City Council Meeting

7811 ACTION MINUTES OF TULARE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF TULARE April 17, 2018 A regular session meeting of the City Council, City of Tulare was held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the Tulare Public Library & Council Chambers, 491 North “M” Street. COUNCIL PRESENT: Carlton Jones(7:10 p.m.), Maritsa Castellanoz, David Macedo, Jose Sigala COUNCIL ABSENT: Greg Nunley STAFF PRESENT: Willard Epps, Heather Phillips, Sarah Tobias, Barry Jones, Janice Avila, Luis Nevarez, Steve Bonville, Rob Hunt, Josh McDonnell, Michael Miller, Darlene Thompson, Trisha Whitfield, Traci Myers, Nick Bartsch, Roxanne Yoder I. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION Vice Mayor Castellanoz called the regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION Josh McDonnell led the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation was given by Rob Hunt. III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mayor Jones 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. Donnette Silva-Carter addressed the Council regarding various Chamber events in the community. Chris Harrell addressed the Council regarding the firing of Chief Hensley, the review of the City’s Credit Card policy, a previous historic Charter provision found in an old 1949-newspaper article, and stated he would like to see a civility clause as suggested by Council Member Sigala. Stephen Harrell addressed the Council concerning comments related to accusations and comments made against him by the Mayor.  7812 Hector Alatorre addressed the Council regarding concerns about the police department. IV. COMMUNICATIONS Interim Fire Chief Luis Nevarez commented on the new Pierce Fire Engine purchased with Community Development Block Grant funds. The engine was displayed outside of the Library/Council Chambers for public viewing convenience. V. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Council Member Sigala, seconded by Council Member Macedo and carried 4 to 0 (Council Member Nunley absent) that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved as presented with the exception of item(s) 4. (1) Authorization to read ordinances by title only. (2) Approve minutes of April 3, 2018 regular meeting(s). (3) Extend the conditional approval for final map and subdivision improvement agreement for Phase 2B of the Cottonwood Estates subdivision for recordation, and accept all easements and dedications offered to the City, including a Grant of Easement for temporary access for emergency vehicle purposes, subject to receipt of the signed final map, all fees, and other required items prior to June 16, 2018. (4) Authorize the City Manager to execute a development agreement with San Joaquin Valley Homes that identifies construction costs associated with Phase 1 of the Willow Glen subdivision that will be eligible for reimbursement in accordance with Chapters 8.60 and 8.64 of the Municipal Code, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. Council Member Macedo recused himself due to owning property in the area. With no discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Castellanoz and carried 3 to 0 (Council Member Nunley absent and Council Member Macedo recused) to approve the item as presented. (5) Ratification of a sole source purchase of a stock Type 1 fire apparatus from Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. in the amount of $628,557.96. (6) Authorize the purchase a 2014 Ford Glaval and a 2008 Ford StarCraft Transit Cutaway Vehicles from the City of Exeter in the amount of $95,000.00.  7813 (7) Reject the liability claim for damages filed by Attorney William C. Schmidt on behalf of Bobby H. Reedom due to the death of his son Jontell Reedom. 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. 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) Finance: a. Budget Presentation: 1. Overview of General Fund revenues and expenditures for fiscal year 2018-2019 and direction from council where to reduce expenditures or if deficit spending is approved how much. 2. Overview of Community Development budget. 3. Overview of the Utilities Budget. 4. Overview of Equipment Replacement and direction from council for funding. Finance Director Darlene Thompson provided a PowerPoint slide presentation highlighting General Fund revenues, expenditures, Measure I, PERS, and related projections for the Council’s review and consideration. Human Resources Director Janice Avila reviewed personnel requests for an Animal Control Technician and a change from a Sr. Management Analyst to Construction Coordinator in Community Development for the Council’s review and consideration. Community & Economic Development Director Josh McDonnell advised that this position change would assist in reducing reliance on consultants. Mr. McDonnell further reviewed for the Council’s consideration the 17/18  7814 reorganization of the Community & Economic Development department, as well as current vacancies and recruitments. With regard to particular consultant needs, Mr. McDonnell highlighted those areas that would still be required and the costs associated with those consultants for the proposed 18/19 Budget. Lastly, he addressed the need for proposed General Fund contribution toward his department for $500,000. General Services Director Steve Bonville provided an overview of the City’s Fleet Control Budget for the Council’s review and consideration. Public Works Director Trisha Whitfield provided an overview of the City’s Utility Fund Budget for the Council’s review and consideration, highlighting revenues and expenditures to present to the Board of Public Utilities at a future meeting. Questions and comments related thereto addressed by staff. Ms. Thompson advised that the current fund balance is approximately $16 million and the 25% reserve is approximately $10.5 million. Vice Mayor Castellanoz commented on worker’s compensation carve-out and the Assistant City Manager position. Council Member Sigala commented on the defunding of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation and consideration of increasing the City’s reserves. Mayor Jones commented on funding vehicle replacement and looking closely at vacancies to find savings. The next meeting to review the budget is set for May 15, 2018 at 6 p.m. (2) City Manager: a. Consider declaring Chris Soria’s seat on the Board of Public Utilities vacant and direct staff to post the vacancy and solicit applications. Interim City Manager Willard Epps provided a report for the Council’s review and consideration. City Attorney Heather Phillips provided comments. Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sigala, seconded by Council Member Macedo and carried 3 to 1 (Mayor Jones voting no; Council Member Nunley absent) to declare the seat vacant and direct staff to post the notice of vacancy.  7815 (3) City Attorney: a. Review of the City of Tulare Credit Card Policy. City Attorney Heather Phillips provided a review of policy for the Council’s consideration. Council Member Sigala commented on numerous sections of the policy for clarification. Staff responded thereto. City Attorney Phillips advised that a revised policy would be brought to the Council for consideration at a future meeting which will address the increase in the tip limit from 15% to 20% to be in line with the City’s travel policy, an enumerated prohibition list, clarification as to who determines violation of the policy as well as clarification on the per diem policy for meals. X. COUNCIL/STAFF UPDATES, REPORTS OR ITEMS OF INTEREST – GC 54954.2(3) Council Member Sigala requested an item for consideration at the May 1 meeting regarding a letter of support for SB 911 (Gaines) Police Dog Protection Act. By concurrence of the Council, the item is scheduled for the next meeting. He further requested adjourning the meeting in memory of community activist and friend Raul Gallegos. Mayor Jones requested adjourning the meeting in memory of former First Lady Barbara Bush. XI. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING Mayor Jones adjourned the regular meeting in memory of Raul Gallegos and Barbara Bush at 9:50 p.m. _______________________________ President of the Council and Ex-Officio Mayor of the City of Tulare ATTEST: _________________________________ Chief Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Tulare