City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. – A. CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING MAY 23, 2024, 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 & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 5:19 p.m. ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Alejandro Ramirez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado. ABSENT: Councilmen’s: Lou Gravelle. STAFF: Lopez, Ortiz, Price, Bermudez, Davis, Velasco, Nevarez. LEGAL COUNCEL: 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. The 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. 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: 1. Property Description: APN: 040-320-009-000; & 040-320-014-000 Negotiator(s): City Manager/City Attorney. Party with whom negotiating: CrisCom Company. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms of Payment. 2. Property Description: APN: 040-165-007 Negotiator(s): City Manager/City Attorney/CrisCom. Party with whom negotiating: County of Kings/State of California. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms. B. Pending Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9). Conference with legal counsel – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)). Parties, case/claim no: Ross Family Properties, LLC, v. City of Avenal (Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 24CU0071) Mayor Preciado reopened meeting at 6:04 p.m. with nothing to report out of Closed Session PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES: No public comments. CONSENT CALENDAR: All items listed under the consent calendar are routine and enacted by one motion: (Action). A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for May 9, 2024. B. Consider Annual SB 1 Project List for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding "The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017: (Resolution 2024-21). Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – May 23, 2024 Page 2 of 5 C. Consider Resolution Requesting County Clerk to Render Services for Municipal Elections – November 5, 2024 (Resolution 2024-22). D. Consider Approval for purchase of Server Equipment for APD from Colfax International. E. Approval of Financial Statement & Warrants for April 2023 – Present. F. Consider amending Director of Public Safety title to include Assistant Chief of Police (Resolution 2024-23). Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gravelle motioned to approve Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried. Mayor Preciado abstained on checks #2167and 2939. Councilman Verdugo abstained 2015, 1168, and 2941. RESOLUTION 2024-21: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and motion carried. RESOLUTION 2024-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF KINGS TO PERMIT THE COUNTY CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF KINGS TO RENDER SPECIFIED SERVICES TO THE CITY OF AVENAL RELATING TO THE CONDUCTING OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF AVENAL, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO PAY FOR SAID SERVICES. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and motion carried. RESOLUTION 2024-23: AMENDMENT OF EMPLOYMENT POSITION TITLE AND JOB DESCRIPTION WITHIN CITY HALL AND AVENAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and motion carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gravelle. ABSTAIN: None. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS& COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1. Police Department Activity Report: Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police. Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police reported the following: 1) Avenal Police Department announces the return of Police Explore; 2) Leadership Stability; 3) Recruit and Retain the Best; 4) International Model of Community Trust; 5) Amongst the safest cities in America; and 6) Embrace wellness amongst our employees. a. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS: Meritorious Awards to Acting Captain Edward Rij, and Sergeant Andrew Mazza; APD for Peace Officers Memorial. Chief of Police Velasco reported that will be presented to recognize the exemplary and meritorious conduct of Acting Captain Edward Rij of the Avenal Police Department and Sergeant Andrew Mazza of the Kings County Sheriff’s Department, whose actions in the planning and coordinating of the Kings County Peace Officers Memorial demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. Also, presented to recognize the exemplary and meritorious conduct of several Avenal Police Department Officers and Professional Staff who participated in the Kings County Peace Officers Memorial, ensuring the smooth operation of the event by handling the necessary support tasks and logistics. On May 15th, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Kings County Peace Officers Memorial took place at the Kings County Government Center Courtyard. This multi-agency event required extensive planning and coordination to honor fallen officers and their families. Several Avenal Police Department staff members played crucial roles in supporting the event, ensuring that everyone was where they needed to be and that all the behind-the-scenes details were handled efficiently. The following Avenal Police Department Officers and Professional Staff are recognized for their outstanding contributions: • Acting Captain Roldan DeLeon • Senior Police Officer Irma Soto • Records Supervisor Tamaya Gonzalez • Police Officer Joshua Alvarado Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – May 23, 2024 Page 3 of 5 • Police Officer Jordy Villafan • Police Officer Matthew Ramos • Police Officer Sofia Lopez • Records Clerk Guadalupe Celis • Community Service Officer Cynthia Morales These employees' dedication and hard work were instrumental in the event's success, allowing the Avenal Police Department to host this important ceremony with honor and efficiency. Chief of Police Velasco concluded that the dedication and professionalism of Acting Captain Roldan DeLeon, Senior Police Officer Irma Soto, Records Supervisor Tamaya Gonzalez, Police Officer Joshua Alvarado, Police Officer Jordy Villafan, Police Officer Matthew Ramos, Police Officer Sofia Lopez, and Records Clerk Guadalupe Celis, Community Service Officer Cynthia Morales, exemplify their commitment to the community and their professionalism in law enforcement. Their actions went above and beyond the call of duty, embodying the highest standards of teamwork and dedication expected of law enforcement officers and professional staff. It is recommended that these staff members be awarded the Avenal Police Department Award of Merit for their outstanding participation and support in the Kings County Peace Officers Memorial. Chief Velasco, respectfully ask that they be presented and recognized before the Avenal City Council for their exceptional contributions. 2. Community Development Activity Report: Karl Schoettler, Contract City Planner, 4Creeks. Kelsey George, City Planning Consultants reported the following: 1) reviewed and prepared comments on the new comprehensive Zoning Ordinance update and Subdivision Ordinance update; 2) Reviewed and provided comments on extension requested for Tentative Map 867; 3) Reviewed and provided comments on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit at 159 E. Kings Street; 4) Reviewed multiple building permits and business license applications; 5) Response to miscellaneous public and staff inquiries planning and zoning issues; and 6) Continued familiarization with City plans, maps and policies. 3. Economic Development & Grant Writing Report: Emily Engelsgaard, Grants Manager, the CrisCom Company. B. Special Presentations/Reports: None. City Manager Lopez reported briefly the following: 1) CrisCom conference; 2) the Governor's revise the budget, which has led to a lot of programs either being cuts or funding being pulled back. Also, CrisCom, Assemblyman Devon Mathis office is assisting with funding; 3) seeking funding which should be 10 million for a Avenal Civic Center for both or joint City Hall and Avenal Police Department; 40 additional funding to renovate the Avenal Sports Complex; 5) The per capita funds to renovate the two baseball diamonds and other additional work; 6) renovating the Jose Ramirez Boxing Club and it is being used today; 7) the Water reliability project- requesting funding for an additional storage tank so. Tank #3 which is the tank by the Oil Derrick that is our main source of water; 8) CrisCom maybe come out to City Hall every two weeks and touch base on the number of grants to keep track of everything; and 9) George Anderson from the landfill has been meaning to come for the last two or three meetings. He had a recent surgery that's not allowed him to come out. A. Special Presentations/Reports: 1) None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. None PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. None OLD BUSINESS: A. Consider Approval of Council Policy 2024-01 (Council Stipend/Compensation): Resolution 2024-24 Antony Lopez, City Manager reported that On May 9, 2024, the majority of the City Council voted in favor to increase council member compensation from $300 to $450 per month. This action is allowed based on the provisions set forth in City Ordinance 99-06, which allows for updating Council pay by resolution in accordance with California Government Code Section 36516. As per the minutes from the May 9, 2024, meeting, most of the Council voted to increase the monthly compensation from $300 to $450 per month. The Council also requested that for the upcoming fiscal year, a new compensation structure, including a community grant fund, be prepared. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – May 23, 2024 Page 4 of 5 Staff recommends approving Resolution 2024-24 and direct staff to continue developing the details for the Community Grant Fund. Also, increase Council Personnel budget from $18,000 to $27,000 of General Funds for the FY 2023/2024. RESOLUTION 2024-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL INCREASING COUNCIL MEMBER COMPENSATION FROM $300 TO $450 PER MONTH. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and motion carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gravelle. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. Consider Approval and Adoption of the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Alex Mena, Emergency Services Coordinator and Chief Resilience Officer for Kings County Office of Emergency Services. Lopez reported that the purpose of the hazard mitigation plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life, property, and infrastructure by minimizing the impact of disasters. The County of Kings, alongside the involved jurisdictional cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore, have developed this multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plan to reduce future losses to the county and its communities resulting from any natural or man-made disaster. The plan meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) and achieves eligibility for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Program. AVENAL’S PORTION OF THE PLAN: This Annex summarizes the hazard mitigation elements specific to the City of Avenal. The Annex supplements the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP); therefore, the Annex is not a stand-alone plan but is intended to supplement the hazard information provided in the Base Plan document. All other sections of the Kings County MJHMP, or Base Plan, including the sections on the planning process, countywide risk assessment, and procedural requirements related to plan implementation and maintenance apply to the City of Avenal. Key Elements in Avenal’s Portion: • Community Profile: Detailed information on the City’s profile, including geography, climate, history, and economy. • Risk Assessment: Assessment of hazards specific to Avenal, including flood, drought, earthquake, extreme temperatures, and public health hazards. • Mitigation Strategy: Customized mitigation actions and projects specific to the City of Avenal, developed by the City’s Local Planning Committee (LPT). • Critical Facilities and Infrastructure: Identification and assessment of critical facilities within the City of Avenal. • Development Trends and Future Planning: Information on development trends, future growth, and how the City plans to manage potential hazards. The City of Avenal is committed to working with Kings County and other jurisdictions to implement the mitigation strategies outlined in the plan to protect its residents and enhance the community’s resilience to disasters. By approving this plan, should there ever be a major disaster in Avenal, FEMA would be able to a grant a greater percentage of fiscal assistance to the City. This also continues the bond and communication City Staff has with County Staff. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve by motion. Moses Diaz, City Attorney asked if there was a need for a written resolution on this approval? Parties, are the minutes fine? Mr. Mena stated yes, because they send it to FEMA and that's one of the conditions. City Attorney Diaz recommended that if the City Council approve by motion to authorize the signing of a resolution 2024-25 to Approve the Adoption of the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. After a brief, discussion the following action was taken. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve Adoption of the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorize the signing of a resolution. 2024-25, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and motion carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gravelle. ABSTAIN: None. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – May 23, 2024 Page 5 of 5 CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS: City Manager Lopez reported the following: 1) Thank you for a speedy meeting; 2) Gave out Scholarship form Rotatory, City Incentive & Ed Foundation; 3) Vacation- to attend college reunion and will give more details later. Councilman Verdugo mentioned that is been an eventful month with softball and going to the Valley Championship Fresno and making history. Mayor Preciado reported the following: 1) attended many meetings and thanks the community for attending. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Preciado report that with no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Maria Ortiz, City Clerk