City Council

Item No.: G-2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 794 THIRD STREET, CORNING, CA 96021 AND SPRINGHILL SUITES HOTEL, BUSINESS CENTER 549 SOUTH SAN FERNANDO BLVD., BURBANK, CA 91502 This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. B. ROLL CALL: Council: Dave Demo Jose “Chuy” Valerio Shelly Hargens Lisa Lomeli Mayor: Robert Snow All members of the City Council were present, including Councilwoman Lomeli who is present via Zoom from the Springhill Suites Hotel Business Center in Burbank California. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager. D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS: . 1. Proclamation: February 2023 – Teen Dating violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Present to accept the Proclamation was Melanie Lee, Empower Tehama Outreach Advocate and Camp HOPE Coordinator. 2. Presentation by the Corning Healthcare District. City Manager Kristina Miller stated that they had emailed her stating that they would be unable to attend the meeting tonight. F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR: Officer Eduardo Curiel: Addressed the City Council regarding the City’s Public Safety pay, retention, and staffing. He announced that the Department now stands to possibly lose two Officers to other Departments/Jurisdictions. Audience Member: Commended the City on the improvements to the City’s downtown corridor. He stated that some members of the public would like to see more work done on a Sign Ordinance, Kara Hood: Stated that the efforts for the improvement of our downtown are very much appreciated. She also stated she would like to see social media used for good, not negative. Greg Long: Stated that Corning Law Enforcement is one of the best he has dealt with, and he thinks that the City needs to pay fair and competitive wages. Audience Member: Stated her agreement with Officer Curiel and Mr. Long regarding the City’s Police Officers and fair pay and competitive wages. She stated that there is a benefit to having long-term employees. She also asked questions regarding Measure A Funding, specifically what it funds. She stated that she believed when it was presented it was to be used for Public Safety; City Manager Miller responded providing the Measures exact verbiage. City Manager Miller stated that due to the Brown Act, Staff really can’t respond further as this is not an agendized subject. Luke Alexander: Stated that possibly these questions could be placed as an Agenda Item on a future meeting; City Attorney Bogener responded to this stating that until such time as labor negations are complete, they cannot be discussed publicly. Police Chief Fears: Apologized to the City Manager for raising his voice to her today during a meeting with her, however he does not apologize for his passion in supporting his Staff. Audience Member: Stated he moved to the community in recent years, and he is all for paying the Police Officers what is needed to keep them here. G. CONSENT AGENDA: It is recommended that items listed on the Consent Agenda be acted on simultaneously unless a Councilmember or members of the audience request separate discussion and/or action. 3. Waive reading, except by title, of any Ordinance under consideration at this meeting for either introduction or passage, per Government Code Section 36934. 4. Waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the following meetings with any necessary corrections: a. January 24, 2023 City Council Closed Session & Regular Meeting; and and b. January 30, 2023 City Council Closed Session; 5. February 8, 2023 Claim Warrant in the amount of $536,687.47. 6. February 8, 2023 Business License Report. THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER  Item No.: G-2 7. January 2023 Wages & Salaries: $415,560.53. 8. January 2023 Treasurer’s Report. 9. January 2023 Building Permit Valuation Report in the amount of $373,692. 10. January 2023 City of Corning Wastewater Operations Summary Report. 11. Authorize final payment to PSOMAS for Construction Management and Inspection Services in the amount of $69,590.36 for the Solano Street Improvement Project. 12. Authorize payment of Invoice #5 to Walberg, Inc. in the amount of $15,371.22 for the Solano Street Improvement Project. 13. Approve Letter of Support for the Tehama County Transportation Commission’s Grant Application for the Lake California Drive Reconstruction Project. 14. Approve Mayor’s Recommendation to appoint Councilwoman Lisa Lomeli to serve as the City’s representative on the Tehama County Community Action Agency Commission/Board. Councilor Valerio moved to approve Consent Items 3-14; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, and Lomeli. Absent/Abstain/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 5-0. H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS: None. J. REGULAR AGENDA: 15. Ratify Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the City of Corning Dispatch Bargaining Unit. Presented by City Manager Miller who outlined the benefits and costs proposed under this MOU. With no further discussion, Councilor Demo moved to ratify the MOU between the City and the City of Corning Dispatcher’s Bargaining Unit for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, and Lomeli. Absent/Abstain/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 5-0. 16. Approve Letter responding to the Tehama County Grand Jury relating to discussion of funding split within County Cities for Tehama LAFCO Budget. Presented by City Attorney Collin Bogener who stated that the proposed letter is a response to the findings and recommendations of the Tehama County Grand Jury. He specified the findings/recommendation to which the City was required to provide a response as outlined in the proposed letter. It was stated that it is required by State Law to provide a response. With no further discussion, Councilor Hargens moved to approve the proposed letter to the Tehama County Grand Jury relating to discussion of the Tehama County Funding Split for the LAFCO Budget. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, and Lomeli. Absent/Abstain/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 5-0. 17. Seek direction relating to the Corning Library Commission recommendation to seek the services of an Interior Design Consultant, funded using Ridell Trust Funds, to advise on interior improvements at the Corning Library. City Manager Miller presented this item and announced the current balance of the Ridell Trust ($221,865.86) as of January 31, 2023, and stated the terms under which these funds can be utilized. She outlined improvements The Friends of the Library & Library Commission would like to complete prior to a planned Library 50th Anniversary Event. She stated in order to keep the improvements cohesive a recommendation was made to hire an Interior Design Consultant. It was confirmed that all expenses for the Consultant would be funded by the Ridell Trust, not City General Funds. Councilor Lomeli asked if we knew what the cost would be for the Consultant; she was informed no, the City would put it out to Bid for these services. Councilor Demo moved to approve the recommendation by the Library Commission and County Librarian to seek the services of a professional Interior Design Consultation; direct City Staff to prepare associated Bid/Request for Proposal documents; and approve expenditure from Ridell Trust the associated costs. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, and Lomeli. Absent/Abstain/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 5-0. 18. Select and authorize purchase of Play Playground Equipment to replace the existing Northside Park Kiddie Playground equipment. Presented by City Recreation Coordinator Christina Meeds who provided Bid results. Ms. Meeds stated that two of the Bids would put us over budget and would require an appropriation of additional funding from the General Fund Reserves. City Manager Miller provided funding information, such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds received from past revolving home improvement loans. She explained qualification for expense of these funds is limited and will require the City to perform a NEPA Study which can take up to six (6) months to complete. The State is asking that these funds be spent. She is suggesting the Council select the equipment Option preferred and authorize Staff to proceed with awarding the Bid at this time but defer purchase until the City confirms that CDBG funds can be utilized for this purchase and the associated NEPA Study. If approved, it will allow the funds previously budgeted to be utilized for another project and an allocation from the General Fund would not be necessary. THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER  Item No.: G-2 Councilor Demo stated Councilors Lomeli and Valerio had addressed Council regarding ADA playground equipment, what is the status? Mayor Snow and Councilor Lomeli stated they would like to hold off on action on this item at this time since there is a possibility of acquiring additional funds following going through the NEPA Process. It was stated that the surface would be wood chips. Mayor Snow, and Councilors Demo, Lomeli, Hargens and Valerio were in favor of equipment Option 2. Councilor Valerio stated that he did not see access to the equipment; Rec. Coordinator Meeds stated that concrete would need to be placed for access to the ADA playground equipment. Councilor Hargens moved to: • Waive the formal bid process as the purchase is exempt according to Section 3.12.082.4 of the Corning Municipal Code • Select Option 2 (Kompan Playground Equipment) proposal and delay purchase until confirmation that Community Development Block Grant funding could be used towards purchase of equipment and the NEPA Study is completed. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, and Lomeli. Absent/Abstain/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 5-0. 19. Approve proposed wage rate increase schedule for City Pool Lifeguards I and II, Pool Manager, and Assistant Pool Manager for the 2023 Pool Season. Presented by Public Works Consultant/City Engineer Robin Kampmann who stated that due to the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 3, the California minimum wage increased to $15.50/hr. effective January 1, 2023 necessitating a review of the City’s wage schedule for Pool Employees. The current wage for the City’s Lifeguard I position is now noncompliant. Staff completed a salary survey of surrounding communities for Lifeguard wages and the proposed wages are competitive with these communities. Councilor Demo moved to approve the attached proposed 2023 Pool Season increased wage rate schedule for the part-time temporary City Pool Lifeguards I & II, Pool Manager, and Assistant Manager. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, and Lomeli. Absent/Abstain/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 5-0. 20. Approve Plans and Specifications and authorize Staff to solicit Bids for the Corning Awning Grant Program. Councilor Lomeli abstained from voting on this item. City Manager Miller presented this item stating that City Council approved funding of $250,000 for the City’s Awning Grant Program funded by the $1,844,396 in American Rescue Plan Act 2021 funds the City received. Remaining funds of $1,594,396 were approved by the City Council to fund a Reimbursement Agreement for a water & sewer crossing over I-5 to the west whereby Developers would fund the cost of the bore with the City reimbursing them for all, or a great portion of the work upon completion. City Manager Miller announced Staff has received 17 applications from business to participate in the Awning Program. She stated Staff recommends City Council approve the Plans and Specifications and authorize Staff to seek Bids. Once bids are received and reviewed by Staff, the successful low bid will be brought back to City Council for approval and contract award. Should proposals exceed the available amount, grants will be awarded based on the date the application was received. Councilor Hargens moved to approve the Plans and Specifications and authorize Staff to solicit Bids for the Corning Awning Grant Program. Councilor Demo seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio, and Hargens. Abstain: Lomeli. Absent/Opposed: None. Motion was approved by a 4-0 with Lomeli abstaining. K. ITEMS PLACED ON THE AGENDA FROM THE FLOOR: None L. COMMUNICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND INFORMATION: City Clerk Lisa Linnet reported the City received a Thank You card from local business Jersey Girls in response to the cash payment to businesses affected by the Solano Street closure. M. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS: City Councilmembers will report on attendance at conferences/meetings reimbursed at City expense (Requirement of Assembly Bill 1234). Demo: Reported on the Tehama County Transportation Commission Meeting announcing that TRAX is planning on reducing service to the Corning area due to lack of riders. However, riders can arrange rides by contacting TRAX 24 hours in advance. Lomeli: Reported on meetings with various City Department Heads which were very informative. Chief Fears has reached out and a meeting is to be scheduled. Hargens: Stated her meetings were cancelled. Valerio: Reported on the Chamber Installation Dinner. Snow: Reported on the 2-by-2 Meeting with the Schools in the City and stated how mutually beneficial these meetings are. N. ADJOURNMENT: 7:35 p.m. ________________________ Lisa M. Linnet, City Clerk THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER