Meeting Date: April 17, 2018
MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
LIVINGSTON CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
A Regular Meeting of the Livingston City Council was held on February 20, 2018, in the City Council Chambers with Mayor Soria presiding.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Soria called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Jim Soria
Mayor Pro-Tem Gurpal Samra
Council Member Arturo Sicairos
Council Member Alex McCabe
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
None.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation by Police Chief Ruben Chavez: Appreciation Plaque to Agustin “Augie” Gonzalez and Cynthia Gonzalez, Porterville Police Department.
Police Chief Chavez introduced this item. He recognized the Porterville Police Department for supporting the City of Livingston’s Police Explorers Program. He thanked Augie and Cynthia Gonzalez for supplying the Police Explorers with meals and mentorship.
Mayor Pro Tem Samra thanked Augie and Cynthia Gonzalez for their commitment and sacrifice to the City of Livingston Police Explorers’ program.
2. Presentation by Michael Abassian, Public Health Associate and Marie Pickney, Grant Writer, Merced County Department of Public Health: Farmers’ Market Grant.
Michael Abassian gave a presentation regarding the City’s Certified Farmers’ Market. He noted some of the successes of the market which included registering five vendors. Some of the challenges with the market include recruiting more vendors, attracting more customers, and monitoring the supply and demand of produce being sold.
Mayor Soria asked about their vendor recruitment strategy.
Farmers’ Market Coordinator Chuck Bradshaw replied that he recruits vendors referred by the Health Department and vendors participating in other Farmers’ Markets.
Mayor Pro Tem Samra recommends reducing vendor fees to attract more vendors.
Katherine Schell-Rodriguez, P.O. Box 163, asked how Senior Vouchers are distributed.
Chuck Bradshaw replied that seniors need to be 65 years or older to qualify for this program. Vouchers are available at City Hall, as allowed by the Area Agency on Aging.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Supervisor Rodrigo Espinoza Announcements and Reports.
None.
City Staff Announcements and Reports.
Police Chief Chavez gave a presentation on Police Department-related matters. Animal Control has received a new part time staff member. The Police Department participated in the McKinnon Millard Tribute and Candle Lighting. In addition, the Police Department participated in the Kops for Kids Christmas Event. The Police Explorers assisted with a detail at the Pebble Beach. The Police Chief invites the public to attend the Young Women’s Conference on March 24th.
Public Works Director Anthony Chavarria gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding Public Works projects. The department is working on street repairs, weed abatement, replacing street trees on Main Street, vehicle maintenance, playground repairs, and thermoplastic installation.
Mayor Soria asked how often playground equipment will be inspected.
Public Works Director Chavarria replied that playground equipment will be inspected quarterly.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Benoit noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission will be meeting later this month. The City is facilitating a fundraiser for repairing Little Guys Park. The City is currently hiring umpires, day care workers, and life guards. The City will have a Spring Concert series with live music at Memorial Park starting in May.
City Manager Announcements and Reports.
City Manager Ramirez thanked the Police Department for providing dispatch services to the City of Gustine. The City of Livingston may also contract with the City of Parlier to provide their dispatch services. The City is looking at having a recognition event for residents who were raised in Livingston and have become successful in their respective industries or who volunteer for social causes. There have been some issues with water bill delinquencies and the City is considering taking action through small claims courts. In regard to economic development, there is interest in developing portions of Hammatt Parkway with a gas station, car wash, truck wash, and a sit-down restaurant.
City Council Members’ Announcements and Reports.
Council Member Aguilar announced that he is selling raffle tickets to repair Little Guys Park. In addition, he invites the public to attend the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast.
Mayor’s Announcements and Reports.
None.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mayor Soria opened and closed Citizens Comments at 8:20 p.m., as there were no comments from the public.
CONSENT AGENDA
- Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 633, an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing the Parks and Recreation Commission, Renaming the Commission “Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission” and Making Other Minor Amendments.
- Resolutions No. 2018-07 and No. 2018-08 Rescinding Resolutions 2017-05 and 2017-07 and Adopting Two New Resolutions Required by the State Water Resources Control Board as Part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Application for a Centralized TCP Treatment Facility at Well #16.
- Approval of Warrant Register Dated February 15, 2018.
Motion: M/Samra/McCabe to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members: McCabe, Aguilar, Sicairos, Samra, Soria
NOES: Council Members: None
ABSENT: Council Members: None
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
6. Resolution Making Appointments to the Utility Rates Stakeholders Committee.
City Manager Ramirez introduced this item. He noted that the proposed committee consists of a few elected officials, technical City staff, school district representatives, Foster Farm employees, and other businesses, and residents.
Council Member McCabe asked why Cindy Lashbrook was participating as a community member when she does not live in Livingston.
City Manager Ramirez replied that it can be beneficial to have outside representation from people who live outside the City limits. This would help bring a different perspective and different set of ideas for the Utility Rates Stakeholders Committee. Cindy Lashbrook can have a different title if desired by the Council.
Mayor Soria opened Public Comments: 8:32 p.m.
County Supervisor Espinoza volunteered to join the Utility Rates Stakeholders Committee.
Mayor Soria closed Public Comments: 8:33 p.m., as there were no further comments from the public.
Motion: M/S McCabe/Samra to adopt Resolution No. 2018-09 Making Appointments to the Utility Rates Stakeholders Committee as recommended in the staff report with the addition of County Supervisor Espinoza. The motion carried 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members: McCabe, Aguilar, Sicairos, Samra, Soria
NOES: Council Members: None
ABSENT: Council Members: None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at approximately 8:35 p.m.
__________________________________ City Clerk of the City of Livingston
APPROVED: April 17, 2018
_____________________________
Mayor or Mayor ProTempore
The written meeting minutes reflect a summary of specific actions taken by the City Council. They do not necessarily reflect all of the comments or dialogue leading up to the action. All meetings are digitally recorded and are an official record of the meeting’s proceedings. Digitally recorded verbatim minutes are available, upon request, and may be obtained at Livingston City Hall.
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