MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
(via ZOOM and in-person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Mailing Address: Ceres City Hall, 2220 Magnolia Street, Ceres, CA 95307-3292 Phone: (209) 538-5700 Fax: (209) 538-5780
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lopez called the July 14, 2025, meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present:
Mayor: Javier Lopez
Vice Mayor: Daniel A. Martinez (District 4)
Councilmembers: James Casey (District 1); Rosalinda L. Vierra (District 2); Cerina Otero (District 3)
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey VierraR Otero Martinez
Present Present Present Present Present
INVOCATION
Invocation by Chris Henry, Hope Tree Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lopez.
PRESENTATIONS
None
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda (five minutes)
Llaritza Rodriguez spoke regarding stray cats, low cost spay and neuter for cats, animal welfare, and spay and neuter vouchers.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding the lettering on the war memorial needing to be repainted and having high school students complete the project.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
A. Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee Appointments. (City Clerk) City Clerk, Fallon Martin, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Noah Wells introduced himself and why he applied to the Measure H Committee.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included public interviews, set of questions for the interview process, Council approved amendment to the Council Rules and Procedures regarding open meeting interviews, interview questions used in previous recruitments, asking interview questions in-person, applicant attendance, importance of the interview questions, options in changing the open meeting process, and options the Council has regarding the item.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, appointing Vincent Truffa, Randy Cerny, and Noah Wells to the Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee.
Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Mayor Lopez
Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving to reevaluate the open meeting interview process. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the July 14, 2025, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (City Clerk)
Waive Readings. All Readings of Ordinances and Resolutions are Waived. (Waive readings in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title). (City Clerk)
3. Approval of Minutes for the June 23, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting. (City Clerk)
4. Removed for separate consideration.
5. Removed for separate consideration.
6. Removed for separate consideration.
7. Removed for separate consideration.
8. Removed for separate consideration.
9. Removed for separate consideration.
10. Removed for separate consideration.
11. Resolution No. 2025-059, Approving a Three-Year Agreement with Dr. Jocelyn Roland, Ph.D., APP to Provide Psychological Counseling for all Police Employees and Preemployment Psychological Exams for Police Officer Applicants and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Johnson)
12. Removed for separate consideration.
13. Removed for separate consideration.
14. Resolution No. 2025-062, Approving Master Service Agreements for Traffic Engineering Services and | Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreements. (Beltran)
15. Resolution No. 2025-063, Approving the Construction Agreement for the 2024 Pavement Preservation Rebid (Project No. 2512, 2513, and 2514) to Consolidated Engineering, Inc., Approving 10% Contingency, Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Beltran)
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
16. Resolution No. 2025-064, Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer's Report for the Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025-26. (Beltran)
17. Removed for separate consideration.
18. Removed for separate consideration.
19. Resolution No. 2025-067, Approving the Construction Contract for the Richland Sidewalk Improvement Project (2522) to George Reed, Inc., Authorizing a 10% Contingency, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract. (Beltran)
20. Removed for separate consideration.
21. Removed for separate consideration.
22. Resolution No. 2025-070, Approving a Cost-Sharing Agreement with the San Joaquin Valley Stormwater Quality Partnership (SJVSWQP) for Collaboration on Public Education and Outreach Activities Related to Permit Compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Royal)
23. Resolution k 2025-071, Approving an Agreement with Subsurface Technologies, Inc. for the Rehabilitation of Well 22 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Royal)
24. Resolution No. 2025-072, Approving Project Amendment No. 1 with KSN, Inc. for the Professional Consultant Services Agreement to Update the Sewer System Management Plan and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Amendment. (Royal)
25. Resolution No. 2025-073, Approving an Agreement with North Star Engineering Group, Inc. to Provide Planning Project Management Services, Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (City Manager)
26. Resolution No. 2025-074, Ratifying the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ceres and Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA!) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Memorandum of Understanding. (Vasquez)
27. Resolution No. 2025-075, Ratifying the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ceres and Mid Managers Bargaining Group and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Memorandum of Understanding. (Vasquez)
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
28. Resolution No. 2024-076, Ratifying the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ceres and the First Line Supervisor Group and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Memorandum of Understanding. (Vasquez) Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving items 1 - 3, 11, 14 - 16, 19, & 22 - 28. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Otero
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 4: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Register of Audited Demands) Dated June 11, 2025, through June 25, 2025. (Esenwein)
Councilmember Casey inquired about the total cost of the hot air balloon festival and money refunded for the resource and recycling grant.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included vendor payment entry, total amount spent by the City of the hot air balloon festival, total amount refunded from the beverage grant, how much was awarded in grant from using a grant writing consultant, and gazebo purchases.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving item 4. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 5: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-055, Approving a Five-Year Officer Safety Plan 10 Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Johnson)
Councilmember Otero asked if the contract is covered by Measure H funds and the cost per year totals.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the amended resolution, the cost difference per year, and if the City can afford the annual cost.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving item 5. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Otero
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 6 & 7: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-XXX, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Special Taxes for Fiscal Year 2025/26 within the City of Ceres Community Facilities District No. 1 (Public Services). (Beltran)
Resolution No. 2025-XXX, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Special Taxes for Fiscal Year 2025/26 within the City of Ceres Community Facilities District No. 2 (Public Services). (Beltran)
Councilmember Otero asked about the increase per year to the Community Facilities District.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
John Warren spoke regarding Mello-Roos, special tax areas, and options to increase or not.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the increase being based on the Consumer Price Index, the frequency of the increase, if it was required to increase annually, underfunding and impact it would have on future increases, Landscape and Lighting Districts, what Community Facilities Districts and Landscape and Lighting Districts cover, and the percentage of the increase being proposed.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Mayor Lopez, approving item 6. Motion failed 1/4/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No No No Yes No
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Otero Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Martinez
No No No Yes No
Item 8: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-056, Approving Master Service Agreements for Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Observation and Material Testing Services and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreements. (Beltran) Councilmember Otero asked about the breakdown of cost for services.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included prevailing and standard wages.
Action: Motion aprico ten Mainer coney rainer
roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 9: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-057, Approving Master Service Agreements for General Civil Engineering and Surveying Services and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreements. (Beltran)
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the inclusion of a local company.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item 9. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember | Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 10: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-058, Accepting the Fire Training Facility Phase 3 Tactical Tower Project as Complete and Authorizing the Filing of the Notice of Completion. (Beltran)
Councilmember Otero inquired as to whether the other agencies paid their portion of the cost.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closer Cuuncil and staft discussion included the impact the project wil have on the city's Action: Marinez, Goring emer ease onded a Vice Mayor
following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 12: Removed for separate consideration by Vice Mayor Martinez Resolution No. 2025-060, Approving a Three-Year Agreement with the Department of California Highway Patrol for their Use of the Police Department Range and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Johnson) Vice Mayor Martinez inquired as to the cost of building classrooms and bathrooms at the range.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included where the collected money goes, balance in the range fund, and the process and funding for a restroom project.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving item 12. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 13: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-061, Approving the Measure L Master Funding Agreement Between the Stanislaus Council of Governments and the City of Ceres and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Beltran) Councilmember Otero inquired as to how the percentage is determined and community input for transportation improvements.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included history of Measure L and an update on the bike path project and funding for it.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 13. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 17: Removed for separate consideration by Shirley Rodgers Resolution No. 2025-065, Authorizing the Sale of Canine Veko to Officer Brian Chandler. (Johnson)
Shirley Rodgers inquired as to why the canine was being sold and the cost of the canine.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. • No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the retirement of the canine, gift of public funds, who the dog is being sold to, and donations for the sale of the dog.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 17. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 18: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-066, Approving an Agreement with Precision Concrete Cutting, Inc. for Concrete Cutting Services in the Westpointe 4, Olive Grove 1 and 2, Highlands 1 and 2, Kingston Estates, Highlands Park, California Voyage 1 and 2, and Maxim Estates Subdivisions (New Project String) in an Amount Not-to- Exceed $86,636.55 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Beltran)
Councilmember Otero inquired as to the completion of a project in District 3.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 18. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 20: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-068, Approving a Contract for Environmental, Right-of-Way, and Design Services for the Service Road / Mitchell Road Interchange Project to Dokken Engineering and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract. (Beltran)
Councilmember Otero spoke regarding the continuance of spending money on the project and estimated project completion.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included project completion and funding request for transportation projects.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 20. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 21: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2025-069, Approving an Agreement with Hinderliter De Llamas & Associates (dba HDL Companies) for Business Licenses Administration Services, Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Esenwein)
Councilmember Vierra inquired as to the cost of service and budgeting of funds.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included why staff is switching to a new vendor, process changes to minimize the City's cost to the vendor, collecting additional revenue, public outreach, budgeted amount versus the actual cost, difference in cost from the current vendor to the recommended vendor, money savings by sending quarterly business license renewals annually as opposed to quarterly, cost per mailing, mailing cost, annual cost for HdL, hiring staff to conduct business license services in-house, total number of business licenses in the city, monthly reporting, upcoming contracts in negotiations, current status with the current vendor, number of filers online compared to mail, collection service fee, home occupancy permit tracking,
Action: Motion by Councilmember Casey, seconded by
Councilmember Vierra, approving item 21. Motion carried 3/2/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Martinez Mayor Lopez
Otero
Yes No Yes No Yes
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Mayor Lopez, to reopen item 21. Motion failed 2/3/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
No No No Yes Yes
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC HEARING
29. Ordinance No. 2025-XXXX, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Sections 15.01.060, Public Improvements Defined, and 15.01.070, New Section 111 Certificate of Occupancy; Failure to Comply; Discontinuance of Utility Service; Amended, of Chapter 2, Building Code, of Title 15, Buildings and Construction, of the Ceres Municipal Code. (Beltran)
Mike Beltran, Engineering Director/City Engineer, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.
Council and staff discussion included building code requirements, Cal-green requirements, and developer requirements.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item 29. Motion carried
5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
30. Resolution No. 2025-077, Approving the Update to the Public Facilities Fee Nexus Study for the City's Impact Fee Program and Adopting the Public Facilities Impact Fee Schedules. (Beltran)
Mike Beltran, Engineering Director/City Engineer, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.
Council and staff discussion included how the numbers were determined, who pays the fees, when the fees go into effect, timeframe of when fees should be reviewed again, and how the fees compare to other cities.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving item 30. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey VierraR Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
NEW BUSINESS
None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
31. Digital Billboard Ordinance
(Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the June 9, 2025, Regular City Council meeting.)
Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council provided consensus for staff to bring back an item related to a digital billboard ordinance. (5/0)
32. Historic Downtown Signage
(Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the June 9, 2025, Regular City Council meeting.)
Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council provided consensus for staff to bring back an item related to downtown signage. (5/0)
33. Military Banner Committee
(Requested by Councilmember Otero via the City Manager on June 25, 2025.) Councilmember Otero introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Council and staff discussion included why the committee was dismantled.
Council provided consensus for staff to bring back an item related to reestablishing the committee. (5/0)
REFERRAL REQUESTS
Reestablish the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) Advisory Committee for Oversight of TOT Dollars
(Requested by Councilmember Otero)
REPORTS
• Mayor
Mayor Lopez spoke regarding his attendance at the Stanislaus County Fair. • City Council
Vice Mayor Martinez thanked the Police Department for their 4th of July patrolling efforts.
Councilmember Otero thanked the Police Department and Modesto Fire Department for their 4th of July patrolling efforts.
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding Stanislaus Homeless Alliance, Concerts in the Park, visiting the Ceres Police Department's dispatch center, and the recent community cleanup day.
• City Manager
City Manager, Doug Dunford, provided an update on Lazy Wheels mobile home park. • City Attorney
City Attorney, Nubia Goldstein, spoke regarding the Lazy Wheels update and how it affects the City.
• Departments
Public Works Director, Sam Royal, provided an update on Neel Park, Smyrna Park, and repairs at Independence Park.
Acting Police Chief, Jeff Godfrey, provided an update regarding the 4th of July and a recent illegal firework operation.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2025
Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Hunter, spoke regarding an upcoming ribbon cutting event for the new fire training tower.
CLOSED SESSION
34. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, Cal. Gov't Code §54956.9(d)(2)
"For the purposes of this section, litigation shall be considered pending when any of the following circumstances exist... A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the ocal agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there i a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency.
Potential Case: 1 case
35. Conference with Legal Counsel - Initiation of Litigation, Cal. Gov't Code §54956.9(d)(4)
"For the purposes of this section, litigation shall be considered pending when any of the following circumstances exist... Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation." Potential Case: 1 case
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Lopez reported that directions were provided to staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on July 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in the Community Center at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, There being no further business, Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 10:34 p.m.
Saver Lopez, Mayor
tallon marti
Fallon Martin, City Clerk
Consistent with Council Policy, the minutes referenced above are in Action Format. The complete recording of the meeting can be viewed at http://www.ci.ceres.ca.us/agenda center.