Documented by Alejandra Obregon
Here’s what you need to know
- At its Jan. 24 meeting, the Reedley City Council approved the city manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Peters Engineering Group by Design Consulting services for a traffic signal on Reed Avenue and the northernmost entrance to Reedley College. Staff said this will ease traffic flow and allow for safer transportation.
- The council also approved an extension and renewal of an urgency ordinance since California temporarily placed a moratorium on the establishment of any new smoke shops/tobacco stores within the city.
- One of the city’s most historic buildings, the Reedley Opera House was approved for $23,100 to remove and replace deteriorating bricks and mortar in the interior and exterior of the building.
Follow-up questions
- If there are concerns with item 3 by the public, why didn’t the city host a public hearing for more public feedback?
Roll Call
- Anita Betancourt, Mayor – Present
- Matthew Tuttle, Mayor Pro Tempore – Present
- Mary Fast, Council Member District 2 – Present
- Suzanne Byers, Council Member District 3 – Present
- Scott Friesen, Council Member District 4 – Present
Others present
- City Manager Nicole Zieba
- City Attorney Laurie Avedisian-Favini
According to the Reedley City Council website, meetings usually occur at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 845 G Street in Reedley. The meetings are also accessible through Zoom, and the audio recordings can be found online.
Action
- Agenda approved
- Council approved (5-0)
Public Comment
- Rene Nunez, Reedley resident, spoke on behalf of the Reedley Chamber, thanked the council and said a few events were hosted at the college. He welcomed everyone to come to the Blossom Trail event on February 10. Reedley College is also hosting a Gala event on February 25, and he suggests you look at their website for more information.
- Miguel Ramírez, public affairs manager of SoCalGas, warns the public about increased gas prices in the next few weeks. Ramirez explains that throughout the United States will be also experiencing the increased price rate, and SoCal Gas does not profit from the increased rate. There is high demand for gas through the United States and Canada due to lowered temperature and pipeline capacity. He recommends lowering the thermostat by 3 to 5 degrees, reducing temperatures in the water heater, washing clothes in cold water, and turning off any unnecessary appliances. He recommends going on their website at www.socalgas.com. Ramirez said that as the weather gets warmer, the use of natural gas prices gets lower.
Consent Agenda
- Item 3 was removed from consent for further discussion prior to the vote.
- Item 3. Adoption of resolution no. 2023-005 approving and authorizing the city manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Peters Engineering Group by Design Consulting services for a traffic signal on Reed Avenue and the northernmost entrance to Reedley College.
- Marilu Morales explains the finding of the traffic study and adding a traffic signal would allow for a free traffic flow. It will add some brakes, and makes it safer for everyone all around.
- The board got clarification in regards to the engineering group and how the whole process will be handled.
- Rod Buckley, Reedley resident, asked if the interaction with Patrick and Reed was being taken into account and said he was concerned about how it will affect the neighborhood.
- Marilu Morales said that the traffic signal will have a dedicated left turn light.
- The council (5-0) approved
- Item 1. Approval of the regular and special council meetings of Jan. 10, 2023
- Item 2. Second reading and the adoptions of ordinance 2023-002 repealing and replacing Title 1 chapter 5, article A-2 of the Reedley Municipal code concerning district boundaries.
Public Hearings
- 4. Adopt Ordinance NO. 2023-001, granting an extension and renewal of an urgency ordinance of the city council of Reedley, California temporarily placing a moratorium on the establishment of any new smoke shops/tobacco stores within the city.
- Rodney Horton said they need a total time period of 24 months to look over zoning ordinances and where they should be placed and regulations, as well as how far away from sensitive uses. He said, “We have three smoke shops in Reedley.”
- He continues, “This ordinance pertains to tobacco use only and Reedley does not have any programs that handles marijuana.”
- Motion to approve (5-0)
Administration Business
- 5. Based on the status of the mid-year city budget, to adopt resolution No. 2023-003 amending the 2022-23 the adopted budget, which appropriates $1,556,526 in multiple city funds for various operating programs, capital programs, and funds transfers.
- Paul explains the mid-year budget review from July 1 to December 31. “Sales tax, property tax, franchise fees and the community facilities district make up about 75% of our general funds revenue,” he said. “The remaining is the service fees etc.”
- Paul explains that this mid-year review showcases that Reedley is in a good financial standing and has a solid foundation.
- Expenditures are $1 million due to some big projects happening throughout the mid-year. We have a higher general carryover fund.
- We had the highest gas prices in history, and an overall increase of 13% of prices.
- Motion to approve (5-0)
- 6 . Adopt resolution 2023-23 adopt a budget appropriation of $23,100 in the general fund to remove and replace deteriorating bricks and mortar in the interior and exterior of the Reedley Opera House.
- Sarah Reid presents the history of the Opera House, which she says was built in 1903 by Jesse Jansen. She explains the historic structure requires tons of maintenance, and needs the funding to ensure the integrity of the Opera House.
- Jeffery L., president of River City Theatre Company, says the theater company tries to use the building to make the city of Reedley proud.
- Motion to approve (5-0)
Receive information & Reports
- 7. Quarterly expense & travel report for elected and appointed official
- 8. Receive, review, and file the quarterly investment report for quarter ending Dec. 31, 2022 for fiscal year 2022-23
- No additional comments
- Meeting ended at 9:02 p.m.
Closed Session
- 11. Government Code section 54957.6
- Conference with Labor Negotiators
- Agency Representatives: City Manager & Assistant City Manager
- Employee Organization: Reedley Public Safety Employees Association, General Services Unit & Unrepresented Group
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.