[00:00:04]
>> GOOD EVENING. I WILL NOW CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.
[1) CALL TO ORDER]
IT IS 6:00 PM.MADAM CLERK, CAN WE PLEASE HAVE THE ROLL CALL?
>> YES. SAY HERE. SAY HERE IS YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. IF YOU'RE ABLE, PLEASE STAND FOR A FLAG SALUTE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR AN INVOCATION BY YOUR CHAPLAIN.
>> BOW IN PRAYER WITH ME, PLEASE.
OUR MOST GRACIOUS LORD WE THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TONIGHT, TO WITNESS THE BUSINESS OF THE CITY BEING DONE IN THE PROPER MANNER.
LORD, I ASK THAT YOU WILL BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS, OUR CITY WORKERS, OUR POLICE OFFICERS, AND ALL THE FIRST RESPONDERS WITHIN THIS CITY THAT NEED OUR PRAYERS ON A REGULAR BASIS.
WE THANK YOU FOR BEING SO GRACIOUS TO US AND SHOWING US MERCY WHEN WE DON'T DESERVE IT.
I THANK YOU FOR THIS IN JESUS PRECIOUS NAME. AMEN.
MOVING ON TO PRESENTATION ITEM 5(A),
[5) a. Proclamation for National Pesticide Safety Education Month presented to Lideres Campesinas del Comite de Kern Norte.]
A PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION MONTH PRESENTED TO LIDERES CAMPESINAS DEL COMITE DE KERN NORTE.PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF WASCO, WHEREAS THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY RECOGNIZES FEBRUARY AS NATIONAL PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION MONTH, AND WHEREAS DURING THIS MONTH, THE PURPOSE OF NATIONAL PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION IS TO REINFORCE CORE PRINCIPLES OF SAFE PESTICIDE USE AND RAISE AWARENESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
WHEREAS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS LIDERES CAMPESINAS DEL COMITE DE KERN NORTE ARE ENSURING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR AG WORKERS AND RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY TREATED PESTICIDE AREAS.
WHEREAS EDUCATION IS ALSO IMPORTANT AND THE WORK THAT THEY DO BY ADVOCATING AND PROVIDING INFORMATION TO THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THOSE AFFECTED HERE LOCALLY IN OUR COMMUNITY.
WHEREAS THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION, DFR, IS DEVELOPING A STATEWIDE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH ADVANCED, TRANSPARENT, AND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS.
THE DEPARTMENT ANTICIPATES IMPLEMENTATION TO BEGIN IN 2024, AND IT WILL BE THE FIRST IN THE WORLD.
NOW THEREFORE, I ALEX GARCIA, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WASCO, ON BEHALF OF CITY COUNCIL AND ALL ITS CITIZENS DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 AS NATIONAL PESTICIDE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH.
I SET MY HAND HEREUNTO AND CAUSED TO BE AFFIXED THE GREAT CITY OF WASCO ON THIS SIXTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN 2024.
THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO INVITE THEM UP TO PRESENT THIS PROCLAMATION PLEASE.
>> MAYOR, DO YOU WANT THE COUNCIL FOR A PHOTO?
>> YES, BUT I'M NOT GOING TO GO.
>> IT'S JUST A PROCLAMATION. YOU'RE NOT VOTING ON ANYTHING.
>> IF YOU WANT TO COME FORWARD [INAUDIBLE].
>> I DON'T WANT TO STAND NEXT TO YOU, YOU MAKE ME LOOK SHORT. [LAUGHTER]
[00:06:32]
>> [APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER] MARIA, I DON'T HAVE THE OTHER PROCLAMATION.
>> THE OTHER ONE CANCELED. [BACKGROUND]
[5) c. Presentation regarding the 7th Street rehabilitation project by Art Sherwyn ]
PRESENTATION REGARDING THE 7TH STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT BY ART, SHERWIN, AND OUR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MS. KERI COBB>> JUST QUICKLY, BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION, YOU ALL KNOW MR. SHERWIN.
MR. MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, HE'S HERE TO GIVE US A BRIEF UPDATE ON THE ART PROJECTS AND ALSO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT A PHASE 2 MIGHT LOOK LIKE. I'LL LET YOU DO YOUR THING, ART.
>> I KNOW, WOULD YOU LIKE TO TURN AROUND?
>> WHO WANTS TO LOOK AT ME? [LAUGHTER] THIS LOOKS BETTER.
>> I KIND OF GO BOTH. OH, SO I CAN MOVE.
>> YOU CAN JUST TURN IT AROUND.
>> I'VE GOT PRESENTLY SIX ARTISTS WHO ARE AT THIS TIME CREATING SOME AMAZING PUBLIC ART FOR THIS DOWNTOWN PROJECT, OF WHICH THREE OF THEM ARE WASCO PEOPLE.
THESE THREE WASCO PEOPLE ARE SO EXCITED THEY'D ALMOST PAY ME TO GET THE JOB.
[LAUGHTER] THANKS TO EDDIE SALDANA, WHO TURNED ME ON INTO THAT DIRECTION.
IT'S A PERFECT SCENARIO, ONE OF THEM, WHO IS CREATING A 20-FOOT BEAUTIFUL ARCHWAY THAT'S GOING TO GO INTO AN ALLEY OF ART.
HE CALLS ME NOT TOO LONG AGO, AND HE SAYS, ART, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I SPENT ALL DAY YESTERDAY THANKING GOD FOR THIS.
THEN YOU'RE GOING TO GET A SIX BY EIGHT FOOT MOSAIC BY AN ARTIST NAMED ACZE.
IT'S BRILLIANT, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
BUT HERE WE'RE PUTTING ALL THIS MONEY INTO THIS PROJECT, AND IT'S BEING SURROUNDED BY THESE BUILDINGS.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK. NOTHING BUT WHITE SIGNAGE THAT IS BLOCKED OUT.
THIS HAS STAINS ON IT, WHITE, WHITE.
ALL THESE BUILDINGS, WHO KNOWS WHAT THIS IS?
[00:10:04]
THEY'RE GOING TO BE IN THIS BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT.LOOK AT THIS STREET, SUPERSTORE, WHITE.
LOOK AT, GOD, WHAT YOU COULD DO WITH THIS BARBER SHOP.
THIS IS AT THE END OF YOUR STREET.
NOTHING BUT WHITE, WHITE, AND SO ON.
NOW, I TAUGHT ART HERE FOR 17 YEARS.
IT WAS THE MOST PIVOTAL YEARS OF MY CAREER, WITHOUT A DOUBT.
I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT, AND I'M VERY CLOSE TO SO MANY.
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF MY JOB WAS THAT THE HISPANIC CULTURE IS FULL OF COLOR.
THAT'S WHAT EVERYBODY KNOWS THE CULTURE FOR, ITS COLOR.
I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU, AND WE DON'T HAVE TO GO THIS ROUTE, BUT LOOK AT SOME OF THE POSSIBILITIES THAT CAN POSSIBLY HAPPEN.
IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BIG AND INTENSE COLORS, BUT JUST TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT COLOR CAN DO TO YOUR TOWN.
IT DOESN'T EVEN REQUIRE MUCH MONEY BECAUSE YOU CAN CREATE GROUPS THAT CAN COME TOGETHER AND THEY CAN PAINT THESE BUILDINGS AS LONG AS YOU HAVE SOMEBODY WITH KNOWLEDGE WHO CAN SUPPORT THE QUALITY LEVEL.
THIS STREET HERE IS SO FULL OF COLOR, IT'S NOT EVEN A MAIN STREET, BUT PEOPLE COME TAKE PICTURES.
THAT'S MARTIN LAWS'S WIFE THERE BY THE WAY.
YOU CAN'T JUST THROW BRIGHT COLORS EVERYWHERE, IT MIGHT NOT LOOK GOOD.
BUT YOU CAN DO BEAUTIFUL COMBINATIONS OF COLOR.
YOU CREATE COLOR PATTERNS ONE BY ONE, YET WASCO HAS NO COLOR, AND YOU GUYS SHOULD HAVE MORE COLOR THAN EVERYBODY ELSE.
LOOK AT THIS LITTLE DESIGN HERE.
NOW LOOK WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET CLOSE.
LOOK AT THOSE TRIANGULAR SHAPES.
THERE COULD BE WONDERFUL STUFF PUT IN THOSE TRIANGLES.
LOOK WHAT THEY DID WITH THIS BUILDING.
I'M NOT SAYING WE HAVE TO GO BE CONTEMPORARY, WE NEED TO KEEP IT SANE.
THIS, I JUST THREW IN THERE BECAUSE IT'S TRIPPING ME OUT, MAN.
[LAUGHTER] THIS IS A BUNCH OF LIDS TO TRASH CANS.
YOU CAN GET VOLUNTEERS TOGETHER, YOU GET A GROUP, A COUPLE FEW PEOPLE TO HIT THE STREETS, TAKE PHOTOS, CREATE A LIST, PRIORITY LIST, DEVELOP COLOR SCHEMES.
YOU GET THE SALES TEAM AND RESEARCH TEAM THAT FINDS THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS AND SELLS THEM ON THE PROCESS.
THEN YOU PUT TOGETHER GROUPS AND YOU GET SOME SQUAD LEADERS WHO CAN CONTROL THE QUALITY, AND THEN THE FINANCIAL TEAM IF THERE'S MONEY THAT NEEDS TO BE MADE AND WE NEED TO MAYBE CREATE GRANTS, FIND OUT WAYS WE CAN FINALLY MAKE MORE MONEY.
WHAT I'M SAYING, WE'RE PUTTING ALL THIS AMAZING ARTWORK INTO THIS CITY.
WHY CAN'T WE DO SOMETHING WITH THESE BUILDINGS, GUYS? YOU KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENED? YOU'RE SO USED TO SEEING IT THE WAY IT IS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW THAT IT'S NOT PRETTY.
IT'S LIKE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW BAD YOUR SHOES ARE UNTIL YOU GET A NEW PAIR.
I WANT TO PUT THIS INTO ALL OF YOUR HEADS BECAUSE THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THIS TOWN LOOK VERY, VERY SPECIAL.
[00:15:02]
THAT'S MY PRESENTATION.IF THERE'S ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, I'M OPEN.
BUT I I WOULD THINK THAT THIS WOULD BE PART OF THE BEAUTIFICATION AND MAYBE PHASE 2.
>> THANK YOU, MR. SHERWIN. I APPRECIATE YOUR WORK.
>> THANK YOU, MR. SHERWIN. WE, AS A COMMUNITY AND COUNCIL CERTAINLY APPRECIATE YOUR WORK AND EFFORTS SO FAR, AND, OF COURSE, THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE.
APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU. PLEASE LET'S APPLAUSE FOR HIS WORK.
WE'LL GO AHEAD AND MOVE ON WITH PUBLIC COMMENTS.
>> I DO HAVE A QUESTION, MR. SHERWIN.
>> DO WE HAVE THAT PRESENTATION?
>> OKAY. I WAS JUST GOING TO ASK IF WE HAVE THAT PRESENTATION BECAUSE I'D LIKE TO PRESENT THIS TO A PARTICULAR PERSON THAT I'M THINKING OF THAT MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP US WITH THIS.
>> AWESOME. THAT WAS MY QUESTION.
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT'D BE GOOD. THANK YOU VERY WELL.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON THE PRESENTATION FROM THE COUNCIL MEMBERS, STAFF? MOVING ON TO ITEM 6, PUBLIC COMMENTS.
[6) PUBLIC COMMENTS]
THIS PORTION OF THE MEETING IS RESERVED FOR PERSONS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL, AND INCLUDING THE COUNCIL ACTING AS THE GOVERNING BOARD FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY.WASCO FINANCE AUTHORITY ON ANY MATTER NOT ON THIS AGENDA AND OVER WHICH THE COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY IN WASCO FINANCE AUTHORITY HAVE JURISDICTION.
SPEAKERS ARE ALWAYS LIMITED TO TWO MINUTES.
A MAXIMUM OF 30 MINUTES WILL BE ALLOWED FOR ANY ONE SUBJECT.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD BEFORE MAKING A PRESENTATION.
BROWN ACT REQUIREMENTS DO NOT ALLOW ACTION OR DISCUSSION ON ANY ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA.
THIS WILL LIMIT ANY COUNCIL MEMBER'S RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS MADE DURING THIS COMMENT PERIOD.
ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC AT THIS TIME? MADAM CLERK, DO WE HAVE ANY EMAIL COMMENTS THIS EVENING?
>> THERE ARE NO EMAIL COMMENTS FOR THIS ITEM OR ANY OTHER ITEM ON THE AGENDA.
>> VERY WELL. SEEING NO PUBLIC COMMENTS, WE'LL MOVE ON TO ITEM 9.
[9) NEW EMPLOYEE POLICE DEPARTMENT BADGE PINNING CEREMONY]
ITEM 9, NEW EMPLOYEE POLICE DEPARTMENT BADGE PINNING CEREMONY FOR A, LLOYD GAUTHIER, I HOPE I DIDN'T MESS IT UP, POLICE SERGEANT B, MARIA ROCHA CASTILLO, POLICE OFFICER, C, JOSE GARCIA, RESERVE POLICE OFFICER, D, OLIVIA AYON, POLICE DISPATCHER.>> HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, ANOTHER GREAT EVENING FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I'M VERY PROUD OF THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE TONIGHT FOR BADGE PINNING.
BUT BEFORE I START, IF I MAY, I HAVE A GUEST IN THE AUDIENCE TONIGHT THAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN FRIENDS FOR VERY LONG.
WE MET WHILE WE WERE DOING MUTUAL OPERATIONS IN DELANO AND MCFARLAND.
I FOUND THAT CECILIO IS A VERY HONORABLE MAN AND WE'VE BECOME VERY FAST FRIENDS.
I'D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE CECILIO VELASCO THAT'S HERE TONIGHT, CURRENTLY A COMMANDER WITH THE DELANO POLICE DEPARTMENT. MAY I?
>> BY MONDAY NIGHT, HE WILL ASSUME THE ROLE OF CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE CITY OF AVENAL.
>> WE'VE HAD EVENINGS WHERE WE'VE HAD SEVERAL OTHER OFFICERS WHO WERE BEING PINNED TONIGHT, WE HAVE FOUR EMPLOYEES THAT ARE BEING PINNED.
IT STRUCK ME AS I WAS MAKING NOTES FOR THIS EVENING THAT IF I TAKE THE PRIVATE SECURITY SIDE, WHICH I'LL TALK TO A LITTLE BIT MORE ALONG WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE EXPERIENCE, THESE FOUR INDIVIDUALS REPRESENT ABOUT 46 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
ONCE AGAIN, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO BRING PEOPLE INTO THE CITY OF WASCO WHO ARE EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS AND HAVE WONDERFUL SKILL SETS AND TONIGHT YOU'RE GOING TO GET TO MEET A FEW OF THEM.
THE FIRST PINNING THAT I HAVE TONIGHT IS FOR SERGEANT LLOYD GALLATERA.
LLOYD, I'VE SPOKEN TO YOU ABOUT THIS IN TIMES PAST, BUT I AM TRULY HONORED THAT YOU WANTED TO COME HERE AND BE PART OF THIS AND IT'S AN HONOR FOR ME TO HAVE SOMEONE OF YOUR QUALITY COME ON BOARD WITH US.
ANYWAY, I BELIEVE YOUR FATHER IS DOING THE PINNING TONIGHT.
[00:20:03]
SANTIAGO, SIR, WOULD YOU PLEASE COME? JUST A COMMENT ABOUT SERGEANT GALLATERA, 17 YEARS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE, A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE.HE'S CURRENTLY A MASTERS IN BUSINESS CANDIDATE.
HE'S WORKED SWAT, FIELD TRAINING.
HE'S BEEN A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, A K9 OFFICER, AND HE'S CURRENTLY THE CITY OF WASCO'S RANGE MASTER, AND HE DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB AT IT.
SIR, WOULD YOU MIND [INAUDIBLE] [APPLAUSE] THE SECOND PINNING THAT WE HAVE TONIGHT IS OFFICER MARIA ROCHA ALSO FROM DELANO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
MARIA HAS 11 MONTHS EXPERIENCE WITH THE AGENCY.
BEFORE YOU GOT HERE, WE WERE HEARING STORIES ABOUT THE QUALITY OF WORK THAT YOU DO AND THE KIND OF OFFICER THAT YOU ARE.
AS I SAID BEFORE WITH SARGE GALLATERA, I AM VERY PLEASED THAT YOU'VE CHOSEN US TO COME TO WORK.
I BELIEVE YOUR BROTHER IS DEAN CHRISTOBOL.
[APPLAUSE] THIS NEXT PINNING IS RATHER SPECIAL FOR ME AND I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHY.
THE OFFICER JOSE GARCIA IS A RESERVE POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS IN WASCO EFFECTIVE TONIGHT.
HE'S THE SECOND RESERVE THAT WE'VE BROUGHT ON, BUT HE WAS ACTUALLY THE FIRST RESERVE THAT WE WERE TRYING TO RECRUIT.
MY HISTORY WITH JOSE IS THAT WE WORKED TOGETHER AT OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM COMPANY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
THAT COMPANY TURNED INTO CALIFORNIA RESOURCES.
ULTIMATELY, WE WERE GIVEN THE TASK TO GO TO MEXICO AND WORK WITH THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT AND PEMEX ON A PROJECT DOWN THERE FOR THE OIL COMPANY.
WHAT I THOUGHT WAS INTERESTING ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE WAS, REGARDLESS OF THE HAZARDS THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN IN SOME OF THE PLACES THAT WE WENT, JOSE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS PROTECTED AND TO TAKE CARE OF ME AND USE HIS MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE BUSINESS TO HELP US WITH THE PROJECTS THAT WE HAD AT HAND.
JOSE HAS BECOME A VERY DEAR FRIEND OVER THE YEARS.
AT ONE TIME WHEN I FIRST MET HIM, HE CONTROLLED A 16 STORY BUILDING ON WILLSHIRE BOULEVARD WHERE HE WAS A SECURITY MANAGER FOR OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM COMPANY.
OVER THE YEARS, WE GOT TO WORK TOGETHER ON MANY OCCASIONS.
BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND I HOPE IT TOUCHES EVERYBODY HERE THE WAY IT DID ME, JOSE AND I HAD A LOT OF TIME TO TALK WHEN WE WERE DOWN HERE IN THE JUNGLES IN MEXICO.
WE TALKED ABOUT OUR LIVES AND WHERE WE CAME FROM AND THE FACT THAT WE WERE BOTH POOR BOYS, AND THAT WE HAD HAD SOME PRETTY SERIOUS LIFE EXPERIENCES.
WHEN JOSE FOUND OUT THAT I WAS COMING TO WASCO AS THE NEW CHIEF, HE CALLED ME AND HE SAID, I WANT TO COME.
I'LL PUT MYSELF THROUGH THE ACADEMY.
I'LL PAY FOR IT ALL MYSELF AND I'LL DO IT.
THIS MAN LIVES IN REDONDO BEACH, BUT YET HE DRIVES UP HERE TO DO HIS RESERVE TIME WITH US.
THE REASON HE DOES IT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS BECAUSE HE SAID HE WANTS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND HE WANTS TO BE ABLE TO HELP THE YOUTH OF THIS COMMUNITY.
JOSE, I'M VERY PROUD AS YOUR FRIEND AND ALSO AS YOUR CHIEF, TO BE ABLE PRESENT YOU WITH THIS BADGE TONIGHT, AND I WOULD LIKE HELEN AND ANDREA TO COME UP TO THE DAIS, IF THEY PLEASE.
[00:25:33]
THIS ONE IS SPECIAL TOO.I HATE TO SAY WE'RE STEALING FROM PEOPLE, BUT WE SCORED WELL WITH THIS ONE.
OUR LAST PINNING FOR TONIGHT IS OLIVIA YALE, SHE CAME TO US FROM MCFARLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT.
SHE'S BEEN A DISPATCHER FOR FOUR YEARS TOTAL.
YOU DID A YEAR IN DELANO TOO, DIDN'T YOU? YEAR IN DELANO, AND THEN THREE YEARS IN MCFARLAND.
I'VE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH HER WORK DURING THE TRAINING PROCESS.
SHEILA MCCALEB'S BACK HERE, OUR RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR, AND SHE HAS HAD VERY FINE THINGS TO SAY ABOUT YOU, EXCEPT TO KEEP REACHING FOR A FOOT PANEL THAT'S NOT THERE.
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE DISPATCHERS IS CRITICAL TO OUR OPERATION BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES THAT YOU FOLKS CALL AND SPEAK TO BEFORE THE CALL IS DISPATCHED, AND WITHOUT THEM, WE COULDN'T POSSIBLY DO OUR JOB EFFECTIVELY.
YOUR HUSBAND, MANSELL, WHERE IS MANSELL? SIR, PLEASE COME UP.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BRING THE CHILDREN, PLEASE? I'M A.
>> WE'LL BE DOING AN OATH OF OFFICE NOW.
FOLLOWING THE OATH OF OFFICE, LED BY THE CITY CLERK, WE'LL HAVE A FIVE MINUTE RECESS FOR EVERYONE TO TAKE PHOTOS WITH THEIR FAMILY.
>> LET ME HOPE THAT'S KIND OF HEAVY FOR YOU,.
>> I'M AWAY FROM YOU GUYS. HOLD ON.
HERE YOU GO. AFTER I SAY, I, IF YOU CAN, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND REPEAT AFTER ME.
IF YOU CAN PLEASE RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND.
>> A ROUND OF APPLAUSE, THANK YOU.
>> WE ALSO HAVE A QUICK PRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE SENATOR AND OUR SUPERVISOR.
[NOISE] JANET'S COMING UP. IS MYRA HERE?
>> IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE HERE WITH YOU ALL CELEBRATING THE EXPANSION OF OUR WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT. SORRY ABOUT THAT.
[00:30:01]
ALWAYS VERY EXCITED TO SEE THE HOUSE FULL.WE JUST WANTED TO SAY, ON BEHALF OF THE SENATOR, THAT WE ARE SO HAPPY TO SEE SO MANY COMMITTED AND DEDICATED OFFICERS WHO ARE HERE SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES.
I KNOW CHIEF YOU SAID YOU WERE STEALING, BUT THEY ALL SERVE SENATE DISTRICT 16, SO WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO HAVE THEM.
[LAUGHTER] MCFARLAND, DELANO, WASCO, AND AVENAL AS WELL, COMMANDER.
WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE SUCH DEDICATED OFFICERS SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES.
ON BEHALF OF THE SENATOR I JUST WANT TO PRESENT THE CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION AND SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE.
OUR COMMUNITIES ARE BETTER AND SAFER, THANKS TO EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO.
FOR LLOYD GAUTHIER, POLICE SERGEANT, AND I APOLOGIZE IF I MISPRONOUNCED THAT.
>> MARIA ROCHA, POLICE OFFICER. CONGRATULATIONS.
>> JOSE GARCIA, RESERVE POLICE OFFICER. CONGRATULATIONS.
>> OLIVIA AYON, POLICE DISPATCHER.
CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, THOUGH. CONGRATULATIONS.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. [APPLAUSE]
>> NOW WE HAVE MYRA FROM THE OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR, DAVID COUCH. MARIA, I APOLOGIZE.
>> I WAS LIKE, WHAT? JUST KIDDING.
[LAUGHTER] GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.
I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF SUPERVISOR/CHAIRMAN NOW, DAVID COUCH.
HE SENT HIS SINCERE APOLOGIES.
HE REALLY WANTED TO BE HERE BUT HE HAD COMMITTED PRIOR TO SHAFTER, SORRY.
NEVERTHELESS, I'M HERE TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION.
THIS IS, I THINK, MY THIRD POLICE PINNING CEREMONY THAT I ATTEND TO, AND IT'S ALWAYS SUCH AN HONOR TO BE HERE WITH YOU AND CONGRATULATE YOU.
I'M A VERY EMOTIONAL PERSON, SORRY.
CONGRATULATE YOU AND HONOR YOU AND WELCOME YOU HERE AS YOU GUYS FILL IN THIS ROLE OF SOME POLICE OFFICERS, SOME SERGEANTS, SOME POLICE DISPATCHERS.
THIS IS REALLY A BIG HONOR FOR ME TO BE HERE, WELCOME YOU, WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK.
BECAUSE OF YOU, I KNOW WASCO IS GOING TO BE A BETTER PLACE, A SAFER PLACE.
I HAVE CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION HERE FOR LLOYD GAUTHIER.
>> CAN WE GET IT FOR THE RECORD, PLEASE?
>> I HAVE MARIA ROCHA CASTILLO.
>> I LOVE TO SEE WOMAN HERE. JOSE GARCIA.
>> OF COURSE. THEN LASTLY, OLIVIA AYON. CONGRATULATIONS.
>> AS PROMISED WE'LL HAVE A FIVE MINUTE RECESS FOR FOLKS TO TAKE PHOTOS WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND WHATNOT.
FEEL FREE TO PICK A CORNER OR ANYWHERE YOU LIKE.
>> WE'LL NOW RESUME THE AGENDA WITH THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
[10)CONSENT CALENDAR]
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS ITEM 10, CONSENT CALENDAR.THE CONSENT CALENDAR CONSISTS OF ITEMS THAT ARE ROUTINE AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL IN STAFF'S OPINION.
[00:35:02]
THESE ITEMS ARE APPROVED IN ONE MOTION UNLESS THE COUNCIL MEMBER OR A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REQUEST THE REMOVAL OF ANY PARTICULAR ITEM.THIS EVENING, WE HAVE ITEMS 10A THROUGH 10K.
CITY MANAGER, DO YOU HAVE A COMMENT FOR 10G?
>> YES, JUST A POINT OF CLARIFICATION.
ITEM G, THE SHORT PARAGRAPH, THE SUMMARY PARAGRAPH WASN'T ENTIRELY CLEAR ON [NOISE] THE LOCATION OF THAT RIGHT AWAY GRANT.
THAT'S THE STREETS SURROUNDING A PARCEL OF LAND THE CITY ALREADY OWNS AND THERE'S A WELL SITE AND FUTURE WELL AND TANK SITE THERE.
THIS IS TO COMPLETE THE ROADWAYS AROUND IT, SO IT'S THE CITY GIVING IT TO ITSELF.
BUT THE SUMMARY PARAGRAPH AGAIN DIDN'T SPECIFY THE EXACT LOCATION, SO CENTRAL AND POZO.
>> THANK YOU. I KNOW THE REPORT WAS CLEAR, BUT THANK YOU FOR THAT CLARIFICATION ON THE AGENDA.
>> AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO ASK THE MEMBERS IF THEY HAVE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON ANY PARTICULAR ITEM ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
>> THANK YOU. I HAVE NONE AS WELL.
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE THAT WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE ANY PARTICULAR ITEM? GREAT. ARE THERE ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE ANY ITEM. MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA?
>> HOW ABOUT YOU, MEMBER SALDANA?
>> THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
>> IT'S BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED.
MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTINEZ.
SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. MOVING ON TO ITEM 13, NEW BUSINESS ITEM 13A,
[13) a. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Recognition of the Exclusively Recognized Employee Organization for the Wasco Police Officers’ Association (WPOA) for the covered Wasco Police Department employees and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required. (Hurlbert)]
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RECOGNITION OF THE EXCLUSIVELY RECOGNIZED EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION FOR THE WASCO POLICE OFFICER ASSOCIATION, WPOA.FOR THE COVERED WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES AND FIND THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT AS DEFINED UNDER [INAUDIBLE] GUIDELINES.
THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO STATE GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060C3, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MANAGER HURLBERT?
>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
BEFORE YOU HAVE THE REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF THE WASCO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION.
THIS IS A PRETTY STANDARD ASSOCIATION THE GROUP HAS FORMED AMONGST OUR NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES.
THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO HAVE A PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD ORGANIZATION, STANDARD BYLAWS, WASCO'S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
I ASK THAT THE COUNCIL CONSIDER RECOGNITION AFTER THE CITY MANAGER HAS BEEN SATISFIED THAT A NUMBER OF ITEMS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, AND THOSE ITEMS WITHOUT GOING INTO THEM IN TOO MUCH DETAIL ARE ITEMS A THROUGH K. I HAVE, IN FACT, BEEN PRESENTED WITH THE INFORMATION BOTH THROUGH THE STAFF DIRECTLY AND THROUGH THEIR ATTORNEY THAT'S REPRESENTING THEM AND GUIDING THEM THROUGH THE BYLAWS, CREATION, AND ADOPTION THAT ALL OF THOSE ITEMS HAVE BEEN SATISFIED.
ONE POINT OF CLARIFICATION THAT'S POINTED OUT IN THE STAFF REPORT, AND I'LL SAY AGAIN VERBALLY HERE, IS THAT OUR GUIDELINES CALL FOR THE PRESENTATION OF BOTH THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS, IT SHOULD SAY, AND/OR BYLAWS.
SOME ASSOCIATIONS CHOOSE TO HAVE JUST A SINGLE DOCUMENT.
IN THIS CASE, THE WPOA HAS CHOSEN JUST A SET OF BYLAWS THAT HANDLE BOTH NEEDS OF THE FORMATION.
WE HAVE RECEIVED THOSE BYLAWS AND THEY SERVE THE PURPOSE OF BOTH THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS.
IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THOSE.
>> THANK YOU. APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU FOR THE REPORT.
ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME? ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS, MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA?
>> THANK YOU. MEMBER MARTINEZ?
>> MEMBER REYNA? MEMBER SALDANA? I'M SO SORRY. [LAUGHTER] MEMBER REYNA?
>> JUST A QUICK QUESTION. YOU DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY SOMETHING AND JUST FROM MY OWN SATISFACTION, OUR ATTORNEY AND YOURSELF HAVE REVIEWED THEM TOGETHER.
YOU FOUND THEM TO BE PRETTY STANDARD.
>> THAT WAS MY ONLY QUESTION. I THINK YOU STATE THAT IN YOUR REPORT. I DON'T WANT TO ASK IT.
>> JUST TO CLARIFY, I GUESS I KIND OF GLOSSED OVER THE PURPOSE OF THIS.
THE WPOA SERVES A COUPLE OF PURPOSES.
[00:40:03]
ONE IS REPRESENTATION OF OUR OFFICERS AND OTHER POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFF.IN FACT, SERGEANT LOPEZ IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEWLY FORMED ORGANIZATION AND HE'S HERE TONIGHT.
BUT ALSO THEY ARE THE PRIMARY BARGAINING UNIT FOR THAT DEPARTMENT WITHIN OUR CITY AND WILL WORK WITH ME TO DEVELOP OUR MOU.
THE FIRST YEAR THERE'LL BE A LITTLE MORE WORK THAN USUAL.
PUTTING AN MOU TOGETHER WILL BE OUR FIRST ONE.
THEN FROM THEN ON, THAT IS THE BARGAINING UNIT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
AS YOU MAY KNOW, THE REMAINDER OF OUR EMPLOYEES, NON EXEMPT EMPLOYEES, ARE REPRESENTED BY SEIU.
>> THANK YOU FOR THAT CLARIFICATION, CITY MANAGER.
I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR APPROVAL NOW.
>> IT'S BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED.
MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE VOTE BY ROLL.
>> MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER REYNA.
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER SALDANA TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
[14) a. Kern Economic Development Corporation (Garcia)]
REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES.ITEM 14A, BEGINNING WITH THE CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WHICH I AM A REPRESENTATIVE OF LAKE CITY TOO.
STARTING OFF WITH THE 25TH OR BOTH EVENTS HAPPENED ON THE 25TH.
THE MONTHLY MEETING WAS QUARTERLY MEETING.
I CAN'T EVEN SPEAK THIS MORNING.
THE QUARTERLY MEETING [LAUGHTER]
>> MORNING? THAT'S WHY YOU CAN'T. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS.
>> I DON'T KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS.
THE MORNING OF THE 25TH WAS THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WHICH WAS HELD AT THE ADVENTIST HEALTH BUILDING.
THE STATE OF THE COUNTY WAS AT 5:00 PM, AT THE MECHANICS BANK WHERE I WAS ACCOMPANIED BY SOME OF OUR STAFF AND OTHERS REPRESENTING THE CITY OF WASCO.
[14) b. Kern Council of Government (Reyna)]
CURRENT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT. MR. REYNA.>> YES, WE DID HAVE A MEETING AND I TOLD THE MAYOR EARLIER, I GRABBED THE WRONG PACKET.
I KEEP THE PACKET AS REFERENCED AND I GRABBED THE WRONG ONE, AND SO I WILL REPORT IN DETAIL AT OUR NEXT MEETING.
HOWEVER, I DO WANT TO TELL YOU THAT THE ITEMS THAT ARE REPORTED BEFORE IN NOVEMBER ARE MOVING THROUGH THE PROCESS AND NOW HAVE GONE FOR FUNDING.
ACCORDING TO BOB SNODDY THAT RESOLVES WITHIN ABOUT 30 DAYS FROM THE TIME THAT THEY VOTED ON.
FUNDING SHOULD BE COMING TO OUR CITY ON THOSE PROJECTS SOON.
NAMELY, I BELIEVE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT FILBURN ON THE SOUTH SIDE BETWEEN HIGHWAY 43 AND GRIFFITH, I BELIEVE IT IS.
THE EXPANSION OF THAT STREET AND SIDEWALK.
THEN FURTHER WEST ON THAT SAME STREET WHERE THERE ARE MISSING PORTIONS OF THE STREET AND SIDEWALK, AND ALSO CENTRAL AVENUE ON THE WEST SIDE, WHICH IS PART OF, I BELIEVE, WHAT YOU ALLUDED TO ON ONE OF THE ITEMS THAT WE APPROVED TODAY.
BUT I WILL REPORT IN MORE DETAIL AT OUR NEXT MEETING.
BUT I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I DID SPEAK TO BOB SNODDY ABOUT THE ITEMS AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD GONE OUT FOR FUNDING AT THAT POINT. THAT'S ALL FROM ME, MAYOR.
HOW ABOUT THE WASCO TASK FORCE,
[14) c. Wasco Task Force (Reyna & Medina)]
MR. SALDANA AND MEDINA?>> WE HAVEN'T HAD A MEETING YET.
>> GOING TO DEPEND ON MEETING LATER THIS MONTH.
BUT IF WE CAN UPDATE, THAT'S GOING TO BE SALDANA AND MYSELF, I BELIEVE WE STILL HAVE REYNA ON THERE.
>> THEN MOVING ON TO 15 REPORTS FROM OUR PUBLIC SAFETY PARTNERS.
[15) a. Kern County Fire Department (Appleton)]
15A CURRENT COUNTY FIRE.>> GOOD EVENING, HONORABLE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, I HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT TONIGHT OTHER THAN WE'RE JUST KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER AND THE RAIN AND SNOW THAT WE NEED.
SO FAR, IT'S BEEN PRETTY MILD ACROSS THE COUNTY, SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> HAS THE WEATHER AFFECTED YOU GUYS AT ALL? GETTING MORE CALLS? I'D IMAGINE SO?
>> YES. SUNDAY WAS PRETTY BAD.
LOTS OF WIND AND RAIN ON SUNDAY.
A LOT OF DOWN POWER LINES AND ISSUES FROM THE WIND, REALLY.
ONCE THE WIND CALM DOWN, THE CALLS REALLY DROPPED.
WE HAD RAIN, BUT IT'S JUST LOCALIZED FLOODING AND NOTHING MAJOR SO FAR. THANK YOU.
[00:45:01]
>> CHIEF, LAST YEAR WE HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH FLOODING DUE TO POSO CREEK OVERFLOWING ITS BANKS.
ANY INDICATION THAT THAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITH THIS ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS THAT WE'RE EXPERIENCING.
THEY SAY THAT THE ONE THAT WILL BE COMING THROUGH, I BELIEVE TONIGHT AND ONWARDS, IT'S EVEN BIGGER THAN THE ONE THAT HAS PASSED.
ARE YOU ANTICIPATING ANY ISSUES WITH THAT?
>> NO. THE FORECAST FOR TONIGHT IS TONIGHT HAS A HIGHER RAIN FORECAST, BUT OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS THROUGH FRIDAY, THE RAIN DIMINISHES EVERY DAY.
WHAT WE HAD FORECAST OVER THE WEEK WAS ACTUALLY FORECAST TO BE A HIGHER AMOUNT OF RAIN, AND IT DIDN'T REALLY MATERIALIZE IN THE VALLEY SO MUCH.
>> BECAUSE OF THE WIND, NO DOUBT.
>> THE WIND, YEP. MADE A BIG PART OF THAT AND BEING THE RAIN SHADOW WAS A BIG PART OF THAT AS WELL.
THE FLOW TODAY OF POSO CREEK WAS 70 CFS.
IT TAKES ABOUT 24-HOURS FOR THE WATER TO COME OFF THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS UP THERE WHERE IT START, THE HEADWATERS OF POSO CREEK AND COME ALL THE WAY DOWN.
I GO AND WATCH IT DOWN AT FAMOSO WHERE BROWN HIGHWAY 99.
IT'S FUNNY, YESTERDAY AND EARLIER IN THE DAY IT WAS DRY AND BY THE AFTERNOON IT WAS BANK TO BANK, BUT IT'S REAL SHALLOW.
BUT THERE IS WATER FLOW IN POSO CREEK, BUT IT'S ONLY ABOUT 70 CFS.
FOR REFERENCE, LAST YEAR WHEN WE HAD OUR MAJOR PROBLEMS IN WASCO, WE WERE AT 4,500 CUBIC FEET PER SECOND.
>> WE'RE DOING WELL, BUT WE DO KEEP AN EYE ON THAT.
>> THANK YOU. ANYTHING ELSE? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.
>> WE APPRECIATE IT. MOVING ON TO REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL.
>> DO YOU WANT TO TALK, SCOTT.
>> WE DID SKIP OVER, SCOTT, I'M SORRY.
[16)REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER]
I TRY NOT TO PULL OUR MISSING SERGEANT OVER HERE.>> HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, A SHORT LIST OF ANNOUNCEMENTS TONIGHT.
WE DO HAVE THE SAVE THE DATE, CURRENT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT AWARDS DINNER IS MARCH 7TH.
SHOULD BE SIGNED UP BY NOW OR IT'S PROBABLY TOO LATE.
CITY LEADERS SUMMIT IN SACRAMENTO, APRIL 17 THROUGH 19TH.
AGAIN, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT DEADLINE IS CLOSING OR IF THAT'S STILL OPEN.
>> THAT'S STILL OPEN. IF THERE'S INTEREST, PLEASE WORK WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
COMMUNITY CLEAN UP IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 9TH.
KERRY HAS ASKED THAT WE CANVASS FOR VOLUNTEERS OF ALL SORTS.
WE'RE TRYING TO WORK WITH THE WASCO HIGH AD GROUP.
IF YOU KNOW FOLKS THAT LIKE TO DO THOSE SORTS OF THINGS, GET THE WORD OUT FOR MARCH 7TH OR MARCH 9TH RATHER.
READ ACROSS AMERICA IS COMING SOON.
THIS IS A POPULAR EVENT YOU READ AT SCHOOLS RIGHT NOW.
JOHN L. PRUEITT SCHOOL IS THE ONE THAT WE'RE AWARE OF.
MARIA MARTINEZ WILL HAVE DETAILS FOR YOU IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THAT.
COMMUNITY BREAKFAST WAS EARLIER PUBLICIZED THAT IT WOULD BE AS USUAL AT THE COURTHOUSE.
THAT IS WRONG. IT'LL BE HERE 7:00 AM.
HERE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS WHERE THE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST WILL BE HELD.
NO SNIP EVENT THIS MONTH IN FEBRUARY DUE TO A STAFF SHORTAGE ON THE SNIP CREW.
THE NEXT EVENT WILL BE MARCH 13TH, AND THAT'S A WEDNESDAY.
I'D LIKE TO TURN IT OVER TO OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR FOR A QUICK REPORT ON THE ACFR REPORT.
>> GOOD EVENING, HONORABLE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
EXCITING NEWS. THE CITY OF WASCO HAS BEEN AWARDED THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT.
THIS ACHIEVEMENT SPEAKS VOLUME ABOUT THE TEAM'S DEDICATION AND HARD WORK MAKING A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE SINCE OUR LAST RECOGNITION WAS IN 2012.
THIS HONOR NOT ONLY BRINGS PRIDE, BUT ALSO CARRIES SEVERAL BENEFITS.
WINNING THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REFORM REPORT ENHANCES STAKEHOLDERS TRUST, BOOSTS FINANCIAL COMMUNITY CREDIBILITY, AND STRENGTHENS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE.ADDITIONALLY,
[00:50:03]
IT POSITIONS US COMPETITIVELY FOR GRANTS ATTRACTS TOP TALENT, AND EMPHASIZES OUR COMMITMENT TO REGULATORY COMPLIANCE.MY HEARTFELT APPRECIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR ROLE IN THIS SUCCESS.
YOUR DEDICATION HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN ACHIEVING THIS MILESTONE, SHOWCASING BOTH THE CITY'S FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND THE EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTING FOR OUR SUCCESS.
LET'S CELEBRATE THIS ACHIEVEMENT AND LOOK FORWARD TO BUILDING ON THIS SUCCESS AS WE CONTINUE TO SERVE THE WASCO COMMUNITY.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH ONE OF YOU.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN 10 YEARS.
>> VERY WELL. VERY OUTSTANDING.
>> YES, THE AWARDS, AREN'T YOU?
EVERYONE PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU..
>> MAKING US LOOK GOOD. MOVING ON TO CITY COUNCIL REPORTS.
[17)REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL]
MAY PRETEND REPORT.>> I HAVE THE CITY REPORTS SIR.
>> HOW ABOUT YOU, A MEMBER REYNA. CERTAINLY YOU DO.
>> THANK YOU MAYOR. JUST A FEW THINGS.
WE HELD A COVID 19 AND FLU VACCINATION COLLABORATORS SOUL IN THE KERN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ALSO THE DOLLARS AT WORK FOUNDATION.
THIS PAST SUNDAY, FEBRUARY THE FOURTH, AT THE WASCO WOMAN'S CLUB.
THE DEPARTMENT NURSING STAFF VACCINATED 72 INDIVIDUALS AGAINST COVID 19, AND THERE WAS 23 WHO RECEIVED THE FLU SHOT.
63 OF THOSE 72 WERE WASCO RESIDENTS.
$150 CARD SO THAT WAS A GOOD ATTENDANCE.
WE HAVEN'T HAD THAT FOR A WHILE.IT WAS GOOD TO SEE YOU FIGURE BECAUSE COVID IS NOT SO ACTIVE ANYMORE THAT PEOPLE WOULD DECIDE NOT TO TAKE THE VACCINE.
ACTUALLY THEY CAME AND MANY OF THEM WERE MOTIVATED BY RECEIVING THE $50 WHICH WAS THE WHOLE IDEA ABOUT GIVING THOSE CARDS AWAY.
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THAT.
I ATTENDED THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE GRAND OPENING OF THE CALIFORNIA HOMES, CALIFORNIA HOME LOANS AND POPS BARBER SHOP.
SCOTT HAPPENED TO BE THERE AS WELL AS WELL AS KERRY.
THEY HAD SOME POP UP EVENT AND THERE WAS TACOS AND THERE WAS HOT DOGS AND WE ALL PARTOOK IN THAT MEXICAN SWEET BREAD.
IT WAS JUST AWESOME. MAYOR WAS THERE AS WELL. A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS IS THAT WE HAVE A LOCAL INDIVIDUAL SUCH AS STEEL CORTEZ, HIS PARTNERS WHO HAVE INVESTED IN THAT BUILDING.
NOT ONLY HAVE THEY MOVED THEIR BUSINESS INTO IT, BUT THEY ALSO REFURBISH THE BUILDING.
I DON'T KNOW IF TILO TALKED ABOUT THIS WITH ANY OF YOU.
THE WALL THAT FACES TO THE MARKET, WHICH WOULD BE FACING EAST ON THAT BUILDING IS A BLANK CAMPUS.
TILO HAD MENTIONED TO ME ON THAT DAY, BUT PREVIOUSLY, THAT HE WANTS TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO THE HIGH SCHOOL ART STUDENTS TO PERHAPS DO A MURAL THERE, AS WELL.
THAT'S A GREAT THING, JUST IN TUNE WITH WHAT MR. SHERWIN WAS TALKING ABOUT.
I ALSO ATTENDED THE LEGAL CALIFORNIA CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ACADEMY AND MONTEREY FROM JANUARY 23 TO THE 26.
I'VE ATTENDED MANY OF THIS SINCE MY TIME IN THE COUNCIL.
ALTHOUGH SOMETIMES THEY MAY BE REPETITIVE IN NATURE BECAUSE YOU HEAR THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER, THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE LEARNED BY GOING THERE AND THIS WAS NO EXCEPTION.
BUT I ALSO HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS WITH THIS IS THE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS LOBBYIST.I THINK I SAID IT RIGHT.
THE NEED FOR US TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR OUR POLICE STATION.
NOW, THE FIRST THING SHE SAID IS TALK TO YOUR ASSEMBLY PERSON.
I SAY, WELL, I TALKED TO HER FREQUENTLY.
I KEEP IN COMMUNICATION BUT I ASK THAT SHE ALSO BE OUT THERE ASKING FOR THE NEED BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR,
[00:55:05]
WELL HE'S PUTTING A LOT OF MONEY INTO SAFETY, SEVERAL BILLION DOLLARS, THE MAJORITY IS FOR FENTANYL AND OTHER ITEMS I SHOWED SCOTT WHAT THOSE WERE THE TARGETS.I DON'T SEE ANYTHING REGARDING SMALL COMMUNITIES, POLICE DEPARTMENTS WHICH ARE IN GREAT NEED FOR FUNDING.
HOPEFULLY, WE'LL SEE A CHANGE IN THAT.
OF COURSE, THE BUDGET IS NOT YET NEGOTIATED.
THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE JUST STARTING WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURE.
HOPEFULLY, WE'LL SEE ADDITIONAL FUNDING COMING OUR WAY.
I AM OUT THERE BEATING THE BUSHES TO SEE WHERE WE CAN GET SOME MONEY.
I WILL NOT ANNOUNCE IT NOW, BUT THERE MAY BE OTHER OPTIONS FOR US TO GET ADDITIONAL FUNDING.
WE'LL SEE. THAT'S ALL FROM ME.
>> VERY WELL. LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING THIS YEAR.
MY SERIES THAT I DID IN PAST YEARS, MY DAYS WITH THE MAYOR, BE A MONTHLY OFFICE HOURS IN THE COMMUNITY WITH OUR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS.
WE WERE GOING TO HAVE ONE IN THE END OF JANUARY AT MILLS NEW LOCATION AT OLD TERESA'S.
WENT AHEAD AND FOREGO THAT, AND RESCHEDULED FOR THE PARENT MEETING, WHICH I PARTICIPATED IN AT TERESA BURKE, THEY HAD A PARENT MEETING REGARDING PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER TRAFFIC FLOW MATTERS THAT ARE HAPPENING AROUND THE SCHOOL, FOLLOWED WITH THE DONUTS AND COFFEE AND DONUTS WITH THE PRINCIPAL, WHO DR. ELLIS PUTS ON REGULARLY OVER THERE MONTHLY.
LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING THE CHIEF BE THE START NEXT TIME IN THE HOT SEAT FOR THAT ONE.
READ ACROSS AMERICA IS COMING.
I ALWAYS PARTICIPATE, USUALLY AT TERESA BURKE.
I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY TO PARTICIPATE.
JLP, PALM, CAROL, EVEN THE HEAD STARTS, YOU ALL HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON.I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE.
THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT. YOU COVERED SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ALREADY HAPPENED, THAT HAPPENED THIS LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS.
THIS LAST ANTENNA, THE GRAND OPENING AT CALHOUN PROS AND LOANS AS WELL AS POPS BARBERSHOP.
I'M JUST REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.
IT SEEMS LIKE WE'RE HAVING A BIT OF A RENAISSANCE IN OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
BIG BOX SMALL BUSINESS MOM AND POPS, EVERYONE DOING SOMETHING GOOD, INVESTING IN THIS COMMUNITY, INVESTING IN THEIR OWN BUSINESSES AND IT SAYS A LOT ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY, LET'S CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM, OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.
I HEAR THAT THERE'S RUMORS AND APPETITE OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMING BACK, SO PRAYERS UP FOR THAT.
THAT'S ALL I GOT THIS EVENING.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY FOR A GOOD MEETING. MEETING IS NOW ADJOURN.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.