Documenter: Ramiro Merino

Summary

  • The Council received proposals for the golf course, which will be reviewed prior to the next council meeting. 

  • The Council approved the use of Traffic Safety funds to install solar, LED outlined stop signs at the intersection of 19th Ave and Cedar Lane. 

Purpose of Agency

The five City Council members are elected at large to serve four-year, overlapping terms. Municipal elections are held in November of even-numbered years. Council selects one of its members to serve as the Mayor, who presides at meetings and represents the City in all official matters and at official functions. Council Members do not spend all day at City Hall; they have regular jobs like everyone else. The variety of experience they bring to meetings helps them as a group to make wise decisions. 

Lemoore City Council Board Member Duties

The City Council is responsible for approving all legislation and formulating City policies. The Council’s objectives are broad and include translating public attitudes and service requirements into policies and programs, so that desired levels of service can be provided efficiently and economically. The Council keeps abreast of current State and Federal legislation. By participation in the League of California Cities, Council members are able to compare policies, techniques and procedures with other cities throughout the state. Close liaison is maintained with other Kings County elected officials to ensure that Lemoore’s policies and programs are coordinated with other public agencies. 

Lemoore City Council Board Members

  • Stuart Lyons, Mayor and Council Member for District A

  • Patricia Matthews, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for District E

  • Jim Chaney, Council Member for District B

  • Frank Gornick, Council Member for District C

  • David Orth, Council Member for District D

The Scene

The Lemoore City Council meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 by Mayor Stuart Lyons. The meeting was streamed live virtually through Zoom, where a total of five participants showed up throughout the night. The in-person meeting consisted of all five council members, which included Mayor Stuart Lyons, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member Patricia Matthews, Council Members Jim Chaney, Frank Gornick and David Orth. City Staff and contract employees also present included City Manager Olson, Assistant City Manager Speer, Police Chief Kendall, City Attorney Lerner, Community Development Director Holwell, and City Clerk Avalos. Due to the global pandemic, physical attendance by the public cannot be accommodated given the current circumstances and the need to ensure the health and safety of the City Council, City staff, and the public as a whole. The Zoom camera was directed towards the Council, where City Council Members were visible. The Council all wore masks for the duration of the meeting. 

Closed Session Report

There was no closed session report. 

Public Comment

Jennifer Solis, a Lemoore citizen, invited the Council to a Facebook live event where they can answer questions that residents may have. “People love to tell stories. They are only silent if they are not heard. I love this City. I hope you can join us for future Q&A’s. We want to get more people involved.” 

Ceremonial Presentations

There were no ceremonial presentations. 

Department and City Manager Reports 

Councilmember Frank Gornick stated “The last 2 weeks went well. We will integrate our new communication with a new system. We are completing a pavement project this summer. There are some cracks on the 99.” Mayor Lyons asked about the poles. Gornick said “All of the poles will be moved underground but it is up to PG&E and their schedule.” Mayor Lyons then stated that the golf course proposals were due today. “We will start to look at the proposals and identify which one we will go with and bring it to the Council. We will be going through the ARB funds after we go after the budget.” 

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously voted to approve the agenda items on the consent calendar. 

  • Approval – Minutes – Regular Meeting – May 4, 2021

  • Approval – Proclamation Recognizing Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department’s (LVFD) 100th Anniversary 

    • Mayor Lyons read the proclamation for honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department. Albene stated “The Fire Department has been really good for Lemoore regarding finances. The comradery and spirit that the department has is special. They give uncounted hours in not just responding, but training and spending time to bond.” Mr. German stated “We are following in their footsteps. These guys have taught us how we are supposed to act. Our actual 100th Anniversary date is in August. I am the 13th fire chief and it has been a pleasure to be a part of this.” Council member Mathews thanked the fire department for their work. She stated “You guys have saved us millions and millions of dollars.” Mayor Lyons said “I am going to be honest, I choked up a little there.” 

  • Approval – Budget Adjustment – Lighted Stop Signs – Intersection of 19th Avenue and Cedar Lane

Public Hearings

There were no public hearings. 

New Business

There was no new business. 

Brief City Council Reports and Request

  • Council Member Orth: “I would like to thank the negotiation team and the City workers for working hard on our behalf. Thank you to the police for handling the bad situation on Mother’s Day. I would also like to thank the Police Department. The Fire Department, you guys have saved us millions of dollars and we would not have been able to do it without you. You are invaluable.”

  • Council Member Gornick: No report. 

  • Council Chaney: “The Police Department and Fire Department are my heroes. Thank you to the city workers for your hard work.” 

  • Mayor Pro Tem Matthews: “Thank you to the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department and thank you to the Police Department for being awesome, how you step up for the community is really great. The Lemoore Downtown Merchants is having an event downtown. On the Fourth of July, there will be a 5K run and 3 mile walk. Thank you to all of the businesses and restaurants for jumping in and helping out with donating to the Lemoore High School Sober Grad Party. The high school was scrambling to reach their funds when they thought they had it. They also still need volunteers for the actual event, so if you are interested, please email them.” 

  • Mayor Lyons: “Thank you to the Police Department and Fire Department for your work and doing your thing. I also did an event with the KCO event where the Fire Department let me on the fire truck where we passed out free food to the community. Thank you everyone for doing your part.” 

Adjournment

Mayor Lyons adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:58 p.m.  

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