On Tuesday, the Turlock City Council will consider an agreement with the National Guard that may jeopardize future Little League games at Soderquist Baseball Field.
In 1960, the City reached a 99-year lease agreement with the National Guard on a five-acre parcel for construction of an armory. Years later, in 1967, the City requested a lease back of an unused portion of the land for recreational purposes, which is now the Soderquist Baseball Field.
In February of this year, the National Guard contacted the City of Turlock to reclaim the land to house an additional guard unit and store additional equipment and vehicles due to stationing changes within the National Guard. According to the staff reports, the National Guard has the right to reclaim the land per their existing lease agreement.
However, the City proposed a compromise that would still allow the Turlock National Little League to use the Soderquist Baseball Field, but also create the additional storage for the National Guard.
On Aug. 21, the City proposed the Military Department modify their existing parking area, and close a portion of Alaska Street between Flower and West Main streets to accommodate the military equipment.
Additionally, the Soderquist Baseball Field parking lot would be designated as the parking area for military personnel’s private vehicles during drill activities. Drills are typically held one weekend per month, along with periodic week-long drills.
According to staff reports, one issue identified is limited parking being available during games if drill activities were occurring at the same time. However, staff believes this issue can be resolved if carefully planned and coordinated.
The agreement would only be temporary, approximately 24 to 36 months, until a more permanent facility is completed in Northern California, according to staff reports. At that time, conditions would return to their current state.
However, the North California relocation has not been officially approved, and if the move were not to take place, the City would have to reopen discussions about the future of Soderquist Baseball Field.
Once the plan between the City and National Guard is solidified, the City would conduct public information meetings and notify surrounding residents about the temporary changes and the impacts of those changes.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Turlock City Council is also expected to:
- Consider authorizing the addition and initiate hiring recruitment for a Maintenance Worker I within the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department.
- Consider approving the recommended Program of Projects for Fiscal Year 2014-15 Federal Transit Administration Urbanized Area Program Funding.
- Consider adding three sections to Turlock Municipal Code regarding Storm Water Management and Urban Runoff Pollution Control, Fire Codes and Administration to reflect changes to the 2013 California Fire Code (CFC), and City of Turlock Paint Bank, respectively.
- In closed session, hold conference with labor negotiators with agency negotiators City Manager Roy W. Wasden and Dave Young, and employee organizations Turlock Associate Police Officers, Turlock City Employee Association, Turlock Firefighters Association Local 2434, and Turlock Management Association- Public Safety.
Lazar, as one of his last accomplishments as Mayor is quietly attempting to complete and sign a 3 year contact with the City Manager which would raise his salary from $217,000 a year to $248,000 a year including a generous severance package of well over $200,000 before he leaves office. If this contract is not signed and the new Mayor elects NOT to continue with the City Manager’s services then the only thing owed to the City Manager is a handshake, an escort to the front doors and a savings of over $200,000 to the citizens of Turlock.
Stop the back room deals. Save the City of Turlock from having to pay out over $200,000 from YOUR tax dollars. Call Mayor Lazar and your council members before tomorrow’s council meeting and tell the Mayor and Council your displeasure.
Reminds me of his backroom deals during the layoffs of the great recession and the job creation for his campaign manager.
Now it’s the City Manager and his partner, the City attorney who is looking at a 8 year contract with the City of Turlock wanting to claim her fair share of $200,000 a year.
Lazar and the other corrupt local politicians are not going to listen to your pleas for them to stop giving themselves raises through theft of our tax monies. They have no incentive to do the right thing and every incentive to take more for themselves. Lazar is leaving and the city manager is not going to suffer any consequences because he’ll just say “it was approved” and that will be his defense. This is the problem with government. As long as they can legally steal from us, they can give themselves all the raises they want! There’s no consequences for them, only us, and the rich and well connected like to keep it that way.
ONE MORE REASON TO VOTE NO ON MEASURE B IF THEY APPROVE THIS.
THIS CITY HAS ALWAYS FOUND MONEY FOR THEIR PET PROJECTS PROMOTIONS ETC.
BUT NO MONEY FOR STREETS. I ALREADY PAYED MY TAXES TO FIX THE STREETS… NOT BEING TAXED AGAIN, NOPE.
Thanks Good Luck With That.. You’re correct the Mayor and the City Manager are truly looking out for what’s in it for them and NOT the good of the City. I would hope the Mayor with his few months left in office doesn’t leave a legacy of dishonesty and corruption. Stop the slap on the back good ‘Ol boy syndrome currently in place in the City of Turlock. Let my hard earned tax dollars support our communities needs NOT the wallets of the City Manager and City Attorney.