City of Wasco
City Council Minutes
December 2, 2008 - 7:00pm
City Council Chambers
746 8th Street, Wasco, California 93280
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Wegman called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
2) FLAG SALUTE
3) INVOCATION: Danny Arellano of Primera Iglesia Bautista offered the invocation.
4) ROLL CALL
Mayor Wegman, Members; Cortez, Espitia, Hively West
Attorney E Plaza, City Manager Mittag, City Clerk Hight, Executive Assistant Rodriguez, Finance Director Zervis, Public Works Director Allen, Deputy Director Public Works Wren, Community Development Director Heiser, Sgt Lee
5) PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS: none
6) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Mr. Lona 1575 Shamrock asked about the rumor that water meters were being installed in the community.
The Mayor let Mr. Lona know that this is an item on the agenda and would be addresses later in the meeting.
7) CONSENT CALENDAR:
a) Approval of Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 18, 2008.
b) Approval of Bill Paying List.
c) Awarding of the Broadway Reconstruction project from 7th Street to Poso Drive.
d) Approval of Cooperative Agreement for the Provision of Work Experience/Employment Preparation Program Worksites for Participants in the CalWORKs Program.
e) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 08-2578 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO RECOMMENDING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 08-03 BE REFERRED BACK TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
f) Acknowledge Receipt of Correspondence.
g) Approve the Reading of All Ordinances and Resolutions by Title Only and
Approve Publication of All Ordinances in Summary Form.
Mayor Wegman reported that an audience member pulled item 7e for discussion.
Member West made a motion to approve the remaining calendar, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
Member West recused himself and left the council chambers.
Mr. Falgetter asked why the general plan amendment was being referred back to the Planning Commission. Staff answered that a new site plan review was needed and appeal process was faulted. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission have the opportunity to hear it again.
**After discussion Member Espitia made a motion to approve the resolution and hear the item at the January 12, 2009 Planning Commission meeting, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: West
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title after item 11 was heard.
8) NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS OF OFFICERS:
a) Nomination and Appointment of Mayor
b) Nomination and Appointment of Mayor Pro-Tempore
Acting City Manager Zervis explained that certified notification of election results have not been received by the City Clerks office. Therefore recommended waiting until notification has been received for appointments of officers.
Member Cortez made a motion to table item 8 until December 16, 2008 regular meeting, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried.
9) Acceptance of Monthly Financial Report Related to Status of Quimby Fee Account.
Acting City Manager Zervis gave report of $296,204.37 in fees.
Member Hively made a motion to accept report, 2nd by Member Cortez.
Motion carried 5-0-0
10) Report, Public Hearing, RE: Conducting public hearing to inform citizens of the funding available through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program's special allocation from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and to obtain public input on the NSP activities to pursue. (Zervis)
Mayor Wegman opened public hearing.
Finance Director Zervis gave report of the available funding and the ways funds are to be used. Circulated a sign in sheet and asked for public comment.
Hearing none, Mayor Wegman closed the public hearing at 7:24p.m.
No action taken.
11) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance and Waive First Reading, RE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO AMENDING TITLE 17 OF THE CITY OF WASCO MUNICIPAL CODE, SECTION 17.19 (RESIDENTIAL SPECIFIC STANDARDS) AND 17.51 (DESIGN DISTRICT GUIDELINES), TO REQUIRE ALL NEW STREET, PARKING LOT AND PARK TREES TO HAVE A MINIMUM TRUNK DIAMETER OF TWO (2) INCHES AT FOUR (4) FEET ABOVE FINISHED GRADE, AT TIME OF PLANTING AS REFLECTED IN EXHIBIT A. (Heiser)
Community Development Director Heiser gave a report of the design and building standards to require that new trees planted be at least two inches diameter at four feet above grade changing the current standards.
Mr. Heiser asked for comments or questions.
There was a brief discussion regarding current guidelines.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Wegman closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
Member Cortez 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 ordinance title
City Clerk read the resolution title to item 7e as it was missed earlier in the meeting.
12) Report, Public Hearing and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance and Waive First Reading, RE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO APPROVING MUNICIPAL CODE TEXT AMENDMENT 08-02, AMENDING TITLE 16 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE, SECTION 16.32.090 (REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS - STORM DRAINAGE) AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS PLATE D5 TO PROHIBIT SOLE PURPOSE RETENTION/DETENTION BASINS AND REQUIRE ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF STORM WATER/RUN OFF WATER CONTROL AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A AND ACCOMPANYING NOTICE OF EXEMPTION. (Heiser)
Community Development Director Heiser gave a report of the intention to prohibit the use of sole purpose retention/detention basins as a means of Storm water/run off water control and to provide developers with alternate options.
Mr. Heiser asked for comments or questions.
There was a brief discussion regarding design standards and concept design, the ability to still use basins and when it can be used, and the storm drain fee structure.
Member West commented that he thought it was a good idea, hoped the expense did not deter any business, but thought the creation of a good plan for distribution to builders will eliminate any surprises later.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Wegman closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
Member Cortez 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 ordinance title
13) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 08-2579 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO MODIFYING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTI-WAY STOP SIGN WARRANT DETERMINATION FOR RESIDENTIAL STREET INTERSECTIONS. (Allen)
Public Works Director Allen gave staff report and recommended approval.
There was brief discussion regarding past practices and standards and the need for a usable document.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively
NOES: West
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
14) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 08-2577 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ACCEPTING DATAMATIC CORPORATION AS A SOLE SOURCE VENDOR OF RADIO TRANSMITTING WATER METERS AND SOFTWARE AND APPROVING THE CONTRACT FOR THE SYSTEM PURCHASES. (Allen)
Public Works Director Allen gave staff report and recommended approval of purchasing 1,500 water meters from Datamatic as a sole source vender.
There was brief discussion regarding fee structure and the 5 year process.
Member Hively made a motion to approve, 2nd by Mayor Wegman. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively West
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
15) Report and Possible Approval RE: Purchase of a sewer flushing machine from Plumbers Depot Inc. (Allen)
Public Works Director Allen gave a staff report and recommended approval citing the necessity of prevention maintenance.
There was a brief discussion regarding necessity and cost of outsourcing. Staff recommended approval.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
16) Report and Possible Approval, RE: 08-2580 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONTRACT AWARDING ENGINEERING, BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO CAROLLO ENGINEERING FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CENTRIFUGE CONSTRUCTION. (Allen)
Public Works Director Allen gave staff report and recommended approval.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Espitia, Hively West
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
17) Report and Possible Approval RE: 08-2581 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADDING TWO STOP SIGNS AT 9TH PLACE & BROADWAY AND TWO STOP SIGNS AT 9TH PLACE AND BIRCH AVENUE. (Allen)
Public Works Director Allen gave staff report and recommended approval. There was brief discussion regarding placement and necessity.
Member Cortez made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Hively
NOES: Espitia, West
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
18) Report and Possible Approval RE: Employee Benefits Renewal for the Calendar Year 2009. (Zervis)
Finance Director Zervis gave a brief report of the employee benefit plan for 2009 and the fact that the plan is very similar to benefits compared to 2008 and recommended approval.
Member Espitia made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried with a 3-0-2 vote. Members Cortez and Hively abstained.
19) Report and Possible Approval RE: 08-2582 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO AMENDING ITS INVESTMENT POLICY FOR INVESTING SURPLUS FUNDS. (Zervis)
Finance Director Zervis gave a brief report of the need to three small changes to bring the policy into compliance with California Government Code Section 53601.
There was discussion regarding the quarterly reporting process.
Member West made a motion to approve, 2nd by Member Espitia. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Wegman, Cortez, Hively
NOES: Espitia, West
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Hight read the resolution title
20) REPORTS FROM CITY STAFF
Heiser gave a report of upcoming projects and dates.
Allen gave a report of Wasco High School phase II project and the storm drain discussions.
Zervis gave a report on the State budget woes and said he would keep the council posted.
Hight reported that 3 Planning Commissioners seats were coming up for appointment to a 4-year term and 1 seat with the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District Board and asked for direction to post appointments. Also suggested that item 7e may be able to be heard at a special meeting if staff and applicant could agree.
**Member Espitia amended his motion for the item 7e to be heard at a special meeting if possible, 2nd by Member Hively. Motion carried 4-0-1 West abstained.
21) REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Plaza reminded council of the protocol when voting on any issue involving family members.
22) REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER none
23) REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
West asked if flashing barricades could be used to aid in public safety. Public Works director responded that he would talk to the bond company.
Hively thanked staff for aid with the Christmas parade.
Member Espitia made a motion to adjourn to the RDA agenda at 8:40p.m., 2nd by Member Cortez. Motion carried.
Mayor Wegman reconvened regular meeting.
Member Espitia made a motion to move into closed session at 8:46 p.m. 2nd by Member Cortez motion carried
CLOSED SESSION:
a) The City Council will recess to a Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a); Conference with Legal Counsel -- Pending Litigation.
Mayor reconvened open meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Attorney plaza reported that the council provided direction on potential settlement.
ADJOURNMENT : Member Hively made a motion to adjourn at 9:06, 2nd by Member West. Motion carried, meeting adjourned.
_______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Vickie Hight, City Clerk Cherylee Wegman, Mayor
| 
