City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2026
MINUTES
WASCO CITY COUNCIL
and Successor Agency to the
Former Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Regular Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
746 8th Street, Wasco, CA 93280
THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED IN A HYBRID MODEL WITH BOTH IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE AND VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION.
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 pm
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor
Mayor Saldaña, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL: Mayor Saldaña, Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Council Members: Martinez, Medina, Raya
PRESENT: Mayor Saldaña, Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Council Members: Martinez, Medina Raya
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Maria Lara, City Attorney Tom Schroeter, City Clerk Maria O. Martinez, Executive Assistant I Cinthia Ugalde, Public Works Director Luis Villa, Community Development Director Keri Cobb, Finance Director Tracy Blakemore, Police Chief Alecio Mora.
3) FLAG SALUTE: by Mayor Saldaña
4) INVOCATION: Observed a moment of silence.
5) APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Assistant City Manager Maria Lara informed the council of two corrections to the agenda. For agenda item 6, Presentations, a proclamation for the former Rose Queen, Emma Gomez, will be added. For agenda item 14a. the fiscal year on the staff report will be corrected to reflect Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, seconded by Mayor Saldaña, to approve the agenda with the changes mentioned with the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Docusign Envelope ID: DF5077C0-6225-846E-83BE-BC3C4488A9F9 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2026 6) PRESENTATIONS:
a. Proclamation Recognizing Former Rose Queen
Mayor Saldana presented the proclamation to the former Rose Queen Emma Gomez.
7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
• Sharon Sharp – Wasco Rose Festival
• Andres Ramirez – Soccer Field Inquiry
• Erica Ramirez – Soccer Field Inquiry
• Estrella Arreola – Soccer Field Inquiry
• Jaime Linares – Soccer Field Inquiry
• Yessenia Rodriguez – Soccer Field Inquiry
Executive Assistant I, Cinthia Ugalde, announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
City Clerk Maria Martinez mentioned that there are no email comments for this item or any other agenda items.
8) SUCCESSOR AGENCY BUSINESS: None
9) WASCO PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY BUSINESS: None
10) PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
a. Kern County Fire Department (Appleton):
• No Report – Chief Appleton absent.
b. Wasco Police Department (Mora):
• Police Chief Alecio Mora reported on the current public safety report; shared with council an E-scooter and E-Bike Safety pamphlet.
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 for separate consideration.
a. Receive and File department payments totaling $ 510,641.07 b. Approval of the City Council Minutes:
• August 18, 2026, Regular Meeting
• September 1, 2026, Regular Meeting
c. 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 two Wasco Police Department officers to attend the Traffic Collision Investigation Course scheduled for September 28 to October 2, 2026, in Fresno, California.
Docusign Envelope ID: DF5077C0-6225-846E-83BE-BC3C4488A9F9 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2026 d. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Deferral of Development Impact Fees for the construction of a new 5,020 square-foot multi-tenant building at 301 N. Central Avenue, Assessor’s Parcel Number 487-010-81, as provided for under Title 13 of the Wasco Municipal Code and Government Code Section 66007.
Reso#2026-4389
e. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute the FY2025/2026 Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Forms for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) Cycle B for the following project: New Transit Operating and Maintenance Facility, $27,970.00.
Reso#2026-4390
f. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute and Endorse a Professional Services Agreement with PLCs Plus International, Inc. for SCADA-related matters.
Reso#2026-4390
Agmt#2026-030
No conflict of interest on the consent calendar for any Council member.
There were no in-person public comments.
Executive Assistant I, Cinthia Ugalde, announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, to approve the Consent Calendar by the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
12)PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE
Staff shall introduce the public hearing item and present their report to Council. Councilmembers may ask questions of staff if they desire. Any member of the public may speak or present evidence after being recognized by the Mayor. All rules of decorum apply during Public Hearings.
Each member of the Council shall verbally disclose all ex parte communications concerning the subject of the hearing.
13)DEFERRED BUSINESS: None
Docusign Envelope ID: DF5077C0-6225-846E-83BE-BC3C4488A9F9 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2026 14)NEW BUSINESS: The public may comment on each item listed on the agenda for New Business items as the items are taken up. New Business items may be reordered at the Chair's discretion.
The public may speak up to 2 minutes on each agenda item. a. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the Professional Service Task Order No. 1 Under an Agreement with LSL, LLP for Accounting Support Services for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in an amount not to exceed $10,00.00.
Reso#2026-4392
Agmt#2026-008(1)
Finance Director Tracy Blakemore gave an oral presentation.
There were no in-person public comments.
Executive Assistant I, Cinthia Ugalde, announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Seconded by Council Member Martinez, to adopt the resolution with the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
15)REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND COMMITTEES:
a. Kern Economic Development Corporation (Medina)
• Attended the Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) Dinner on September 10, 2026.
b. Kern Council of Government (Reyna)
• No report.
c. Wasco Task Force (Saldaña & Raya)
• No report.
16)REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER:
Assistant City Manager Lara updated the City Council on the following:
• City of Wasco participated in the Rose Festival and was awarded first place for its vehicles. Appreciation was expressed to staff and Council Members for participating and contributing to the event.
• Wasco Union Elementary School District (WUESD) will host a Community Roundtable Workshop scheduled for September 16, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Teresa Burke Elementary, with future meetings planned for the third Wednesday of each month.
• Bike Rodeo scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Wasco High School Cafeteria parking lot. • Dial-A-Ride service for the seniors from the Senior Center to the Kern County Fair starting Friday, September 25, 2026.
• National Night Out Event scheduled for October 1, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 7th St. Plaza.
• Community Cleanup Event scheduled for October 3, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Docusign Envelope ID: DF5077C0-6225-846E-83BE-BC3C4488A9F9 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2026 • Community Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, starting at 7:00 a.m. at the PAL building.
• Wasco Recreation and Parks District (WRPD) will have a Trunk or Treat event scheduled for October 29, 2026, AT Barker Park.
• Update to the Council on the HAWK Installation System Mayor Pro Tem Reyna:
• Commended staff and all individuals involved for restoring the flash beacons, noting that the HAWK Installation project has been a longstanding effort and helps provide a safer crossing for children. • Explained the pedestrian crossing system to the public, including the HAWK installation signals, and their role in improving pedestrian safety. • Requested information from staff regarding the Senior transportation service to the Kern County Fair.
Council Member Medina;
• Expressed appreciation and requested clarification from staff regarding the pedestrian crossing system.
17)REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL:
Mayor Pro Tem Reyna:
• Attended the Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) Dinner on September 10, 2026.
• Hosted a Food Distribution with Lideres Campesinas at West Side Park. • Attended the Wasco Rose Festival Parade.
• Attended the Wasco Rose Festival Foundation Dinner, Evening in Bloom, and presented the Certificate of Recognition and Proclamations to the Rose Parade Grand Marshals and the Rose Queen Pageant Committee.
Council Member Raya:
• Requested an update from staff on the Well near Central Ave. and Poso Ave.
Council Member Medina:
• Requested weekly progress updates from staff on both well projects to keep council informed of project status from the Public Works Director.
Council Member Martinez:
• Requested an update from staff on the City’s ongoing coordination with the Wasco Recreation and Parks District.
18)CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS: Public comments on Closed Session Items only There were no in-person public comments on the closed session items.
Executive Assistant I, Cinthia Ugalde, announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Mayor Saldaña adjourned into closed session at 6:54 p.m. with a five-minute recess.
Mayor Saldaña adjourned out of closed session at 7:03 p.m.
Docusign Envelope ID: DF5077C0-6225-846E-83BE-BC3C4488A9F9 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2026 19)CLOSED SESSION: Teleconference/Video Conference Meeting. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956, the Public may not participate in the Closed Session, other than for Public Comments.
a. Closed Session Minutes for September 1, 2026.
b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: M. Scott Hurlbert & Nancy Vera Employee Organization: SEIU Local 521.
20)CLOSED SESSION ACTION:
City Attorney Tom Schroeter reported out.
a. Closed Session Minutes for September 1, 2026.
Motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, to approve the closed session minutes, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: M. Scott Hurlbert & Nancy Vera Employee Organization: SEIU Local 521.
No reportable action.
21)ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Saldaña adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
____________________________________
Maria O. Martinez, City Clerk
______________________________________
Eduardo Saldaña, Mayor
Docusign Envelope ID: DF5077C0-6225-846E-83BE-BC3C4488A9F9