OF
CITY
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
(via ZOOM and in-person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, April 27, 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 27, 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 Ken Sylvia, Youth for Christ
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Xadrian Mulgado, Patricia Kay Beaver Elementary School.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Cinco de Mayo Proclamation
Future Latino Leaders Club of Ceres High School accepted the proclamation.
B. Love Stanislaus County Presentation
Gaby Fernandez gave the presentation.
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Regular City Council Meeting
April 27, 2026
C. Code Enforcement 1st Quarter Presentation and Analysis Kassandra De La Cruz gave the presentation.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda (five minutes)
Justin Farkas provided an update on the office of Assemblyman Juan Alanis.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding Love Ceres, business success meeting, Ceres Street Faire, Agribusiness Scholarship Luncheon, and upcoming job fair.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding a yard sale, roundabouts, Sister City, downtown parking, and metered parking downtown.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the April 27, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 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. Removed for separate consideration
4. Resolution No. 2026-40, Approving a Project Agreement to the Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services with Kleinfelder Inc. in the Amount of $28,354.60 for Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the Rockefeller Water Building Improvements (2402) Project, Approving a $10,000 Contingency, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Beltran)
5. Resolution No. 2026-41, Approving the Stanislaus Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement between Stanislaus County and the City of Ceres for Fiscal Year 2024/25 in the Amount of $215,620.75 and Fiscal Year 2025/26 in the Amount of $205,497.00, Approving a Budget
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Regular City Council Meeting
April 27, 2026
Amendment to Accept the Revenue, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Aguirre)
6. Resolution No. 2026-42, Approving a Budget Amendment to Appropriate Funds Recovered from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and Providing HSD Masonry a Notice to Proceed with Repairs to the Wall Surrounding the Ceres Farm Labor Center. (Casas)
7. Removed for separate consideration.
8. Removed for separate consideration.
9. Removed for separate consideration.
10. Resolution No. 2026-45, Approving an Agreement with JJACPA, Inc. to Perform the Annual Audit of the City of Ceres and its Component Units for Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Portillo)
11. Resolution No. 2026-46, Approving the Memorandum of Agreement for Implementation of the Pyrethroid Control Program; CASQA Group Membership & OWOW Group Subscription with Stanislaus County, San Joaquin County, and Central Valley Agencies and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Casas)
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving items 1 - 2, 4 - 6, and 10 - 11. 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 ITEMS) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 3: Removed for separate consideration by Galen Guzman Register of Audited Demand(s) Dated April 8, 2026, through April 16, 2026. (Portillo)
Galen Guzman spoke regarding invoice numbers, categorizing by department, and professional development.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
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April 27, 2026
Council and staff discussion included security risks, professional development, and training costs.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 3. 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 7: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2026-43, Approving the Subdivision Improvement Agreement, Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), and Reciprocal Easement Agreements for the Lions Plaza Subdivision, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Beltran)
Councilmember Vierra inquired about a damaged light pole and reimbursement.
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 to table item 7. 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 8: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Casey Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-1098, 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)
Councilmember Casey inquired about public opportunities to voice their concerns.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
John Warren spoke regarding housing requirements, LAFCO comments, and opposition of Copper Trails.
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Regular City Council Meeting
April 27, 2026
Tim Sanders spoke regarding the build out timeline for Copper Trails, Service Road overpass improvements, funding, and opposition of the project.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving to table item 8. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 9: Removed for separate consideration by Mayor Lopez Resolution No. 2026-44, Approving an Agreement for Concession Service with Vic's Churros and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (Casas)
Mayor Lopez spoke regarding clarification of the agreement.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Irene Ortiz spoke regarding Vic's Churros and thanked the council for the opportunity.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included discrepancy between the dollar amount and percentage listed in the agreement, street vendors at Christmas Tree Lane, required licenses and permits, legal name of Vic's Churros, operating hours. approving the contract with the inconsistencies, and notifying council if a contract is terminated.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving to table item 9. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Vierra Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Otero
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
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Regular City Council Meeting
April 27, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING
12. Resolution No. 2026-47, Approving in Concurrence with Stanislaus Urban County and Stanislaus HOME Consortium the Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 and Supporting Submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (Aguirre)
Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager, Julian Aguirre, 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 citizen participation, selection of projects, community meeting outcome, sidewalk improvements, Code Enforcement, and how/where funds can be used.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 12. 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
Action: Motion by Mayor Lopez, seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez, approving to reopen item 12. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager, Julian Aguirre, announced that CDBG funds can be used for Code Enforcement.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. The following members of the public spoke.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding improving roads and kids getting to school safely.
Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.
Council and staff discussion included allocation of CDBG funds, Morrow Village, utilizing CDBG funds towards blight and/or Code Enforcement, cost of a full-time Code Enforcement employee, using 50% of CDBG funds towards Code
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Regular City Council Meeting
April 27, 2026
Enforcement, previous budget workshop, code enforcement grant, readjust allocations, public participation, Streets Division, and using a "portion of"' or "up to" a specific amount of CDBG funds.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 12 and up to 50% of CDBG's annual allocation to be used to fund the salary of a Code
Enforcement Officer. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Martinez Mayor Lopez
Otero
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
NEW BUSINESS
None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
13. Securing Commercial Garbage Containers - Information Only. (Casas) Public Works Superintendent, Josh Casas, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Dave Pratt spoke regarding enforcement.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding fines for non-compliance.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included requirements on business owners to lock dumpsters and who the ordinance applies to.
14. Budget Workshop on Draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Proposed Budget. (Portillo) Finance Director, Vanessa Portillo, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Sebastian Jones spoke regarding health benefits for councilmembers.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding landscaping services, sales tax, the survey sent
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Regular City Council Meeting
April 27, 2026
out last year, and In-N-Out business license.
Michael Borges spoke regarding the fire service contract.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding fire personnel provided by Modesto Fire, the budget, and council insurance.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included Copper Trails property tax, funds for Chamber of Commerce, small businesses, cost of services increasing, outsourcing I.T. services, police overtime, unfreezing police positions, funding Community Development Director position, cost of Planning Services agreements, and a frozen Senior Mechanic position.
COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
None
REPORTS
• Mayor
Nothing to report.
• City Council
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding Ceres Partnership for Healthy Families event, Ceres High Schools' booster dinner, Every Student Succeeds ceremony, Dia de Niños event, Cruise for the Youth event, Love Ceres event, toy giveaway at El Rematito, event at Sikh Temple, Modesto Junior College graduation, Ceres Street Faire, Cinco de Mayor parade, National Day of Prayer, and Mindful May event.
Councilmember Otero thanked everyone who participated in the Love Ceres event and thanked community member that come to council meetings. • City Manager
Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, thanked everyone for the warm welcome. • City Attorney
Nothing to report.
• Departments
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April 27, 2026
Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Hunter, spoke regarding Shanon Evans being appointed as Modesto Fire Chief.
CLOSED SESSION
15. Conference with Labor Negotiators, Cal Gov't Code § 54957.6(a) Agency Designated Representative: Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, and Human Resources Director, Delilah Vasquez
Employee Organization: Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA!) Public Employment, Cal. Gov't Code § 54957
Title: City Manager
16. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Cal. Gov't Code §54956.9(d) (1)
Name of Case: Matthew Berlier vs. City of Ceres, a public entity; City of Ceres Police Chief, Christopher Perry, both in his official capacity, and as an individual; Stanislaus Superior Court Case No. CV-24-007723
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 15 - 16.
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on May 11, 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 10:10 p.m.
Yauon Masti
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.