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MEETING MINUTES
Printer Friendly Minutes
Council Agendas
City Council
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MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2012
6:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Councilmembers R. Gonzales Jr., Mendoza, Ortiz and Martinez
OTHERS: Lewis, Watson, Zacarias, Zapalac and Student Representative Rodriguez
ABSENT: Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr.
PRESENTATION:
Woodlake High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team was presented an award by Councilmember Mendoza for their 2011-2012 East Sequoia League Valley Championship for the 2nd year in a row.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Sol Nunez, Sunset Waste Coordinator – Sol reported to Council that the 5th Annual Earth Day event was coming up March 31st from 10:00 a.m. to noon and would be taking place at Twilight Park. She invited council to attend to show support and also to participate in this great event. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr. stated he had attended the event last year. Mrs. Nunez stated it would be great to see council out there and participating. Councilmember Mendoza asked City Clerk Zacarias to place this event on the city website calendar of events.
Marti Winkler, Woodlake – Ms. Winkler stated she had spoken to a Caltrans representative because she was concerned about the bald Eagles that currently sit in the trees along Valencia Blvd. The trees will need to be removed due to the project to have a sidewalk placed along South Valencia. The Caltrans representative, Mr. Frank Meraz, sent Ms. Winkler the laws that pertain to the protection of the Bald Eagle. She provided a copy to City Clerk Zacarias for our information. Ms. Winkler also stated she had noticed a local business in town with a badly torn flag. She informed them that they should not be flying the flag in that condition and they agreed. When they replaced their flag, she asked if she could take the old flag to the Boy Scout Camp as they have a nice retirement ceremony for old flags and they agreed to give the old flag to her. She told them they could give old flags to either the Boy Scouts or American Legion and they can dispose of the flags properly. Ms. Winkler also gave a little bit of history regarding the Boy Scouts Troop 356. She was with Troop 356 for 10 years, from 1992-2003, 3 years with the cub scouts and 7 years with the Boy Scouts. In the early years the meetings were held in people’s homes and as the groups grew so did the camping gear. Their numerous supplies are currently on temporary loan to the Explorers. At this time their scout leader, Mr. Frank Arnold looked for a place to store their supplies. When the troop asked if they could use the Boy Scouts building on the east side of the park, they were told no because the Woodlake PD and Fire Dept. uses that building to store their alcohol for their parties. They then asked the school if they had any building they could use and the school agreed to let them use the Recreation building near the pool and although they couldn’t use the building to store their equipment it served as a temporary meeting place. Mr. Arnold then spoke to the Fire Dept. and they agreed to let the Boy Scouts use the empty building near the Fire Dept. After a lease was drawn up, the Boy Scouts cleaned the building and maintained the yard weekly. After a couple of years the Boy Scouts were told that the Fire Dept. needed their building back. They were told of a vacant house on the east side of town that was owned by the city and maybe the meetings could be held there and also store their equipment. They were told they would have to visit all the neighbors within a 2 block radius and ask permission, referring to this practice as the good neighbor policy. After a few years the group starting dropping in members so the Troop decided to not continue and store their equipment. Ms. Winkler stated there may be another Boy Scout Troop starting up in the next year or so and is asking council to allow the Troop access to the original Boy Scout building in the park so that they won’t have the difficulties of having to find a place for meetings and equipment storage. Also Ms. Winkler stated the Boy Scouts start their fundraiser in September by selling popcorn. This fundraiser allows the boys to raise money for camp and other activities and is asking council to support them in their fundraiser.
Laura Armstrong, Woodlake – she reported that if there was anyone who had an activity for Western Week to please contact her.
Lino Moran, 612 N Palm – Mr. Moran stated he was here to speak on the July 3rd blast. He stated this year’s event would be very different from previous years. One reason being is because of the new location. The event will be held at Twilight Park, which is being donated. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. He came to personally invite council to this event. They are really hoping for a good attendance and lots of new vendors. He stated July 4th is very important and he feels lately it has been put on the back burner. He stated our country was built on independence and this day should be celebrated.
Christian Sanchez, 681 N. Pine – Mr. Sanchez also stated the July 3rd event is very important. He has been attending for the last 6 years and every year has been great. This year with the event moving out to Twilight Park, he knows it will be an even greater event. He has encouraged council to help and get involved with this event.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(a) Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting held on February 27, 2012.
(b) Approval of the February 2012 Monthly Report of Investments.
(c) Approval of the Warrants in the amount of $ 248,016.51.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MENDOZA, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MAYOR R. GONZALES JR. AND COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ ABSTAINING FROM THE MINUTES.
SCHEDULED MATTERS:
1. Discussion/Action – Presentation by Harry Foster, representative from Family Healthcare Network. Mr. Foster is the CEO for Family Healthcare Network. He has been with the organization for 29 years. He introduced Dr. Isaac Navarro, who is the Chief Dentist at the Woodlake clinic and Veronica Sanchez who is the Community Relations Representative. He thanked the city for all their help. He stated the FHCN had originally opened in Woodlake and Porterville in 1976, but by 1978 Porterville had split and started their own clinic. He stated the clinic was started to better the Hispanic community. Last year the clinic saw 26,000 plus visits. He is hoping to open the new clinic by the 1st week of May. They would like to combine the Grand Opening with the Cinco De Mayo festivities. Currently the clinic is the only free standing ambulatory care health center. The clinic is operated with an all certified staff. The clinic offers various services. Last year the FHCN saw over 111,000 patients. The FHCN staff delivers approximately 260 babies a month by contracting with Sierra View Hospital, Adventist Hospital (Hanford) and Kaweah Delta. He stated the FHCN organization has a staff of over 700, including the Board of Directors, where our Chief of Police, Chief Zapalac is a member of the Board of Directors and where all policies are set. Mr. Foster is very excited about the new Facility in Woodlake. He stated the new facility will be 10,000 square feet and offer 18 exam rooms, 9 dental operatories, 10 professional staff and 35 clerical staff. He stated they are here to serve the people of Woodlake. Councilmember Ortiz asked if X-rays and labs would be available. Mr. Foster stated labs yes and X-rays only in the dental department. In the event a patient would need X-ray services, a van is available to transport the patient to Visalia, free of charge. FHCN has been working with the schools and will be providing paint so that with the permission from the owners, they may paint murals on the back walls of 1st Choice Foods. FHCN also plans on having a garden to teach community how to plant healthy food they can later eat. The services they provide are all about the community. Veronica Sanchez spoke on the Health Fair which is scheduled for March 25th. The fair will be from 1 pm – 4 pm at 240 Lemona, Woodlake. She invited council to attend this event. She stated the entertainment will be provided by people from Woodlake. Music will be provided by Dora from Dora’s restaurant and Ballet Folkloric will be performing as well. Dr. Isaac Navarro stated he came to Woodlake 3 years ago and fell in love with the community. He also thanked the city for all their continuous help and support. He stated he had attended A.T. Still University and it was a great program. He asked us to send any students interested in the medical field his way so that he may assist them in reaching their goals. He is able to write a letter of endorsement for them when applying to the University. He received help and support when he began his journey and would like to provide that for someone else. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr., asked him if he had help and Dr. Navarro stated yes, especially from the community. Councilmember Ortiz suggested to Dr. Navarro to do a presentation at the schools, he stated he was planning to do that. Mr. Foster also gave a special thank you to City Administrator Lewis for all his help from the start. It is very much appreciated. Mr. Foster also invited council to attend the Grand Opening. No date has been set yet, but city will be notified when one is set. Councilmember Martinez stated he hoped the Grand Opening did not conflict with the park festivities during Western Week. Laura Armstrong stated she is waiting to hear if anyone will be having a Cinco De Mayo activity.
2. Discussion/Action - Request from Kiwanis, regarding support for July 3rd Fireworks Event. Laura
Armstrong stated that council had donated $2500.00 towards the July 3rd blast last year and was hoping for another generous donation. In years past, the July 3rd event was held at the Woodlake HS Football field. The HS field will be under construction, so the event has been moved to Twilight Park, which is being donated. With the move to Twilight Park, there is more opportunity for a bigger event, which means more cost. There will need to be the rentals of porta-pottys, lighting and security. This year Mrs. Armstrong has proposed a of $2000.00 donation. $1000.00 from the city and a $1000.00 donation by way of a challenge between city departments; $250.00 from each city department (Police, Administration and Yard, City officials and city council). Councilmember Ortiz asked who would be getting the $10.00 parking fee. Mrs. Armstrong stated Kiwanis. Mrs. Armstrong stated that a $1000.00 donation was considered a Golden Eagle sponsor, which would entitle you to the following: Hang a banner at the event, 4 announcements made during the event and 10 VIP sponsor passes. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr. asked if this was doable. City Administrator Lewis stated budget are going to be tough and council will need to learn to say no at some point. He stated there is money in the promotion budget and it would be nice to not donate and have a carry over, but it council chooses to make the donation, the July 3rd event, is the better event to sponsor. Councilmember Mendoza stated he would like to support the July 3rd event, but it does make sense to look at the numbers. He stated council did receive a preliminary copy of the budget and they would be discussing that later. He stated council needs to decide what to do and there are other factors to consider. The city did take a big hit with the loss of RDA and there are some projects in the works. He asked Mrs. Armstrong to give council the opportunity to review the numbers and see what they can do. Mrs. Armstrong asked if she could get the support from council to discuss the challenge she proposed to the other city departments. Councilmember Ortiz stated they would need to ask the employees first and see if they are willing to participate in the challenge. City Administrator Lewis stated that council maybe did not want to get involved in that process and he stated he could discuss the issue with Laura at a different time. Councilmember Mendoza clarified that this item would be communicated with the employees but it would not be a direct action from council for the employees to participate. The city employees will be given the information and they can decide for themselves. Councilmember Mendoza stated the presentation was well delivered and one of the best they had seen in a while. City Administrator Lewis stated council could also open up their pocketbooks. Mrs. Armstrong stated she would also be talking to the school district and giving them the same challenge.
3. Discussion/Action – Approval of Resolution 12-07, correcting date for Soap Box Derby. City Clerk Zacarias stated she had the incorrect date for the Soap Box Derby event when she submitted this to council in January. She had listed the date as May 2nd, instead of May 9th. The city must obtain permits from Caltrans for these events. Caltrans requested a new resolution be submitted with the correct date.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MENDOZA, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ TO
APPROVE RESOLUTION 12-07. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Discussion/Action - Adoption of Ordinance # 582 regarding Mandatory Commercial Recycling in the City of Woodlake. City Administrator Lewis stated to council that this Ordinance only affected those businesses that generate more than 4 cubic yards of waste per week. It would not affect the little Mom and Pop stores, only the medium to larger businesses. Councilmember Martinez stated that General Food Store and 1st Choice recycle their own cardboard, how does this affect them? City Administrator Lewis stated these stores are already do this and they don’t necessarily have to use Sunset because they may have someone else picking up for them. Councilmember Ortiz asked if they would need a different bin and if their fees would increase. City Administrator Lewis stated no larger bin is needed and the rates may actually be cheaper. Councilmember Mendoza stated he noticed the ordinance would only be published in the Kaweah Commonwealth and asked staff if we could also publish in the Sun Gazette. City Administrator Lewis stated yes.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MENDOZA TO
ADOPT ORDINANCE #582 WAIVE READING AND TO ALSO PUBLISH IN THE SUN GAZETTE.
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Discussion/Action - Approval Resolution 12-08, amending the Woodlake Development Impact Fee Schedule, Park Fee.
PUBLIC HEARING
City Administrator Lewis stated this was the last item on the General Plan, the study of fees. He stated the prices on the new dwellings had not been increased since the 1970’s. He stated the current fee for parks is; SFD $250.00 and would increase to $1319.67, MFD $200.00 and increase to $1250.88 and MHD $125.00 would increase to $848.69. He stated the fees would only apply to new development. The subdivision on the East side has already been done, so the fees do not affect that. He stated if council accepts new fees, they could be applied to the new Bravo Village apartments, with the first phase of 65 units. Councilmember Ortiz asked how the new figures were calculated. City Administrator Lewis stated it was based on land acquisition of $40,000 an acre, construction cost of $2.00 per sq. ft. and using population numbers from the General Plan and you want 3 acres per 1000 people. Councilmember Martinez asked how the new fees would compare to other cities. City Administrator Lewis stated we are actually rather small, but if you add in the school we are pretty good. Councilmember Mendoza stated the City of Tulare currently charges $8000.00 for SFD. He stated he did not think council should increase the fees for the City of Woodlake at this time.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED 7:35 PM
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED 7:36 PM
Councilmember Mendoza stated he had asked staff to prepare report to show quantity of building permits for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. The report shows that the number in permits has gone down and not a lot of building is happening right now. He stated if we approve the increase in fees it may deter people from building here. He also stated he had read the language for AB1600 and it does not mandate the fee formula. City Administrator Lewis stated that was correct. Councilmember Mendoza stated this increase will make it less palatable for people building in Woodlake. He stated these fees will not only be absorbed by the home builders but also the home buyers. He asked how much sense does it make to raise the fees from $250.00 to $1319.67. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr., stated he could see maybe only doubling the fee. City Administrator Lewis stated council can choose to increase fees or not. He stated he has a willing payer who is willing to pay the new fees in the next couple of weeks. The Bravo Village Apartments will be pulling their permit on the first phase of 65 units in the next couple of weeks. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr. stated he was not sure on this increase, since we had just increased the water and sewer fees on our residents. Councilmember Martinez asked if the new park that is being considered, is it based on a percentage of population. City Administrator Lewis stated it is generally 3 acres per 1000 people. Councilmember Martinez asked if the schools are factored into that equation. City Administrator Lewis stated there are various things that factor into that. City Attorney Watson stated this increase allows planning for the future. If council decides to not approve, building permits will be pulled under the old fee schedule. Councilmember Mendoza stated he has been on the council for 3 years and he will not change his tune, Woodlake has a lot to offer if people would just move here and build here. He stated he does not want to increase fees just because other towns are doing it. He stated he is willing to offer to not approve this resolution and look into some sort of escalation resolution. Quad Knopf representative, Mr.Ronk, stated council can approve these fees and choose to waive some fees on a case by case basis. Councilmember Ortiz stated Woodlake has been living in the 1940’s for way too long and if we want what is best for the city, then it is time for this increase. When council raised the water rates, the residents were not happy, but it had to be done. Councilmember Martinez asked if before they approve the resolution, should anything be amended. Councilmember Ortiz stated no, leave as is and if we decide to show grace on anyone or give someone a break we can discuss at that time. City Attorney Watson suggested a roll call vote to determine the council votes accurately.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ TO
APPROVE RESOLUTION 12-08. APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE 3-1. COUNCILMEMBER
MENDOZA OPPOSED.
REPORTS:
Student Representative Rodriguez – reported the Sophomore Class would be taking the CAHSEE test this week. She also stated the school was very happy and excited regarding the Valley Championship for the Boys Soccer team. She also reported that the Sadie Hawkins dance was cancelled due to lack of sign-ups.
Chief Zapalac – reported there had been 2 residential burglaries. Also there was a carjacking in Tulare and due to a GPS unit the car was traced to Woodlake and our officers were able to make an arrest and return the vehicle.
City Clerk Zacarias – thanked council for allowing her to attend the City Clerk convention in Napa on March 1st and 2nd. It was a great learning experience and hopes to attend more in the future. She also happily reported that her son, David, had his confirmation ceremony on Sunday.
City Administrator Lewis – reported the Mayor will need to make an appointment to the City Oversight Agency Committee soon. He stated he will be bringing this issue to council for discussion at the next scheduled council meeting.
City Attorney Watson – reported his daughter is currently working with Congressman Nunes in Washington D.C.
Councilmember Ortiz – reported she and City Clerk Zacarias had attended the Public Realignment meeting on April 9th. She stated the information was not what she expected. She stated the county claims they have no money but they are building a new jail. She stated the officers will be busy with the early release of inmates.
Councilmember Martinez – reported both he and City Administrator Lewis had missed the last Council of Cities meeting, due to a misunderstanding. Also he asked staff to respond to the questions that Ms. Winkler had asked during her public comment and send of copy of the responses to council. City Administrator Lewis stated when the minutes are complete, Ms. Winklers questions will be addressed. Staff will send her a letter and also provide a copy to all 5 councilmembers.
Councilmember Mendoza – reported he had also attended the Public Realignment meeting on the 9th. He thought the meeting was being held so that the public and law enforcement could come together and share their ideas and concerns. He felt the meeting was more of a mutual of admiration society meeting. He stated he had taken the following statistics from the Department of Justice website regarding the City of Woodlake. From 2006-2011 there has been a 50% drop in violent crime and a 40% drop in property crimes. He stated it is not only because of our Police Department but because of the community as a whole. Credit cannot be given to just one organization or one individual. We have a great place to live, it could always be worse. He stated one program that scares him is the split sentence program. This program would allow for an inmate to be released early and are allowed to come back into the community. He believes whether you are considered violent or non-violent you are still a criminal, there was a reason you were in jail. He believes in the full force of the law, if you do the crime, you should do the time. He stated the community needs to work together to become safer and stronger. We need to learn to talk to our neighbors. This community is doing better than others, but we could still do better, but we need to work together. He also stated that council should consider a letter of support to Diane Harkey regarding AB1455, Lemon Law (he will provide a copy to City Clerk Zacarias and asked she make a copy for each councilmember.). This bill is an anti-High Speed Rail Bill. This letter of support is important because of the amount of money the state wants to spend on this as opposed to other more important issues. We have health care issues and infrastructural and water issues. He stated spending 100 billion plus on a high speed rail is not the best way to spend our money.
MOVED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:15 P.M.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: (060-104-014) Price and Terms
(060-104-015) Price and Terms
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title – City Attorney
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title – City Administrator
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
ADJOURNMENT
A closed session meeting was scheduled for April 10, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
City Administrator Lewis and City Clerk Zacarias excused at 8:45 p.m.
City Administrator Lewis and City Clerk Zacarias returned at 8:55 p.m.
MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:55 P.M. (NO REPORTABLE INTERESTS)
Meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Irene Zacarias
City Clerk
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MEETING MINUTES HISTORY |
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Monday, April 08, 2013
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Monday, March 25, 2013
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Monday, March 11, 2013
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Monday, January 28, 2013
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Monday, January 14, 2013
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Monday, December 10, 2012
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