community Development, and Find the subject activity is not a project within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and is, therefore, not subject to review under CEQA.
Reso#2024-4028
DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024
Oral presentation by Assistant City Manager Lara.
Mayor Garcia opened the hearing at 6:17 p.m.
No public comments.
Mayor Closed the public hearing at 6:17 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Mayor Garcia, to adopt the resolution by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
12) DEFERRED BUSINESS: None
13) NEW BUSINESS:
a. Appointment of Brent Harrison to serve on the Wasco Recreation and Parks District Board for a four (4) years term expiring November 30, 2027, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Mayor Garcia and Council Member Saldaña interviewed two candidates and recommended Brent Harrison to be appointed to fill the Wasco Parks and Recs seat vacancy. Brent Harrison accepted the nomination.
No public comments.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Medina, seconded by Council Member Saldaña, to appoint Brent Harrison to fill the 4-year full-term seat on the Wasco Recreation and Parks Board expiring November 30, 2027, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
b. Receive and file the City of Wasco Financial Statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2023, and the City of Wasco Measure X Financial Statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2023, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
PowerPoint presentation by Mitesh Desai, CPA, with Badawi & Associates via Zoom. Presentation to the City Council
No public comments.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Medina, seconded by Council Member Saldaña, to receive and file by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
c. Adopt a Resolution approving the mid-year operating budget adjustments totaling $163,650 in the General Fund and $85,500 in other funds, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required , and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Reso#2024-4029
PowerPoint Presentation by Finance Director Perez-Hernandez. Mid-Year Budget Review FY 2023-2024
No public comments.
Motion was made by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Council Member Saldaña, to adopt the resolution by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
14) REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
a. Kern Economic Development Corporation (Garcia)
Mayor Garcia – The next meeting will be held on April 25, 2024
b. Kern Council of Government (Reyna)
Council Member Reyna – Kern Cog's staff had a meeting with city staff to discuss the items that had been approved. Mentioned the importance of staff looking for what can be achieved with Kern Cog’s assigned monies and when we request monies for a specific project. Thanked staff for their hard work. c. Wasco Task Force (Medina, Saldaña)
Mayor Pro Tem Medina – will meet next Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
15) REPORTS FROM KC FIRE AND SHERIFF:
a. Kern County Fire Department (Appleton)
No reports.
b. Kern County Sheriff’s Department (Stout)
Sergeant Stout reported on recent crimes.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024
16) REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER:
City Manager Hurlbert updated the city council on the following:
Wasco Police Department staffing statistics – there are 26 filled full-time paid staffing positions out of the approved 31 positions; 46 completed applicants and 16 applicants still processing using eSoph software; out of 62 applicants, there were 9 withdraw, 13 disqualified, and 26 hired; 16 applicants in the background stage and 5 positions to fill.
Save the date for the Kern Council o f Governments Kern Cog Regional Awards event on March 7, 2024.
League California Cities City Leaders Summit in April 2024. Community Clean Up will be on March 9, 2024, at Barker Park; we need volunteers. Read Across America event at the Wasco Elementary Schools in March 2024. Community Breakfast on March 6, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. at the Council Chambers. SNIP event on March 13, 2024, in front of the Public Works Department Asphalt Zipper to be delivered this week, a month ahead of schedule. Council Members to submit their Form 700 to the City Clerk Remind Council to submit their homework assignment for the Strategic Planning meeting to the Finance Director.
17) REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL:
Council Member Reyna:
Spoke to Kern County Board of Supervisor David Couch regarding funding for the police station, and he recommended that the city take a CDBG loan and grants to pay for the police station.
Met with Senator Melissa Hurtado, and asked for additional funding for the police station, and the California budget shortfall had ballooned to $75 million; the chances of getting money from the state are slim.
Had a conversation with Supervisor David Couch about building shoulders on the roads south, north, and west Wasco; also met with Ahron Hakimi , Executive Director for Kern Cog, and discussed that there are funds available and the county would be interested and may be able to do the work; the city would need to apply for funding.
Attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening for California Home Pros and Pops Barber Shop – spoke to Tilo Cortez about spearheading a downtown business association and tackling a Chamber of Commerce, followed up, and he agreed.
No public comments on any of the closed session items.
Mayor Garcia adjourned into closed session meeting at 7:48 pm.
Mayor Garcia adjourned out of closed session meeting at 8:09 p.m.
18) CLOSED SESSION:
a. Approval of Closed Session Minutes for January 16, 2024.
b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 54956.9: (One potential case.) c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: Amerivet Contracting, a California Corporation DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2024
19) CLOSED SESSION ACTION:
City Manager Hurlbert reported out.
a. Approval of Closed Session Minutes for January 16, 2024.
Motion was made by Mayor Garcia, seconded by Council Member Saldaña to approve the closed session minutes by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GARCIA, MEDINA, REYNA, SALDAÑA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTINEZ
b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to par agraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 54956.9: (One potential case.) No reportable action.
c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: Amerivet Contracting, a California Corporation No reportable action.
20) ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Garcia adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
____________________________________
Monica Flores, Deputy City Clerk
______________________________________
Alexandro Garcia, Mayor
DocuSign Envelope ID: 601BD209-2A7E-4A76-B4A8-047F479D5235