Meeting Minutes
Wasco City Council
TUESDAY, December 19, 2006 – 7:00pm
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Espitia called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
2) FLAG SALUTE
3) INVOCATION: Pastor Mike Bradley of Grace Community Church gave the invocation.
4) ROLL CALL Mayor West, Council Members: Cortez, Espitia, Pearson, and Wegman.
Others Present- City Manager Pennell, City Attorney A. Peake, City Clerk Hight, Finance Director Zervis, Public Works Director Jones, City Projects Manager Wren, City Operations Manager Allen, Economic Development Director Mittag, Planning Director Woodcock, Sr. Planner McNamara, Assistant Planner Jaquez, Associate Planner Patricia Manry.
5) PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS: None
6) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None
7) CONSENT CALENDAR:
a) Approval of Minutes from the Following Meetings:
Special Meeting on December 5, 2006,
Special Joint Meeting with the Redevelopment Agency on December 5, 2006, and
Regular Meeting on December 5, 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 – November 2006
2. Wasco Code Compliance Officer – November 2006
e) Approval of a 2006-2384 Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wasco Approving an Application and Contract Execution for Funding from the Safe Routes to School Program of the State Department of Transportation and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Contract Documents and any Amendments Thereto with the State of California for the Purposes of this Grant.
f) Acceptance of “Notice of Completion/Acceptance of Work” for the 6th Street Sidewalk Project completed by Griffith Company and Authorizing the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
g) Approval of a 2006-2385 Resolution Approving the Final Parcel Map from Applicants Alan and Julie Townsend, for Parcel Map 11667 Related to Property located south of McCombs Road and west of Annin Avenue, Accepting for Public Use All Dedications for the Purposes for Which They are Offered, Authorizing the City Clerk to Endorse the Final Map and Transmit Same to the County Clerk’s Office.
h) Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence.
i) Approve the Reading of All Ordinances and Resolutions by Title Only and
Approve Publication of All Ordinances in Summary Form.
Wegman pulled item 7b and 7g for discussion
West made a motion to approve the remaining calendar, 2nd by Cortez. All in favor motion carried with the
following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Pearson, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution title.
7b. Wegman questioned the expense from the Sheriffs department. Zervis and Pennell responded.
Wegman made a motion to approve, 2nd by Cortez. All in favor motion carried.
7g. Wegman questioned the division of land and West had questions on the location of the well. Woodcock and Jones responded.
Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Pearson. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Pearson, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution title.
8) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Minute Action, RE: 2006-2386 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO CONCERNING THE CANCELLATION OF A WILLIAMSON ACT CONTRACT Pertaining to Assessor’s Parcel Number 489-020-08 and 489-020-14 on 76.58 acres of land located directly south of Filburn Avenue, west of Hwy 43, north of Jackson Avenue and east of Griffith Avenue
(Woodcock) Continued from October 3, 2006
Woodcock passed out proposed resolution and exhibits.
West abstained and left the Council Chambers.
Woodcock gave a brief explanation of the cancellation process and reported that all requirements for cancellation have been met. Woodcock also stated that this project was consistent with the EIR and the General Plan and that staff recommended approval.
Mayor Espitia opened the public hearing.
Attorney Peake requested the oral and written reports from staff be received into the record and they were entered into and made a part of the public hearing.
Lorraine Unger of the Sierra Club spoke in opposition to this cancellation. She also spoke of correspondence from Gordon Nipp which was also circulated to council.
Greg Black of Dewalt Corp. spoke in agreement with staff’s findings and encouraged support of the cancellation.
Attorney Peake asked if we received correspondence from Goldfarb Lipman Attorneys. Woodcock responded positively and circulated the letter to council and staff.
There were no further comments from the audience.
Mayor Espitia closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Pearson. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Pearson, Wegman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: West.
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution title.
West came back to council chambers at 7:41 p.m.
9) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Approval, RE: 2006-2387 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2010 GROWTH BOUNDARY WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA
Mayor Espitia opened the public hearing.
Woodcock gave a summery of General Plan Growth Boundary, and explained the necessity of proposed projects being inside our growth boundary so that they can be heard.
Discussion ensued on the EIR, Cal Trans, timelines, updates and accountability.
Mayor Espitia closed the public hearing at 7:57 p.m.
Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Wegman. All in favor, motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Pearson, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution title.
10) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Approval, RE: GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 06-04
# 2006-2388 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2010 GROWTH BOUNDARY – WEST OF CITY
Mayor Espitia opened the public hearing.
Woodcock gave a brief explanation of the westward boundary expansion and recommended approval.
Greg Black of Dewalt Corp spoke in support of the westward progression.
Lorraine Oaker of the Sierra Club spoke in opposition to this expansion and encourage responsible zoning on these property’s.
Discussion ensued of boundaries and noticing requirements, and timelines.
Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Pearson. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Pearson,
NOES: Wegman
ABSTAIN: West.
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the resolution title.
11) Presentation by Helt Engineering Related to Preliminary Findings on the Existing Storm Water Infrastructure Report
Wren gave a brief staff report and introduced Juan Pantoja of Helt Engineering. Pantoja reported on analysis of existing storm water infrastructure. Discussion ensued over minimal repairs and complete reconstruction costs and timelines, the 1983 report and the differences found between the two reports. Staff requested input/direction from Council.
Dwayne Hutson 2011 Sycamore, questioned more pumps around town and the effectiveness of Westside Park.
After lengthy discussion, no action taken.
12) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Update on State Infrastructure Grant Program
Mayor Pro Tem Cortez gave a brief report of positive meetings with LAFCO directors.
Pearson made a motion to accept report, 2nd by Wegman. All in favor motion carried.
13) Report and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance, RE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17.79.06.P OF THE CITY OF WASCO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE USE OF PORTABLE CANOPIES AND CARPORTS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONE DISTRICTS
Woodcock gave a brief report of ordinance and its structure.
Pauline Marquez 2424 Jasmine questioned the word “portable”.
Woodcock explained that would be one that does have a permanent foundation; one that does not require a permit.
Discussion regarding 5/10/15 year time frames, aesthetics, and grandfathering were had by the council.
Woodcock stated that any decision made by staff regarding acceptable and non-acceptable could be appealed by the citizen to the planning commission.
Pauline Marquez questioned height of carports, fences and required setbacks and fire protection services.
West made a motion to approve ordinance as suggested by staff with the change of front yard reference and to 17.79.06(P) from five (5) year to ten (10) year maximum or sooner if the property is sold.
Cortez asked Wegman if she would be voting on this tonight.
Wegman responded that she would because she had no conflict of interest.
Cortez entered into the record a photo dated Nov 22, 2006 of Wegman’s backyard showing a canopy in her rear yard and requested that she not vote.
Wegman stated that she would be voting and that she had permission to put the canopy up.
Espitia 2nd the motion on the floor made by West.
Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Wegman, West
NOES: Cortez, Pearson
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attorney Peake read the ordinance title.
Woodcock responded that staff would make the amendment changes and would bring it back for a second reading.
Cortez asked to hold off on decisions regarding this matter. Peake responded that there would be a public hearing, second reading and required 30 days. Cortez agreed there was ample time.
14) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Possible Inter-City Agreement Related to Equipment Sharing with the City of California City
Pennell gave a brief report of how the city might share equipment with neighboring city.
Wegman questioned transportation of equipment.
Espitia requested cost analysis at next council meeting.
Allen reported that most of what we would need to pave, they have. What we can offer them is the use of our paver.
Allen requested putting the pilot program together and prove the process.
Jones explained that the public works department just wants direction to move ahead with the concept and putting a pilot program together and train the employees.
Motion made by West to approve, 2nd by Cortez. All in favor motion carried.
15) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Committee Recommendations to fill two seats on the Planning Commission for terms expiring 12/31/2010 (Mayor Espitia/Council Member Wegman)
Mayor Espitia reported that he and Wegman met with candidates Jim Forrest, Charlie Santillan and Dave German and would like to recommend Charles Santillan and Dr. Jim Forrest to fill the two seats on the planning commission. Espitia also requested staff to inquire into Linda Voths recovery and attendance status.
Motion by Espitia, 2nd by West. All in favor motion carried.
16) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Approval to Conduct Traffic Study at Filburn and Palm Avenues for Possible Stop Sign Placement
Pennell requested permission for traffic authority to conduct a traffic study.
Pearson made a motion to approve, 2nd by Cortez. Motion carried with a 4-1-0 vote. West- No
REPORTS FROM CITY STAFF
Staff wished a Merry Christmas to the Council
Mittag reported two businesses are relocating from a neighboring city to Wasco.
Zervis reported that he has met with auditors and getting acquainted with staff and city.
REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY
REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER
Pennell reported that the State of California is proposing and additional 1800 inmates to Wasco State Prison.
That the other Kern County City Managers are continuing to meet with Kern County for a plan for fire protection services.
REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Pearson would like to form a local water impact committee, and requested that it be brought back on the next agenda.
West reported a conversation with a local business south of Mid Valley Electric owner regarding the removal of his banners. West said that there are banners all over town.
Wegman question the landscaping.
Cortez requested that the color photo of Wegman’s yard be entered into the record.
Cortez made a motion to adjourn to the RDA meeting at 9:50 p.m., 2nd by West. All in favor motion carried.
Regular meeting reconvened at 9:55 p.m.
Cortez made a motion to move into closed session at 9:56 p.m. 2nd by Wegman. All in favor motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
a) Conference with Labor Negotiators Larry F. Pennell and Alan Peake, RE: Contract Negotiations with the Following Unrepresented Employees: Daniel Allen, Robert Jones, Ronald Mittag, Keith Woodcock, Robert Wren and James Zervis
Government Code Section 54957.6 (Pennell)
Attorney Peake reported that information was provided, no action taken at this time.
22) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Possible Employment Agreement Modifications and Salary Range Adjustments Related to the following Positions (Pennell)
Public Works Director
City Projects Manager
Economic Development Director
Planning Director
City Operations Manager
Administrative Services/Finance Director
Espitia reported that direction was given and that Council understands that money is important.
The Mayor appointed a committee of Cortez and Espitia to oversee the salary ranges in conjunction with the Mid-Year Financial Review. West made a motion to approve the committee 2nd by Wegman. All in favor motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Motion by Wegman, 2nd by Cortez. All in favor motion carried.
___________________________ _____________________________
Vickie Hight, City Clerk Danny Espitia, Mayor
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