OFC4t'
Ft
111
Th' BR WE AGa
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
via ZOOM and in- person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, July 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 July 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 Conner La Rosa, Valley Grace Community Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Pete Samaniego.
PRESENTATIONS
A. StanRTA Presentation
Adam Barth and Angela Swanson with StanRTA gave the presentation.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda five minutes)
Burl Condit spoke regarding flock cameras.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Linda Ryno spoke regarding the condition of the parks in Ceres, tasks related to parks, budget cuts, budget amendment, and the sales tax ballot measure.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding Ceres Night with the Modesto Roadsters, Lil Papa' s grand opening, One Table One Community, and the upcoming golf tournament.
Doug Hemingway spoke regarding speeding, parking, and permit parking around Smyrna Park.
Nasson Sanchez spoke regarding philanthropy, National Night Out, and fees for permits.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/ COMMISSIONS
B. Measure H Citizens Oversight Committee Interviews and Appointment City Clerk, Fallon Martin, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council conducted Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee interviews.
Council and staff discussion included thanking the applicants.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Otero, seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez, approving the appointment of John Fayad to the Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee. Motion carried 3/ 2/ 0/ 0 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Mayor Lopez
Yes No Yes Yes No
C. Council Designation of a Voting Delegate and Alternate Delegate to Represent the City of Ceres at the League of California Cities' 2026 Annual Conference 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 who is attending the conference.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Council consensus to designate Mayor Lopez as the voting delegate with Vice Mayor Martinez and Councilmember Otero as the alternate voting delegates at the League of California Cities' 2026 Annual Conference.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the July 13, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday, July 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 for the June 22, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
City Clerk)
4. Removed for separate consideration.
5. Resolution No. 2026- 80, Approving a Professional Services Agreement with RH Borden and Company LLC for Phase 2 of the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment in the Amount of $ 109, 014. 54 and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Contract. ( Casas)
6. Removed for separate consideration.
7. Removed for separate consideration.
8. Resolution No. 2026- 83, Approving an Agreement with Valley Grace Community Church, Inc. for the Use of the Ceres Community Center and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. ( Chavez)
9. Removed for separate consideration.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving items 1 — 3, 5, & 8. 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
July 13, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM( S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 4: Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Register of Audited Demand( s) Dated June 11, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
Portillo)
Councilmember Otero inquired about the Valley Water Collaborative and BrightView Landscape Services payment.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke regarding telephone service provider, cost for grant writer, janitorial supplies, janitorial services, transparency of voucher list, condensed agenda packet, PG& E, public records requests, payment for lawsuits against the City, and Alpine Protective Solutions agreement.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included Valley Water Collaborative, withholding payment for services, confirmation of work completed, contract language, and payment for June 2026.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 4. 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
Item 6: Removed for separate consideration by Galen Guzman Resolution No. 2026- 81, Declaring City-Owned Parcel 039- 062- 067 as Exempt Surplus Land Pursuant to Government Code Section 54221( f)(B) of the Surplus Land Act and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Conduct Negotiations for the Disposition of the Exempt Surplus Parcel. ( Aguirre)
Galen Guzman spoke regarding a typo, the purpose of selling land, and public records requests.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item 6. 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 Galen Guzman Resolution No. 2026- 82, Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Gouveia Engineering for Planning Services in the Amount of $ 50,000.00 and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Amendment. ( Aguirre)
Galen Guzman spoke regarding a typo.
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 7. 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
Item 9: Removed for separate consideration by Mayor Lopez Resolution No. 2026- 84, Declaring an Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments for the 1987 Landscaping and Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2026- 27, Approving the Fiscal Year 2026- 27 Engineer' s Report, and Establishing August 10, 2026, as a Public Hearing for the Levy of the Annual Assessments. ( Beltran) Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke regarding a typo, Consumer Price Index ( CPI), contract approval, why CPI numbers from March 2026 were selected, contracting out, allocating money in- house to perform landscape services, and adopt- a- park application.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Andres Ruiz spoke regarding Eastgate neighborhood and deterioration of Eastgate landscape.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the amount of money collected this fiscal year, services and areas funded, geographic areas, BrightView Landscape Services, how citizens ensure they received the benefits of the assessment, assessment increase, accountability, oversight, funds for each district, long-term plan, solar, short-term plan, what is being approved with this agenda item.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Mayor Lopez, approving item 9. 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
None
NEW BUSINESS
10. Resolution No. 2026- 85, Ratifying the Measure H Expenditure Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 Beginning July 1, 2026, and Ending June 30, 2027. ( 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 how this happened, amending the resolution, amending the budget, and future budget process.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Otero, seconded by
Councilmember Vierra, approving item 10 and including a breakdown of what Measure H funds are supporting in Fiscal Year 2027. Motion carried 5/ 0/ 0/ 0 by the following roll call vote:
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
DISCUSSION ITEMS
11. Discussion Regarding Planning Commissions' Request for City Council to Adopt an Interim Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on New Gas Stations and Car Wash Facilities within the City of Ceres. ( Aguirre) Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager, Julian Aguirre, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Dave Pratt spoke regarding the amount of gas stations and car washes, food trucks, and auditing taxes collected from food trucks.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding pending gas station projects, in support of the moratorium, and amount of gas stations currently in the city.
John Warren spoke regarding whether the Planning Commission voted on this item and need for a planning commission.
Shirley Rogers spoke in support of a temporary moratorium and need for EV charging stations.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included Planning Commission action, number of gas station/ matrix, number of gas stations and car washes currently in the city, number of gas stations with EV chargers, moratorium in the Cities of Lodi and Manteca, and council to determine/ approve staff time to prepare an item for Planning Commission.
Council provided consensus to not commit staff time to prepare an item to go before the Planning Commission.
COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
12. Creation of a Citizens Financial Oversight and Audit Committee Requested by Councilmember Otero on March 24, 2026)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council provided consensus on this item.
13. Installing K- Rails at the Ceres Cemetery
Requested by Councilmember Casey at the April 6, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Casey introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding who would pay for the installation.
John Warren spoke regarding the responsibility of installing K- Rails and negative impacts of installing K- Rails.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included meeting with City staff and cemetery staff, how quickly things are expedited, process of this referral, and City liability.
Council provided consensus on this item.
14. Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting
Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the April 13, 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 provided consensus on this item.
15. Amending the Ceres Municipal Code to Eliminate City Council' s Healthcare Benefits and Reduce the City Council Stipend by 50%
Requested by Councilmember Otero at the May 11, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Sue Reynolds spoke in support of this referral.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included when the compensation was last adjusted, reduction in number of future candidates due to expenses while in council seat t, state law, and budget cuts.
Council did not provide consensus on this item.
16. Evaluate Strategies of Amending the Zoning Code to Diversify Business Types Requested by Councilmember Otero at the May 11, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding potential chicken restaurant not coming to Ceres.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the ICSC Conference, incoming businesses, and working with prospective businesses.
Council did not provide consensus on this item.
17. Form a Budget Committee with a Member from Each Council District Requested by Councilmember Casey at the May 11, 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 the referral, citizen engagement, community needs, budget process, budget workshops, beautifying Ceres, and completion of financial audits.
John Warren spoke in support of the referral, and responsibilities of a budget committee.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Council and staff discussion included merging this referral with the referral listed as item 12, quarterly financial report, including a committee member from each district, and next steps for this referral if consensus is provided.
Council provided consensus on merging this referral with the referral listed as item
12. 18. Reduce the Speed Limit by 5 MPH:
Eastgate Blvd. ( Hatch Rd. to Whitmore Ave.)
Boothe Rd. ( Hatch Rd. to Whitmore Ave.)
Moffet Rd. ( Hatch Rd. to Whitmore Ave.)
Moffet Rd. ( River Rd. to Hatch Rd.)
Requested by Councilmember Otero on May 13, 2026)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Dave Pratt spoke regarding speeding regardless of speed limit.
John Warren spoke in support of lowering the speed limit and City Engineer authorization.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding the cost to change signage.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included speeding behavior, cost of lowering the speed limit, inclusive of all councilmembers' request, amending the contract, increasing the compensation of the contract, AB 43 compliance, speed limit mandates for 2031, engineer's report, and liability.
Council did not provide consensus on this item.
19. Report on Watering Days & Increase to Three Watering Days per Week Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the June 22, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Dave Pratt spoke regarding water bill cost and water waste.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
John Warren spoke regarding limit of gallons of water per customer per month.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding the cost to change signage.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included last time this was discussed, water use efficiency objectives, water allotment, fines or penalties from the state, drought conditions, and water supply for new development.
Council provided consensus on this item.
20. Safety around Smyrna Park
Requested by Vice Mayor Martinez at the June 22, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
John Warren spoke regarding criminal activity and trash in the City parks.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding trash in the City parks, garbage receptacles, and homelessness.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included Active Transportation and HSIP Projects, cost of upgrades, and cameras at Smyrna Park.
Council provided consensus on this item.
21. Review 2021 CARES Act Audit & RAD Funding
Requested by Councilmember Otero at the June 22, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke regarding grants and contribution revenue, single year audit, City Council obligation, public records request, forensic audit, Civil Grand Jury, turnover rate, and Measure L quarterly audits.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council provided consensus on this item.
22. Locate Resolution on General Fund Reserve Percentage Requested by Mayor Lopez at the June 22, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting) Mayor Lopez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Dave Pratt spoke regarding the reserve percentage being raised, Covid, cost of living, food trucks, and cost of doing business.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included historic reserve percentage, timeline of when it changed, Government Finance Officers Associations recommendation, past budget and study discussions, step percentage, recordation of general fund reserve percentage, and comparing what other cities do.
Council provided consensus on this item.
REPORTS
Mayor
Nothing to report.
City Council
Vice Mayor Martinez spoke regarding Concerts in the Park and a group of community members who cleaned up the rose garden at Smyrna Park.
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding adopt- a- park, Point in Time Count, and Concerts in the Park.
City Manager
Nothing to report.
City Attorney
Nothing to report.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
Departments
Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, spoke regarding tobacco enforcement update, National Night Out, 4th of July efforts, golf cart and low speed vehicles in Ceres, Lazy Wheels, and Coffee with the Chief.
Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, spoke regarding the shut down on Richland Ave., and a grant application.
Public Works Superintendent, Josh Casas, spoke regarding notices sent to customers.
CLOSED SESSION
23. Public Employee Appointment, Cal. Gov't Code § 54957( b)( 1) Title: City Manager
24. 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
25. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation, Cal. Gov' t Code § 54956. 9( d)( 2)
Potential Case: 1 case
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 from Closed Session the following information:
23. Direction was provided to staff.
24. A settlement has been reached with a vote of 4/ 0/ 0/ 1 ( one abstention).
25. Direction was provided to staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on July 27, 2026, at 6: 00 p. m. in the City Council Chambers located in the Community Center at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, CA.
MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
July 13, 2026
There being no further business, Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 11: 43 p. m. ier Lo z, Mayor
w
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.