City Council Meeting

7557 ACTION MINUTES OF TULARE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF TULARE August 16, 2016 A regular session meeting of the City Council, City of Tulare was held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., in the Tulare Public Library & Council Chambers, 491 North “M” Street. COUNCIL PRESENT: David Macedo, Carlton Jones, Maritsa Castellanoz, Shea Gowin, Craig Vejvoda STAFF PRESENT: Don Dorman, Paul Melikian, Martin Koczanowicz, Fred Ynclan, Willard Epps, Janice Avila, Darlene Thompson, Joe Carlini, Rob Hunt, Michael Miller, Steve Bonville, Nick Bartsch, Roxanne Yoder I. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION Mayor Macedo called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION Vice Mayor Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Council Member Vejvoda. III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mayor Macedo requested those who wish to speak on matters not on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the Council, or to address or request a matter be pulled from the consent calendar to do so at this time. He further stated comments related to general business matters would be heard at the time that matter is addressed on the agenda. Alex Gutierrez addressed the Council regarding road construction on the west side of town advising that he is pleased with the progress on the roadwork. He further commented on the traffic congestion at Prosperity and J and if the City had any plans to alleviate. Project Nick Bartsch advised that the City has no plans for that area at this time. IV. COMMUNICATIONS There were no items for this section on the agenda. V. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Vice Mayor Jones, seconded by Council Member Gowin, and unanimously carried that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved as presented.  7558 (1) Authorization to read ordinances by title only. (2) Approve minutes of August 2, 2016 special/regular meeting(s). (3) Adopt Resolution 16-42 authorizing the Finance Director/Treasurer to surplus of three (3) City Police Investigation Vehicles utilizing the value of the surplus items as trade in value against the purchase of replacement vehicles. (4) Adopt Resolution 16-43 authorizing the filing of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants for federal transportation assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C., Chapter 53 United States Code and other federal statutes administered by the FTA and authorize the City Manager, Finance Director, and/or FTA Grants Administrator to execute all related documents on behalf of the City. (5) Accept receipt of FY15 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from FEMA in the amount of $24,846 with a City match of $2,484; authorize an appropriation to purchase Emergency Medical Service (EMS) training supplies. (6) Accept a grant offer from the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) in the amount of $137,700, apply for and accept State (Caltrans) grant matching funds of $6,885, for installation of a PAPI lighting system and runway hold signage of the Mefford Field Runway; award a contract to Lee Wilson Electric of Arroyo Grande, CA in the amount of $71,300.00 for PAPI lighting and sign installation work; authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all applicable grant documents; and approve FM0017 revised project budget to $153,000. (7) Appoint Paul Melikian as Interim City Manager effective September 3, 2016, at Step A of the City Manager salary range, $12,216.70 per month. (8) Authorize City Manager or designee to sign 2016/2017 Contract with the Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging for the City of Tulare to provide meals and services to the senior citizens in the community and immediate area. VI. SCHEDULED CITIZEN OR GROUP PRESENTATIONS There were no items for this section of the agenda. VII. MAYOR’S REPORT There were no items for this section of the agenda. VIII. STUDENT REPORTS There were no items for this section of the agenda.  7559 IX. GENERAL BUSINESS Comments related to General Business Items are limited to three minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by the Council. (1) Public Works: a. Adopt Resolution 16-44 ratifying water rate Resolution 16-14 and adopt Resolution 16-45 ratifying Sewer Rate Resolution 16-15, both of which were adopted by the Board of Public Utilities on July 21, 2016. Field Services Manager Trisha Whitfield provided a report for the Council’s review and consideration. Vice Mayor Jones expressed concerns with the rates. He questioned and staff addressed how the report compared like cities and identified fixed charges. He further expressed issue over the drought surcharge. Ms. Whitfield clarified that this rate study is designed to improve the city’s infrastructure/capital improvements. She further identified that the Board of Public Utilities directed staff to return to the Board with an item to eliminate the surcharge once the final passage of the new rates. Alberto Aguilar addressed the Council in opposition stating that the rates are unfair to single-family homes versus big business. Mike Lane addressed the Council in support of the approval of rates as presented. It was moved by Council Member Vejvoda, seconded by Council Member Gowin and carried 4 to 1 (Vice Mayor Jones voting no) to adopt Resolution 16-44 as presented. It was further moved by Council Member Gowin, seconded by Council Member Castellanoz and carried 4 to 1 (Vice Mayor Jones voting no) to adopt Resolution 16-45 as presented. X. COUNCIL/STAFF UPDATES, REPORTS OR ITEMS OF INTEREST – GC 54954.2(a)(2) XI. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING Mayor Macedo adjourned the regular meeting at 8:20 p.m. _________________________________ President of the Council and Ex-Officio Mayor of the City of Tulare ATTEST: _____________________________ Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Tulare