Michael A. Norton

The Madera City Council held meetings to conduct city business, which included an informational report on the register of audited demands, a continuing declaration of a local emergency due to winter storms, and an appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District. The Council approved various agreements, including a renewal with Backflow Solutions, Inc. and an annexation into the landscape maintenance district. Additionally, the Council held public hearings for boundary updates, approved grant applications and budget amendments for park and structural improvements, and performed evaluations for the City Manager.

The council addressed several items, including a public hearing for a code amendment regarding commercial exterior paint standards. The consent calendar included approvals for an ordinance on fireworks regulation, a reciprocal easement agreement, an agreement for electrical vehicle maintenance training, and the addition of a deputy city engineer position. The council also authorized an engineer's report and intention to levy annual assessments for landscape and lighting districts, and approved a contract award for Raymond Road street improvements. Additionally, an ad-hoc committee was established to discuss animal control services with the County of Madera, and the council held a closed session regarding labor negotiations.

The City Council meeting included a variety of items such as a presentation on COVID-19, a recognition for a police sergeant, and various consent calendar items including policy ratifications and service agreement approvals. Public hearings were scheduled regarding redistricting and cannabis business regulations. Additional topics covered included the purchase of a fire engine, subdivision map prezoning, budget amendments, and discussion on remote meeting requirements. An informational report on audited demands was also provided.

The City Council meeting included a public health update on COVID-19, a proclamation recognizing Black History Month, and a report on the OLIVE Safehouse for human trafficking victims. A workshop was held regarding the proposal to update city animal control regulations, covering spay and neuter standards, animal limits, and animal care standards. The council approved agreements for consultant and brokerage services for employee health and welfare benefits and discussed the Madera County Economic Development Commission budget. Additionally, the meeting included an informational report on the register of audited demands, and conducted closed sessions regarding anticipated litigation and labor negotiations.

The council held a joint meeting involving the City Council, the Groundwater Sustainability Agency, and the Public Financing Authority. Key agenda items included a workshop regarding Measure K fire protection funds and the design of the new Northwest Madera Fire Station, a review of water rate cost factors, and various administrative reports. The council discussed several resolutions, including the rezoning of land, approval of environmental impact report agreements for the Village D Specific Plan, subdivision final maps, executive recruiting services for a City Administrator, and post-issuance tax compliance procedures for tax-exempt bonds. Additionally, the meeting included a closed session concerning real property negotiations and labor negotiations with multiple employee organizations.