ti`
S.
O F
HFRVVEC
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
via ZOOM and in- person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, June 22, 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 June 22, 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 Jerry Swain, New Vision Christian Center.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by veteran John Warren.
PRESENTATIONS
None
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda five minutes)
Abby Pendleton provided an update on Assemblyman Juan Alanis' office.
David McCullough spoke regarding parking around Smyrna Park
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
Doug Hemingway spoke regarding speeding, parking, and permit parking around Smyrna Park.
Navpreet ( no last name) spoke regarding the condition of Ochoa Park.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding a Ceres mixer, upcoming golf tournament, read- a-longs, and a college workshop.
Laura McCullough spoke regarding speeding and traffic violations around Smyrna Park and the gates at Smyrna Park.
Brenda Herbert spoke regarding an ordinance on golf carts.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/ COMMISSIONS
A. 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.
Council and staff discussion included conducting the interviews in an open meeting.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving Measure H interviews to be 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 June 22, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday June 17, 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)
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
3. Approval of Minutes ( City Clerk)
a. May 11, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting
b. June 1, 2026, Special City Council Meeting
c. June 8, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting
4. Removed for separate consideration.
5. Resolution No. 2026- 66, Approving the General Services Agreement for the City Hall Sewer Later Rehabilitation Project( Project No. 2609) to Daguerre Construction Inc. in the Amount of$ 99, 820, Authorizing a 20% Contingency for Construction and 10% for Construction Support in the Amount of $ 29, 946 ( Totaling $ 129, 766), and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Contract. ( Beltran)
6. General Correspondence — Information Only
a. Redevelopment & Economic Development Report for January 2026 — May 2026 ( Aguirre)
7. Resolution No. 2026- 67, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging for Senior Special Events and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Memorandum of Understanding. ( Pulliam)
8. Removed for separate consideration.
9. Resolution No. 2026- 69, Approving a Donation of $ 1,000 to Howard Prep as Requested by Councilmember Cerina Otero. ( Portillo)
10. Resolution No. 2026- 70, Approving the Donation of $ 1, 000 to South Modesto Businesses United ( SMBU) as Requested by Councilmember Cerina Otero.
Portillo)
11. Resolution No. 2026- 71, Approving a Donation of $ 1, 000 to Ceres Lions Club as Requested by Councilmember Cerina Otero. ( Portillo)
12. Resolution No. 2026- 72, Approving the Donation of $ 1, 000 to Ceres Youth Baseball as Requested by the Mayor Javier Lopez. ( Portillo)
13. Resolution No. 2026- 73, Approving a Donation of $ 1,000 to Howard Prep as Requested by Mayor Javier Lopez. ( Portillo)
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving items 1 — 3, 5 — 7, & 9 — 13. 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
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2Z, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM( S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 4: Removed for separate consideration by Galen Guzman Register of Audited Demand( s) Dated May 29, 2026, through June 10, 2026.
Portillo)
Galen Guzman spoke regarding the expense for an EV charger.
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 4. Motion carried 5/0/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Item 8: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Vierra Resolution No. 2026- 68, Approving a Donation of $ 1, 000 to Ceres Chamber of Commerce as Requested by Councilmember Cerina Otero. ( Portillo) Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding gifts of public funds.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included previous donations to the Ceres Chamber of Commerce and state law.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Otero, seconded by Councilmember Casey, approving item 8. Motion carried 4/1/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes No Yes Yes Yes
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING
14. Resolution No. 2026- 74, Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.
Casas)
Public Works Superintendent, Josh Casas, 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 adding a third watering day.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 14. 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
NEW BUSINESS
15. Resolution No. 2026- 75, Approving an Agreement between the City of Ceres and the Salvation Army for Aquatics Programming and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. ( Pulliam)
Recreation Supervisor, Jessica Pulliam, presented the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included location of lessons, accessibility, fees, cost of service, contracting out youth recreation activities, registration, availability of classes, day swim, exploring other swim lesson options, planning for next year, why Ceres swim lessons were cancelled, liability coverage, temporary fix, how long lessons are offered, and cost of swim lessons.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 15. Motion carried 3/2/0/0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
No Yes No Yes Yes
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
16. Resolution No. 2026- 76, Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Officers and Voting on a Locally Controlled One Cent ( 1¢) Sales Tax Ballot Measure, as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities and the Ceres Municipal Code. ( City Clerk) Resolution No. 2026- 77, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Stanislaus County to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be Held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code. ( City Clerk) Resolution No. 2026- 78, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidate' s Statements Submitted to the Voters at a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. ( City Clerk) Resolution No. 2026- 79, Submitting a Ballot Measure to the City of Ceres Qualified Voters to Vote on a General Local One Cent ( 1¢) Sales Tax Ballot Measure Entitled Ceres 911 Emergency Response, Community Safety, Essential Services Measure." ( City Manager)
Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Jon Blount & Kevin Gallenkamp spoke in support of the ballot measure, Ceres Police Department services, and fire services costs.
Galen Guzman spoke in opposition of the ballot measure, Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee, quarterly audits, financial hardship on Ceres residents, allocation of funds, community engagement survey, and CDBG funding.
Dave Pratt spoke in opposition of the ballot measure, the survey, and audits.
Nasson Sanchez spoke regarding the effect the ballot measure will have on community members.
Shirley Rogers spoke in opposition of the survey, cost of the survey, better financial choices and spending.
John Warren spoke regarding the population of Ceres, number of utility accounts, and cost a sales tax will have on community members.
Joe Spani spoke in support of the ballot measure, budget, service reductions, locally controlled funds, and citizen oversight.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
Josh Steeley spoke in opposition of the ballot measure, title of the ballot measure, and general tax.
City Clerk, Fallon Martin, read an email into the record from Nick Maynard regarding his opposition to the ballot measure, balanced budget, spending, current tax revenue, surrounding city' s sales tax rate, new businesses, and spending reductions.
City Clerk, Fallon Martin, read an email into the record from Trudy Wade opposing the sales tax measure.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included council action regarding the ballot measure, allowing citizens to voice their opinion, misleading the public, accountability of council, transparency, surveys on the website and mailers, citizen oversight committee, annual independent audits, quarterly budget updates, transient occupancy tax, Measure E, Airbnb and vacation rental ordinance, transient occupancy tax oversight committee, Measure H expenditure plan, forensic audit, and sales tax measure in surrounding cities.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving Resolution 2026- 76. 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 Resolution 2026- 77. 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 Resolution 2026- 78. 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
June 22, 2026
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving Resolution 2026- 79. 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
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
17. Review the Ceres Business License Ordinance and Policy Requested by Councilmember Vierra at the October 13, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Vierra introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding quarterly reporting.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included business license renewal and revenue reporting.
Council provided consensus on this item.
18. Ceres Community Foundation ( Non- Profit)
Requested by Councilmember Otero at the January 2, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding water tower funds in the Ceres Community Foundation.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding an umbrella fund.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included questions to the Finance Department.
Council provided consensus on this item.
19. Current Budget Status Review
Requested by Councilmember Casey at the February 9, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
The subject of this referral has already been addressed by staff. This referral has been dismissed.
20. Referral List Update
Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the March 23, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included creating a referral list available for council and the community to view.
Council provided consensus on this item.
21. Quarterly Budget Review
Requested by Councilmember Casey at the March 23, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
The subject of this referral has already been addressed by staff. This referral has been dismissed.
22. Forensic Audit of the Past Five Years
Requested by Councilmember Casey at the March 23, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Casey introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke in support of this referral, civic grand jury reports, accounting firm, financial reports on the city website, and single audit reports.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the meaning of a forensic audit, cost of a forensic audit, CARES funds, Measure H funds, and how often the City changes the audit firms it uses.
Council did not provide consensus on this item.
23. Parks & Recreation Revenue
Requested by Mayor Lopez on June 13, 2026)
Mayor Lopez introduced this referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding the Whitmore Mansion.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council provided consensus on this item.
NEW REFERRALS
Report on Watering Days & Increasing to Three Watering Days per Week Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez)
Safety Around Smyrna Park
Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez)
Review 2021 Single Audit for CARES Act Funding, RAD Funding, & Regular Audit Requested by Councilmember Otero)
General Fund Reserve Percentage
Requested by Mayor Lopez)
REPORTS
Mayor
Mayor Lopez wished everyone a safe 4thof July.
City Council
Vice Mayor Martinez wished everyone a Happy Father' s Day.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
Councilmember Otero spoke regarding a cleanup event in Ceres.
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding a cleanup event in Ceres, Concerts in the Park, Turlock 4th of July celebration, watering of parks, StanRTA, economic development report, and congratulated Police Chief Trenton Johnson on an award he received.
City Manager
Nothing to report.
City Attorney
Nothing to report.
Departments
Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, spoke regarding 4thof July patrols and increased fines for illegal fireworks.
Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Hunter, spoke regarding the 4thof July.
CLOSED SESSION
24. Public Employee Discipline/ Dismissal/ Release, Cal. Gov' t Code § 54957( b)( 1)
25. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation, Cal. Gov' t Code 54956. 9( d)( 2)
Potential Case: 5 cases
26. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Cal. Gov' t Code § 54956. 9 Name of Case: Ashley Ranuio et al. v. City of Ceres et al., Stanislaus Superior Court Case Number: CV- 25- 009856
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 24 — 26.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
June 22, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on July 13, 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 9:33 p.m. er 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.