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MEETING MINUTES
Printer Friendly Minutes
Council Agendas
City Council
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MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2012
6:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Councilmembers R. Gonzales Jr., Ortiz, G. Gonzalez Jr. and Martinez
OTHERS: Lewis, Zacarias, Zapalac, Dominguez, Collins and Student Representative Rodriguez
ABSENT: Councilmember Mendoza
City Attorney Watson arrived at 6:15 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor R. Gonzales Jr. at 5:30 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE
DISCUSSION – Direction from Council regarding SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis. City Administrator Lewis stated council had been given a copy of the SWOT analysis provided by Councilmember Mendoza. Council was asked to review the analysis and identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of our city. Councilmember Ortiz stated this tool was used when she worked with the school district and she did not like it. City Administrator Lewis stated these might be tools to use when doing the interviews for the new City Administrator. Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr., stated council was not prepared to discuss this item at this time and with the absence of Councilmember Mendoza asked to table this item to the next regular scheduled meeting on April 9, 2012.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ TO TABLE SWOT ANALYSIS TO APRIL 9, 2012. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 6:30p.m.
FLAG SALUTE
PRESENTATION:
Woodlake Valley Middle School students, Jacob Varela and Nate Rodriguez were presented an award by Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr. for their outstanding wrestling season. Jacob and Nate also competed in the State Tournament of Champions. Coach Kelly Dudley was also recognized.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Pete Rodriguez, 700 Sierra Apt.38 – Mr. Rodriguez apologized for coming tonight and reporting on bad news when the young wrestlers had just been recognized. He stated he had been here before to complain about Officer Henry Torres and council advised him to file a complaint and he did but nothing has been resolved. He stated he works with Officer Torres’s mom and does not appreciate hearing her make comments that her son is getting away with harassing Mr. Rodriguez. He feels they are laughing in his face. When he spoke to Chief Zapalac regarding if Officer Torres had been disciplined, Chief Zapalac stated he had but could not disclose the details. Mr. Rodriguez felt Officer Torres should have been told to stay away from him unless of course a criminal act had been conducted. Mr. Rodriguez feels that Officer Torres has tried to make him feel intimidated. He also does not appreciate that officers will call his ex-wife Cristina Rodriguez, who was once employed with Woodlake PD, and discuss his issues. Mr. Rodriguez asked if Cristina Rodriguez still worked for the City of Woodlake, City Administrator Lewis answered no. Mr. Rodriguez asked, then why are officers still calling her for information. Mr. Rodriguez stated a court order has been issued to allow him to have access to his property, when Cristina did not comply with this he called to have an officer dispatched to the residence. He was then told by Lt. Aguayo, that it was ok to break into his own house. Officer Tony Ramirez then arrived at the residence talking on his cell phone and proceeded to stay on the phone for 10 minutes before he would assist Mr. Rodriguez. Officer Ramirez then jumped the fence to enter the residence. Mr. Rodriguez took pictures and video to show the damage that was done to the back door, he stated it appeared someone had already tried to break in. He also took the video to show he only took what belonged to him. He stated he could provide pictures and video to enter as evidence. Officer Ramirez then called Cristina Rodriguez to verify all was okay. Mr. Rodriguez felt this was unnecessary. Mr. Rodriguez called PD to place this complaint with the Chief of Police and he was told that the Chief would call him back. He then received a call from Lt. Aguayo and was told he was done dealing with both Pete and Cristina. He was told they were nothing but “Ping Pong” balls. He felt this comment was very disrespectful. He stated he does not make comments to the officers, referring to them as “pigs”. Mr. Rodriguez stated that his ex-wife is now dating Sgt. James Guy of the Woodlake PD. He stated this does not affect him personally, but he does feel it interferes where his kids are involved. On another occasion, Mr. Rodriguez filed a complaint regarding his ex-wife, Cristina Rodriguez, attempting to cash a check in the amount of $600.00 at the Gas Ranch. He believes Ms. Rodriguez forged his signature and walked into the Gas Ranch with Sgt. Guy attempting to cash the check, but the store clerk would not allow the check to be cashed. Mr. Rodriguez stated he understands he had a bad divorce, but he doesn’t feel it excuses the actions of some of the Woodlake Police Officers. He had a police report and a court order and asked council if he should leave copies with them. They stated yes, and City Clerk Zacarias made copies for council. Mr. Rodriguez stated he feels he has not been given the proper attention to his issues and he feels they are not being resolved. He stated the only other option he has is to go straight to the Grand Jury and file a complaint with them against the Woodlake Police Department.
Lucy Cardenas, 309 S. Magnolia – Ms. Cardenas stated she has experienced the same issues with the PD. She stated she asked Sgt. Guy, “how can she stop someone from filing a false report?” and he answered, “How do you expect PD to help you if you continue to file complaints against them?” She asked if this is why her nephew bled out, did they just not want to help. She stated they are all citizens. Her husband is constantly harassed for being married to her. She feels the retaliation for filing complaints. She feels that something needs to be done, but she feels she has exhausted all her attempts for remedy. Should Chief Zapalac become stricter, she doesn’t know, but she does know the mentality of the police department needs to change.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(a) Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting held on March 12, 2012.
(b) Approval of the Warrants in the amount of $ 1,436,101.17.
COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION REGARDING PAYMENT TO BODY and PAINT. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED IT WAS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGES TO A POLICE CAR THAT OCCURRED DURING THE CAR-JACKING ARREST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ ASKED IF PAYMENT TO C.W. ROEN WAS THE FINAL PAYMENT. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED NO. COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ ASKED ABOUT PAYMENT TO CALPERS. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED THEY HAD INSTALLED A NEW CONVERSION AND ALTHOUGH NO PAYMENTS HAD BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR, CALPERS WAS AWARE AND NO ISSUES SHOULD ARISE. COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ ASKED ABOUT PAYMENT TO DUO-GARD. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED IT WAS FOR THE NEW BUS SHELTERS. COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ ASKED ABOUT PAYMENT TO SANTEC. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED IT WAS FOR THE SEWER PLANT. COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ ASKED ABOUT PAYMENT TO EMERGENCY REPORTING. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED IT WAS FOR THE FIRE DISTRICT. MAYOR R. GONZALES JR. ASKED ABOUT THE PAYMENT TO ACCOUNTEMPS. CITY ADMINISTRATOR LEWIS STATED IT WAS FOR OUR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
SCHEDULED MATTERS:
1. Discussion/Action – Direction to staff regarding a Temporary Use Permit Application. City Planner Collins stated the application for a Farmers Market was submitted on a Temporary Conditional Use Permit (CUP) but after reviewing the information, he thought it should be submitted on a permanent CUP. The applicant would like to have a farmers market on every Saturday from May through September from noon to 10:00 p.m. They would like the use of the entire Miller Brown Park and also be able to sell alcohol. Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr., stated he would abstain from the voting. He spoke to applicant, Florentino Corverra Jr., and he is working with Visalia Charros Association Los Gavilanes, to organize the Farmers Market. Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr., stated he would like to see an event like this started in our community and eventually donate any funds to local sports. Councilmember Martinez stated his concern is the applicant using the entire park for 5 months. This park is for everybody and that would be limited. City Planner Collins stated a concern he has is that with the sale of alcohol, you increase the chances of other issues arising. Councilmember Ortiz stated that there should be no sale of alcohol at a Farmers Market. City Planner Collins stated he was seeking direction from council regarding the application. He stated he would talk to applicant and share the concerns of the council. He will discuss with him less days, less hours and no alcohol.
2. Discussion/Action - Approval of Resolution 12-09, authorizing the submittal of an application for a grant for a housing rehabilitation/homeowners assistance combo program regarding the CDBG Program. City Administrator Lewis sent a sign-in sheet around the room for everyone to sign. City Administrator Lewis stated the city was eligible to apply for a grant for up to $2,000,000, and has designated the funds as follows:
General Administration - $150,000
Combo Homeowners Assistance - $950,000
Acquisition and Rehabilitation, Public Services (Code Enforcement Officer and Youth-Development) $500, 000
Public Improvements - $400, 000
City Administrator Lewis stated the public services would help pay for the salaries of CDO and YDO. The public improvements would help fund a new pump. Councilmember Ortiz asked if salaries could go to a new public works employee instead of CDO. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr., stated the public works employee could handle all duties. City Administrator Lewis stated if council wanted to re-organize the structure, they could do that but the salary had to be to fund a CDO and move over to public works. City Attorney Watson stated if council wanted to do that, it would need to be placed as an item on the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED 7:20 P.M.
Lino Moran did not have a specific question regarding the grant, but asked council to not use acronyms on the agenda. He asked what CDBG meant. City Administrator Lewis apologized and stated it stood for: Community Development Block Grant.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED 7:22 P.M.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER G. GONZALEZ JR., IT WAS
VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12-09. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Discussion/Action – Approval of Resolution 12-10, approving the expansion of the Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone Boundaries. City Administrator Lewis stated all entities in the Enterprise Zone had to approve the resolution.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ TO
APPROVE RESOLUTION 12-10. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Discussion/Action - Recommend that the Mayor exercise his appointment to the RDA Successor Agency Oversight Committee. City Administrator Lewis stated the Mayor must appoint someone to the committee. He stated it could be anyone except for himself and City Clerk Zacarias. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr., asked if anyone was interested and would like to be appointed, since no one expressed interest, Mayor R. Gonzales Jr., appointed himself to the RDA Successor Agency Oversight Committee.
5. Discussion/Action - Direction to staff regarding a donation to Kiwanis for the July 3rd Blast. Mayor R. Gonzales Jr. stated he would like to support the July 3rd Blast and offer a donation. Councilmember Martinez suggested a donation of $1500.00.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER G. GONZALEZ JR. TO
APPROVE A DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1500.00 TO KIWANIS FOR THE JULY 3RD BLAST.
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Discussion/Action - Review of First Draft of Budget 2012/2013. City Administrator Lewis presented the draft to councilmembers. He stated the General Fund is not in balance. In regards to personnel, we are proposing a new position in public works due to the sewer plant. The COPS funding will be on-going and there will now be $75,000 absorbed by the city which was once covered by the RDA. The sewer project will be covered by a bond. The water plant is complete and we should see no significant non-operational cost for the next few years. As for the RDA Successor, we are not sure how that will be affected. There is no capital outlay at this time. The Roundabout at Valencia and Naranjo has been in the works for some time and the plans are with Caltrans for review. On page 4 of the proposed budget, City Administrator Lewis stated the numbers were low, but he was trying to be conservative. The Bottle Bill fund is the money that comes from the state for recycling. On page 6 we have $1,000,000 from Measure R. On page 9 start the expenditures for each department. The city clerk has been budgeted in case we have an election. The planning and non-departmental are the same as last year. Police has an increase. Councilmember Martinez asked if dispatch would change once it was taken over by county. City Administrator Lewis stated it would continue as is. Councilmember Ortiz asked what the difference was with County dispatch and Porterville dispatch. Chief Zapalac stated about $100,000.
REPORTS:
Public Works Superintendent Dominguez – reported the WWTP is currently in the training of personnel stage and they are looking at an opening target date of May 12th. The downtown improvement project is coming along and he is currently working with Caltrans on the funding for phase 2. The Child Abuse Banner will be put up in the next week or so. Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr. stated he is trying to get a new banner for the city and will keep PWS Dominguez posted.
Chief Zapalac – reported the car thefts are slowing down. There were 2 Neighborhood Watch meetings. One was at the Valencia House and the other at Sierra Apts. They had about 12 in attendance.
Student Representative Rodriguez – reported students are still testing. She also stated she heard some students were getting paid for their community service hours and this was not right. She did not have all the details but the amount of money collected was up to $90,000.
City Clerk Zacarias – reminded councilmembers about the League of California Cities meeting in Fowler next month. None of the councilmembers will be attending.
City Administrator Lewis – reported CalTrans will submit a cooperative agreement letter regarding the South Valencia project. Some issues outlined in the letter could be that any TCAG contingency money left over from Measure R would go back to TCAG. Also, they may suggest all the trees get knocked down.
City Administrator Lewis also reported that a letter from the Chamber of Commerce had been given to council for review. The Chamber was asking permission from council to allow a sidewalk sale on Friday, May 12th. Since the city’s zoning or business ordinance did not specifically outline this activity, City Administrator Lewis asked if there was any opposition from council to approve. Council stated they had no opposition.
City Attorney Watson – reported there is a new member at his firm, Megan, specializes in public employment and litigation. She previously worked as the City Attorney for the City of Firebaugh.
Councilmember Ortiz – gave a great big Thank You to PWS Dominguez for a great job helping Dr. Fish back with the issue of water problems in his building. She commended PWS Dominguez for attending to the problem and making sure the problem was corrected in a timely manner.
Councilmember Martinez – reported the Council of Cities meeting was cancelled last week. Also, direction was given to staff at the last meeting to provide a response to Ms. Marti Winkler regarding her concerns. City Administrator Lewis stated the letter was not done, but will get done this week and a copy will be sent to each councilmember.
Councilmember G. Gonzalez Jr. – reported that Child Abuse Prevention Month is April. Healthy Start will host their annual event at the Woodlake Memorial on April 19th, from 5:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The YMCA and the Woodlake Police Department are a big help with this event. Also he wanted to give a big Thank You to Chief Zapalac and his staff for making it possible for the Woodlake Predators to attend a Football Camp in Taft by providing the transportation. There were about 25 – 30 kids. They were able to sleep in the gym and all meals were provided. The kids had a great time and everyone appreciated all Chief Zapalac and his staff had done. Also, Family Healthcare Network and AmeriCorps helped clean the food pantry. Chief Zapalac was also there and the pantry looks great.
MOVED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:16 P.M.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title – City Attorney
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title – City Administrator
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
City Administrator Lewis excused at 8:35 p.m.
City Administrator Lewis returned at 8:45 p.m.
Councilmembers Ortiz and R. Gonzales Jr. excused at 8:47 P.M.
Councilmembers Ortiz and R. Gonzales Jr. returned at 9:15 p.m.
MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:15 P.M. (NO REPORTABLE INTERESTS)
Meeting adjourned at 9:16 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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