Minutes. City of Soledad Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting. December 4, 2013

Transcription

1 Minutes City of Soledad Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting December 4, 2013 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Fred J. Ledesma called the City Council/Successor Agency Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by YMCA Executive Director Joe Gonzalez. PEACEBUILDERS PLEDGE was led by Councilmember Stephens. ROLL CALL The Following Councilmembers/Agencymembers were present when the meeting was called to order: Mayor/Chair Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Councilmember/Agencymember Councilmember/Agencymember Councilmember/Agencymember Fred J. Ledesma Alejandro Chavez (Arrived at approximately 5:40 p.m.) Patricia Stephens Christopher Bourke Richard Perez (Arrived at approximately 5:50 p.m.) The following Councilmembers/Agencymembers were absent: None ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA City Manager Gonzalez requested that the City Council add an Agenda Item to the Agenda. The new item would be Business Item No. B-3. B-3. Acceptance of the City and Soledad Successor Agency s Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Council Action: Motion: Vote: To add Business Item B-3 to the agenda. Moved by Councilmember Stephens, seconded by Councilmember Bourke. Motion Carried by the following vote:

2 Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: Ledesma, Bourke, Stephens Perez, Chavez MAYOR/COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Receive a Legislative Update from Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo Assemblymember Luis Alejo addressed the City Council and gave a Legislative Update on issues affecting the Monterey County and the South County Cities. He also touched base on the State budget and how they were able to pass a budget with a projected surplus. He stated that Governor Brown had made a commitment to education. He mentioned that in 2014 we would see a minimum wage increase from $8.00 per hour to $9.00 per hour, and then there would be another increase in 2016 to $10.00 per hour. He is hoping that money will be invested back into our economy and that California will lead the way for other States. He spoke about the recent passing of the Drivers License Bill, which will help 2 million immigrants obtain a driver s license. He stated it would be in effect starting January 1, 2015 and it is expected for the DMV to open new offices in order to accommodate the new applicants. Council Discussion: Councilmember Stephens stated that everything that Assemblymember Alejo had reported was very interesting. She was wondering if there had been any talk about raising the cost of living wage. Assemblymember Alejo stated there had to be some compromise in order to have the minimum wage increased. Councilmember Bourke thanked Assemblymember Alejo for the $2.3 million that the schools in Soledad received. Mayor Ledesma stated that 47% of farm workers are illegal. He stated that he would like to see some of the County taxes come to the Cities that provide housing and policing of the farm workers. Assemblymember Alejo stated that unfortunately the Governor was turning down any bills that have to do with Redevelopment. He stated that next year he would be approaching the Governor with a new bill which will set aside 25% for communities like Soledad for affordable housing. Present an Appreciation Plaque to Dr. Greg Marsolais and Dr. Alison Flynn Page 2 of 10

3 Police Chief Eric Sills presented the awards to both Dr. Greg Marsolais and Dr. Alison Flynn who work for The Pet Specialists in Monterey. He stated that Canine Leco was injured during a training exercise in Fort Ord. His injuries were life threatening and thanks to quick actions of the Police Officers and the Doctors at The Pet Specialists they were able to save his life. He also mentioned that The Pet Specialists had done the operation at no charge. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Gonzalez the newly appointed YMCA Executive Director addressed the City Council and reported on their programs. MAYOR S REPORT Mayor Ledesma reported that he had attended various meetings throughout the month. He also stated the City would host the ACCAPS retreat at Hahn Winery and invited the City Council to participate at a meet & greet. He announced that the City of Soledad had been named the 11 th Safest City in the State of California and was very proud of the title. COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS Announcements and Reports on meetings attended by Councilmembers at City of Soledad expense as required by State law (AB1234). Councilmember Bourke stated he attended a couple of meetings. One was in regards to the Salinas River Channel and an AMBAG meeting where new President Simon Salinas was introduced. Councilmember Stephens announced that this Saturday, December 7 th was the Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade and Festivities. COUNCILMEMBER PRAISES Councilmember Bourke stated he would like to praise the Fire Department and the Police Department for the City of Soledad being ranked the 11 th Safest City in the State of California. Councilmember Stephens praised the Fire Department and Police Department for the 11 th Safest City in the State of California ranking. Mayor Ledesma stated he would like to praise the Soledad Lions Club for their successful Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal event that served many members of the community. He stated that it goes to show the need in our community. CONSENT CALENDAR Page 3 of 10

4 Action: Councilmember Bourke made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar items C-1 through C-4. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Stephens and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: C-1. Ledesma, Chavez, Stephens, Bourke, Perez Approval of Minutes a) Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of November 6, 2013 C-2. Approval of Warrants # C-3. Resolution No. 4930, Approving the Soledad-Mission Chamber of Commerce Request for use of The Community Center for their Annual South County Chamber Business Expo and Authorizing Sponsorship of the Event. C-4. Resolution No. 4931, Adopting Administrative Order No City of Soledad Credit Card Utilization Policy. BUSINESS City Manager Gonzalez stated she would like to move Business Item No. B-3 to be the first item discussed under business. B-3. Acceptance of the City and Soledad Successor Agency s Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year City Manager Gonzalez presented the staff report to the City Council and introduced Mr. Bryant Jolley who is the City s Auditor. She stated he would do an overview of the Audited Financial Statements. Mr. Bryant Jolley, Auditor addressed the City Council and informed them that all funds were operating as intended. He stated that in regards to the general fund he was happy to report that it has really turned the corner with $190,000 surplus, compared to last year there was a $1.2 million dollar deficit. He then stated he would like to bring some attention to the sewer fund because it has concerned him over the last few years. He stated that when he looks at the numbers you will get to the point where the City will have to take some actions. He stated Page 4 of 10

5 other than that he mentioned his staff was happy about the new utility system as it is more transparent. He has only really good comments this year. Council Discussion: Councilmember Bourke thanked City Manager Gonzalez, Finance Director Howard, Mark Hartunian and Community & Economic Development Director Slama for their hard work and dedication. He knows that it takes a toll and costs a lot of grief to do the right things at times. City Manager Gonzalez stated she would like to thank the Labor Groups for their concessions as this would not have been possible without them. Mayor Ledesma stated he would like to congratulate City Manager Gonzalez because during the hard times she might have been the most disliked but she was able to pull the City through that hard time by making the hard decisions. He also thanked Mark Hartunian for his hard work in the utility billing transition. Mark Hartunian, Management Analyst/Grants Coordinator addressed the City Council stated that if it had not been for the support from City Manager Gonzalez, Finance Director Mike Howard, Administrative Assistant Jeanette Boykin, Human Resources Technician Francine Uy, and Executive Assistant to the City Manager Claudia Moreno the Utility Payment transition would not have been possible. He feels everyone should be commended for their hard work and dedication. Council Action: Motion: Vote: Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: To accept the City and Soledad Successor Agency s Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Moved by Councilmember Stephens, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez. Motion Carried by the following vote: Ledesma, Chavez, Bourke, Perez, Stephens B-1. Receive an Oral Report Regarding City Water Well Nos. 7 and 11 Public Works Director Wilcox presented the staff report to the City Council and stated that Well No. 7 has been fully repaired and is back in service. He stated that in regards to Well No. 11 the total cost for the repair is $91,000. He said it wasn t fully repaired yet but the work was Page 5 of 10

6 currently underway and expects it to be back in service by the next regular City Council meeting. He would like to lift the emergency status on the wells. B-2. Resolution No. 4932, Approving a Non Exclusive Consulting Services Agreement for Design Services with Bellinger Foster Steinmetz Landscape Architecture and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute said Agreement on Behalf of the City of Soledad for the Chester Aaroe (Little League) Park Ball-Field Lighting Project in the Amount of $20,850. Public Works Director Wilcox presented the staff report to the City Council. He stated that he had the intention of coming to the City Council for lighting for the Little League ball field. He stated that after meeting with the Parks and Recreation Committee on December 2, 2013 there have been some changes and the Committee is requesting cost estimates for other projects. He stated he would need to do an RFP and a revised cost estimate. City Manager Gonzalez stated she was hoping for a Special meeting on January 15 th because there would be no regular meeting on January 1, 2014 due to the New Year holiday. She stated she would poll the City Council for availability. Public Works Director Wilcox stated that the Special meeting would allow for the Parks and Recreation Committee to meet again. City Manager Gonzalez stated she would like to City Council to authorize her to enter into contract with the consultant if it s within the City Manager limitation of $15,000 after the RFP process. Mayor Ledesma stated this would allow to keep things moving along. Council Action: There was consensus from the City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with consultant if it s within her limitation of $15,000 and under after the RFP process. RECESS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CALL TO ORDER A MEETING OF THE SOLEDAD CITY COUNCIL SITTING IN ITS CAPACITY OF A SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY OF THE SOLEDAD REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING RECESS Mayor Ledesma recessed the City Council meeting at 6:40 p.m. SA-1. Receive Update Regarding Visitor s Center Project and Provide Direction Community & Economic Development Director Slama presented the staff report to the City Council. He informed the City Council that at the last meeting Council had requested he come back with some cost estimates. He presented an overview of three options. Plan A has Page 6 of 10

7 estimated cost of $895K; Plan B has estimate cost of $1.1 million and Plan C has estimate cost of $2 million. Council Discussion: Councilmember Stephens asked about the importance of maintaining the historical integrity of the building. Community & Economic Development Director Slama responded that it is open to interpretation; it all depends on how that individual person feels about it. Councilmember Stephens stated she was trying to be practical. Community & Economic Development Director Slama stated he felt the issue was about being true to the City ordinance. Councilmember Perez asked if the City had to keep the label Historical in order to keep the State from taking the building. Community & Economic Development Director Slama responded that the City would have to amend the ordinance about Historical Resource. City Manager Gonzalez added that there should be some flexibility. Community & Economic Development Director Slama stated that if Council decided to change it, it would need to go through the Planning Commission. Councilmember Bourke asked how much funds were available. Community & Economic Development Director Slama responded that there was approximately $4.3 million, but need to save about $2 million of the bond proceeds for debt service. Mayor Ledesma stated he felt it did not make sense to spend that amount of money on a building. He stated he would like to take a look at all of our assets. Community & Economic Development Director Slama stated if we get a new architect involved the timeline would increase by about 2-3 years. Page 7 of 10

8 Councilmember Stephens stated that it was her concern to get the Visitors Center up and running as soon as possible. Mayor Ledesma asked if there was a time restriction on spending the money. Community & Economic Development Director Slama responded that he was not aware, but would find out to make sure. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez stated he felt that this was the ideal building to have the Visitors Center, but not the right site. He also felt it did not make sense to spend $2 million; he would like to see more like $200,000 - $500,000 spent on the building. He also stated they would like to see a modular put up as a Visitors Center on a trial basis to give the City the opportunity to see if it s going to work. He feels that cosmetics should be added to the modular to have a more attractive appearance. He then stated it would have to be figured out whose going to run the building. City Manager Gonzalez stated that unfortunately it was not part of the City s core services that are offered. Councilmember Stephens stated that the Historical Society could manage it part-time if it was in the Historical Society building. She feels that the City Council should move forward with something, she feels this is a project that should be completed. Community & Economic Development Director Slama stated that the most economical solution would be to find property on Front St to have the Visitors Center, but doesn t think anything is available at the moment. Councilmember Bourke stated that he feels the Visitors Center and the Historical Museum would work together. He stated his maximum for the project would probably be $500,000 for the museum. Councilmember Perez stated that the faster we get moving on the modular the faster it is up and running. Community & Economic Development Director Slama responded that we would need to go out for bids. Page 8 of 10

9 Mayor Ledesma stated he felt that the wineries should be engaged in the project. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez stated that in regards to the Soledad- Mission Chamber of Commerce he believes it must get a for-profit component. Community & Economic Development Director Slama stated that the Soledad-Mission Chamber of Commerce was trying to have an arm out that would be considered for profit but no one has stepped up and taken the initiative. He stated that the City s CDBG loan was for the City to loan to an entity/person that would be a for profit business. Council Action: There was consensus from the City Council to move forward with a modular building which would be placed on either Front Street or the museum site. The meeting of the City Council sitting as Successor Agency to the SRA was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. ADJOURN MEETING OF THE SOLEDAD CITY COUNCIL SITTING IN ITS CAPACITY OF A SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY OF THE SOLEDAD REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND RECONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING COUNCILMEMBER S COMMITTEE UPDATES Councilmember Perez stated he had attended a couple of meetings this month, 4C4P and SVSWA on the 21 st. He reported that the Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Meal had been a success. They had served about 2,117 meals, some were taken to go, some ate at the Community Center and other meals were delivered to homes. He stated about 40 volunteers showed up to help. He also stated that this year they had partnered with Tri-Cities and were able to recycle about 380 lbs of food waste that will be compost. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez stated he had attended two TAMC meetings. He stated that Cal Trans said they would not support STIP dollars on frontage roads. He stated there are some unmet needs in San Lucas in regards to bus service. He stated he attended the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting and felt it was productive and that a variety of groups had shown up representing mainly youth. Mayor Ledesma reported that he had attended a meeting yesterday with the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB). The MCCVB presented its new marketing plan. He would like to see the MCCVB help our efforts to connect tourists with the Pinnacles and the wineries. Page 9 of 10

10 CITY MANAGER S REPORT City Manager Gonzalez asked Council Members to keep January 15 th clear for a Special City Council meeting. She also reported that the Employee Holiday dinner is scheduled for December 6, COUNCILMEMBER S ITEMS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Comments from the Councilmembers on general items of concern and on matters that they wish to put on future agendas. Councilmember Bourke stated he would like to see the traffic congestion at schools addressed. He also stated he would like to positive letters for personnel files of Jeanette, Hilda, Fran, Mark and Claudia for their participation in the utility billing transition. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Council/Agency, Mayor/Chair Ledesma adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Approved: February 5, 2014 FRED J. LEDESMA, Mayor/Chairman ADELA P. GONZALEZ, City Clerk/Agency Secretary Page 10 of 10