[00:00:03]
[1) CALL TO ORDER]
>> GOOD EVENING. I WILL NOW CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.
MADAM CLERK, CAN YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
>> THANK YOU. FOR THOSE CAN, PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE FLAG SALUTE. SALUTE. PLEDGE.
>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
>> THANK YOU. PLEASE REMAIN STANDING.
INVOCATION WE HAVE PASTOR PAUL HERNANDEZ.
>> LET'S PRAY. LORD HAVEN FATHER, LORD, WE LOVE YOU, GOD, PRAISE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR THIS DAY AND THE VERY PRIVILEGE IT IS, LORD TO BE HERE TOGETHER.
LORD, I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD HELP US DO ALL THINGS DECENTLY AND IN ORDER AS YOUR WORD SAYS.
I PRAY YOU WOULD GIVE OUR LEADERS, LORD WISDOM, LORD, AS THEY TRIED TO LEAD THIS COMMUNITY, LORD I PRAY YOU GIVE US A UNITED SPIRIT.
LORD I PRAY YOU HELP US CONTINUE TO DO THINGS PEACEFULLY LORD AND CIVILLY, LORD, I PRAY YOU WATCH OVER THIS MEETING, LORD, WATCH OVER OUR COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU FOR OUR COUNTRY, LORD, AND THE PRIVILEGES THAT WE HAVE LORD ESPECIALLY THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS THAT WE EXPERIENCE.
WE PRAY LORD THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER US, LORD, WATCH OVER OUR ECONOMIC TIMES, LORD AND THE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
HELP US HAVE A CARE AND CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER, LORD, AND HELP US CONTINUE TO DO ALL THINGS TO PLEASE YOU, LORD.
WE ASK THESE THINGS IN YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST, PRECIOUS AND HOLY NAME. AMEN.
>> THANK YOU, PASTOR. PRESENTATIONS, WE HAVE NONE.
THE CITY MANAGER HAS A STATEMENT FOR TONIGHT'S MEETING.
>> THANK YOU, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
GREETINGS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING YOUR TIME TO BE HERE THIS EVENING FOR THE PROCEEDINGS.
THIS IS A LITTLE BIT OF AN UNUSUAL MEETING.
I HAD A COUPLE OF COMMENTS JUST TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT'S GOING TO BE HAPPENING TONIGHT.
FIRST, WE'LL HAVE PUBLIC COMMENT.
THE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT IS FOR ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ONE OF THE ITEMS, HOPEFULLY, YOU GOT A COPY OF OUR AGENDA FOR TONIGHT, THERE WILL BE A TIME TO MAKE COMMENTS ON THAT PARTICULAR ITEM.
IF YOUR COMMENT IS ON A DIFFERENT TOPIC, NOT ON THE AGENDA, PUBLIC COMMENT IS YOUR TIME TO COME UP AND SPEAK AT THE PODIUM.
WHEN WE HAVE A LARGE GROUP LIKE THIS, WE INSTITUTE SOME PROTOCOLS AROUND THE PUBLIC COMMENT, AND THAT IS TWO MINUTES FOR EACH SPEAKER AND A TOTAL OF 30 MINUTES FOR ANY ONE TOPIC.
IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE WE HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO REALLY PUSH THAT LIMIT TONIGHT, BUT IF WE DO, WE'LL ASK THAT YOU IF YOU'RE GOING TO COME UP AND MAKE A COMMENT, THAT IT BE SOME NEW COMMENTS THAT YOU HAVEN'T HEARD ALREADY.
WE UNDERSTAND A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY HAVE SOME OF THE SAME THINGS TO SAY, BUT WE'D PREFER IF IT'S ALREADY BEEN SAID THAT YOU DEFER OR SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
THAT'S NOT INTENDED TO CENSOR ANYBODY OR LIMIT FOLKS ABILITY TO SPEAK OUT, AND RATHER IT'S OUT OF RESPECT FOR ALL OF US IN OUR TIME AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET AS DIVERSE NUMBER OF COMMENTS AS POSSIBLE.
SECOND ITEM IS I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF PUBLIC COMMENTS.
THIS IS TO DELIVER INFORMATION FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC AND FOR THE COUNCIL TO HEAR DUE TO BROWN ACT LAWS.
THE COUNCIL CANNOT ENGAGE IN AN ACTIVE DISCUSSION.
THEY MAY ASK QUESTIONS TO CLARIFY OR COMMENT, BUT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ACT UPON THOSE OR MAKE DECISIONS AND VOTE ON THINGS TONIGHT.
THAT WOULD BE FORWARDED TO A FUTURE AGENDA.
ALSO, JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THE PROCESS.
OBVIOUSLY, THE TOPIC THAT EVERYONE IS ENGAGED WITH IS THE RECENT RESIGNATION OF OUR COUNCIL MEMBER GARCIA, WHO IS ALSO ACTING AS MAYOR.
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE HERE UNDERSTANDS THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR CITY OF WASCO GOVERNMENT.
EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT SERVES IS ELECTED IN THEIR DISTRICT BY THE VOTERS IN THAT DISTRICT.
THE COUNCIL, ME AS THE CITY MANAGER, THE STAFF, WE HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO REMOVE AN ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBER FROM OFFICE.
THERE IS REALLY TWO OR THREE WAYS THAT CAN HAPPEN.
ONE IS THROUGH RESIGNATION, WHICH IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED.
THE OTHER IS THROUGH A FORMAL RECALL VOTE.
AGAIN, A SPECIAL BALLOT HAS TO BE CREATED AND PRESENTED TO THE VOTERS IN
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THE DISTRICT THAT ELECTED A PARTICULAR COUNCIL MEMBER AND TO RECALL THOSE.THOSE ARE TIME CONSUMING, EXPENSIVE AND HAVE A BAD REPUTATION FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL.
THE THIRD OR THROUGH SOME OTHER POLITICAL AND LEGAL THINGS THAT CAN TAKE PLACE THAT DON'T APPLY TO THIS CASE.
JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS THAT.
ONCE THE COUNCIL IS SEATED, THE COUNCIL CHOOSES FROM AMONGST THEMSELVES FOR SOMEONE TO SERVE A ONE YEAR TERM AS AN APPOINTED MAYOR.
THEY'RE STILL A COUNCIL MEMBER THEY STILL HAVE ALL OF THE SAME RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES THAT A COUNCIL MEMBER DOES, BUT THEY ALSO HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL TASKS, AND HERE TONIGHT, OUR MAYOR PRO TEM HOLDS THE GAVEL DURING MEETINGS AND CONDUCTS THE PUBLIC MEETINGS.
THE MAYOR MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO SIGN CERTAIN AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS AND PROCLAMATIONS, AND THEY ALSO MAY PRESIDE OVER PUBLIC EVENTS LIKE A GROUNDBREAKING OR A RIBBON CUTTING.
OTHER THAN THAT, ALL THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE STILL EQUAL.
IN OUR CASE TONIGHT, WE WILL BE APPOINTING A REPLACEMENT MAYOR POSITION AND MAYOR PRO TEM POSITION.
WE'LL ALSO HAVE THE COUNCIL DECIDE ON WHETHER TO APPOINT OR HOLD A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR REPLACEMENT FOR THE VACANT COUNCIL POSITION.
THEN IF WE CHOOSE TO APPOINT, WE'LL ASK THE COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE GUIDELINES FOR FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH THAT APPOINTMENT.
THE LAST ITEM WILL BE FOR NAMING, THE COUNCIL WILL NAME FROM AMONGST THEMSELVES, MEMBERS TO REPLACE THE NOW VACANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS THAT WERE HELD BY MR. GARCIA.
THOSE ARE THE FOUR ITEMS THAT WILL HAPPEN IN THAT ORDER.
WE WILL TAKE A VERY SHORT 10 SECOND BREAK AFTER THE NEW MAYOR IS SELECTED TO CHANGE NAME PLATES.
THEN AFTER THE FOUR ITEMS ARE COMPLETED, WE'LL TAKE A LITTLE BIT LONGER BREAK OF FIVE MINUTES OR SO TO GIVE COUNCIL IF THEY NEED TO CHANGE SEATS OR WHATNOT AND MOVE AROUND AND THEN WE'LL PROCEED WITH THE BALANCE OF THE MEETING.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE FOR THAT MINI CIVICS LESSON, AND NOW WE CAN PROCEED WITH THE MEETING.
>> THANK YOU, MR. HARBERT. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON
[6) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA]
THE AGENDA FOR THIS PORTION OF RESERVED FOR PERSONS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL, AND INCLUDING THE COUNCIL ACTING AS A GOVERNING BOARD OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY ON ANY MATTER, NOT ON THIS AGENDA, AND OVER WHICH THE COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY HAVE 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 MAKING YOUR PRESENTATION.
BROWN ACT REQUIREMENTS, THE BROWN ACT DOES NOT ALLOW ACTION OR DISCUSSION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA, SUBJECT TO NARROW EXCEPTIONS.
THIS WILL LIMIT A COUNCIL MEMBERS RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS MADE DURING THE COMMENT PERIOD.
ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME? PLEASE WALK UP TO THE PODIUM, AND PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.
I'M HERE TODAY AS A COMMUNITY MEMBER OF WASCO.
I AM A MEMBER OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRAT LEADERS OF KERN COUNTY AND HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY REGARDING VOTING AND ELECTIONS.
OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, FORMER MAYOR ALEX GARCIA WAS ACCUSED OF DESPICABLE ACTS, WHICH DEEM HIM A PUBLIC THREAT.
I'D LIKE TO THANK MEMBER GILBERT RENA AND VINCENT MARTINEZ FOR THEIR PROMPTNESS IN ADDRESSING AND DENOUNCING HIS ACTIONS.
HOWEVER, UNBEKNOWNST TO ME, MEMBERS, EDUARDO SALADINA, AND VALENTINE MEDINA HAVE YET TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT, AS WELL AS THE CITY ITSELF HAS YET TO RELEASE A STATEMENT.
MR. GARCIA'S INFORMATION IS STILL UP ON THE WEBSITE WITH NO UPDATE.
IF IT WASN'T FOR SOCIAL MEDIA, MOST FOLKS WOULD NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE ISSUE.
I'D LIKE TO REMIND YOU, GENTLEMEN, THAT YOUR POSITION OF POWER DOES NOT ABSOLVE YOU FROM ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY OF WASCO.
WHEN ALL FOUR OF YOU RAN FOR THESE POSITIONS, YOU TOOK AN OATH.
WHETHER YOU HAVE ANY SORT OF FAMILIARITY OR FRIENDSHIP WITH MR. GARCIA, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A COUNCIL MEMBER COMES FIRST, ALSO KNOWN AS SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF WASCO.
PUBLIC THREATS HOLD NO SPACE IN OUR COMMUNITY OF WASCO.
I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OUR PLAN IS MOVING FORWARD, WHERE, WHEN, HOW WILL THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF WASCO BE INFORMED WITH SUCH EVENTS OR FOR THAT MATTER, ANY EVENT IS OCCURRING IN THE COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MR. SANDRA. CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH THE CLERK? THANK YOU. ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS? MR. LYNCH?
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>> MIKE LYNCH, CHAPLAIN WITH WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
GENTLEMEN, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR STAYING THE COURSE THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
I KNOW THAT YOU FACE CRITICISM THE CITY FACES CRITICISM, BUT YOU'VE STAYED THE COURSE AND HUNG IN THERE, AND I APPRECIATE IT AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, MR. LYNCH. ARE THERE ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS? PLEASE WALK UP, SIR. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. WE HAVE A TRANSLATOR.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME OCTAVIO VALENZUELA.
I HAVE LIVED HERE IN THE COMMUNITY OF WASCO FOR NINE YEARS NOW ON 4TH STREET.
THE REASON FOR MY VISIT HERE TO THE MEETING IS BECAUSE WE ARE WORKING ON A PROJECT HERE IN WASCO.
WE ARE SUPPORTED BY THE DOLORES HUERTA FOUNDATION AND OUR COMMITTEE IS FOR IMPROVEMENTS HERE IN WASCO.
RIGHT NOW WE'RE WORKING BECAUSE WE WANT A PLACE FOR OUR CHILDREN.
WE ARE ASKING FOR SUPPORT IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO HAVE OR CREATE A SPORTS COMPLEX ALONG WITH SOCCER FIELDS, WHICH IS THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS DESIRING.
>> SINCE OUR CHILDREN, IF THEY WANT TO PLAY, WE HAVE TO TRAVEL TO DOLENO, MCFARLAND, LOSTILS BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A PLACE HERE IN ORDER TO DO SO.
>> WE WOULD LIKE TO COUNT WITH YOUR SUPPORT IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO CREATE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON NOW FOR SIX MONTHS ALREADY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, OCTAVIO. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH THE CLERK.
ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS? CAN WE GET TRANSLATION AGAIN? THANK YOU.
>> HELLO. MY NAME IS VERONICA.
I LIVED IN WASCO FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS.
I AM A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY NOW.
WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A CHAPTER OF NEIGHBORS WITH THE DOLORES HUERTA FOUNDATION.
WITH MORE THAN 100 NEIGHBORS THAT ARE SUPPORTING US AND THEY ARE ATTENDING OUR MEETINGS.
WE'VE TASKED OURSELVES WITH CHECKING TO SEE WHAT PROJECTS WERE NEEDED IN WASCO.
JUST LIKE OCTAVIO MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, WE WOULD LIKE A SPORTS COMPLEX TO BE BUILT WHERE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY COULD BE WELCOMED WHERE THERE IS SOCCER FIELDS AND AQUATIC PARK FOR THE CHILDREN AND WHERE WOMEN COULD DO YOGA AND WHERE THE ELDERLY COULD GO AND SOCIALIZE.
[00:15:01]
THEM USED TO MEET TO MAKE [OVERLAPPING] WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM.THEREFORE THE ONLY THING I ASKED RIGHT NOW IS THAT YOU SUPPORT US, YOUR COMMUNITY, NOT SO THAT WASCO JUST BE RECOGNIZED FOR BAD ACTIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING CURRENTLY BUT SO THAT WE HAVE A PROGRESSIVE WASCO FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND SO THAT THE YOUTH COULD HAVE SOCCER TOURNAMENTS HERE IN OUR CITY.
WE WILL BE COMING TO THE MEETINGS OFTEN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU VERONICA. [FOREIGN] ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS? SEEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, DO WE HAVE ANY EMAIL COMMENTS?
>> THERE ARE NO EMAIL COMMENTS FOR THIS ITEM OR FOR ANY OTHER AGENDA ITEMS.
[7.a. Appointment of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore due to Council vacancy, 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 15378, no environmental review is required. (Hurlbert)]
APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM, DUE TO COUNCIL VACANCY AND FIND THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT THAT'S DEFINED UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL BODY ACT STATE GUIDELINES.THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO STATE GUIDELINES SECTION 15378, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED, MR. HARBERT.
>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR PRO TEM AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THIS IS THE FIRST ITEM THAT I HAD MENTIONED EARLIER.
WITH THE VACANCY TONIGHT, WE NEED THE COUNCIL TO APPOINT ONE OF THEMSELVES TO ACT AS MAYOR, AND THEN, IF NECESSARY, ALSO TO APPOINT MAYOR PRO TEM.
THIS CAN BE DONE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.
MAYOR PRO TEM WILL CONDUCT THIS PART OF THE MEETING.
HE CAN ASK FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE MAYOR POSITION, AND THEN ASK FOR A VOTE.
PROBABLY WE'LL HAVE ONE OR TWO OUTCOMES, EITHER THERE'LL BE ONE OR TWO NOMINATIONS.
THEN WE WILL PROCEED TO A ROLL CALL VOTE WHERE EACH COUNCIL MEMBER WILL BE ASKED FOR THEIR PREFERENCE ON WHO THEY WOULD SELECT AS MAYOR.
I'LL LEAVE IT TO YOU TO CONDUCT THAT DISCUSSION.
>> THANK YOU, MR. HARBERT. WE'LL START OFF.
ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME?
>> SEEING NONE. ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS, COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA?
WOULD YOU LIKE NOMINATIONS AT THIS TIME OR JUST COMMENTS?
>> COMMENTS, AND I WILL OPEN IT UP FOR NOMINATIONS.
I WILL NOW OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR.
>> I NOMINATE YOU MAYOR PRO TEM AS MAYOR.
>> THANK YOU. YOU'VE GOT TO DO ANY MORE NOMINATIONS.
>> I THINK CLERK CAN CAST FOR A ROLL CALL VOTE?
>> WELL, MAYBE ASK IF THERE ARE ANY FURTHER NOMINATIONS.
>> ARE THERE ANY FURTHER NOMINATIONS AT THIS TIME?
>> I WOULD NOW CLOSE THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS.
I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPOINT MYSELF AS MAYOR.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ TO APPOINT MAYOR PRO TEM MEDINA AS MAYOR.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. WHEN I OPEN THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR PRO TEM.
JUST OPENING THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS.
>> I'LL NOMINATE MEMBER REYNA. MEMBER REYNA?
>> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE MYSELF.
>> SALDANA WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE HIMSELF.
ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS? I WILL NOT CLOSE THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS.
>> SO IN THIS CASE, I THINK SINCE THERE ARE TWO NOMINATIONS, WE WOULD HOLD INSTEAD OF A ROLL CALL AYE OR NAY, WE HAVE A ROLL CALL VOTE WHERE EACH MEMBER WOULD STATE THE NAME
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OF THE PERSON THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE AS PRO TEM.IF THERE IS A TIE VOTE, THEN THE MAYOR'S VOTE WOULD BREAK THE TIE, WHOEVER THE MAYOR WOULD VOTE WOULD BREAK THE TIE.
SO WE CAN PROCEED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE.
AGAIN, STATE THE NAME OF THE PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE AS PRO TEM.
>> WE WILL START WITH MR. REYNA.
>> I'M VOTING FOR MYSELF. [LAUGHTER]
>> I'M JUST GOING TO START OFF BY SAYING THAT I'VE GIVEN THIS A LOT OF THOUGHT, AND I AM GOING TO VOTE FOR EDDIE SALDANA.
>> I'LL VOTE FOR MEMBER REYNA.
>> SO IN THIS CASE, THE TIE BREAKER DOES COME INTO EFFECT.
THE MAYOR'S VOTE BREAKS THE TIE, AND SO MR. SALDANA SHOULD BE THE PRO TEM.
>> WE'LL TAKE A 32ND RECESS TO ALLOW FOR DEPUTY [OVERLAPPING] TO MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT.
>> DO WE NEED TO DO THE MOTION?
>> WE DO NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE I GUESS ELECTION OR THE APPOINTMENT.
>> I'LL TAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY MAYOR SALDANA. I'M SORRY.
>> MAYOR MEDINA TO APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBER SALDANA AS MAYOR PRO TEM.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. WE'LL TAKE A 32ND RECESS TO ALLOW THE DEPUTY TO MAKE NAME PLATE ADJUSTMENTS FOR PROCEEDING AGENDA OF ACTION.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. HOW ARE YOU? IF I COULD, MAYOR.
WITH THESE APPOINTMENTS IN PLACE, I THINK IT'S APPROPRIATE TO TAKE A QUICK TIME TO APPLAUD AND CONGRATULATE THE NEW APPOINT.
>> THERE WILL BE A FIVE MINUTE RECESS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF NEW BUSINESS ITEMS FOR MEMBERS TO CHANGE SEATS, SO NOT AT THIS TIME.
[7.b. Review Councilmember Vacancy Options and provide guidance to staff, 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 15378, no environmental review is required. (Hurlbert) ]
WE'RE GOING TO ITEM B, REVIEW COUNCIL MEMBER VACANCY OPTIONS AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO STAFF 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 15378, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED, MR. HURLBERT.
>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THIS IS THE SECOND STEP WHERE THE COUNCIL NEEDS TO MAKE JUST A SINGLE DECISION.
WHEN WE HAVE A VACANCY ON A COUNCIL, THE STATE GUIDELINES OF GOVERNMENT CODE SAYS THAT WITHIN 60 DAYS, THE COUNCIL NEEDS TO FILL THAT VACANCY, EITHER BY A SPECIAL ELECTION OR BY APPOINTMENT.
THE CHOICE BEFORE THE COUNCIL TONIGHT IS TO INSTRUCT STAFF ON WHICH WAY TO GO.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO VIE FOR OR SELECT THE APPOINTMENT METHOD.
SPECIAL ELECTIONS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, THEY'RE TIME CONSUMING, AND THERE IS SOME QUESTION WHETHER OR NOT THAT PROCESS COULD BE COMPLETED IN AN ORDERLY MANNER BEFORE THE COUNTY ELECTIONS CUT OFF.
SO I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT METHOD.
IF THAT IS SELECTED, THEN THE FOLLOWING ITEM WILL DICTATE THE MANNER IN WHICH WE EXECUTE THAT APPOINTMENT PROCESS.
THERE ARE QUESTIONS I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER.
>> THANK YOU, MR. HURLBERT. ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME? SEEING NONE.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.
>> [FOREIGN] MY NAME IS LUCIA LARA.
[FOREIGN] I'VE LIVED HERE IN WASCO FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS.
[FOREIGN] FIRST OF I WANT TO CONGRATULATE MR. SALDANA HE CAME HERE ALONG WITH ME TO THE MEETINGS THAT NOW HE DO GOOD FOR US.
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[FOREIGN] THAT HE LET US KNOW EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENING IN THE TOWN BECAUSE WE ARE IGNORANT.[FOREIGN] WE'RE NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FOR ANYTHING, WHETHER IT'S ONE OR THE OTHER.
[FOREIGN] WE DON'T WANT TO BE IGNORED ANYMORE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
[FOREIGN] STARTED TO BRING IN ANOTHER PERSON HERE.
FIRST, ASK THE TOWN DON'T TAKE A DECISION ON YOUR OWN IF IT'S BY LAW.
GO AHEAD. BUT IF NOT ASK THE TOWN.
I'VE ASKED YOU MR. GILBERTO FOR MANY THINGS AND YOU IGNORE ME.
[FOREIGN] I EXPECT MR. SALDANA COULD DO HIS JOB WELL.
AND WHEN THERE'S A MEETING THAT HE THE LET TOWN KNOW IN A WAY THAT WE ALL KNOW RIGHT NOW, ONLY YOU GUYS KNOW ABOUT IT.
[FOREIGN] WE DON'T WANT TO BE IGNORED ANYMORE.
[FOREIGN] IT'S NOT THAT PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO COME.
[FOREIGN] THAT'S WHAT I ASK YOU AND I EXPECT YOU HEAR US, MR. SALDANA AND YOU DO YOUR JOB WELL AND THE TOWN WILL BE WITH YOU.
AND REMEMBER, THE MONEY BELONGS TO THE TOWN, THE PEOPLE.
IT'S NOT YOURS. IT'S THE PEOPLE.
[FOREIGN] MR. HURLBERT DON'T GO AND SAY YOU DO THIS AND THAT IF YOU HAVE NOT EVEN WANTED TO LISTEN TO US.
[FOREIGN] THAT'S ALL I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU GENTLEMEN FROM THE POLICE.
CAN WE CALL YOU AND ASK TO SPEAK TO YOU.
>> SINCE THIS WAS A PERSONAL ATTACK ON ME, AM I ALLOWED TO RESPOND?
>> I DON'T BELIEVE SO, BUT IF YOU FEEL LED TO DO THAT.
FOR THE MAYOR'S INFORMATION, I MEAN, THAT THIS COMMENT IS BELONGED IN PUBLIC COMMENT, NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ITEM.
WE CAN CERTAINLY CAPTURE THIS INFORMATION IF YOU WANT TO HAVE MR. REYNA MAKE A BRIEF RESPONSE.
>> YEAH. I'LL LEAVE IT UP TO YOU IF YOU WANT TO RESPOND.
THOSE PEOPLE THAT KNOW ME KNOW THAT I ATTEND TO THE THINGS THAT YOU BRING TO ME AND [FOREIGN].
I HAVE BROUGHT TO THE CITY STAFF SOME OF HER CONCERNS, INCLUDING THE CLOSING OF THE PASSAGEWAY, THE WALKWAY, NEAR HER HOME, NEAR PALM AVENUE.
WE'VE DISCUSSED THAT AT LENGTH.
AND SO I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT OTHER THINGS SHE'S TALKING ABOUT, BUT ANYTIME THAT SHE'S BROUGHT SOMETHING TO ME, I HAVE ADDRESSED IT WITH STAFF, AND I THINK STAFF CAN COLLABORATE THAT.
LACKING ANY OTHER INFORMATION, JUST THE PERSONAL ATTACK, I JUST DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT SHE'S TALKING ABOUT.
>> THANK YOU, MR. REYNA. AND THANK YOU, MR. HURLBERT FOR QUICK CHECK ON THAT.
NEXT TIME, I'LL MAKE SURE TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S IN REGARDS TO THIS ITEM.
ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS, MEMBER MARTINEZ? I WOULD JUST SAY THAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO AN APPOINTMENT RATHER THAN A SPECIAL ELECTION, THE ELECTION WOULD BE COSTLY, TIME CONSUMING AND GIVEN THAT WE HAVE A GENERAL ELECTION COMING UP IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, IT'D MAKE MORE SENSE TO RAPIDLY APPOINT SOMEBODY TO THIS COUNCIL THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS RATHER THAN BY SPECIAL ELECTION.
I AM PUT IN THIS POSITION TO BE A STEWARD OF THE PEOPLE, AND I TAKE THAT JOB SERIOUSLY.
ALL OF YOU HAVE HEARD ME TALK ABOUT THIS BEFORE.
FOR THAT REASON, I THINK IT WOULD BE A WASTE OF THE PEOPLE'S MONEY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ANY OTHER TYPE OTHER THAN AN APPOINTMENT.
I THINK THAT'S THE EASIEST WAY. WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE.
THAT'S HOW WE HANDLE IT IN THE PAST.
I THINK WE SHOULD PROCEED THAT WAY AS WELL.
>> THANK YOU, MR. REYNA. MEMBER SALDANA.
>> I MYSELF AGREE WITH BOTH COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I THINK WE WOULD JUST VOTE AMONGST US AND THEN GO FROM THERE.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
I TOO AM IN AGREEANCE OF APPOINTMENT.
I JUST, YOU KNOW, WANT THE RECORD TO REFLECT THAT THIS IS ELECTION YEAR.
SO REALISTICALLY THAT APPOINTMENT WOULD BE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS.
APPOINTMENT WOULD BE IN DECEMBER.
SO TAKING THAT INTO CONSIDERATION.
OBVIOUSLY, ANY FOLKS THAT ARE INTERESTED ARE WELCOME TO APPLY, AND THAT PROCESS WILL BE LAID OUT FOR YOU.
IT SOUNDS LIKE CAN I GET A MOTION? CAN I ENTERTAIN A MOTION?
>> SECOND. MOVED AND SECONDED.
[00:30:03]
CAN I GET A VOTE BY ROLL CALL?>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA TO FILL THE VACANCY FOR DISTRICT 5 THROUGH APPOINTMENT.
FOR THE VACANCY FOR DISTRICT 5, MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU. MOVING ON TO ITEM C. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING
[7.c. Adopt a Resolution approving the City Council Vacancy Appointment Guidelines, 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 15378, no environmental review is required. (Hurlbert)]
THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT GUIDELINES AND FIND THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT THAT'S DEFINED UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT STATE GUIDELINES.THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO STATE GUIDELINE SECTION 15378, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED, MR. HURLBERT.
>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
WITH THE OPTION OF CHOOSING APPOINTMENT, THESE GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN PREPARED.
THESE ARE BASED UPON THE GUIDELINES WE'VE USED IN THE PAST.
SOME OF YOU MAY RECALL THAT WE HAD DATES ALREADY DEFINED FOR EACH OF THE DEADLINES AND CUTOFFS. THAT REMAINS.
WE ALSO HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE TIME, THIS GO AROUND THAN WE HAD LAST TIME.
BUT IN GENERAL, WHAT WILL OCCUR IS THAT STAFF WILL PREPARE AN APPLICATION FORM.
INDIVIDUALS FROM DISTRICT 5 CAN APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE APPOINTMENT TO THE VACANT SEAT.
WE WILL ESTABLISH AN OPENING AND A CLOSING DATE FOR THAT APPLICATION PERIOD.
ONCE WE RECEIVED AND CLOSE THAT APPLICATION PERIOD, THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WILL VALIDATE EACH OF THE APPLICATIONS TO ENSURE THEY ARE QUALIFIED ELECTORS IN THAT DISTRICT, WOULD MEANING THAT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A CONFIRMED RESIDENTS AND THEIR REGISTERED VOTERS.
IT'S A QUALIFICATION SIMILAR TO RUNNING FOR A REGULAR COUNCIL MEMBER ELECTION.
ONCE THAT IS COMPLETE, ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE FORWARDED TO ALL FOUR OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
EACH EACH OF YOU WILL RANK YOUR TOP THREE AMONGST THE APPLICANTS AND RETURN THOSE TO THE CLERK FROM YOUR RETURNED SELECTIONS, WHICH MAY BE MORE THAN THREE IF WE HAVE NUMEROUS APPLICANTS.
ALL OF THOSE WILL BE ASSEMBLED BY THE CITY CLERK.
WE WILL SCHEDULE A SPECIAL MEETING AND ARRANGE FOR YOU AS THE INTERVIEWING PANEL TO INTERVIEW EACH OF THE CANDIDATES INDIVIDUALLY.
FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, EITHER DURING THAT SPECIAL MEETING OR THE FOLLOWING REGULAR MEETING, THEN A VOTE WILL TAKE PLACE AMONGST THOSE THAT WERE INTERVIEWED AND YOU WILL EACH CHOOSE THE CANDIDATE THAT YOU SELECT AS THE BEST TO APPOINT TO THE VACANT SEAT.
IN THE GUIDELINES, THEY'VE BEEN ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT A TO THE RESOLUTION THAT YOU HAVE FOR CONSIDERATION TONIGHT.
I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO COMPLICATE THE PROCESS, BUT SOME OF THE WORDING THAT WE USED REGARDING THE ACTUAL PROCESS FOR THE VOTE WAS A LITTLE BIT CUMBERSOME DURING OUR LAST GO AROUND.
I WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE GUIDELINES TONIGHT WITH ONE EXCEPTION IN THAT WE DO NOT DO A FULL VOTE OF ALL FOUR COUNCIL MEMBERS ON EACH CANDIDATE, BUT RATHER WE DO ONE POLLING OF THE COUNCIL AND IN TURN, THE COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD NAME THEIR SELECTION, AND THE RECIPIENT OF THE MOST VOTES WOULD THEN BE NAMED.
LAST TIME WE GOT INTO THIS CYCLE WHERE WE ENDED UP SAYING YES, ONE TIME AND OR NO, MANY TIMES.
IT'S NOT AN EFFICIENT OR PRACTICAL WAY, IT LED TO SOME CONFUSION.
WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED IS THE GUIDELINES AS WRITTEN WITH SECTION 3A, I MODIFIED TO CALL FOR A SINGLE PASS OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO NAME THEIR SELECTED CANDIDATE.
BEYOND THAT, I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESOLUTION OR THE PROCESS OR THE GUIDELINES THEMSELVES.
>> THANK YOU, MR. HURLBERT. ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME IN REGARDS TO THIS ITEM?
>> PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD?
>> PAUL HERNANDEZ. I WAS JUST WONDERING THE DISTRICT GUIDELINES, WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE. [OVERLAPPING].
>> THE DISTRICT GUIDELINES, WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE, WHAT THOSE SECTIONS ARE, AND WHERE WE CAN FIND THAT INFORMATION FOR OURSELVES.
>> MR. HERNANDEZ, THE DISTRICT MAP CAN BE FOUND ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE.
[00:35:05]
IF YOU SEARCH FOR CITY COUNCIL GOVERNMENT, IT'S ONE OF THOSE SUBSECTIONS THERE FOR THE CITY COUNCIL.IF THERE'S A QUESTION ABOUT IT'S NOT A HUGE MAP.
SO IF YOU NEED TO ZOOM IN ON A PARTICULAR AREA TO FIND OUT A PARTICULAR ADDRESS, IF IT'S NOT CLEAR ON THE ONLINE MAP, YOU CAN CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AND THEY CAN HELP CLARIFY THAT BASED ON THE ADDRESS.
>> ARE THERE ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS IN REGARDS TO THIS ITEM? SEEING NONE. ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? MEMBER MARTINEZ?
>> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION FOR THOSE THAT ARE HERE, THESE INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED PUBLICLY, CORRECT? > YES. THIS WILL BE A SPECIAL MEETING, BUT IT WILL BE HELD RIGHT HERE AND EACH OF THE CANDIDATES WILL COME IN ONE AT A TIME TO BE INTERVIEWED BY YOU.
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME AT THAT MEETING.
>> THANK YOU. NO FURTHER COMMENTS.
>> THANK YOU, MEMBER MARTINEZ. MEMBER REYNA?
>> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, ALSO FOR MYSELF AND THOSE PRESENT.
ITEM 3.I, THE LANGUAGE IN THAT PARAGRAPH IS GOING TO CHANGE TO REFLECT WHAT YOU EXPLAINED JUST A MOMENT AGO?
> YES. WHEN WILL THAT TAKE PLACE?
>> TOMORROW. I'LL GET THAT RE-ESTABLISHED.
>> I MEAN, WE PROBABLY NEED TO POST THIS IN THE WEBSITE SO THAT PEOPLE WILL KNOW WHAT THE PROCESS.
>> WE WILL POST A NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS IN RELATED TO THIS PROCESS.
THE APPLICATION FORM ITSELF, NOT ONLY THESE GUIDELINES, BUT THEN A CALENDAR OF WHEN THE OPENING AND CLOSING DATES AND DEADLINE DATES ARE.
>> VERY GOOD. THANK YOU. THAT'S SATISFIED.
>> THANK YOU, REYNA. MEMBER SALDANA? I HAVE NO COMMENTS.
>> I GUESS THE ONLY COMMENT I WOULD HAVE REALLY THIS IS A CALL THE ACTION.
THIS IS OPENING FOR DISTRICT 5.
YEAH, IT'S A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, BUT ANYBODY THAT'S INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR THAT SEAT, THE APPLICATION IS STILL OPEN.
COME TO THE CITY'S OFFICE, TALK WITH CITY CLERK.
YOU COULD GET YOUR PACKAGE, YOU COULD IT FILL OUT, GET YOUR SIGNATURES, AND GET YOURSELF ON THE BALLOT.
THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE'RE CALLING FOR.
WE'RE CALLING FOR A CALL ACTION FOR PEOPLE THAT CARE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY THAT WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, MAKE THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN THAT WANT TO DRIVE THINGS FORWARD.
THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE'RE CALLING FOR, AND IT'S ABOUT TRANSPARENCY.
HERE WE'RE SHOWING THE PROCESS OF WHAT IT RELATES TO.
IF THERE IS INTEREST, WE'RE DEFERRING TO THE WEBSITE, BUT I ALSO ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO COME IN AND TALK TO THE CITY CLERK FOR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR CITY MANAGER.
WITH THAT BEING SAID. [OVERLAPPING]
I FAILED TO MENTION THIS IS TO FILL THE SEAT FOR THE BALANCE OF THE EXISTING TERM.
THIS APPOINTED SEAT WILL COME UP FOR RE-ELECTION ALONG WITH THE DISTRICT 5 SCHEDULE IN NOVEMBER.
>> YES. THANK YOU FOR THAT COMMENT.
I GUESS I WAS MIXING BOTH OF THEM UP.
THERE'S A APPOINTMENT THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE SHORT TERM, SO ANY PARTY THAT ARE INTERESTED IN THAT.
BUT AGAIN, THERE'S STILL TIME FOR THOSE THAT ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING ON THE BALLOT FOR THE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.
>> I WANT TO ADD SOMETHING BECAUSE THIS IS IMPORTANT.
I THINK THE PERSONS THAT WOULD BE INTERESTED IN FILLING THE SEAT, I HOPE THAT THEY WILL ALSO BE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR THAT SEAT IN NOVEMBER.
BECAUSE IT IS A VERY SHORT TIME FOR THE APPOINTMENT, AND I HOPE THAT WE GET PEOPLE THAT ARE BOTH INTERESTED IN FILLING THE SEAT FOR THE TEMPORARY POSITION, AND ALSO RUNNING FOR THAT SEAT AND SUBJECTING THEMSELVES TO THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.
>> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION FOR THE OPEN SEATS FOR NOVEMBER, THE DEADLINE TO FILE IS FRIDAY AT NOON.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE 20 SIGNATURES TO BE ON THE BALLOT, THEY RECOMMEND 30, IF I'M CORRECT.
IF ANYBODY'S INTERESTED, YOU REALLY NEED TO GET ON THAT IMMEDIATELY.
THIS IS NOT THE ONLY COUNCIL SEAT THAT IS UP FOR ELECTION MINUS AS WELL.
I WOULD ENCOURAGE ANYBODY WHO'S INTERESTED TO RUN TO GO AHEAD AND PULL THE PAPERS AND GET THE SIGNATURES.
>> MADAM CLERK, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG.
THE DEADLINE OF THE NINTH HAS BEEN EXTENDED BECAUSE THE SEAT IS NOW VACANT, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> THAT IS CORRECT. SINCE THE INCUMBENT IS NOT RUNNING, IT WILL BE EXTENDED TO 14TH OF AUGUST FOR DISTRICT 5.
>> I KNOW TODAY, THE DEADLINE FOR DISTRICT 5 IS THE 14TH.
THE OTHER DISTRICTS CLOSE ON THE NINTH?
>> THANK YOU FOR THAT CLARIFICATION.
IF THERE ARE NO OTHER COMMENTS, I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION.
>> I'LL SECOND. WE HAVE A MOVE AND SECOND. VOTE BY ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
[00:40:02]
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY MAYOR MEDINA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION WITH THE CHANGES ON EXHIBIT A AS MENTIONED.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. WE WILL MOVE ON TO ITEM
[7.d. Reorganization of City Council Committee Assignments due to Vacancy, 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 15378, no environmental review is required. (Hurlbert)]
D. REORGANIZATION OF CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS DUE TO VACANCY.FIND THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT AS DEFINED UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT STATE GUIDELINES.
THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO STATE GUIDELINES SECTION 15378, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MR. HERBERT.
>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR, AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
WITH THE FORMER COUNCIL MEMBERS RESIGNATION, A NUMBER OF BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN LEFT VACANT.
TONIGHT, THIS ITEM WILL ADDRESS SIX SUCH OPENINGS.
THE MAYOR WILL BRING EACH ONE UP IN ORDER.
THE COUNCIL CAN JUST REACH CONSENSUS ON AN ASSIGNMENT FOR THAT VACANT POSITION.
THEN THOSE WILL BE COLLECTED BY THE CLERK.
AT THE END, WE'LL HAVE A SLATE OF THE NEW ASSIGNMENTS.
THE CLERK WILL READ BACK THE COUNCIL'S CONSENSUS SELECTIONS, AND THERE WILL BE ONE VOTE TO ACCEPT THE SLATE WITH ALL SIX ASSIGNMENTS. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? WE DON'T HAVE TO HOLD A VOTE FOR EACH ONE INDEPENDENTLY.
I WILL TURN IT OVER TO YOU, MR. MAYOR, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ASSIGNMENT OR THE PARTICULAR COMMITTEE, I'LL BE HAPPY TO ADDRESS THOSE.
>> THANK YOU. ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME IN REGARD TO THIS ITEM? SEEING NONE. WE WILL GO DOWN THE LIST STARTING WITH COMMITTEE. [OVERLAPPING]
>> BEFORE YOU DO THAT, WOULD YOU TAKE COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL?
>> YES. WE CAN GO AHEAD AND DO THAT.
>> I'LL START THE COMMENT SECTION.
>> YES. MY FEELING ON THIS SINCE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A NEW MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL SOON RATHER THAN LATER, UNLESS IT IS ESSENTIAL THIS COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, I THINK WE SHOULD WAIT UNTIL THAT NEW MEMBER IS SEATED SO THAT MAYBE HE CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ASSIGNMENTS, HE OR SHE.
I WILL ASK STAFF TO WAIT UNLESS IT IS CRUCIAL THAT IF THERE IS SOME COMMITTEE THAT WE NEED FUNCTIONING AT THIS TIME THEN MAYBE WE SHOULD ASSIGN THOSE, BUT THE REST, I'M PROPOSING THAT WE WAIT UNTIL WE HAVE THE NEW MEMBER SEATED.
>> THANK YOU. THAT'S NOT A BAD IDEA.
>> I WOULD CONCUR WITH MR. REYNA UNLESS THERE'S SOMETHING ELSE.
>> I WOULD RECOMMEND I DON'T DISAGREE.
WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS THREE TIMES BETWEEN NOW AND JANUARY.
BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT THE INTERNAL AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS THAT NEEDS TWO MEMBERS GOING FORWARD.
WE HAVE ACTIVE PROJECTS IN THAT AREA THAT WILL REQUIRE THAT BOTH COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
I THINK THAT UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES MAY REQUIRE THAT WE HAVE AN ALTERNATE FOR A CURRENT CALL, AND I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE RUNNING SHORT THERE IF THERE'S A NEED TO ATTEND A MEETING THAT YOU CAN'T ATTEND AS PRIMARY.
CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE I AGREE THERE'S NOT A ACTIVE VERY INFREQUENT APCD, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT.
IF WE MISSED A MEETING, I DON'T KNOW THAT IT WOULD BE THE END OF THE WORLD, AND THEN KDC, THAT'S A COMPLETELY VACANT POSITION AT THIS POINT.
I THINK IT WOULD BE WISE FOR US TO ASSIGN SOMEBODY TO MOVE IN.
MAYBE SOMEBODY THAT'S INTERESTED IN CONTINUING ON EVEN AFTER WE HAVE A NEW MEMBER.
>> I JUST THINK THAT WE NEED TO GIVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO WHOEVER BECOMES A NEW MEMBER, THAT WE NEED TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY.
>> I THINK IT'S A GOOD THOUGHT.
BUT THINKING ABOUT IT, WE DON'T KNOW IF WHOEVER GETS APPOINTED IS GOING TO STICK AROUND.
>> I WOULD SAY THAT WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE APPOINTMENTS AND THEN WE REVISIT AT A LATER TIME IF THAT PERSON IS STILL HERE.
>> IS THE COUNCIL COMFORTABLE WITH THAT CAVEAT THAT WE WOULD HAVE A FULL OPPORTUNITY FOR FOLKS TO DROP OFF AND LEAVE NEW VACANCIES IF WE HAVE AN ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING AFTER THE SEATING OF THE VACANT POSITION?
>> WE DO THIS EVERY YEAR, I BELIEVE.
[00:45:02]
WE DO IT AS PART OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING, BUT THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN UNTIL THE NOVEMBER ELECTION IS ACTUALLY CERTIFIED, WHICH SOMETIMES IS AS LATE AS MID TO LATE DECEMBER.THERE HAVE BEEN CASES WHERE THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING DOESN'T HAPPEN UNTIL JANUARY.
> I'M INCLINED, SCOTT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH APPOINTMENTS, AND THEN WE REVISIT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR OR WHEN THE ELECTION HAPPENS.
BECAUSE IF WE HOLD OFF, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN FROM NOW UNTIL THE ELECTION TIME.
I THINK IT'S IN OUR BEST INTEREST TO APPOINT NOW AND THEN REVISIT WHEN THAT TIME COMES.
>> IF AFTER THE VACANCY APPOINTMENT IS MADE, SOMETIME BETWEEN NOW AND 60 DAYS FROM NOW, ANY OF THE APPOINTMENTEES WOULD LIKE TO DROP OFF OF THAT TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT, WE COULD SCHEDULE AN ITEM JUST FOR THAT TO ACCEPT THE STEPPING DOWN AND PERHAPS THE NEW MEMBER THEN WOULD WANT TO BE INCLUDED AT THAT POINT.
IF EVERYBODY'S COMFORTABLE WITH THAT POSSIBILITY, THEN I AGREE IT'S A LITTLE EXTRA WORK TONIGHT, BUT WE WOULD SET OURSELVES UP SO THERE AREN'T ANY GAPS BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE YEAR.
>> I'M FINE WITH THIS. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE NEW PERSON HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE.
BECAUSE IF WE MAKE THIS ASSIGNMENTS AND THEN THIS PERSON DOESN'T GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE, IT DOESN'T SEEM THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
>> I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN ALL KEEP IN MIND AND CREATE THAT OPPORTUNITY BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE YEAR.
>> YOU MENTIONED THE INTERNAL COMMITTEE, WHICH IS THAT ONE?
>> WE HAVE ONE THAT IS TITLED INTERVIEWERS FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
>> BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD. WE'RE IN AGREEANCE THAT THAT IS THE PROCESS WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO.
>> WE ARE GOING TO A FULL ASSIGNMENT TONIGHT. FILL THE SLATE.
THEN IF ONCE THE VACANCY IS FILLED WITH AN APPOINTMENT, THEN WE MAY HAVE ANOTHER, IF ANYBODY IS WILLING TO DROP OFF FOR THE NEW MEMBER SHOWS INTEREST IN A PARTICULAR COMMITTEE.
THEN WE'LL HAVE OUR REGULAR ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ONCE THE NOVEMBER VOTE IS QUALIFIED.
I'LL LET YOU PRESENT EACH OF THEM, BUT I'M GLAD TO CLARIFY WHAT ANY OF THOSE TITLES MEAN MOVE.
MADAM CLERK OR YOU SCOTT CAN TELL US WHO'S ALREADY PART OF THAT COMMITTEE.
I DON'T HAVE IT ON MY NOTES, BUT WE'LL START WITH INTERVIEWERS FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.
>> MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA IS ON THAT COMMITTEE.
>> I WOULDN'T MIND STEPPING IN THAT UNTIL THE NEW PERSON COMES IN AND THEN GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY IF THEY ARE INTERESTED BECAUSE I HAVE SERVED ON THAT BEFORE, BUT I DON'T MIND FILL IN IT FOR A SHORT TERM.
>>ANYBODY HAVE ANY COMMENT ON THAT?
>> GOOD ON THAT. SECOND IS COMMITTEE REVIEW AND ADVICE IN RELATION TO REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS.
>> I'M A MEMBER OF THAT COMMITTEE.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN MYSELF FOR THAT AS A SECONDARY. THERE'S TWO?
>> NO. IT'S ACTUALLY WE BOTH PARTICIPATED.
>> WE WILL PROCEED. THE FOLLOWING LIST IS FOR OTHER AGENCIES REQUESTING CITY REPRESENTATIVES.
FIRST, CURRENT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, CURRENT COG. THIS WOULD BE AN ALTERNATE?
>> WE HAVE OUR CURRENT MEMBER.
>> SALDANA WOULD LIKE TO BE AN ALTERNATE.
>> WE'RE GOOD THERE. CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE ALTERNATE.
>> YEAH. IT'S VERY INFREQUENT.
IF WE MEET ONCE A YEAR, THAT'S PROBABLY TOO MANY TIMES.
I THINK YOU WOULD BE SAFE TO LEAVE IT OPEN OR ASSIGN SOMEBODY.
>> I WOULDN'T MIND STEPPING IN AND WE CAN REVISIT ONCE WE HAVE THE NEW MEMBER.
>> WE HAVE TWO MORE. SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT, SPECIAL CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBER. WE HAVE?
>> SALDANA IS THE ALTERNATE, AND GARCIA WAS?
I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE VINCENT MARTINEZ FOR THAT POSITION.
>> CURRENT ADC. IT'S ONLY ONE MEMBER.
[00:50:05]
>> WE HAVE CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
I'D LIKE TO BE PART OF THAT IF THERE'S NO OPPOSITION.
>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS?
>> I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION.
>> WE'RE GOING TO READ IT FIRST.
>> INTERVIEWERS FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, THE APPOINTED MEMBER IS COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ.
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND ADVISE IN RELATION TO REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS, THE APPOINTED MEMBER IS MAYOR MEDINA.
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS KERN COG ALTERNATE, THE APPOINTED MEMBER IS MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA.
CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE ALTERNATE WOULD BE MAYOR MEDINA.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT, SPECIAL CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE, THE APPOINTED MEMBER IS COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ.
THE CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEMBER, CURRENT EDC, THE APPOINTED MEMBER IS MAYOR MEDINA.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE LIST.
>> IT'S BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ TO APPROVE THE ROSTER OF ASSIGNMENT AS READ.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL FOR PATIENTLY WAITING FOR US AND GOING THROUGH THESE MOTIONS.
NOW, WE WILL TAKE A FIVE-MINUTE RECESS.
[BACKGROUND] WE WILL RESUME OUR MEETING.
THANK YOU, EVERYBODY. WE WILL CONTINUE IN THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
ITEM NUMBER 8: SUCCESSOR AGENCY. THERE IS NONE.
ITEM NUMBER 9: WASCO PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY BUSINESS.
THERE IS NONE. ITEM NUMBER 10, WE DO NOT HAVE ANY BATCH PININGS, CORRECT?
>> ITEM NUMBER 11: PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS.
I DO NOT SEE THE CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT, SO I'M ASSUMING WE DO NOT HAVE A REPORT.
>> WE WILL MOVE OVER TO CHIEF WASCO POLICE DEPARTMENT. CHIEF FIVECOAT.
[11.b. Wasco Police Department (Fivecoat)]
>> GOOD EVENING, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
WE'VE COMPLETED NOW SUCCESSFULLY THREE FULL MONTHS AND A HALF MONTH IN APRIL OF ACTIVITY, AND I HAVE THE STATS FOR YOU THIS EVENING.
THINGS ARE RUNNING FAIRLY STATIC AS THEY HAVE BEEN FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
THIS MONTH, THERE WE GO, WE HAD A TOTAL OF 1,676 CALLS.
THE NUMBER OF CALLS FOR SERVICE THROUGH 911 OR 911-RELATED CALLS WAS 935, THE OFFICER-INITIATED ACTIVITY WAS 741 TOTAL INCIDENTS.
AND WHAT THAT'S SHOWING US IS THAT ABOUT 44% OF OUR ACTIVITY IS OFFICER-INITIATED, AND AGAIN, AS I'VE SPOKEN ABOUT THIS BEFORE, IT'S BECAUSE THE OFFICERS ARE ON THE STREET, AND THEY'RE OUT THERE ACTIVELY PATROLLING AND TRYING TO INTERCEDE ANY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY BEFORE IT HAPPENS.
TRAFFIC STOPS, JUST A POINT ABOUT TRAFFIC STOPS.
WE'RE DOING ROUGHLY 300 TRAFFIC STOPS A MONTH, AND WE'RE REALLY SEEING THE IMPACT OF IT IN TRYING TO SLOW SOME OF THE DRIVERS DOWN, HOWEVER, WE'RE STILL HAVING TRAFFIC-RELATED ISSUES.
WE'VE HAD 27 CAR ACCIDENTS THIS LAST MONTH, 16 RECKLESS DRIVING INCIDENTS LAST MONTH, AND IN THE PROCESS, SOME OF THE MEDICAL AIDS THAT WE HANDLED ARE RELATED TO SOME OF THE TRAFFIC ISSUES OUT THERE.
WE'VE HAD 61 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES THAT WE RESPONDED TO THIS LAST MONTH AS WELL.
JUST OF NOTE, FOR THE ACTIVITY THAT WE'VE SEEN, WE'VE HAD TWO RECENT ACCIDENTS THAT ARE WORTH MENTIONING.
THE FIRST ACCIDENT HAPPENED ABOUT A WEEK AGO ON POSO WHERE A DRIVER ACTUALLY
[00:55:02]
FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO THE RETAINING WALLS AND FENCES ON THREE HOUSES.FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED VERY SEVERELY AND WAS ABLE TO WALK AWAY FROM THAT ACCIDENT.
THEN, LO AND BEHOLD, JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, WE HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE FLIP ON POSO AND ACTUALLY ROLLED OVER, AND ONCE AGAIN, IN SPITE OF THE OFFICERS CHECKING TO SEE IF THE DRIVER WAS IMPAIRED, WE FOUND THAT THAT DRIVER HAD FALLEN ASLEEP AS WELL.
WE'RE WONDERING IF, PERHAPS AFTER A FULL DAY'S WORK, PEOPLE ARE COMING HOME TIRED.
IT'S BEEN WELL OVER 100 DEGREES VIRTUALLY EVERY DAY OF JULY, AND THAT MAY BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE PRIMARY COLLISION FACTOR, WHICH WAS THE DRIVERS WENT TO SLEEP.
I GUESS FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, YOU REALLY HAVE TO WATCH THE HEAT OUT THERE AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE.
JUST THE ADVICE FROM AN OLD GUY, WE TRULY NEED TO SLOW DOWN IN THE COMMUNITY.
WE'RE SEEING MANY DRIVER-RELATED INCIDENTS WHERE SPEED IS A PRIMARY FACTOR.
AS FAR AS TOTAL CRIMINAL CASES THIS MONTH, AGAIN, THAT'S RUNNING STATIC AS WELL.
WE HAVE 202 CASES THIS LAST MONTH.
SINCE OUR INCEPTION, WHERE WE'VE HANDLED 713 CASES THAT WE'RE WORKING.
AS FAR AS THE ARREST NUMBERS, THE REST NUMBERS ARE RUNNING PRETTY CLOSE TO THE MONTHLY AVERAGE RIGHT NOW, WE'RE A LITTLE HIGHER THIS MONTH.
THE CITY MANAGER AND I DISCUSSED, WE'RE GOING TO CHANGE SOME OF THE STATS IN THE UPCOMING MEETING TO MAYBE SHOW A LITTLE BETTER GRAPHICALLY WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE TRENDS.
WE'RE SEEING A LITTLE BIT OF AN UPWARD TREND, BUT THAT'S NORMAL IN THIS ENVIRONMENT.
USUALLY THE SUMMER MONTHS, ALL THE WAY THROUGH AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, YOU'LL SEE ACTIVITY INCREASE.
THEN AS THE WINTER MONTHS START TO COME IN AND TEMPERATURE COOLS DOWN, THE ACTIVITY SEEMS TO DROP AS WELL.
WE'RE TRYING VERY DILIGENTLY TO MAKE A LOT OF CONTACTS OUT THERE WITH THE CITIZENS AND TRY TO EDUCATE THEM A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SOME OF THE TRAFFIC ISSUES WE'RE DEALING WITH.
WE DON'T ACTIVELY GO OUT AND TRY TO WRITE CITATIONS, WE TRY TO HOLD CITATIONS WHEN THE VIOLATIONS ARE VERY BLATANT, SO 77, SINCE WE'VE BEEN IN BUSINESS, WE'VE WRITTEN 358 CITATIONS.
THIS GRAPH PROBABLY DOESN'T DEMONSTRATE FOR YOU WHAT I WAS HOPING, NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WE'LL CHANGE THIS UP.
BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE OVERALL PATTERNS OF TOTAL INCIDENTS, CALLS FOR SERVICES, OFFICER-INVOLVED ACTIVITY, WE'VE SEEN AN UPWARD TREND IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME, I'D BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.
>> THANK YOU, CHIEF. ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS?
>> I JUST WANT TO SAY, CHIEF, THAT IT IS VISIBLE, THE CHANGE THAT HAS COME TO OUR CITY BECAUSE WE HAVE OUR OWN POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I DON'T KNOW IF I TALKED ABOUT IT THIS LAST MEETING THAT WE HAD.
I WAS ON [INAUDIBLE] GOING SOUTH AND I CAME TO THE STOP AT SEVENTH STREET, THREE OTHER VEHICLES CAME TO THE SAME STOP.
NONE OF US WANTED TO GO AHEAD, EVERYBODY WAS WAITING FOR THE OTHER TO GO.
THAT IS A POSITIVE CHANGE, WHERE BEFORE YOU WOULD GET TO THE INTERSECTION AND SOMEBODY WOULD CUT YOU OFF.
PEOPLE ARE PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS, THEY'RE DRIVING BETTER.
OF COURSE, STATS SHOW THAT PEOPLE ARE STILL DRIVING FAST.
WE HEAR THAT REGULARLY, JUST BY BEING OUTSIDE, YOU HEAR THE CAR SPEEDING.
BUT IT'S LIKE NIGHT AND DAY, IT'S A POSITIVE CHANGE AND WE OWE IT ALL TO OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND YOU CHIEF. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> I'LL ECHO MR. REYNA'S COMMENTS.
I COME HOME FROM WORK AT 2:30 EVERY DAY, 2:30 IN THE MORNING, AND MOST NIGHTS I NOW PASS A POLICE CAR ON MY WAY HOME, WHICH IS A GOOD THING, WHEREAS I USED TO RARELY SEE THEM.
I DO HAVE A REQUEST AND THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A DETAILED THING, EITHER FOR SCOTT OR YOURSELF, BUT IF WE COULD JUST GET MAYBE SOME TYPE OF COMPARISON FOR THE STATS FROM THIS YEAR VERSUS LAST YEAR.
I KNOW OUR NUMBERS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY UP, BUT JUST A ONE-TIME HEY, THIS IS WHERE WE'RE AT VERSUS LAST YEAR'S NUMBERS, THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
>> I'LL BE HAPPY TO DO THAT, COUNCILMAN, AND PART OF OUR PROBLEM IS TRYING TO GET A COMPLETE SET OF STATS FOR LAST YEAR.
BUT WHAT I SAW WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE TALKING TO MY COLLEAGUES AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THEY WERE RUNNING ABOUT 700 CALLS A MONTH, AND THAT INCLUDES THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF RESPONSES THAT THEY WERE DOING AS WELL.
[01:00:08]
I THINK WE'VE HAD A DEFINITE UPTICK, BUT I'LL TRY TO GET THOSE STATS FOR YOU.>> NO. I'D JUST LIKE SAY, I'D TO ECHO BOTH COUNCIL, WHAT THEY SAID. THANK YOU, CHIEF.
IT'S BEEN GREAT TO BE PART OF THIS NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND DEFINITELY COULD SEE IN THE PEOPLES.
NOW, THEY EVEN THINK ABOUT IF THEY HAVE TO GO OUT BUY SOMETHING OR DO THEY REALLY NEED TO GO OUT, OR ARE THEY GOING TO WAIT OR, THAT'S GOOD TO HEAR BECAUSE AT LEAST WE HAVE A POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT IS ACTUALLY PAYING ATTENTION DAY BY DAY, AND THAT'S A GREAT THING TO SEE THAT.
THE COMMUNITY IS ACTUALLY ENGAGING AND ACTUALLY SAYING THAT THERE'S A NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT IN TOWN, SO IT'S A GREAT THING. THANK YOU AGAIN.
>> THE ONLY OTHER COMMENT THAT I WOULD ADD IS OBVIOUSLY THE PRECEDENCE THERE.
EVERYWHERE I GO, I SEE OUR PD VEHICLES, WHICH IS GREAT.
I WAS HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH MY WIFE ABOUT RUNNING AT NIGHT.
I'VE BEEN RUNNING AT NIGHT, AND EVEN AT NIGHT, I SEE PATROLS.
I WAS LIKE, SHOULD I NOT BE RUNNING AT NIGHT? SHOULD I BE RUNNING AT NIGHT? BUT IT MAKES ME FEEL SAFE.
I'M RUNNING THROUGH TOWN, AND I SEE PD VEHICLES AROUND TOWN, WHICH IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE WERE USED TO, SO THAT IN ITSELF IS GREAT.
I JUST WANT TO GIVE KUDOS TO YOU CHIEF, AND TO THE LIEUTENANT AND THE REST OF THE PD, YOU'RE NOT JUST DOING PATROL STOPS, YOU'RE NOT JUST POLICING, YOU GUYS ARE DOING OTHER THINGS INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS THE EVENT THAT YOU GUYS HAD WITH CHILL WITH THE COP, WHICH WAS GREAT.
YOU'RE INVOLVING THE YOUTH, THE KIDS.
I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS AND KEEP DOING THE GOOD WORK.
>> CHIEF, I DO HAVE A REQUEST FOR YOU.
OCCASIONALLY, WE HEAR HIGH-SPEED CHASES, WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THE POLICE GOING AFTER SOMEONE.
>> CERTAINLY, WE CAN DO THAT, YES.
>> BECAUSE WE GET QUESTION AS TO WHAT'S GOING ON, AND USUALLY, JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, WE DON'T KNOW.
>> WE'LL BE HAPPY TO CAPTURE THAT INFORMATION.
>> THANK YOU, CHIEF. WE WILL MOVE ON
[12) CONSENT CALENDAR]
TO CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS ITEM 12: THE CONSENT CALENDAR.THE CONSENT CALENDAR CONSISTS OF ITEMS THAT ARE ROUTINE AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL IN THE STAFF'S OPINION.
THESE ITEMS ARE APPROVED IN ONE MOTION UNLESS A COUNCIL MEMBER OR MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REQUESTS THE REMOVAL OF A PARTICULAR ITEM.
THIS EVENING, WE HAVE ITEMS 12A THROUGH 12O.
AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE MEMBERS IF THEY HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON ANY PARTICULAR ITEM OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE THAT WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE AN ITEM? SEEING NONE. ARE THERE ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE AN ITEM?
>> I WOULD LIKE TO PULL OUT ITEM N FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
I DO NOT HAVE ANY ITEMS. I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OR TAKE OUT ITEM N FOR DISCUSSION.
>> CAN I HAVE THE VOTE-WIDE ROLL CALL?
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH THE CONSIDERATION OF REMOVING ITEM 12N FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
MOTION IS SYNONYMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> DO WE DISCUSS THAT ITEM NOW?
[12.n. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Finalize and Approve a purchase order from Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, a CALACT partner, to purchase One (1) CNG Cutaway Bus and One (1) Gasoline Cutaway Bus for the amount of $300.000.00 for the Transit Department and Authorize the City Manager or Designee to approve quantity adjustment in the amount not exceeding $10,000.00; 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 15378, no environmental review is required.]
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. I JUST WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THIS A LITTLE BIT BECAUSE WHEN WE FIRST MOVED TO REPLACE OUR BUSES, WE WERE LOOKING FOR ELECTRIC BUSES.
IN FACT, WE WENT TO SHAFTER TO SEE THEIR OPERATION AND WE FOUND OUT THAT ELECTRIC VEHICLES WERE NOT RELIABLE, AT LEAST THE TYPE THAT THEY HAD.
THEN WE ALSO FOUND OUT WHEN WE MOVED TO GET OURS THAT THE SUPPLY CHAIN HAD A LONG WAIT.
NOW, WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH A CNG CUTAWAY BUS AND A GASOLINE CUTAWAY BUS.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHY DID WE DECIDE TO ABANDON THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES? IS IT BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THAT I MENTIONED,
[01:05:02]
THEIR UNRELIABILITY, AND NOT BE ABLE TO FIND THEM?>> YES. COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, THERE ARE SEVERAL FACTORS HERE, AND YOU ARE CORRECT.
WE HAD ON-AGAIN, OFF-AGAIN ARRANGEMENTS, THIS GRANT FUNDING WAS PUT INTO PLACE AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE VENDORS WE LOOKED AT WENT OUT OF BUSINESS, OTHERS HAD AN INABILITY TO DELIVER VEHICLES IN A REASONABLE TIME OR COULDN'T COMMIT TO THAT.
WE HAVE NOT ABANDONED THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES, IN FACT, THESE TWO ARE CUTAWAY BUSES, THIS IS THE SIZE OF A VEHICLE SIMILAR TO WHAT WE HAVE NOW WITH OUR LARGER TRANSIT BUSES OR DIAL-A-RIDE BUSES.
THERE ARE TWO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS VAN, SLIGHTLY SMALLER, AND THOSE ARE BOTH ELECTRIC.
THOSE WILL BE COMING TO YOU AS A SEPARATE ITEM, HOPEFULLY, IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE.
BUT BECAUSE OF THE RELIABILITY PROBLEMS OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES, WE'VE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VANDALISM OF THE CHARGING STATIONS, WHICH COULD LEAVE US REALLY IN TROUBLE, NOT HAVING A PLACE TO RECHARGE OUR ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
HAVING A VARIETY OF FUEL VEHICLES IS SEEN AS A STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE, SO WE NOW HAVE A GASOLINE VEHICLE, CNG, AND TWO ELECTRIC BUSES IN OUR FLEET ONCE THESE ORDERS ARE COMPLETED.
>> QUICK QUESTION. OUR CHARGING STATIONS HAVE BEEN VANDALIZED.
CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, OUR CHARGING STATIONS ARE BEYOND THIS FENCE.
>> BUT ARE YOU REFERRING TO THE ONES ACROSS THE STREET?
THAT SATISFIES ME. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> MAYOR, UNLESS THERE'S ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, I MOVE TO APPROVE.
>> SO MOVED AND SECONDED, MADAM CLERK.
>> MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA TO APPROVE ITEM 12N.
>> CORRECTION. IT WAS MOVED BY MEMBER REYNA AND IT WAS SECONDED BY MYSELF.
>> ITEM NUMBER 13, PUBLIC HEARINGS.
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 24-1, AND FIND THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).
NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MRS. SCOTT.
>> NOW THAT YOU GOT THROUGH ALL OF THAT, I'M GOING TO KINDLY REQUEST THAT WE SWITCH ITEMS A AND B, AND HERE I TAKE ITEM B FIRST.
IT'LL MAKE A LITTLE MORE SENSE GOING THROUGH IN THAT ORDER.
IF WE'RE OKAY WITH MOVING, I DON'T KNOW.
>> YEAH. THAT IS FINE. I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ ITEM B.
[13.b. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wasco adopting General Plan Amendment Repeal the 20215-2022 Wasco Housing Element and Adopt The 2023-2031 Housing Element of the Wasco General Plan as Shown in Exhibit A, In Compliance with State Housing Element Law, and Find that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), no environmental review is required.]
FOR CONSIDERATION, ITEM B, CONDUCT THE PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT.
REPEAL THE 20215-2022 WASCO HOUSING ELEMENT AND ADOPT THE 2023, 2031 HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE WASCO GENERAL PLAN AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A, IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE HOUSING ELEMENT LAW, AND FIND THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).
NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MRS. SCOTT.
>> THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO NOW, THE CITY AND OUR CONSULTANT BEGAN THE PROCESS OF DRAFTING THE CITY'S MANDATORY 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE.
THE PROCESS INCLUDED PUBLIC WORKSHOPS, SURVEYS, DATA COLLECTION, AND ANALYSIS, AND ONCE THE DRAFT DOCUMENT WAS COMPLETED, IT WENT THROUGH A LENGTHY REVIEW PROCESS WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
THAT PROCESS WAS COMPLETED ON JUNE 4TH, 2024 WITH THE ISSUANCE OF HCD'S DRAFT AND COMPLIANCE LETTER, WHICH IS ATTACHED IN YOUR AGENDA PACKET.
THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION AND SIXTH CYCLE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT IS THE CULMINATION OF OUR YEAR-LONG EFFORTS ON THIS.
AT THE JULY 8TH, 2024 MEETING, THE CITY OF WASCO PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTED A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE CITY'S 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT, AND SO TONIGHT WE'RE RECOMMENDING THAT THE COUNCIL ADOPT THIS ELEMENT, AND WE'LL SEND IT OFF TO THE STATE FOR FINAL CERTIFICATION.
>> AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] DO WE HAVE ANY COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC IN REGARDS TO THIS ITEM?
[01:10:02]
SEEING NONE. AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.[NOISE] ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA?
>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT A LOT OF WORK WENT INTO GETTING THIS DONE, TOOK A LONG TIME AND A LOT OF EFFORT, BOTH PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC.
WHEN WE APPROVED THESE THINGS, PEOPLE MAY THINK THAT WE DID THIS IN A VACUUM, BUT IT WASN'T ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
THE PUBLIC HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE.
THERE WERE MEETINGS THAT YOU COULD PARTICIPATE IN, AND SO NOW THIS IS THE ELEMENT THAT WE ENDED UP WITH, WHICH IS A GOOD ONE, AND I THANK OUR DIRECTOR KELLY FOR BRINGING IT TO THIS POINT.
THAT'S ALL FOR ME NOW. THANK YOU.
>> HONORABLE MAYOR, IF I COULD INTERRUPT JUST BRIEFLY.
MADAM CLERK, CAN WE BRING THE RESOLUTION UP ON THE SCREEN? I NOTICED A TYPO IN THE PREAMBLE.
I THINK THAT SHOULD READ 2015 THROUGH 2022, THE REPEAL. IS THAT CORRECT, KELLY?
>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT ERROR IS NOT HERE AND IT IS NOT.
IN THE AGENDA SYNOPSIS, THERE'S A TYPO THERE.
IF YOU RECALL, NOT TOO LONG AGO, WE HAD TO BRING ONE OF THESE BACK TO YOU.
>> NO WONDER ONE YEAR [OVERLAPPING]
>> TWO YEARS AFTER THE FACT. [LAUGHTER]
>> WE'RE SAFE TO PROCEED. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. IT WAS EASIER TO SAY 2023-2031 THEN.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD CATCH. MEMBER MARTINEZ?
>> THANK YOU. I WILL WELCOME WHAT MEMBER REYNA MENTIONED.
IT'S A VERY COMPREHENSIVE REPORT.
OBVIOUSLY, IT'S A COUPLE HUNDRED PAGES.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT WAS DONE IN THAT, AND LIKE MEMBER REYNA SAID, THERE WAS A HANDFUL OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK. I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> MOVED AND SECONDED. GO BY ROLL CALL.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU. NOW WE WILL GO WITH ITEM 13A.
[13.a. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wasco adopting General Plan Amendment 24-01, and Find that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), no environmental review is required.]
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 24-01, AND FIND THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MRS. SCOTT.
>> YES, MR. MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THERE ARE TWO AREAS, TWO PROPERTIES INVOLVED IN THIS ACTION BEFORE YOU THIS EVENING.
THIS IS A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO RECLASSIFY TWO PROPERTIES FROM LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO PUBLIC FACILITIES.
THE PROPERTY THAT YOU SEE ON YOUR SCREEN RIGHT NOW, THE WASCO UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT JUST RECENTLY ACQUIRED THIS PROPERTY WITH THE INTENT OF RELOCATING THEIR AG FARM AND POTENTIALLY FUTURE MOT FACILITIES DOWN THE LINE, AND IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE NEED TO RECLASSIFY THE GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION, AGAIN, FROM LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO PUBLIC FACILITIES.
THE NEXT THREE ACTIONS THAT YOU'LL TAKE ARE RELATED TO THIS AS WELL, SO I'LL TALK YOU THROUGH AS WE GO THROUGH THESE THREE ACTIONS.
THE OTHER SECTION IS ACTUALLY TWO PARCELS THAT THE CITY RECENTLY PURCHASED.
YOU HAVE DONE THE REZONING ON THIS ALREADY TO PUBLIC FACILITIES.
THIS IS JUST THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO BRING THE GENERAL PLAN INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE ZONING.
YOU CAN SEE ON YOUR SCREEN THERE ARE THE TWO AREAS IN QUESTION THAT ARE CURRENTLY HAVE GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS OF LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, AND WE'RE PROPOSING TO CHANGE THEM TO PUBLIC FACILITIES.
STAFF IS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL ON THIS, AND I'D BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
I SHOULD ALSO ADD THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION HAS REVIEWED THIS AND IS RECOMMENDING THAT THE COUNCIL APPROVE.
>> THANK YOU, MRS. SCOTT. AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] DO WE HAVE ANY COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC? SEEING NONE.
AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA?
>> I HAVE AN IDEA. THIS IS FROM THE CHERRY FARM, WHERE THERE'S [INAUDIBLE]?
>> I'M FOR THAT. ANYTHING FOR THE YOUTH, FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL, ANYTHING, I'M ALL FOR THAT. THAT'S ALL I HAVE.
>> THANK YOU. MEMBER MARTINEZ?
>> I AGREE. I THINK IT'S A GREAT PROJECT.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. MEMBER REYNA?
>> I THINK THIS IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR AN MOT AND THE OTHER PORTION THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL MOVE THERE,
[01:15:02]
SO I'M FOR IT AS WELL.>> THANK YOU. I HAVE NO COMMENTS.
I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> MOVE AND SECOND. MARTINEZ AND PRO TEM SECONDED.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
[13.c. Conduct a Public Hearing and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Wasco Adopting Zone Change 24-01, and Find that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), no environmental review is required.]
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADOPTING ZONE CHANGE 24-01, AND FIND THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MRS. SCOTT.
>> YES, MR. MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THIS ACTION IS RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS ACTION.
THIS IS THE ZONE CHANGE FOR THE HIGH-SCHOOL PROPERTY, THE PORTION OF THE HIGH-SCHOOL PROPERTY THAT'S IN THE CITY LIMITS.
THIS PARCEL IS DIVIDED BY CITY LIMIT LINES.
IF YOU SCROLL TO A MAP, LET'S SEE.
THAT'S WHERE THE CITY LIMITS ARE.
IF YOU SCROLL TO THE NEXT MAP, MONICA. THERE WE GO.
THE SMALL SLIVER THERE THAT'S ABOUT EIGHT ACRES IS IN THE CITY LIMITS, AND SO THIS ACTION IS TO REZONE THAT FROM LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO PUBLIC FACILITIES.
STAFF IS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL, AND HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] DO WE HAVE ANY COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC? SEEING NONE.
AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA?
>> THANK YOU. I HAVE NO COMMENTS, SO I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION.
>> I'LL SECOND. MOVED AND SECONDED.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER REYNA, SECONDED BY MAYOR MEDINA TO WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> THANK YOU. WE'RE ALMOST THERE, FOLKS.
[13.d. Conduct a Public Hearing and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Wasco adopting Pre-zoning for Annexation 41, and Find that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), no environmental review is required.]
>> ITEM D, CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASCO ADOPTING PRE-ZONING FOR ANNEXATION 41, AND FIND THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 1501(B)(3).
NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED. MRS. SCOTT.
>> OKAY, MR. MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THIS IS THE FINAL ACTION RELATED TO THESE OTHER TWO THAT WE'VE TAKEN THIS EVENING.
WHEN WE ANNEX PROPERTY, WE ARE REQUIRED TO PRE-ZONE IT BEFORE WE TAKE AN APPLICATION TO LAFCO.
THIS IS A RECOMMENDED PRE-ZONING FOR THE PORTION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY THAT IS OUTSIDE OF CITY LIMITS.
WE HAVE A CONCURRENT ANNEXATION APPLICATION, AND I'LL HAVE ANOTHER ACTION COMING TO YOU IN THE NEAR FUTURE ON THAT.
BUT THE PRE-ZONING RIGHT NOW IS TO PRE-ZONE THIS PROPERTY TO PUBLIC FACILITIES.
IT CONFORMS WITH THE GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION.
HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] DO WE HAVE ANY COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC? SEEING NONE.
AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[NOISE] ANY COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS? MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA?
>> THANK YOU. I TOO HAVE NO COMMENTS, SO I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> MADAM CLERK, IT'S BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA TO WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE.
MOTION IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
DEFERRED BUSINESS, WE HAVE NONE.
ITEM 15, REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES.
CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, WE HAVE NO REPORTS.
[15.b. Kern Council of Government (Reyna)]
ITEM 15B, CURRENT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT. MR. REYNA?>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT THINGS.
AT THE LAST MEETING IT WAS REPORTED THAT CALTRANS' NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION, AND COMMUNITY PLANNING HAS 607 MILLION AVAILABLE.
THAT CAUGHT MY EAR IMMEDIATELY AND I ASKED, WHAT CAN THAT MONEY BE SPENT ON?
[01:20:02]
THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM CALTRANS, WHO WAS NOT OUR REGULAR REPRESENTATIVE, MICHAEL NAVARRO FROM DISTRICT 6, WASN'T THERE, BUT I REACHED OUT TO HIM AND I ASKED HIM WHAT CAN THIS MONEY BE SPENT ON, BECAUSE THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY THAT WE COULD AVAIL OURSELVES OF.HE OFFERED TO MEET WITH OUR STAFF AND SEE WHAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO.
I ASKED WHETHER IT COULD BE USED FOR ANYTHING.
I'M SUSPECTING THAT IS FOR TRANSPORTATION, BUT IF WE HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS OF DOING THIS, THIS IS A PERFECT TIME FOR US TO GET FUNDED.
THE PERIOD OPENS SEPTEMBER 30TH, AND AGAIN, IF YOU WANT ME TO, I CAN LET MICHAEL NAVARRO KNOW THAT YOU'RE INTERESTED, OR YOU CAN REACH OUT TO HIM, WHICHEVER IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU.
BUT I THINK WE NEED TO ACTUALLY START A CONVERSATION WITH HIM AND SEE IF WE CAN AVAIL OURSELVES OF SOME OF THIS MONEY.
>> ABSOLUTELY. IF THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH HIM, THEN WE WOULD WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
>> I'LL SEND HIM AN EMAIL, JUST TELL HIM THAT STAFF IS INTERESTED AND MAYBE HE CAN REACH OUT TO YOU, OR YOU CAN REACH OUT TO HIM, EITHER WAY.
THEN THERE WAS SOMETHING ELSE.
THE CALTRANS' STATE OF GOOD REPAIR, THAT'S THE SGR, 2024, '25 CALLED FOR PROJECTS.
WASCO WAS APPORTIONED FOR THE REHABILITATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF THE EXISTING CNG STATION, 22,501.
COMPLETED STATE OF GOOD REPAIR PROJECTS ARE DUE IN CALSMART, THAT'S THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR CALTRANS, NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER THE 2ND OF THIS YEAR.
THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT, SUBJECT TO ANY QUESTIONS THAT I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER.
[15.c. Wasco Task Force (Saldaña and Medina)]
>> ITEM 15C, WASCO TASK FORCE, MAYOR POST TEM SALDANA.
>> YEAH. WE'LL BE HAVING A CLEAN UP THIS SATURDAY.
WE'LL BE MEETING UP AT EMPTY LOT NEAR 13F.
WE MEET UP THE LAST THURSDAYS OF THE MONTH AND THE FIRST WEEK OF THE NEXT MONTH WE'LL DO OUR CLEANUP.
YOU GUYS ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO JOIN US THIS SATURDAY.
IF YOU GUYS NEED A FLYER, I GOT ONE FOR YOU. YOU'RE GOING TO A NEED ONE.
>> THANK YOU. MR. SALDANA. LIKE MEMBER SALDANA MENTIONED, SO THIS IS GOING TO BE OUR FIFTH CLEANUP.
WE ACTUALLY HAVE SOMEBODY GOING TO BE TAKING US DONUTS AND WATER.
THE ROTARY CLUB, SO WE APPRECIATE THAT.
WE INVITE EVERYBODY TO GO OUT THERE, PASS FLYER AROUND.
IT'S GETTING TRACTION AND LIKE WE MENTIONED BEFORE, WE'RE HITTING DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COMMUNITY EVERY MONTH, SO WE ALWAYS ACCEPT SUGGESTIONS.
THERE'S AN AREA THAT YOU GUYS THINK NEEDS A LITTLE BIT OF WORK, LET US KNOW, AND WE'LL PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR.
[16) REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER]
REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER, MR. HURLBERT.>> YES, HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
SNIP EVENT WAS CANCELED IN AUGUST, BUT WE'VE MANAGED TO RESCHEDULE TWO EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER, BOTH ON THE NINTH AND THE 16TH, USUAL LOCATION OVER HERE ACROSS THE STREET ON EIGHTH IN FRONT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
ATTENDED THE APPLE MARKET GRAND REOPENING SATURDAY.
I FEEL LIKE THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON.
>> NO. I JUST A LITTLE BIT WARNING IN THERE.
>> YOU'RE GOOD, KEEP ON GOING.
>> THE APPLE MARKET GRAND REOPENING OCCURRED SATURDAY AND I ATTENDED THAT.
MAYOR MEDINA SAID A FEW WORDS AND MR. REYNA WAS THERE AND STAFF MEMBERS. IT WAS WELL ATTENDED.
FOLKS WERE ACTUALLY LINED UP, RALLY START FORMATION AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE GOOD.
THE STORE WAS CLEAN AND WELL ORGANIZED.
THE OWNER WAS EXCITED ABOUT THE OPENING.
WE HAD ANIMAL ADOPTION EVENT ON THE 19TH AT GROCERY OUTLET.
A TOTAL OF FIVE ADOPTIONS RESULTED FROM THAT.
WE DID HAVE TO CUT IT SHORT, THE HEAT WAS COMING IN AND SO THE ANIMALS WERE TAKEN BACK TO THE SHELTER, BUT WE DID GET FIVE ADOPTIONS OUT OF THAT.
AS WAS MENTIONED BEFORE, THE CHILL WITH A COPY EVENT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.
WHEN I WENT BY, COMBINED WITH WHO WAS ALREADY THERE AND WHO WAS THERE, I THINK PROBABLY OVER 100 PEOPLE.
WE HAD A VERY GENEROUS DONATION OF THE ICE CREAM FROM
[01:25:01]
THE GROCERY OUTLET AND LOOK LIKE EVERYBODY WAS HAVING A GOOD TIME.HOPEFULLY, WE'LL HAVE ANOTHER ONE.
MAYBE ONE IT'S A COUPLE DEGREES COOLER.
SEVENTH STREET PROJECT UPDATE.
IF YOU'VE WALKED THE SEVENTH STREET, YOU SEE THAT BY FAR THE BULK OF THE WORK IS COMPLETE.
STILL SOME FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE PARK HERE.
HOWEVER, UNFORTUNATELY, BECAUSE OF THE EXTENDED PROLONGED HEAT WAVE, WE'VE LOST 20 OF THE TREES UP AND DOWN THE STREET.
THEY JUST DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE FOR THE ROOTS TO GET ESTABLISHED BEFORE THE HEAT WAVE.
WE'RE WORKING WITH BOTH THE CONTRACTOR WHO LOOKS LIKE HE'S GOING TO COVER THE COST OF THOSE.
BUT WE'RE ALSO WORKING WITH THE SUPPLIER TO CHOOSE A TIME FOR INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT THAT WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF THE TREE SURVIVING TO REPLACE THEM RIGHT AWAY, DIDN'T SEEM LIKE A GOOD IDEA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HEAT WAVE.
>> I'M GLAD YOU BRING THAT UP BECAUSE THAT WAS GOING TO BE PART OF MY QUESTION FOR TODAY BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME TREES THAT WERE DOING REALLY WELL AND THERE SOME THAT WERE NOT.
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF IT WAS A DRIP DEAL LIKE IRRIGATION SYSTEM.
>> IT'S A COMBINATION. YEAH. SOME ARE EVEN BLOOMING.
THEY COULDN'T HELP IT. WENT AHEAD AND BLOOMED.
BUT YES, IT'S A COMBINATION OF TOO MUCH HEAT, PERHAPS THE PLANTING EXACT LOCATION AND THEN IN A COUPLE OF CASES, THE DRIP SYSTEM WASN'T WORKING AS IT SHOULD.
WE'RE WORKING ON THAT AND MAKING SURE IT'S CORRECTED.
>> I WANT TO ADD SOMETHING TO THAT WHAT WAS UNIQUE BECAUSE I WALKED THE ENTIRE AND TOOK PICTURES OF EVERY TREE, 20 TREES.
WHAT WAS UNIQUE IS THAT IT IS ONE PARTICULAR TREE THAT WAS SUFFERING FROM HEAT EXHAUSTION.
I TOUCHED THE GROUND ON MANY OF THEM, IT WAS JUST BONE DRY AND OTHERS HAD WATER, BUT THEY WERE STILL IN THE SAME SITUATION.
I'M GLAD THAT THEY WERE REMOVED.
I WENT AND CHECKED AND SO NOW THE FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PLANT A TREE.
>> YES. DEFINITELY BETTER THAN JUNE OR JULY.
THE COOLING CENTER IS OPEN THIS WEEK.
WE HAVE FREE DIAL RIDE AVAILABLE, THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN POSTED AND DISTRIBUTED TO THE COMMUNITY AS WELL.
THE WORK ON THE PAL BUILDING CONTINUES.
WE HAD SOME GOOD NEWS THAT I THINK IS OKAY TO TO PASS ALONG, BUT AN EXTENSION FOR THAT WORK WAS GRANTED OR WILL BE GRANTED.
WE'RE WAITING FOR PAPERWORK, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE ADDITIONAL MONEY THAT WE WAS IN FLUX AND THE TIMELINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM DUE DATE IN OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH NOW.
THAT'LL GIVE US PLENTY OF TIME TO DO A QUALITY JOB THERE.
SAVE THE DATE STILL FOR THE KERN EDC ANNUAL EVENT COMING UP ON SEPTEMBER 12.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED AND YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK.
ELECTION FILING, AS HAS BEEN NOTED SEVERAL TIMES TONIGHT, FOR DISTRICT 2 AND 4, I BELIEVE, WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 9TH.
DISTRICT 5 WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 14TH.
SEE THE CLERK'S OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
COMMUNITY BREAKFAST EVENT TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY AT 7:00 A.M. AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE.
FOLKS THAT ATTENDED THE LOVING OUR CITY EVENT, SAID THAT IT DREW MAYBE UPWARDS OF 300 ATTENDEES.
THE CHIEF REPORTS THAT THERE WAS JUST LIMITED EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE EVENT.
A COUPLE OF FOLKS MAYBE HAD THE HEAT GOT TO THEM AND THAT WAS ABOUT IT, SO PRETTY QUIET AND WELL ATTENDED AND ENJOYED.
TODAY, I BELIEVE IT WAS TODAY AT PALM AVENUE SCHOOL, IS ADMINISTRATIVE DAY AND THE WPD HAD A SCHOOL SAFETY PRESENTATION AT THAT EVENT. THAT IS ALL I HAVE.
[17) REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL]
WITH THAT, WE WILL MOVE ON TO REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MAYOR PRO TEM SALDANA.>> THANK YOU. MEMBER MARTINEZ.
>> I HAVE NOTHING IN REPORT, SIR.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. JUST BRIEFLY.
PERHAPS I SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS WHEN I WAS REPORTING ABOUT THE CURRENT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, BUT IT WAS ON MY NOTES.
AT THE LAST CURRENT COUNTY MEETING, THE BOARD AUTHORIZED OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AHRON HAKIMI TO FUND AND INITIATE AND MANAGE A ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FOR CALIFORNIA CITY.
[01:30:01]
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I'VE REPORTED ON THIS BEFORE.I STARTED A CONVERSATION BOTH WITH OUR SUPERVISOR CURRENT COUNTY SUPERVISOR DAVID COUCH AND AHRON HAKIMI SEVERAL MONTHS BACK, TO FIND A WAY TO IMPROVE THE ROADS THAT CONNECT TO THE COUNTY AND OUR OWN ROADS ON THE PORTION THAT THE CITY OWNS THAT CONNECTS TO THOSE ROADS.
INITIALLY, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE COUNTY DO THE WORK AND THAT WE PAY FOR THE WORK BECAUSE THEY'RE ABLE TO DO THAT.
BUT I THINK THE LAST TIME I REPORTED THAT DIDN'T WORK OUT BECAUSE THE PEOPLE AT THE COUNTY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE TOO MANY THINGS TO DO.
SO AHRON HAKIMI PROPOSED THAT THE COG CAN ACTUALLY TAKE ON SOME OF THE PROJECTS, AND SO HE WAS AUTHORIZED TO DO THAT.
IT IS UNFORTUNATE TO ME THAT IT IS NOT US THAT ARE THE FIRST ONES TO START A PROJECT.
I WOULD HAVE LIKED FOR THAT TO HAPPEN SINCE I WAS THE ONE THAT I WAS PROMOTING THIS.
BUT IT IS GOING TO BE A PROJECT THAT FOR CALIFORNIA CITY, IT IS A ROAD PROJECT NEXT TO A RAILROAD TRACK.
IT'S A SHORT DISTANCE, BUT IT WILL BE LIKE A WAY TO SEE KERN COG CAN MANAGE THE PROJECTS.
BOTH OUR DIRECTOR AHRON HAKIMI AND DAVID AND I THINK THAT IT CAN BE DONE.
I BELIEVE SCOTT, YOU HAD A CONVERSATION WITH AHRON ALREADY.
>> I HOPE THAT YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY.
I THINK FUNDING WILL BE COMING.
WE WANT TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE GUESS WHAT HAPPENS? ONCE EVERYBODY FIGURES OUT THAT THAT WORKS, THEY'RE GOING TO WANT THEIR PROJECTS MANAGED THAT WAY.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THAT AND MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT THIRD BUT SECOND IF WE CANNOT BE FIRST.
ALSO I WANT TO THANK OUR STAFF, CITY STAFF, FOR REMOVING THE OVERGROWN AND DEAD VEGETATION AT THE OK MORE PARKING LOT AND PAINTING OVER GRAFFITI ON THE BUILDING.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE TAKEN A LOOK AT IT.
LAST MEETING, I SAID, HEY, I'M OUT OF MY WITS END, LET'S GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND STAFF HAS DONE THAT.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT IT IS NOW THERE'S NO GRAFFITI AT ALL.
IT HAS BEEN OVER A WEEK, I BELIEVE NOW THAT IT WAS CLEANED UP AND NO GRAFFITI HAS BEEN PUT ON THAT BUILDING ANYMORE. KNOCK ON WOOD, YEAH.
BUT MY POINT IS THAT WHEN IT'S CLEAN, IT DOESN'T PROMOTE MORE GRAFFITI.
IF THERE'S GRAFFITI, THERE IT PROMOTES MORE OF THE SAME.
THEY DIDN'T ANNOUNCE SEND THE JOB.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR DOING THAT. THANK YOU, STAFF.
I ALSO ATTENDED THE APPLE MARKET GRAND OPENING.
I HAPPENED TO GET THERE LIKE 10 MINUTES BEFORE, AND NOBODY WAS THERE FROM THE CITY [LAUGHTER] I WAS THINKING, WHERE IS EVERYBODY? EVERYBODY WAS INSIDE, I WAS OUTSIDE GETTING HOT.
NOW I ALSO ATTENDED ICE CREAM WITH A COP.
THE COMMUNITY APPRECIATES THOSE EVENTS, AND I APPRECIATE THEM AND I APPRECIATE YOU AS WELL.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. THAT'S MY RESOURCE.
>> THANK YOU, MR. REYNA. I'LL START OFF BY SECONDING THAT COMMENT ABOUT THE OLD OK MORE PARKING LOT.
I COMMENDED YOU FOR BRINGING IT UP LAST TIME.
I HAD REACHED OUT TO LOUISE AND THEY DID A GREAT JOB.
I THINK YOU VOICED YOUR CONCERN LAST TIME ABOUT HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT HAPPENS.
THAT WE'RE NOT JUST CLEANING UP FOR THESE FOLKS THAT WE'RE SENDING THEM THE BILL AND THAT WE'RE HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE WORK THAT IS BEING DONE.
I AM IN AGREEANCE IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE CLEANING UP OUR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN TERMS OF GRAFFITI BECAUSE I MEAN, YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN GREAT ABOUT THAT.
WE'VE HAD COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT HAVE REACHED OUT, GIVING US LOCATIONS, IT GETS CLEANED UP, AND FOR THE MOST PART, IT MAINTAINS THAT WAY.
I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THAT IT'S A BEST PRACTICE.
THEN ALONG WITH OUR PD, PATROLLING THOSE AREAS THAT WE KNOW ARE TROUBLED AREAS, THAT SHOULD HELP OUT.
ONE THING THAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO FOR THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING IS DO A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR THE GENTLEMAN OVER AT THE HOUSE OF AIDS.
THEY HAD A FREE HAIRCUT EVENT THAT HAPPENED THIS LAST SUNDAY, AND THEY DID ABOUT 85 TO 100 HAIRCUTS FOR CHILDREN.
I BELIEVE VERONICA COVERED THAT STORY, AND THEY ALSO GAVE OUT ABOUT 75 BACKPACKS.
THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THAT THEY'VE DONE THAT.
IT'S A TOTALLY FREE EVENT, AND THEY'RE VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME AND THEIR EXPERTISE.
THEY'RE GIVING FREE HAIRCUTS TO KIDS THAT ARE GOING FROM K-12.
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO IF THE COUNCIL IS IN AGREEANCE, THAT WE DO A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING.
>> WE'LL GET IT ON THE AGENDA.
[01:35:06]
WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAD DOCTOR BAINES HERE LAST COUNCIL MEETING AND SHE WAS ASKING FOR A LETTER OF SUPPORT.I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS AND THAT WE DO SEND THAT LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE CITY BEHALF.
IF THAT HASN'T HAPPENED, LET'S MAKE SURE THAT PLEASE HAPPENS.
THE CHILL WITH THE COP, AGAIN, GREAT EVENT.
I JUST WANT TO GIVE A QUICK SHOUT OUT TO THE FOLKS OVER AT GROCERY [INAUDIBLE].
THEY'VE BEEN GREAT. THEY OBVIOUSLY GAVE A WHOLE BUNCH OF FREE ICE CREAMS. THEY'RE DOING THESE PARTNERSHIPS IN TERMS OF ADOPTING ANIMALS.
THEY'RE A GREAT COMMUNITY PARTNER, AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED.
WHENEVER WE HAVE THESE FOLKS THAT ARE OUT THERE, WHERE WE'RE LOOKING FOR NEW BUSINESSES, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE BUILDING THOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS SO THAT WE'RE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND PUSH THESE THINGS FORWARD, BECAUSE FIVE ANIMALS MAYBE DOESN'T SEEM LIKE A WHOLE LOT, BUT FIVE ANIMALS HAVE A COUPLE OF MONTHS IT ADDS UP.
THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF THINGS THAT WE NEED HERE, JUST PUSHING POSITIVITY.
THEN LASTLY, I WANT TO JUST PITCH THE IDEA AS CRAZY OR NOT CRAZY THAT SOUNDS.
BUT I WANT TO PITCH AN IDEA ABOUT LOOKING FOR A PARK ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 46 BECAUSE WE'VE BROUGHT UP ANON PARK, SOMEBODY BROUGHT IT UP TODAY.
BUT THERE'S A LOT THERE ON THE CORNER OF PALM AND MARGOL STREET WHERE WE WERE HOUSING THE RECYCLING BIN.
IT'S JUST A DIRT LOT THERE NOW.
MARIA, START WRITING YOUR GRANTS.
I THINK THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT SMALL PARK.
THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A LOT OF THINGS TO THINK ABOUT, BUT JUST THROWING IT OUT THERE.
WE COULD START LOOKING AT SOMETHING FOR FOLKS THAT ARE NORTH OF THE 46 BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS NO PARK OUT THERE. THAT IS IT.
>> THIS IS ANOTHER THING THAT I HAD APPROACHED OUR SUPERVISOR DAVID COUCH ABOUT, AND THAT WAS ABOUT A COUNTY PARK NEAR OUR CITY.
HE IS FOR THE IDEA, SO IF WE CAN WORK TOGETHER WITH HIM, THAT WOULD BE PROBABLY A GREAT THING TO DO.
IT WOULD BE A MUCH LARGER PARK AND IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR EVERYONE AROUND.
WHILE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT DOCTOR BAINES, I WANT TO PLUG IN HER HEALTHCARE.
THIS IS COMING SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2024.
THIS IS IN THE LENO, AT THE CESAR CHAVIS PARK.
[LAUGHTER] ANYWAY, SO IF YOU ARE IN THAT AREA, MAKE SURE YOU VISIT.
IT'S A LOT OF FREE THINGS HAPPENING THERE, LIKE HEALTH CHECKS.
THANK YOU, DOCTOR BAINES FOR ALL HER SUPPORT AND PLEASE SUPPORT HER AS WELL.
>> AWESOME. THANK YOU, MR. REYNA.
[18) CLOSED SESSION]
ITEM 18, CLOSED SESSION.THIS EVENING, WE HAVE ITEMS 18A THROUGH 18C.
ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING THE CLOSED SESSION ITEMS AT THIS TIME? SEEING NONE. WE WILL NOW ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION AND RETURN TO REPORT OUT.
WE'LL TAKE A FIVE MINUTE RECESS.
[BACKGROUND] MEETING ADJOURNED.
>> IT'S NOT DONE UNTIL YOU SAY THAT.
[LAUGHTER]
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.