Documenter: Lorissa Rankin

Here’s what you need to know

  • The board approved a proposal by Jesus R. Orozco, Community Development Director, to create three parcels which will be used for commercial use and then sold in the future. 

  • As of June 9, 2021, 46% of Kerman residents (Kerman and Biola zip codes) have received at least their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. It was also noted that 52% of Fresno County residents have received at least their first dose of the vaccine as well. 

  • The city of Kerman requires redistricting due to the 2020 Census. The first public hearing regarding redistricting will occur on July 28, 2021 and the second meeting will be on August 22, 2021. Results from the census will be delivered to the city of Kerman in September 2021. Redistricting will be completed by April 17, 2022.

  • Council member Jennifer Coleman recused herself from closed session item 7A due to a financial interest, resulting from her marriage engagement to a Kerman police officer.

Purpose of Agency

The Mayor is elected for a two-year term, and Council Members are elected for four-year terms. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Kerman City Hall, 850 S. Madera Ave. The City Council serves as the policy-making board for the city of Kerman.

Kerman City Council Board Members

  • Gary Yep, Mayor – term ending in 2022

  • Ismael Herrera, Mayor Pro Tem District 3 – term ending in 2022

  • Kevin Nehring, Council Member for District 1 – term ending in 2024

  • Jennifer Coleman, Council Member for District 2 – term ending in 2022

  • Bill Nijjer, Council Member for District 4 – term ending in 2024

The Scene

The Kerman City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 by Mayor Pro Tem Ismael Herrera due to the absence of Mayor Gary Yep. Invocation was conducted by City Clerk Marci Reyes. The meeting was streamed live virtually through Zoom. The in-person meeting consisted of City Council members Mayor Pro Tem Ismael Herrera, Council member Kevin Nehring, Council member Jennifer Coleman, and Council member Bill Nijjer. City staff that attended the meeting in-person consisted of City Clerk Marci Reyes, City Manager John Jansons, Community Development Director Jesus R. Orozco, and Community Services Director Philip Gallegos. Attending the meeting virtually through Zoom included the Chief of Police John Golden, City Attorney Hilda Montoy, Finance Director Carolina Camacho, Public Works Director Michael Barajas, and City Engineer Jerry Jones. Due to the global pandemic, the meeting will be held via Zoom and physically closed to the public. Each council member, as well as the CIty Clerk had an individual camera on them at all times during the meeting. There was also a separate camera on the podium where the department reports on the agenda were given in-person by the department directors. No one at the in-person meeting wore a mask other than Mayor Pro Tem Herrera and City Manager John Jansons. 

Closed Session Report

  • The closed session item 7A was a conference with labor negotiators for the Kerman Police Officers Association.

  • Mayor Pro Tem Herrera asked Council member Coleman if she had something she wanted to share, to which she replied “Yes, I will be recusing myself from item 7A.” Following Council member Coleman’s statement, City Attorney Hilda Montoy advised through Zoom, “I’m sorry Councilmember, would you please express why you need to recuse yourself, it’s required by state law, thank you.” Council member Coleman clarified that she recused herself due to financial interest. Hilda Montoy then asked Council member Coleman, “because you have a financial interest in your fiance who is on the police force?” Council member Coleman then nodded her head yes and physically left the meeting immediately after the interaction. 

No action to report from the closed session. 

Public Comment

No public comments were made. 

Ceremonial Presentations

None to report.

Department and City Manager Reports 

  • Chief of Police John Golden wants to remind residents of Kerman to continue to call in reports of illegal fireworks because the police are responding to those calls and are citing those found using illegal fireworks. 

  • City Manager John Jansons reminded Kerman residents of the importance of getting their Covid-19 vaccine if they haven’t already done so. He also advised that once the update is received from the State of California, there will be more information available about reopening, and he hopes for reopening of the city of Kerman by July 6th, 2021. The City Manager also advised that once he receives more information about the controversy from CAL/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) regarding employers and workforce being vaccinated, he will make it available for clarification.

  • City Clerk Marci Reyes announced the 75th Diamond Jubilee, scheduled for July 17, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, to celebrate the 75th year of incorporation. There will be vendors, music, food and overall celebration, as well as unveiling of a mural. Covid-19 safety restrictions will be followed. 

Consent Calendar

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

  • Approval – Minutes – Special called meeting May 26, 2021 and Special called meeting April 19, 2021

  • Approval – Payroll 

  • Approval – Warrants

Public Hearings

  • Jesus R. Orozco, Community Development Director presented a public hearing item 4A: Resolution Approving  Tentative Parcel Map No. 2021-02, APN 025-130-95. The item was unanimously approved by the board. Approximately four acres located northeast of Whitesbridge Road (SR 180) and Madera Ave. will be included in this resolution. The land is partially developed by Grocery Outlet, the resolution will create three parcels which will be used for commercial use, and sold in the future. 

New Business

There was no new business. 

Brief City Council Reports and Request

The council did not make any reports or comments.

Social Media

Next Regular Meeting 

  • Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 6:00 PM

Adjournment

  • The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. 

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