*
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
(via ZOOM and in-person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, July 28, 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 28, 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 Vierra Otero Martinez
Present Present Present Present Present
INVOCATION
Invocation by Tim Giannosa, Big Valley Grace Community Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lopez.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Health Center Week Proclamation
Staff members from Golden Valley Health Center accepted the proclamation.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda (five minutes)
Justin Farkas spoke regarding updates on Assemblyman Juan Alanis' office.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Japjeet Singh Uppal spoke regarding updates on Supervisor Chance Condit's office.
John Warren spoke regarding the Lazy Wheels update.
Nasson Sanchez spoke regarding National Night Out.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding upcoming Ceres Chamber of Commerce events.
Steve Bain spoke regarding the flyer sent out by Councilmembers Casey and Otero and the agendized admonishment item.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the July 28, 2025, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 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)
Approval of Minutes for the July 14, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting. (City Clerk)
4. Removed for separate consideration.
5. General Correspondence - Information Only
a. Redevelopment and Economic Development Quarterly Report - April, May and June 2025 (Aguirre)
b. Public Works Monthly Report for June 2025 (Royal)
Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-1089, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Sections 15.01.060, Public Improvements Defined, and 15.01.070, New Construction Defined, to Chapter 1, General Provisions, of Title 15, Buildings and Construction, of the Ceres Municipal Code; and Amending Section 15.02.120, Section 111 Certificate of Occupancy; Failure to Comply; Discontinuance of Utility Service; Amended, of
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Chapter 2, Building Code, of Title 15, Buildings and Construction, of the Ceres Municipal Code. (Beltran)
Resolution No. 2025-078, Approving a Three-Year Agreement between the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization and the City of Ceres for the Use of Ceres River Bluff Regional Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Chavez)
8. Resolution No. 2025-079, Approving a Two-Year Agreement between the Turlock Youth Sports Foundation Hereinafter Referred to as Ceres Youth Flag Football and the City of Ceres for the Use of the Ceres River Bluff Regional Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Chavez)
Resolution No. 2025-080, Approving a Two-Year Agreement between the Turlock Youth Sports Foundation Hereinafter Referred to as Ceres Adult Flag Football and the City of Ceres for the Use of the Ceres River Bluff Regional Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Chavez)
10. Resolution No. 2025-081, Approving a License to Use Agreement with Big Valley Grace Community Church for the Use of the Ceres Community Center and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Chavez)
11. Removed for separate consideration.
12. Removed for separate consideration.
13. Removed for separate consideration.
14. Removed for separate consideration.
15. Resolution No. 2025-086, Approving Payment to Howk Systems for Emergency Pump Repairs and Well Rehabilitation Performed at Well 28 Located at River Bluff Regional Park. (Royal)
16. Removed for separate consideration.
17. Removed for separate consideration.
18. Removed for separate consideration.
19. Removed for separate consideration.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving items 1 - 3, 5 - 10, & 15. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 4: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Register of Audited Demands) Dated July 2, 2025, through July 9, 2025. (Esenwein)
Councilmember Casey inquired about inspected public safety vehicles, Whitmore gazebo expenses, and public opinion survey.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included payment to the Whitmore gazebo contractor, how the public opinion survey contract was paid, repairs to the Whitmore gazebo and the affect it has on the warranty, guardrail repairs and reimbursement, and virtual project manager software.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 4. 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 11: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Resolution No. 2025-082, Approving a Construction Contract with D.A. Wood Construction, Inc. for Parkside Estates, Woodacres, and 6* Street Water Main and Service Replacement Project (Project No. 2524), Approving 10% Contingency, Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract. (Beltran)
Councilmember Casey inquired about the budget amendment for this item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Jeri Vargas asked why the dollar amounts are not included on the agenda.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Council and staff discussion included project alternatives, enterprise funds, and enterprise fund balance.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 11. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Mayor Lopez
Casey Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 12: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Resolution No. 2025-083, Approving the Purchase of an Electric Step Van from Kingsburg Truck Center, Inc. as Part of the Fleet Replacement Program and Approving a Budget Amendment to Allocate Funds for the Purchase. (Royal) Councilmember Casey inquired about the budget amendment for this item and whether it is coming out of the enterprise fund or general fund.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included vehicle and replacement fund, general funds, grant writer requirements, electric vehicle mandate, and who applied for the grant for the electric vehicle purchase.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 12. Motion failed 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 13: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2025-084, Approving the Recertification of the 2025 Updated Sewer System Management Plan. (Royal)
Councilmember Vierra asked about grants tied to the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Council and staff discussion included enterprise funds, updated contract, addressing the Spill Emergency Response Plan, compliance of the plan, required updates to elements within the SSMP, and upgrades to wastewater plant.
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
VierraR Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Otero
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 14: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution No. 2025-085, Approving a Licensing Agreement with Valley Water Collaborative for the Construction and Installation of a Free Water Container Fill Station at River Bluff Regional Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Royal)
Councilmember Otero asked about the option to relocate the fill station to a different location.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
John Warren spoke regarding the hours of River Bluff Park and accessing the fill station after hours and how the water filling station will affect businesses that sell water.
Gene Yeakley spoke regarding filtering the water.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding the annual consumer confidence report on the City's website and outdated information on the City's website Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included how the location was selected, lower income neighborhoods, nitrate affected areas, who is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the fill station, and identifying additional locations for water fill stations.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 14. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey VierraR Otero Martinez
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Item 16: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Resolution No. 2025-087, Approving an Agreement with Eide Bailly, LLP to Provide Accounting Consulting Services for the Preparation of the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Esenwein)
Councilmember Casey inquired about the budget amendment for this item and if it is the same consultant we used in the past.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the budgeted enterprise funds for this agreement.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving item 16. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez Mayor Lopez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 17: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2025-088, Approving Project Agreement 1 to the Master On-Call Agreement with Advanced Mobility Group for the City-Wide Speed Study in the Amount of $52,900, Approving the Contingency Amount of $12,100 for Additional Road Segments, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Project Agreement. (Beltran)
Councilmember Vierra asked how this item is different than what was approved with the traffic synchronization project.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Dave Pratt spoke regarding the results of the previous speed survey and working on traffic lights.
John Warren spoke regarding lowering speed limits.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the purpose of a speed survey, how often one needs to be conducted, and outcome of speed surveys.
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 Vierra Resolution No. 2025-089, Accepting the Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Amount of $1,084,600.00. (City Manager)
Councilmember Vierra inquired about administrative fees and if the grant is contingent on the approval of the grant writing contract with Capitol Advocacy Partners.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included monthly reporting, what has to be reported, what is included in managing the grant, who will select the trees to be planted, when the project must be completed by.
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 Martinez Mayor Lopez
Vierra Otero
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 19: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Resolution No. 2025-090, Approving a Contract Amendment with Capitol Advocacy Partners for Grant Writing Services, Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Amendment. (City Manager) Councilmember Casey inquired about the budget amendment for this item.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included if the budget amendment is coming out of the general fund, why the expense was not budgeted, and grant management.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 19. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Abstain Yes Yes Yes Yes
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC HEARING
20. Ordinance No. 2025-XXXX, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Section 5.19.000, Definitions, Amending Section 5.19.040 - Eligible Organizations, Section 5.19.080 - Chief of Police Investigation, Amending Section
5.19.090 from Summary Suspension or Revocation to Renewal of Permit to Operate, Section 5.19.100 from Enforcement to Bingo Location Security, Adding Section 5.19.110 - Conduct of Games, Section 5.19.120 - Financial Records, and Section 5.19.130 - Enforcement of the Ceres Municipal Code. (Johnson) Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Mike Warda spoke regarding pull tabs and the effects they have on local bingo halls.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the options Council has with the ordinance, Penal Code 326.5, bring back the ordinance with clarifying language, pull tabs, hot ball, and case law.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving to continue the public hearing to the August 11, 2025, Regular City Council meeting for introduction and
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
first reading of the ordinance and address pull tabs. 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
21. Ordinance No. 2025-XXX, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Chapter 10, Tobacco and Smoke Shop Restrictions, to Title 6, Health and Sanitation, of the Ceres Municipal Code. (Johnson)
Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, 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 the number of smoke shops in Ceres, where the collected money from fines is deposited, impact the ordinance will have regarding enforcement and obtaining grants, security requirements, limiting the number of smoke shops, proximity of the locations in relation to schools.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Mayor Lopez, approving to continue the public hearing to the August 25, 2025, Regular City Council meeting for introduction and first reading of the ordinance and address security guard
requirements and limiting the number of smoke shops.
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
NEW BUSINESS
22. Resolution No. 2025-XXX, Accepting the 2024-25 Military Equipment Annual Report and Approving the Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition and Use Policy. (Johnson)
*This item will be continued to a future City Council meeting.
23. Consideration of Admonishment for the Unauthorized Use of the City Name, Seal, Logotype, or Insignia by City Councilmembers James Casey and Cerina Otero in Violation of Ceres Municipal Code Section 1.03.010. (City Attorney) City Attorney, Nubia Goldstein, introduced the item.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke.
Brandy Meyer inquired as to whether this item could have been handled privately.
John Warren stated this should have been done privately and an email sent to the City Attorney asking for permission to use the City logo.
Albert Avila spoke regarding the allowable use of the City logo, previous years' budget adoption and the general fund reserve.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding Councilmember Casey and Otero's attempt to increase civic engagement, council meeting attendance by the public, and outdated information of the City's website.
Gene Yeakley spoke regarding how this should have been done in private, the flyers, and the start times of other city meetings.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the email sent to the attorney, proof of email sent to the printer asking to remove the City logo, community mailers, a statement prepared and read by Councilmember Otero, misunderstanding on the chain of events and what was agreed upon, inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and authorization of release of attorney-client privilege communications.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Mayor Lopez, approving item 23. Motion failed 2/1/2/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Otero
Abstain No Abstain Yes Yes
24. Resolution No. 2025-XXX, Declaring an Intention to Levy and Collect Fees for the 1987 Landscape and Lighting Districts for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and Direct the City Engineer to Sign and the Public Works Director to File an Engineer's Report, and Establish August 11, 2025, as a Public Hearing for the Levy of the Annual Assessments. (Beltran)
Director of Engineering, Mike Beltran, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke.
John Warren asked what the percentage increase equates to in dollar amount.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included if the increases are not approved where the money would be drawn from, a solar project decreasing TID costs related to lighting at Costa Fields, and West Urban Consumer Price Index.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 24. Motion failed 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
DISCUSSION ITEMS
25. Council to Discuss the Options for Developing a New Strategic Plan for the City. (City Manager)
City Manager, Doug Dunford, 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 a previous attempt at updating the Strategic Plan, understanding where the previous attempt left off, and utilizing that information for a new update.
Council provided consensus for staff to bring back an item related to the results of the previous strategic plan discussion. (5/0)
COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
26. Fireworks Regulations and Fine Schedule
(Requested by Councilmember Otero via the City Manager on July 7, 2025.) Councilmember Otero introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included a previous ordinance update and increasing enforcement.
Council provided consensus for staff to bring back an item to amend the Ceres Municipal Code related to fireworks. (5/0)
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
REPORTS
• Mayor
Nothing to report
• City Council
Councilmember Otero spoke regarding concerns with the old Walmart location, unkept City right-of-ways, and congratulated Fabiolous Auto Body & Repair on their grand opening.
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding Stanislaus Homeless Alliance meeting, alternative responses to mental health issues, Tuscany Village, senior food boxes, and supporting small businesses.
• City Manager
City Manager, Doug Dunford, stated the Community Facilities District agenda items from July 14, 2025, will be brought back before Council on August 11, 2025. • City Attorney
Nothing to report
• Departments
Recreation Manager, Joey Chavez, spoke regarding Second Harvest senior food boxes.
Brandy Meyer provided an update on her bookstore and sandwich shop opening.
CLOSED SESSION
None
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on August 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in the Community Center at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, CA.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 28, 2025
There being no further business, Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
Javier Lopez, Mayor
tallon wasti
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.