June 7, 2023 — Madera City Council

Documented by Alejandra Obregon

 Here’s what you need to know

  • The Madera City Council approved a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month and some members of the community shared their opposition to the city’s pride ceremony. Mayor Santos Garcia said he stands behind the LGBTQ+ community and said the city of Madera is committed to supporting diversity and acceptance. 
  • The city of Madera recognizes the accomplishments of the Madera FFA State Champion Meats Evaluation Team and Madera High Softball Team Central Section Division II champions showcasing the representation of the community
  • The council approves the operating budget in the amount of $20,000 for Fresno River cleanup efforts 
  • Trinidad Reyes of the Mosquito & Vector Control District, said “The drainage inlets are the greatest contribution to public nuisance.” He suggests the drainages need to be cleaned more regularly.

Councilmembers Roll Call:

Mayor Santos Garcia

Mayor Pro Tem Elsa Mejia, District 5

Council member Cece Gallegos, District 1 

Council member Jose Rodriguez, District 2  – Absent

Council member Steve Montes, District 3 

Council member Anita Evans, District 4 

Councilmember Artemio Villegas, District 6 

Approval of the Agenda 

  • Motion to approve agenda unanimously 

Public Comment:

  • Steve Duckworth, on behalf of Social Services, said “This month is Elder Abuse Awareness. I am inviting the public to the Senior Morning Social on June 15 at 7:30 a.m. There will also be free breakfast.”
  • A Madera resident asked the board to not raise the pride flag at Madera City Hall because it goes against her religion. 
  • Another Madera resident spoke in support of the flag ceremony and is requesting that the board host the cause at Madera City Hall. 
  • Melissa, a Madera resident, said the pride flag ceremony should not be hosted at Madera city hall. She said the only two flags that should be showcased are the U.S. flag and the state flag
  • A Madera resident is in support of the pride flag ceremony, especially in the Central Valley. She explains it shows support to young people and those who are not out. 
  • Christiana, a Madera resident, is requesting that the city of Madera remove the lien on her house so she can sell it. 
  • Olegario, Madera resident, shares his concern about comments favoring not allowing the pride flag to be flown at city hall. He is concerned about the transitioning period for youth.
  • Patty, a Madera resident, pointed out that there are members of the military who are part of the LGBTQ+ community in the building and the pride flag would represent everyone who is part of the community.
  • Paula, a Visalia resident, said it was disheartening to hear people’s negative opinions of the LGBTQ+. She said, “Hate and fear are because of lack of knowledge.”

Presentations

  • 1. Recognition of Madera FFA State Champion Meats Evaluation Team
    • Mayor Santos Garcia recognized Brent George for his contribution to guiding the team
  • 2. Recognition of Madera High Softball Team Central Section Division II Champions
    • Garcia recognized Judy Shaubach for her contribution to coaching Madera High Softball Team Central Section Division II champions 
  • 3. Proclamation Recognizing Pride Month, Xochitl Villaseñor, program manager for grants
    • The mayor said he stands behind the LGBTQ+ community and he said the city of Madera is committed to supporting diversity and acceptance. 
  • Garcia announced the continuation of public comment
    • Members of the public continue to share their opinions on whether to recognize  the pride flag and the LGBTQ+ community

Introduction:

  • A: Workshop: A-1 2023-24 Budget Workshop
    • Michael Lima, director of financial services, said, “The largest sales tax generators are auto dealerships and gas stations.”
    • “Increasing mortgage rates have a detrimental effect on housing sales and new housing development,” he said.  As a result, property revenues are projected to increase only 2%,” he said. “We are not seeing big increases to our general fund this year. We won’t be enjoying strong revenues this year.”
    • Council member Gallegos asked, “Are we having people catching up on their water bills.” 
    • Lima answered, “We are reaching out to the public to resume payments…possibly finding a payment plan to resume payments”

 Consent Calendar: 

  • Motion to approve consent calendar as presented unanimously 
  • B-1: Minutes – April 19, May 3 and May 10 
  • Approve the city council minutes 
  • B-2: Informational report on register of audited demands
    •  Review register of audited demands report for May 6-May 26
  • B-3: Continuing declaration proclaiming the existence of a local emergency – January 2023 winter storms
    •  Adopt a resolution continuing the declaration proclaiming the existence of a local emergency – January 2023 winter storms in accordance with Madera Municipal Code Title III, Chapter 2 
  • B-4: Informational report on contract for city attorney services and litigation expenditures
  • B-5: Maintenance of drainage improvements and access easement for Madera Industrial WHSE, LLC
    •  Adopt a resolution approving statement of covenants affecting land development for the maintenance of drainage improvements and access easement for Madera Industrial WHSE, LLC (Report by Keith Helmuth) 
  • B-6: Annual review and report on Madera Police Department Military Equipment Use
    • 1. Receive and file the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Use Report from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022; and 
    • 2. Adopt a minute order affirming the city’s military equipment use ordinance 994 C.S. and related Madera Police Department Policy 709 
  • B-7: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program 2022-23 Grant Award Acceptance
    • Adopt a resolution authorizing accepting the JAG Award in the amount of $26,660 for fiscal year 2022-23 for the purchase of surveillance cameras 
  • B-8: City of Madera 2023-2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan
    • Adopt a Resolution approving the 2023-2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (Report by Michael Lima)
  • B-9: Consultant Services Agreement with Madera Unified School District
    • Adopt a resolution approving the consultant service agreement with the Madera Unified School District (MUSD) for the Foster and Homeless/Families in Transition Enrichment Services Program not to exceed $15,000 
  • B-10: Application for Transportation Development Act (TDA) – Local Transportation Funds (LTF) and State Transit Assistance (STA) Funds for fiscal year 2023-24
    • Adopt a resolution approving applications for TDA – LTF and STA funds for fiscal year 2023-24 and authorizing the city engineer to execute and submit the applications to the Madera County Transportation Commission 
  • No public hearings

D. Petitions, Bids, Resolutions, Ordinances, and Agreements 

  • D-1: Engineer’s Report For Citywide Landscape And Lighting Assessment District Zones of Benefit 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-A, 6-B, 7, 8, 9, 10-A, 10-B, 10-C, 10-D, 10-E, 10-F, 10-G, 10-H,10-I, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15-B, 15-C, 16, 17-A, 17-B, 17-C, 17-D, 18, 20-A, 20-B, 20-C, 21-A, 21-B, 21-C, 21-D, 23, 24, 25-C, 25-D, 26, 26-B, 26-C,26-D, 27, 27-B, 28, 28-B, 29, 29-B, 29-C, 29-D, 29- E, 30, 31-A, 31-B, 32-A, 32-B, 33, 34, 34-B, 34-C, 35, 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43-A, 43-C, 43-D, 43-E, 44, 45-A, 46, 50 and 51 For fiscal year 2023-24
  • Resolution of intention to Llevy and collect annual assessments For Citywide Landscape and Lighting Assessment District Zones of Benefit 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-A, 6-B, 7, 8, 9, 10-A, 10-B, 10-C, 10-D, 10-E, 10-F, 10-G, 10-H,10-I, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15-B, 15-C, 16, 17-A, 17- B, 17-C, 17-D, 18, 20-A, 20-B, 20-C, 21-A, 21-B, 21-C, 21-D, 23, 24, 25-C, 25-D, 26, 26-B, 26-C,26-D, 27, 27-B, 28, 28-B, 29, 29-B, 29-C, 29-D, 29-E, 30, 31-A, 31-B, 32-A, 32-B, 33, 34, 34-B, 34-C, 35, 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43-A, 43-C, 43-D, 43-E, 44, 45-A, 46, 50 & 51 for fiscal year 2023-24, Setting June 21, 2023, as date for public hearing,  and rescinding Resolution 23-86
    • 1. Adopt a minute order approving the engineer’s report as filed or with modifications as identified by the City Council during the meeting, and rescinding the minute order of May 17, 2023, regarding same; and 
    • 2. Adopt a resolution of intention to levy and collect proposed annual assessments for all Citywide Landscape and Lighting 

District Zones of Benefit referenced in the engineer’s report for fiscal year 2023-2024 or as may be amended, set June 21, 2023, as the public hearing date to consider the proposed fiscal year 2023/2024 Assessments for Citywide Update June 2 at 7:30 p.m. Madera City Council Agenda Page 4 of 6 June 7, 2023 Landscape and Lighting District Zones of Benefit, and rescinding Resolution No. 23-86 

  • Nicole announces that June 21 will be the public hearing
    • Motion to approve items D1 unanimously  
  • D-2: Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
    • Adopt a resolution approving a new Schedule “A” Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, for Fire Service Operation
    • Justin Macomb said the one-year agreement is $6,057,566.

He said “If we reclassify these positions, it would cost $42,000 per person. We can maximize our workforce, and it’ll save the city. It will create depth, and save money in the long run.”

  • Macomb explained that the department is going to submit another reclassification next year. He is planning to phase out the plan
  • Council member Montes asked, “If they are exempt, will they not qualify for overtime?”
  • Macomb said the reclassification will not be eligible for overtime.
    • Motion to approve unanimously 
  • D-3: Continuing resolution In lieu of fiscal year 2023-2024 budget adoption and authorization of 60-day extension to prepare and present the fiscal year 2023-24 budget
    • Adopt a resolution to continue appropriations and estimated revenues in accordance with the fiscal year  2022-2023 budget in lieu of fiscal year 2023-2024 budget adoption (continuing resolution), and authorization of 60-day extension to prepare and present the fiscal year 2023-24 Budget
      • Motion to approve unanimously 
  • D-4:2023 Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan for Madera Metro
    • Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the 2023 zero-emission rollout plan
      • Motion to approve unanimously
  • D-5: Amendment to the management and operations agreement and the related lease agreement for the Madera Transit Center between the city and MV Public Transportation, Inc.
    • Adopt resolutions: 1. Approving Amendment No. 5 to the agreement, extending the term of the agreement through June 30, 2025 
    • 2. Approving Amendment No. 3 to the lease agreement for the Madera Transit Center with MV Public Transportation, Inc. through June 30, 2025, to coincide with the agreement for management and operation of Madera Transit Services 
    • Grants administrator Mariela Zuniga said the agreement will increase the total operating costs to $2.17 million for the first year of the extension and $2. 24 million for the second year of the extension.
    • Gagallos asked if the city is training people who are homeless, mentally challenged or in case of a shooting.
    • Zuniga said the city will follow up with a response
      • Motion to approve unanimously 
  • D-6: Second amendment to existing service provider agreement with O&E Transportation LLC Relating to litter abatement in the Fresno River and approval of a budget amendment
    • Adopt resolutions: 1. Approving the second amendment to the service provider agreement with O&E Transportation LLC for additional services at a cost of $60,000 and an extension of the term through Sept. 30, 2023; and 
    • 2. Approving a budget amendment to the fiscal year 2022-23 operating budget for $20,000 for Fresno River cleanup efforts 
    • Police Chief Dino Lawson told the board that cleanup of the trash and biohazard materials by the river is costly
    • Council member Evans said she is in favor of cleaning up the river and supporting the safety of the public
    • Council member Montes asked if it will address the possum and raccoons 
    • Lawson says he needs to buy more traps, but they are addressing the issues
    • Mayor Pro Tem Mejia shared the public’s concerns about the need for cleaning the area near the ‘Welcome to Madera’ sign 
    • Lawson reassured her that they are doing their job and it is a constant job to clean that area
      • Motion to approve unanimously 

Administrative Reports

  • Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District – Public Awareness Update June 2 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes only and there is no action requested from the City Council.
    • Reyes, Mosquito & Vector Control District, told the board that the city of Madera gets a heavy amount of spray.  “The drainage inlets are the greatest contribution to public nuisance. The east side of Madera has the most issues. It could breed vectors to West Nile from the mosquitoes breeding  “
    • Reyes asked:“If we eliminate lawn drains, we will have effectively removed all major networks of breeding?”  
    • He explained in answer to a question from Mejia that law drains leak from the front to the back and “the water remains in the drains all year round.”
    • Reyes recommended having a public ordinance outlawing the creation of open-end drains 
    • Council member Evan suggested an old-school idea of cutting up Irish 

                        Spring soap and laying pieces in the vents 

  • Trinidad said, “So one mosquito bite makes 150 eggs and will hatch within five days so they have five portions of their life cycle. Once in the water one outside is the adult and they go through each portion of the life cycle in one day; they live for like two weeks.”

Council member reports/announcements

  • Gallegos asked, “If we can bring back information proclamations and the processes that we have in the city.” 
  • Montes suggested receiving the information before actually voting and making a decision at each meeting
  • Evans said she participated in the NAACP workshop and lobbied within different offices last week for SB 673, which is about “the ebony alert ……and right now when a child of color is missing or is abducted, the ebony alarm will also go off in the city of Madera and throughout the state of California.” 
  • Mejia said he graduated from the water education for Latino leaders program by Untap Fellowship. “This program provided education about water issues about policies and it was specifically for officials that represent Latino communities and so I am grateful for the support.”
  • Villegas invited everyone to the farmers market that is hosted on the first Thursday of every month
  • Evans emphasized the importance of the June 19 Juneteenth celebration for the African American community. She invited the community to participate in the Let Freedom Ring celebration at the courthouse park
  • Garcia stressed the importance of the Memorial Day commemoration of those who gave their lives for this country and our freedoms. 
  • Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

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