City of Wasco
City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, June 5, 2007 – 7:00pm
City Council Chambers
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Espitia called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2) FLAG SALUTE
3) INVOCATION: Pastor Mike Bradley – Grace Community Church
4) ROLL CALL: Mayor Espitia, Members Cortez and Wegman. Member West absent
Attorney B. Garcia, City Manager Pennell, Assistant City Manager Mittag, City Clerk Hight, Executive Secretary Krause, Deputy Clerk Rodriguez, Administrative Services/Finance Director Zervis, City Treas. Mosqueda, Public Works Director Jones, City Projects Manager Wren, Senior Planner McNamara, Human Resource Manager Randhawa, Chief Building inspector Glaser, and Sergeant Lee.
Councilmember West arrived at 7:03.
5) PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS: Mayor Espitia gave a presentation of Proclamation to John Pallares of the Wasco Knights of Columbus, Council 2938, citing the week of June 18-24, as “Wasco Knights of Columbus Week 2007” in Wasco.
Mayor Espitia presented Administrative Assistant Kathy Krause with a Commendation in recognition and honor for enhancing the quality of service to the City of Wasco. Mrs. Krause resigned her position with the City of Wasco as she is be employed by the County of Kern as the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
Member Cortez made a motion to take a brief recess in celebratory cake with Mrs. Kruse and those present, 2nd by Member Wegman. All in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Espitia reconvened the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
6) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Jose Lona 1517 Shamrock Court spoke for the safety of the pedestrian public at several intersections in town.
Paul Neufeld 947 Evergreen Ct. stated his pleasure at Beckes Streets improvements.
He also asked about the completion of the yard behind City Hall and road repairs to Palm Ave between Margalo and Gromer.
John Pallares 601 D Street submitted a letter that he read to Council regarding driver behavior within the city.
Martin Rodriguez 1540 5th Street spoke in favor of reinstating employment of Rachael Rodriguez.
Cruz Rodriguez 1540 5th Street spoke in favor of reinstating employment of his wife Rachael Rodriguez.
Rich Cerello 5752 Country Club Parkway, spoke to Council regarding his mistreatment from staff and set timeframes that are impossible to meet without the aid of same staff.
Nancy Huff interim planning director spoke to council regarding Mr. Cerellos complaint and made herself available for Council or City Manager questions and asked to mend any misunderstandings.
Humberto Marquez 2427 Jasmine St. spoke in regards to light poles that are out in the city and kids riding bikes without helmets. He also agreed with a previous speaker regarding dangerous intersections that need to be controlled.
Miguel Raya 750 H street #27 spoke in regards to Wasco Housing Authority issues and asked who was the contact person with the city attorneys office. Bonny Garcia responded that it would be Eva Plaza that would be available.
7) CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Agenda consists of items that in staffs' opinion are routine and non-controversial. These items are approved in one motion unless a Councilmember or member of the public removes a particular item.
a) Approval of Minutes from the Following Meetings:
Regular Meetings on May 1, 2007 and May 15, 2007
Special Meeting on May 30, 2007
b) Approval of Bill Paying List.
c) Acceptance of Sheriff’s Activity Report for the Month of April 2007.
d) Acceptance of Code Enforcement Reports:
1. Wasco Code Compliance Officer – April 2007
2. Fire Prevention Services – April 2007
e) Approval of a # 07-2423 Resolution Accepting the Infrastructure Rehabilitation Water Feasibility Study Funded by the Department of Water Resources and Completed by the City Engineer.
f) Request for Authorization to Advertise Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Value Engineering Services of the City Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project.
g) Approval of Notice of Completion/Notice of Acceptance for the F Street Sidewalk Project completed by Pickinpaugh Concrete Construction and Authorizing Payment of the 10% Retention in the Amount of $9,003.44 thirty-five days after Notice of Completion is Recorded and Authorizing the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
h) Approval of Bereavement Leave Policy for City Staff, which establishes the specific criteria for Bereavement Leave use.
i) Approval of Jury Duty Policy for City Staff, which establishes specific criteria for Jury Duty Service and Compensation.
j) Approval of Equal Employment Opportunity Policy by the City of Wasco, which reinforces the City’s commitment to Achieving Equal Employment Opportunity in all levels of City service.
k) Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence.
l) Approve the Reading of All Ordinances and Resolutions by Title Only and
Approve Publication of All Ordinances in Summary Form.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve consent calendar, 2nd by Member West. All in favor motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Deputy Clerk Krause read the resolution title
8) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Approval, RE: A 07-2424 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY INSURED REVENUE BONDS (NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC.), SERIES 2007 IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING AND REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF CERTAIN MEDICAL AND HEALTH RELATED FACILITIES AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO (Pennell)
Mayor Espitia opened the public hearing. Dr. Michael from National health Services explained the Tafra Bonds and that the city has no responsibility for repayment. Mayor Espitia asked for comments. There were none. Mayor Espitia closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member West.
Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Deputy Clerk Krause read the resolution title
9) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Approval, RE: #2007-2425 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO REPORTING THAT THERE ARE NO UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS (Allen)
Mayor Espitia opened the public hearing.
City Operations Manager Allen gave the required report. Mayor Espitia asked for comments. There were none. Mayor Espitia closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Member Wegman made a motion to approve, 2nd by member Cortez. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Deputy Clerk Krause read the resolution title
10) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Minute Action, RE: PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-08 (Budget Committee of Councilmember’s Wegman and West/Finance Director Zervis)
Mayor Espitia opened the public hearing.
a) Consideration of a Proposal to Enact a Staff Hiring Freeze.
There was a brief discussion regarding employee certification and graded promotions.
No action taken
b) Consideration of a Proposal to Eliminate Allowance for 5% Management Salary Increases.
There was a discussion regarding the thought process from the committee regarding elimination of automatic salary increases and the possibility of a performance based increase.
No action taken.
c) Approval of: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADOPTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF WASCO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-08.
Member Cortez made a motion to table until the next regular meeting on June 19th, 2nd Member West. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
11) Second Reading and Possible Adoption of an Ordinance, RE: 2007-537 (ZONE CHANGE 07-05) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WASCO AMENDING SECTION 17.03 DEFINITIONS OF THE CITY OF WASCO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 17 (ZONING ORDINANCE) TO INCLUDE A NEW DEFINITION FOR SUMMER KITCHENS/OUTDOOR KITCHENS (McNamara)
Senior planner McNamara gave the second reading and explained that this would be a permit process. Member Cortez made a motion to adopt, 2nd by Mayor Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Deputy Clerk Krause read the ordinance title
12) Second Reading and Possible Adoption of an Ordinance, RE: 2007-538 (ZONE CHANGE 07-06) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WASCO AMENDING SECTION 17.03 DEFINITIONS OF THE CITY OF WASCO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 17 (ZONING ORDINANCE) TO INCLUDE A NEW DEFINITION ENTITLED CASITA AND AMENDING TABLE 17-3-7 TO ALLOW CASITAS IN THE R1-10 (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL LARGE LOT), R-E (ESTATE ZONE) AND R-R (RURAL RESIDENTIAL) ZONES AS A PERMITTED USE (McNamara)
Senior planner McNamara gave the second reading.
There was a brief discussion regarding the second dwelling and zoning.
Humberto Marquez 2424 Jasmine Ct. questioned the validity of this change and stated that he had been denied previous requests for a second dwelling.
Dwayne Hutson 2011 Sycamore Ct. said that he had seen advertisements claiming secondary dwellings.
There were no further comments.
Member Cortez made a motion to adopt, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Espitia, Cortez, Wegman and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Deputy Clerk Krause read the ordinance title
13) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Letter of Resignation from Council Member Larry Alonso Pearson and Recommendation of Procedure to Fill Vacancy of an Unexpired Term to Expire November 4, 2008 (Mayor Espitia)
Mayor Espitia reported that the City Attorney has provided ground rules on how to proceed and the allowed time frame to do so. Mayor Espitia asked the Council for input.
There was discussion regarding holding an election, appointment, interviews, holding a special meeting due to time constraints, and advertising the position.
Dwayne Hutson, 2011 Sycamore Ct. gave his opinion on past procedures and suggested a special meeting for appointment.
Ann Cervantes suggested letters to the community asking for interested citizens.
Member Cortez made a motion to advertise on the 13th of June with a deadline of June 18th, hold a special meeting on June 20th at 5:00 p.m., 2nd by Member West. Motion carried with a 4-0-0 vote.
14) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Consideration of Findings included in the Wasco Recreation and Park District Grand Jury Report (Mayor Pro Tem Cortez)
Member Cortez read a brief report of what the Grand Jury recommendations were.
City Attorney stated that terms could be addressed by the city.
There was discussion regarding the city absorption of the Recreation and Park District, possible incompatible offices for the Mayor and Member Cortez recommended the Council forward the report to the Attorney General.
After further discussion, Member West made a motion to move on to item 15, 2nd by Member Wegman.
Motion carried with clarification from the City Attorney Garcia that an abstention from Mayor Espitia would count as an affirmative vote. 3-1-0-0. Member Cortez opposed.
Member Cortez asked to amend motion, there was a brief discussion and ruling that the motion was complete.
15) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Consideration of Approval of Refreshed City Logo and New Tagline (Mittag)
Assistant City Manager Mittag gave a brief report of the recommendations of the Economic Development Committee to approve the “refreshed” logo and add the tagline- Come Grow With Us.
There was a brief discussion regarding rose color,
Member Wegman made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried 4-0-0.
16) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Consideration of Downtown Enhancements, Removal of Gazebo, and Installation of Clock Tower (Mittag)
Assistant City Manager Mittag reported of recommendation of Downtown Sub Committee of Member Cortez and Member Wegman and their recommendation to remove the gazebo from 7th and E streets and replace with a clock tower. There was discussion regarding costs and budgeting, and safety of the turn-a-bout on 7th.
Dwayne Hutson 2011 Sycamore Ct. spoke in opposition of replacement of the gazebo with a clock stating a clock had just been placed a the Transit Station and the city has recently raised water and garbage fees and questioned where money is being spent.
After a brief discussion regarding Mr. Hutsons concerns, Member Wegman made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Cortez. Motion carried with a 4-0-0 vote.
17) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Consideration of Approval of Communications and Technology Policy to Implement the Standards of Excellence and Establish Benchmarks for Expected Performance by City Staff (Mittag/Randhawa)
Assistant City Manager Mittag explained the policy governs access to the appropriate use of city provided electronic communications resources, establishes performance parameters in communications and helps improve communications. Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Wegman. Motion carried with a 4-0-0 vote.
18) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Review of City Zoning Ordinance Related to the Placement of Ocean Cargo Containers in Certain Locations within the City Limits (Mayor Pro Tem Cortez)
Member Cortez introduced Eva Bozarth and Julie Moore who are the owners of Wasco Valle Florist and who have recently been told they would have to remove there C-Train, located behind their business. After a brief discussion, City Manager Pennell asked if council would refer this back to staff and bring it back before council with some options on how to proceed. Council responded affirmatively.
No action taken.
19) REPORTS FROM CITY STAFF
Krause, thanked staff and council as this was her last meeting and day with the City of Wasco. She also asked how to proceed with appointments for 2 seats with the Wasco Housing Authority.
Mittag, asked if councilmember’s would be attending Tejon Ranch event on the 28th. Espitia and Wegman responded positively.
Hight, reported that she has two new Deputy City Clerks, Duviet Rodriguez and Lacey Jones.
Zervis, reported that the Finance Department received a certificate of achievement in financial reporting. Code enforcement officer Reyes is working with flex hours to cover evening hours.
Glaser encouraged the council to consider the full time position for Building Inspector.
McNamarra, thanked Kathy for all of her assistance.
Sgt. Lee, gave a brief staff report.
20) REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY- none
21) REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER- Thanked Kathy and said she was a joy to work with.
22) REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
West- None
Wegman- stated her disappointment with the treatment of Employee Rachael Rodriguez.
Cortez, congratulated Kathy on her new position as Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for the County of Kern.
Mayor Espitia recessed for RDA meeting at 10:02 p.m
Mayor reconvened regular meeting at 10:20 and moved into closed session.
23) CLOSED SESSION
a) Public Employee Recruitment – City Manager
Government Code Section 54957 (City Council)
Member Cortez left the closed session meeting at 11:11 p.m.
Mayor Espitia reconvened regular meeting at 11:24 p.m.
Attorney Garcia gave a report of actions by the council as follows:
Member Wegman and Member West made a motion to appoint Assistant City Manager Mittag to the position of City Manager effective August 1.
No other reportable action was taken.
Member Wegman made a motion to adjourn at 11:25 p.m.
___________________________ ___________________________
Vickie Hight, City Clerk Danny Espitia, Mayor
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