Madera City Council (6/21/23)

June 21, 2023 — Madera City Council

Documented by Ramiro Merino

Here’s what you need to know

• There was a mixture of support and opposition from the public regarding a Pride flag-raising ceremony at city hall, although no flag-raising policy currently exists. Several council members commented on the lack of a policy and said they have been requesting one for months. Madera Mayor Pro Tem Elsa Mejia said she commended the members of the public who came out to express their views, on their civility and decorum.

• City Attorney Hilda Montoy and staff provided the preliminary draft of a protocols guidebook with specific policies and procedures for conducting meetings, City Council allowable expenses and reimbursements, ceremonial documents, use of city facilities, support of special events, flag policy and code of conduct. 

• The City Council approved a $323,671 agreement with the Madera Unified School District to offer After School Program services.  

Follow-up questions

• Does the city have a plan for residents who may not be able to pay the rate increase for sewer and water if the fee does increase between 6-10%? 
• What will happen with the protocols guideline handbook that the city attorney and city staff are putting together after Montoy retires from the position? 
• How will this affect city business while recruitment for a new city attorney takes place? 

Notes

• Mayor Santos Garcia called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. 
• Pastor Joe Alicea with the Awaken Church of God led the invocation. 
• During the public comment portion of the meeting, Garcia asked Montoy to remind the public about the protocol for public comment. “Generally, public comment is general public comments concerning matters that come under the jurisdiction of the City Council but are not on the agenda,” she said. “If the item is on the agenda, then members of the public should reserve their comments until that item is called. If something is not on the agenda, you may ask now.”
  • Jason Rodger said “I am here for support of the Madera Theater Project. This is in partnership with the Madera Arts Council and the Madera Unified School District. We’re in our second season, and currently finishing our production of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ with three performances left. We have ‘Ana in the Tropics’ starting on July 6 and a musical, ‘Into the Woods.’ Community is very important and what’s important to the community is supporting the arts. I brought one of our Alices. We have community members all throughout the Valley that are performing in the show. We have a wonderful cast lined up for these performances. We would like to set up a meeting in the future and meet with council members.”
  • Thalia Arenas made a request for a flag-raising policy to be established that would pertain to the pride flag. “It looks like this request is denied for now. We got the proclamation certification for the month but not the full ceremony. The purpose of flag ceremonies is to encourage people to look up and enhance unity. It’s a way to enhance spirit and pride within a person and their community.”
  • Jennifer Cruz runs an LGBTQ+ center in Fresno. “We’re here to support the raising of the pride flag, ensuring visibility and hope to the constituents of Madera that identify (as) LGBTQ. It sounds like the city supports the proclamation but there was also backlash. We are asking for you to vote on the symbol of hope and visibility. This is your chance to be on the right side. Eliminate the ordinance that prevents the flag-raising ceremony.” 
  • Resident Steve Williams shared his concerns from the last council meeting regarding the pride flag ceremony. “Doing this not only suggests your approval of this behavior and the agenda it represents, but it also aligns the citizens to this agenda. I don’t know you individually but as a council, you can do better than this. This is not about hate, this is about understanding the values and morals it represents.”
  • Resident Jennifer McQueen said “Flags mean so much for marginalized communities. I have attended many flag-raising ceremonies across the Central Valley. When you support youth, you support who they are. I am very appreciative of the proclamation, it is important and it matters but the physical action that backs that up is doing things like raising the flag of all kinds that promote positivity and inclusion.” 
  • Resident Regina Florenti said, “I agree with 99% of what she said but my thing is is that if the flag is exclusive to certain groups of any kind, that the only flag that should be raised are the only ones that represent. You’re going to put a church flag up there, the KKK flag, which by nature is exclusive. What people do in their private life should be private and not flown for everyone to see.”
  • An unnamed resident said “What have you done for Madera? What have you done for the state of California? The raising of the flag is wrong. You don’t need a rainbow flag to represent you. The American flag is the only flag that should be raised. I have been here for 13 years and I have never seen a report of any gay person being harassed.”
  • Santos Solosa said “I have been here for 30 years. I don’t think there’s any reason to fly the pride flag. We are not the bad guys. My daughter is LGBQ. I have taught her better than that.” 
  • Noel, a supporter said “As a supporter of this community, raising the pride flag is an important support for the LGBTQ+ community. It shows that we stand in solidarity with those who have been historically marginalized and discriminated against. Let us continue to take pride in being allies and defenders to the communities who most need it.”
  •  Xavier Sanches, pastor at a Spanish church, said in Spanish “Yo se que todos ustedes cree en dios (I know you all believe in God) and you will do the right thing. God bless you.”) 
  • Pastor Marc Unger from First Baptist Church of Madera said “I ask you, does the City Council weaponize religion, because that’s a quote from Psalm 56 right from the Bible: In God we trust. I wrote two letters to the City Council and the Mayor, three of you responded, so thank you. Four of you didn’t bother. If I come here with a flag that looks like a rainbow and say Jesus, pride and I want to fly it at city hall, will y’all fly it at city hall?”
  • An unnamed resident said “In honor of Juneteenth I wanted to quote John Lewis and his Christian faith related to the LGBTQ+ community and he said “I think it’s important for members of religious communities to understand and know that members of the gay community are part of the human family. Many other members in our churches, in our religious institutes are gay. The church is supposed to preach the gospel of love, the gospel of sisterhood and brotherhood.” 
  • Pastor Joyce Lane said they were not in favor of raising the flag. “We don’t hate any of you, you are part of God’s creation. But there have been altered facts and an addendum.” 
  • Resident Kimberly Diaz Torres said “I can’t help but notice the other side keeps saying but I have a loved one who is part of the LGBTQ+ community but then continues to say why it shouldn’t be raised. I have loved ones who are like this. You recognize us to your advantage but if you were a true loved one who actually accepted us, you would be on the other side, chanting for it to go up, because if you understood what it is like for you to be in our shoes you would be an ally.” 

• Council member reports
  • Cecelia Gallegos thanked everyone for their hard work and the public for spending their evening at the council meeting. 
  • Jose Rodriguez thanked those who spoke during public comments. He also shared information about the free Independence Day event happening on July 4th. There is also a golf tournament on July 1. He thanked Montory for everything she has done for the city. 
  • Steve Montes had no report. 
  • Anita Evans thanked everyone for attending the Juneteenth event. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Elsa Mejia thanked members of the public for commenting with civility and decorum. Mejia was part of the presentation of medals and trophies for the La Liga Pequena de Madera, a youth soccer league. She also thanked city staff for addressing the conflicts that took place at the field. 
  • Artemio Villegas had no report. 
  • Garcia attended a retirement party for educator Tina Nigerian from Madera. 
• Montoy called for a closed session regarding the city attorney position at 10:46 p.m. 

Actions/Discussions/Public comment

• Montes made a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Rodriguez seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to approve the meeting agenda as presented. 
• Montes made a motion to approve the consent calendar. Council member Rodriguez seconded the motion. The council passed the consent calendar unanimously.
  • B-1 Minutes – May 17
  • B-2 Informational Report on Register of Audited Demands 
  • B-3 Informational Report on Personnel Activity
  • B-4 Declaration of a Local State of Emergency Related to the Closure of Madera Community Hospital 
  • B-5 Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program Application
  • B-6 Acceptance of the Proposition 64 Public Health & Safety Grant Cohort 3 from the Board of State and Community Corrections
  • B-8 Amendment No. 1 to Reimbursement Agreement with Origo Cold Madera Phase I LLC for Public Improvements
  • B-9 Amendment No. 1 to Contract with The Pun Group for Auditing Services
  • B-10 Change Order for $6,544.80 for Safety and Operational Updates made to the New Rosenbauer Type 1 Fire Engine
  • B-11 Informational Report on Emergency Repairs for Water Well No. 33
• Mejia asked to remove item B-7 from the consent calendar: Project List for fiscal year 2023-24 funded by Senate Bill 1, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) – Local Streets and Roads Funding Program
  • Mejia said “I want to see if this can be considered to be added to the list of street repairs?”
  • City staff said it takes a council majority to add to the list. Later this fall, the streets will be looked at and those who need major repair will be added to the list.
• Neighborhood preservation specialist Maribel Hernandez provided a presentation on the public hearing to consider declarations of nuisance and abatement orders for overgrown weeds.
  • Hernadez said the purpose of the Weed Abatement Program is to prevent fire hazards created by vegetative growth and the accumulation of combustible debris through voluntary compliance. “This is strictly for vacant lots to ensure that excess weeds and brush don’t become a fire hazard to surrounding properties. Properties that are not in compliance will be subject to enforcement and abated by a city contractor at the owner’s expense.”
  • She said that fenced properties or properties with structures are not part of the program, “but if property has dry, overgrown vegetation it will be addressed as a public nuisance.” Three vacant lots have been cited for not clearing the overgrown weeds. 
  • Evans asked “How was it determined the lots you listed versus some of the ones around town?” Hernandez said “We inspect all vacant lots and they have 45 days to correct it. If they don’t correct it within 45 days then that is what remains.” Evans asked how is the fine determined? Hernandez replied with “Per our code, it will be $100 for the first reinspection, $500 for the second and $1,000 after that until we abate it.” 
  • Garcia asked “When was the last time the code fines were updated?” Neighborhood preservation supervisor Caludia Mendoza said “I have been with the city for 20 years and it has been the same amount. The Weed Abatement Ordinance was adopted by council in 2017, at which time, the fees were not updated.”
  • Evans said “Maybe if the fees are raised maybe you won’t have as many problems.” Mejia was also in support of increasing the fines. 
  • Rodriguez made a motion to approve the item. Evans seconded the motion. Council members voted unanimously to approve the item. 
• Nicole Say, an administrative analyst with the Engineering Department, provided a presentation on the Landscape Maintenance District.
  • “The engineer’s report is prepared on an annual basis and incorporates past expenses and revenue, projected expenses and revenue. It also makes recommendations on adjustments to assessments based on the data provided by the Finance Department that is populated in the city’s accounting system. The recommended action is to adopt a resolution to confirm the diagram and assessment as set forth in the engineer’s report, levy the assessments set forth in the report and authorize the city clerk to file the report with the Madera County Assessor/Auditor’s Office.”
  • There was no discussion or public comment. 
  • Rodriguez made a motion to approve the item. Council member Villegas seconded the motion. The council members unanimously voted to approve the item. 
• Say provided a presentation on the approval of item (D-1), Approval of the final map and Improvement Agreement and Initiation of Annexation Proceedings into Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) for a Subdivision.
  • Say said “The improvement agreement focuses on subdivisions of land (five or more parcels) and on the improvements within the public right of way.” 
  • The agreement has requirements for permits, bonds and fees; has required improvements as required in conditions of approval; indemnification; reimbursement provisions and a period of performance for the developer. 
  • There was no discussion or public comment. 
  • Evans made a motion to approve the item. Villegas seconded the motion. The council unanimously voted to approve this item. 
• City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez made a presentation on item D-2, a proposed ninth amendment to the Madera Municipal Golf Course Operation and Management Lease Agreement with SGM Inc. dba Sierra Golf Management, Inc.
  • Rodriguez said “The city obtained a loan to construct the golf course. The city operated the golf course until 2009 when a request for proposal was issued to identify an operator. Sierra Golf Management (SGM) was selected as the operator and has operated it since 1992. SGM pays the city a base rent, plus a per-round fee, and makes capital improvements. The city made payments of about $330,000 per year to repay the debt. A portion of the golf course is on airport property so the city golf course makes a $64,000 payment to the airport. This is a combined total of about $440,000 per year. In this year’s budget, staff inadvertently neglected to include the $64,000 payment to the airport. And by staff, I mean me. By November of this year, we will make our last payment.” 
  • The city did not ask the golf course to shut down during the pandemic. The city was not in a position to take over the management of the golf course. 
  • “The city will hold funds until capital projects are completed. We propose to have a golf course committee composed of one City Council member, the parks director, an SGM representative, a service organization representative, a golfer/at-large community member and the food and beverage director/representative. The agreement allows SGM to sublease the clubhouse, which they have opted to leave to Sugar Pine Smokehouse (SPS). Should SPS vacate the clubhouse, the city, and SGM will work together to procure a new operator. This would allow SPS to cater off-site (currently not permitted). The city would receive approximately $58,000 per year as revenue from the golf course.”
  • Montes asked “Who has full discretion for the capital funding?” Rodriguez said “At the end of the day, the city would be the decision maker, knowing that the city would be reimbursing any potential capital projects.” 
  • Montes also asked who assigns members to the golf course committee? Montoy said “the language you have in the agreement just says within 30 days of the effective date, this group shall be established. But it doesn’t say by whom. You could direct now that it can be established by the city or SGM or both.” 
  • Mejia said she would like to “separate the at-large representative from being a golfer.”
  • Rodriguez pointed out that the city can at any time terminate the contract if they feel SGM did not fulfill the requirements. 
  • Mejia made a motion to approve the item with the amendment to the committee and was seconded by Gallegos. The council members voted unanimously to approve this item. 
• Community Development Director Will Tackett explained item D-3, an agreement with Michael Baker International for preparation of the city of Madera 6th Cycle Housing Element Update and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Documentation.
  • Tackett said “Housing elements are one of eight mandatory elements within a general plan. They are the guide and strategy for how a community meets its housing needs through a horizon year. The state requires that every city prepare an HE element every eight years. Cities are required to adequately plan to meet the needs of the community and must illustrate that the city does not unduly constrain housing development. The housing element must be reviewed and approved by the state, and serves as a guidebook and must be consistent with infrastructure plans. The 6th cycle update is required to be internally consistent with the city’s general plan and is in compliance with state statutes to be certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.”
  •  In February 2023, the city released a request for proposals, and four proposals were received. Michael Baker International (MBI) demonstrated exemplary experience and knowledge with over 100 California municipalities and over 20 6th cycle HE updates. The cost proposal for these services totals $326,650. 
  • There was no discussion or public comment. 
  • Montes made a motion to approve the item. Council member Evans seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously in favor. 
• Derek Sanchez with the Parks and Community Services Department presented item (D-4), Consultant Services Agreement with Madera Unified School District for the After School Program fiscal year 2023-2024
  • Sanchez said “Madera Unified School District approached the city and desires to renew the partnership with the city for the upcoming 2023-24 academic school year to offer After School Program (ASP) services. Under the proposed agreement, MUSD would pay the city up to $323,671 to provide services at 21 schools. Prior to COVID, the city and MUSD had partnered for over four years, not to exceed $124,000 for services at 12 schools. The agreement would allow the city to provide programming aimed at school-aged children and youth 5-18 years old; serve at 21 school sites on a Monday-Friday rotation at four hours a day; and the ability to serve elementary schools, middle school, and high schools. Grades K-8 program activities include recreational activities, STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) learning opportunities, arts and crafts and healthy living presentations and discussions. High school activities include recreational activities, healthy living presentations, special skills programs, career and college readiness initiatives, and multimedia programs.”
  • During public comment, Pastor Unger from First Baptist Church of Madera asked if the after-school program includes sports? 
  • “I ask that you don’t allow biological males to compete in physical sports with biological females and I think you know the reason but there’s a difference. I am only saying this because of what we see going on around our nation with these swimmers and other people like that.”
  • Mejia asked to see slide 7 of the presentation. 
  • Gallegos asked if the administrative costs also include the costs for fingerprinting staff that will be hired? The answer was yes.
  • Evans asked if she could make a request to keep the sports for males and females separate. 
  • Rodriguez said “The item before us is to accept the monies from MUSD, so making that restriction may restrict any of those funds coming to us so I don’t know if that’s appropriate, but I do appreciate that comment.” 
  • Garcia made a motion to approve the item. Evans seconded the motion. The Council members  voted unanimously in favor of the agreement. 
• Sergio Martinez, an administrative analyst with the Public Works Department, spoke to the council about  item D-5, an agreement with SNF Polydyne Inc. for Sludge Dewatering Polymers
  • Martinez said “The city purchases sludge dewatering polymers from SNF Polydyne, Inc. Sludge is a material that accumulates as a result of treating sewage and is treated to reduce the volume. Reducing the volume makes it less costly to pump and haul off, and the stabilization makes it safe to handle. The city issued a request for proposal on March 23, 2023. It was posted on PlanetBids, an online platform for RFPs where the platform notified 266 vendors, and four firms ,,, indicated they would provide a proposal. Firms were required to conduct a jar test at the WWTP. Two firms completed the test and provided bids, of which SNF Polydyne, Inc. was selected as the best option. The proposed agreement is for two years with two one-year extensions. The supplier would be responsible for the delivery of the sludge dewatering polymer and offloading it. They would also provide the polymer on an ‘on-call as needed’ basis, with no minimums or maximums. The city currently uses about 900 pounds of polymer per month at a cost of about $17.75. The total cost is $223,751.”
  • Montes asked if the cost was less before the proposed contract? Martinez said he did not have the exact number, but the agreement provides benefits like on-call delivery.
  • Rodriguez said the city would be in violation of the city’s purchasing policy and would need a purchase order to purchase the amount of the material per year, which is what prompted the need for a request for proposal . 
  • Gallegos made a motion to approve the item by deleting the word ‘sample’ in the language of the contract. Council member Rodriguez seconded the motion. 
• Montoy presented on item (E-1), to consider a draft of the City Council Protocols Guidebook.
  • Montoy said “Council has requested the preparation of policies regarding various procedures associated with council. Staff recommends a protocols guidebook with specific chapters addressing matters such as rules for conducting meetings, City Council allowable expenses and reimbursements, ceremonial documents (proclamations and certificates), use of city facilities, support of special events, flag policy and code of conduct (which is already approved).”
    • She said “I switched presentations and public comments because in my experience, almost all other cities have presentations before public comments because presentations or items that are scheduled, people know they are coming.” 
    • Montoy reminded the council that if they need to leave during public comment, to ask for a recess. There is no requirement to do this during routine agenda items. 
    • Montoy said that Madera has not had lawsuits regarding due process, but that it is still important to have detailed procedures on how to handle disruptive persons/moments during the meeting. This can include giving a warning, but if a threat is made, then no warning is required.
    • The guidelines would also include: A reminder that If someone has a conflict of interest, to excuse themselves and check in with the city attorney beforehand. For every resolution, ordinance and payment of money, four votes is required. 
    • Also, Robert’s Rules of Order or Rosenburg’s Rules of Order may be used in debates. 
  • Montes asked if a comment period can be added to the agenda at the next meeting for them to have time to review the guidelines. 
  • The city manager said “The ceremonial document policy applies for commendation, appreciation, congratulations and welcome sessions like for the robotics championship, business recognition, academic or athletic achievement. Proclamations recognize and celebrate extraordinary achievements and honor occasions of importance.”
  • Staff is asking for direction on who will make determinations.
    • The Mayor’s Certificate recognizes and celebrates business openings and honors occasions of importance, which is at the discretion of the mayor. 
    • Currently there is no formal use-of-facilities policy in place. The city allows nonprofits to use city facilities at no cost. This involves staff time for set up/clean up, sound equipment, tables and chairs. Staff is seeking direction on policies that outline formal city sponsorship relationships with monetary support and informal co-sponsorship support for special events. 
    • The city lends support to various citywide community events with in-kind or financial support, subject to budgetary considerations. Currently there is no formal support or sponsorship policy in place. Staff is also asking for direction on the use of the city logo for promotional materials by external organizations. 
  • Montes said he would like for anything that the city supports on behalf of the council to be brought to the council for a vote. Gallegos agreed. 
  • Mejia said, “There have been inquiries from the public on sharing their talents and skills, like offering classes. Would we be able to open it to the public?” 
  • Gallegos said, “A lot of the program and classes were run by the Parks and Rec department. Could this oversight be directed to the recs department?” Montoy said Council can direct the recreation department supervisor to spearhead the oversight. 
  • Gallegos also asked if the council can recognize organizations receiving certificates to include why they are receiving the recognition. She also asked if groups requesting to use the city logo can submit to the council for approval? City Manager Rodriguez said a process for using the city logo needs to be directed by the council. 
  • Council member Rodriguez said the biggest thing is we don’t realize how much money is spent and to be transparent with the public, we have to allocate money to do this. You want to be someone that is a partner with its residents but at the end of the day, you cannot serve every single little event. I think we can do it like San Luis Obispo because it has columns on what should be a proclamation, a certificate, receive recognition and pins. 
  • The city manager said what adds to the confusion is not having a policy in place for using city facilities and organizations being confused on paying a fee for the use of these facilities. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Mejia said, “These are asks we have asked for months. Thank you for the work you have done.”
  • Garcia asked when the council could expect to discuss the flag-raising policy. Montoy said “Right now, we are looking at about two months out.” 
  • Gallegos said they have been asking for these policies for about a year now. She asked if a deadline can be added for organizations to request that the city sponsor their events. 
  • Council member Rodriguez asked if the council can still discuss the flag-raising policy at this meeting. Montoy said “We did not feel prepared at this time to engage on that topic tonight.” 
  • Council member Rodriguiez asked if the council can respond to the public comments regarding the policy.  Montoy said “I respectfully request we wait because of the way the report is written and where we’re asking for direction. It focuses on those other items for tonight.”
  • Mejia asked if the order of priority can be decided today as far as what can be discussed at the next meeting. Montoy said the council can direct staff to prioritize the different policies “but it will take longer because right now we have momentum on these other items. If we move something we have not done as much work on to the top, it’s going to delay everything. And that’s my viewpoint. I don’t know if Ronaldo, if you see it that way too.”
  • Garcia said “I don’t think anyone has said to put it to the top. I have a sense of urgency because if you saw the last two meetings, we’ve had a packed house. And I don’t believe we have to necessarily say OK, stop what you are doing and prioritize this and put it at the top. Believe it or not, the city staff and ourselves as a City Council can walk and chew gum at the same time, and so what I’d like to see is a sense of urgency to prioritize it because we’ve already got work done but the least to start moving on it so that we’re not looking at this in November or December.” Montoy said “I think when the question was asked earlier I said two months, mayor.” 
  • Montes said “I think a portion of why so many people have been here is because it was unclear on what can be voted on and there’s people out there saying that it’s going to be voted today or the last meeting and there just simply wasn’t the process and it wasn’t true. We can do as council members a better job at informing the public on what the process is. Unfortunately, it may not be Hilda that does this for us. Having her start on something where she’s not going to be here to finish might again delay the process even further.”
  • Montoy said her priority for the council is “the expense and reimbursement policy “because the government code requires that you have that. It’s a mandatory law.”
  • City Manager Rodriquez read a summary of the direction from the council members and mayor. He said “The good thing is it’s all recorded so we can always go back. At the same time, we want to make sure city staff is capturing the desire of the council and we definitely don’t want to put words in the council’s mouth. This truly is a council direction policy document and should be driven by council and not by city staff. 
• Following a break, Director of Financial Services Mike Lima provided a presentation on the fiscal year 2023-24 budget update and the fiscal year 2022-23 Projected Results.
  • Lima said “For fiscal year 2022-23, the adopted general fund appropriations were $42.5 million, broken down as follows:
    • Personnel costs ($22.4 million)
    • Operational costs ($11.5 million)
    • Interdepartmental charges ($3.4 million) 
    • Capital and debt costs ($4.4 million) 
    • Transfers out ($0.8 million) – Transfer for insurance, debt, golf course subsidy 
  • He said $5.9 million in amendments have been added during the fiscal year, bringing the general fund budget to $48.8 million. 
  • “Based on actual expenditures through the end of May, the projection is that the general fund will finish the fiscal year about $2.2 million under the amended budget.”
    • The majority of the savings is from personnel costs. There are a number of positions that remain vacant. However, this is partially offset by unbudgeted salary increases that were paid beginning in January 2023, which did not require a budget amendment. 
  • “Fees have not been increased since July 2018. Fees to be included in the proposed budget would be all permit fees (such as fire, building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit fees), all rental rates (such as rental rates as park facilities), and participation fees (such as youth sports registration fee). The fees do not include drainage, water, sewer and solid waste. The fee revenue projection for fiscal year 2022-2023 is about $3.3 million. For every 1% increase you bump up the fees, it’s an extra $33,000.”
  • Montoy said, “You can only charge actual cost, so you can’t make a profit. So how are you going to determine this without a fee study?” 
  • Lima said, “It’s been five years. We also know that we’ve had a 4% salary (increase) in this year’s budget as well as some salary increases in the past. We feel that there’s been enough growth just in the labor costs alone to justify between 6 and 10%. So we don’t feel like we need to do a formal fee study right now, because based on what we’ve seen … there’s enough there. Obviously a rate study is the better way to go but at this time we don’t have time to get a rate study done in time for the budget. But we feel we have enough justification to raise the fee.”
  • Council member Rodriguez asked “Do you have how much revenue we bring to what the cost of that service? What’s the deficit that urges us to try to get this from 6 to 10%?” Lima said he will prepare that information to the council. 
  • Montes asked, “When do we anticipate the rate study?”
    • Lima said it would be in August in anticipation of the next fiscal budget. 
  • Gallegos said, “Thank you for bringing this up. Council members that have been here a while have seen the public not being happy when we raised sewer and water rates because we didn’t raise them for over 15 years.” Gallegos is in support of 8%. 
  • Council member Rodriguez said he is in support of 6%. “I am in support of the least amount of impact.” 
  • Mejia said she is OK with a 6% increase, as was Evans and Garcia. 
• After coming back from closed session, Mayor Garcia adjourned the council meeting at 11:41 p.m. 

Conversation highlight

• “I would like to commend members of the public that came out and expressed their views, on their civility and decorum,” said Elsa Mejia, Madera mayor pro tem. 

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