City of Wasco
City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, November 21, 2006 – 7:00pm
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor West called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
2) FLAG SALUTE
3) INVOCATION: Pastor Scott Allred – First United Methodist Church
4) ROLL CALL Mayor West, Council Members: Cortez, Espitia, Pearson, and Wegman.
Others Present- City Manager Pennell, City Attorney A. Peake, City Clerk Hight, Executive Secretary Krause, Interim Finance Director Mosqueda, Public Works Director Jones, Superintendent of Streets and City Projects Wren, City Projects Manager Allen, Code Enforcement Officer Reyes, Economic Development Director Mittag, Planning Director Woodcock, Sr. Planner Dennis McNamara, Assistant Planner Jaquez, Associate Planner Patricia Manry, Human Resource Manager Harjit Randhawa, and Sgt. Zimmermann.
5) PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS: None
6) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Mr. Jose Lona, 1575 Shamrock Ct., spoke in opposition to the projected dairies coming to Wasco. His concerns are air quality and water contamination. He invited Council to a meeting to be held at the Wasco Recreation Center at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 305 Griffith Ave. on Dec 6th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss and hear the concerns of local citizens regarding dairies, air and water quality issues.
Bob Reeves, 2325 Sunset Ave. spoke regarding his concerns over neglected swimming pools and palm branches that could be a fire hazard. He also spoke of the corner of 7th and Palm where he has witnessed on three different occasions where drivers have used the handicapped sidewalk as a driveway into the parking lot.
JoAnn Martin resides on the corner of Gromer and Annin. Thanked staff and council specifically Kathy Krause, Dennis McNamara and especially Keith Woodcock for arriving at a resolution of the annexation involving her property. She also wanted to encourage some type of ordinance or policy be adopted by Council related to the costs incurred by small property owners involved in an annexation process.
7) CONSENT CALENDAR:
a) Approval of Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 7, 2006.
b) Approval of Bill Paying List.
c) Acceptance of Building Permit Report for November 2006.
d) Acceptance of Code Enforcement Reports:
1. Fire Prevention Services – October 2006
2. Wasco Code Compliance Officer – October 2006
e) Approval of Resolution 2006-2379 of the City Council of the City of Wasco to Comply with Treasury § 1.150.-2 and any other Regulations of Internal Revenue Service Relating to Qualification for Reimbursement of the Wastewater Treatment Expansion Project Cost.
f) Approval of Resolution 2006-2380 of the City Council of the City of Wasco Establishing a Wastewater Capital Reserve Fund in Accordance with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Requirements of the State Revolving Fund Loan Program.
g) Approval of Resolution 2006-2378 of the City Council of the City of Wasco Naming an Authorized Representative to Sign and File on Behalf of the City of Wasco the Financial Assistance Application for the SRF Loan.
h) Approval of Resolution 2006-2377 of the City Council of the City of Wasco Regarding Source-of-Funds for Repayment of State Revolving Fund Loan Related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project.
i) Approval of Bid Award to Loop Electric for the Signal and Intersection Improvements Project located at Highway 46 and Griffith Avenue at a Cost Not to Exceed $309,064.50.
j) Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence.
k) Approve the Reading of All Ordinances and Resolutions by Title Only and
Approve Publication of All Ordinances in Summary Form.
Cortez made a motion to approve the entire calendar, 2nd by Espitia. All in favor motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: West, Cortez, Espitia, Pearson, and Wegman.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution titles.
8) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Update on Mobile Food Vending -
Pennell reported that in the committee meeting on Wednesday November 15, current restrictions on the mobile units could not be enforced as determined in council meeting Nov. 7th. Discussion ensued regarding what the current codes are and how they effect mobile food vending, Central Business District and specific plan overlays, conditional use permits, private and public lots, and mobile vs. brick and mortar.
After lengthy discussion, Mayor West made a motion to continue and allow vendors to work until a resolution can be formed. The motion died due to lack of a second.
Cortez asked if there were any comments from the audience.
Mrs. Barraza spoke in opposition to the ordinance and asked for permission to continue to operate on the private property located on the southwest corner of F and 6th Streets.
Debra Fontes, operator of Hoyett’s Restaurant on the southeast corner of F and 6th streets spoke in favor of the ordinance and its enforcement.
Mr. Calderon, 909 Birch Street, owner and operator of Santa Cruz Tortilleria said that they were converting the trailer to meet code.
Wegman stated her support of the ordinance and the need to comply with the existing vision and plans made by the Historical overlay.
There was no action taken and staff was instructed to enforce the ordinance.
9) Report and Possible Approval, RE: A RESOLUTION 2006-2376 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO APPROVING WET/DRY GARBAGE COLLECTION REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. WSP06004 WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, AND AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT
Public Works Director Jones gave a brief staff report. There were no questions from the audience or council. Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: West, Cortez, Espitia, Pearson, and Wegman.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution title.
10) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Approval of Position Descriptions and Salary Ranges for Public Works Inspector I, II, and III
Wren gave a staff report of positions and salary ranges. Wegman requested information of which cities were the comparisons made regarding salary range. Randhawa responded that Tracy, Stockton and Bakersfield were used in the comparison due to their need of these types of positions. Wegman requested that local cities of similar size be used in comparisons. She stated that cities like Fowler, Selma and Coalinga should be used as they are more compatible to Wasco. After discussion, Wegman made a motion to continue, 2nd by Cortez. All in favor, motion carried. 5-0-0
11) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Approval to Participate in Kern County Competitive Bidding Process for the Purpose of Purchasing three (3) Light Duty Pick-up Trucks for use in the Water, Engineering and Planning Departments
Allen gave a brief staff report regarding the request to participate in the bidding process of three light duty trucks. There was discussion regarding the need of these vehicles, mid year budget, and who would be driving these vehicles. After a brief discussion Wegman made a motion to proceed, 2nd by Espitia. All in favor, motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
12) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Possible Municipal Code Amendment to allow Parking Structures in Residential Rear and Side Yard Setbacks
West requested that council discuss an amendment to allow canopies/parking structures in residential rear and side yard setbacks. After discussion, staff was instructed to bring back to council a couple options on the amendment. No action taken.
13) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Possible Municipal Code Addition Related to the Requirement for a Tobacco Retailer’s Permit
Pennell gave a brief report of the County’s newly adopted program of inspection and enforcement program for businesses that sell tobacco products.
Pennell requested policy direction concerning Council’s interest in adoption of a similar program.
Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Espitia. All in favor motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
14) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Possible Municipal Code Addition Regarding Food Establishment Grading
Pennell gave a brief report of the County’s newly amended ordinance requiring retail food establishments to post a letter grade received at the completion of a County Health inspection.
Pennell requested policy direction concerning Council’s interest in adoption of a similar program.
Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Espitia. Motion carried with a 4-0-1 vote. Mayor West abstained.
15) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Consider Joint Meeting with Economic Development Committee at 4:00p.m. on December 13, 2006 to Conduct Work Session on Signage and Marketing Program
Mittag requested a joint meeting on December 13, at 4:00 p.m. After a brief discussion of availability, Mayor West called a special joint meeting with the Economic Development Committee to be held on December 13, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
REPORTS FROM CITY STAFF
Woodcock introduced new Associate Planner Patricia Manry.
REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY- None
REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER-Would like to schedule another joint meeting with the Wasco Recreation and Parks Board of Directors.
REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Espitia: reported that he and Cortez would be meeting with Sheriff Youngblood.
Cortez: encouraged other councilmembers to speak to Rod Brewer regarding recent bond measures. He also stated the importance of voicing Wasco’s needs.
Wegman: Inquiry regarding an incident with chickens and/or roosters within the city limits.
Cortez made a motion to adjourn to RDA at 9:25 p.m., 2nd by Wegman. All in favor motion carried.
Espitia made a motion to reconvene regular meeting at 10:10 p.m., 2nd by Cortez. All in favor motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
a) Liability Claim against the City of Wasco RE: Roberto Bolanos
Government Code Section 54956.9(b)
Peake reported that information was provided and with unanimous consent direction was given.
b) Conference with Labor Negotiators Larry F. Pennell, Harjit Randhawa and Alan Peake RE: Contract Negotiations with Service Employees International Union.
Government Code Section 54957.6
Peake reported that information was provided and with unanimous consent direction was given.
c) Conference with Legal Counsel RE: Threat of Potential Litigation (One Case).
Government Code Section 54956.9(b)
Mayor West left closed session a 10:31 due to a possible conflict of interest.
Peake reported that information was provided and with unanimous consent direction was given.
ADJOURNMENT – Wegman made a motion to adjourn at 10:46 p.m., 2nd by Cortez. All in favor motion carried.
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