On Tuesday, the Turlock City Council:
• Delayed a closed session, where City Manager Roy Wasden was set to negotiate regarding the lease of 301 Starr Ave., the former home of Turlock's Recreation Department, to Haven Women's Center of Stanislaus.
The Center promotes safety and healing for women and children impacted by domestic or sexual violence. It has operated in the county for nearly 35 years. It expects to use the office to conduct outreach and offer services.
The item was delayed as it was incorrectly noticed as a discussion of selling, rather than leasing, the site.
• Hired an independent accountant to review the financial commitments of the former Turlock Redevelopment Agency. New state law related to the shutdown of such agencies statewide now requires such a review, after which any unencumbered funds must be remitted to the County Assessor in lieu of state funding commitments.
Turlock staff does not believe the accountant review will have any effect, as all RDA Successor Agency funds are committed.
• Finalized approval for the construction of an O'Reilly Auto Parts at the southeast corner of Geer Road and Wayside Drive. The development required special rezoning approval, as the site was formerly home to two single family homes.
The new O'Reilly Auto Parts will replace the current store on Golden State Boulevard.
The development was unanimously recommended for approval by the Turlock Planning Commission at their July 19 meeting, and preliminarily approved by the Turlock City Council on July 28.
• Recognized the Turlock Irrigation District for its support of the swim pass program
• Heard a presentation on the Pitman High School Band, which participated in the 2012 Washington, D.C. Independence Day parade.
• Received staff updates on board, commission, and committee vacancies; two vacancies still remain on the Turlock City Arts Commission.
• Heard about ongoing capital projects. A slurry seal project will begin next week, mainly on residential streets across Turlock. Starting Monday, Angelus Street will be subject to road closures between Lander Avenue and Orange Street due to the installation of new water pipes. And West Main Street may be temporarily closed at the intersection with Washington Road, for installation of a new signal and paving.
• Conferenced with labor negotiators in closed session.