[1) CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:07]
>> GOOD EVENING. I'LL NOW CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER AT 6:01 PM.
MADAM CLERK, CAN YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
>> COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ IS ABSENT.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. IF YOU'RE ABLE TO PLEASE STAND FOR THE FLAG, SALUTE, AND REMAIN STANDING FOR AN INVOCATION.
>> THIS EVENING, WE DON'T HAVE ANYONE SCHEDULED TO PRESENT AN INVOCATION.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD BE ABLE TO DELIVER AN INVOCATION FOR US THIS EVENING? IF NOT, WE'LL GO AHEAD AND OBSERVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE. THAT'S THE WORD.
[NOISE] SEEING NO PRESENTATIONS THIS EVENING, WE'LL MOVE ON TO PUBLIC COMMENTS.
[6) PUBLIC COMMENTS (Part 1 of 2)]
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 ON ANY MATTER NOT ON THIS AGENDA AND OVER WHICH THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY HAS JURISDICTION.SPEAKERS ARE LIMITED TO TWO MINUTES.
A MAXIMUM OF 30 MINUTES WILL BE ALLOWED FOR ANY ONE SUBJECT.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD BEFORE PRESENTING.
THE BROWN ACT DOES NOT ALLOW ACTION OR DISCUSSION ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA.
THIS WILL LIMIT ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS' RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS MADE DURING THIS COMMENT PERIOD.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS THIS EVENING? VERY WELL. NO PUBLIC COMMENTS, MOVING ON. [OVERLAPPING]
I'M SORRY, EMAIL COMMENTS, APOLOGIES.
>> ARE THERE ANY EMAIL COMMENTS, MADAM CLERK?
>> MAYOR, THERE ARE NO EMAIL COMMENTS FOR THIS ITEM OR ANY OTHER ITEM ON THIS AGENDA.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. NOW WE MAY MOVE ON TO ITEM 9,
[9) NEW EMPLOYEE POLICE DEPARTMENT BADGE PINNING CEREMONY]
WHICH IS THE NEW EMPLOYEE POLICE DEPARTMENT BADGE-PINNING CEREMONY FOR JESSICA ANGUIANO, DISPATCHER; MARYLYNN ORTEGA, DISPATCHER; PRISCILLA RUIZ, DISPATCHER; IVANNA RUSSELL, DISPATCHER. CHIEF FIVECOAT.>> HONORABLE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, AND ALL OF THE GUESTS THAT HAVE COME THIS EVENING, THIS IS REALLY A MOMENTOUS EVENING FOR US IN THE SENSE THAT TONIGHT, WE'LL BE PINNING FOUR ADDITIONAL DISPATCHERS FOR THE WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND IT, IN ESSENCE, BRINGS US UP TO FULL STAFFING FOR THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FOR THE NEW WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I'D BE REMISSED IF I DIDN'T TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR, SHEILA MCCALEB.
SHE'S WORKED VERY HARD AT THE RECRUITMENT EFFORT.
WE'VE TRULY GOTTEN SOME VERY QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO WORK FOR US IN THE COM CENTER.
I WAS MAKING A NOTE TO MYSELF AS I WAS LOOKING OVER THE SHORT BIOS, AND I REALIZE THAT BEFORE YOU IS 25 YEARS WORTH OF DISPATCH EXPERIENCE.
THE REASON THAT'S IMPORTANT, PARTICULARLY TO THE CITIZENS OF WASCO, IS THAT WHEN WE GO OPERATIONAL, WE'LL HAVE PEOPLE ON BOARD THAT KNOW HOW TO DO THEIR JOB.
THEY'RE TENURED DISPATCHERS, THEY KNOW HOW TO HANDLE EMERGENCY CALLS AND DEAL WITH THE ISSUES THAT WE'LL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I'M VERY PROUD TO HAVE ALL OF YOU HERE TONIGHT.
I'D LIKE TO START WITH JESSICA.
WOULD YOUR DAD PAUL COME UP, PLEASE? FIRST OF ALL, JESSICA WAS BORN AND RAISED IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA.
SHE'S WORKED FOR HALL AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR 15 YEARS AS A DISPATCHER.
THE OLDEST WAS ACCEPTED TO FRESNO STATE COLLEGE.
SHE HOLDS AN AA DEGREE AND A BA DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH A CERTIFICATE IN HUMAN RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION.
[00:05:34]
MARYLYNN.MARYLYNN IS GOING TO BE PINNED BY HER HUSBAND, FRANCISCO.
FRANCISCO, WOULD YOU PLEASE COME UP.
MARYLYNN BEGAN HER LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER IN DELANO IN 2011, AND SHE WORKED AS A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND ALSO AS A PUBLIC SERVICES TECHNICIAN, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> SHE HAS AN AA DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION, TWO SONS, SIX YEARS OLD AND SIX MONTHS OLD.
YOU CAN STAY UP HERE WITH ME IF YOU WANT, BUDDY.
SHE'LL BE PINNED BY HER HUSBAND, MICHAEL.
SHE WORKED AS A DISPATCHER FOR DELANO POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 2 1/2 YEARS.
SHE HAS AN ASSOCIATE OF ARTS AND LIBERAL ARTS, AND THREE CHILDREN.
[APPLAUSE] AND LASTLY BUT NOT LEAST, IVANNA RUSSELL WILL BE PINNED BY HER FATHER THIS EVENING.
JOE, IF YOU'LL COME UP. THANK YOU, SIR.
SHE GREW UP IN RANCHO CUCAMONGA, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> HAS A MASTER'S DEGREE IN ENGLISH FROM CAL STATE, FULLERTON.
SHE'S DISPATCHED FOR THE SHAFTER POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. [APPLAUSE] BEFORE WE FINISH, I'D JUST LIKE TO MAKE ONE COMMENT ABOUT ALL OF THESE LADIES AND ALL OF THE OFFICERS THAT ARE IN THIS ROOM.
IT TOOK A TREMENDOUS LEAP OF FAITH FOR PEOPLE TO QUIT THEIR JOBS WHERE THEY WERE SECURE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT, ALREADY ESTABLISHED THEIR BENEFITS, UNDERSTOOD THEIR ROUTINE, UNDERSTOOD WHAT THEIR JOB WAS ABOUT.
YET THEY TOOK THE RISK TO COME TO A BRAND NEW AGENCY THAT'S A START UP AGENCY WITH THE HOPES OF BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO A COMMUNITY.
THE FACT THAT YOU ALL HAD FAITH IN ME AND IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND THE CITY MANAGER TO COME HERE AND WORK FOR THE CITIZENS IN THIS COMMUNITY, IT REALLY SPEAKS VERY DEEPLY TO ME.
I WANT YOU GUYS TO KNOW HOW MUCH I TRULY APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE.
THANKS TO ALL OF US. THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL NOW HAVE THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE.
FOLLOWING THAT, WE'LL HAVE SOME RECOGNITIONS FROM OUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES AND THEN WE'LL HAVE A QUICK RECESS TO TAKE A BUNCH OF PHOTOS TOGETHER.
I JUST WANT TO HANG TIGHT. WE'RE GOING TO DO THE MOST IMPORTANT PART, GET THEM SWORN IN.
>> IF YOU COULD PLEASE RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME.
DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM THAT YOU WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AGAINST ALL ENEMIES,
[00:10:03]
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, THAT YOU WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, THAT YOU WILL TAKE THIS OBLIGATION FREELY WITHOUT ANY MENTAL RESERVATION OR PURPOSE OF EVASION, AND THAT YOU WILL WELL AND FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES UPON WHICH YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER? ROUND OF APPLAUSE.>> AT THIS TIME, WE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM CONGRESSMAN VALADAO'S OFFICE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE TONIGHT'S BADGE PENDING RECIPIENTS.
MR. KEMP, WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME FORWARD?
I'M STEVEN WITH CONGRESSMAN VALADAO'S OFFICE.
JUST WANTED TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DEMONSTRATING OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN WASCO AND PUBLIC SAFETY FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS.
ON BEHALF OF THE CONGRESSMAN, I HAVE CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION.
I HAVE ONE FOR JESSICA GIANA. SORRY ABOUT THAT.
>> THANK YOU. WE ALSO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM OUR LOVELY ASSEMBLY WOMAN DR. JASMEET BAINS OFFICE.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. WELL, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL YOU GUYS.
IT'S AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR ALL YOU FOUR ON THE DEDICATION AND THE COMMITMENT THAT YOU GUYS MADE TODAY TO KEEP OUR RESIDENTS OF DISTRICT 35TH SAFE, AND TO TRY THE BEST THAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU'RE ANSWERING THOSE CALLS AND MAKING SURE THAT EVERYBODY'S CALM AND COLLECTED IN TIME THAT WE HOPE YOU DON'T GET.
BUT I KNOW THAT YOU GUYS ARE PREPARED LIKE THE CHIEF TODAY, THAT YOU GOT 25 YEARS AND PLUS OF ALREADY EXPERIENCE.
WE'RE NOT GOING TO WORRY ABOUT NOTHING BECAUSE WE ARE IN GOOD HANDS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO THE CITY OF WASCO.
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSEMBLY WOMAN DR. JASMEET BAINS, I HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR JESSICA GIANA.
SORRY. I ALSO HAVE ONE FOR MARYLYNN ORTEGA.
WE ALSO HAVE ONE FOR PRISCILLA RUIZ.
IT WAS MY FAULT. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, LIKE THE CHIEF SAY, IVANNA RUSSELL.
CONGRATULATIONS. PLEASE BE SAFE OUT THERE.
THANK YOU. YOU ARE A SUPERHERO.
>> BEFORE WE RECESS FOR PHOTOS AND FAMILY TIME REAL QUICK FOR FIVE MINUTES, I'D LIKE TO WELCOME ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE STAFF OR COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I REALLY DO APPRECIATE EVERYONE BEING HERE TONIGHT.
NOT ONLY OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM, BUT THE FAMILIES BEHIND THEM BECAUSE IT REALLY IS A FAMILY EFFORT. THANK YOU ALL.
I KNOW IT SOUNDS CHEESY, BUT IT REALLY FILLS MY HEART WITH MUCH HUMILITY AND PRIDE
[00:15:05]
TO SEE THE ROOM FILLED WITH OUR NEW POLICE OFFICERS.THANK YOU SO MUCH. AS HE SAID, THE COMMITMENT ISN'T LOST ON US.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING A CHANCE ON US. ANY OTHER COMMENTS, FOLKS?
>> I THINK THE CHIEF SUMMED IT UP WELL.
SOMETIMES IT TAKES A LEAP OF FAITH.
THANK YOU ALL FOR TAKING THAT LEAP AND JOINING OUR WASCO PD AND BEING ON THIS JOURNEY WITH US BECAUSE THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
THERE'S A LOT OF WORK AHEAD OF US.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE TEAM.
I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING YOU GUYS ON BOARD.
>> I'LL BE BRIEF. WELCOME ALL.
YOU ARE JOINING, NO DOUBT, THE BEST POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AREA.
PROOF OF THAT IS THAT YOU CAME TO WORK WITH US.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. WELCOME ON BOARD.
>> I'D LIKE TO ECHO CHIEF, THE COUNCILMAN.
THANK YOU GUYS FOR TAKING A LEAP OF FAITH.
WELCOME ON BOARD. THANK YOU GUYS.
>> COUNCIL MEMBERS, JOIN ME FOR RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES.
FOLKS, THANKS FOR HANGING TIGHT FOR THAT RECESS.
BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CONTENT CALENDAR AND THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA, I'D LIKE TO STEP BACK TO THE PUBLIC COMMENTS REAL QUICKLY.
[6) PUBLIC COMMENTS (Part 2 of 2)]
WE DO HAVE A RESIDENT WHO MISSED THAT OPPORTUNITY DURING THE PREVIOUS OPPORTUNITY THAT WE GAVE.I'D LIKE TO MOVE BACK TO PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME.
MR. PEREZ, DO YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD AND COME UP? AGAIN, JUST TO CLARIFY, SHE MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PUBLIC COMMENTS EARLIER AND STAFF WILL ASSIST HER IN MAKING THAT NOW.
>> IF YOU WANT, MR. PEREZ, YOU CAN HAVE HER GIVE HER COMMENTS AND THEN YOU CAN TRANSLATE FOR US.
>> HELLO. MY NAME IS ANGELICA AGUILAR.
I RESIDE AT 400 WOODSIDE DRIVE.
I COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL TO EXPRESS A CONCERN, WHICH IS THAT A NEIGHBOR MOVED IN ADJACENT TO MY PROPERTY AND THEY'VE BEEN HAVING MULTIPLE PARTIES AND EVENTS THAT IS CAUSING A DISRUPTION IN MY HOME, WHERE 10 YEARS AGO MY SON EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF LACK OF SLEEP AND WAS ATTENDING SCHOOL.
NOW MY DAUGHTER IS ALSO ATTENDING SCHOOL AND SHE'S NOW EXPERIENCING THE SAME SITUATION.
I DO NOT WANT MY DAUGHTER TO GO THROUGH A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND DUE TO THE LACK OF SLEEP BEING AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT.
[00:20:02]
>> THE ADDITIONAL COMMENT IS THAT THE NEW NEIGHBOR ARRIVED WITHIN THE SAME BLOCK ABOUT SEVEN YEARS AGO AND THAT THE NOISE HAS ONLY CONTINUED TO BE ESCALATED TO THE POINT THAT SHE HAS APPROACHED THE RESIDENT AND ASKED THEM TO LOWER THEIR MUSIC BECAUSE OF THE NOISE THAT IS CAUSING IN HER RESIDENCE, BUT THAT HAS ONLY RESULTED IN THE NEIGHBOR TO BE UPSET.
SHE HAS ALSO CONTACTED THE POLICE AND HAS ALSO RESULTED IN THE NEIGHBOR BEING UPSET TO THE POINT THAT HAS CONFRONTED AND BEING UP CLOSE TO HER FACE AND TELLING HER SOME HURTFUL WORDS.
THEY ARE FIRING ILLEGAL FIREWORKS.
SHE'S JUST BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
>> SHE ALSO IS EXPRESSING THAT ON AVERAGE THE PARTIES TAKE PLACE DURING THE WEEKENDS AND START FROM 3:00 PM-3:00 AM.
THEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT'S A HOBBY TO HAVE THESE PARTIES.
THERE'S BEEN TIMES WHERE THEY'LL LOWER AND RAISE THE MUSIC, WHICH AT TIMES IT COINCIDES WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVE TO THE RESIDENCE.
THE MUSIC IS LOW, SO THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THERE'S MUSIC THAT IS LOUD.
>> MR. PEREZ, THANK YOU. COULD YOU LET HER KNOW THAT WE'VE TAKEN HER COMMENTS AND IF SHE CAN LEAVE HER CONTACT INFORMATION WITH THE CLERK?
>> WE'LL HAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTACT HER DIRECTLY.
WELL, THAT CONCLUDES PUBLIC COMMENTS.
WE CAN MOVE BACK AND RESUME THE NORMAL ORDER OF THE AGENDA.
[10)CONSENT CALENDAR]
THAT BRINGS US BACK TO ITEM 10, THE CONSENT CALENDAR, WHICH THE CONSENT CALENDAR CONSISTS OF ITEMS THAT ARE ROUTINE AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL IN STAFF'S OPINION.THESE ITEMS ARE APPROVED IN ONE MOTION UNLESS A COUNCIL MEMBER OR A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REQUESTS THE REMOVAL OF ANY PARTICULAR ITEM.
THIS EVENING WE HAVE ITEMS 10A THROUGH 10L.
>> HONORABLE MAYOR, IF I COULD, ITEM B, THE MINUTES FROM MARCH, IT'S LABELED MARCH 6TH ON YOUR AGENDA.
[00:25:03]
IT'S ACTUALLY THE MARCH 5TH MINUTES.THIS IS JUST A SIMPLE TYPO ON THE AGENDA ITSELF, SO NO NEED FOR A CORRECTION.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE POINT OF CLARIFICATION.
WELL, AT THIS TIME I'D LIKE TO ASK MEMBERS IF THEY HAVE ANY CONFLICT ON ANY PARTICULAR ITEMS ON THIS EVENING'S CONSENT CALENDAR. MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA?
>> THANK YOU. I DO NOT HAVE ANY AS WELL.
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE THAT WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE ANY PARTICULAR ITEMS THIS EVENING? ARE THERE ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE ANY ITEMS THIS EVENING? MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA?
I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE VOTE BY ROLL.
>> MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION IS APPROVED WITH FOUR AYES WITH COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ ABSENT.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. MOVING UP AHEAD TO ITEM 13,
[13)a. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Accept Donations totaling $3,350 from local vendors, donors, and Wonderful Company Grants for the Wasco Police Department and Animal Control, and future donations, and appropriating the funds, and Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15738, no environmental review is required under CEQA.]
NEW BUSINESS, ITEM 13A, ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO ACCEPT DONATIONS TOTALING $3,350 FROM LOCAL VENDORS, DONORS AND WONDERFUL COMPANY GRANTS FOR THE WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ANIMAL CONTROL AND FUTURE DONATIONS AND APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS, AND FIND THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT AS DEFINED UNDER SEQUOYAH STATE GUIDELINES.THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO STATE GUIDELINES SECTION 15738, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED UNDER SEQUOYAH.
MR. PEREZ, DO YOU HAVE THIS ONE THIS EVENING?
>> HONORABLE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, BEFORE YOU THIS EVENING IS A STAFF REPORT ACCOMPANIED WITH A RESOLUTION THAT ACCOMPLISHES TWO THINGS.
ONE, IT RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE DONATED NOT ONLY TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, BUT ALSO TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT AS WELL, TOTALING $3,350.
THE SECOND PORTION IS THAT DONATIONS ARE INFREQUENT IN NATURE.
THEY'RE NOT SOMETHING THAT IS ROUTINE, BUT STAFF IS BRINGING BEFORE YOU THIS RESOLUTIONED.
I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE DONEES, AS WELL AS MAKING THE NECESSARY BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS IN OUR ERP SOFTWARE TO RECOGNIZE THESE REVENUES.
STAFF WOULD BE BRING BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON A QUARTERLY BASIS IF THERE'S ANY DONATIONS, AS A REPORT, AS AN INFORMATIONAL ITEM IN THE FUTURE.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, I'LL TURN IT OVER BACK TO THE COUNCIL FOR ANY QUESTION THAT YOU MAY HAVE.
>> ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME? ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA?
>> I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE VOTE BY ROLL.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SALDANA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION.
MOTION IS APPROVED WITH FOUR AYES WITH COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ ABSENT.
[14)a. Kern Economic Development Corporation (Garcia) ]
MOVING ON TO ITEM 14, REPORTS ON COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.>> I DON'T BELIEVE WE HAVE A MEETING UNTIL APRIL STILL.
>> THAT'S RIGHT, SO NOTHING TO REPORT AT THIS TIME.
14B, COUNCIL GOVERNMENTS, MR. REYNA.
[14)b. Kern Council of Government (Reyna) ]
>> MEETING ON THURSDAY, MAYOR.
NOTHING TO REPORT AT THIS TIME.
>> VERY WELL. HOW ABOUT 14C, MR. TASK FORCE?
[14)c. Wasco Task Force (Saldaña and Medina) ]
>> WE HAVE A MEETING NEXT THURSDAY AT 6:00 PM.
BESIDES THAT, NOTHING TO REPORT.
>> VERY WELL. REPORTS FROM COUNTY FIRE AND SHERIFF.
[15)a. Kern County Fire Department (Appleton)]
>> GOOD EVENING, HONORABLE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
JUST A QUICK UPDATE FOR OUR FEBRUARY REPORT OF 139 TOTAL CALLS,
[00:30:03]
A LITTLE BIT SLOWER IN FEBRUARY.IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR. THAT'S A GOOD THING THOUGH WHEN WE DON'T RUN AS MANY CALLS, SO 94 MEDICAL AIDS AND 11 FIRES. THAT'S ALL I HAVE FOR THE NIGHT.
I DID TAKE A CHANCE TO DRIVE THROUGH AND SEE THE OLD LABOR CAMP BEING TORN DOWN.
IT LOOKS REALLY GOOD OVER THERE, SO GREAT WORK TO SEE
>> FLAT, YES. [LAUGHTER] THANK YOU.
[15)b. Kern County Sheriff’s Department (Stout) ]
>> GOOD EVENING, HONORABLE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, EVERYBODY WHO'S IN THE ROOM TODAY.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WASCO PD ON THE PINNING THE BADGES OF THE NEW DISPATCHERS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU GUYS AND CHIEF AND I TALK ALL THE TIME, SO I'M REALLY HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS.
I'M GOING TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DO MORE OF A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT.
THERE IS A SCAM THAT IS GOING AROUND RIGHT NOW IN WHICH THE PEOPLE ARE GETTING CALLED, AND THE CALLER ON THE PHONE HAS THREATENED TO HAVE KIDNAPPED A FAMILY MEMBER.
THE CALLER WOULD DIRECT THE VICTIM TO GO TO A BANK, WITHDRAW SOME MONEY, AND TAKE IT TO A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS AND DROP IT OFF AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.
I DEFINITELY WANT TO WORK WITH THE CITY AND WITH THE PRESS TO GET THIS INFORMATION OUT, FIRST, TO LET PEOPLE KNOW IF THEY RECEIVE THE CALL, HANG UP.
NUMBER 2, GO CHECK ON YOUR FAMILY MEMBER THAT THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEY HAVE KIDNAPPED, AND NUMBER 3, GIVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE A CALL SO WE CAN COME AND DOCUMENT THIS SITUATION.
IT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE OUTLINING AREAS, AND HERE RECENTLY, I THINK WE GOT OUR FIRST THREE OR FOUR CALLS ON IT HERE IN WASCO.
I JUST WANT TO USE THIS PLATFORM TO GET THAT INFORMATION OUT AND TO WARN THE CONSTITUENTS OF THE CITY ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON, THAT WAY, THEY WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO LOSE MONEY TO THESE SCAMS. RIGHT NOW THE INVESTIGATION SHOW THAT THIS MONEY IS BEING SENT TO MEXICO CITY, AND WE HAVE NO CHANCE OF RECOVERING THAT MONEY.
BUT IF WE CAN GET THE MESSAGE OUT THAT ONCE THE PERSON RECEIVES THE CALL, JUST HANG UP, CHECK ON THE FAMILY MEMBER, THEN GIVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE A CALL.
ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME AT THIS TIME?
>> FOLKS, ANYBODY [INAUDIBLE]?
>> YES. THE GOVERNMENT, IT DOESN'T SURPRISE ME THAT IT'S COMING FROM MEXICO.
THAT'S WHAT THEY DO AT THE PRISONS THERE.
>> YES. THE WIRE TRANSFERS HAVE BEEN GOING STRAIGHT TO MEXICO CITY WHEN THEY HAVE VICTIMS HERE IN WASCO THAT HAVE LOST MONEY AND THE UNKNOWN NUMBER OF VICTIMS THAT HAVE LOST MONEY OUTSIDE OF WASCO.
>> APPRECIATE IT. IF WE HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO ADD, WE CAN MOVE ON TO REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER.
[16)REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER]
>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THE BANNER PROGRAM FOR DOWNTOWN VETERAN RECOGNITION.
WE'RE WORKING HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT THE NEW LIGHT POLES ALONG SEVENTH STREET ARE UP AND READY FOR THE BANNERS BEFORE JULY 4TH, INDEPENDENCE DAY.
ALSO, THAT OUR BANNER ORDERING WINDOW IS OPEN AT THIS POINT, SO IF YOU'RE ACQUAINTED WITH ANY VETERAN FAMILIES THAT MAY BE INTERESTED IN THAT, YOU CAN LET THEM KNOW.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE PRICE HAS GONE UP A LITTLE BIT.
FORMERLY THE BANNERS COST $80 A PIECE, NOW THEY'RE 105, SO THEY HAVE JUMPED UP.
A LOT OF THAT'S TO COVER THE SHIPPING NOW, AND IT MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SIZE OF THE ORDER WE PUT TOGETHER.
WE MAY BE ABLE TO DO A LITTLE BIT BETTER, BUT 105 IS THE NUMBER NOW.
WE NEED TO GET THOSE ORDERS IN.
I WOULD SAY I DIDN'T GET A FINAL DATE, BUT MAYBE WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO AT THE MOST, OR SO WE'D STILL HAVE TIME TO GET THEM ORDERED FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY.
>> A QUICK QUESTION, THEN IS THAT WERE GENERATED BEFORE, PURCHASED BEFORE, THOSE WILL BE PUT UP AGAIN?
>> YES. WE MADE SURE THAT THE NEW LIGHT POSTS ARE ADJUSTABLE, AND SO THOSE BANNERS SHOULD FIT ON THE NEW POLES JUST FINE.
>> THAT BRINGS ANOTHER QUESTION.
THE NEW BANNERS WILL BE DIFFERENT THAN THE EXISTING ONES?
>> I DON'T ANTICIPATE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE.
I THINK THE DESIGN GOAL IS THE SAME.
NEXT UP, COMMUNITY BREAKFAST, APRIL 3RD AT 7:00 AM HERE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
[00:35:02]
COMMUNITY CLEAN UP OCCURRED ON MARCH 9TH, AND WE MAYBE HAVE SOME NUMBERS. [BACKGROUND]>> I KNEW HE WAS HERE FOR A REASON.
>> FOR A REASON. I DON'T JUST SHOW UP FOR NOTHING.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME MEMBERS.
I JUST WANT TO GO OVER THOSE NUMBERS AND RECOGNIZE A FEW PEOPLE THAT WERE THERE AND HELPED US OUT.
AS FAR AS NUMBERS GOES, WE HAD A TOTAL OF ALMOST 15 TONS COLLECTED THAT DAY.
OVER 7.5 TONS CAME FROM WHITE GOODS, SCRAP METAL, SO APPLIANCES, THINGS LIKE THAT.
OVER TWO TONS IN MATTRESSES AND OVER TWO TONS IN E-WASTE AND TIRES.
WE COLLECTED QUITE A BIT OF ITEMS THAT DAY THAT CAME IN FROM THE COMMUNITY.
IT ALSO CAME IN FROM US REGISTERING PEOPLE TO GO TO THEIR CURBSIDE AND PICK UP ITEMS. THEN WE ALSO HAD CREWS GOING INTO THE ALLEYS AND PICKING UP LITTER AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE MEMBERS THAT WERE ABLE TO MAKE AS FAR AS SALDANA GARCIA MEDINA, MEDINA SHOWED UP WITH A BIG OLD CREW FROM WONDERFUL RIGHT, HAD THEIR OWN PRETTY T SHIRTS AND THEY WERE READY TO GO.
IT WAS NICE, IT WAS NICE, IT WAS NICE HERE.
BUT THIS IS ONE OF THE BIGGER ONES WE'VE HAD IN A WHILE.
IN MOST RECENT YEARS, WE PROBABLY HAD ALSO, I WANT TO SAY OVER 20 STUDENTS FROM WASCO FFA, FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL WITH MRS. WATTS, I BELIEVE A EASILY HAD, PROBABLY CLOSE TO 60-70 PARTICIPANTS IN ALL THAT BIG SHOUT OUT TO AMERICAN REFUGES.
THEY ALWAYS SHOW UP AND GIVE ALL THEIR EQUIPMENT AND EMPLOYEES AND ALL THAT.
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT WE DID A COLLABORATE WITH THE COUNTY OF KERN AND THEIR PUBLIC WORKS.
THEY REACHED OUT IN MARCH AND SAID THEY WANTED TO COME TO WASCO AND SAID, HEY, WELL, WE NORMALLY DO OURS IN APRIL.
INSTEAD OF DOUBLING UP ON AMERICAN REFUGE, LET'S COMBINE OUR EFFORTS, AND THEY WERE TOTALLY FINE WITH THAT.
THEY DID THEIR MARKETING, ADDED US TO THE FLYERS THAT THEY PUT OUT, PUT OUR FLYERS IN OUR WATER BILLS AND THEN LET THEM KNOW THAT WE DON'T JUST SET UP AT THE PARK AND COLLECT GOODS, WE ALSO DO OTHER THINGS AND THEY WERE HAPPY TO ADD THAT TO THE FLYER.
AS FAR AS THE CURBSIDE PICK UP AND THE LITTER AND ALLEY CLEAN UPS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. WE DID CATER FOOD.
WE HAD ROTARY STEPPED UP AND PAID FOR CATERING, SO EVERYONE GOT THEIR TACOS AND DRINK, SO IT WAS VERY NICE. WASCO SHOWED UP.
SANITATION CREWS, WASTEWATER CREWS, THEY ALL CAME OUT WITH THEIR FLATBED TRUCKS AND AND PUT IN THE WORK.
THERE WERE SOME LOUIS CAREY AND NANCY EVA SHOWED UP AS FAR AS SERVING FOOD FOR ALL THE VOLUNTEERS.
LIKE I SAID, ONE OF THE BIGGER ONES WE'VE HAD IN MOST RECENT YEARS.
IT WAS GREAT TO SEE WE HAVE THESE BIANNUALLY.
I'M THINKING OCTOBER SOMETIME.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK.
IT REALLY WAS A BIG TURNOUT AND I LOVED SEEING IT.
IT FELT LIKE IT WAS PRE PANDEMIC TIMES WITH THAT BIG OF A CROWD.
>> WE WERE ALMOST LIKE, WHERE WAS THE DRONE AT WHEN YOU NEEDED IT? A REALLY BIG GROUP AND A GROUP SHOT WOULD HAVE BEEN AWESOME.
BUT NONETHELESS, THE WORK WAS DONE.
IT WAS GREAT. IN THE NUMBER SHOW, WE TOOK A CREW OF YOUR FOLKS OUT THERE AND SOME KIDS, AND WE REALLY HAD A GOOD TIME AND ALL THAT.
WE HAD 150 VEHICLES COME THROUGH, SO IT WAS QUITE A BIT.
I MADE THE EVENT LAST YEAR, I THINK IN APRIL, AND THERE WERE FIVE VOLUNTEERS MAYBE.
I WAS REALLY HAPPY TO SEE THE FFA KIDS OUT THERE.
OBVIOUSLY, WE HAD SOME PD REPRESENTATIONS, SOME FOLKS FROM OVERALL, I THINK IT WAS A GOOD EVENT.
ONE THING THAT I WAS REALLY GLAD TO SEE WAS THAT WE HAD THE TIRE OPTION.
>> BECAUSE I KNOW I WASN'T THERE IN OCTOBER, BUT I KNOW IN APRIL WHEN WE DID IT LAST YEAR, THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT, YOU HAPPENED IN COMMON.
IT'S GOOD TO SEE THAT WE'RE HEARING OUR PEOPLE OUT AND WE'RE TAKING THAT INTO CONSIDERATION, SO I THINK THAT'S A GREAT TURNOUT.
IT'S BETTER THAT WE COLLECT THEM THAN THEY END UP ON THE STREET.
I JUST WANT TO COMMEND YOU GUYS FOR THAT AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE.
>> THAT WAS A BIG TAKEAWAY FROM THIS ONE.
I'M GOING TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO BECAUSE WE'VE NEVER TAKEN TIRES.
FOR 10 YEARS THAT WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS, BECAUSE WE DID A COLLABORATION WITH THE COUNTY.
THEY MUST HAVE EITHER ORGANIZED SOMETHING OR FOUND SOMEONE THAT WOULD TAKE THEM, AND SO I NEED TO FIGURE THAT OUT.
>> IT'S HUGE BECAUSE SOMETIMES WE TURN AWAY QUITE A BIT, AN THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF TIRES THAT PEOPLE BRING IN, SO IT WAS NICE TO HAVE THAT.
>> IS THERE ANY WAY, THEY DON'T REGISTER THE CARS OR ASK WHERE THEY'RE COMING FROM TO TELL HOW MANY OF THEM ARE ALL WASCO OR MAYBE SOME.
>> I'M PRETTY SURE THAT THEY WERE PRETTY CLOSE TO 100% WERE FROM WASCO.
[00:40:05]
WE'VE TAKEN A SHOT BEFORE AND I BELIEVE SCOTT MAX I DON'T KNOW IF HE TAKES ADDRESSES OR NEIGHBORHOODS OR IF HE HAD SOMEONE ASKING.I THINK THE COUNTY ALSO DOES SOME THINGS LIKE THAT BECAUSE WE DID DO THAT AT ONE TIME WHERE THEY JUST ASKED FROM WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD THEY'RE FROM AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
>> BUT I THINK I THINK IT WOULD BE A LOT TO ASK FOR EVERYTHING, BUT I THINK AT LEAST THERE'S ZIP CODE T NOTE.
>> LIKE I SAID, I'M FAIRLY CONFIDENT THAT WE WERE PRETTY CLOSE TO 100% OUR USUAL FROM WAS. IT REALLY IS.
>> NO, THAT'S OKAY. CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT EVENT.
I WISH I COULD BE THERE BUT I COULDN'T.
I WAS SICK. I WOULD CAUTION ABOUT ASKING PEOPLE, WHERE ARE YOU FROM? THAT MIGHT GET US IN TROUBLE. I'M KIDDING.
>> AS LONG AS YOU DON'T PUFF UP YOUR CHEST WHEN YOU'RE SAYING, IT SHOULD BE OKAY.
>> I'M HAPPY TO HEAR THAT THE COUNTY WAS THERE AND THAT THEY TOOK TIRES.
I DID SEE IT ADVERTISED BY THE COUNTY IN A DIFFERENT FLYER.
IT WAS A GOOD TO SEE ALL THAT.
I BELIEVE THIS IS THE FIRST ONE THAT I MISSED IN MANY YEARS.
IT'S JUST I COULDN'T BE THERE.
I DID STOP BY TO DROP SOMETHING WITH A FRIEND, BUT I JUST COULDN'T HACK IT TO BE WORKING THERE.
>> NO PROBLEM. WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT TIME.
>> WHEN YOU GET BETTER, WE'LL DO A MAKE UP WHEN DOWNTOWN.
>> JOHN POLARIS. I USED TO DO ON OUR OWN WITH SOME OF THE POLICE, SOME OF THE SHERIFFS.
>> JOHN WAS THERE TOO. JUST TO MENTION THAT.
JUST GO OUT ON A WEEKEND, HIM A COUPLE OF DEPUTIES, AND MYSELF.
WE'LL JUST GO PICKING UP TRASH.
WELL, WE'RE BRINGING THAT BACK, SO YOU'RE WELCOME.
>> I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING GOOD FOR THAT.
BECAUSE MY IMPRESSION IS THAT WHEN WE DO THE CLEAN UPS, WE ALWAYS HIT THE SAME NEIGHBORHOODS WHICH THEY NEED IT.
BUT WHEN WE DO IT SEPARATELY, THEN WE CAN GO TO DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS AND COVER MORE OF THE CITY WHICH IS ALSO NEEDED, SO THANK YOU.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYONE'S EFFORT AND SUCCESSFUL EVENT.
>> A COUPLE MORE SNIP EVENT WAS MARCH 13.
WE HAVE THE RESULTS AND THERE'S ANOTHER ONE COMING APRIL 12.
ON THE 13TH THOUGH, THIS PAST EVENT, A TOTAL OF 52 ANIMALS, 31 DOGS AND 21 CATS WERE SEEN.
WE'VE GOT COMING UP AT TERESA BURKE SCHOOL SPRING CARNIVAL WAS THE NEXT ONE, COMING UP FOR THE SNIP EVENT, APRIL 12, THAT'S A FRIDAY.
>> THEN WE HAVE THE SPRING CARNIVAL COMING UP AT TERESA BURKE, THURSDAY THE 11TH, FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M., AND YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL SOON RECEIVE A CALENDAR INVITE IN YOUR INBOX.
RECORD PARK HAS A FREE SPRING IT ON EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD, SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD, FROM 10:00 TO 2:00, AND THEY'RE ASKING FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND/OR PRIZES OR GIVEAWAYS.
I WOULD IMAGINE CONTACT THE REC DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THAT WAY.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY, YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN YOUR INBOX ABOUT THAT AS WELL OUT AT THE NATIONAL CEMETERY.
THEY KEEP TRACK OF WHO'S COMING AND GOING OUT THERE IF YOU WANT THE CD.
THAT'S A SATURDAY. THE RSVP CUTOFF IS APRIL 15TH.
>> ALMOST LAST UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GOT SOME MORE GRANT FUNDING.
>> THIS IS SOMETHING WE'LL BE PUSHING OUT TO GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO OUR CUSTOMERS THROUGH A SEPARATE LETTER.
FOR CUSTOMERS WITH PAST DUE ACCOUNTS, THIS GRANT PROGRAM WILL COVER WATER AND SEWER BALANCES ONLY, AND IT DOES REQUIRE THOSE THAT DON'T COMPLETELY GET BROUGHT UP TO DATE BE ON A PAYMENT PLAN.
SIMILAR RULES AS BEFORE, BUT A NEW FUNDING RECEIVED THERE.
AS WAS ANNOUNCED EARLIER, TASK FORCE MEETING COMING UP NEXT THURSDAY AT 6:00 P.M.?
>> ONE MORE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS, IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT ON 43 ABOVE FILBURN, THE ROTARY CLUB SIGNS WERE INSTALLED THERE IN THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
THERE ARE SOME PICTURES, VERONICA, PROVIDED THAT WILL GET DISTRIBUTED TO THE COUNCIL OR MAYBE EVEN
[00:45:03]
POST ON OUR WEBSITE THAT SHOW WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY.THAT WENT SUCCESSFULLY, AND THE CLUB WAS SUPER PROUD OF THAT ACCOMPLISHMENT.
>> VERY COOL. THANK YOU. I LOVE THE ROWDY SIGNS. THEY'RE GREAT.
UTILITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING, THAT NEW ROUND, WHEREVER IT CAME FROM.
IS THAT COMING STRAIGHT TO US, OR IS IT GOING TO BE ANOTHER LIKE PARTNERSHIP WITH A CAPK, FOR EXAMPLE?
>> FROM THE WATER BOARD, AND THEN ANY AMOUNTS THEY'RE EARMARKED BASED ON REPORTING THAT WE PROVIDED TO THE WATERBOARD.
IF A CUSTOMER HAS SINCE BROUGHT THEIR ACCOUNT UP TO DATE, THEN THAT AMOUNT GETS RETURNED.
THIS IS A DIRECT ALLOTMENT TOWARD THESE DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS.
>> THE LAST ONE, CAPK, THAT FUNDING RAN OUT AND THEY JUST FINISHED ALL THEIR EVENTS.
THAT EVENT WAS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.
I THINK WE SHOULD ATTEMPT TO DO THE SAME.
WE'RE WILLING TO HELP OUT ORGANIZING THAT AND GETTING THAT DONE.
WE GET JUST SOME FOLKS TOGETHER TO HELP WALK IN THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS, AND THEN WE CAN GET KNOCKED OUT A LOT OF ACCOUNTS JUST LIKE LAST TIME.
>> THE CAPK HAS THE STRUCTURE AND THE FOLKS TO DO THAT AND HANDLE THAT ADDITIONAL WORK.
>> THEY DID. THEY WERE ABLE TO COME IN AND THEY PROVIDED THE WI-FI.
THEY CAME [INAUDIBLE] IN THE SPACE AND THEY BROUGHT IN THEIR FOLKS.
IT'S NOT GOING TO BE DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT'LL BE US, BUT MAYBE WE CAN TAKE OUT SOME BOX AND SOME OTHER PEOPLE.
>> WELL, IT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING WE CAN LOOK INTO.
>> HONORABLE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE CITY MANAGER IS CORRECT IN THAT THIS FUNDING STREAM, IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN CAPK IN TERMS OF THAT IT WAS A WATER BOARD, IT'S NOT RELATED TO CAPK.
THIS FUNDING STREAM, THE RESIDENTS DID NOT HAVE TO SUBMIT ANY DOCUMENTATION.
THE ONLY CRITERIA WAS THAT DURING A CERTAIN TIME FRAME, IF THERE WAS ACCOUNTS THAT WERE PASSED, WE WOULD SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE WATER BOARD, AND BY THE TIME WE RECEIVED THE FUNDING, IF THESE ACCOUNTS WERE BROUGHT CURRENT, THE FUNDING WOULD BE RETURNED BACK TO THE STATE.
BUT WE WOULD NOTIFY ALL OF THE RESIDENTS VIA LETTER.
IF THERE'S ANY RESIDUAL BALANCE THAT THEY NEED TO CONTINUE TO PAY OFF, THEY WOULD BE ON A PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT, BECAUSE THE WATER BOARD'S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IS TO PREVENT WATER TURNOFFS.
ONE MEANS OF DOING THIS IS BY ASSISTING AND HELPING CUSTOMERS BRINGING UP TO CURRENT.
>> THIS WAS A SPECIFIC ALLOTMENT OR FUNDING FOR SPECIFIC ACCOUNTS THAT YOU'VE REQUESTED?
>> YES. THIS IS THE SECOND GRANT THAT WE RECEIVED.
IT WAS FOR ROUGHLY ABOUT $80,000.
ANY RESIDUAL BALANCE THAT ALL CITIES AND SPECIAL DISTRICTS HAD LEFT OVER, THEY SENT BACK TO THE WATER BOARD.
THERE WAS STILL THIS POT OF MONEY, SO NOW IT WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT WANTED TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT AGAIN.
THEY WENT THROUGH ALL THE CRITERIAS AND WE WERE AWARDED 106.
>> YOU'RE JUST GOING TO SEND IT TO THOSE SPECIFIC PEOPLE THAT WERE IN THE MERIT BEFORE?
>> GOT IT. NO ONE HEADING IN THERE.
>> ONE QUICK QUESTION, PLEASE.
WHAT WAS THE SIZE OF THE GRANT?
>> IT DEPEND ON HOW MANY ACCOUNTS WE HAD.
>> WE JUST NEED THEM TO PARTICIPATE TO CONNECT THE FUNDING TO THE ACCOUNT?
THANK YOU, CITY MANAGER. YOU HAD A QUESTION, PLEASE.
>> YEAH. MAYBE JUST IF YOU CAN GIVE US A QUICK UPDATE.
I KNOW A LOT OF FOLKS ASK, THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON IN WASCO, THE PARK, THE DOWNTOWN, IS EVERYTHING ON TRACK? NO MAJOR HICCUPS WITH ANY OF THESE PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE CURRENTLY GOING ON?
>> THERE WAS, LET'S START WITH CENTRAL AVENUE PARK, SIGNIFICANT VANDALISM THERE OVER THE WEEKEND AGAIN, TAGGING AND BROKE A TREE OFF AT THE GROUND AND TAGGED SOME OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT.
WE'RE LOOKING AT OUR CAMERAS IN THE AREA.
WE'RE WORKING WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THAT WAS VERY UNFORTUNATE, BUT THERE WILL BE A FAIR AMOUNT OF WORK TO CLEAN ALL THAT UP.
[00:50:04]
BUT OTHER THAN THAT, THE PROJECT IS PROCEEDING VERY WELL AND CONTINUING ON.MOST OF THE HARD STRUCTURE IS DONE AND LANDSCAPING REMAINS.
DOWNTOWN, WE'VE BEEN PLAGUED WITH CONNECTIONS TO OLD WATER PIPES.
THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF WATER LEAKS IN THE WORK THAT'S GOING ON DOWN THERE.
I THINK WE'VE GOT PAST THE WORST OF IT AT THIS POINT.
PAVING IS TAKING PLACE TODAY AND TOMORROW?
>> WELL, THE PARKING LOTS WAS BEING TODAY [INAUDIBLE] TOMORROW.
THE ASPHALT, HOPEFULLY, DONE GREAT.
THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ASPHALT [INAUDIBLE].
>> BUT THAT'S THAT'S PROCEEDING.
WE KNOW IT IS A TIGHT TIMELINE.
WE APPEAR TO BE HANGING IN THERE WITH OUR TIMELINE.
THAT'S GOOD NEWS. IT'LL STILL BE A CHALLENGE.
THE DEMOLITION PHASE OF THE LABOR CAMP RATHER, AS THE CHIEF POINTED OUT, THIS PHASE HAS GONE MUCH FASTER THAN ANTICIPATED.
WE'RE INTO THE LAST QUARTER OF THE BUILDINGS, PERHAPS, STILL STANDING.
THOSE NEED TO BE DUG UP AND HAULED AWAY.
THERE'S SOME ISSUES JUST WORKING WITH THE CONTRACTOR ON THOSE, BUT WE EXPECT THAT TO BE DONE AND CLEARED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
I THINK THAT'S MOST OF THE BIG PROJECTS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL FOR THE CITY MANAGER? REMEMBER THERE NOTHING TO ADD.
>> NO, HE WAS VERY THOROUGH. THANK YOU.
>> BEFORE WE GO INTO CLOSE SESSION, ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING THE CLOSED SESSION ITEMS.
>> YEAH. ONE MORE. BEFORE WE MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS,
[17)REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL]
ARE THERE ANY FINAL REPORTS OR ITEMS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MAYOR. PRO TEM MEDINA?>> I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO ADD.
>> YEAH. I DID WANT TO BRING UP THAT I ALONG WITH THE CITY MANAGER AND STAFF AND CHIEF FIVE CODE ATTENDED THE CURRENT COG AND COUNCIL MEMBER DIDN'T ATTEND.
WHAT A WONDERFUL CEREMONY IN THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE DOING SO MUCH GOOD IN OUR COMMUNITIES GET RECOGNIZED, INCLUDING OUR OWN CHIEF [INAUDIBLE] WHO RECEIVED VIA RICHARD AND MAXWELL MARRIED AWARD FOR SAFETY.
I KNOW WE HAVE ALREADY CONGRATULATED HIM, BUT I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU AGAIN.
SUCH A WELL DESERVED AWARD FOR YOU.
I ALSO WANTED TO BRING UP THE SAME AWARD WAS GIVEN TO THE CITY OF BAKERSVILLE FOR ITS NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN.
SOMETHING THAT IS DEAR TO MY HEART.
I THOUGHT I SAID THOSE WORDS AS I WAS SITTING AT THE TABLE AND THEN BOB SMITH SHORTLY AFTER I SAID THAT, HE SAYS, DEAR TO MY HEART.
I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE DOING THAT OURSELVES, TAKING THAT TO HEART AND PROVIDE SAFETY FOR OUR PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS, AND ANYBODY WHO USES THE ROAD.
AGAIN, I JUST WANTED TO BRING THAT UP, AND I DO HAVE A QUESTION.
I JUST WANT TO FIND OUT WHERE THE STAFF HAS FOLLOWED UP ON THAT CONVERSATION REGARDING THE CLOSING OF THE ALLEY NEXT TO PALM AVENUE.
THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THE CONVERSATION HAS STARTED SEVERAL MONTHS BACK JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE RETAKE THAT CONVERSATION AND BRING IT TO A CONCLUSION.
>> I HAVE NOT SPOKEN WITH THE FOLKS AT THE SCHOOL THERE.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE HAD ANY.
>> YEAH. BUT I BELIEVE THAT'S OUR NEXT STEP IS TO ORGANIZE WITH THEM, TO INVOLVE BOTH SIDES OF THAT CONVERSATION.
TO DISCUSS THE PROS AND CONS OF THE ANY ANTICIPATED OR PROPOSED CLOSURE.
>> I WILL MYSELF SPEAK TO THE SUPERINTENDENT REGARDING THAT AND JUST TO BRING IT TO THE FOREFRONT TOO BECAUSE IT WAS KELLY, I THINK THAT WAS THE SUPERINTENDENT AT THE TIME THAT THIS CONVERSATION GOT STARTED.
HE'S NO LONGER THE SUPERINTENDENT.
>> ANYWAY, THANK YOU. LET'S JUST CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UP ON THAT.
[00:55:03]
THAT'S IT FOR ME, MAYOR. THANK YOU.>> MEMBER SALDANA ANYTHING ELSE, SIR?
>> I'D LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION BUT SOME MELENDEZ REGARDING THE BUILDING.
HAS ANYTHING BEEN ADDRESSED AS FAR AS YOU KNOW? SHE PRESENTED LAST WEEK?
>> NO, I I THINK THAT'S A SITUATION WHERE THE USES THAT SHE'S PROPOSING, THE PRIMARY USE THAT SHE'S PROPOSING JUST SIMPLY ISN'T COMPATIBLE WITH THE ZONING OR FOR THE PROPERTY IN GENERAL.
THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS THAT STAFF HAS PRESENTED TO HER AS OTHER THINGS THAT WOULD BE ALLOWED THERE.
IT WOULD REQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE ZONING AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF THAT PROPERTY TO DO WHAT SHE'S PROPOSING.
I THINK AS IMPORTANT IT WOULD SET A PRECEDENT ALONG THAT WHOLE ROW OF OTHER BUILDINGS THAT SIT IN THE ZONING THAT WAS ESTABLISHED AND CREATED THAT NEIGHBORHOOD AND IF YOU START CHANGING THEM, THEN YOU SEE THE WHOLE BLOCK SOMETIMES AGO.
>> I'M GLAD THAT YOU BROUGHT THAT UP BECAUSE DURING THE CONVERSATION, I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR ASPECT OF IT, WHICH ONCE YOU DO IT FOR MORE PERSON, THEN IT'S A DOMINO EFFECT THAT YOU HAVE TO CONTINUE TO DO FOR OTHER PEOPLE THAT MIGHT COMPLETELY CHANGE THE PLAN THAT THE CITY HAS FOR THAT AREA.
>> WELL, AND IT AFFECTS THE ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR ZONING AND THEIR USE OF THEIR PROPERTY.
>> THEIR RIGHTS AS A PROPERTY OWNER NEED TO BE RECOGNIZED AS WELL.
>> VERY WELL. THANK YOU. WELL, WITH THAT BEING SAID AND NO FURTHER REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL,
[18)CLOSED SESSION]
WE'LL MOVE ON TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS. ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ON THE AGENDA THIS EVENING?>> JUST THE SAME DATE CORRECTION.
THE REPORT ITSELF IS ACCURATE.
>> SHOULD I READ THE ITEMS ALL IN.
>> TOM, DOES HE NEED TO READ THE CLOSED SESSION TITLES?
>> DOES HE NEED TO READ THE CLOSED SESSION TITLES?
>> JUST THE FACT THAT THEY ARE A THROUGH D, CLOSED SESSION?
>> JUST ASK FOR PUBLIC COMMENT, WHICH WE DID.
>> WE'LL NOW GO AHEAD AND STEP INTO CLOSED SESSION AND RETURN TO REPORT OUT FOLLOWING THAT. THANK YOU, FOLKS.
>> THE ONLY ACTIONS THAT YOU NEED TO REPORT IN YOUR MINUTES AND WE'LL REPORT HERE IS THAT ON MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER MEDINA.
SECONDED BY SALDANA THE MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION ON MARCH 5 WERE APPROVED.
OTHER THAN THAT, NO REPORT-ABLE ACTION. YEAH.
>> THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN AND LADIES FOR [INAUDIBLE].
>> YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO HOME BUT GET OUT OF HERE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.