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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, July 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 July 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
I District 3 District 4
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor Mayor Lopez Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Present Present Present Present Present
INVOCATION
Invocation by Katherine Reeves.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Katherine Reeves.
A. PRESENTATIONS
1. Health Center Week Proclamation
Staff members from Golden Valley Health Center accepted the proclamation.
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CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda ( five minutes)
Abby Pendleton provided an update on Assemblyman Juan Alanis' office.
Guneet Bella spoke regarding support provided by The Remedy Project and workshops coming this fall.
Laura McCullough spoke regarding red curbs, parking, safety, and traffic around Smyrna Park.
Brandy Meyer spoke regarding a Chamber of Commerce night at the Modesto Roadsters Game on August 27, 2026.
Deputy City Clerk, Cristina Aguilar, read an email into the record from Evelyn Parra regarding Vice Mayor Martinez' post on Facebook about cleaning up a gas station and the condition of City parks.
Deputy City Clerk, Cristina Aguilar, read an email into the record from Melanie Casas regarding the condition of public areas in Ceres, landscaping, maintenance, fees and accountability.
Deputy City Clerk, Cristina Aguilar, read an email into the record from Rebekah Lopez regarding installing a three- way stop at North Central Avenue and El Camino Avenue.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
Councilmember Vierra declared a conflict of interest with item # 12.
B. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/ COMMISSIONS
None
C. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the July 27, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on Wednesday, July 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. Approval of Minutes for the July 13, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
City Clerk)
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4. Register of Audited Demand( s) Dated July 1, 2026, through July 15, 2026. ( Portillo)
5. Removed for separate consideration.
6. Resolution No. 2026- 87, Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services for Capital Projects with Consor North America Inc. and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Amendment.
Beltran)
7. Resolution No. 2026- 88, Approving Project Agreement No. 5 to the Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services with Consor North America for the Well 45 Water Supply Project in the Amount of $ 626, 745. 00 and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. ( Beltran)
8. Removed for separate consideration.
9. Resolution No. 2026- 90, Approving an Agreement for Time & Attendance Services with UKG in the Amount of $ 20, 961 and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. ( Vasquez)
10. Resolution No. 2026- 91, Approving a Three-Year Joint Powers Agreement ( JPA) with Stanislaus Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Purpose of Enforcing Drug Laws and Investigating Violent Crimes in Stanislaus County and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Joint Powers Agreement. ( Johnson)
11. Removed for separate consideration.
12. Removed for separate consideration.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving items C. 1. — C. 4., C. 6. — C. 7., and C. 9. — C. 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
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM( S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 5 : Removed for separate consideration by Mayor Lopez Resolution No. 2026- 86, Approving a Professional Services Agreement with AM Signal for the Citywide Intelligent Transportation System ( ITS) Modernization Project Including Miovision Traffic Detection Technology and Avigilon Public Safety Cameras in the Amount of $ 1, 995, 022. 88, Authorizing a 20% Contingency in the Amount of$ 399, 004. 58, Authorizing a Budget Amendment in the Amount of
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828, 165. 16, Authorizing the Transfer of Funds from Completed Projects in the Amount of $ 365, 862. 30, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement. ( Beltran)
Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Josh ( no last name provided) spoke regarding Al capabilities of software, retention period for data points, and who will have access to data.
Lucille C. spoke regarding status slurry sealing program and funding for the program.
Galen Guzman spoke regarding where the project funds were transferred from, data access policy and procedures, auditing access, and Measure L reports on the City' s website.
Laura McCullough spoke regarding using Measure L funds for lighted crosswalks, painting red curbs, and no parking signs.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included traffic engineer response time, funding, timeframe to update all 39 intersections, traffic during installation, spacing of traffic lights on Mitchell Road, traffic light synchronization, other projects Measure L funding can be used for, who has access to Avigilant system.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item C. S. 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 8 : Removed for separate consideration by Mayor Lopez Resolution 2026- 89, Approving a Budget Amendment for the Purchase of a New Vehicle from Rush Truck Center and Upfitting of the New AVA Vehicle. ( Johnson) Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, introduced the item.
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Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included funding and reaching out to the union.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item C. B. 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 11 : Removed for separate consideration by Mayor Lopez Resolution No. 2026- 92, Authorizing the Unfreezing of One ( 1) Full- Time Equivalent ( FTE) Police Sergeant Position and Freezing One ( 1) Full- Time Equivalent Police Officer Position within the Police Department Budget and Position Allocation Roster. ( Johnson)
Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Shirley Rogers spoke in favor of unfreezing a Seargeant position and against freezing a Police Officer position.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included what type of coverage for Sergeant overtime hours, effect on patrol staffing and overtime, and promotions.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item C. 11. 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 12 : Removed for separate consideration by Mayor Lopez
12. Resolution 2026- 93, Approving the Waiver of all City Fees Associated with National Night Out Events and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Implement the Fee Waiver. ( Johnson)
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Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Michael Borges spoke in favor of the item.
Nasson Sanchez spoke in favor of the item and the meaning of National Night Out.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the fee amount, goal of National Night Out, event guidelines, Temporary Use Permit application process, permit for road closure, and the permitting process in other cities.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Otero, approving item C. 12. Motion carried 4/ 0/ 0/ 1 by the following roll call vote:
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Abstain Yes Yes Yes
D. NFINISHED BUSINESS
None
E. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Approving the Amendments to the Ceres Municipal Code to Implement the 2023- 2031 Housing Element
Resolution No. 2026- 94, Approving the Adoption of the Water and Sewer Service Priority Allocation for Lower- Income Affordable Housing Policy (Aguirre) Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager, Julian Aguirre, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included fire and safety requirements for higher density lots, parking, State Density Bonus Law, compliance status if this item is not adopted, effect on General Plan, comparison to State requirements, public transportation, affordable housing, effect on future housing, zones that allow mobile and manufactured homes.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by Mayor Lopez, approving the Ordinance for item E. 1. 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
Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by Mayor Lopez, approving the Resolution for item E. 1. 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
F. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution No. 2026- 95, Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC for the George Costa Fields Lighting Enhancement Project in the Amount of $ 248, 552. 84, Approving a 10% Construction Contingency in the Amount of$ 24, 855. 28, Approving a Budget Amendment in the Total Amount of$ 273, 408. 12 from Fund 679, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Professional Services Agreement. ( Beltran)
City Engineer, Mike Beltran, presented the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke Shirley Rogers spoke in favor of the item.
Laura McCullough regarding the amount of usage the park gets.
Ismael Ontiveros spoke in support of the project and lighting on field 4.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included time invested in this project, who installed the previous lights, cost of previous installation, funding, were ARPA funds used on previous project, holding Access Electric accountable, lighting on field 3, why Musco was selected, and funding impact on other parks.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item F. 1. Motion carried 5/ 0/ 0/ 0 by the following roll call vote:
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 27, 2026
Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Vice Mayor
Mayor Lopez
Casey Vierra Otero Martinez
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2. Resolution No. 2026- 96, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Special Taxes for Fiscal Year 2026/27 within the City of Ceres Community Facilities District No. 1 Public Services) ( Beltran)
3. Resolution No. 2026- 97, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Special Taxes for Fiscal Year 2026/ 27 within the City of Ceres Community Facilities District No. 2 Public Services) ( Beltran)
City Engineer, Mike Beltran, presented the items F. 2. and F. 3. at the same time.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman inquired on when the company was hired that did the study, why Consumer Price Index ( CPI) numbers from March 2026 were used, why CPI from San Francisco- Oakland- San Jose metropolitan area was used, and the estimated landscaping cost.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included CPI used each year, taxes, if the increase is monthly or annually, fees collected, cost of landscaping, and the percent that goes to public safety and maintenance.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item F. 2. 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
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item F. 3. 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
4. Resolution No. 2026- 98, Accepting Proposition 64 Grant Funds, Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Grant
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July 27, 2026
Documents. ( Johnson)
Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, presented the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding addressing liquor in the project.
Sue Reynolds spoke regarding drugs at pop- up events.
Galen Guzman spoke inquired on why the City applied for the grant, how information is disseminated, Fentanyl test strips, and an article regarding Fentanyl from 2025.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included lawful cannabis businesses, street vendors, test strips, auditing plan for grant funding, use of past asset forfeiture money, funding for recreation and youth activities, and the Code Enforcement Officer Position that will be funded for 5 years.
Action: Motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Vierra, approving item F. 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
G. DISCUSSION ITEMS
13. Direction Regarding the Proposed Annexation of the Ceres Fire Protection District into the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District. ( Hunter) Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Hunter, introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included LAFCO action, fire services, agreement between the City of Ceres and Ceres Fire Protection District, revenue from agreement, fee increase to residents in the district, negotiations, and fire response time.
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 27, 2026
Action: Motion by Mayor Lopez, seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez, approving staff to begin having conversations regarding a new agreement with Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District . 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
H. COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS
1. Arts Culture Commission
Requested by Mayor Lopez on July 13, 2026)
Mayor Lopez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Shirley Rogers asked for the commission to create an art show.
Galen Guzman suggested adding a mural at Morgan Road and Kinser Road.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included how referrals will be prioritized.
Council provided consensus on this item.
2. Save Our Roads Initiative
Requested by Mayor Lopez on July 13, 2026)
Mayor Lopez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke regarding transparency, information being available online, and providing project completion dates and project cost on Measure L signs.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the capital improvement project list, project completion dates, and listing all projects and progress in one place.
Council provided consensus on this item.
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3. Parks for All Program
Requested by Mayor Lopez on July 13, 2026)
Mayor Lopez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke in support of this item and benefits of investing in parks.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included last time the updating the parks Master Plan was, Independence Park playground, and Lions Park.
Council provided consensus on this item.
4. Home Buyers Assistance
Requested by Mayor Lopez on July 13, 2026)
Mayor Lopez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
Council and staff discussion included the program helping Ceres residents stay in Ceres.
Council provided consensus on this item.
5. Town Hall Meetings
Requested by Mayor Lopez on July 13, 2026)
Mayor Lopez introduced the referral.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:
Galen Guzman spoke in support of this item and inquired when the last town hall meeting was held.
Shirley Rogers spoke regarding multiple items from multiple districts being discussed during the town hall meetings.
Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
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Council and staff discussion included number of townhall meetings each year, public safety forums requested in a previous referral, meetings at different times of the day, and having the public select the topics to be discussed.
Council provided consensus on this item.
NEW REFERRALS
Speed Limit Study with Signs Replaced with Measure L Funds Requested by Councilmember Vierra)
REPORTS
Mayor
Mayor Lopez spoke regarding the Champions Make Chances event at the Community Center on July 25, 2026.
City Council
Vice Mayor Martinez spoke regarding cleaning up Triple R Gas Station, requested an update on the gas station, whether Code Enforcement can cite properties with overgrown weeds for blight and an update on City parks.
Councilmember Otero thanked the community for reporting issues at Ochoa Park, spoke regarding previous maintenance at Ochoa Park, and the future park maintenance plan.
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding Concerts in the Park, public safety appreciation barbecue, clean- up of graffiti at Don Pedro Park, Fabiolous Auto Body & Repair Center car show, Tuscany Village, the Champions Make Chances boxing event, free swim day at Red Shield, Apostolic Jubilee Center family night, National Night Out and Central Valley Stadium ribbon cutting.
City Manager
Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, gave an update on the plan to tackle overgrown parks
City Attorney
Nothing to report.
Departments
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Police Chief, Trenton Johnson, gave an update on Lazy Wheels Mobile Home Park, Officers Kyle Hatcher and Christian Diaz receiving an award from Sacramento Region Mothers Against Drunk Driving ( MADD) Awards, and a donated K- 9 vehicle now in use on the street.
J. CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators, Gov. Code, § 54956. 8 Property: APN: 127- 016- 014
Agency Negotiation: Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, and City Attorney, Nubia Goldstein
Negotiating Parties: Judicial Council of California
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. Public Employee Appointment, Cal. Gov't Code § 54957( b)( 1) Title: City Manager
Mayor Lopez introduced the item.
Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.
K. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Lopez reported out that direction was provided to staff for Closed Session items J. 1. and J. 2.
ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on August 10, 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 11: 31 p. m.
J ier Lop , Mayor
Cristina Aguilar, De uty City Clerk
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Regular City Council Meeting
July 27, 2026
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.