City of Wasco
City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, December 18, 2007
1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wegman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2) FLAG SALUTE
3) INVOCATION: Mayor Wegman led a moment of silence.
4) ROLL CALL
Mayor Wegman, Members Cortez, Hively, Espitia, West
Attorney E Plaza, City Manager Mittag, City Clerk Hight, Finance Director Zervis, Public Works Director Allen, Interim Planning Director Raper, Sgt Lee
5) PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS: none
6) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE: none
7) CONSENT CALENDAR:
a) Approval of Minutes from the Following Meeting:
Regular Meeting of December 4, 2007
b) Approval of Bill Paying List.
c) Acceptance of Sheriff’s Activity Report for the Month of November 2007.
d) Acceptance of Monthly Building Permit Report for November 2007.
e) Second Reading and Possible Adoption of an Ordinance, RE: 07-558 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASCO AMENDING THE WASCO CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 5, BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES, AND REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 5.16.120 MOBILE FOOD VENDING VEHICLES PROHIBITED CONDUCT AS REFLECTED IN EXHIBIT A.
f) Second Reading and Possible Adoption of an Ordinance, RE: 07-557 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASCO AMENDING CHAPTER 5.32.070(E) OF THE WASCO MUNICIPAL CODE.
g) Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence.
h) Approve the Reading of All Ordinances and Resolutions by Title Only and
Approve Publication of All Ordinances in Summary Form.
Member Cortez pulled item 7b for discussion.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve remaining calendar, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the ordinance title
Member Cortez questioned the Attorneys billing. There was brief discussion with Member Espitia also voicing concern over the fees.
Member Cortez questioned the fees for contracted services with Wildan. There was a brief discussion.
Member Espitia made a motion to approve item 7g, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried with a 4-0-1- vote. Member Cortez opposed.
8) Acceptance of Monthly Financial Report Related to Status of Quimby Fee Account.
Member West made a motion to accept report, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with a 4-0-1 vote. Member Espitia abstained.
9) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: City Council Appointments to Wasco Housing Authority Board and to Recreation and Parks District Board.
Member Hively reported that the committee agreed to recommend applications of Richard Reding to a four year term on the Wasco Recreation and Parks District board and a two year term for Reyna Alvarado on the Wasco Housing Authority Board.
Member Hively made a motion to approve recommendation, 2nd by Member Cortez. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
The City Clerk was instructed to send letter of appointment to applicants.
10) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 07-2489 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ACCEPTING THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007. (Zervis)
Finance Director Zervis gave a brief report and introduced Chris Albert of Albert and Associates.
Mr. Albert gave a brief summary of the June 30th 2007 financial statement and asked if there were any questions.
Mayor Wegman asked for comments or questions. There were none.
Member West made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
11) Report, Public Hearing and Continued Public Hearing, RE: Rose City Industrial Park Project Environmental Impact Report, and Public Hearing for Entitlements, General Plan Amendments, Pre-Zoning, Sphere of Influence, Annexation, Vacation of Road for Rail Spur, and Precise Development Plan for Rose City Renewables Ethanol Plant. (Raper)
Sr. Planner McNamara gave a brief report and recommended continuance of public hearing to February 19, 2008.
Mayor Wegman opened the public hearing for comment.
Walt Desitoff 15850 Wasco Ave. asked when the EIR would be available and requested adequate time to review document, he stated that one month should be adequate time to review the document once it is released.
With no other comments heard; Member West made a motion to continue the public hearing until February 19, 2008, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
12) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Approval of Recording of Parcel Map 11692. and possible approval of #2007-2487 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO APPROVING PARCEL MAP 11692, 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
Sr. Planner McNamara gave a brief report and recommended approval.
Member Espitia made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Espitia, Hively and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Cortez
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
13) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Acceptance of Notice of Completion and Notice of Acceptance for Safe Route to School (SR2S) Sidewalk and Signage Project, Authorize Payment of 10% Retention and Authorization of City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
Public Works Director Allen gave a brief report and recommended approval.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
14) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Adoption of a City Respiratory Protection Program.
Public Works Director Allen gave a brief report of program.
There was a brief discussion.
Member Hively made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
15) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 07-2488 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO APPROVING PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS WITHIN THE WASCO CITY LIMITS.
Public Works Director Allen gave a brief report and requested approval.
There was a brief discussion regarding speed limits on 7th street and maps of the city displaying limits.
Member Hively made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Espitia, Hively Cortez and West.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
16) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 07-2490 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO APPROVING TRAFFIC STOP SIGNS WITHIN THE WASCO CITY LIMITS.
Public Works Director Allen gave a brief report and requested approval.
There was a brief discussion regarding the new stop signs that have been placed at Filburn and Palm, Central and Gromer, Filburn and Central, Gromer and Annin.
Member West opposed stating he did not agree with the use of stop signs to control speed.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively
NOES: West
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
17) Report and Possible Approval, RE: Termination of the Service Agreement between the City of Wasco and Fire Prevention Services, Inc.
Finance Director Zervis gave a brief report and asked for approval to terminate contract.
Mayor Wegman inquired as to what provoked the action.
Staff answered the complaints, the lack of communication between citizens and Fire Prevention Services, fees charged, and the need for better service to Wasco citizens.
There was discussion on how fees would be tracked and who would be providing the service.
Member Hively spoke in support.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
18) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 07-2486 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO CONTRACTING WITH THE PLANNING INSTITUTE, INC., TO PREPARE THE 2007-08 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PLANNING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000 TO PREPARE THE 2008-2009 WASCO ENTERPRISE ZONE APPLICATION FOR SUBMITTAL TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. (Mittag)
City Manager Mittag gave a brief report and asked for support of application.
There was discussion regarding upfront fees, proximity of other Enterprise zones, and possible incentive programs.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively and West
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
19) Report and Possible Minute Action, RE: Approval of Employment Contract with Jake Raper Jr. as Contract Planning Director.
City Manager Mittag recommended approval to terminate contract with Wildan and approve an employment contract with Jake Raper. The contract would be month to month at a savings of $814.00 per month when compared to the previously employed Planning Director salary and benefit plan.
There was discussion regarding schedules, continuity in the planning department and cost recovery.
Member Hively made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with a 4-0-1 vote. Member Cortez opposed.
20) REPORTS FROM CITY STAFF
McNamara reported that there would be a special planning commission meeting held on Wednesday December 19, 2007.
Zervis thanked council for the staff appreciation dinner and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Sgt Lee introduced North Area Commander Frances Moore, and gave a brief staff report.
21) REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney plaza thanked council for the dinner and gave holiday wishes to all.
22) REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER
Mittag reported that the Employees Union had agreed to safety rated shoes regulation, and that the first $20,000. check has been received for the additional costs of the EIR. Mr. Mittag also told council and staff of his vacation and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
23) REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Espitia asked staff to look into properties under foreclosure and the obligation of property owners for maintenance.
Cortez thanked Sheriffs Department for protection. He also asked staff about the Hwy 43 and 46 traffic study, new health insurance plan, and reimbursement schedule for the Ethanol Plants
24) CLOSED SESSION- none
25) ADJOURNMENT At 8:26 p.m. Member Cortez made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Member West. All in favor, motion carried.
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Vickie Hight, City Clerk Cherylee Wegman, Mayor
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