City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. – A. CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021; 5:15 P.M. AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA VIA ZOOM VIDEO/WEB CONFERENCING: Web Link: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil or use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 Or by calling +1 669 900 6833 and use meeting ID 872 4344 0488 to join MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: at 5:18 p.m. PELAGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado. ROLL CALL: Councilman Gravelle, Councilman Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez, Mayor Preciado. ABSENT: Councilman Verdugo. STAFF: Lopez, Ortiz, Bermudez, Davis, Yang. LEGAL COUNSEL: Moses Diaz. CITY CLERK: Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $300.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency. Mayor Preciado opened public comment for Closed Session items and their being no comments. City Council went into Closed Session at 5:19 p.m. CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency): It is the intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on items of interest regarding Closed Session. A. Pending Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9). Conference with legal counsel – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code §54956.9(d)). Significant exposure to litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2)). Number of potential cases is: 2. B. Conference with Real Property Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54956.8). It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to confer with its real property negotiator(s)concerning the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for this agency as follows: Property Description: APN: 040-301-017; 040-301-026; & 040-301-028 Negotiator(s): City Manager / City Attorney. Party with whom negotiating: Dollar General. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms. C. Conference with Labor Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54957.6). It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Designated representatives: City Employees Bargaining Units 1-5 / APOA Mayor Preciado reopened City Council meeting at 6:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULES APPERANCES: Antony Lopez, City Manager, presented his oldest brother Francisco Lopez, Director of Special Grant Programs at West Hills College and is back in Avenal. CONSENT CALENDAR: All items listed under the consent calendar are routine and enacted by one motion: (Action). A. Approval of City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Minutes for August 12, 2021. B. Updating JSO Resolution/Agreement to School Resource Officer (SRO): Resolution 2020-41. C. Addendum No.1 to Willdan Agreement - Updated Terms and Services. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency - September 9, 2021. Page 2 of 6 D. PD Out of State Travel-Training Request. RESOLUTION 2020-41: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH REEF-SUNSET UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (RSUSD) AND THE AVENAL POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) POSITION FOR FY 2021-2024. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. A motion was made by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gravelle approve Consent Calendar Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Ramírez, Gravelle, Hernández, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1) Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: RobWilliams, Public Works Director. Scott Davis, Public Works Supervisor, reported on the following: 1) Code Enforcement; 2) Park & Landscaping; 3) Streets; 5) Water Distribution – seven water leaks; 6) Wastewater Collection; and 7) Vehicle, Equipment, & Building Maintenance. 2) Avenal Theater & Event Center Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez.Avenal Theater & Event Coordinator. Humberto Bermudez, Avenal Theater & Event Coordinator reported the following: 1) Tech updates; 2) Facility maintenance; and3) Rentals: Avenal Rotary Club begins planning Pistachio Festivals biweekly in the Avenal TheaterLobby. The tentative dates for the event are October 13th-17th B. Special Presentations/Reports: 1. None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. None. PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. None. OLD BUSINESS: A. Consider Extending Local Emergency Declared on March 24, 2020: Mr. Lopez reported that the Local Emergency continues to exist or threat existence of a local emergency: COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration must be reviewed to consider the following action: 1) reaffirm that a local emergency continues to exist; or, 2) make a finding that a local emergency no longer exists. Staff is recommending that the City Council consider the following action by motion: New variants of COVID-19 are posing a threat to public safety and thus staff remains on alert to respond to new developments. Staff is recommending the City Council consider the following action by motion: Approve and support the ongoing local emergency Resolution, and specifically, move to renew the emergency Resolution by thirty (30) days, unless a Councilmember or member of the public request that the Council convene to consider the ongoing emergency Resolution, at which time a special meeting wouldbe scheduled. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez to approve as recommended, seconded by Councilman Verdugo and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Ramirez, Verdugo, Gravelle, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency - September 9, 2021. Page 3 of 6 ABSTAIN: None. B. Consider Extending Local Emergency Declared on May 27, 2021: Mr. Lopez reported that on May 27, 2021, the Avenal City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-23 declaring a Local Emergency due to the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency: Severe Water Shortage. The declaration is required to be reviewed to consider the following action: 1) reaffirm that a local emergency continues to exist; or, 2) make a finding that a local emergency no longer exists. Staff is recommending the City Council consider the following action by motion: Approve and support the ongoing local emergency Resolution, and specifically, move to renew the emergency Resolution by thirty (30) days, unless a Councilmember or member of the public request that the Council convene to consider the ongoing emergency Resolution, at which time a special meeting would be scheduled. A motion was made by Councilman Verdugo to approve as recommended, seconded by Councilman Gravelle, and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Gravelle, Hernández, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. Modifying Theater Department into New Information Technology (IT) Department: Mr. Lopez reported that in 2017, Council supported Staff in forming the Theater & Event Center Department to manage the theater facility and run programs. After a few years of this department, Staff has come to realize that there are certain overlaps with the responsibilities and purpose of the facility that Community Activities already manages for all other public facilities: Recreation Center, Veterans Hall, Scout House. Staff believes that an entire department to handle one facility is no longer in the best interest of the City. Instead, the needs and programs of the theater can be rolled into Community Activities who is best experienced with facility management and programing. As needs have evolved at the City, the current Theater Event Coordinator/Manager has seen more useas an IT specialist for the City by servicing numerous computers, devices, and web presence for the City. It is staff’s desire to retain this full-time position of the City and convert the responsibilities to formally fit the new needs the City is currently facing – especially as COVID has forced much work online and remotely. Staff recommends by motion, authorize the City Manager to: 1) rename Department Number 10.08050 in theGeneral Fund from Theater Department into Information Technology Department. Information Technology Salary Range: C ($2,761.25 - $3,356.32) Position  This full-time position will be responsible for all aspects of the design, implementation, and maintenanceof organization-wide networking and information systems. The employee in this position is responsible for assuring that organization-wide communication between all computer systems is operational, identification and repair of individual systems across the city network and making recommendations to improve the infrastructure. Duties & Responsibilities: The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Anyone in this position may not performall these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:  Lead large IT projects, including the design and deployment of new IT systems and services  Monitor performance of information technology systems to determine cost and productivity levels, andto make recommendations for improving the IT infrastructure  Help define IT infrastructure strategy, architecture, and processes  Analyze business requirements by partnering with key stakeholders across the organization to developsolutions for IT needs  Assess vendors and develop test strategies for new hardware and software  Troubleshoot hardware and software issues related to internal IT for all city departments  All aspects of departmental budgeting, money transactions/deposits.  Set up, maintain, and operate audio-visual equipment related to cinema and City Council operation  Create monthly staff reports and present to the City Council regarding activities and events.  Perform any other duties as assigned or necessary. Minimum Requirements Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills andabilities is qualifying. Knowledge of the Office 365 Suite and general hardware identification and diagnosis is required. Experience: Three (3) years’ experiences in the field of systems analysis, systems engineering, programming, database administration and/or analysis, operating systems, network analysis and/or management, business requirements or a similar field in a multi-platform information systems environment in a leadership position. (The recruitment and selection process may specify or emphasize one or more areaof experience depending on the needs of the department.) Two (2) years experience in diagnosing and troubleshooting PC, Mac, and networking hardware. Education/Training: A minimum of a High School Diploma. Graduation from an accredited university or college with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. (NOTE: Additional relevantfull-time experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis; or completion of all core coursework may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree.) Licenses and Certificates: Designated position requires the possession of a Class C driver's license. A CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+ certification is preferred. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made toenable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. Productivity: Incumbents must perform work in an efficient, effective, and timely manner with minimaldirection. Mobility: Incumbents are required to be mobile in order to participate in assigned tasks which may include but are not limited to moderate to heavy lifting; stationary positioning and/or moving for prolongedperiods of time; stooping, kneeling, and crawling; and ability to operate motorized vehicles and equipment. Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds. Vision: Vision sufficient to read printed documents, observe prolonged onscreen activity, and operateassigned equipment. Environment: Incumbents may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, may work at indoor oroutdoor recreational facilities, and may travel from site to site. Other Factors: Incumbents will be required to work extended and/or flex hours includingevenings, weekends, and holidays. EXAMINATION PROCESS A completed City of Avenal employment application must be submitted to City Hall either on-lineat www.cityofavenal.com (under Quick Links to "Employment") or in person at Avenal City Hall. Applications will be screened for qualifications and those applicants considered best qualified will beinvited to an oral interview. All appointments are subject to a successful completion of a background check and pre- employment physical examination including a drug screening. All new employees are required to submit verification of legal right to work in the United States. The City of Avenal is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency August 12, 2021 Page 5 of 6 Individuals with disabilities who will require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any portion of the application, interview, and/or testing process may voluntarily request the accommodation from the City five working days prior to the requested accommodation. Documentation of the need for the accommodation may be required upon receipt of therequest. Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisionsin this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Updated 9/1/21 A motion was made by Councilman Gravelle to rename Department Number 10.08050 in the General Fund from Theater Department into Information Technology Department, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Gravelle, Hernández, Verdugo, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Reclassifying Theater/Event Coordinator Position into IT Manager for IT Department: Griselda Price, Director of Administrative Services as discussed in the previous staff report, the needs of the City have changed, and the current Theater Event Coordinator/Manager has seen more use as an IT specialist for the City by servicing numerouscomputers, devices, and web presence for the City. By modifying the Theater Department into the ITDepartment, it is staff’s desire to retain that full-time position of the City and convert the responsibilities to formally fit the new needs the City is currently facing with technology – especiallyas COVID has forced much work online and remotely. Attached is a new job description that fits what the new role is envisioned as performing. The title would be Information Technology Manager, but will not be an exempt employee, but still be hourly.The hope is to at some point, expand the department with a director/managerial role with additional staff. Staff recommends by motion, authorize the City Manager to: 1) retire the Theater/Event Coordinator role and replace with IT Manager role with attached job description, and fill said position. A motion was made by Councilman Verdugo to retire the Theater/Event Coordinator role and replace with IT Manager role with attached job description, and fill said position, seconded by Councilman Gravelle and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Gravelle, Hernández, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. C. Consider Approval for Travel to the New City Managers Seminar that is beinghosted by the California City Management Foundation. Mr. Lopez reported The New and Future City Managers (NFCM) Seminar is a longstanding annual workshop hostedby the California City Management Foundation (CCMF), geared toward helping new City Managers and those on track to become City Managers in the future. In this intensive, multi-day workshop, senior city managers share a wide range of keen insights and legendary stories that help guide and inform participants’ career choices. This event is a rare opportunity for new and soon-to-be City Managers to trade ideas and receive mentoring from seasoned veterans. The group is limited to 25 participants who spend nearly alltheir time together in close discussions, eating meals together, and staying at the same hotel. Group discussions are led by long-tenured City Managers who act as facilitators. The 2021 New and Future City Managers Seminar will be on November 5 – 7 at the Westin Pasadena hotel. There is a $600.00 cost that covers all meals, lodging, and Seminar materials. As a member of CCMF and a recently appointed city manager, Antony V. López, submitted an application and was accepted as one of twenty-five participants to this exclusive seminar. This seminar is very relevant and will be beneficial to the City’s new city manager as an opportunity tonetwork with fellow city managers and gain insight and knowledge from seasoned veterans. Staff recommends by motion, authorize the request for the City Manager to travel to the New and Future CityManagers (NFCM) Seminar in Pasadena, California, for the dates of November 5-7, 2021. A motion was made by Councilman Gravelle to authorize the request for the City Manager to travel to the New and Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency August 12, 2021 Page 6 of 6 Future CityManagers (NFCM) Seminar in Pasadena, California, for the dates of November 5-7, 2021, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Gravelle, Hernández, Verdugo, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS: Antony Lopez, City Manager, thanked the Council for a fast meeting. Also, presented a letter form Mrs. Enriquez requesting the City Council to donate funds to cheerleading. City Council would like more information regarding this matter. It needs to be brought back for consideration. Councilmembers Gravelle and Hernandez would like an update on the following: 1) chickens; 2) community garden; and 3) cannabis. Mr. Lopez mentioned it still on the list and will update soon. Councilman Verdugo reported that when is Caltrans cleaning up Hwy 269. Mayor Preciado reported the following: 1) attended meetings; 2) Caltrans - adopt a highway is still active to clean up Hwy 33 by airport; 3) thanked staff for keeping busy with city infrastructure and everyone keep safe. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Maria Ortiz, City Clerk