CITY OF WINTERS m7/cAV ESt.1875 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Winters City Council Held on November 19, 2024 Mayor Bill Biasi Called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm Present: Absent: Staff: Council Members Richard Casavecchia, Jesse Loren, Carol Scianna, Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo, Mayor Bill Biasi None City Manager Jeremy Craig, Assistant City Attorney Joanna Gin, Interim Police Chief Joseph Kreins, Deputy City Clerk, Zorina Treat PLEDGE OF ALLIEGENCE Former Mayor Wade Cowan led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA City Manager Jeremy Craig requested item 7B, the Presentation Proclamation Recognizing the Month of November as Native American Heritage Month, be moved ahead of item A, Presentation and Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Winters Honoring John Miller for his 8 years of service at the Winters Police Department. Motion by Council Member Loren, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously by the following vote. AYES: Council Members Richard Casavecchia, Jesse Loren, Carol Scianna, Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo, Mayor Bill Biasi NOES: ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None None COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS Verbal updates were provided by Council Members. PUBLIC COMMENTS None CONSENT CALENDAR 6.A. Resolution 2024-70 Approving a Claim of Transportation Development Act Funding from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for $578,426. 6.B. Letter of support for the Winters Participation Gallery for the Arts application for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant to fund continuation of the Kate Humphrey Historical Mural Project 6.C. Cooperative Agreement 2024-11 for the Winters Community Library between the Winters Joint Unified School District, the County of Yolo, and the City of Winters 6.D. Warrant Register for the Month of September 2024 6.E. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Winters City Council Held on November 5, Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Al Vallecillo, seconded by Council Member Scianna, to approve the AYES: Council Members Richard Casavecchia, Jesse Loren, Carol Scianna, Mayor Pro Tem 2024 Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried with the following vote: Albert Vallecillo, Mayor Bill Biasi NOES: ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None PRESENTATIONS None 7.B. Proclamation Recognizing the Month of November as Native American Heritage The Winters City Council, with Council Member Jesse Loren presenting the proclamation, has officially declared November as Native American Heritage Month. This declaration honors the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans, with a particular focus on the Patwin people. The proclamation celebrates their legacy and lasting presence in the region. It highlights the importance of educating the public about the local Patwin tribes and recognizing the achievements of Native Americans in various fields. The City of Winters is committed to promoting the well-being of indigenous populations throughout the year and encourages public Month institutions to actively observe and celebrate Native American Heritage Month. recognizing the Month of November as Native American Heritage Month. Motion by Council Member Loren, seconded by Council Member Scianna to approve Motion carried 4-1 by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jesse Loren, Carol Scianna, Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo, Mayor Bill Biasi NOES: ABSENT: None None ABSTAIN: Council Member Richard Casavecchia 7.A. Presentation and Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Winters Honoring John Miller for his 8 years of service at the Winters Police Department The City of Winters presented a proclamation honoring Chief John Miller for his eight years of exceptional service as Chief of the Winters Police Department. Beginning his law enforcement journey as a cadet at 14, Miller served various capacities across several departments, including Vacaville, Vallejo, and Pacific Grove, before leading the Winters Police Department. During his tenure, he implemented advanced training programs, enhanced equipment and technology, and introduced initiatives like bicycle patrolling and active bystander training. Miller exemplified professionalism, integrity, and dedication, contributing significantly to community events and fostering a supportive environment within his department. Acknowledging his leadership roles in professional associations and his legacy of positive impact on colleagues and the community, Miller reflected on the honor of serving and the importance of teamwork. The City Council extended its profound appreciation and best wishes for his future endeavors, celebrating his Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo, seconded by Council Member Scianna to approve the proclamation recognizing John Miller for his service as Police Chief to the Winters Police lasting contributions to Winters. Department. AYES: Council Members Richard Casavecchia, Jesse Loren, Carol Scianna, Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo, Mayor Bill Biasi NOES: ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None None Public comment was provided by the following people: Kate Laddish, on behalf of Democracy Winters, commended Chief Miller for his outstanding leadership during his eight years with the Winters Police Department. She highlighted his commitment to service with integrity, community engagement, and open dialogue, including his participation in initiatives like the 2017 immigration forum and the city's affirmation of community values. His leadership in securing ABLE training for officers further demonstrated his dedication to fostering safety, professionalism, and trust. Democracy Winters thanked him for his impactful service and wished him success in his new role. Former City Manager John Donlevy emphasized that hiring the right individuals, particularly a police chief, is one of the most critical responsibilities of a city manager. He stated that John Miller was the ideal candidate to guide the city into a new era of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Donlevy noted that Miller had not only strengthened the department but had also represented law enforcement exceptionally well. He congratulated Chief Miller for a job well done and wished him the best for the future. Sergeant Cardoza reflected on his three years of service in' Winters, praising former Chief Miller as the best chief he had ever worked for, alongside the current Chief Price. He admired Chief Miller's protessionalism, strategic vision, and the exceptional training programs he introduced, which Cardoza described as unparalleled. He expressed deep appreciation for Chief Miller's contributions tot the' Winters Police Department, the city, and the community at large, emphasizing the positive impact of his leadership and initiatives. Former Sergeant Kelly McCoy of Wilton, California, praised Chief John Miller for mentoring her as she became the first female sergeant in Winters. She highlighted his lessons on true eaderahp-umertaning and serving the people you lead. While saddened by his departure, she çommended him as an exceptional leader and congratulated Antioch on gaining an outstanding asset. Jim Hyer shared a memorable encounter with the chief two years ago. He caught the chief's attention while driving his '55 Chevy and burning its wheels on Youth Day. The chief approached him calmly but firmly, advising him to "tone it down." Mayor Biasi, Maor pro tem Vallecillo, and council members expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Chief John Miller for his dedicated service as Police Chief in Winters, noting how much he has already been missed. They commended him for his significant contributions to the community, emphasizing the lasting impact of his leadership. Council member Jesse Loren and Editor in Chief Crystal Apilado presented Chief Miller with a special book created by Winters preschoolers, filled with messages from the community as at token of appreciation and a reminder of the legacy he leaves behind. DISCUSSION ITEMS None CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Jeremy Craig briefly shared an update on the city's ongoing ADA self-assessment, a project that has been in progress for six months and involved significant work, including participation from the mayor. He announced that a public meeting will be held on December 4th at 5:30 p.m. in the. Abbey Street Conference Room to present the findings and gather community feedback. As this is the last opportunity to mention the event before the meeting, he emphasized the importance of community participation and noted that more information will be shared in the lead-up to the event. INFORMATION ONLY ADJOURNMENT None The Meeting Adjourned at 7:12 pm. biu Troi - Bill Biasi, MAYOR ATTEST: CWNO UoKR Zorina Treat, Deputy City Clerk Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting Held on November 19, 2024 2