Feb. 28, 2023 — Reedley City Council
Documented by Alejandra Obregon
Here’s what you need to know
- At the Feb. 28 meeting, the Reedley City Council recognized the Marjaree Mason Center Teen Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Marjaree Mason Center adopted the Know More program to educate youth about the effects of abuse in relationships.
- The council authorized agreements with Avila & Associates, Inc. for Phase One initial design work associated with a future Animal Shelter facility, and a Fire Department Service Facility in an amount of $69,200 but not to exceed $75,000. The animal control department partners with the Animal Compassion Team Act, and the animals get adopted and/or fostered out within a short amount of time.
- The council also approved its Annual Military equipment use report for 2022 as required by California Assembly Bill 481 and Reedley City Ordinance 5-14-5 presented by the fire department. Chief Garza said that, “on March 21, we will have a publicly held meeting at the city council chambers for the public to ask any processing questions about the military equipment.”
Follow-up questions
- Is it necessary for the police department to have access to flash-bang grenades, explosive breaching tools, tear gas, and pepper balls?
Officials Present:
Anita Betancourt, Mayor, District 5 – Present
Matthew Tuttle, Mayor Pro Tempore District 1 – Present
Mary Fast, Council Member District 2 – Present
Scott Friesen, Council Member District 4 – Present
Suzanne Byers, Council Member District 3 – Present
The scene
The Reedley City Council meetings usually occur on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 845 G Street in Reedley. City council meetings are also made available for public viewing and participation through Zoom.
Actions/Discussions/Public comment
- Approved of the Agenda
- (5,0)
Presentations
- The city council is recognizing Marjaree Mason Center Teen Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Chief Garza introduces Marjaree Mason’s mission and their efforts to protect adults and teens against violence through education and advocacy.
- Prevention and Education Specialist for Marjaree Mason Center Jessica Sailor said that her duties include teaching students the importance of what healthy relationships look like and giving them the toolkit for teens to follow.
- Sailor introduces Kayla Garcia, a senior at Reedley High School and an ambassador for the Know More program, to further explain the mission of the Know More program. She explains that the program focuses on teen dating awareness and shares the reality that potential abuse can happen to anyone around you. Kayla said, “one in three teens experience abuse. ” She continues that Marjaree Mason Center adopted the Know More program to educate the youth about the effects of abuse in relationships. She shares statistics on how toxic relationships can affect teens’ livelihood and safety. She explains the Know More Program is working to collaborate with more high schools to continue to spread awareness of teen abuse.
- Introduction of new firefighters and promotions
- The Fire Chief of the City of Reedley Fire Department announces recently hired officials working at fire stations and promotions.
- Chief explains that they have about 40 people working at the fire station. He hopes that they will continue to grow their department, and programs such as the Explore program, which exposes youth to fire and rescue.
- No public comment
Consent Agenda
- Approval of the Consent Agenda
- Item 3 – Approval of minutes for the regular council meeting on February 14, 2023
- Item 4. Approval of mayor’s nomination to fill two vacancies on the Community Services Commission and two vacancies on the Traffic Safety Commission
- Item 5 – Approval of second reading and adoption of Ordinance No.2023-003, an ordinance of the city council of Reedley adopting environmental assessment No. 2022-15, a finding of no possible effect; approving rezone application NO. 2022-02; and authorizing the amendment of the official zoning map of the city of Reedley to rezone two (2) contiguous parcels situated at 505 North Reed Avenue by the Community Development Department.
- Approved by council (5,0)
Administrative Business
- 6. Approval to authorize the city manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Avila & Associates, Inc. for Phase One initial design work associated with a future Animal Shelter facility, and a Fire Department Service Facility in an amount of $69,200 but not to exceed $75,000 presented by the police department.
- Chief Jose Garza presents to the council the initial design of the proposal for phase one. The agreement would benefit both the police department and the fire department. The current animal control facility is outdated and constructed in the 1950s. There has been damage to the animal facility and very limited space on what they can provide to the dogs.
- He continues to explain both of the structures presented would serve as an animal shelter for the animal control department and the fire service section would house equipment.
- City Manager Nicole R. Zieba further elaborates that the animal control department partners with the Animal Compassion Team Act, and they do most of the adopting. This is not a public adoption facility, it is only a housing ground until the Animal Compassion Team helps the animals get adopted and/or fostered out within a short amount of time. Zieba describes how the center is close to becoming a no-kill shelter because of their partnership. The shelter will only euthanize aggressive dogs that would be deemed dangerous to society and older sick dogs.
- Approved by council (5,0)
- 7. Approve Annual Military equipment use report for 2022 as required by California Assembly Bill 481 and Reedley City Ordinance 5-14-5 presented by the fire department
- Chief Jose Garza presents the uses of “military equipment” by the police department. The specific type of equipment includes the use of aircraft systems (UAS/drones), remotely powered ground vehicles, 40mm less-lethal launchers and kinetic energy munitions, flash-bang grenades, explosive breaching tools, tear gas, and pepper balls. The chief goes in-depth on the purpose of use, complaints and concerns about its use, and total cost.
- Chief Garza announced that, “on March 21, we will have a publicly held meeting at the city council chambers for the public to ask any processing questions about the military equipment.” Chief said it will further transparency for the public.
- Approved by council (5,0)
Receive Information & Reports
- Reedley Airport Commission minutes of regular meeting of November 17, 2022
- No additional comments
Workshop
- Workshop in regards to Strategic Capitol Planning
- On behalf of administrative services, they presented strategic area planning goals and how it allows planning cornerstones missions
- According to the presenter, “The city’s strategic cornerstones consist of enhancing public safety, revitalizing the community, championing solid financial Management, and demonstrating city hall efficacy.”
- The presenters continue to explain that since Reedley is a growing population, the city needs to think further ahead. This includes replacing old infrastructure, and the ways the city needs to integrate their needs.
- The planning horizon is based on three strategies: tactics strategy (1-2 years), strategy (2-4 Years), and vision (2-4 years).
- Tactics strategies include reserving for General Fund and Enterprise funds. This would include figuring out how to develop a new storm basin and with more rain, this is something important to consider. Also considering sports complex future plans, and exploring the roles of parks and rec foundation in project fundraising.
- Strategies within two to four years would include evaluating the future direction of the fire department.
- Staff members express appreciation for the electrician because he is a great worker and an essential part to city projects.
- Staff realize the importance of adding EV charging to public areas and something else to consider for the future.
- Staff explains they are currently developing the 2023-2024 budget to align limited resources [time, money & people] with organizational goals.
Council reports
- Councilmember Suzanne Byers shares her experience going on a public tour. She said “We have the best waste system in the Central Valley.” She recommends that high school students and college students should have a tour or some sort of outreach to welcome more students in public works.
- Councilmember Mary Fast explains that they approved funding for $18.6 million in active transportations projects. She said that they have a lot of funding available and hopefully to be applied to future projects.
Staff reports
- City Manager Nicole R. Zieba said, “The Fresno County Rail agency, the agency that provides public transportation in rural communities. They are working on a microgrid hub and these hubs are mini centers for EV charging, community gardens and wifi. On March 15, FCCRTA is hosting a community meeting at the Senior Center in Reedley to figure out what people want to see in these centers. This is in the beginning stages.”
- An act of gratitude to Me n Ed’s gives 2,000 to youth sports program and we use the money for volleyballs
Council meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
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