Remarks by Christi Fraga
2,372 remarks on the record, newest first · Page 57 of 95
“Item 7A, approval of minutes. I need a motion on the approval of minutes.”
“Motion to approve by Councilman Pinedo. Second. Second by Councilman Reynoso. All in favor say aye.”
Not quoted here: it may name a member of the public. Hear it at the meeting.
Not quoted here: it may name a member of the public. Hear it at the meeting.
“Thank you very much. Would you like to come up here for a photo? Yeah. Thank you. OK, Madam Clerk, we're going to move on to the discussion items. I do want to mention very quickly, because I just noticed the time, it's 1055. I was going to recess the meeting at 1130 today, because we do have a funeral we need to go to of an elected official that passed last week. I know that there was a lot of items pulled. When we recess the meeting, these will be taken up in the evening. But we do have a commitment that we need to get to. So I think the latest we can go is 1145. So we'll try and get…”
“This is my item. I'm going to be as brief as possible. So for quite a while now, we've had a lot of requests to have theater in our community. We have an incredible cultural center that I think could be utilized for a lot of creative, culturally driven events, which we've done. One of the things we haven't done is... immersive theater. And so in exploring these opportunities, I met this incredible group a while ago from Las Paredes Hoyen. I actually got to see their play at the Westchester Theater about two years ago. I think it was right after COVID, right? Sometime after COVID. 421 group,…”
“Thank you, Leon. I hadn't recognized you.”
“Thank you, Robbie, Gabriel, Elian. So basically, just two things I want to point out as well. The play will be completely bilingual. Don't leave, guys, just in case there's any questions. We'll be completely bilingual. I believe there'll be shows Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.”
“But in the meantime, there will also be an exhibit of historical documents and actual paintings that were taken from prison cells in Cuba on display. So it'll be really just active all the time. We've talked about bringing speakers and political prisoners and doing things in the center during the time that they're there to really bring it to life, make it immersive. and also educational. So I think it's a great initiative. They've got the funding from the state, plus some sponsors, and I would really love to see how our cultural, that was my first initial conversation was that I really wanna…”
“And it will run for a month, and hopefully sales of tickets are good, and we can go all the way through July 20th. Also, I want to mention, they're committed to giving 15% or 10%? I forgot what we said. I don't recall. A percentage of the sales will go to Parks and Police for kids for the tickets. I think we had said 15%, right? 15% of the tickets. They've been very transparent with their budget and what it would cost to pay the actors and everything. But a percentage of the sales will go to Parks and Police for kids to raise money. So it's a great cause. And if there's any questions, please…”
“Thank you, Councilman. Second. Second by Councilman Reynoso. Any questions? Okay, being none, from now you'll work with staff. I mean, I know we've all been working together with staff as well, but we look forward to having a great, successful event. We're going to have a media night, so we hope you all participate. Thank you.”
“All right. Thank you very much. We look forward to working with you all.”
“Thank you. Have a good afternoon. Okay. We move on to Item 9B. Item 9B.”
“All right, is there any questions regarding this item? Motion to approve. Motion to approve by Councilman Pinero. Through the chair, I have a question.”
“No, that's what that's how it's conducted in me, you know. Those five minutes are ticking right now. Go ahead, please. That's fine.”
“I do have one comment just to clarify something. I think that this policy is warranted because there's been repetitive occurrences. I think each time we have purchased tables or tickets to events, we've noticed that continuously the same people say they're coming and then don't show up and then we have half a table empty. when those tickets could go to directors that represent the city. They can go to advisory board members. We can invite members of the community that want to participate in this foundation or in this event. So I think it's wasteful spending and just I think it's disrespectful…”
“Which would be up to the manager, too. Obviously, there would be some understanding. And it should be, you should, if you have an event in the evening, if you call early in the morning because you're not feeling well, like unless it's a car accident, not everybody should be able to see, right? Because there's going to be some evidence to it. But if you're feeling sick and you know you have an event that evening, you should be able to call the manager in the morning or send a text and say, I'm not feeling well. You can go ahead and give my seat away. And maybe the attorney can join us. Or…”
“That's what Councilwoman Moran also asked to strike out and approval of the city council. It's going to end at city manager.”
“Yeah, that was the amendment she made. Okay, Madam Clerk, please call the question.”
“Yes. Motion passes. All right, thank you very much. We'll move on to the next item, Madam Clerk.”
“Thank you very much. Any questions from the council? Through the mayor? Yes.”
“Thank you. Thank you very much, any other questions?”
“Motion to approve by Councilman Pinero. Second. Second by Councilman Reynoso.”
“Yes. Motion passes. Thank you very much. All right, we're going to take up this last item, and then we're going to recess and hear the rest when we come back.”
“All right, so Madam Clerk, you put this item. I think everybody put forth their names as best as possible. With the changes that was made to the policy was very difficult because there was a lot of people who wanted to participate for the first time and reasons why I was not in favor of amending the policy last time. It creates an undue burden on residents who want to start getting involved and haven't been able to participate in the past. So in the evening, we'll be amending the ordinances again so that people can be added. So I foresee that we will be bringing back more names in May. In the…”