City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025
MINUTES
WASCO CITY COUNCIL
and Successor Agency to the
Former Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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
Mayor Medina called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2) ROLL CALL: Mayor Medina, Mayor Pro Tem Saldaña, Council Members: Martinez, Raya, Reyna
PRESENT: Mayor Medina, Mayor Pro Tem Saldaña, Council Members: Martinez, Raya, Reyna
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager M. Scott Hurlbert, City Attorney Thomas Schroeter, Assistant City Manager Maria Lara, City Clerk Maria O. Martinez, Deputy City Clerk Monica Flores, Public Works Director Luis Villa, Community Development Director Keri Cobb, Police Chief Charles Fivecoat.
3) FLAG SALUTE: by Mayor Medina
4) INVOCATION: observed a moment of silence
5) APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Manager Hurlbert informed the city council that a fourth public hearing item for the first reading of an ordinance on the towing rotation had not been posted to the agenda.
The item will be re-advertised, and a special meeting is tentatively planned for July 28, 2025, to consider the item to hold the public hearing . If anyone wants to come and speak during the public comment item on that topic, they will be allowed to do so. They are welcome to come back at the next regular meeting, as well as the special meeting where the council will consider that item.
Motion by Council Member Reyna , seconded by Mayor Medina, to approve the agenda as to form by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025 6) PRESENTATIONS:
a. UnWired Broadband
Jon Majors, Director of Field Operations, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There were no public comments.
Deputy City Clerk Monica Flores mentioned that there are no email comments for this item or any other agenda items.
8) SUCCESSOR AGENCY BUSINESS:
a. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Wasco Redevelopment Agency to remove Isarel Perez -Hernandez as Authorizing Signer for all Successor Agency Bank Accounts.
Reso#2025-030
Oral presentation by City Manager Hurlbert.
There were no public comments.
Motion by Director Martinez, seconded by Vice-Chairman Saldaña, to adopt the resolution by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
9) WASCO PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY BUSINESS:
a. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Wasco Public Financing Authority to remove Isarel Perez -Hernandez as Authorizing Signers for all Wasco Public Financing Authority Bank Accounts.
Reso#2025-067
Oral presentation by City Manager Hurlbert.
There were no public comments.
Motion by Vice-Chairman Saldaña, seconded by Chairman Medina, to adopt the resolution by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
10) PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
a. Kern County Fire Department (Appleton)
No reports -Chief Appleton absent
b. Wasco Police Department (Mora)
Chief Fivecoat gave a PowerPoint presentation on recent crimes Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025 CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS:
11) CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Consent Calendar consists of items that are routine and noncontroversial, in the staff's opinion. These items are approved in one motion unless a Council Member or member of the public requests the removal of a particular item.
a. Receive and File department payments totaling $ 252,183.98
b. Approval of City Council Minutes for:
1. April 15, 2025, Regular Meeting
2. July 1, 2025, Regular Meeting
c. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Approving an Application for Funding and the Execution of a Grant Agreement , Budget Appropriations, and any Amendments thereto for the 2025 Wonderful Company Wonderful Community Grants.
Reso#2025-4234
d. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378, of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Declaring its Intention to Review the Improvements and Assessments for Wasco Maintenance District No. 1, Wasco Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts No. 01 -01, No. 01 -02, No. 06-1, and 2017 -1 for Tax Year 2025 and Authorizing the City Clerk to set the Public Hearing.
Reso#2025-4235
e. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378, of the CEQA Guidelines; Authorize the City Manager or Designee to Sign and Execute a Purchase Order with Bakersfield Well and Pump for Emergency Repairs to Well #8 in the Amount not to Exceed $15,000.00.
PULLED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
f. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Approval of Travel and Training Expenses Exceeding $500.00 for Assistant Chief of Police to attend the C alifornia POST Management Course scheduled for August 4-8, 2025, in San Diego, CA.
g. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution to Remove Isarel Perez-Hernandez as an Authorized Signer for all City Bank Accounts.
Reso#2025-4237
h. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager or Designee to enter into a professional services agreement with Koff and Associates for recruitment services for the position of Finance Director and approve a budget amendment to increase the Human Resources division budget for Professional Services by thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00)
Reso#2025-4238
Agmt#2025-026
There was no conflict of interest for any council members.
Council member Reyna pulled item 11.e. for further clarification.
Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025 Motion by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Saldaña, to approve the Consent Calendar with separate consideration for item 11.e. by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
e. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378, of the CEQA Guidelines; Authorize the City Manager or Designee to Sign and Execute a Purchase Order with Bakersfield Well and Pump for Emergency Repairs to Well #8 in the Amount not to Exceed $15,000.00.
Reso#2025-4236
Council member Reyna requested clarification on the dollar amounts listed on the staff report.
Motion by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Mayor Medina, to approve item
11.e. by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
12) PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a. Council finds th e Ordinance exempt from the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(B)(2) and (B)(3) and Section 15061; Introduce and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Wasco amending Title 9 of the City of Wasco Municipal Code, adding Chapter 9.20, Offenses Against Public Decency.
Oral presentation by Community Development Director Cobb.
Mayor Medina opened the public hearing at 6:37 p.m.
Public Comments: None
Mayor Medina closed the public hearing at 6:37 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Mayor Medina, to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
b. Council finds the Ordinance exempt from the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(B)(2) and (B)(3) and Section 15061; Introduce and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Wasco amending Section 10.36.100 of Chapter 10.36 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025 of the City of Wasco Municipal Code to Prohibit Human -Powered Vending upon Streets, Roads and Bicycle Lanes.
Oral presentation by Community Development Director Cobb.
Mayor Medina opened the public hearing at 6:39 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Medina closed the public hearing at 6:39 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Reyna, seconded by Mayor Medina, to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
c. Council finds the Ordinance exempt from the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(B)(2) and (B)(3) and Section 15061; Introduce and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Wasco amending Section 12.32.020 (Definitions) of Chapter 12.32 (Unlawful Camping in Public Places) of Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) of the City of Wasco Municipal Code. (Cobb)
Oral presentation by Community Development Director Cobb.
Mayor Medina opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Medina closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Saldaña, seconded by Mayor Medina, to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
13) DEFERRED BUSINESS: None
14) NEW BUSINESS: None
15) REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
a. Kern Economic Development Corporation (Medina)
No reports.
b. Kern Council of Governments (Reyna)
No reports.
c. Wasco Task Force (Saldaña and Medina)
The next event will take place on July 26, 2025, at the new park at 7:00 a.m.
Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025 16) REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER:
City Manager Hurlbert updated the city council on the following:
• An adoption event was held on July 3, 2025, with one puppy adopted • The SNIP event will be on August 8, 2025, in front of the Public Works Department at 8:00 a.m.
• The Cooling Center was opened last week, on Friday, July 11th, and Saturday, July 12 th, per the City Council's direction, when the weather is 105 degrees or higher. No one took advantage of the cooling center.
• The West Kern Economic Alliance was held on July 9th at the Wonderful Amenities Center.
• The PAL Open House was on July 10 th. Twenty-five volunteer applications were completed, and additional applications were sent home with families to be filled out.
• The Community Breakfast meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. to be hosted at Independence High Adult Center Facility.
• Save the Date for the Kern EDC Dinner on September 10, 2025. The reservations will be closing soon.
17) REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL:
Council Member Reyna:
• Attended the food distribution from Food Forward at the Catholic Church, which he collaborated with the Lideres Campesinas to bring to town, and helped over 400 families. Thanked the city staff for the equipment for the event, and the Mayor for his assistance with the event.
• Walked to d istribute the illegal firework door hangers , and will continue to distribute the door hangers until they are all gone.
There were no public comments on the closed session items.
Mayor Medina adjourned into closed session at 6:57 p.m. with a five-minute recess.
Mayor Medina adjourned out of closed session at 7:43 p.m.
18) CLOSED SESSION:
a. Closed Session Minutes for July 1, 2025.
b. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT 54957
Title: Finance Director
c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: Amerivet Contracting, a California Corporation
d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: LEO Towing
e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS 54956.8
Real Property: Portion of APN 487-010-83
City Negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Party: Assurance Development
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025 19) CLOSED SESSION ACTION:
City Attorney Tom Schroeter reported out.
a. Closed Session Minutes for July 1, 2025.
Motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Mayor Medina, to approve the closed session minutes by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEDINA, SALDAÑA, MARTINEZ, RAYA, REYNA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
b. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT 54957
Title: Finance Director
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.
d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: LEO Towing
No reportable action.
e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS 54956.8
Real Property: Portion of APN 487-010-83
City Negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Party: Assurance Development
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
No reportable action.
20) ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Medina adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
____________________________________
Monica Flores, Deputy City Clerk
______________________________________
Valentin Medina, Mayor
Docusign Envelope ID: 59F45A8F-6972-490F-B98C-0F0AE0BC5DC8