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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
via ZOOM and in- person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, April 13, 2026, 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 April 13, 2026, 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 Patrick Davis, Ceres Christian Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Jonah Panarra, Walter White Elementary School.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognizing Brian Petersen for 20 Years of Service B. Love Stanislaus County Presentation
This item was continued to a future City Council meeting.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
C. Love Ceres Proclamation
Brandy Meyer accepted the proclamation.
D. Arbor Day Proclamation
E. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation Ceres Police Department dispatchers accepted the proclamation.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda five minutes)
Nasson Sanchez spoke regarding Ceres Youth Baseball and the City of Ceres Recreation Manager.
Andy Hartogh spoke regarding Kase Manufacturing and moving forward with the City.
Matt Johnson spoke regarding Kase Manufacturing.
John Warren spoke regarding Memorial Day events and needing volunteers.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding Coffee & Conversation and a meeting for underserved businesses.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding a future event at Fairview Park in Modesto, plug-in chargers for electric vehicles, Measure H funds, physical activity, and funding for community development and homelessness.
Drew Ford spoke regarding Kase Manufacturing, reopening for operation, facility tours, and safety protocols.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/ COMMISSIONS
F. Selecting Interview Format for Upcoming Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee Interview
City Clerk, Fallon Martin, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Council and staff discussion included open meeting interviews and transparency.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving Measure H interviews being conducted in an open City Council meeting. 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
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the April 13, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. ( City Clerk)
2. 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 ( City Clerk)
a. March 23, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting
b. March 23, 2026, Special City Council Meeting
4. Register of Audited Demand( s) Dated March 12, 2026, through April 1, 2026.
Portillo)
5. Resolution No. 2026- 29, Approving a Budget Amendment in the Amount of 29, 189. 21 for Fiscal Year 2025- 26 to Appropriate COPS ( SLESF) Funds to Purchase Radios, Computers and Graphics for Two Previously Purchased Police Vehicles and Approving the Upfitting of Both Previously Purchased Vehicles Using Funds Budgeted in Department 20 ( Equipment- Fleet Services). ( Johnson)
6. Resolution No. 2026- 30, Approving the Construction Contract for the Rockefeller Water Building Improvement Project ( 2402) to GCJ, Inc. in the Amount of 1, 919, 989. 49, Authorizing a 20% Contingency, Authorizing 10% Construction Support Funds, Authorizing a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract. ( Beltran)
7. Removed for separate consideration.
8. Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026- 1095, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Amending Title 5, Business Licenses and Regulation, Chapter 20, Fireworks Sales of the Ceres Municipal Code. ( Johnson)
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
9a. Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026- 1096, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Amending Title 5, Business Licenses and Regulations, Chapter 3, General Permit Procedure, Section 010, General and Title 5, Business Licenses and Regulation, Chapter 22, Cannabis Pilot Program, of the Ceres Municipal Code. ( City Attorney) 9b. Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026- 1097, A Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Chapter 44, Cannabis Conditional Use Permits, to Title 18, Zoning, and Amending Sections 18. 02. 010, 18. 13. 020, 18. 16. 040, 18. 17. 040, 18. 18. 040, 18. 19. 040, and
18. 20. 040, of Title 18, Zoning, of the Ceres Municipal Code. ( City Attorney)
10. Removed for separate consideration.
11. General Correspondence — Information Only
a. Public Works Monthly Report for February 2026 ( Casas) Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving items 1 — 6, 8, 9a, 9b, and 11. 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
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM( S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 7: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2026- 31, Approving Project Agreement No. 5 to the Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services with Westwood Professional Services, for Design Services for the Building on Active Transportation and Connectivity within the City ( New Project String) Project in the Amount of$ 301,600; Approving the Project to be Added to the Capital Improvement Program; Approving the New Project String; Accepting Active Transportation Program Grant Funding in the Amount of $ 256, 000; Approving a Budget Amendment in the Amount of 256, 000; Approving a Budget Transfer from Project 2408 in the Amount of 19, 352. 42 and Project 2522 in the Amount of$ 64, 228. 33 for a Total of$ 83, 580. 75 for Matching Funds ($ 45, 600) and Staff Time ($ 37, 980. 75); and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Project Agreement No. 5. ( Beltran) Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding the spelling of the consultant' s name.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 7. 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 No Yes Yes
Item 10: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2026- XXX, Approving a Budget Amendment in the Amount of 89, 991. 52 for Fiscal Year 2025- 26 to Appropriate Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Funds to Purchase a New Vehicle from Downtown Ford Sacramento Center and Upfitting of Said Vehicle. ( Johnson)
Councilmember Vierra inquired on whether staff had met and conferred with the union, if the cost of the contract exceeded the cost of hiring a staff member, time, and experience.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included meet and confer, technology functions of abandoned vehicle abatement vehicles, and postponing the item until meeting and conferring is completed.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving to table item 10. 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
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC HEARING
12. Ordinance No. 2026-XXXX, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Council of the City of Ceres Amending Chapter 10, Tobacco and Smoke Shop Restrictions, to Title 6, Health and Sanitation, of the Ceres Municipal Code. ( Johnson) This public hearing is being continued to a future City Council meeting.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Mayor Lopez announced this public hearing was being continued to a future Regular City Council Meeting.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.
13a. Resolution No. 2026- 32, Approving the Certification of the Environmental Impact Report for the Copper Trails Specific Plan and Annexation Project, Adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Adopting the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) Findings of Fact, including a Statement of Overriding Considerations. ( Beltran)
13b. Resolution No. 2026- 33, Approving an Amendment to the Ceres General Plan Land Use Map to Reflect the Land Uses Contained in the Copper Trails Specific Plan Area and Existing Land Uses in the Pocket Area. ( Beltran) 13c. Ordinance No. 2026- XXXX, Approving the Pre-Zoning for the Copper Trails Specific Plan Area and Pocket Area Located within Unincorporated Stanislaus County, and Amending the City' s Zoning Map Accordingly. ( Beltran) 13d. Resolution No. 2026- 34, Adopting the Copper Trails Specific Plan and Associated Public Facilities Financing Plan. ( Beltran) 13e. Resolution No. 2026- 35, Authorizing Staff to Make and Execute Any and All Necessary Documents and Applications to the Stanislaus County Local Agency Formation Commission for Annexation of the Copper Trails Specific Plan Area and Pocket Area. ( Beltran)
Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Jim Pyatt spoke regarding the history of the project, support of the project, and building more homes.
Dan Nickles spoke regarding cost to the City for widening Service Road, plans, and contractor used to widen Service Road.
Harinder Toor spoke regarding the need for more housing, home prices, taxes and history of the project.
Tim Pittman spoke regarding his opposition of the annexation.
Kristi Britton spoke regarding Ceres Unified School District, mitigation agreement.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Judy Keys spoke regarding her opposition of the annexation and notifications.
Chris Hughes spoke regarding his support of the project.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding starter homes and reasonable house sizes.
John Warren spoke regarding funding, time to complete the project, and building homes in West Landing.
Andrea Holmquist spoke regarding veteran homes and the effect of existing properties when widening Service Road.
George Petroulakis spoke regarding Ceres general plan, LAFCO sphere of influence, housing in California and efforts in the project coming together.
Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.
Staff and council discussion included how fire and police services for the area would be funded, notifying property owners in pocket area, plan to add sidewalks and streetlights in pocket area, public safety coverage, farmland, Williamson Act, number of homes needed in Ceres, CDBG funding for sidewalks, and widening of Service Road.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 13a. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 13b. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 13c. Motion carried 4/ 1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 13d. Motion carried 4/ 1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 13e. Motion carried 4/ 1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
NEW BUSINESS
14. Resolution No. 2026- 36, Accepting the 2023- 2024 City of Ceres Audited Financial Statements and Audit Reports for the Period Ended June 30, 2024. ( Portillo) Finance Director, Vanessa Portillo, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included period the audit covered and request for forensic audit.
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:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
15. Resolution No. 2026- 37, Approving Revisions to the Council Donation Policy Adopted on October 27, 2025, through Resolution 2025- 130. ( Johnson) Acting City Manager, Trenton Johnson, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke.
John Warren spoke regarding amending the policy to be 501( c), not 501( c)( 3).
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included previous donations, event flyer requirement, and events that generate tax dollars that come back to the City.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 15 allowing eligibility for all 501( c) entities. Motion carried 4/ 1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
16. Resolution No. 2026- 38, Adopting the " Disruption of Remote Participation During Council Meetings Policy" as Required by Senate Bill 707. ( City Clerk) City Clerk, Fallon Martin, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included moving to closed session if there is a disruption in technology.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 16. 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
17. Resolution No. 2026- 39, Appointing Steve Williams as Interim City Manager, Approving the Employment Agreement, and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Agreement. ( City Attorney)
City Attorney, Nubia Goldstein, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Steve Williams introduced himself.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 17 and making the appointment
effective immediately. 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
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
18. Hourly Parking in Downtown
Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the November 10, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting)
Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding downtown parking for employees, two- hour parking preference, and opposing meters.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included enforcement and parking for employees of downtown businesses.
Council provided consensus on this item.
19. Conduct a Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Requested by Councilmember Casey on December 23, 2025)
Councilmember Casey introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke.
John Warren spoke regarding the number of council meetings in May.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Council and staff discussion included staff time off, council availability, and future cancelled council meetings.
Council did not provide consensus for this item.
NEW REFERRALS
Hold a Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting Requested by Vice Mayor Daniel Martinez)
REPORTS
Mayor
Nothing to report.
City Council
Councilmember Otero spoke regarding Recreation' s Easter event and welcomed Interim City Manager, Steve Williams.
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding Recreation' s Easter event, welcomed Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, Modesto Junior College' s low cost vaccination clinic, bicycle takeover, effectiveness of the bicycle ordinance, upcoming town hall meeting, Concerts in the Park, multi- cultural event at Caswell Dual Language Academy, Love Ceres, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisor' s recognition of Shirley Rogers, Stanislaus Homeless Alliance, and an event regarding grants and funds on April 16tn Councilmember Casey spoke regarding the Police Department' s awards ceremony.
City Manager
Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, appreciates City Council and looks forward to working with the council and staff.
City Attorney
City Attorney, Nubia Goldstein, welcomed Interim City Manager, Steve Williams.
Departments
Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, thanked those who attended the Police Department' s awards ceremony.
Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager, Julian Aguirre, spoke regarding the upcoming Annual Action Plan meeting.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
April 13, 2026
Acting Deputy Public Works Director, Josh Casas, thanked Public Works staff for their efforts during the recent rainy weather.
Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Hunter, spoke regarding property owners keeping down their vegetation.
CLOSED SESSION
20. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Cal. Gov' t Code § 54956. 9( d)( 2) Potential Case: 4 cases
21. Public Employment, Cal. Gov' t Code § 54957
Title: City Manager
Mayor Lopez introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Lopez reported out that direction was provided to staff for Closed Session items 20 - 21.
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in the Community Center at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, CA.
There being no further business, Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 10:48 p.m. 7'(/‘
J r Lopez, Mayor
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.