CITY OF ATWATER
CITY COUNCIL
ACTION MINUTES
April 27, 2026
Council Chambers - 750 Bellevue Road, Atwater, California
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
INVOCATION:
Provided by City Clerk Billings.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Led by City Council Member Ambriz.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members Ambriz, Cale, Rochester and Mayor Nelson.
Absent: City Council Member Raymond
SUBSEQUENT NEED ITEMS: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to approve the agenda as posted.
MOTION: Ambriz
SECOND: Rochester
ABSENT : Raymond
VOTE: Motion passed.
City Council Meeting Action Minutes for April 27 2026
PRESENTATIONS: ,,
Monthly report by Merced County District 3 Supervisor McDaniel Supervisor McDaniel provided the County of Merced District 3 monthly report.
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Update regarding Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) Bruce Metcalf and David Carr, Merced Rescue Mission
Bruce Metcalf and David Carr, Merced Rescue Mission presented a PowerPoint and a brief update.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comments were received regarding abatement recovery and employment benefits and wages.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion to approve Consent Calendar as presented.
MOTION: Cale
SECOND: Ambriz
ABSENT: Raymond
VOTE: Motion passed.
Approved Items:
• Item 1: Treasurer's Report- March 31, 2026
• Item 2: Warrants - April 16, 2026, April 23, 2026
• Item 3 : Minutes (City Council) - February 23, 2026 - Regular meeting, March 9, 2026 - Regular meeting
• Item 4: Adoption of Resolution No. 3607-26 approving Amendment No.1 to the Special Services Agreement with the County of Merced on Behalf of the Merced County Fire Department for special services which consist of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic to perform the duties of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1/11 from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, the County of Merced & the City of Atwater will each contribute 50% of the total costs associated with the Heavy Equipment Mechanic; and authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Atwater • Item 5: Adoption of Resolution No. 3608-26 approving a Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Financial Services for the administration of the City's Landscape Maintenance Districts and Lighting and Drainage Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, in an amount not to exceed $25,086, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement
• Item 6: Adoption of Resolution No. 3609-26 approving Budget Amendment No. 13 amending Fiscal Year 2025-2026 regarding restriping various street throughout the City; and Adopt Resolution No. 3610-26 awarding a General Construction City Council Meeting Action Minutes for April 27, 2026 Page3 Contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to Chrisp Company of Stockton, CA, for the Restriping Various Streets Throughout the City Project, City Project 26- 03, Bid Call No. 735-26, in an amount not to exceed $260,560.00; and authorizes construction contract change orders up to an aggregate amount of $26,056.00 (10%); and authorizes and directs the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and sign a Notice of Completion on behalf of the City.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FROM STAFF:
Awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Centerline Design, LLC for the Design of Tenant Improvements at Fire Station 41
CAL Fire Battalion Chief Randol and Public Works Director Vinson presented a staff report and background information regarding the item.
No public was received regarding this item.
MOTION: Council Member Ambriz motioned to adopt Resolution No. 3611-26 awarding a Professional Service Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to Centerline Design, LLC of Clovis, California, for the Design of Tenant Improvements at Fire Station 41, in an amount not to exceed $120,000.00; and authorizes and directs the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement on behalf ofthe City.
MOTION: Ambriz
SECOND: Cale
ABSENT: Raymond
VOTE: Motion passed.
Discussion, Review, and Possible Direction on Updates to the City's Purchasing and Travel Policies
City Manager Heern presented a staff report and background information regarding the item.
Public comments were received regarding credit card receipts, car washes gift policies, policies, and employees appreciation.
MOTION: Council Member Ambriz motioned to direct staff to review the Travel and Purchasing Policies to remove overlapping language between the policies, clarify Cityissued credit card usage based on this discussion, and clarify travel on a per diem basis based on this discussion, and to review the policy regarding Employee Recognition Programs, and bring back any recommended updates or revisions to the City Council for direction.
City Council Meeting Action Minutes for April 27. 2026
MOTION: Cale
SECOND: Rochester
ABSENT: Raymond
VOTE: Motion passed.
COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Members and Mayor Pro Tern provided individual updates.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Update provided by City Manager Hoem.
CLOSED SESSION:
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Conference with Labor Negotiators - Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency Negotiators: City Manager Hoem and Human Resources Director Sousa; Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2703 - Mid-Managers Group and Miscellaneous Employees Unit
No public Comment was received.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Nelson reported City Council convened and there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.
APPROVED:
MICHAEL G. NE S
MAYOR
ATTEST:
�ELLMARTIN �-�� -
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK