Agenda packet — Ceres City Council, September 14, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

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AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, September 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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
Roll Call
Mayor: Javier Lopez
Vice Mayor: Daniel A. Martinez
Councilmembers: James Casey (District 1); Rosalinda L. Vierra (District 2); Cerina Otero (District 3) Invocation
Invocation by Dick Conners, Ceres First Baptist Church
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance led by Hope Fraser, Westport Elementary A. Presentations

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AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
September 14, 2026

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1. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Proclamation

2. Lowrider History Day Proclamation

3. Richland Faith Assembly of God 75th Anniversary Proclamation Citizen Communications
While the City Council welcomes and encourages participation in City Council meetings, adopted rules allow no more than 5 minutes (Resolution No. 2007-106) for expression of non-agenda items.

Matters under the jurisdiction of the City Council, and not on the posted agenda, may be addressed by the general public; however, California law prohibits the City Council from taking action on any matter which is not on the posted agenda unless it is determined to be an emergency by the City Council. Citizens are entitled to address the City Council on any agenda item subject to the 5-minute provision.

Conflict of Interest Declaration
B. Appointments to Boards/Commissions
C. Consent Calendar
All matters listed on the consent calendar are considered routine in nature and will be enacted by a single motion unless otherwise requested by an individual Councilmember or public for special consideration. Otherwise, the recommendation of staff will be accepted and acted upon by roll call vote.

1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the September 14, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on September 9, 2026.

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).

3. Approval of Minutes for the August 24, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting. (Fallon Martin)

4. Register of Audited Demand(s) Dated August 13, 2026, through September 2, 2026 (Vanessa Portillo)

5. Resolution
Approving an Agreement with the County of Stanislaus, through its Auditor-Controller’s Office, for Property Tax and Direct Assessment Services through June 30, 2031, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Michael Beltran)

6. Resolution
Authorizing an Application to Standard Insurance Company for Vision Benefits and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Application (Delilah Vasquez)

7. Ordinance
Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of

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AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
September 14, 2026

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Ceres Adding Section 9.01.070, Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas, to Chapter 01, Disorderly Conduct of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Moral of the Ceres Municipal Code (Trenton Johnson)

8. Ordinance
Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Section 9.16.120, Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only, to Chapter 16, Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Morals, of the Ceres Municipal Code (Trenton Johnson)

9. Resolution
Approving an Agreement with Capitol Advocacy Partners for Grant Watch, Federal Advocacy, and As-Needed Grant Writing Services at a Reduced Rate of $2,500 per Month, Plus As-Needed Grant Writing Fees Based on Application Narrative Length, Including an Amount Not to Exceed $19,500 for the California Community Resiliency Center Grant Application, Appropriating $42,690 from General Fund Balance to 10065-029900 (Contracted Services), Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Steve Williams)

10. Resolution
Authorizing the City of Ceres to Apply for, Accept, and Implement Funding through the California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Program Round 2 Implementation Grant (Steve Williams)
Consideration of Item(s) Removed from the Consent Calendar D. Unfinished Business
E. Public Hearing

1. Resolution
Recommending the City of Ceres City Council to Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (Julian Aguirre) F. New Business
G. Discussion Items

1. Discussion Regarding Planning Commission Member Compensation (Julian Aguirre)

2. Independence Park Playground Replacement (Joshua Casas) H. Councilmember Referrals
Councilmembers request to have an agenda item placed on a future agenda (pursuant to Chapter 2 - City Council Meetings, J-8. City Council Referrals/Determination of Items for Agenda).

1. Establish a Council Policy on Protocols for Reporting Out Requirements from Closed Session

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AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
September 14, 2026

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(Requested by Councilmember Otero on August 13, 2026)

2. Create a Citizen Advisory Committee for Downtown Revitalization (Requested by Councilmember Otero on August 24, 2026)
I. Reports
At this time, any Councilmembers or City staff will make an announcement, or report briefly on his/her activities.
● Mayor
● City Council
● City Manager
● City Attorney
● Departments
J. Closed Session

1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, Cal. Gov't Code § 54956.9 Name of Case: Coalition for Clean Air v. City of Ceres
Stanislaus County Superior Court Case Number: CV-26-007516

2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, Cal. Gov’t Code § 54956.9(d)(2) Potential Case: 1 case
K. Report from Closed Session
Adjournment
The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on September 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in the Community Center at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, CA.

AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Fallon Martin, City Clerk for the City of Ceres, declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing agenda for the Regular City Council Meeting was posted on September 9, 2026, at the following locations in Ceres:
• Community Center Display Case - 2701 Fourth Street
________________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk

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AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
September 14, 2026

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Council Agenda:

The City Council agenda is available for public review on the City’s website (www.ceres.gov) and posted at the time and places noted above.

Related Materials:

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall located at 2220 Magnolia Street, Ceres, CA during normal business hours. Persons with questions concerning any agenda item may call the City Clerk’s Office at (209) 538-5731.

Notice regarding Americans with Disabilities Act:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting or if you need the agenda and/or the documents in the agenda packet provided in an alternative format, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (209) 538-5731 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made (28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA TITLE II).

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PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS

SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, September is known in the United States as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which is intended to raise mental health awareness and proactive suicide prevention resources; and
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts and mental health concerns can affect anyone; and
WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 49,000 people die by suicide each year; and
WHEREAS, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ceres supports those who work in the fields of mental health, education, and first responders; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ceres encourages all residents to educate themselves about mental health and take active steps to care for their own mental health; and WHEREAS, the City of Ceres recognizes the importance of having conversations regarding the destigmatization of such topics and helping connect people with available resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED I, Javier Lopez, Mayor of the City of Ceres, on behalf of the City Council, Vice Mayor Daniel A. Martinez, Councilmembers James Casey, Rosalinda L. Vierra, and Cerina Otero, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Proclaimed this 14th day of September 2026
___________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor

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PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 26, 2026, AS

LOWRIDER HISTORY DAY

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, lowrider culture began in Mexican-American communities in Southern California in the mid-to-late 1940s; and
WHEREAS, lowrider culture embodies the spirit of community and rests upon a broad foundation of culture, brotherhood, faith, creativity, and tradition; and WHEREAS, the owners work tirelessly to transform cars that have often been in their families for decades into masterpieces to maintain and nurture an artistic cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, lowriders are a unique artistic expression that have evolved into a modern-day metaphor for contemporary Hispanic life; and WHEREAS, the uniqueness of lowriders was affirmed in 1992 when curators from the Smithsonian Institution featured a custom-modified 1969 Ford LTD lowrider to highlight Chicano and Latino history.

Proclaimed this 14th day of September 2026
___________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor

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PROCLAIMING
RICHLAND FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD’S 75th ANNIVERSARY

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, Richland Faith Assembly of God began as South Modesto Assembly of God; and
WHEREAS, the founding pastor, Reverend Charlie Clark eventually moved the church in 1964 to its current location of 1201 Richland Avenue; and WHEREAS, the church was a regular stop for many well-known gospel music artists, and the church continues to host gospel music artists; and WHEREAS, Richland Faith Assembly of God hosts a number of events throughout the year such as the free vacation bible school, parking lot sale, Mother’s Day tea party, trunk-or-treat, Backpack Blessing, and this November its first Thanksgiving dinner giveaway; and
WHEREAS, only on its 6th pastor, Richland Faith Assembly of God is committed to live out its theme of “Holding Forth the Word of Life” in the next 75 years as it has don’t in the first 75 years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED I, Javier Lopez, Mayor of the City of Ceres, on behalf of the City Council, Vice Mayor Daniel A. Martinez, Councilmembers James Casey, Rosalinda L. Vierra, and Cerina Otero, do hereby proclaim Richland Faith Assembly of God’s 75th Anniversary.

Proclaimed this 14th day of September 2026
___________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor

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DRAFT MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY OF CERES, CALIFORNIA
(via ZOOM and in-person)
City Council Chambers, 2701 Fourth Street
Monday, August 24, 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 August 24, 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
Councilmember
Casey
District 2
Councilmember
Vierra
District 3
Councilmember
Otero
District 4
Vice Mayor
Martinez
Mayor Lopez
Present Present Present Absent Present

INVOCATION
Invocation by Chris Henry, Hope Tree Church.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Lopez.

A. PRESENTATIONS

1. Patriot Day Proclamation
Modesto Fire accepted the proclamation.

2. Hope Tree Church's 100th Anniversary Proclamation
Chris Henry with Hope Tree Church accepted the proclamation.

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS to the Council on matters not included on the agenda (five minutes)
Danielle Morgart provided updates from Assemblyman Juan Alanis’ office.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
None
B. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
None
C. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Clerks Report of Posting. The agenda of the August 24, 2026, City Council Meeting was Posted on August 19, 2026.

3. Approval of Minutes for the August 10, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting. (Fallon Martin)

4. Resolution 2026-104
Approving a Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC (MGT) for State Mandated Cost Claiming Services (SB90) and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Vanessa Portillo)

5. Resolution 2026-105
Approving a Contract with E & J Gallo Winery for their Use of the Police Department Range for a Term of Five (5) Years at a Use Rate of $125.00 Per Day and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Contract (Trenton Johnson)

6. Resolution 2026-106
Approving the Subdivision Improvement Agreement and Recordation of the Final Parcel Map for Sambella Plaza and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement and Related Security Documents (Michael Beltran)

7. Resolution
Approving an Agreement with Capitol Advocacy Partners for Grant Watch, Federal Advocacy, and As-Needed Grant Writing Services at a Reduced Rate of $2,500 per Month, Plus As-Needed Grant Writing Fees Based on Application Narrative Length, Including an Amount Not to Exceed $19,500 for the California Community

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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Resiliency Center Grant Application, Appropriating $42,690 from General Fund Balance to 10065-029900 (Contracted Services), and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Steve Williams)
*This item was pulled by staff and not considered.

8. Resolution 2026-107
Approving an Agreement with Capitol Advocacy Partners for Prop 64 Grant Management Services in an Amount of $1,700 per Month through June 30, 2027, to be Reimbursed by the Prop 64 Grant and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Trenton Johnson)

9. Removed for separate consideration.

10. Removed for separate consideration.

11. Register of Audited Demand(s) Dated July 31, 2026, through August 12, 2026 (Vanessa Portillo)

12. Public Works Monthly Report for June 2026 (Joshua Casas)

13. Resolution 2026-110
Authorizing the Submission of the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Application for the Fiscal Years 2026-2028 to CalRecycle (Joshua Casas)

14. Resolution 2026-111
Approving the Addition of the Sign and Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity Project to the Capital Improvement Program; Establishing a New Project String; Approving a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $139,905; Approving Project Agreement No. 1 with TJKM Transportation Consultants under the Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services; Authorizing Staff to Apply for Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle 13 Grant Funding for Implementation of Recommended Improvements; and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Michael Beltran)
Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving items C.1. – C.6., C.8., C.11. – C.14. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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CONSIDERATION OF ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item 9 : Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution 2026-108
Approving a Facility Use Agreement between the City of Ceres and the Ceres Unified School District for the Mutual Use of Public Facilities and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Steve Williams) Councilmember Otero inquired about a link for the fees in the agreement.

Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.

Council and staff discussed links in the agreement, estimated cost for lining the soccer fields, credits for use, previous facilities use agreement, terms of the new agreement, aquatics program, hoopsters program, and third party use.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item C.9. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes
Item 10 : Removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Otero Resolution 2026-109
Approving the Landscaping and Maintenance Agreement with Elite Maintenance & Tree Service for City Right-of-Ways in the Amount of $129,720.00 and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Joshua Casas) Councilmember Otero spoke regarding the City monitoring the irrigation along City rights-of-way.

Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.

Council and staff discussed short-term contract, contract term, request for proposals, number of bids received, interim assistance at River Bluff and Smyrna Park, landscaping in the Tuolumne River Road area, service area, River Ranch, and the process for interim agreement.

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item C.10. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
E. PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Section 9.01.070, Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas, to Chapter 01, Disorderly Conduct of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Moral of the Ceres Municipal Code (Trenton Johnson) Acting Police Chief, Travis Hudson, introduced the item.

Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:

Steven Patterson spoke in support of the ordinance.

Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item E.1. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes

2. Ordinance
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Section 9.16.120, Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only, to Chapter 16, Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Morals, of the Ceres Municipal Code (Trenton Johnson)
Acting Police Chief, Travis Hudson, introduced the item.

Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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Council and staff discussed state law, keeping parks and youth safe, penalties, and who is responsible for prosecuting.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item E.2. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes

3. Resolution 2026-112
Approving the Annual Report of the Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area (CDRA) for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and Setting a Public Hearing for October 12, 2026, to Levy an Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (Julian Aguirre) Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager, Julian Aguirre, introduced the item.

Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:

Shane Parson spoke regarding downtown parking issues and outdoor gazebos.

Shirley Rogers spoke regarding roundabouts and parking stalls.

Barinder Kaur spoke regarding business license fees.

Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.

Council and staff discussed recommendations on participating in the discussion on October 12th, downtown project in 2018, maintaining downtown, when the assessments were created, communications to the public for participation, difficulty in getting business owners to attend, creating a board for downtown, downtown parking, parking lot next to the Community Center, and parking referral.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item E.3. Motion carried 3/1/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
No Yes Yes Absent Yes

4. Ordinance 2026-1100
Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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City of Ceres Adding Chapter 15.18, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit Expediting, to Title 15, Buildings and Construction, of the Ceres Municipal Code (Nubia Goldstein)
City Attorney, Nubia Goldstein, introduced the item.

Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed the public hearing.

Council and staff discussed the number of charging stations in the Community Center parking lot, CalGreen compliance, and process of processing permits prior to this ordinance.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item E.4. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes
F. NEW BUSINESS

1. Resolution 2026-113
Amending the Capital Improvement Program to Add the Hatch Road Widening Project to the Existing SRWA South Transmission Main Project, Accepting $480,000 in Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds, Approving Budget Amendments Appropriating $480,000 in Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds and $120,000 in Measure L Funds, Approving Project Agreement No. 6 with Westwood Professional Services, Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $550,000, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Michael Beltran) Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, presented the item.

Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. The following members of the public spoke:

Shirley Rogers spoke regarding representation for District 4.

Mayor Lopez closed public comment.

Council and staff discussion included notification of property owners, timeline before construction, grant funding and Measure L funds.

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item F.1. and striking two “WHEREAS” on the resolution related to a public hearing. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes

2. Resolution 2026-114
Appropriating Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Funds to Account 26895.800500 (2530) for Preliminary Engineering, Environmental Documentation, and Final Design for the State Route 99/Service Road/Mitchell Road Interchange Project (Michael Beltran) Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, presented the item.

Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item F.2 and approving a budget amendment. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes

3. Resolution 2026-115
Declaring the City's Intent to Negotiate and Enter into a Revenue Sharing Agreement with the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Following the Proposed Annexation of the Ceres Fire Protection District (Steve Williams) Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, presented the item.

Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.

Action: Motion by Councilmember Vierra, seconded by
Councilmember Otero, approving item F.3. Motion carried 4/0/1/0 by the following roll call vote:

Councilmember
Casey
Councilmember
Vierra
Councilmember
Otero
Vice Mayor
Martinez Mayor Lopez
Yes Yes Yes Absent Yes

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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G. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting (Fallon Martin) 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 receiving Vice Mayor Martinez’s input, training and education for Planning Commissioners, Planning Commission Academy, annual trainings, changes in laws, housing, and role and responsibilities of Planning Commissioners.

H. COUNCILMEMBER REFERRALS

1. Hold on Administrative Personnel Changes for 90 Days (Requested by Councilmember Otero at the August 10, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting)
Councilmember Otero introduced the referral.

Mayor Lopez asked for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Lopez closed public comment.

Council and staff discussion included the City Manager’s role and responsibilities and day-to-day operations.

Council did not provide consensus on this item.

NEW REFERRALS
Creating a Citizen Advisory Committee on Downtown Revitalization (Requested by Councilmember Otero)
I. REPORTS
• Mayor
Mayor Lopez spoke regarding the start of the football season. • City Council
Councilmember Vierra spoke regarding Tuscany Village, SWAT dinner, upcoming Ted Hawkins Memorial Community Garden ribbon cutting, Modesto Gospel Mission Gala, and College fair at Modesto Junior College.

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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Councilmember Casey spoke regarding Patriots Day and a 9/11 ceremony put on by the VFW.

Councilmember Otero spoke regarding improvements throughout the City and thanked City staff.
• City Manager
Interim City Manager, Steve Williams, spoke regarding an upcoming LAFCO meeting, Military Appreciation Committee meeting, and thanked Public Works staff. • City Attorney
Nothing to report.
• Departments
Engineering Director, Mike Beltran, spoke regarding the City Hall sewer replacement project and the Hatch Road project.

Redevelopment & Economic Development Director, Julian Aguirre, spoke regarding the Modesto Roadster’s Ceres Night and Night Market.

Public Works Superintendent, Josh Casas, thanked Public Works staff and the lead and copper sampling project.

Acting Police Chief, Travis Hudson, spoke regarding the Ceres SWAT dinner, missing person case, Code Enforcement, and Triple R gas station.

Assistant Fire Chief, Andrew Hunter, spoke regarding water availability during time of water shut off due to the Hatch Road project.

J. CLOSED SESSION

1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, Cal Gov’t Code §54956.9(d)(2)
Potential Cases: 1 case
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 announced there was no reportable action.

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DRAFT MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting
August 24, 2026

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ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled City Council Meeting will be held on September 14, 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 8:57 p.m. ______________________________
Javier 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.

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City Council approves the register of audited demand(s) dated August 13, 2026 through September 2, 2026, covering obligations to be paid by general warrants in the amount of $3,050,327.71.

Background:

In accordance with Section 37202 of the Government Code of the State of California this is presented here with a summary of demands against the City of Ceres covering obligations to be paid for the period ending August 13, 2026, through September 2, 2026.

Each demand has been audited and I hereby certify to their accuracy and conformance with the budget. Sufficient funds are available for payment of these demands.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the register of audited demands has been examined by me and to the best of my knowledge and belief is a true, correct and complete listing of claims audited and payable.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The Finance Department monitors payments of invoices for accountability, accuracy, and completeness. Budgeted payrolls and demands paid by warrants or checks may be presented to the legislative body for ratification and approval. This allows for invoices to be paid in a timely manner to establish goodwill with merchants and allows for discounts

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to be taken where applicable.

Fiscal Impacts:

The attached listing represents the cash disbursements required of normal and usual operations during the period. The disbursements are accounted for in the FY 2026-27 budget. There is a $3,050,327.71. fiscal impact for the period of August 13, 2026, through September 2, 2026.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

N/A
Policy Alternatives:

N/A
Interdepartmental Coordination
N/A
Public Participation:

N/A
Environmental Review:

N/A
Steps Following Approval:

N/A
Attachments:

1. Attachment A - Register

Page 21 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
1 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Total: 3,028.24
08/19/26 CAL AIR SOLUTIONS INC. FS #15 A/C REPAIR 3,028.24 Total: 743.76
08/19/26 CA DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE SHARE OF COST APR-JUN26 743.76 24' FORD EXPLORER INSTALL FOR GATE OPENER @ PD 187.50
Total: 375.00
08/19/26 BIG JAY'S TIRES INC. 22' FORD EXPLORER INSTALL FOR GATE OPENER @ PD 187.50 Total: 592,002.69
08/19/26 BERTOLOTTI CERES DISPOSAL, INC JUL 2026 GARBAGE BILLING FRANCHISE FEE 592,002.69 Total: 1,500.00
08/19/26 AUTOZONE, INC. 07/31/26 - 07/30/2027 ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION 1,500.00 Total: 45.67
08/19/26 VELOCITY TRIPLE AUTOMOTIVE, INC SWITCH FOR UNIT 133 45.67 Total: 227.97
THROTTLE LEVER FOR FLEET 18.95
GUARD FOR EDGER 61.78
FLASHLIGHT BATTERY 24.74
VENT TANK LID & RING FOR FLEET 44.42
LED TOGGLE SWITCH 10.72
FILTERS 26.20
08/19/26 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC. BREATHER VENT LID FOR TANK @ PD 41.16 Total: 100.00
08/19/26 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTORS AUG 2026 SCADA SYSTEM MONTHLY MONITORING 100.00 PARKS SHOP LIGHT SWITCH 15.15
Total: 76.91
08/19/26 209 MULTIMEDIA CORPORATION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - DISORDERLY CONDUCT ORD 180.00 Voucher List
City of Ceres
08/19/26 JACT INC. WASP SPRAY 61.76
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE EV ORD 180.00
Total: 690.00
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - PARKS ORDINANCE 180.00
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CDRAB 150.00

Page 22 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
2 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 162.00
08/19/26 FORD MOTOR COMPANY TELEMATICS FOR PD VEHICLES 162.00 5 HYDRANTS 14,790.48
Total: 16,023.19
HYDRANT HIT @ MITCHELL & SERVICE 523.75
GLUE/ SHUT OFF 644.19
08/19/26 FERGUSON US HOLDINGS, INC 1 MANHOLE HOOK 64.77 CC ELEVATOR SERVICE 135.00
Total: 270.00
08/19/26 ELEVATOR TECHNOLOGY, INC. PD ELEVATOR SERVICE 135.00 22600026 7/1-31/2026 - DESIGN FOR SERVICE/MITCHELL INTER 59,699.19 Total: 71,759.19
08/19/26 DOKKEN ENGINEERING 22500024 7/1-31/2026 - CROWS LANDING RD REHAB 12,060.00 Total: 5,780.33
08/19/26 DAVID LANGLEY INC. 11 AUGUST 26 JANITORIAL SVCS COMM CNTR 5,780.33 Total: 176.70
08/19/26 DASH MEDICAL GLOVES, LLC NITRILE GLOVES FOR PATROL 176.70 Total: 1,411,462.00
08/19/26 CSJVRMA 14 W/C LIABILITY INSURANCE FY 26/27 1,411,462.00 Total: 1,698.90
08/19/26 COMPLETE PAPERLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC 22600126 LASERFICHE IMPORT AGENT 1,698.90 Total: 693.00
08/19/26 CLARK PEST CONTROL, INC, MIDGE ABATEMENT FOR JULY 26 693.00 Total: 25.00
08/19/26 CERES BODY SHOP, INC FLAT TOW FOR PD UNIT #243 25.00 Total: 77.38
08/19/26 CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, INC. FILL DIRT @ 1522 MOFFETT RD SERVICE LINE REPAIR 77.38

Page 23 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
3 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 2,192.43
08/19/26 JORGENSEN & SONS, INC FS #17 REPAIR FIRE RISER 2,192.43 Total: 598.00
08/19/26 JANA KIRCHERT 7/27-8/6/26 GET FIT/ZUMBA GOLD/AQUA FIT CLASSES 598.00 Total: 228.40
08/19/26 IMPERIAL BAG & PAPER CO. LLC PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER 228.40 Total: 434.50
08/19/26 INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 434.50 COMMUNITY CENTER HOOD SERVICE 260.63
Total: 449.73
08/19/26 I.C. REFRIGERATION SERVICE, INC. LEGION HALL HOOD SERVICE 189.10 Total: 10,446.54
08/19/26 HUNT & SONS LLC 7/16-7/31/26 FUEL FOR PD 10,446.54 Total: 2,295.00
08/19/26 GROVER LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC ANNUAL PALM TREE MAINENANCE @ WWTP 2,295.00 Total: 54.56
08/19/26 GREEN RUBBER-KENNEDY AG SPRINKLER PIPE FITTINGS 54.56 Total: 177.51
08/19/26 GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC 1.51 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 177.51 Total: 556.73
A/C FILTERS 67.62
A/C FILTERS 369.18
08/19/26 GRAINGER MULI TOOL FOR ON CALL TRUCK 119.93

1.34 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 137.75
Total: 934.47

1.10 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 123.42

1.68 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 182.79

3.08 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 326.13
ENVIRONMENTAL FEE FOR JUNE 23 FROM INV 2451 10.79
08/19/26 GEORGE REED, INC. 1.50 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 153.59

Page 24 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
4 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
6/8/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 86.60
6/1/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 240.15
7/27/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 184.47
7/20/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 81.38
4/6/26 MATS FOR PW ADMIN BUILDING 10.00
8/3/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WASTEWATER 181.63
8/03/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FLEET 29.85
8/03/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FACILITIES 24.00
7/20/26 UNIFORM SERVICE STREETS 55.11
7/27/26 UNIFORM SERVICE STREETS 94.93
08/19/26 MISSION LINEN SUPPLY 8-3-26 MATS FOR PW ADMIN BUILDING 10.00 Total: 301.00
08/19/26 TRENTON JOHNSON TJOHNSON PER DIEM 08/24/26-08/27/26 301.00 Total: 276.00
08/19/26 MATTHEW WILLIAMS M. WILLIAMS PER DIEM AUG24-27 WATEREUSE CONFERENCE 276.00 DISHWASHER REBATE #202 75.00
Total: 150.00
08/19/26 KIMBERLY PEREZ WASHING MACHINE REBATE #201 75.00 Total: 2,100.84
08/19/26 KEVIN GALLENKAMP GALLENKAMP: LODGING/PER DIEM K9 INSTR 8/24-9/4 2,100.84 Total: 440.00
08/19/26 JOSHUA CASAS J.CASAS PER DIEM 08/29/26 - 09/03/26 440.00 Total: 300.00
08/19/26 BRETT JOHNSON TURF REBATE #203 300.00
Total: 534.38
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 299.36
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 151.36
08/19/26 MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 83.66

4.15 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 384.20
Total: 512.08
08/19/26 MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS, INC. 1.34 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR PATCHING 127.88

Page 25 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
5 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
07/04/26-08/02/26 PG&E SRVCS 2701 4TH ST 336.71
Total: 901.61
08/19/26 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC PG&E SRVCS VARIOUS LOCATIONS 564.90 Total: 430.40
COPY PAPER 242.06
TONER, CORRECTION TAPE, STIRRERS 130.58
08/19/26 ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC BINDER DIVIDERS, COPY PAPER 57.76 Total: 14.75
08/19/26 O'REILLY AUTO PARTS BUSHINGS FOR PD UNIT 10-243-09 14.75 Total: 2,817.50
08/19/26 NORTHSTAR ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. 22600094 PROJECT PLANNING MANAGEMENT & REAP 2.0 2,817.50 Total: 520.00
08/19/26 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC 08/01/26-07/31/27 - VIGILANT LPR BASIC SERVICE 520.00 Total: 1,873.74
08/19/26 MOTOR PARTS DISTRIBUTORS INC OIL FILTERS, BRAKE PADS/ROTOR,VALVES,IGNITION COIL 1,873.74 Total: 377.38
PSI READER 111.63
VARIOUS PARTS FOR ON CALL TRUCK 89.41
HARD HATS / TAPE 107.65
PRESSURE GAUGE ADAPTERS 92.76
08/19/26 MODESTO WINDUSTRIAL CO REFUND SS/ NIPPLES/ STOCK FOR SAMPLE TRUCK -24.07 Total: 338.31
08/19/26 MODESTO WELDING PRODUCTS INC. HITCH 338.31
8/10/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 125.88
Total: 1,333.89
8/10/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FLEET 29.85
8/10/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FACILITIES 24.00
4/27/26 GLOVES FOR FLEET 89.51
3/16/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FLEET 31.73
8/10/26 MATS FOR PW ADMIN BUILDING 10.00
4/6/26 UNIFORM SEVICE FACILITIES 24.80

Page 26 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
6 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 1,352.02
ROLLER 60.37
STEERING CONTROL 1,213.07
08/19/26 TURF STAR INC NUTS AND BOLTS, ROLLERS 78.58
Total: 1,479.32
08/19/26 SUNBELT RENTALS, INC. JACK HAMMER FOR SERVICE TRUCK 1,479.32 Total: 8,043.28
08/19/26 STANISLAUS COUNTY FY 2026 DUI COST ALLOCATION 8,043.28 Total: 16,736.00
08/19/26 STANISLAUS COUNTY ACCELA CLOUD SIX SOFTWARE LICENSES 7/1/26-6/30/27 16,736.00 Total: 5,600.00
08/19/26 JEFF C BURROWS SCADA SERVICES FOR VALVES AND PUMPS WTR/PARKS/WWTP 5,600.00 Total: 41.62
08/19/26 SAFE T LITE OF MODESTO INC 2 SAFETY VESTS 41.62 Total: 450.00
08/19/26 COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO CHIEF JOHNSON-LE EXECUTIVE SUMMIT AUG 25-26 2026 450.00 Total: 6,105.00
08/19/26 ROLFE CONSTRUCTION INC. DAMAGED LIFT STATION LID REPLACEMENT 6,105.00 HVAC MOTOR FOR PD 231.87
Total: 746.83
08/19/26 REFRIGERATION SUPPLIES DIST HVAC MOTOR 514.96
Total: 80.00
08/19/26 ATHZIRI URBINA URBINA P10668 8/16/26 RFND SMYRNA PARK 80.00 Total: 1,676.00
08/19/26 RAYMOND R. LOPEZ PREP PAINT FOR PD UNIT 41-246-22 1,676.00 Total: 1,204.51
08/19/26 PRICE FORD OF TURLOCK, INC. 20 F150 ROTOR, BRAKE PADS FY -26/27 1,204.51 Total: 1,470.00
08/19/26 PEZZONI ENGINEERING, INC WELL#38 TID DISCHARGE IMPROVEMENTS 1,470.00 Total: 265.30
08/19/26 PACIFIC STORAGE COMPANY 8/1/26 - 8/31/26 PD SHREDDING 265.30

Page 27 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
7 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 56.19
08/19/26 GARCIA-AGUILAR, LUIS UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 6000 56.19 Total: 86.03
08/19/26 GARCIA LOZANO, CRISTIAN UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0212 86.03 Total: 74.01
08/19/26 EL SALTO LLC UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0370 74.01
Total: 325.81
08/19/26 DON PEDRO ESTATES UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 6100 325.81 Total: 41.84
08/19/26 DOG MONEY THE BRAND LLC UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0030 41.84 Total: 37.39
08/19/26 CUEVAS, ALANE HUGO UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0201 37.39 Total: 382.14
08/19/26 CUEVAS ALVAREZ, ANTONIA UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0010 382.14 Total: 139.76
08/19/26 COMPANY, AURORA COFFEE UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0040 139.76 Total: 235.06
08/19/26 CLAIRE, SANDEEP SIMI UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0160 235.06 Total: 74.46
08/19/26 BRAZIL, RICHARD A UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0380 74.46 Total: 539.14
08/19/26 BLACK, SHERRIE M UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0030 539.14 Total: 140.78
08/19/26 BAWCUM, AILEEN UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0240 140.78 Total: 31.24
08/19/26 BARAJAS, VANESSA UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0070 31.24 Total: 1,632.00
08/19/26 TURLOCK IRRIGATION DISTRICT 2026 JAN - JUN TRAFFIC SIGNAL FIBER POLE LEASE 1,632.00 Total: 132,557.23
08/19/26 TURLOCK IRRIGATION DISTRICT JUL 7 - AUG 7 2026 TID 132,557.23

Page 28 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
8 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 18.45
08/19/26 ROBLES, MARCO A UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0090 18.45 Total: 306.18
08/19/26 RJK INVESTMENTS UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 9704 306.18 Total: 168.93
08/19/26 RJK INVESTMENTS UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 9704 168.93 Total: 141.39
08/19/26 RICE, DEBBIE & GARY UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0020 141.39 Total: 9.11
08/19/26 RENDON GUERRERO, JULIO CESAR UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0510 9.11 Total: 26.46
08/19/26 QUEZADA, J JESUS UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0330 26.46 Total: 224.15
08/19/26 PRIETO, SALVADOR UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0050 224.15 Total: 95.16
08/19/26 PEREZ, FERMIN UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0220 95.16 Total: 50.00
08/19/26 PARRA, WILLIAM ALFONSO UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0120 50.00 Total: 205.16
08/19/26 OLOMARI, MALIK A. UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0020 205.16 Total: 124.01
08/19/26 NEVIS, JAMES UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0230 124.01 Total: 26.56
08/19/26 MARTINEZ, HORACIO UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0080 26.56 Total: 110.38
08/19/26 LOPEZ, CELINA MICHELLE UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0010 110.38 Total: 49.13
08/19/26 LACKEY, HOLLY UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 9705 49.13 Total: 103.25
08/19/26 JACKSON, MICHALE LEAH UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0050 103.25

Page 29 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
9 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 1,325.01
08/19/26 WILLE ELECTRIC SUPPLY, INC. 1000 FT OF WIRE FOR STREETLIGHT REPAIR 1,325.01 Total: 45,262.39
7/1–7/31/26 MAVERIK LEGAL SERVICES 6,295.04
7/1–7/31/26 RANUIO LEGAL SERVICES 2,843.20
7/1–7/31/26 LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LEGAL SERVICES 815.70
7/1–7/31/26 REAL ESTATE LAND USE LEGAL SERVICES 2,766.27 7/1–7/31/26 LITIGATION LEGAL SERVICES 2,234.30
7/1–7/31/26 CONTRACTS LEGAL SERVICES 638.37
7/1–7/31/26 CODE ENF LEGAL SERVICES 1,454.06
7/1–7/31/26 WHITMORE RANCH LEGAL SERVICES 3,893.56
7/1–7/31/26 HR LEGAL SERVICES 301.35
7/1–7/31/26 CANNABIS LEGAL SERVICES 1,525.00
7/1–7/31/26 WATER LEGAL SERVICES 319.18
7/1–7/31/26 FIRE LEGAL SERVICES 70.18
08/19/26 WHITE BRENNER LLP 7/1–7/31/26 GEN MUNI LEGAL SERVICES 22,106.18 Total: 2,528.90
08/19/26 VERIZON WIRELESS JUL 5 - AUG 4 2026 VERIZON SV 2,528.90 Total: 114.51
08/19/26 YANG, MINCHUN UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0080 114.51 Total: 92.04
08/19/26 VICK, CURTIS UB OVERPYAMENT REFUND 0290 92.04
Total: 146.09
08/19/26 VARGAS, RAFAEL JR. UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0050 146.09 Total: 15.12
08/19/26 TIA VENTURES LLC UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0020 15.12 Total: 141.55
08/19/26 SANDHU, MANJIT UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0160 141.55 Total: 16.40
08/19/26 RODRIGUES, MARISELA UB OVERPAYMENT REFUND 0190 16.40

Page 30 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
10 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
UTENSILS 41.17
Total: 310.20
SAMPLING PORT PARTS 60.54
IRRIGATION FITTINGS 88.44
FIRST AID CABINET RESUPPLY STOCK 6.06
RESTROOM CLEANING MATERIALS 62.82
08/26/26 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC. IRRIGATION FITTINGS 51.17 Total: 16,025.79
08/26/26 AM SIGNAL LLC 28 CITYWIDE ITS VIDEO DETECTION AND PUBLIC SAFETY 16,025.79 Total: 9,550.00
08/26/26 ADVANCED INTEGRATION & CONTROLS 22600127 AIC SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SCADA SYSTEMS 9,550.00 Total: 286.25
08/26/26 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTORS AUG 2026 SCADA SYSTEM MANAGED BACKUPS 286.25 WRENCH RACK 28.36
Total: 233.59
HARDWARE FOR STORM DRAIN LIFT STATION REPAIR 45.47
CONTRETE MIX AT WW 25.98
2 PACKS OF AA BATTERIES 49.83
2 ROLLS OF DUCT TAPE 21.65
08/26/26 JACT INC. THREAD PLUGS 62.30
Total: 4,760.60
08/26/26 ABS DIRECT, INC. ESTIMATED POSTAGE FOR NEWSLETTER #2 4,760.60 Total: 1,110.00
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CAPER ENGLISH CC#26-143 240.00
CC#26-146 26-17 GPA, REZONE, CUP, AND TPM NOTICE 210.00 CC#26-134 SPANISH CAPER PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE 210.00
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CAPER SPANISH CC#26-144 240.00
08/26/26 209 MULTIMEDIA CORPORATION CC#26-133 CAPER PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE 210.00 Total: 49.95
08/26/26 1ST SECURITY & SOUND, INC 15 MONTHLY SECURITY MONITORING @COSTA FIELDS 49.95

Page 31 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
11 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 116.07
08/26/26 CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, INC. FILL DIRT SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT @ MOFFET 116.07 Total: 2,085.00
CACEO CONFERENCE - J.VARNI 695.00
CACEO CONFERENCE - A. MARTINEZ 695.00
08/26/26 CACEO-CA ASSN CODE ENFORCEMENT CACEO CONFERENCE - J.TAYLOR 695.00 Total: 835.00
08/26/26 BSK ASSOCIATES WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 835.00
Total: 23,744.00
08/26/26 BRIGHTVIEW LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC 22600008 JUN 26 LANDSCAPE SERVICES FOR CITY PARKS 23,744.00 Total: 115.78
08/26/26 BELKORP AG, LLC HITCH PIN & DEF FOR TRAILERS 115.78 Total: 1,744.38
08/26/26 BEAR ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS, INC JULY 26 TRAFFIC SIGNAL RESPONSE 1,744.38 Total: 713.18
08/26/26 ATCO MANUFACTURING CO. WASP AND HORNET SPRAY & TOWELS 713.18 Total: 3,349.55
08/26/26 AT&T AUG 5 - SEPT 4 2026 SHORETEL 3,349.55
Total: 3,349.48
08/26/26 AT&T JULY 5 - AUG 4 2026 SHORETEL 3,349.48
Total: 3,613.90
08/26/26 AT&T MAY 5 - JUNE 4 2026 SHORETEL 3,613.90
Total: 3,322.84
08/26/26 AT&T JUNE 5 - JULY 4 2026 SHORETEL 3,322.84
07/07/26 - 08/06/26 CALNET SVC 263.31
Total: 420.66
08/26/26 AT&T 07/07/26-08/06/26 CALNET SVCS 157.35
Total: 31.76
08/26/26 AT&T 08/07-9/06/26 FIRE ALARM SVC 31.76
Total: 405.32
08/26/26 ASBURY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 50/50 AMP GAL 405.32

Page 32 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
12 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 11,878.00
08/26/26 EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPT QE 06-30-2026 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFIT CHRGS 11,878.00 Total: 10,678.18
08/26/26 DELTA DENTAL OF CALIFORNIA SEPTEMBER 2026 DENTAL PREMIUMS 10,678.18 AUG - OFFICE WATER - WATER DEPT 119.28
Total: 163.39
08/26/26 DAIOHS USA INC. OFFICE WATER - PW 44.11
CWEA CERT RENEWAL 123.00
Total: 382.00
08/26/26 CALIFORNIA WATER ENVIRONMENT CWEA MEMBERSHIP 259.00 Total: 482.97
08/26/26 COSTAR REALTY INFORMATION, INC. COSTAR AUG 1 - AUG 31 2026 482.97 Total: 83,332.22
08/26/26 CONSOLIDATED ENGINEERING, INC. 22600052 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PRJT 2512/2513/2514 83,332.22 Total: 230.00
08/26/26 CITY OF FRESNO WELSH/BELTRAN: TUITION FIREARM INSTR 9/28-10/2 230.00 Total: 1,578.99
08/26/26 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS 8/1-8/31/26 INTERNET SVCS FIBER & COPPER 1,578.99 Total: 380.00
08/26/26 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS 8/4-9/3 FIBER INTERNET FOR SCADA WASTEWATER 380.00 Total: 288.24
08/26/26 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS 8/1-8/31/26 - WATERWORLD WW INTERNET SERVICES 288.24 FLAT TIRE PD #106 25.00
Total: 50.00
08/26/26 CERES BODY SHOP, INC FLAT TOW FEE FOR SPEED TRAILER 25.00 Total: 132.50
08/26/26 CDW-G 19 ADOBE ACROBAT PRO LICENSE 132.50
Total: 395.15
08/26/26 DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNUSED FUNDS FY 23/24 395.15

Page 33 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
13 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
3RD QRT GROUNDWATER SAMPLING & ANALYSIS 2026 4,000.00
Total: 4,130.00
08/26/26 HAO VAN LE AUGUST 26 MONTHLY ANALYSIS 130.00
VAC TRAILER VAC HOSE 137.62
Total: 165.06
08/26/26 GREEN RUBBER-KENNEDY AG WRAP GUARD -VAC TRAILER 27.44 Total: 286.29
08/26/26 GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC 2.50 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 286.29 TAPE & BATTERIES 325.49
Total: 640.60
08/26/26 GRAINGER 6 AH LI-ION BATTERIES 315.11
Total: 10,545.67
08/26/26 GOUVEIA ENGINEERING, INC. 29 07/1-7/31- PLANNING CONSULTANT SERVICES 10,545.67 Total: 291.40

1.52 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 166.41

1.01 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 114.20
08/26/26 GEORGE REED, INC. ENVIRONMENTAL FEE FOR JUNE 24 INV 2628 10.79 Total: 414.46
08/26/26 GARTON TRACTOR, INC 5 GALLON OIL 414.46
Total: 3,910.05
08/26/26 FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES SEPTEMBER 2026 VISION PREMIUMS 3,910.05 Total: 103.71
08/26/26 FISHER SCIENTIFIC COMPANY, LLC BOD STANDARDS (LAB) 103.71 Total: 4,993.99
1" METER ANGLE TOP 3,262.40
CUTTER HEAD, TAPE 466.12
1" COUPLER 1,084.48
PIPE WRENCH 162.63
08/26/26 FERGUSON US HOLDINGS, INC PIPE CUTTER 18.36

Page 34 of 239 ends

ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
14 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 377.50
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 833.63
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 391.16
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 833.63
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 833.63
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 377.50
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 833.63
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 463.90
08/26/26 MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 1,965.50

1.04 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 101.66
Total: 583.16

1.03 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 100.79

2.08 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 192.54
08/26/26 MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS, INC. 2.03 TONS OF ASPHALT FOR CITY PATCHING 188.17 Total: 165,159.68
08/26/26 KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC KAISER MED PREMS SEPT 2026 165,159.68 AB- MOFFET SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT 113.79
Total: 170.69
08/26/26 K & D ENTERPRISES INC. AB- MOFFET SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT 56.90 Total: 624.00
08/26/26 JANA KIRCHERT 8/10-20/26 GET FIT/ZUMBA GOLD/AQUA FIT CLASSES 624.00 ROTOR FOR IRRIGATION 1,592.50
Total: 4,525.32
PARTS FOR IRRIGATION AT PARKS 1,586.84
VALVE BOX COVERS 634.01
08/26/26 VALLEY FARM SUPPLY STORES, INC POLE SAW- STOCK INVENTORY 711.97 Total: 7,973.03
08/26/26 HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 22600130 NEW COMPUTER PURCHASE 7,973.03 SPRINKLERS 667.23
Total: 1,721.61
08/26/26 HERITAGE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY GROUP, INC FOR DOWNTOWN ROW PARTS 1,054.38

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ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
15 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
4/6/26 UNIFORM SERVICE STREETS 257.68
2/2/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 61.32
8/17/26 UNIFORM SERVICE STREETS 266.33
8/3/26 UNIFORM SERVICE STREETS 66.65
5/11/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 179.28
8/10/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 97.82
8/17/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 48.32
8/17/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 125.88
8/10/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WASTEWATER 179.58
8/3/26 UNIFORM SERVICE WTR/WTR CONSERVATION 81.38
8/17/26 MATS FOR PW ADMIN BUILDING 10.00
08/26/26 MISSION LINEN SUPPLY 7/20/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 47.78 Total: 1,229.61
08/26/26 NICK WELSH N.WELSH LODGING/PER DIEM 9/27-10/2 FIREARMS INSTR 1,229.61 Total: 1,872.66
M.BELTRAN CAL CITIES CONFERENCE 9/22-25/2026 1,193.75
8/30-9/2 M. BELTRAN RENTAL CAR APWA PWX CONFERENCE 342.67 08/26/26 MICHAEL BELTRAN 08/30/26 - 09/03/26 2026 APWA PWX TRAINING 336.24 Total: 1,192.11
08/26/26 LORENZO BELTRAN L.BELTRANLODGING/PER DIEM 09/27-10/2 FIREARMS INST 1,192.11 Total: 102.10
08/26/26 JAMES MEJIA J.MEJIA REIMBURSMENT FOR COMMERCIAL DL PERMIT 102.10 Total: 526.23
08/26/26 BOBBY TITUS B.TITUS PERDIEM 8/24-8/28 MITCH'S CERT CLASSES 526.23 Total: 9,078.51
JULY 26 MONTHLY EFFLUENT ANALYSES 65.38
AUGUST 26 MONTHLY EFFLUENT ANALYSES 125.75
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 450.16
AUG 2026 EXPORT SAMPLE ANALYSIS 110.00
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 132.06
WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 1,285.08

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ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
16 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 1,000.00
08/26/26 MOHAMMED FAROON FAROON P10102 7/18/26 RFND CC LRG RM 1,000.00 Total: 38.27
08/26/26 PRESSURE WASHER CENTER INC. SWITCH FOR SHUTDOWN FLOAT 38.27 Total: 2,700.34
08/26/26 PACE SUPPLY CORP ¾" REGISTERS 2,700.34
Total: 3,758.82
CL2-WELL #22 1,656.74
CL2- FOR WELL #16 811.58
08/26/26 NORTHSTAR CHEMICAL CL2 WELL #38 1,290.50
Total: 467.92
08/26/26 NORTHERN SAFETY CO., INC SAFETY GLASSES 467.92 Total: 402.07
08/26/26 NCH CORPORATION SPRAY AND LUBE FOR FLEET 402.07 Total: 55.39
08/26/26 MUNICIPAL MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT INC DECALS 55.39 RETURN CREDIT OF MALE ADPTERS -269.25
Total: 946.10
1" PVC ADAPT & 1¼" PVC ADAPTER 386.41
PVC FOR WELL #41 89.17
PVC MALE ADPT FOR SERVICE TRUCK 592.67
TAPE, BRUSH, HOSE 92.81
08/26/26 MODESTO WINDUSTRIAL CO PVC ADPT FOR ON CALL TRUCK 54.29 Total: 291.49
08/26/26 MODESTO COLOR CENTER 5 GALLONS OF FGRAFFIT PAINT & 9 ROLLER COVERS 291.49 2/9/26 HVY DTY GLOVES FOR PARKS DEPT. 129.23
Total: 1,762.35
8/17/25 UNIFORM SERVICE WASTEWATER 78.54
8/17/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FLEET 26.16
8/10/26 UNIFORM SERVICE STREETS 106.40

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ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
17 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 1,255.42
1 TIRE FOR FLEET DEPT 89.76
1 TIRE FOR UNIT 10-190-03 156.54
08/26/26 VALLEY TIRE SALES, INC. 5 TIRES FOR FLEET DEPT. 1,009.12 Total: 738.43
08/26/26 TURF STAR INC BALL JOINT 738.43
Total: 17,709.96
08/26/26 THIRKETTLE CORPORATION 81 RADIOS FOR METERS 17,709.96 Total: 93,105.20
08/26/26 SUTTER HEALTH ALLIANCE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEDICAL PREMIUMS 93,105.20 Total: 19,608.00
08/26/26 STANISLAUS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT ACADEMY TUITION: DIAZ IBARRA, DIAZ & MADSEN 19,608.00 Total: 1,200.00
08/26/26 STANISLAUS COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN FEE/CUPA EQUIPMENT SERVICE FA0002188 1,200.00 Total: 3,069.25
08/26/26 STANDARD INSURANCE SEPT 26 BASIC/VOLUNTARY LIFE INSURANCE 3,069.25 Total: 1,132.69
08/26/26 SPLITFIRE GRAPHICS RIVER BLUFF SPONSORSHIP SIGNS 1,132.69 Total: 2,293.00
PERMIT FOR GENERATOR @ WELL #28 1,458.00
PERMIT FOR STANDBY GEN FACILITY ID N4970 676.00
08/26/26 SJVAPCD ATTN: FINANCE 26/27 PERMIT FOR FIRE STATION #4 FACILITY ID N8532 159.00 PD VEH PARTS UNITS 40-614-26 & 30-773-17 182.37
Total: 602.15
08/26/26 MICHELE BARTHOLOMEW WEED EATER BLADE 419.78
Total: 1,219.00
08/26/26 SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION SEPT 1-30 2026 STANDARD PYMT 8 COPIERS 1 PRI 1,219.00 Total: 896.43
PUSH BROOM 59.75
EAR PLUGS 54.03
08/26/26 SAFE T LITE OF MODESTO INC 24 TRAFFIC SIGNS 782.65

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ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
18 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total: 474.90
09/02/26 MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC WATER QUALITY SAMPLES 474.90 12 (7) HP ELITE DESK 8MINIG FOR PD 9,444.08
Total: 60,075.11
09/02/26 HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 12 NEW COMPUTER PURCHASE FOR PD 50,631.03 Total: 168.00
09/02/26 STATE CENTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE WELSH/BELTRAN 9/28-10/2 TUITION FCC FEE FRMS INST 168.00 Total: 1,921.79
09/02/26 EMC PLANNING GROUP INC. 26 EMC HOUSING ELEMENT CONSULTANT DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC P 1,921.79 Total: 680.22
09/02/26 CRYSTAL CLEAN INC PARTS WASHER 680.22
FLAT TOW FOR PD UNIT #243 25.00
Total: 50.00
09/02/26 CERES BODY SHOP, INC FLAT TOW FOR PD UNIT #104 25.00 Total: 1,562.98
09/02/26 CDW-G 24 REPLACEMENT OF CHECK SCANNER FOR UB 1,562.98 Total: 467.59
09/02/26 CAL AIR SOLUTIONS INC. WALK IN FREZZER REPAIR FOR COSTA FIELDS 467.59 07/20/26 - 08/19/26 CALNET SVC 54.10
Total: 516.98
07/20/26 - 08/19/26 CALNET SVC 160.10
07/20/26 - 08/19/26 CALNET SVC 216.11
07/20/26 - 08/19/26 CALNET SVC 28.88
07/06/26 - 8/05/26 CALNET SVC 29.04
09/02/26 AT&T 07/06/26 - 08/05/26 CALNET SVC 28.75
Total: 6,950.00
09/02/26 ANIMAL DAMAGE MANAGEMENT INC 22600058 AUG 26 PEST CONTROL SRVS FOR CITY BUILDINGS & PARK 6,950.00 Total: 218.39
09/02/26 JACT INC. PLIERS, SHOVEL, TOOLS FOR JEREMYS WK TRUCK 218.39 Total: 361.84
08/26/26 WILLE ELECTRIC SUPPLY, INC. TAPE/ WIRE 361.84

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ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
19 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
32 STAN COUNTY PLAN CHECK JULY 1 - JULY 31 2026 11,432.06 Total: 26,800.91
09/02/26 STANISLAUS COUNTY 32 STAN COUNTY INSPECTION JULY 1 - JULY 31 2026 15,368.85 Total: 2,040.00
09/02/26 JEFF C BURROWS SCADA WELL#38 & WELL #22 2,040.00 Total: 192.62
09/02/26 SAFE T LITE OF MODESTO INC PITCHFORK/ SHOVEL & HYDRATION DRINKS 192.62 Total: 2,538.84
09/02/26 RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AUG 2026 VOLUNTARY ACCIDENT/ILLNESS/HOSPITAL INS 2,538.84 Total: 591.51
09/02/26 R & S ERECTION TRI-COUNTY INC WELL 28 GATE REPAIR 591.51 Total: 1,800.08
09/02/26 PRICE FORD OF TURLOCK, INC. 2017 FORD FUSION REPAIR UNIT #10-196-17 1,800.08 Total: 334.80
09/02/26 ONE STEP GPS, LLC ANNUAL GPS TRACKING SERVICE FOR PW & PD VEHICLES 334.80 Total: 66.30
09/02/26 ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC SUPPLIES FOR WATCH COMMANDER VEHICLES 66.30 Total: 1,679.81
09/02/26 NVB EQUIPMENT INC. ANNUAL AUTEL UPDATE FOR FLEET 1,679.81 8/17/26 UNIFORM SERVICE FACILITIES 26.30
Total: 213.30
3/23/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 115.18
8/3/26 UNIFORM SERVICE PARKS 61.82
09/02/26 MISSION LINEN SUPPLY 8/24/26 MATS FOR PW ADMIN BUILDING 10.00 Total: 268.92
09/02/26 VINCENT AYALA PER MOU WORK BOOTS ALLOWANCE FOR V. AYALA 268.92 Total: 275.00
09/02/26 EAN SERVICES, LLC REFUND OF HANDICAP CITATION 6/17/26 275.00 Total: 257.00
09/02/26 DANIEL MARTINEZ DMARTINEZ 9/23-25/2026 LOCC 2026 ANNUAL CONF 257.00

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ATTACHMENT A
9/2/2026
20 Date PO# Invoice Description Amount
Voucher List
City of Ceres
Total vouchers: 3,050,327.71
Total: 138.13
09/02/26 WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. 22600084 07/16/26-07/31/26 WCA URBAN FORESTRY MGMT 138.13 FLAT TIRE REPAIR FOR 3 TIRES FOR FLEET 131.30
Total: 841.99
09/02/26 VALLEY TIRE SALES, INC. 5 TIRES FOR FLEET DEPT. 710.69 Total: 6,792.57
09/02/26 T-MOBILE USA, INC 07/21 - 08/20/2026 T-MOBILE PHONE SRVCS 6,792.57

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Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Approve an Agreement with the County of Stanislaus, through its AuditorController’s Office, for Property Tax and Direct Assessment Services through June 30, 2031; and

2. Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the Agreement on behalf of the City of Ceres.

Background:

The City of Ceres utilizes the Stanislaus County Auditor-Controller’s Office to provide property tax and direct assessment services associated with City-imposed assessments, special taxes, direct charges, and other amounts collected through the County property tax roll.

The proposed Agreement establishes the terms under which Stanislaus County will continue to place City direct assessments on the property tax roll, collect those assessments, and distribute the collected revenues to the City. The Agreement applies to the City as an agency and includes all current and future County-assigned tax codes associated with the City.

Services provided by the County may include providing property tax roll information,

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collecting and distributing property taxes and direct assessment amounts, and maintaining other funds allocated to the City.

Under the Agreement, the County will place approved direct assessments on the property tax roll and collect and distribute those assessments at the same time and in the same manner as Stanislaus County property taxes. The City is required to comply with the policies, procedures, deadlines, and reporting requirements contained in the County's annual Direct Assessment Packet.

The Agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2031, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its provisions. Upon full execution, the Agreement replaces and terminates prior agreements between the City and County pertaining to the collection and distribution of direct assessments.

Reasons for Recommendation:

Approval of the Agreement is necessary for the City to continue utilizing Stanislaus County's property tax system for the collection and distribution of City direct assessments.

The County's property tax roll provides an efficient mechanism for collecting assessments that have been legally authorized by the City. Under the proposed Agreement, the County will continue to perform the administrative functions necessary to place assessments on individual parcels, collect those amounts with property taxes, account for the revenues, and distribute the City's share of the collected funds.

The County also maintains reports of direct assessments levied for each fiscal year by tax code. Direct assessments collected by the County are distributed to the City, net of applicable County fees.

The Agreement further establishes responsibilities between the City and County. The City remains responsible for ensuring that each assessment is legally authorized and for providing the County with the required levy documentation and annual Certification of Direct Assessment Levy. The City's certification represents that submitted assessments are accurate, legally authorized, and eligible for placement on the property tax roll.

Approval of the Agreement will allow these services to continue without interruption through Fiscal Year 2030-31.

Fiscal Impacts:

There is no fixed contract amount established by the Agreement.

Stanislaus County charges fees based upon the property tax and direct assessment services actually provided. Fees may include charges associated with parcel data files, collection of direct assessments, accounting services, corrections or removals from the property tax roll, and other requested services. The County certifies that these fees are intended to recover the cost of providing the services and are not to exceed the

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County's cost of providing those services.

Applicable fees are generally deducted from property tax revenues distributed to the City. Direct assessment fees are posted annually on or before May 1, with additional amounts reconciled prior to the end of the fiscal year.

The County may annually increase or decrease its fees based upon changes in the County's cost of providing the services. The County must provide written notice of fee changes on or before June 30, and the applicable fees will be established through the annual Direct Assessment Packet.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

Approval of the Agreement supports the City's commitment to responsible fiscal administration and effective delivery of municipal services by maintaining an established mechanism for the accurate collection, accounting, and distribution of revenues owed to the City.

The Agreement also supports sound financial management by clearly defining the respective responsibilities of the City and County for assessment certification, collection, accounting, reporting, and distribution.

Policy Alternatives:

The City Council may:

1. Approve the Agreement as recommended.

This alternative will allow Stanislaus County to continue providing property tax and direct assessment collection and accounting services to the City through June 30, 2031.

2. Direct staff to negotiate modifications to the Agreement.

This alternative could delay execution of the Agreement and potentially affect the City's ability to timely submit and collect future direct assessments through the County property tax roll.

3. Not approve the Agreement.

This alternative is not recommended. Without an agreement with the County, the City would need to evaluate alternative methods for billing, collecting, accounting for, and enforcing applicable direct assessments.

Interdepartmental Coordination
The Finance Department will coordinate implementation of the Agreement and the annual submission of direct assessments and related financial information to the Stanislaus County Auditor-Controller's Office.

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Public Participation:

No additional public participation process is required specifically for approval of this administrative services Agreement. The Agreement will be considered by the City Council at a noticed public meeting at which members of the public may provide comments.

Any individual assessment, special tax, or other charge submitted to the County remains subject to the applicable legal requirements governing its establishment and levy.

Environmental Review:

Approval of the Agreement is an administrative and fiscal activity that does not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have the potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

Steps Following Approval:

Following City Council approval:

1. The Interim City Manager will execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.

2. The executed Agreement will be transmitted to the Stanislaus County AuditorController's Office for final execution.

Attachments:

Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Agreement

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ATTACHMENT A

RESOLUTION

APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF STANISLAUS, THROUGH ITS AUDITOR-CONTROLLER’S OFFICE, FOR PROPERTY TAX AND DIRECT ASSESSMENT SERVICES THROUGH JUNE 30, 2031, AND AUTHORIZING THE

INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, the City of Ceres ("City") utilizes the County of Stanislaus ("County"), through its Auditor-Controller’s Office, to provide property tax and direct assessment services associated with assessments, special taxes, direct charges, and other amounts collected through the County property tax roll; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Agreement for Property Tax and Direct Assessment Services ("Agreement") provides for the placement of City-authorized direct assessments on the Property Tax Roll and for the collection and distribution of those assessments to the City; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement applies to all County-assigned tax codes associated with the City for processing, accounting, reporting, collection, and distribution purposes; and
WHEREAS, the County will provide direct assessment services, including placing direct assessments on the Property Tax Roll and distributing amounts collected to the City at the same time and in the same manner as Stanislaus County property taxes are collected and distributed; and
WHEREAS, the City will comply with the policies, procedures, due dates, reporting requirements, and applicable fees established by the County through its annual Direct Assessment Packet; and
WHEREAS, the County may charge fees for services provided under the Agreement for the purpose of recovering the costs attributable to those services, including fees associated with parcel data, collection of direct assessments, accounting services, corrections or removals, and other requested services; and WHEREAS, the City remains responsible for ensuring that each assessment submitted to the County is legally authorized and for providing the required documentation and Certification of Direct Assessment Levy; and WHEREAS, the Agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2031, unless otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms.

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ceres that the City Council hereby approves an agreement with the County of Stanislaus, through its Auditor-Controller’s Office, for Property Tax and Direct Assessment Services through June 30, 2031, and authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute the Agreement.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ceres at a regular meeting held on the 14th day of September 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers:

NOES: Councilmembers:

ABSENT: Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:

APPROVED:

ATTEST:
________________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor
___________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk

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ATTACHMENT B

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ATTACHMENT B

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ATTACHMENT B

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ATTACHMENT B

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ATTACHMENT B

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ATTACHMENT B

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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving an agreement with the Standard for vision benefits and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement.

Background:

The City currently provides vision benefits to eligible employees through Fire Risk Management Services (FRMS). On July 24, 2025, the City received notification from FRMS that it was terminating the City's medical benefits coverage effective December 31, 2025. In connection with the termination of medical benefits, the City was also required to pay an assessment of approximately $1.3 million because the cost of claims exceeded contributions beginning in 2024.

Following notification of the termination, the City secured medical and dental benefits through Keenan Associates. The City elected to maintain its existing vision benefits through FRMS at an annual cost of approximately $45,998 in order to maintain continuity of coverage for employees and avoid disruption to vision benefits.

Reasons for Recommendation:

In July 2026, the City was notified of an opportunity to obtain comparable vision benefits through The Standard at a significantly lower cost. The proposed plan provides the same level of vision coverage currently available to City employees through FRMS.

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The Standard's proposed monthly rates, effective January 1, 2027, are as follows:

Coverage Level Monthly Rate
Employee Only $7.72
Employee + Spouse $14.26
Employee + Children $20.40
Employee + Family $20.40
Based on current enrollment, transitioning vision benefits to The Standard is anticipated to reduce the City's annual vision benefit costs by approximately $27,484. The actual savings will vary based on employee enrollment selections during the City's open enrollment period, which is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

The City contributes a fixed amount toward employee benefits as established through the applicable Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Any premium costs exceeding the City's negotiated contribution are paid directly by the employee. Accordingly, the proposed change to The Standard will not increase the City's negotiated benefit contribution obligations.

Approval of the agreement will allow the City to maintain comparable vision benefits for employees while reducing the City's overall benefit costs. In July 2026, the City was notified of significant cost savings in vision benefits through the Standard. These services provide the same level of coverage currently provided to City employees through FRMS.

Fiscal Impacts:

There is no additional fiscal impact associated with approval of this agreement. Funding for vision benefits has already been included in the City's adopted Fiscal Year 2027 Final Budget for the Human Resources Department.

The transition to The Standard is anticipated to result in approximately $27,484 in annual savings, based on current enrollment and proposed rates. Actual savings will depend on employee enrollment selections during open enrollment.

Any premium costs exceeding the City's negotiated employee benefit contributions will be paid directly by the employee.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

Government operations: Provide quality services to meet community needs, assuring that the City has helpful, well-trained, properly equipped and sufficient staff who partner with other public agencies to provide efficient services.

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Policy Alternatives:

The City Council could elect to continue providing vision benefits through Fire Risk Management Services (FRMS). This option would maintain the City's current vision plan and avoid a change in providers; however, it would result in higher ongoing costs compared to the proposed agreement with The Standard and would forgo the estimated annual savings of approximately $27,484. The City could also explore other vision benefit providers during a future procurement or renewal process.

Interdepartmental Coordination
N/A
Public Participation:

N/A
Environmental Review:

N/A
Steps Following Approval:

Upon Council approval, the Interim City Manager will execute the agreement with The Standard. Human Resources staff will coordinate with The Standard to transition vision benefits effective January 1, 2027, and will communicate the change to employees as part of the City's open enrollment process.

Attachments:

Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Application
Attachment C - Proposal

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ATTACHMENT A

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY FOR

VISION BENEFITS AND AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO

EXECUTE THE APPLICATION

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, the City currently provides vision benefits to eligible employees through Fire Risk Management Services (FRMS); and
WHEREAS, on July 24, 2025, the City received notification from FRMS that it was terminating the City’s medical benefits coverage effective December 31, 2025. In connection with the termination of medical benefits, the City was required to pay an assessment of approximately $1.3 million because the cost of claims exceeded contributions beginning in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City secured medical and dental benefits through Keenan Associates following notification of the termination; and WHEREAS, on July 2026, the City was notified of an opportunity to obtain comparable vision benefits through the Standard at a significant lower cost, and the proposed plan with the Standard provides the same level of vision coverage currently available to employees through Fire Risk Management Services; and WHEREAS, based on current enrollment, transitioning vision benefits to the Standard is anticipated to reduce the City’s annual vision benefit costs by approximately $27,484; and
WHEREAS, any premium costs exceeding the City’s negotiated employee benefit contributions will be paid directly by the employee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ceres does hereby approve an agreement for vision benefits with the Standard and authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ceres at a regular meeting held on the 14th day of September 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers:

NOES: Councilmembers:

ABSENT: Councilmembers:

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ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:

APPROVED:

ATTEST:
________________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor
___________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk

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ATTACHMENT BPage 59 of 239

ATTACHMENT B

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ATTACHMENT B

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An Employee Benefits Insurance Proposal for:

City of Ceres SOLD PLAN
Presented By:

KEENAN AND ASSOCIATES
License #1
Standard Insurance Company
Kari Fuhrman
License #807473
July 29, 2026

ATTACHMENT C

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City of Ceres
Company Information
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
2 Count on The Standard
Over the course of a century, Standard Insurance Company has earned a reputation for personal service, financial strength and high quality insurance products. From our home office staff to the sales and service representatives in our local offices across the country, everyone at The Standard is dedicated to helping you by providing creative and effective solutions to meet your employee benefit needs.

Simple: Making it easy for you
Whether you have two eligible employees or thousands, we put all our strengths to work to help you create a costeffective benefits package - for you and for them.

Find the benefits you want and need. We offer understandable, comprehensive products configured to meet your needs. You'll find a full range of disability, life, dental and vision insurance, individual and voluntary insurance products, and retirement plans.

Comprehensive contract pricing and no surprises. We strive to offer the best value, going beyond the formulas, using a long-term pricing philosophy.

Dedicated contacts — no outsourced call centers. Our experienced employees deliver strong, empathetic and personalized service. We pride ourselves on our expert claims-handling, accurate, fair and prompt payments, and clear, accessible appeals process.

Account support tailored for you. You'll enjoy customized administration, implementation and enrollment services. And you'll benefit from insightful reporting, industry benchmarking and program recommendations.

Local: Supporting you where you do business
We have over 40 offices across the nation to serve our customers. Our representatives are committed to their communities and have an insider's understanding of local needs.

Dependable: A track record you can trust
 More than 100 years of history and five decades of employee benefits experience  More than 25,740 unique group insurance contracts in force with over $2.8 billion in force premium as of December 31, 2021 based on internal data (excludes reinsurance data and certain statistics are unaudited)  Over 91% of our business is employee benefits, letting us focus on what our customers really need  Our first group insurance customer is still with us - after 67 years

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City of Ceres
Plan Design Summary
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
3 Eye Exam, Lenses, Frames, Frequencies Proposed Effective Date: 1/1/2027 Plan 1: Balanced Care Vision I
VSP Network + Affiliates Out of Network
Annual Eye Exam Covered in full Up to $50
Lenses (per pair)
Single Vision Covered in full Up to $50
Bifocal Covered in full Up to $75
Trifocal Covered in full Up to $100
Lenticular Covered in full Up to $125
Progressive See lens options NA
Frame Allowance $120** Up to $70
Frequencies
Exam/Lens/Frames 12/12/12 12/12/12
Based on date of service Based on date of service
**The Costco and Walmart allowance will be the wholesale equivalent.

Deductible, Maximum
Deductibles
$0 Exam $0 Exam
$0 Eye Glass Lenses or Frames* $0 Eye Glass Lenses or Frames Maximum
per benefit period None None
*Deductible applies to a complete pair of glasses or to frames, whichever is selected.

Contact Lenses
Fit & Follow Up
Exams
Participant cost up to $60 No benefit
Contacts
Elective Up to $120 Up to $105
Medically Necessary Covered in full Up to $210
Monthly Rates
Employee (EE) $8.62
EE + 1 Dependent $15.88
EE + 2 or more
Dependents
$22.58
Rates are guaranteed for 24 months following the effective date listed above.

Rates include: home address mailing.

This benefit and cost summary expires on 1/1/2027 unless replaced, withdrawn or amended by The Standard.

Employee Participation Requirements Eligible Employees: 149 All eligible employees
Non-Contributory

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City of Ceres
Plan Design Summary
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
4 Lens Options (participant cost)*
Plan 1: Balanced Care Vision I
VSP Network + Affiliates Out of Network
(Other than Costco)
Progressive Lenses
Standard $50 Up to Lined Trifocal allowance.

Premium Up to provider's contracted fee for Lined Trifocal Lenses. The patient is responsible for the difference
between the base lens and the Progressive Lens
charge.

Up to Lined Trifocal allowance.

Std. Polycarbonate Covered in full for dependent children $25 adults No benefit Scratch Resistant
Coating
$15-$29 No benefit
Anti-Reflective
Coating
$39-$75 No benefit
Ultraviolet Coating $14 No benefit
*Lens Option participant costs vary by prescription, option chosen and retail locations.

Additional Balanced Care Vision I Features (In Network) Contact Lenses
Elective
Allowance can be applied to disposables, but the dollar amount must be used all at once (provider will order 3 or 6 month supply). Applies when contacts are chosen in lieu of glasses. For plans without a separate contact fitting & evaluation (which includes follow up contact lens exams), the cost of the fitting and evaluation is deducted from the allowance.

Lens Options
(Participant Cost)*
$13 - Solid Plastic Dye (Except Pink I & II)
$15 - Plastic Gradient Dye
$27 - $76 - Photochromatic Lenses (Glass & Plastic)
Lens Option member cost vary by prescription and option chosen.

Additional Glasses 20% off additional complete pairs of prescription glasses and/or prescription sunglasses.* Frame Discount VSP offers 20% off any amount above the retail allowance.* Laser VisionCareSM VSP offers an average discount of 15% off or 5% off a promotional offer for LASIK Custom LASIK and PRK.

The maximum out-of-pocket per eye for participants is $1,800 for LASIK and $2,300 for custom LASIK using Wavefront technology, and $1,500 for PRK. In order to receive the benefit, a VSP provider must coordinate the procedure.

Low Vision With prior authorization, 75% of approved amount (up to $1,000 is covered every two years).

Based on applicable laws, reduced costs may vary by doctor location.

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City of Ceres
Features/Benefits
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
5 Balanced Care Vision I Eye Care
Balanced Care Vision I eye care plans from The Standard will help your employees receive and pay for the eye care they need. Balanced Care Vision I plans emphasize eye health and preventive care, and feature the money-saving eye care provider network of VSP. VSP's belief statement is "Passion for People, Vision for Life." VSP provides claims processing and plan participant customer service, as well as the VSP network of independent full-service providers, to Balanced Care Vision I eye care plan participants.

Balanced Care Vision I Plan Participants Use The VSP Network VSP's network emphasizes experienced, independent private-practice eye doctors. VSP's network philosophy also includes one-stop care. Every doctor in the network provides exam and eyewear services, so there's no need for Balanced Care Vision I plan participants to have a comprehensive exam in one location and then travel to another for their lenses and frames. VSP's statistics indicate 90% of the U.S. population has access to a network doctor within 10 miles, and the average distance to a choice of five doctors is only 7.5 miles. The VSP Network offers 41,000 doctors and 86,000 access points. Participants will save more out-of-pocket with a premium benefit for typical eye care services, including an average savings of 35-40% on lens options.

Policyholders can select the VSP Choice Network, offering 41,000 doctors and 86,000 access points, plus reduced rates.

Participants will still save out-of-pocket for typical eye care services, including an average savings of 20-25% on lens options.

Participants may visit any eye doctor. When Balanced Care Vision I plan participants see non-VSP doctors, benefits are reimbursed according to the plan schedule.

No Claim Forms
Making an appointment and receiving claims payment through VSP will be easy for your employees. There is no paperwork or claim to file. The Balanced Care Vision I plan participant simply makes an appointment with a VSP doctor, states that they have coverage that includes the VSP network, and visits the doctor. VSP handles the rest.

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City of Ceres
Assumptions/Requirements
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
6  If you purchase group insurance through The Standard, your producer will receive compensation from The Standard.

This compensation may include one or more of the following:
 Commission or override commission based on customary or negotiated scales.  Subject to participation and eligibility requirements, contingent compensation based on performance factors, for example volume and persistency.
 Fees for administrative or consulting services.

If you have any questions about the amount or type of compensation, please contact your producer.  At The Standard, we believe our performance guarantee* should be simple and straightforward. We either meet your expectations, or we don't. It's that simple. The Standard guarantees we will meet your overall service expectations during the plan year. If we don't, we will refund 5% of your previous fiscal quarter's expenses, excluding commissions and premium tax, subject to our internal review.
*applies to dental only
 Some states require that producers be appointed with The Standard before any presentation or solicitation of this plan design.
 This proposal is not a contract or a certificate of insurance. It contains proposed rates and benefits that are based on preliminary enrollment data. Such rates and benefits are subject to adjustment if final enrollment varies from the preliminary data.
 The rates are based on North American Industry Classification System Code 9211213.  Benefits could be available for all full-time, active employees working at least 30 hours per week and dependents who have completed the designated waiting period.
 This proposal is being made as a result of information provided in the request for a proposal. It is intended for informational purposes and is not an offer to contract. If City of Ceres wishes to apply for group insurance based upon this proposal, City of Ceres may complete a Preliminary Application for Group Insurance. The Application will be subject to review and approval by the Home Office of The Standard. If the Application is accepted, the final rates and benefits will be based on verification of this information and final enrollment.  California state law requires that coverage shall be provided to Registered Domestic Partners that is equal to, and subject to the same terms and conditions as, the coverage provided to a spouse. Registered Domestic Partner means a partner of the Insured as long as the partnership meets the requirements for such relationship as defined in Section 297 of the California Family Code or the functional equivalent registration of any other state or local jurisdiction.
 The situs State of California has passed legislation which requires dependent children to be considered covered up to age 26 regardless of student status.
 For residents of New Mexico, coverage will be administered in accordance with the minimum benefit standards required by New Mexico law. Please consult your sales representative with questions regarding these requirements.  Please let us know if you need a Spanish-language version of the Certificate.  The policyholder must contribute the entire premium cost for all eligible employees and eligible dependents who are not covered by another eye care plan. (Employees and dependents who are covered by another eye care plan may enroll if the appropriate premium is paid by the employee.)

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City of Ceres
Assumptions/Requirements
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
7  This proposal assumes 0% of the benefit eligible employees are retirees. If this percentage changes, Standard Insurance Company reserves the right to revise the rates retroactive to the effective date of the vision benefits to accommodate this change.
 No benefits are payable for a service which is not listed under the list of eye care services.

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City of Ceres
Eye Care Exclusions
Standard Insurance Company
Benefit and Cost Summary Proposal
8 This plan has the following limitation:

Some brands of spectacle frames may be unavailable at all locations for purchase as Covered Expenses, or may be subject to additional out-of-pocket expenses. Participants may obtain details regarding frame brand availability from their treating provider or by calling VSP's Customer Care Division at (800) 877-7195.

This plan does not cover:
 More than one eye exam in the frequency as indicated on the plan summary page.  More than one pair of lenses in the frequency as indicated on the plan summary page.  More than one set of frames in the frequency as indicated on the plan summary page.  Services and/or materials not specifically included in the Schedule as covered Plan Benefits.  Plano lenses (lenses with refractive correction of less than plus or minus .50 diopter) except as specifically allowed in the frames benefit section of the Plan Benefits.
 Services or materials that are cosmetic, including Plano contact lenses to change eye color and artistically painted Contact Lenses.
 Two pairs of glasses in lieu of Bifocals.
 Replacement of Spectacle Lenses, Frames, and/or contact lenses furnished under this plan that are lost or damaged, except at the normal intervals when services are otherwise available.  Orthoptics or vision training and any associated supplemental testing.  Medical or surgical treatment of the eyes.
 Contact lens modification, polishing or cleaning.
 The refitting of Contact Lenses after the initial 90-day filing period.  Contact Lens insurance policies or service contracts.  Additional office visits associated with contact lens pathology.  Local, state and/or federal taxes, except where law requires us to pay.

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Staff recommends the City Council waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-XXX, reading by title only, waiving further reading, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres adding Section 9.01.070, Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas, to Chapter 01, Disorderly Conduct of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Moral of the Ceres Municipal Code.

Background:

The City of Ceres ("City") continues to experience unauthorized encampments in public spaces, rights-of-way, parks, drainage areas, commercial corridors, and other areas not intended for overnight habitation. Unauthorized camps have generated concerns related to public health, fire hazards, environmental impacts, blocked access routes, illegal dumping, and impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and businesses.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The City's municipal code addresses disorderly conduct, loitering, flight from police, obstructing building entrances, obstructing places of public assembly and interference with telephone and telecommunications apparatus. However, it does not specifically

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address unauthorized camping in public areas. This ordinance imposes restrictions on public camping and obstruction of public walkways as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including camp occupants.

Fiscal Impacts:

There is no fiscal impact on the city.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

N/A
Policy Alternatives:

Should Council decide not to approve the revisions to the ordinance, the Police Department will continue to attempt to address unauthorized camping in public areas, without the support of a corresponding ordinance.

Interdepartmental Coordination
N/A
Public Participation:

N/A
Environmental Review:

N/A
Steps Following Approval:

The City Council will consider a second reading and adoption of the Ordinance at a later meeting of the City Council.

Attachments:

1. Attachment A - Ordinance

2. Attachment B - Municipal Code Redline

3. Attachment C - Public Notice

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ATTACHMENT A

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XXX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERES ADDING SECTION 9.01.070, UNAUTHORIZED CAMPING IN PUBLIC AREAS, TO CHAPTER 01, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, OF TITLE 9, PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS

OF THE CERES MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the Ceres (“City”) Municipal Code addresses a variety of disorderly conduct behaviors but does not prohibit camping on public property within the City except in limited circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 6.07, Protection of Critical Infrastructure, and Chapter 6.08, Health and Hygiene, of the Ceres Municipal Code provide some authority for the City to address encampments within the City; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 6.07, Protection of Critical Infrastructure, and Chapter 6.08, Health and Hygiene, were adopted before the United State Supreme Court’s City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson decision, which expanded a city’s authority to regulate public camping when doing so was previously unlawful; and WHEREAS, City Staff has identified recurring issues of camps with the City limits that have generated concerns related to public health, fire hazards, environmental impacts, blocked access routes, illegal dumping and impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and businesses; and
WHEREAS, camping on public property poses an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including camp occupants; and WHEREAS, regulation of camping is necessary to provide maximum enjoyment in the use of public spaces, minimize the disturbance or interference with the areas, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERES DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 9.01.070 – Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas shall be added to Chapter 01 – Disorderly Conduct of Title 9, Public Peace, Safely and Morals of the Ceres Municipal Code as follows:

9.01.070 – Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas
A. Prohibited Acts
No person shall camp, occupy camp facilities, use camp paraphernalia, or store personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, in or upon any public sidewalk, street, alley, plaza, parkway, right-of-way, or other public property, including public access areas,except as otherwise permitted by the City Code.

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ATTACHMENT A

B. Definitions
For the purposes of this section, “camp” or “camping” means:
the placement on property for the purpose of making a living accommodation for one or more nights of tents, tarpaulins, temporary shelters, house trailers, motor vehicles or parts thereof, trailers, cooking facilities, cots, ground covers, bedding, hammocks, backpacks, sleeping bags and other equipment of a similar nature used to live temporarily in the outdoors.
“Camp facilities” include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, or temporary shelters. “Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks, or non-City designated cooking facilities and similar equipment.

C. Obstruction of Public Access Prohibited
No person shall block, obstruct, or interfere with the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles on any sidewalk, street, trail, or other public right-ofway by means of personal property, including camp facilities or camp paraphernalia.

D. Exceptions
This section shall not apply:

1. To persons participating in a permitted event or city-authorized camping program;

2. To emergency shelters or temporary housing locations designated by the City;
E. Enforcement
A. In addition to any other remedy allowed by law, any person who violates a provision of this section is subject to criminal, civil, and administrative penalties pursuant to Title 19 of this Code.

B. Violations of this section are hereby declared to be a public nuisance. All remedies prescribed under this chapter are cumulative and the election of one or more remedies does not bar the City from the pursuit of any other remedy to enforce this chapter. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor subject to Title 19 Chapter 02 of the City Code.C. The City is authorized to abate encampments in accordance with Chapter 6.08, Health and Hygiene, of this Code and the City’s encampment management policy.

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ATTACHMENT A

independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage and adoption, provided it is published in a newspaper of a general circulation at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage or a summary of the Ordinance is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least five (5) days prior to adoption and again at least fifteen (15) days after its passage.

SECTION 4. CERTIFICATION OF COUNCIL ADOPTION AND APPROVAL. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 24th day of August 2026, and passed and adopted as Ordinance No. 2026-XXXX at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 14th day of September 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers:

NOES: Councilmembers:

ABSENT: Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:

APPROVED:
___________________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Nubia I. Goldstein, City Attorney

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ATTACHMENT B
Title 9 – Public Peace, Safety and Morals
Chapter 01 - Disorderly Conduct.

9.01.010 – Disorderly Conduct
No person shall recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally:

A. Engage in fighting or conduct that results in or is likely to result in serious bodily injury to aperson or substantial damage to property; B. Make or continue to make "loud and raucous noise" after being asked to stop by a police officer. "Loud or raucous noise" shall mean any sound which, because of its volume level, duration, or character, annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, health, peace,or safety of a reasonable person.

C. Disrupt a lawful assembly of persons;
D. Obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic; or
E. Participate in an assembly of five or more persons with the common intent to commit anunlawful act, or a lawful act by unlawful means. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.01.020 - Loitering.

No person shall loiter in such a manner to:

A. Obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles; B. Remain upon any business premises after its business hours, without the consent of theowner or legal occupant;
C. Remain upon any private property without the written consent of the owner or legal occupant; or
D. Remain upon any business premises or private property after having been asked to leave bythe owner or legal occupant;
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.01.030 - Flight from police officer.

No person shall take flight upon appearance of a police officer, refuse to identify oneself, orendeavor to conceal himself or herself or any object. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

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ATTACHMENT B

9.01.040 - Obstructing building entrances.

No person shall block, obstruct, or prevent free access to the entrance to any buildingopen to the public.
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.01.050 - Obstructing places of public assembly.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to place or set in any aisle or passageway in any building, apartment, hall or room used for public assemblages at any time during anyperformance, exhibition, concert, play, ball, lecture, service or public assembly, any campstool, benches, chairs, sofas or other obstructions or impediments to passage, alongand through the entire width and length of the aisle or passageway during services, assembly, or entertainment. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.01.060 - Interference with telephone and telecommunication apparatus.

It is unlawful:

A. For any person wantonly or negligently to break, remove, damage, disturb or interfere with any wire, pole, apparatus or appurtenance of any telephone company, cell towers, or othertelecommunication apparatus.

B. For any person not in course of service in or for such company to break, remove, damage,disturb, or interfere with any wire, pole, apparatus or appurtenance belonging to or beingused by any telephone company, cell tower, or other telecommunication apparatus, the same being lawfully in place, without having first obtained a specific permit to do so from the manager of such company, from the local superintendent, or in case of his absence or refusal, and when such wire, pole, apparatus or appurtenances are in, on or over or acrossany public street, way or square, from the Mayor;
C. For any person to climb any pole, mast or tower of any cell tower, other telecommunication, telephone, fire alarm or electric light system without the consent ofthe officer or person having local superintendence of the same, except that in cases of emergency, such permission may be given by the City Council. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.01.070 – Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas
A.Prohibited Acts
No person shall camp, occupy camp facilities, use camp paraphernalia, or store personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, in or upon any public sidewalk, street, alley, plaza, parkway, right-of-way, or

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ATTACHMENT B
other public property, including public access areas,except as otherwise permitted by the City Code.

B.Definitions
For the purposes of this section, “camp” or “camping” means:
the placement on property for the purpose of making a living accommodation for one or more nights of tents, tarpaulins, temporary shelters, house trailers, motor vehicles or parts thereof, trailers, cooking facilities, cots, ground covers, bedding, hammocks, backpacks, sleeping bags and other equipment of a similar nature used to live temporarily in the outdoors.
“Camp facilities” include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, or temporary shelters. “Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks, or non-City designated cooking facilities and similar equipment.

C.Obstruction of Public Access Prohibited
No person shall block, obstruct, or interfere with the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles on any sidewalk, street, trail, or other public right-ofway by means of personal property, including camp facilities or camp paraphernalia.

D.Exceptions
This section shall not apply:

1. To persons participating in a permitted event or city-authorized camping program;

2. To emergency shelters or temporary housing locations designated by the City;
E.Enforcement
A. In addition to any other remedy allowed by law, any person who violates a provision of this section is subject to criminal, civil, and administrative penalties pursuant to Title 19 of this Code.

C. The City is authorized to abate encampments in accordance with Chapter

6.08, Health and Hygiene, of this Code and the City’s encampment management policy.

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ATTACHMENT C
City of Ceres

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CERES CITY COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, CA on August 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, to receive and consider all evidence and reports relative to adoption of the following: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres adding section 9.01.070 – Unauthorized Camping in Public Areas to Chapter 01 – Disorderly Conduct of Title 9 – Public Peace, Safety and Morals, – , of the City of Ceres Municipal Code.

The Ceres City Council will consider an amendment to the Ceres Municipal Code to add guidelines regarding unauthorized camping in public areas within the city limits. In response to community concerns regarding unlawful camps within the city, the Police Department is proposing updates to the Municipal Code to clarify existing regulations and provide additional enforcement measures intended to address public safety and qualityof-life concerns.

All interested parties are invited to attend said hearing and express opinions or submit evidence for or against proposal as outlined above.

Further information on the above hearing may be obtained or viewed at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 2220 Magnolia Street Ceres, CA 95307 or by telephone at (209) 538-5731.

If a citizen wishes to challenge the nature of the above actions in court, they may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Ceres, at, or prior to the public hearing.
/s/ Fallon Martin, City Clerk
Date Notice Posted: August 12, 2026

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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City Council
Javier Lopez, Mayor
James Casey, Dist. 1
Rosalinda L. Vierra, Dist. 2
Cerina Otero, Dist. 3
Daniel A. Martinez, Dist. 4
Meeting Date: September 14, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Steve Williams, Interim City Manager
Contact: Trenton Johnson, Police Chief, [email protected] Subject: Ordinance
Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres Adding Section 9.16.120, Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only, to Chapter 16, Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Morals, of the Ceres Municipal Code
Recommended Council Action:

Staff recommends the City Council waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-XXX, reading by title only, waiving further reading, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres adding Section 9.16.120, Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only, to Chapter 16, Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities, of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Morals, of the Ceres Municipal Code.

Background:

The City of Ceres ("City") currently maintains eleven (11) parks within the City limits that have been built for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Ceres. Recent increases in overnight camping and long-term encampments in the parks have led to safety hazards, blight and reduced access for residents.

Reasons for Recommendation:

To ensure that parks remain usable for their intended recreational purpose, City Staff recommends adding a section to the Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities chapter of the Ceres Municipal Code to:

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•Outline the intended activities for our parks, including walking, jogging, picnicking, sports and passive leisure.
•Outline the prohibited activities for our parks, including non-recreational activities that interfere with the recreational use by others, engaging in behavior that causes others to avoid the parks, homeless encampments, blocking access to facilities, intimidating other park users or any behavior that results in the deterioration of park conditions.

The proposed Ordinance will give authority to Police Officers, the Code Enforcement Officer, and Recreation Staff to ask individuals in violation of this Ordinance to leave the park. The proposed Ordinance will also grant these individuals authority to issue infractions, which can lead to a misdemeanor charge.

Fiscal Impacts:

There is no fiscal impact to the City.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

N/A
Policy Alternatives:

Should Council decide not to approve the addition of this new section, the Police Department, Code Enforcement and Recreation Staff will continue to attempt to regulate activities at the City’s parks without the necessary authority to enforce use of the City's parks for recreational purposes only.

Interdepartmental Coordination
N/A
Public Participation:

N/A
Environmental Review:

N/A
Steps Following Approval:

The City Council will consider a second reading and adoption of the Ordinance at a later meeting of the City Council.

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Attachments:

1. Attachment A - Ordinance

2. Attachment B - Municipal Code Redline

3. Attachment C - Public Notice

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ATTACHMENT A
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XXX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERES ADDING SECTION 9.16.120, USE OF PARKS FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, TO CHAPTER 16, PARKS, PUBLIC PROPERTY, AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, OF TITLE 9,

PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS, OF THE CERES MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, the City of Ceres (“City”) currently maintains eleven (11) parks within the City limits that have been built for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Ceres; and
WHEREAS, certain uses of City parks interfere with or deter individuals from using City parks for their intended recreational purposes; WHEREAS, recent increases in overnight camping and long-term encampments have led to safety hazards, blight and reduced access to parks for their intended recreational purposes; and
WHEREAS, regulations are needed to provide maximum enjoyment in the use of City parks for recreational purposes and protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERES DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 9.16.120 – Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only, shall be added to Chapter 16 – Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities of Title 9, Public Peace, Safety and Morals of the Ceres Municipal Code as follows:

9.16.120 – Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only
A. Intent and Purpose
Public parks are intended to be used primarily for recreational activities, which may includewalking, jogging, picnicking, sports, passive leisure, and other organized or casual forms of recreation compatible with the safe and peaceful enjoyment of the park by all members of the public.

B.Prohibited Non-Recreational Use
It is unlawful for any person or group to use or occupy any public park, or portion thereof,for purposes other than recreational or authorized civic use as follows:

1. Remaining in the park without engaging in recreational activity in a manner thatinterferes with or deters recreational use by others.

2. Creating a condition that causes a reasonable person to fear for their own safety or engaging in behavior that is threatening or

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ATTACHMENT A

constitutes a nuisance under section 19.08.080 of this Code.

3. Camping, using camp facilities, or using camping paraphernalia, except permitted overnight camping by youth organizations under section 9.16.040 of this Code. For purposes of this section, “camp” and “camping” mean the placement on property for the purpose of sleeping or making a living accommodation tarpaulins, temporary shelters, house trailers, motor vehicles or parts thereof, trailers, cooking facilities, cots, ground covers, bedding, hammocks, backpacks, sleeping bags and other equipment of a similar nature used to live temporarily in the outdoors. “Camp facilities” include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, or temporary shelters. “Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks, or non-City designated cooking facilities and similar equipment.

4. Assembling or congregating in a manner that blocks access to facilities, threatensother park users, or results in the deterioration of park conditions.

C.Authority to Enforce
The Recreation Manager, Police Officer, other authorized members of the Ceres Police Department, or designated City representatives are authorized to ask individuals in violation of this section to leave the park and may issue infractions as appropriate underSection 9.16.090. Any violation after the third offence within ninety (90) days constitutes a misdemeanor pursuant to Chapter 02 of the City Code. The City is authorized to abate encampments in accordance with Chapter 6.08, Health and Hygiene, of this Code and the City’s encampment management policy.

D.Exceptions
This section shall not apply to any activity expressly permitted by the City through a valid park use permit, nor shall it be interpreted to restrict First Amendment-protected activitieswhen conducted in accordance with applicable time, place, and manner restrictions.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage and adoption, provided it is

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ATTACHMENT A

published in a newspaper of a general circulation at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage or a summary of the Ordinance is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least five (5) days prior to adoption and again at least fifteen (15) days after its passage.

AYES: Councilmembers:

NOES: Councilmembers:

ABSENT: Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:

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ATTACHMENT B
CHAPTER 16 - PARKS, PUBLIC PROPERTY, AND PUBLIC FACILITIES

9.16.010 - Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

Amplified sound, sound systems, or equipment means any electrical or batteryoperated machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound. This definition shall not include standard battery-operated radios, stereos, tape players, or compact disc players, when such equipment is used and operated at a volume level which does not disturb the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of other persons in public parks or of persons residing in residential areas adjacent to the public parks. This definition shall likewise not include a public address system so long as its use is limited to the making of speeches or announcements, and is not used for the purpose of amplifying music or other sounds.

Director means the Recreation Manager.

Picnicker means a person on an outing or excursion with food usually provided by such person and eaten in the open.

Public facilities means all buildings, structures or improvements owned, maintained, leased or controlled by the City, and designated by the City for use by the public for recreational, social or public service activities.

Public parks means those real properties, together with all improvements located thereon, which are owned and maintained by the City for use by the public as a park.

Public property means all real property owned, maintained, leased or controlled by the City, specifically including, but without limitation, all public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way.

Retention pond means an artificially formed structure designed to hold water permanently with the capacity to accommodate a limited amount of storm water runoff. Retention ponds are reservoirs of natural water designed to enhance aesthetic elements of large scale residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

Special community events or activities mean those events or activities which are intended for the benefit of, and may be attended by, the public at large; or, those events or activities which are intended for the benefit of, and will be attended primarily by the membership of, a community-based social, ethnic, or

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ATTACHMENT B
religious organization, which group or organization has been in existence within the City for at least six months prior to making its application for a permit.

Vehicle means a wheeled conveyance, whether motor-powered, animal-drawn, or self-propelled, including any trailer in tow of any size, kind or description, except baby carriages, wheelchairs, and vehicles in the service of the City. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1074, § 1, 4-10-2023)

9.16.020 - Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the use by the public of the City's public parks, property and facilities in order to maximize the enjoyment and use of such parks, property and facilities; minimize the disturbance or interference with the use of surrounding properties and the use of the parks, property or facilities by other members of the public; and, generally protect and safeguard the public's interest in such parks, property and facilities. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.030 - Compliance required.

No person shall use, enter, be or remain in any "public park," "public property" or "public facility" as defined in this chapter, unless they comply with all the applicable regulations set forth in this chapter and such administrative rules and regulations as may be established by resolution of the City Council as provided herein.
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.040 - Permit required for certain activities; procedure.

A. Each person or organization shall secure from the City a permit for use of any public park, public property or public facility where such use involves any of the following uses or activities:

1. Persons or groups proposing to erect or maintain a display/sales table, booth or similar structure, in or upon any park, public property or other public facility;

2. Persons or groups desiring to reserve a facility or park area for a limited time for their exclusive use;

3. Any person(s) or group desiring to hold a contest, demonstration or exhibit in a park or public facility for which fees will be charged;

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ATTACHMENT B

4. Overnight camping by youth organizations. Overnight camping by youth organizations for persons 15 years of age and under shall be limited to no more than two consecutive nights. Such youth organizations shall be accompanied by their chaperones. Camping for more than two consecutive nights must be approved by the City Council;

5. The offering of any article of food or drink for sale; or the stationing or placing of any stand, cart or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article of food or drink in the park or on public property adjacent to such park;

6. The construction or erection of any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or the running or stringing on any private or public service utility into, upon or across such land;

7. The restriction of a portion of any public street and/or sidewalk for exclusive uses such as block parties, fun runs, parades and specific festivals.

B. Applications for such permits shall be submitted upon forms provided by the Recreation Manager and shall be accompanied by such fee as may from time to time be set by resolution of the City Council.

1. The Recreation Manager or designee shall grant or conditionally approve such application, if the Director determines that the application is consistent with the purposes of this chapter as set forth in section 9.16.020. If such finding cannot be made, the application for permit shall be denied.

2. The applicant for a permit, or any interested party, may appeal the decision of the Recreation Manger. The term "interested party" shall mean any person whose interest in the matter is adversely affected by the decision of the Recreation Manager. All requests for appeal shall be made in writing and served upon the City Clerk.

The person appealing the decision of the Recreation Manager may appeal directly to the City Council, in which event the appeal shall be scheduled for the next regular Council meeting which is at least seven days from receipt of the written request for appeal. In the alternative, the person appealing may elect to appeal first to the City Manager, in which event the appeal hearing will be held before the City Manager, or his designee, within ten days of receipt of the written request for appeal.

Decisions of the City Manager, or his designee, may be appealed to the City Council. Fees and other administrative rules and regulations regarding such appeals shall be established by resolution of the City Council.

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ATTACHMENT B
C. It is unlawful for any person to conduct any use or activity for which a permit is required as provided in this chapter without first obtaining such permit.

D. Any permit issued pursuant to this section shall be revoked upon a finding by the Recreation Manager or the manager's designee that the person or organization has failed to comply with any conditions of approval imposed upon the permit issued as provided herein.
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.050 - Administrative regulations.

In addition to the rules, regulations and restrictions set forth in this chapter, the City Council may, from time to time, pass appropriate resolutions to establish administrative rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to regulate the use of "public parks," "public property" and "public facilities" as defined herein.
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.060 - Use of areas in park.

A. The Recreation Manager or designee shall have the authority to regulate the activities in park areas, when necessary, to prevent congestion and to secure the maximum use of the park facilities for the comfort and convenience of all, and may limit the length of time such facilities, including picnic facilities, are used to avoid crowding. Visitors shall comply with any directions given to achieve this end.

B. Individual fireplaces or tables and benches shall be used on the basis of "first come, first serve" except in areas designated by "reservation only." (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.070 - Closing sections of parks.

Any part of a park may be declared closed to the public for all or specified purposes by the Recreation Manager or the Public Works Director at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular intervals. (Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.080 - Acts prohibited in city parks; infractions.

No person shall do any of the following acts within a City park:

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ATTACHMENT B
A. Fail to obey all properly posted signs regulating park use; B. Picnic or lunch in a place reserved by others;
C. Bring into any park any material which, if spilled, spread, sprayed or used for marking, will be injurious to humans, turf, plant growth or facilities; D. Pick the flowers or seeds of any tree or plant;
E. Attach any rope, wire or other contrivance to any tree or plant; F. Dig in or otherwise disturb any park area or in any way injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any area;
G. Climb any tree, or walk, stand or sit upon any monument base, fountain, railing, fence or upon any other property not designated, constructed or customarily used for such purposes;
H. Remove or have in his possession any wild animal, bird, or fowl, or the eggs, nest or young of any reptile, wild animal or bird;
I. Except in any dog park, no person having the control or care of any dog shall permit such dog to enter or remain in a park, unless it is led by a leash of suitable strength no more than six feet in length. The person owning, controlling or having custody of such dog shall be jointly and severally responsible for all damages caused by such dog. Such person who has control of a dog or dogs shall be responsible for the pickup and proper disposal of the dog excrement; J. Make or kindle a fire for any purpose, except at places provided for such purpose, unless prior permission shall be obtained therefor from the Recreation Manager, or leave a fire started by such person, or at such person's direction, or used by such person until such fire is completely extinguished; K. Play or practice golf or use golf clubs and golf balls in any area of the parks; L. Dump, deposit, or leave any bottle, broken glass, ashes, paper box, can, refuse or trash, except in the receptacles provided for such materials. Where such receptacles are not provided, all such material shall be carried away from the park by the person responsible for its presence and properly disposed of elsewhere.

M. Maintain, use, or consume within a City public park any beverage which is commercially packaged or contained within a glass container. For the purpose of this subsection, glass baby bottles being used for the purpose of feeding infant children shall not be deemed a violation of this subsection.

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N. Use skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, scooters or bicycles within tennis courts, basketball courts, parking areas, covered picnic areas, or baseball complex.

O. Fail to obey the lawful order of any peace officer or City employee authorized to enforce the rules and regulations as set forth herein.

P. Fail to obey all traffic regulations concerning the use of vehicles or caution, stopping, parking and all other signs posted for control or to safeguard life and property.

Q. Park a vehicle in other than an established or designated parking area or use a parking area in a manner not in accordance with the posted directions or the instructions of a designated City representative or peace officer who may be present.

R. Ride any other person on a bicycle, except where the bicycle is built for operation by more than one person.

S. No person in a park or on public or private property adjacent to a park shall produce or allow to be produced any loud noise from a radio, stereo, tape deck or other means which noise disturbs the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of any person in a public park or in residential areas adjacent to a public park.

T. It shall be unlawful to use tobacco products of any kind, including, but not limited to, chewing tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, or cannabis products, in or upon any City park, baseball complex, soccer complex or, within 20 feet of exterior to the complex, or to discard lighted or unlighted cigars, cigarettes, cannabis, or cannabis products in said areas. After the posting of signs affording reasonable notice to persons of this restriction, any person violating this provision shall be guilty of an infraction, which shall be punishable by a fine of established by resolution of the City Council.

U. Parks and public areas shall not be used for storage or a dumping location for any personal items, including without limitation, car parts, bicycles parts, bicycles, furniture, appliances, generators, propane tanks, or combustible materials.
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020; Ord. No. 2024-1086, § 1, 9-9-2024)

9.16.090 - Violations.

Violation of any provision of section 9.16.080 shall be punishable as an infraction, with fines assessed established by resolution of the City Council.

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ATTACHMENT B
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.100 - Acts prohibited in City parks, public property and public facilities.

No person shall do any of the following acts:

A. Willfully mark, paint, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, or displace or remove any building, bridge, table, bench, fireplace, railing, paving or paving material, water line or appurtenances, gas pipes, hydrants, stopcock, sewer, basin, construction in any park, or other public property. The parents of any minor committing such acts shall be responsible for all such damages caused by their minor children.

B. Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant, or injure the bark of any tree.

C. Make or cause to be made any duplicate keys to public facilities rented from the City, or to keep City keys.

D. Sell or offer for sale any alcoholic beverage in a public park, upon "public property" or in "public facilities" as defined in this chapter, except for special events or as provided in section 9.07.020 of this title, and except as authorized pursuant to any administrative rules and regulations adopted by the City Council pursuant to section 9.16.050 of this chapter.

E. Where retention ponds, as defined in section 9.16.01 of this chapter, are established in a public park, including the River Bluff Regional Park lower terrace area, fishing or any act in effort to kill, injure, disturb, capture, or catch fish in the retention pond is prohibited and shall be punishable as an infraction, pursuant to subsection 19.02.030(8).
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1074, § 2, 4-10-2023; Ord.

No. 2024-1086, § 1, 9-9-2024)

9.16.110 - Special provisions regarding the use of amplified sound in public parks, public facilities or upon public property.

A. The use of amplified sound, sound systems, or equipment is permitted in public facilities and upon public property, provided a permit for its use is first obtained in accordance with the provisions of section 9.16.040 of this chapter.

B. The use of amplified sound, sound systems, or equipment is prohibited in all public parks, except as provided in subsection C of this section.

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ATTACHMENT B
C. The use of amplified sound, sound systems, or equipment may be allowed in public parks for special community-related events or activities, provided a permit for its use is first obtained from the Recreation Manager pursuant to the procedure set forth in subsection 9.16.040.A of this chapter.

1. When issuing any such permit, the Recreation Manager may impose such conditions or restrictions upon the use of amplified sound, sound systems, or equipment as may be necessary to safeguard and protect the quiet enjoyment of other users of the park and of persons residing in residential areas adjacent to the park. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, any of the following conditions:
a. Restrictions upon the location and directional positioning of the equipment used for amplification.
b. Restrictions upon the time period or periods during which amplification equipment may be used.
c. Restrictions upon the maximum size, and sound level produced by the amplification equipment.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to properly obtain a permit as required by this section, or to conduct the use authorized by the permit in violation of any term or condition of the permit.
(Ord. No. 2020-1056, § 1, 2-24-2020)

9.16.120 – Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only
A. Intent and Purpose
Public parks are intended to be used primarily for recreational activities, which may include walking, jogging, picnicking, sports, passive leisure, and other organized or casual forms of recreation compatible with the safe and peaceful enjoyment of the park by all members of the public.

B.Prohibited Non-Recreational Use
It is unlawful for any person or group to use or occupy any public park, or portion thereof,for purposes other than recreational or authorized civic use as follows:

1. Remaining in the park without engaging in recreational activity in a manner thatinterferes with or deters recreational use by others.

2. Creating a condition that causes a reasonable person to fear for

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ATTACHMENT B
their own safety or engaging in behavior that is threatening or constitutes a nuisance under section 19.08.080 of this Code.

4. Assembling or congregating in a manner that blocks access to facilities, threatensother park users, or results in the deterioration of park conditions.

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ATTACHMENT C
City of Ceres

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CERES CITY COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers at 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, CA on August 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, to receive and consider all evidence and reports relative to adoption of the following: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ceres adding Section 9.16.120 – Use of Parks for Recreational Purposes Only to Chapter 16 – Parks, Public Property, and Public Facilities of Title 9, – Public Peace, Safety and Morals, of the City of Ceres Municipal Code.

The Ceres City (“City”) Council will consider this addition to the Ceres Municipal Code to address homeless encampments and other non-recreational activities in the City’s parks.

This is in response to community concerns regarding the safety and enjoyment of families and children using public parks within the City of Ceres. This new section is proposed to define permitted recreational park use and to restrict non-recreational activities within City parks.

All interested parties are invited to attend said hearing and express opinions or submit evidence for or against proposal as outlined above.

Further information on the above hearing may be obtained or viewed at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 2220 Magnolia Street Ceres, CA 95307 or by telephone at (209) 538-5731.

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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City Council
Javier Lopez, Mayor
James Casey, Dist. 1
Rosalinda L. Vierra, Dist. 2
Cerina Otero, Dist. 3
Daniel A. Martinez, Dist. 4
Meeting Date: September 14, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Steve Williams, Interim City Manager
Contact: Steve Williams, Interim City Manager, [email protected] Subject: Resolution
Approving an Agreement with Capitol Advocacy Partners for Grant Watch, Federal Advocacy, and As-Needed Grant Writing Services at a Reduced Rate of $2,500 per Month, Plus As-Needed Grant Writing Fees Based on Application Narrative Length, Including an Amount Not to Exceed $19,500 for the California Community Resiliency Center Grant Application, Appropriating $42,690 from General Fund Balance to 10065-029900 (Contracted Services), Approving a Budget Amendment, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement
Recommended Council Action:

Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution 2026-XXX approving a six-month agreement between the City of Ceres and Capitol Advocacy Partners for grant watch, federal advocacy, and as-needed grant writing services at a reduced rate of $2,500 per month, plus as-needed grant writing fees based on application narrative length, including an amount not to exceed $19,500 for the California Community Resiliency Center Grant application, appropriating $42,690 from General Fund Balance to 10065- 029900 (Contracted Services), and authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement.

Background:

Since August 2023, the City of Ceres has contracted with Capitol Advocacy Partners (CAP) to provide grant opportunity monitoring, federal advocacy, grant development, and grant writing services. The agreement has been renewed through annual amendments, and CAP has assisted the City in identifying competitive funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and advocating on the City's behalf with federal and state agencies.

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During the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget development process, the City was required to eliminate approximately $5.6 million in expenditures to adopt a balanced budget. As part of those reductions, funding for the CAP agreement was eliminated. Although this action reduced ongoing expenditures, it also suspended the City's dedicated grant watch, federal advocacy, and grant writing services.

Since beginning its relationship with the City, CAP has helped the City secure more than $2.4 million in competitive grant funding for projects including urban forestry, homelessness outreach, electric vehicles, public safety, air quality improvements, and other community initiatives. Most recently, the City received notification of a grant award of approximately $1 million over the next five years through the Proposition 64 Grant Program to combat illicit cannabis activity and protect local communities. CAP prepared the successful grant application on behalf of the City. In addition to preparing grant applications, CAP provides regular notifications of federal and state funding opportunities, legislative updates, and strategic advocacy designed to position the City for future grant awards.

Following discussions with staff, CAP has agreed to provide a reduced six-month agreement at a monthly retainer of $2,500, representing a significant reduction from the City's previous contract rate. The proposed agreement would continue grant watch and federal advocacy services while allowing the City to pursue high-priority grant opportunities during the current fiscal year. Grant writing services would be provided on an as-needed basis using a flat-fee schedule based on application narrative length, including a not-to-exceed cost of $19,500 for preparation of the California Community Resiliency Center Grant application.

Approval of the proposed agreement will restore the City's ability to proactively identify and compete for grant funding while providing staff the flexibility to evaluate the longterm need for these services during the six-month contract period. The requested budget amendment appropriates $42,690 from the General Fund Balance to Account 10065-029900 (Contracted Services) to fund the agreement and the anticipated Community Resiliency Center grant application.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The proposed agreement allows the City to continue receiving professional grant watch, federal advocacy, and legislative monitoring services at a substantially reduced monthly retainer of $2,500, recognizing the City's current fiscal constraints while maintaining access to services that have proven valuable to the City.

The City continues to face significant fiscal challenges following the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. Identifying and securing external grant funding is an important strategy for reducing reliance on General Fund resources and advancing City priorities that might otherwise be delayed or remain unfunded. Professional grant monitoring helps ensure the City is aware of competitive funding opportunities and is

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positioned to pursue them in a timely manner.

The proposed agreement also provides the flexibility to utilize CAP for grant writing services on an as-needed basis. Rather than committing to ongoing grant writing costs, the City may authorize preparation of individual grant applications only when a funding opportunity aligns with City priorities and offers a reasonable likelihood of success.

One of the immediate opportunities is the California Community Resiliency Center Grant Program. Based on CAP's preliminary assessment and discussions with City staff, the City appears to be a highly competitive applicant. Approval of the agreement will allow CAP to prepare a comprehensive grant application designed to maximize the City's competitiveness for this significant funding opportunity.

CAP has demonstrated a successful track record of obtaining competitive grant funding for the City. Since the City began working with CAP in 2023, the consultant has assisted in securing millions of dollars in grant funding for projects benefiting the community.

Most recently, CAP prepared the successful Proposition 64 grant application, resulting in an award of approximately $1 million over five years to combat illicit cannabis activity and protect local communities.

Finally, the proposed six-month agreement, with optional four-month extension, provides the City with an opportunity to continue these services while evaluating their effectiveness and the City's future financial capacity. Staff believes the reduced-cost agreement represents a prudent investment with the potential to generate a substantial return through the acquisition of external grant funding that would otherwise not be available to the City.

Fiscal Impacts:

The proposed action requires a budget appropriation of $42,690 from the General Fund Balance to Account 10065-029900 (Contracted Services).

Although the City's original termination notice would have continued the existing agreement through September 9, 2026, CAP and the City have mutually agreed to terminate the existing agreement effective August 31, 2026, allowing the new agreement to commence September 1, 2026, without an overlap in contractual services or compensation. As a result, the City remains contractually obligated to pay the existing monthly retainer of $4,095 for July and August 2026. These costs were not included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Adopted Budget following the elimination of funding for grant consulting services during the City's approximately $5.6 million budget reduction process.

The requested appropriation will fund:

1. $8,190 for the City's contractual obligations under the existing agreement for July

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and August 2026 ($4,095 per month).

2. $15,000 for the proposed six-month agreement from September 2026 through February 2027 at the reduced monthly retainer of $2,500, allowing grant watch, federal advocacy, and legislative monitoring services to continue without interruption.

3. Up to $19,500 for preparation and submission of the California Community Resiliency Center Grant application.

Staff believes the proposed appropriation is a prudent investment given the City's ongoing fiscal challenges. Continued professional grant monitoring, advocacy, and grant writing services position the City to pursue external funding opportunities that can significantly reduce future demands on the General Fund. CAP has demonstrated a strong return on investment by assisting the City in securing millions of dollars in competitive grant funding, including the recent award of approximately $1 million through the Proposition 64 Grant Program. The proposed agreement provides continuity of these services at a substantially reduced monthly cost while allowing the City to continue pursuing critical funding opportunities.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

FY27 Elected Official Future Goals - Continue working with staff to identify grant funding and partnership opportunities to support City priorities.

Policy Alternatives:

1. The City Council could authorize monthly service for six months but not authorize grant writing services.

2. The City Council could reject the proposed agreement.

Interdepartmental Coordination
These documents have been reviewed by the Finance Department and the City Attorney.

Public Participation:

N/A
Environmental Review:

N/A
Steps Following Approval:

Following City Council Approval, the agreement will be executed, and monthly services will continue uninterrupted. Capitol Advocacy Partners will prepare the grant application for the California Community Resiliency Center Grant.

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Attachments:

Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Agreement
Attachment C - Budget Amendment

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ATTACHMENT A

RESOLUTION

APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH CAPITOL ADVOCACY PARTNERS FOR

GRANT WATCH, FEDERAL ADVOCACY, AND AS-NEEDED GRANT WRITING SERVICES AT A REDUCED RATE OF $2,500 PER MONTH, PLUS AS-NEEDED

GRANT WRITING FEES BASED ON APPLICATION NARRATIVE LENGTH, INCLUDING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,500 FOR THE CALIFORNIA

COMMUNITY RESILIENCY CENTER GRANT APPLICATION, APPROPRIATING $42,690 FROM GENERAL FUND BALANCE TO 10065-029900 (CONTRACTED

SERVICES), APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE

INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres

WHEREAS, the City of Ceres ("City") has contracted with Capitol Advocacy Partners ("CAP") since August 2023 for grant monitoring, advocacy, grant development, and grant writing services; and
WHEREAS, CAP has assisted the City in identifying and pursuing competitive grant funding opportunities and has successfully prepared grant applications resulting in significant grant awards to the City; and
WHEREAS, most recently, CAP prepared the City's successful Proposition 64 grant application, resulting in an award of approximately $1 million over five years to combat illicit cannabis activity and protect local communities; and WHEREAS, during development of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, the City was required to reduce expenditures by approximately $5.6 million, which included elimination of funding for the CAP agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City's original termination notice would have continued the existing agreement through September 9, 2026, and CAP and the City have subsequently mutually agreed to terminate the existing agreement effective August 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City is responsible for payment of $4,095 per month for July and August 2026 under the existing agreement, for a total of $8,190; and WHEREAS, CAP has offered to continue providing grant watch, federal advocacy, and related services to the City under a new six-month agreement at a reduced monthly retainer of $2,500 from September 2026 through February 2027, for a total retainer cost of $15,000; and

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WHEREAS, the proposed agreement also allows the City to utilize CAP for grant writing services on an as-needed basis, with such services charged pursuant to the fee schedule contained in the agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City has identified the California Community Resiliency Center Grant Program as a significant funding opportunity, and CAP has conducted an initial assessment indicating that the City may be a competitive applicant for such funding; and
WHEREAS, the cost for CAP to prepare the City's California Community Resiliency Center Grant application is not to exceed $19,500; and WHEREAS, the total funding required for the existing contractual obligations, the proposed six-month agreement, and preparation of the California Community Resiliency Center Grant application is $42,690; and
WHEREAS, these expenditures were not included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Adopted Budget, requiring an appropriation of $42,690 from General Fund Balance to Account No. 10065-029900 (Contracted Services); and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that continuing professional grant monitoring, federal advocacy, and grant writing services will assist the City in identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities that may reduce the City's reliance on limited local resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ceres does hereby approve an agreement with Capitol Advocacy Partners for grant watch, federal advocacy, and as-needed grant writing services at a reduced rate of $2,500 per month, plus as-needed grant writing fees based on application narrative length, including an amount not to exceed $19,500 for the California Community Resiliency Center grant application, appropriates $42,690 from general fund balance to 10065- 029900 (contracted services), approves a budget amendment, and authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ceres at a regular meeting held on the 14th day of September 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAINED:

APPROVED:
________________________________

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ATTEST: Javier Lopez, Mayor
___________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk

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ATTACHMENT B

AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES
(Contract for Work and Services)
CAP Contract # 9-2026-CERES
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this FIRST day of SEPTEMBER, 2026 (the “Effective Date”) by and between CAPITOL ADVOCACY PARTNERS (“CAP”, hereafter “Consultant”), a District of Columbia for-profit corporation, having its principal offices at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, #15048, Washington, DC 20003, and THE CITY OF CERES (hereafter, “Client”), a(n) CALIFORNIA municipal corporation, having its principal offices at 2220 MAGNOLIA STREET, CERES, CA 95307, and (together) the PARTIES (hereafter, “Parties”) to this agreement.

RECITALS
Consultant shall provide advocacy and grant writing services on behalf of Client described by Work and Services (Exhibit A) included in this Agreement (with addendums, if attached). Consultant possesses the experience and expertise to so assist the Client. Therefore, by this Agreement, Client intends to so engage Consultant, and Consultant intends to be so engaged.

PROVISIONS
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Client and Consultant agree as follows:

1. STATEMENT OF WORK. By this Agreement Client retains Consultant to provide advocacy and grant writing services (collectively, the “Work and Services”). Work and Services offered shall be rendered in accordance with all applicable provisions of Exhibit A. In the event of a conflict between a provision set forth in Exhibit A and a provision of this Agreement, the provision set forth in Exhibit A shall control and govern.

In performing Work and Services, Consultant represents and warrants that it shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, State of CALIFORNIA and relevant local governments and shall render the Work and Services in a workman-like manner with the customary standard of care.

2. PAYMENT. During the Term(s), Client shall pay Consultant for Work and Services performed

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ATTACHMENT B
following the Pricing Schedules of Exhibit B for Consultant’s performance of the Work and Services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall invoice Client monthly in arrears, with invoices to be sent to:

STEVE WILLIAMS

INTERIM CITY MANAGER

CITY OF CERES
2220 MAGNOLIA ST
CERES, CA 95307
Via email: [email protected]
Invoices shall document with reasonable sufficiency the Services rendered by Consultant for the invoiced period and include supporting documentation for any eligible reimbursement. Client agrees to pay Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt thereof. Client payments to Consultant more than thirty (30) days in arrears are subject to a 10% late fee. Consultant reserves the right to stop Work and Services performed if Client payments are more than ninety (90) days in arrears.

3. STATUS OF CONSULTANT. Regardless of where Consultant performs the Services and with whom Consultant may interact, it is understood and agreed that Consultant is providing Work and Services performed on behalf of Client as an independent contractor, not as an employee or agent of Client. It is further understood and agreed that (i) Client shall have no obligation to provide any employee benefits, including without limitation, workers’ compensation coverage and unemployment benefits, to Consultant, and (ii) Consultant shall be solely liable for the payment of any income tax, whether federal, state or local, as well as FICA and Medicare taxes.

Consultant is solely responsible for Consultant’s employees. Consultant acknowledges that Consultant is not an agent of Client, cannot bind Client in any manner and will not represent or imply to any third party that Consultant is an agent of or can bind Client.

4. TERM AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect from the Effective Date through FEBRUARY 28, 2027 (hereafter, “Term”). The Term may be extended to option partial or full years by mutual written agreement between the Parties (and addendum to this Agreement), as described by the table below:

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ATTACHMENT B
Term of Agreement Effective Date Ending Date
Base Term 09/01/2026 02/28/2027
Option Term One 03/01/2027 06/30/2027
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Client may terminate this Agreement for convenience and without liability at any time upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to Consultant. Upon notification, Consultant shall cease Work and Services unless Client requests that Consultant proceed in an orderly fashion to limit or terminate any outstanding commitments or obligations hereunder, and in the event of such early termination, payments by Client to Consultant shall be adjusted to reflect the actual Work and Services rendered through the date of such termination. Client shall not in any manner be liable for Consultant's actual or projected lost profits had Consultant completed the Work and Services required by this Agreement. In addition, either Client or Consultant may terminate this Agreement upon a default. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute a default: (i) Client or Consultant fails to perform any provision of this Agreement and such failure is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice from the non-defaulting party, or (ii) any voluntary or involuntary proceedings are filed by or against Client or Consultant under bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and, in the case of any involuntary proceedings, are not dismissed within thirty (30) days after filing. Upon termination, Consultant shall deliver to Client copies of all products prepared by it pursuant to this Agreement.

5. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE. Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Client and its trustees, directors, officers, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, damages, losses and expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred where such claims, damages, losses and expenses arise from or relate to (i) Consultant’s negligent act or omission or willful misconduct in performing its obligations under this Agreement, and/or (ii) from its breach of this Agreement. Further, Consultant agrees and acknowledges that it is undertaking to perform the Work and Services called for under this Agreement at its own risk, which it freely and knowingly assumes, and Consultant hereby releases and promises not to sue Client and its trustees, directors, officers, agents and employees for any damages or injury (including death) caused by or associated with Consultant’s performance of the Work and Services. In no event shall Client be liable, regardless of whether any claim is based on contract or tort, for any special, consequential, indirect, or incidental damages, including, but not limited to, lost profits or revenue, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Work or Services performed in connection with this Agreement.

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ATTACHMENT B
Consultant shall carry professional liability insurance, at its sole cost and expense, for the duration of this Agreement, as is reasonable and appropriate and with the policy endorsed to name CITY OF CERES insured against liability. Upon request, Consultant shall provide to Client proof of insurance.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY. Consultant agrees to treat all information and data that Consultant receives (or has received) from Client, in whatever format Consultant may receive (or may have received) such information and data, as “Confidential Information”, and Consultant shall notdisclose Confidential Information to any third party without the express prior written consent of Client.

Consultant further agrees and covenants that any and all Confidential Information shall only be used (and has only been used) for the purposes of performing Consultant’s obligations under this Agreement. Consultant’s obligations of confidentiality set forth herein shall survive after termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall exclude information and data that: (i) is or which becomes publicly known through no fault of Consultant, (ii) is known to Consultant prior to receipt from Client, as evidenced by Consultant’s written records, (iii) is disclosed to Consultant in good faith by a third party who has an independent right to such information or data, (iv) is independently developed by Consultant, as evidenced by Consultant’s written records, (v) is approved for disclosure by prior written consent of Client, or (vi) is disclosed pursuant to subpoena or governmental regulation, provided that Consultant notifies Client of the need for such disclosure prior thereto so that Client may, as it deems appropriate, seek to challenge the required disclosure or seek a protective order.

7. RECORDS. Consultant shall keep and maintain all ledgers, books of account, invoices, reports, or other records and materials evidencing or relating to the Work and Services performed on behalf of the Client for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of final payment to Consultant under this Agreement. Client is entitled to inspect records upon request.

8. RIGHTS IN DATA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. All reports, data, ideas, information and other products of Work and Services performed by Consultant on behalf of the Client hereunder or developed by Consultant in performing such Work and Services shall be the sole and exclusive property of Client and shall be deemed “work made for hire” with Client receiving ownership of copyright therein. Consultant hereby assigns all such rights to Client. Client acknowledges and agrees that Consultant shall retain all ownership rights in any of Consultant’s pre-existing and proprietary property acquired by Consultant or developed by Consultant prior to

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ATTACHMENT B
the Effective Date that does not include or reflect customization for Client, or contain any information provided by Client to Consultant, and is clearly marked as copyright protected or confidential (the “Consultant’s Materials”). Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Consultant grants and Client accepts a worldwide, nonexclusive, nontransferable, royalty-free license to the Consultant’s Materials for use only in conjunction with the Work and Services performed by Consultant.

9. NON-DEBARMENT. Consultant represents and warrants to Client that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, Consultant: (i) is not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any federal, state, or local government agency, (ii) has not, within the immediately preceding three (3) year period, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against Consultant for (a) commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain or performing a federal, state, or local government contract or subcontract, or (b) commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion or receiving stolen property, (iii) is not presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in foregoing, and (iv) has not within a three (3) year period preceding the Effective Date of this Agreement, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any federal, state, or local government agency.

10. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Consultant shall disclose to Client any perceived or apparent conflict of interest related to Work and Services that Consultant is to perform under this Agreement. In signing this Agreement, Consultant accepts responsibility for disclosure to Client of all applicable apparent or perceived conflicts of interest. At a minimum, all such disclosures shall meet the requirements of and be made in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

11. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES. It is understood and agreed that Client will diligently respond to Consultant requests for documents, data, and information pertaining to Work and Services performed. Client represents and warrants to Consultant that, to the best of its knowledge, belief, and ability, all documents, data, and information provided to the Consultant shall be truthful and accurate at time of production. It is understood and agreed that Consultant will timely inform Client of requirements, deadlines, and other details pertaining to Work and Services performed. Consultant represents and warrants to Client that, to the best of its knowledge, belief, and ability, all Work and Services performed on behalf of the Client shall be

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ATTACHMENT B
truthful and accurate at time of completion.

Furthermore, and to facilitate communications between the Parties, it is understood and agreed the following persons shall represent each Party to the other for purposes of essential communications, work cadence, and other activities performed by the Consultant on behalf of the Client:

For the Client For the Consultant

STEVE WILLIAMS DANA DEBEAUMONT

INTERIM CITY MANAGER FOUNDING PARTNER

12. SEVERABILITY. In the event any one or more of the paragraphs or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason or in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining paragraphs and provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

13. ASSIGNABILITY. This Agreement may not be assigned by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party. Consultant is prohibited from subcontracting this Agreement or any part of it unless such subcontracting is expressly approved by Client in writing.

14. ARBITRATION. Any controversy between the Parties regarding the construction or application of this Agreement, and any claim arising out of this Agreement or its breach, shall be submitted to arbitration upon the written request of one Party after the service of that request on the other Party. The cost of the arbitration, including attorney fees incurred by the prevailing Party, shall be borne by the losing Party.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement evidences the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties, shall supersede any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements between the Parties, and may only be amended by a written document signed by both Parties.

16. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California. Venue for all legal proceedings shall be in the Superior Court of California for the County of Stanislaus.

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ATTACHMENT B

17. NOTICES. Any notice or communication required hereunder between Client and Consultant must be in writing, and may be given either personally, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), or by Federal Express, UPS or other similar couriers providing overnight delivery. If personally delivered, a notice shall be deemed to have been given when delivered to the Party to whom it is addressed. Notices given by registered or certified mail shall be deemed to have been given and received on the first to occur of (a) actual receipt by any of the addressees designated below as the party to whom notices are to be sent, (b) on the date delivered as shown on a receipt issued by the courier, or (c) five (5) days after a registered or certified letter containing such notice, properly addressed, with postage prepaid, is deposited in the United States mail. If given by Federal Express or similar courier, a notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given and received on the date delivered as shown on a receipt issued by the courier. Such notices or communications shall be given to the Parties at the addresses in this paragraph set forth below:

If to Client: City of Ceres
Attn: City Manager
2220 Magnolia Street
Ceres, California 95307
With a courtesy copy to: White Brenner LLP
Attn: Nubia I. Goldstein
1608 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
If to Consultant: Capitol Advocacy Partners
Attn: Dana DeBeaumont
600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, #15048
Washington, DC 20003
(SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS)

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ATTACHMENT B
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

For the Client: For the Consultant:

CITY OF CERES CAPITOL ADVOCACY PARTNERS
By: By:

Name: Name:

Title: Title:

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ATTACHMENT B
EXHIBIT A: WORK AND SERVICES
The Consultant will provide Work and Services on behalf of the Client during the base year(s) of this Agreement as described below:

SECTION 1: CLIENT ADVOCACY SERVICES.

The consultant will provide grant watch advocacy services on behalf of the client to include the following work:

A. Developing agendas on behalf of the client to support municipal and/or organizational funding priorities. Topic areas may include (but are not limited to) economic/community development, public safety, parks and recreation, transportation and infrastructure, housing and neighborhood revitalization, environmental resilience, and youth development.

B. Developing an annual community project on behalf of the client annually (when solicited by Congress) involving appropriations legislation for member/senator (elected official) submission.

Community project development work on behalf of the client will include researching and writing an initial community project application for submission to elected officials.

1. Note: The timing of the community project submission deadlines is outside of CAP’s control and may occur after the initial term of the contract. Should that occur, and if CAP is not under contract at the time of submission, CAP will not be responsible for completing the community project submission. CAP will work with the City prior to the end of the initial contract term to facilitate the transition of this responsibility to City staff.

C. Providing weekly briefings and updates (by e-mail and/or virtual meetings) to client leadership concerning federal activities such as executive and legislative actions, progression of legislation, agency actions, and identified government funding opportunities, with certain state, local and/or foundation engagement as discovered by the consultant.

D. Consultant pricing of Client Advocacy Services shall follow the pricing schedule described by Exhibit B to this contract.

SECTION 2: GRANT WRITING SERVICES.

The consultant will provide grant writing services on behalf of the client to include the following work:

A. Conducting grant program and/or funding project opportunity research on behalf of the client to support client funding priorities. Consultant research will include review of federal, with certain state, not-for-profit, and private foundation grant and/or project opportunities.

B. Providing grant program and/or funding project participation recommendations (by e-mail and/or virtual meetings) to client leadership and officials. Consultant recommendations will include a brief written summary of each program and/or project containing client participation requirements, award and/or funding assessment, and other details specific to the program and/or project.

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ATTACHMENT B
C. Conducting preliminary analysis of selected grant program and/or funding projects for client leadership review. Consultant analysis will include a written summary of the selected grant and/or project containing a scope-of-work assessment, a list of client participation requirements, identified deadlines and submission dates, estimated consultant pricing, and other details specific to the program and/or project.

D. Writing and submitting selected grant and/or funding project applications on behalf of the client.

Consultant work and services will include each of the following:

1. Completing a finalized and detailed application written scope-of-work describing required information and data (including client produced materials), timeline for writing and submission (including essential completion dates), and other items specific to a grant program and/or project application. The finalized scope-of-work will include a consultant pricing schedule for approval by client leadership.

2. Creating a grant application workbook for client use detailing required client produced information and data, essential completion dates for application review and submission, and other items specific to a grant program and/or project application. The grant application workbook will serve as the primary reference document for application completion and submission.

3. Identifying a consultant team leader with responsibility for writing, editing, and completing the application. The consultant team leader will be the primary point of contact between client officials and the consultant for purposes of application completion and submission.

4. Participation by a consultant project team in writing, editing, and completing the application with knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the type of application. The consultant project team will be responsible for researching and identifying information and data to answer application questions, formulating answers using information and data, and generally supporting the consultant team leader in completing the application.

5. Reviewing and final editing of the application by consultant executive leadership with expert level knowledge of grant and funding project application submission. Consultant executive leadership will be responsible for finalizing the draft application for submission to client leadership and/or officials.

6. Submitting the draft application to client officials for review, editing, and approval. Consultant executive leadership will review the draft application with client leadership and/or officials.

Client leadership and/or officials will be responsible for approving the application to be submitted by the consultant.

7. Submitting the application (with required supporting documents) by the consultant according to grant program and/or funding project application submission requirements and by submission deadlines. The consultant team leader will be responsible for notifying client officials by e-mail confirming application submission.

8. Tracking and follow-up of the application by the consultant and communication with grant program and/or funding project officials concerning application status. The consultant team leader, in consultation with executive leadership, will be responsible for answering application

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ATTACHMENT B
questions (if asked). The consultant team leader will be responsible for notifying client officials by phone and e-mail concerning application status.

E. Consultant pricing of Grant Writing Services shall follow the pricing schedule described by Exhibit B to this contract.

SECTION 3: OTHER WORK AND SERVICES.

The consultant may provide other work on behalf of the client (if requested) as follows:

A. Other work provided by the consultant on behalf of the client may be completed according to terms and conditions not implied or suggested by this contract.

B. Other work provided by the consultant on behalf of the client shall be described by a mutually agreed scope-of-work detailing activity and deliverables. The finalized scope-of-work will include a consultant pricing schedule for approval by client leadership.

C. Other work provided by the consultant on behalf of the client shall be finalized by a separate written addendum to this contract, according to mutually agreed terms and conditions (if considered and approved by both parties).

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ATTACHMENT B
EXHIBIT B: PRICING SCHEDULES
Work and Services offered to the Client by the Consultant during the base term(s) of this Agreement shall be priced using the following schedules:

SCHEDULE 1A: BASE CLIENT ADVOCACY and GRANT WATCH SERVICES Item Item Description Price
1A.1 Written agendas supporting client funding priorities (as requested and/or needed).

Included
1A.2 Development of community projects to support client funding appropriations legislation (one (1) per year of contractual term).

Included
1A.3 Legislative bill tracking and advocacy work to support client funding priorities (as requested and/or needed).

Included
1A.4 Materials for public dissemination to support client advocacy work and written testimony for public meetings (as requested and/or needed).

Included
1A.5 Weekly briefings and updates concerning federal activities and opportunities to support client funding priorities (as discovered by the consultant).

Included
1A.6 On-site visit to client business offices or other requested locations (one (1) full day visit, once per year of contractual term).

Included
1A.7 Grant program and/or funding project opportunity research. Included 1A.8 Grant program and/or funding project recommendations. Included 1A.9 Preliminary analysis of selected grant programs and/or funding projects for client leadership review.

Included
BASE PRICING:
(billed monthly, September 1, 2026-February 28, 2027)
$2,500
(per month)
EXTENSION PRICING 1 (Optional)
(billed monthly, March 1, 2027-June 30, 2027
$4,400
(per month)
SCHEDULE 1B: OPTIONAL CLIENT ADVOCACY SERVICES
Item Item Description Price
1B.1 Additional on-site visits to client business offices or other requested locations (billed at $100 per diem/employee and the itemized actual cost of travel, lodging, and other expenses incurred by the consultant).

Actual cost
(per visit)
SCHEDULE 2A: BASE GRANT WRITING SERVICES
Item Item Description (Application Work) Price
2A.1 Finalized and detailed grant program and/or funding project written scope-of-work for client leadership approval.

Included
2A.2 Application workbook detailing client produced information and data, essential completion dates for review and submission, and other items specific to an application.

Included
2A.3 Writing, editing, and completion of an application by a consultant team leader and project team.

Included
2A.4 Review and final editing of an application by consultant executive leadership.

Included

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ATTACHMENT B
2A.5 Submission of a draft application to client officials for review, editing, and approval.

Included
2A.6 Submission of a final application (with required supporting documents) by the consultant according to application requirements and deadlines.

Included
2A.7 Tracking and follow-up of an application by the consultant. Included BASE PRICING:
(flat fee, based on application narrative length,
billed upon final application submission)
1 to 9 pages double-spaced: $7,500
10 to 19 pages double-spaced: $12,500
20 to 26 pages double-spaced: $19,500
27 to 36 pages double-spaced: $25,000
37 to 50 pages double-spaced: $29,500
51 or more pages double-spaced: Negotiable
SCHEDULE 2B: OPTIONAL GRANT WRITING SERVICES
Item Item Description Price
2B.1 Proof reading and editing of client written applications by a consultant project team and consultant executive leadership, with final draft applications returned to client officials for submission by the client. $195
(per hour)
2B.2 “Plus-Up” services (with identified character limits) for client written applications (if required by the specific grant).
$1,500
(flat fee)
2B.3 Development of non-competitive community project application, to support a funded project included in appropriations legislation (pricing for each, if requested).
$5,000 each
(flat fee)

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Budget Amendment No.

Fiscal Year
Reference Resolution No . , dated authorizing appropriations for as follows:

Appropriations:

Fund Name Org. Object Project
(if appl.)
Appropriation
Amount
Requested Appropriation
Current Appropriation
Total Appropriation
Estimated Revenues:

Fund Name Org. Object Project
(if appl.)
Appropriation
Amount
$GGLWLRQDOEstimated Revenue
Current Estimated Revenue
Total Estimated Revenue
Fiscal Impact:
2027
2026- August 24, 2026,
Agreement with Capital Advocacy to provide grant watch, Federal Advocacy and as needed writing services through Feb-2027.

Contracted Services 10065 029900 $ 42,690.00
$ 42,690.00
$ 42,690.00
$ 0.00
$ 0.00
approving a budget amendment for FY27 to appropriate funds for Grant watch and Federal Advocacy services.

ATTACHMENT C

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Adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Ceres to apply for, accept, and implement funding through the California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Program Round 2 Implementation Grant for the American Legion Memorial Hall, and authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute the related documents and carry out the grant-funded project, if awarded.

Background:

The City is pursuing funding to renovate the American Legion Memorial Hall and expand its role as a year-round community resource and Community Resilience Center.

The California Strategic Growth Council’s Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program supports community-serving facilities, programs, and services that strengthen local resilience and help communities respond to climate and other emergencies.

Capitol Advocacy Partners (CAP) began working with City staff in July 2026 to develop a preliminary project concept. CAP identified the Hall’s existing community use and the opportunity to expand its services as strengths of the proposal. CAP advised that preparing a competitive application would require substantial coordination with City staff, documentation of community needs, and development of community partnerships.

On August 26, 2026, the Interim City Manager directed CAP to proceed with application preparation to preserve the City’s opportunity to meet the September 25, 2026, application deadline identified in CAP’s correspondence. The proposed resolution provides the formal City Council authorization needed to support the application and

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subsequent grant administration.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The preliminary project would combine eligible facility renovations with programs and services that respond to community needs. Potential components include use of the Hall as a cooling and resilience center during extreme heat and other emergencies; expanded community programming, food distribution, and resource distribution; and improved transportation access through coordination with the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority.

Potential partners identified during project development include the American Legion/VFW, organizations providing food distribution at the Hall, and other community organizations. These are prospective partnerships and project components; the final scope and commitments will be developed through the application process.

Application development includes compiling prior community survey results, recent public input, information on current Hall usage, and documentation of facility limitations.

This information will help demonstrate how the proposed improvements and services respond to community-identified needs. CAP has also identified formal partnership commitments or memoranda of understanding as an application requirement.

The proposed resolution authorizes the City to apply for and accept CRC funding if awarded. It also authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute and submit applications, agreements, amendments, certifications, assurances, reports, and other necessary documents, and to undertake the activities needed to administer and implement the grant-funded project. Adoption will allow the City to provide evidence of governing-body authorization with its application.

Fiscal Impacts:

CAP’s preliminary estimate for preparing the CRC grant application is $19,500. This is a professional grant-writing cost, not an application fee payable to the State. CAP’s correspondence indicates that approval of this cost was to be addressed with the proposed advocacy services agreement scheduled for City Council consideration on September 14, 2026. The grant authorization resolution does not itself approve that agreement or appropriate funds for grant-writing services.

The final grant request, total project budget, and any required City contribution have not yet been established in the supporting materials. The funding source for the $19,500 grant-writing cost must be identified through the related contract and budget action.

Staff will also identify any costs outside the grant award, including ongoing facility operation and maintenance, as the project budget and grant terms are finalized. Any necessary budget appropriations will be addressed through the City’s budget approval process.

The CRC Program requires a commitment to maintain the site as a community-serving

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facility for at least 15 years after project implementation is complete, supported by a recorded deed restriction or other program-authorized recorded instrument. The application must identify responsibility for long-term operation and maintenance and anticipated funding sources. These obligations extend beyond the grant term.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

Pursue Grant Opportunities
Policy Alternatives:

The Council could decide on one of the options below:
1) Adopt the resolution approving the item as proposed. 2) Adopt the resolution with modifications to the proposed item. 3) Direct staff to return with revisions or additional information. 4) Take no action.

Interdepartmental Coordination
Staff collaborated with the Finance Department, the Public Works Department, and the City Attorney's Office regarding this item.

Public Participation:

Public notice of this item has been provided in accordance with the Brown Act.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to address the City Council during the meeting.

Environmental Review:

This action authorizes pursuit and administration of grant funding. Construction remains subject to applicable environmental review and project approvals. Before application submission, staff will document consultation with the permitting agency regarding CEQA requirements and identify the project’s CEQA status and any necessary review schedule. Required CEQA compliance must be documented before construction begins.

Steps Following Approval:

Staff and CAP will complete and submit the application. If the State awards funding, the City executes the grant agreement and begins implementation.

Attachments:

Attachment A - Resolution
None

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ATTACHMENT A

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CERES TO APPLY FOR, ACCEPT, AND IMPLEMENT

FUNDING THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA STRATEGIC GROWTH COUNCIL COMMUNITY RESILIENCE CENTERS PROGRAM ROUND 2 IMPLEMENTATION GRANT

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, the California Strategic Growth Council (“SGC”) administers the Community Resilience Centers (“CRC”) Program to fund community-driven resilience projects that provide community-serving facilities, programs, and services to strengthen local resilience and respond to climate and other emergencies; and WHEREAS, the City of Ceres ("City") desires to submit an application to SGC for funding through the Community Resilience Centers Program Round 2 Implementation Grant; and
WHEREAS, the City proposes to utilize CRC Program funding to support the development of the American Legion Memorial Hall as a Community Resilience Center, including eligible capital improvements, programs, services, and related activities that strengthen community resilience and support the needs of Ceres residents; and WHEREAS, the CRC Program requires a public agency serving as Lead Applicant to provide evidence of a passed formal resolution or delegated authority authorizing the agency to apply for and accept CRC Program funding and execute all related documents and activities if awarded; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize the City of Ceres to apply for, accept, and administer CRC Program funding and to authorize the appropriate City representative to execute all documents and undertake all activities necessary to carry out the grant if awarded.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ceres does hereby authorize the City of Ceres to apply for, accept, and implement funding through the California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Program Round 2 Implementation Grant.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Interim City Manager is authorized to execute and submit applications, grant agreements, amendments, certifications, assurances, reports, and other necessary documents, and to administer and implement the grant-funded project, subject to applicable law and required budget appropriations.

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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ceres at a regular meeting held on the 14th day of September 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers:

NOES: Councilmembers:

ABSENT: Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:

APPROVED:

ATTEST:
________________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor
___________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk

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Staff recommends adoption of a resolution of concurrence recommending the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors' approval of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Background:

The Stanislaus Urban County, consisting of the cities of Ceres, Hughson, Oakdale, Riverbank, Patterson, Newman, Waterford, and the County, receives annual allocations of funds for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) activities. The Stanislaus Urban County and the City of Turlock form the Stanislaus HOME Consortium and receive an annual allocation of HOME Investment Partnership Act funds. A requirement of the program is for the administering jurisdiction (Stanislaus County) to:
1) Prepare a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER); 2) Make the CAPER available for a minimum 15-day public review period; 3) Allow any member of the public who wishes to speak on the matter to provide feedback;
4) Submit the CAPER to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for review.

The FY 2025-2026 CAPER outlines the projects that were undertaken by the Stanislaus Urban County and HOME Consortium members as well as various public service agencies that were funded. For FY 2025-2026, the City of Ceres was allocated

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$205,068 for CDBG program activities and related project delivery funds for Morrow Village.

The CDBG program has been very effective in providing communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs for low-income individuals and households within Stanislaus County. In the City of Ceres, the program has been used over the past several years to provide infrastructure improvements, such as new drainage, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, in predominantly low-income census tracts. These infrastructure improvements are based upon the community’s needs and priorities, as outlined in the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.

Reasons for Recommendation:

HUD requires all Consortium members to adopt a resolution of concurrence recommending approval of the CAPER.

Fiscal Impacts:

There is no direct fiscal impact for recommending that the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approve the FY 2025-2026 CAPER.

Existing Policy / Relationship to the Strategic Plan:

N/A
Policy Alternatives:

N/A
Interdepartmental Coordination
N/A
Public Participation:

The FY 2025-2026 CAPER has been made available for public review for a 15-day public review period from August 7, 2026, to August 21, 2026. Notice of the Stanislaus County Public Hearing and availability of the CAPER document was also published in the Modesto Bee and the Ceres Courier.

The public will also have the opportunity to speak about the CAPER at an upcoming Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors public hearing. As required by Stanislaus Urban County’s Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), any public comments received will be included in the final CAPER that County staff will submit to HUD by September 29, 2026.

Environmental Review:

N/A

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Steps Following Approval:

The City Council’s recommendation on the approval of the FY 2025-2026 CAPER will be forwarded to the County Board of Supervisors.

Attachments:

Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Draft 2025-2026 CAPER
Attachment C - Presentation

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ATTACHMENT A

RESOLUTION

RECOMMENDING THE CITY OF CERES CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND

EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)

THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Ceres
WHEREAS, the Stanislaus Urban County is a recognized U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement jurisdiction that is comprised of the Cities of Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, Waterford and the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County for purposes of receiving and expending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds for FY 2025-2026; and
WHEREAS, the Stanislaus HOME Consortium, which includes the Stanislaus Urban County and the City of Turlock, and the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County, have received Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds from HUD for FY 2025-2026; and
WHEREAS, Stanislaus County is the lead entity for both the Stanislaus Urban County and the Stanislaus HOME Consortium and is responsible for administering CDBG, ESG, and HOME funds; and
WHEREAS, the CAPER is a requirement by HUD to remain in compliance for federal funding, and the City of Ceres, as a member of the Stanislaus Urban County and the HOME Consortium, is required to assist Stanislaus County in the CAPER process, to report their project status, and to document progress made in accomplishing goals set forth in the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan; and WHEREAS, the CAPER was released for public review on August 7, 2026, providing the required 15-day public review period and allowing comments before the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors' hearing on September 15, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ceres does hereby approve the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 prepared by the Stanislaus Urban County and the Stanislaus HOME Consortium and recommend approval of the CAPER by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ceres at a regular meeting held on the 14th day of September, by the following vote:

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AYES: Councilmembers:

NOES: Councilmembers:

ABSENT: Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:

APPROVED:

ATTEST:
________________________________
Javier Lopez, Mayor
___________________________________
Fallon Martin, City Clerk

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 1 FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026

STANISLAUS HOME CONSORTIUM AND

STANISLAUS URBAN COUNTY

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development Entitlement Programs
August 2026
Prepared by:

Stanislaus County Planning and Community Development Department 1010 10th Street, Suite 3400
Modesto, CA 95354

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 2

STANISLAUS HOME CONSORTIUM AND STANISLAUS URBAN COUNTY

MEMBERS
Stanislaus County
Chairman Vito Chiesa
Vice Chairman Terry Withrow
Supervisor Buck Condit
Supervisor Mani Grewal
Supervisor Channce Condit
City of Ceres
Mayor Javier Lopez
Vice Mayor Daniel A. Martinez
Councilmember James Casey
Councilmember Rosalinda L. Vierra
Councilmember Cerina Otero
City of Hughson
Mayor George Carr
Mayor Pro Tem Randy Crooker
Councilmember Julie Ann Strain
Councilmember Alan McFadon
Councilmember Susana Vasquez

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 3 Stanislaus Home Consortium and Stanislaus Urban County Members City of Newman
Mayor Casey Graham
Councilmember Scott Ball
Councilmember Shane Tomlinson
Councilmember Gisel Pimentel
Councilmember Matthew Harden
City of Oakdale
Mayor Cherilyn Bairos
Mayor Pro Tem Kayleigh Gilbert
Councilmember Jarod Pitassi
Councilmember Jeff Kettering
Councilmember Richard Murdoch
City of Patterson
Mayor Michael Clauzel
Councilmember Gabriela Hernandez
Councilmember Kendra Mora
Councilmember Carlos Roque
Councilmember (Vacant)

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 4 Stanislaus Home Consortium and Stanislaus Urban County Members City of Riverbank
Mayor Rachel Hernandez
Vice Mayor John C. Pimentel
Councilmember Luis Uribe
Councilmember Cindy Fosi
Councilmember Stacy Call
City of Waterford
Mayor Charlie Goeken
Vice Mayor Jamie Hilton
Councilmember Christine Harris
Councilmember Elizabeth Talbott
Councilmember Guadalupe “Lupita” Gutierrez
City of Turlock – Only participates in Stanislaus Home Consortium Mayor Amy Bublak
Vice Mayor Rebecka Monez
Councilmember Kevin Bixel
Councilmember Cassandra Abram
Councilmember Erika Phillips

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
STANISLAUS HOME CONSORTIUM AND STANISLAUS URBAN COUNTY MEMBERS 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
TABLE OF FIGURES 6
INTRODUCTION 7
CR-05 – GOALS AND OUTCOMES 10
CR-10 – RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF FAMILIES ASSISTED 17 CR-15 – RESOURCES AND INVESTMENTS 91.520(A) 19
CR-20 – AFFORDABLE HOUSING 91.520(B) 26
CR-25 – HOMELESS AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS 91.220(D, E); 91.320(D, E); 91.520(C) 30 CR-30 – PUBLIC HOUSING 91.220(H); 91.320(J) 36
CR-35–OTHER ACTIONS 91.220(J)-(K); 91.320(I)-(J) 38
CR-40 – MONITORING 91.220 AND 91.230 44
CR-45 – CDBG 91.520(C) 49
CR-50 – HOME 24 91.520 (d) 50
CR-58 – SECTION 3 51
CR-60 – ESG 91.520(G) (ESG RECIPIENTS ONLY) 54
CR-65 – PERSONS ASSISTED 59
CR-70 – ESG 91.520(G) - ASSISTANCE PROVIDED AND OUTCOMES 63

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 6

TABLE OF FIGURES
Table 1 Urban County Allocations 8
Table 2 HOME Consortium Allocation 8
Table 3 CDBG CARES Act Allocations 9
Table 4 Consolidated Plan Goals 9
Table 5 Consolidated Plan Goals Funding Source 12
Table 6 Goals Accomplishments - Strategic Plan and Program Year 1 13 Table 7 Community Emergency Response Goal Accomplishments 14 Table 8 Urban County Members Infrastructure Projects 16 Table 9 Assistance to Racial and Ethnic Populations by Source of Funds 17 Table 10 CARES Program Assistance to Racial and Ethnic Populations 17 Table 11 Resources Made Available 19
Table 12 Identify the Geographic Distribution and Location of Investments 20 Table 13 Fiscal Year Summary - HOME Match Report 23
Table 14 HOME Match Contribution Sources for the Federal Fiscal Year 23 Table 15 HOME Program Income 24
Table 16 Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises 24 Table 17 Minority Owners of Rental Property 25
Table 18 Relocation and Real Property Acquisition 25
Table 19 Affordable Housing Number of Households 26
Table 20 Rental Assistance Number of Households Supported 27 Table 21 Number of Persons Served 29
Table 22 Total Labor Hours 51
Table 23 Qualitative Efforts - Number of Activities by Program 51 Table 24 Household Information for Homeless Prevention Activities 59 Table 25 Household Information for Rapid Re-Housing Activities 59 Table 26 Shelter Information 60
Table 27 Household Information for Street Outreach 60
Table 28 Household Information for Persons Served with ESG 61 Table 29 Age Information 61
Table 30 Special Population Served 62
Table 31 Shelter Capacity 63

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 7

INTRODUCTION
The 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) constitutes the first reporting period (Fiscal Year covering the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026) of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Stanislaus County, in partnership with the cities of: Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, and Waterford form the Stanislaus Urban County (hereafter “Urban County”) for purposes of receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program funds. The Urban County, in partnership with the City of Turlock forms the Stanislaus HOME Consortium (hereafter “HOME Consortium”) for purposes of receiving HUD HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding. Stanislaus County serves as lead entity for both the HOME Consortium and the Urban County.

HUD requires the HOME Consortium and Urban County to prepare and adopt a five-year Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) and Annual Action Plans to inform HUD on how the allocated grant funds will be used. At the end of each fiscal year (FY), HUD requires this annual CAPER to report the progress made in accomplishing the goals set forth in the Con Plan, also referred to as a Strategic Plan, and Annual Action Plan (AAP). As a recipient of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding in prior FYs, the Urban County reports on NSP program income funds still programmed for use. The projects and activities outlined within this CAPER were administered and overseen by the County’s Department of Planning and Community Development.

PROGRAM YEAR 1 – CONSOLIDATED PLAN 2025-2029
In FY 2025-2026, the HOME Consortium and Urban County continued focusing on effectively administering and implementing CDBG, ESG, HOME, and NSP programs. CDBG funding continued to support public infrastructure improvements throughout the Urban County, with projects progressing through environmental review, design, engineering, procurement, and construction. CDBG Public Service funding assisted nonprofit agencies in providing fair housing, homelessness prevention, youth services, food assistance, senior services, and other essential community programs benefiting vulnerable populations. ESG funding continued to support emergency shelter operations, rapid rehousing, homeless prevention, and supportive services through local nonprofit agencies. These programs emphasized a Housing First approach, helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness quickly access safe shelter, stabilize their housing situations, and transition toward permanent housing. During the upcoming FY, the County anticipates completing the closeout of the NSP grant. Upon HUD approval of the closeout, any remaining NSP program income and other

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 8 eligible funds will be transferred to the CDBG program in accordance with HUD requirements, allowing the County to continue investing these resources in eligible community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

The annual HUD Entitlement program funding allocated to the Urban County in FY 2025-2026 were:

Table 1 Urban County Allocations
Program Allocation
CDBG $2,302,867.00
ESG $202,582.00
Total $2,505,449.00
The annual HUD Entitlement program funding allocated to the HOME Consortium in FY 2025-2026 was:

Table 2 HOME Consortium Allocation
Program Allocation
HOME $1,234,276.61
FY 2025-2026 marked the third year of the HOME Consortium. During the program year, the County continued to build the foundation of the Consortium by working towards implementing HOME-funded rental housing development projects, developing a Consortium-wide Housing Rehabilitation program and strengthening administrative processes to ensure long-term program compliance and successful project delivery.

The County completed a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to award HOME funds to affordable rental housing developments that will increase the supply of rental housing units within the Consortium service area. Staff also continued development of the Housing Rehabilitation Program, including the addition of assistance for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), by developing program policies, agreements, and administrative procedures necessary to launch the program.

In addition, the County continued coordinating with the City of Turlock regarding the transition from the former HOME Consortium, including discussions related to unallocated HOME funds and HOME program income administered by the City. The County also worked with consultants, environmental review specialists, legal counsel, and project partners to complete environmental reviews, underwriting, agreement development, and other pre-development activities necessary to advance HOME-assisted projects toward implementation.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 9 These efforts have positioned the Consortium to expand affordable housing opportunities and continue meeting the housing needs of low- and moderate-income residents throughout Stanislaus County and the participating jurisdictions.

In addition to the funding listed above, the CAPER also reports on the use of HUD CDBG Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding awarded to the Urban County in FYs 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, with an expenditure deadline of June 30, 2026. The CARES Act identified additional funding for the CDBG program to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the community impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HUD’s distribution plan for CDBG CARES Act funding included multiple rounds: an initial round (CV1) that allowed for quick access to funding necessary to address the immediate crisis resulting from the pandemic and funding rounds two and three, CV2 and CV3, that supported post-pandemic community recovery. The Urban County did not receive CV2 funding. The following are the amounts that the Urban County was awarded for CDBG CV1 and CDBG CV3 funding:

Table 3 CDBG CARES Act Allocations
Program Allocation
CDBG Round One (CV1) Allocation: $1,358,994.00
CDBG Round Three (CV3) Allocation: $1,432,755.00
Total $2,791,749.00
CDBG, ESG, NSP, and HOME funds are designed to primarily serve the low-income community as defined by the Area Median Income (AMI) limits per program for Stanislaus County as determined by HUD. Funds are used by the HOME Consortium and Urban County to meet the following goals of the Con Plan:

Table 4 Consolidated Plan Goals
Goal Number Goal Description
One Support affordable housing and promote accessible housing options Two Work to address, prevent and mitigate homelessness
Three Improve infrastructure and public facilities
Four Provide essential public services
Five Administration
In FY 2025-2026, the HOME Consortium and Urban County continued to collaborate with the Stanislaus Community System of Care (CSOC), the local federally recognized Continuum of Care (CoC), on homeless services and programs. A CoC is an integrated system of care that guides and

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 10 tracks homeless individuals and households through a comprehensive array of housing and services designed to prevent and end homelessness. Services supported with ESG funding are brought to the local CoC for feedback and to ensure coordination with countywide efforts to address homelessness.

The County’s Department of Planning and Community Development has also served as the Administrative Entity for the local CoC for state ESG (CA-ESG) since 2017. The department works with the CoC to identify service needs and allocates the CA-ESG funding through its annual grant application process. Over the last few years, the local CoC area has received approximately $350,000 annually in CA-ESG funding.

This CAPER addresses a series of questions and answers in relation to specific program funding received by the HOME Consortium and Urban County. The information provided in the CAPER is limited to the specific questions that HUD requires of Stanislaus County, as the lead entity, and does not address any other federal or state funding received by the members of the HOME Consortium and Urban County. The CAPER is submitted through HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) which limits the length of responses to each question.

CR-05 – GOALS AND OUTCOMES

PROGRESS THE JURISDICTION HAS MADE IN CARRYING OUT ITS STRATEGIC PLAN AND ITS ACTION PLAN. 91.520(A)
This could be an overview that includes major initiatives and highlights that were proposed and executed throughout the program year.

The priorities identified in the Con Plan are to improve public infrastructure and facilities, support affordable housing and promote accessible housing options, provide essential public services, and work to address, prevent and mitigate homelessness. In many neighborhoods and communities throughout the planning area, public infrastructure (sewer, curb, gutter, sidewalk, storm drainage, etc.) is minimal or non-existent, causing this to be a high priority need. All of the Urban County members utilize CDBG funds for infrastructure improvement projects in an effort to improve the quality of life for residents in and around the project areas.

Through the CDBG Public Services Grant (CDBG-PSG) program, the Urban County set aside approximately 15% of its annual CDBG allocation for programs that provide services to low to moderate-income households (families or individuals). A total of $345,430 in funding was awarded to six (6) public service programs to carry-out a number of needed services that included assistance to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. Approximately 1,211 individuals received

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 11 some form of service, from CDBG-PSG funded programs ranging from meals and shelter for lowincome households to emergency food assistance.

Through the HOME Program, the HOME Consortium continued implementing its third program year as the newly established lead entity. During FY 2025-2026, the HOME Consortium focused on administering the annual HOME allocation, coordinating with participating jurisdictions, developing and implementing program policies and procedures, and advancing affordable housing activities.

Efforts included the development of a new Housing Rehabilitation Program to include assistance for the rehabilitation of ADUs, project environmental reviews and project pre-development activities, and coordination with affordable housing developers to facilitate future HOME-assisted housing opportunities.

Throughout FY 2025-2026, the Urban County and the local CoC worked together on strengthening efforts to address and collaborate on homeless issues. Those efforts included working with the CoC and other entitlement jurisdictions to:
• Oversee and monitor programs for federal compliance
• Support the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
• Support the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) • Update local CES policies and procedures
CDBG CV1 and CDBG CV3 funding were awarded in prior years through a competitive grant application process. A total of twelve (12) programs provided by eight (8) service providers were funded CDBG CV funds. During FY 2025-2026, a total of 127 individuals were assisted by these CDBG CV funded programs.
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 12

COMPARISON OF THE PROPOSED VERSUS ACTUAL OUTCOMES FOR EACH OUTCOME

MEASURE SUBMITTED WITH THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND EXPLAIN, IF APPLICABLE, WHY PROGRESS WAS NOT MADE TOWARD MEETING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. 91.520(G) Categories, priority levels, funding sources and amounts, outcomes/objectives, goal outcome indicators, units of measure, targets, actual outcomes/outputs, and percentage completed for each of the grantee’s program year goals.

Table 5 Consolidated Plan Goals Funding Source
Goal Number Program Category Funding Source
One Affordable Housing HOME: $1,110,849.61
NSP1: $289,982.42
NSP3: $612,944.97
Two Homeless ESG: $187,389
Three Non-Housing Community Development CDBG: $1,461,864 Four Homeless and Non-Homeless Special
Needs
CDBG Public Services: $345,430
Five Other-Administration CDBG: $435,573
ESG: $15,193
HOME: $123,427
CDBG CV1: $68,805.73
CDBG CV3: $286,551
NSP1: $32,220.26
NSP3: $68,104.99
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 13 Table 6 Goals Accomplishments - Strategic Plan and Program Year 1 Goal Indicator Units
Measure
Expected Actual Percent
Complete
Strategic Plan
One Housing Units 60 40 0 0%
Two Other Other 1,700 2,538 149%
Three Infrastructure Activities
Households
Assisted 2,500 1,427 57%
Four Public service activities other
than Low/Moderate- Income
Housing Benefit
Persons
Assisted 6,000 13,664 227%
Five Not Applicable
Program Year 1
One Housing Units 60 10 0 0%
Two Other Other 350 223 64%
Three Infrastructure Activities
Households
Assisted 500 250 50%
Four Public service activities other
than Low/Moderate- Income
Housing Benefit
Persons
Assisted 1,200 1,211 101%
Five Not Applicable
The Community Emergency Response Program goal was established under the FY 2020–2024 Consolidated Plan. Outcomes continue to be reported in this CAPER because CDBG-CV funding remained active through June 30, 2026, which falls within the FY 2025–2026 CAPER reporting period.
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 14 Table 7 Community Emergency Response Goal Accomplishments Indicator Units Measure Expected Actual Percent
Complete
Strategic Plan
Rapid Re-Housing Households Assisted 385 35 9%
Homeless Persons
Overnight Shelter
Persons Assisted 970 1,851 190%
Homeless Prevention Persons Assisted 900 88 9.7%
Other Other 4,361 6,290 144%
Program Year 1
Rapid Re-Housing Households Assisted 10 0 0%
Homeless Persons
Overnight Shelter
Persons Assisted 300 66 22%
Homeless Prevention Persons Assisted 10 38 380%
Other Other 500 23 4.6%
Emergency Assistance Funding Source: CDBG CV1 $168,962 and CDBG CV3 $446,281.38 ASSESS HOW THE JURISDICTION’S USE OF FUNDS, PARTICULARLY CDBG, ADDRESSES

THE PRIORITIES AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE PLAN, GIVING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE HIGHEST PRIORITY ACTIVITIES IDENTIFIED.

The Con Plan identifies public infrastructure and facility improvements, affordable housing, public services, and homeless services, as the high priority needs. Consistent with these priorities, the following activities were undertaken:
• Continued with the design, engineering, and construction of various public infrastructure projects contributing to the improvement of neighborhoods throughout the Urban County. • Continued to fund public service programs through a competitive grant process to assist nonprofits that aid low- and moderate-income persons in need of services (i.e., food, shelter, and youth services).
• Continued to oversee CDBG CV awarded grants, to nonprofits, that were offered through a competitive process to assist the community to prepare, prevent, and protect its residents, service providers, and businesses from the impact of COVID-19. • Continued development of a Consortium-wide Housing Rehabilitation Program, including assistance for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 15 • Development of program policies and procedures, coordinating environmental review and underwriting activities, and working with legal counsel and consultants to establish the administrative framework necessary for long-term program implementation of the HOME program.

The following expenditures of public services program funding occurred during the FY:

CDBG-PSG Program Funded Service Providers (Fiscal Year 2025-2026) Court Appointed Special Advocates of Stanislaus County – Direct Services Project $35,543 Center for Human Services – Economic and Mobility Program $35,543 Children’s Crisis Center of Stanislaus County – Guardian House $35,543 Children’s Crisis Center of Stanislaus County – Marsha’s and Verda’s House $35,543 Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments – Legal Program $30,543 We Care Program – Turlock – Substance Abuse-Counseling Program $172,715 2024 ESG Program Funded Service Providers
Center for Human Services – Youth Low Barrier Shelter Program $77,042 Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments – Haven Emergency Shelter Program $26,830 Turning Point Community Programs – Rapid Re-Housing Program $85,962 2025 ESG Program Funded Service Providers
Center for Human Services – Youth Low Barrier Shelter Program $30,456 Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments – Haven Emergency Shelter Program $75,900 We Care Program – Turlock – Rapid Re-Housing Program $81,033 CDBG CV1 Program Funded Service Providers
Cambridge Academies – Enterprise Connection Program $201,731.50 Center for Human Services – Family Resource Center Concrete Support $201,731.50 Children’s Crisis Center – CDBG CARES Program $170,691.50 Family Promise of Greater Modesto – Rent/Utility Assistance Program $201,731.50 The Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield – Feed the Need Program $201,731.50 United Samaritans Foundation – Employee Hazard Pay $109,578.50

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 16 CDBG CV3 Program Funded Service Providers
Cambridge Academies – HOST House Shelter Program $200,000 Cambridge Academies – Naomi’s House Shelter Program $200,000 Center for Human Services – Family Resource Center Concrete Support $200,000 Community Housing and Shelter Services – Rental Assistance Program $180,000 Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments – Haven Emergency Shelter Program $166,204 The Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield – Feed the Need Program $200,000 The competitive grant review process utilized a Grant Review Panel made up of representatives from each of the Urban County’s members and the CSOC to ensure progress towards meeting the Con Plan’s priorities and addressing community needs.

As the Urban County’s lead entity, county staff administratively supported all of the Urban County members on their paths towards meeting the goals in the Con Plan. The following were the projects that the Urban County Members undertook during FY 2025-2026.

Table 8 Urban County Members Infrastructure Projects
Urban County Member Project
Stanislaus County West Modesto Infrastructure Improvements City of Ceres Morrow Village Phase III Improvements
City of Hughson 2nd Street Improvements Infrastructure
7th Street Improvements Infrastructure
City of Newman Steffensen-Sunshine Area Infrastructure
City of Oakdale Southwest Downtown Safe Routes to School Improvements North Fifth-South Sixth Improvements
City of Patterson Washburn Infrastructure Improvements Project, 6B E Street Waterline Replacement and 9th Street Improvements
City of Riverbank Water and Sewer Line- High Street/Riverside Drive Project and Pioneer Park ADA Improvements
City of Waterford G Street Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements [Space below intentionally left blank.]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 17 CR-10 – RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF FAMILIES ASSISTED

DESCRIBE THE FAMILIES ASSISTED (INCLUDING THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC STATUS OF FAMILIES ASSISTED). 91.520(A)
Table 9 Assistance to Racial and Ethnic Populations by Source of Funds Race/Ethnicity CDBG % CDBG ESG % ESG HOME % HOME
White 988 81.59% 76 34.08% 0
Black or African American 65 5.37% 21 9.42% 0
Asian 24 1.98% 2 0.90% 0
American Indian or American Native 16 1.32% 1 0.45% 0
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 17 1.40% 4 1.79% 0 Other 101 8.34% 119 53.36% 0
Refused to Answer 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0
Total 1,211 100% 223 100% 0
Hispanic 722 59.62% 69 30.94% 0
Not Hispanic 489 40.38% 154 69.06% 0
Table 10 CARES Program Assistance to Racial and Ethnic Populations Race/Ethnicity CDBG CV Percent
White 96 75.59%
Black or African American 8 6.30%
Asian 9 7.09%
American Indian or American Native 2 1.57%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1 0.79%
Other 11 8.66%
Refused to Answer 0 0.00%
Total 127 100%
Hispanic 97 76.38%
Not Hispanic 30 23.62%
Narrative
The Urban County and HOME Consortium identify priority community needs through its Consolidated Plan and fund programs that provide services to eligible individuals and households. Tables 9 and 10 above reflect the CDBG-PSG, ESG, and CDBG CV programs administered during FY 2025-2026 and is auto-generated by the HUD CAPER template reflecting demographic information provided by participants and recorded in the HUD Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) reporting system.

The HOME Program is not reflected in the accomplishment tables above because no HOME-funded housing projects were completed or occupied during FY 2025-2026. During the program year, the

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 18 HOME Consortium continued implementing its affordable housing programs through project underwriting, environmental review, agreement development, and coordination with housing developers and participating jurisdictions. These activities are necessary pre-development and administrative steps that will support the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing units in future program years. As HOME-funded projects move into construction and occupancy, beneficiary data will be reported through HUD's IDIS and reflected in future CAPERs.

CDBG-PSG funds were used by several nonprofits that addressed the needs of special populations in the Urban County. Of the total 1,211 individuals assisted, approximately 78 individuals with disabilities were assisted, 154 were assisted with emergency food, 216 received emergency shelter services, and 162 were assisted with utility assistance. Among the total assisted individuals, there were 98 female head of households, 54 veterans, 111 seniors, 91 domestic violence victims, and 216 homeless. Of those assisted, 12 were provided with homeless prevention services, and 821 were provided case management.

ESG funds were used by several nonprofits that assisted homeless persons and families, both the individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and those experiencing temporary homelessness, make a transition to permanent housing and independent living. While enrolled in these programs, case managers worked with each household to set goals and work on a housing action plan in order to identify and connect with any services needed such as: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, Veteran’s benefits, future employment opportunities, etc.

ESG-funded Rapid Re-Housing activities assisted eight individuals in obtaining permanent housing, and all eight remained stably housed at the end of the FY.

ESG funds were also used to provide emergency shelter to homeless individuals and households.

Participants who demonstrated progress motivation toward self-sufficiency received extended case management in conjunction with rapid re-housing assistance funds to assist in obtaining employment and permanent housing. Shelter service providers assisted 16 individuals to obtain housing this last FY. The ESG-funded programs assisted a total of 223 individuals throughout the FY. [Space below intentionally left blank.]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 19 CR-15 – RESOURCES AND INVESTMENTS 91.520(A)
IDENTIFY THE RESOURCES MADE AVAILABLE.

Table 11 Resources Made Available
Source of Funds Resources Made Available Amount Expended During Program Year 2025 CDBG $6,635,087 $3,296,426
ESG $202,582 $104,729
HOME $4,023,750 $32,712
Narrative
The annual entitlement CDBG, HOME, and ESG in the amounts identified in Table 11– Resources Made Available, continued to provide critical resources for public infrastructure improvements, public services, and affordable housing activities. Collectively, CDBG and ESG funding assisted the Urban County in addressing infrastructure needs and to provide services to the community’s most vulnerable residents. Whenever possible, Urban County members leveraged CDBG funds with local, state, and other federal funding sources to maximize community investment and expand the impact of HUD-funded activities. Although HOME program expenditures during FY 2025-2026 were limited to eligible administrative and pre-development activities, no HOME-funded housing units were completed during the reporting period. Consequently, there were no HOME match contributions or leveraged project funding to report for completed housing activities. [ Space below intentionally left blank. ]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 20

IDENTIFY THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION AND LOCATION OF INVESTMENTS Table 12 Identify the Geographic Distribution and Location of Investments Target Area
Planned % of
Allocation
Actual % of
Allocation Description
Ceres 16 16
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Newman 9 9
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Oakdale 10 10
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Patterson 11 11
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Riverbank 9 9
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Stanislaus Urban County 20 20
Infrastructure, Public Services,
Community Development, and
Administration
Unincorporated Stanislaus
County
8 8
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Waterford 9 9
Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Hughson 8 8 Infrastructure, Public Services, and
Community Development
Turlock N/A N/A Affordable Housing and Services

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 21 Narrative
CDBG funding is allocated among all the Urban County’s members based on a population and poverty formula, along with an equitable amount of funding for administration. Stanislaus County, as lead entity, receives a greater percentage of funding for administration. Each member sets their own priority for public infrastructure projects. In many neighborhoods and communities within the Urban County’s planning area, public infrastructure is minimal or non-existent, making infrastructure improvements one of the highest community priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan.

Infrastructure such as sewer, water, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage are typical development standards in newer neighborhoods but are non-existent or antiquated in older neighborhoods. The Urban County members each use the majority of their annual CDBG entitlement funds for infrastructure improvement-related projects. CDBG-PSG and ESG funding are made available for use throughout the entire Urban County planning area. CDBG funding also supports fair housing services throughout the Urban County.

HOME funding is allocated among all the HOME Consortium members based on a population and poverty formula for activities. All members are given the opportunity to propose projects using their HOME allocation, with a requirement that funding for the project(s) must be encumbered for use within six months of the beginning of each FY. Unencumbered funds are utilized by Stanislaus County, as lead entity, in delivery of eligible housing programs and projects. As needed, programs and projects will be developed through the release of a request for proposal (RFP) for general affordable housing projects for the entire HOME Consortium. The County will maintain an ongoing list of projects, developed from RFPs (released to developers, realtors, and with others interested in participating in affordable housing development) seeking funding for projects. The project list will be prioritized based on community need, project feasibility (i.e., funding, entitlements, design stage, etc.), and time frame for full implementation.

During FY 2025-2026, no HOME-funded housing projects were under construction or completed; therefore, no geographic investment percentages are reported for HOME activities during this FY.

While the City of Turlock is not a member of the Urban County and does not receive CDBG funds through the Urban County allocation, it is a participating member of the HOME Consortium and is therefore included for HOME planning purposes. Because HOME-funded projects had not yet advanced to implementation during the reporting period, there were no HOME direct project expenditures or beneficiary data to attribute to individual Consortium jurisdictions. Geographic

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 22 distribution of HOME investments will be reflected in future CAPERs as HOME-assisted projects proceed to construction, rehabilitation, and occupancy.

LEVERAGING
Explain how federal funds leveraged additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements were satisfied, as well as how any publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that were used to address the needs identified in the plan.

Leveraging Resources
CDBG and ESG activities leveraged $5,089,650 and $1,254,986 respectively to support service delivery. The sources of leveraged funding included: private donations, other local funding, program income, and in-kind donations. Although matching funds were not required for CDBG-funded public service providers, awarded agencies were required to report leveraged resources, including private donations, local funding, program income, and in-kind contributions. [ Space below intentionally left blank. ]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 23 No HOME-funded housing projects were completed during the reporting period. Therefore, the HOME tables related to match, program income, MBE/WBE participation, minority owners, and relocation reflect zero activity for FY 2025-2026.

Table 13 Fiscal Year Summary - HOME Match Report
Excess match from prior Federal fiscal year $0
Match contributed during current Federal fiscal year $0 Total match available for current Federal fiscal year (Line 1 plus Line 2) $0 Match Liability for current Federal fiscal year $0
Excess match carried over to next Federal fiscal year (Line 3 minus Line 4) $0 Table 14 HOME Match Contribution Sources for the Federal Fiscal Year Project No. or Other ID N/A
Date of Contribution N/A
Cash (non-Federal sources) N/A
Foregone Taxes, Fees, Charges N/A
Appraised Land/Real Property N/A
Required Infrastructure N/A
Site Preparation, Construction Materials, Donated Labor N/A Bond Financing N/A
Total Match N/A
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 24 Table 15 HOME Program Income
Balance on hand
at beginning of
reporting period
Amount
received during
reporting period
Total amount
expended
during reporting
period
Amount
expended for
TBRA
Balance on hand
at end of
reporting period
N/A
Table 16 Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises – Indicate the number and dollar value of contracts for HOME projects completed during the reporting period Total Minority Business Enterprises White
NonHispanic
Alaskan Native or
American Indian
Asian or
Pacific
Islander
Black
NonHispanic
Hispanic
Contracts N/A
Number
Dollar Amount
Sub-Contracts
Dollar Amount
Sub-Contracts
Total Women Business
Enterprises (WBE)
Male
Contracts N/A
Number
Dollar Amount
Sub-Contracts
Number
Dollar Amount
[Space below intentionally left blank.]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 25 Table 17 Minority Owners of Rental Property
Minority Owners of Rental Property – Indicate the number of HOME assisted rental property owners and the total amount of HOME funds in these rental properties assisted Total Minority Property Owners White NonAlaskan Hispanic Native or
American
Indian
Asian or
Pacific
Islander
Black NonHispanicHispanic
Number N/A
Dollar
Amount N/A
Table 18 Relocation and Real Property Acquisition
Relocation and Real Property Acquisition – Indicate the number of persons displaced, the cost of relocation payments, the number of parcels acquired, and the cost of acquisition Parcels Acquired 0
Businesses Displaced 0
Nonprofit Organizations Displaced 0
Households Temporarily Relocated, not Displaced 0
Households
Displaced
Total Minority Property Enterprises White NonAlaskan Hispanic Native or
American
Indian
Asian or
Pacific
Islander
Black NonHispanicHispanic
Number N/A
Cost N/A
[Space below intentionally left blank.]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 26

MATCHING
Under the ESG program (federal and state), 50% of the costs related to the projects are reimbursed and the remainder of the costs paid by non-ESG match funding sources (i.e., local unrestricted donations). In this manner, the subrecipient in turn commits their dollar-to-dollar match by paying the remainder of the expenses from non-ESG sources.

The HOME Program requires that a contribution or match of no less than 25 cents for each dollar of HOME funds be spent on affordable housing. HOME housing development projects selected through an RFP process will be subject to meeting the match requirement. For this reporting period funding was awarded, however, there were no housing activity funds expended.

CR-20 – AFFORDABLE HOUSING 91.520(B)
EVALUATION OF THE JURISDICTION’S PROGRESS IN PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING,

INCLUDING THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF FAMILIES SERVED, THE NUMBER OF EXTREMELY

LOW-INCOME, LOW-INCOME, MODERATE-INCOME, AND MIDDLE-INCOME PERSONS SERVED.

Table 19 Affordable Housing Number of Households
One-Year Goal Actual
Number of Homeless households to be
provided affordable housing units
0 0
Number of Non-Homeless households to
be provided affordable housing units
5 0
Number of Special-Needs households to
be provided affordable housing units
0 0
Total 5 0
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 27 Table 20 Rental Assistance Number of Households Supported One-Year Goal Actual
Number of households supported through
Rental Assistance
0 0
Number of households supported through
The Production of New Units
0 0
Number of households supported through
Rehab of Existing Units
5 0
Number of households supported through
Acquisition of Existing Units
0 0
Total 5 0

DISCUSS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOALS AND OUTCOMES AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN MEETING THESE GOALS.

Several housing goals established in the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan remain in progress due to the nature of affordable housing development and housing rehabilitation activities. Affordable housing projects often require multiple years to complete because they involve environmental review, project underwriting, financing commitments, design, permitting, procurement, construction, and ongoing compliance activities.

During the program year, the County continued progress on affordable housing goal by awarding HOME and PLHA funds to eligible affordable housing projects, completing environmental review activities, coordinating with project sponsors, and working toward the implementation of the Housing Rehabilitation, that will include assistance for the rehabilitation ADUs. While these activities did not immediately result in completed housing units during the reporting period, they represent significant progress toward achieving the housing goals identified in the Consolidated Plan.

The County began efforts to restructure its Housing Rehabilitation Program to serve the entire HOME Consortium. The restructure includes an update to program Policies and Procedures and a focused target of bringing unpermitted accessory dwelling units into compliance with all applicable building codes. The County anticipates launching a restructured program during the next program year.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 28 DISCUSS HOW THESE OUTCOMES WILL IMPACT FUTURE ANNUAL ACTION PLANS.

The actions undertaken during FY 2025-2026 to advance the affordable housing goal will continue to shape future Annual Action Plans by reaffirming the need for long-term investment in affordable housing development and rehabilitation throughout the HOME Consortium area. During the program year, the County focused on advancing affordable housing through funding projects, environmental review activities, program development, and coordination with housing partners. The County recognizes that affordable housing projects often require multiple years to complete due to environmental review, financing, permitting, construction, and other pre-development activities. As a result, future Annual Action Plans will continue to prioritize projects that demonstrate readiness while supporting development through the various stages of implementation.

The County will continue to leverage HOME and PLHA funding to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing. Implementation of the Housing Rehabilitation Program, including the addition of assistance for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), is expected to expand housing rehabilitation opportunities for low- and moderate-income households while preserving the County's existing housing stock.

The County and its member jurisdictions recognize the importance of maintaining State-certified Housing Elements to remain eligible and competitive for state housing funding opportunities. As jurisdictions continue updating and implementing their Housing Elements, the County will continue coordinating with member agencies to support long-term housing planning, identify local housing needs, and seek available state and federal housing resources. Maintaining compliance with State housing requirements will remain an important component of advancing affordable housing opportunities throughout Stanislaus County.

The County will continue collaborating with the Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority (SRHA), member jurisdictions, affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and other funding partners to leverage federal, state, and local resources. Although state funding opportunities have increased in recent years, the rising costs of land acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and project development continue to present challenges in meeting the County's affordable housing needs.

Future Annual Action Plans will continue to prioritize investments that maximize available funding, leverage additional resources, and increase the production and preservation of affordable housing throughout the Urban County and HOME Consortium.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 29 INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME, LOW-INCOME, AND MODERATEINCOME PERSONS SERVED BY EACH ACTIVITY, WHERE INFORMATION ON INCOME BY FAMILY SIZE IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE ACTIVITY.

Table 21 Number of Persons Served
Number of Persons
Served
CDBG Actual Percentage HOME Actual Percentage
Extremely Low-income 971 80% 0 0%
Low-income 232 19% 0 0%
Moderate-income 8 1% 0 0%
Total 1,211 100% 0 0%
Narrative
For activities requiring household income eligibility, beneficiaries were determined to be extremely low-, low-, or moderate-income according to applicable HUD regulations prior to receiving assistance.

The number of persons served within each income category is reflected in the accompanying tables above. Activities qualifying under the Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit (LMA) or other applicable national objectives were administered in accordance with HUD eligibility requirements and therefore did not require individual household income verification. [ Space below intentionally left blank. ]

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 30 CR-25 – HOMELESS AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS 91.220(D, E); 91.320(D, E); 91.520(C) EVALUATE THE JURISDICTION’S PROGRESS IN MEETING ITS SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES FOR REDUCING AND ENDING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH:

Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs.

The Urban County utilized Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grant Public Service Grant (CDBG-PSG), and California Emergency Solutions Grant (CA-ESG) funding to support a coordinated approach to reducing homelessness and connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with housing and supportive services. Through these programs, the County funded nonprofit service providers that conducted outreach, assessed participant needs, provided emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, case management, food assistance, and referrals to mainstream resources.

All ESG-funded providers actively participate in the local Continuum of Care (CoC), helping to strengthen coordinated outreach, engagement, assessment, and referral efforts throughout Stanislaus County. The County also continued participating in CSOC planning activities to identify service gaps, improve coordination among providers, and support implementation of the Coordinated Entry System. Through Coordinated Entry, individuals experiencing homelessness are assessed using a standardized process to identify housing and supportive service needs, prioritize households with the greatest services and housing needs, and connect them with the most appropriate available resources.

During FY 2025-2026, ESG-funded providers assisted 215 individuals through emergency shelter services and helped eight (8) individuals obtain permanent housing through Rapid Re-Housing assistance. ESG-funded providers maintained participant information in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) or comparable database, allowing providers to coordinate services, document outcomes, and improve system-wide planning and evaluation.

In addition to federal ESG funding, the County continued serving as the Administrative Entity for CAESG funding on behalf of the local CoC. During the program year, CA-ESG funding supported emergency shelter and rapid re-housing activities that expanded access to housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including youth and survivors of domestic violence.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 31 The members of the HOME Consortium, through participation in the CoC, continue to engage in hospital discharge planning for individuals experiencing homelessness through participation in the Stanislaus County Hospital and Shelter Partners (SCHSP) meetings. Since April 2019, the Hospital Council of Northern California has coordinated SCHSP monthly meetings with representatives from local hospitals, homeless shelters, public agencies, and stakeholder groups to plan for the discharge of homeless individuals from health care facilities to comply with SB 1152. The objective has been to create a community standard of care and greater coordination among healthcare providers, shelters, and homeless service organizations.

Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons.

Throughout FY 2025-2026, the Urban County utilized Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grant Public Service Grant (CDBG-PSG), and California Emergency Solutions Grant (CA-ESG) funding to address the emergency shelter needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. ESG-funded providers operated emergency shelters serving adults, youth, and survivors of domestic violence, while providing comprehensive case management, housing navigation, and referrals to supportive services designed to promote housing stability and permanent housing outcomes. Collectively, County's ESG-funded and CDBG-funded emergency shelters maintained 95 year-round emergency shelter beds, including 49 beds at We Care Program, 24 beds at the Center for Human Services Youth Low-Barrier Emergency Shelter, and 22 beds at HAVEN's shelter:

We Care Program – Emergency Shelter
The 49-bed shelter provided safe, temporary housing and access to essential services designed to help participants stabilize their immediate housing crisis while working toward permanent housing solutions. In addition to emergency shelter, participants received comprehensive case management, housing navigation, and referrals to mainstream resources, including healthcare, behavioral health services, employment assistance, and income support programs. Staff worked collaboratively with each participant to develop individualized housing plans focused on overcoming barriers to housing and increasing self-sufficiency. The shelter emphasized low-barrier access to services and assisted participants in identifying and securing appropriate permanent housing opportunities as quickly as possible.

Center for Human Services – Youth Low-Barrier Emergency Shelter The 24-bed shelter provided safe, temporary shelter and supportive services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. The shelter operated using a low-barrier approach that prioritized

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 32 immediate access to shelter while reducing barriers to services and permanent housing. Participants received individualized case management, housing navigation, life skills development, and referrals to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, and other supportive services. The traumainformed, client-centered program focused on helping youth achieve safe, stable, and permanent housing while building long-term self-sufficiency.

HAVEN – Emergency Shelter
The 22-bed shelter served individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The shelter provided 24-hour crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, legal advocacy, and supportive services. HAVEN's services focused on helping survivors achieve safety, stabilize their housing situations, and transition to permanent housing while addressing their unique safety and supportive service needs.

The HOME Consortium and Urban County have collaborated with the Stanislaus Community System of Care (CSOC), the local Continuum of Care, for more than twenty-five years to strengthen the regional homeless response system. Through this collaboration, the County works with the SRHA, the Cities of Modesto and Turlock, County departments, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and other community stakeholders to coordinate emergency shelter, outreach, housing, and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

ESG funding supported HMIS participation to improve coordination among homeless service providers, enhance data quality, and strengthen the County's ability to evaluate program outcomes and identify community needs.

While not funded by the Urban County, the following are some of the facilities available, and efforts undertaken, during the FY to address the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons countywide:

Access Center Emergency Shelter (ACES)
The Access Center Emergency Shelter (ACES), located in the City of Modesto, is a 182-bed lowbarrier shelter focused on providing shelter to the most vulnerable unsheltered population by decreasing common barriers to individuals accepting shelter service, such as pets, partners, and possessions. ACES opened November 26, 2019, and is operated by the Salvation Army. Included in the bed count is a 22-bed dorm area available for those individuals experiencing homelessness that suffer from a significant mental illness. This dorm-style room reduces instances of victimization and

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 33 increases the efficacy of therapeutic intervention. The County’s Community Assessment Response and Engagement (CARE) Team is also able to use the location to provide case management and shelter to the most vulnerable unsheltered individuals. ACES has also afforded an opportunity for the most vulnerable unsheltered population to be sheltered and connected with case management services, with a strong emphasis on assisting shelter guests to become document ready for entry into the community’s coordinated entry housing continuum. Additionally, Stanislaus County Animal Services Agency partnered with ACES to create a healthy pets program. This program provides pet food, crates, and animal health services to pets residing at ACES.

Empire Cold Weather Family Shelter
The Empire Cold Weather Family Shelter, located in the community of Empire, was initiated by the County’s Community Services Agency (CSA) in November 2018 as a partnership with the SRHA.

The target population served are families who are currently being case managed in CSA Housing Support Program (HSP) unit, have used all available temporary shelter nights, are still engaged in the search for permanent housing and have been unsheltered the longest based on date of referral to the HSP program.

CSA works in partnership with Community Housing and Shelter Services (CHSS) for placement of families at the Empire Cold Weather Family Shelter and has an existing contract with CHSS to administer, arrange and facilitate temporary housing services to CalWORKs and Welfare-to-Work eligible families. CHSS also provides case management services, which include assisting and educating participants on their income, household budgets, and housing options; aiding participants in completion of housing applications and landlord outreach; and providing housing search workshops.

The Empire Migrant center consists of 90 dwelling units used for farmworker housing from April to October each year. This project allows CSA to use 22 units during the months of November through March.

Family Housing Facility (FHF)
In November 2019, CSA began leasing a motel, located in Modesto area, to operate a year-round family shelter using the model implemented at the Empire Cold Weather Family Shelter. The property has 23 units and a three (3) room office space.

CSA works in partnership with CHSS for placement at FHF. CHSS services include primary case management oversight which include: assisting participants with household budget, understanding

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 34 their income, housing options, completing housing application, landlord outreach and housing search workshops, working with families to remove barriers to self-sufficiency, and connecting families to applicable and relevant community resources.

FHF complements the seasonal Empire Cold Weather Shelter by offering continuous availability throughout the year, prioritizing families with longer-term unsheltered status or those nearing exhaustion of temporary shelter nights. Through integrated services and stable housing options, FHF reinforces the County’s homelessness prevention and support strategy.

Access Center
On February 3, 2020, the Access Center, a “hub location” for multiple homeless programs and the entry way into the shelter system, opened in the City of Modesto. The Access Center serves as a one-stop hub and physical entry point for individuals at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness to access a wide range of co-located homelessness services including centralized homeless outreach and engagement; housing assessments and navigation; and homelessness support services and referrals. The Access Center also employs a “meet you where you are” strategy that has specialized homeless outreach workers meet individuals on the street and in homeless encampment areas and encourages individuals to connect to services.

The following partners are co-located at the Access Center: Center for Human Services; Community Housing and Shelter Services; Community Impact Central Valley; Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living; Golden Valley Health Centers; Salvation Army - Modesto; Stanislaus County (Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and Community Services Agency); Telecare Corporation; and Turning Point Community Programs.

Sierra House — City of Riverbank’s Shelter and Service Program Sierra House is a residential training and shelter program operated collaboratively by the City of Riverbank and Cambridge Academies. The City acquired the property specifically to offer a structured pathway out of homelessness for vulnerable individuals in the community. The live-in component provides General Education Development (GED) tests and life-skills training alongside case-managed support. Cambridge Academies staff oversee operations.

Adjacent to the main site, their Day-Use Facility offers essential services to Riverbank’s unhoused population, including hot showers, clean clothing, and warm meals.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 35 Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: likely to become homeless after being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); and, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs.

The HOME Consortium continued to actively participate in the CSOC to ensure CDBG-PSG and ESG funding aligned with countywide efforts to help low-income individuals and families to avoid becoming homeless. CSOC efforts include improving the program planning for homeless funding utilization throughout Stanislaus County and working with private hospitals to encourage the incorporation of rental assistance and case management into discharge planning. CSOC representatives actively collaborate with the County Sheriff’s Office and the Probation Department to identify services available for recently discharged parolees to help prevent homelessness among that population.

Nonprofits awarded CDBG-PSG and ESG funding are required to participate in the CSOC as part of the effort to ensure alignment with the broader community efforts to address homelessness and to allow for education opportunities on new community programs that can add value to existing programs.

Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again.

The Urban County partnered with CHSS, CHS, Turning Point Community Programs, and the We Care Program to help homeless individuals and families make a transition to permanent housing and independent living. With the use of ESG grant funds, both the chronically homeless populations and temporarily homeless households were provided the opportunity to be placed into permanent housing. While enrolled in these programs, case managers work with each household to set goals and work on a housing action plan in order to identify and connect with any needed services, such as:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, Veteran’s Benefits, future employment opportunities, etc. Throughout the FY, ESG shelter, homeless prevention, and rapid reATTACHMENT B

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 36 housing funds placed eight (8) homeless individuals into permanent housing. At the end of the FY, all eight (8) of those individuals were stably housed.

Center for Human Services, HAVEN and the We Care Program utilized ESG funds to provide emergency shelter to homeless individuals. Clients that showed progress toward self-sufficiency received extended case management in conjunction with rapid re-housing assistance funds to assist in the placement of job and permanent housing placement.

CR-30 – PUBLIC HOUSING 91.220(H); 91.320(J)
ACTIONS TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF PUBLIC HOUSING.

In California, public housing is administered through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). The Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority (SRHA) continues to play a vital role in addressing housing needs throughout Stanislaus County, particularly for extremely low- and very low-income households.

As the largest provider and property manager of public housing in the County, SRHA is committed to maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing for its residents.

According to the SRHA 2025 PHA Plan, SRHA administers 647 public housing units and 4,929 Housing Choice Vouchers throughout its service area. In addition, SRHA serves as the administrative agency for the Riverbank Housing Authority, which operates an additional 90 public housing units, including 60 units designated for seniors and 30 family units serving low-income households.

The SRHA operates an overall 1,872 housing units that include conventional public housing, affordable rental development, and specialized farm labor housing.

As of FY 2025, the SRHA’s portfolio includes:
• 647 public housing units under the Asset Management Program (AMP), located throughout the cities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Oakdale, Patterson, Newman, Hughson, and Westley. • 580 farm labor and migrant worker housing units, providing safe and affordable seasonal housing in rural communities such as Empire, Westley, Patterson, and Ceres. • 550 affordable housing units managed independently or in partnership with nonprofit developers, that serve low-income individuals and families, some of which are financed through USDA or other state/federal programs.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 37 These units are managed and maintained by SRHA to HUD standards and contribute to the County’s broader affordable housing inventory. The HOME Consortium coordinates closely with SRHA to align planning, voucher administration, and other programs in support of shared housing goals.

Of 4,929 vouchers in Stanislaus County, 212 vouchers are specifically for homeless veterans (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing [VASH] vouchers), 270 vouchers are specifically for reunifying families that are facing homelessness or living in substandard housing with children removed from the home, 380 are project-based vouchers, and 11 are project-based vouchers for a senior complex in the City of Patterson.

During the FY, SRHA’s public housing stock remained a critical component of the affordable housing landscape, particularly as the demand for deeply affordable units outpaced supply across Stanislaus County. The HOME Consortium continues to support regional collaboration and strategic planning to preserve and expand housing opportunities for vulnerable households. The SRHA and the HOME Consortium have a strong relationship and continue to work together towards furthering decent, safe, and affordable housing throughout the community.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN MANAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATE IN HOMEOWNERSHIP.

SRHA encourages resident participation through its Resident Advisory Board (RAB), which is comprised of Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher program participants. The RAB is provided the opportunity to review and comment on proposed policy and program changes, including revisions to the PHA Annual Plan and Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan, prior to consideration by the SRHA’s Board of Commissioners. SRHA also includes resident representation in its planning process, consistent with HUD requirements.

SRHA continues to encourage self-sufficiency and homeownership opportunities by working with HUD and other housing finance partners to develop a Lease-to-Purchase Homeownership Program for eligible public housing residents. In addition, SRHA has expanded resident engagement through online resident portals, electronic recertifications, and other process improvements that improve communication and access to housing programs and services.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO TROUBLED PHAS.

There are no PHAs operating within the HOME Consortium area that are designated as troubled or that have requested assistance.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 38 CR-35–OTHER ACTIONS 91.220(J)-(K); 91.320(I)-(J)

ACTIONS TAKEN TO REMOVE OR AMELIORATE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF PUBLIC

POLICIES THAT SERVE AS BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUCH AS LAND USE

CONTROLS, TAX POLICIES AFFECTING LAND, ZONING ORDINANCES, BUILDING CODES,

FEES AND CHARGES, GROWTH LIMITATIONS, AND POLICIES AFFECTING THE RETURN ON RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT. 91.220 (J); 91.320 (I)
The Con Plan identifies the following public policies as having the potential to negatively affect affordable housing and residential investment: shortage of affordable housing funding, climate change, environmental protection, growth management, planning and development fees, and prevailing wages. To address the potential negative effects of these policies, the members of the HOME Consortium strive to consistently review all potential barriers to affordable housing that are within their authority to address (local development standards and development review procedures); to continue to pursue and utilize available funding for mortgage assistance and housing rehabilitation; and to continue partnering with nonprofit and for-profit housing developers to promote the development of affordable and special-needs housing.

During the FY, the HOME Consortium continued to take steps to address barriers to affordable housing, even though no new construction was completed using CDBG or HOME funds. The HOME Consortium prioritized long-term planning and policy work. These zoning changes are aimed at increasing the availability of multifamily and mixed-use sites, reducing regulatory constraints, and aligning with the County’s Housing Element goals. These actions lay the groundwork for future affordable housing projects by improving the feasibility of development and attracting affordable housing developers. The HOME Consortium recognizes that public infrastructure is essential to maintaining healthy neighborhoods. Improvements to water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, drainage, and other public facilities help preserve existing housing by extending the useful life of established neighborhoods, reducing health and safety concerns, and improving accessibility. These investments also create the infrastructure capacity needed to support future housing development and infill opportunities, furthering long-term affordable housing and community development goals.

The members of the HOME Consortium continued to take steps to program state funding sources aimed at increasing the production of housing. Funding sources include PLHA is an ongoing state funding source that is based on the Urban County’s 2017 CDBG entitlement allocation. As such, the funding is targeted for use in the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County along with cities of:

Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, and Waterford. The City of Riverbank joined the

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 39 Urban County in FY 2020-2021 and, as such, is eligible for PLHA funding directly from the state. The City of Turlock, although a member of the HOME Consortium, also receives its own PLHA allocation from the state. PLHA funding provides for the: acquisition/development of permanent supportive housing, development/preservation of ADUs, fiscal incentives, and multi-family rental housing.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO ADDRESS OBSTACLES TO MEETING UNDERSERVED NEEDS.

91.220(K); 91.320(J)
The Urban County continually identifies and evaluates underserved community needs through ongoing public engagement, collaboration with member jurisdictions, nonprofit agencies, CoC and other community stakeholders. The County uses information gathered through the Consolidated Planning process, public hearings, consultations with service providers, and program performance evaluations to establish funding priorities that address the greatest unmet housing and community development needs.

Community Development Block Grant Public Service Grant (CDBG-PSG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding are awarded through competitive application processes designed to ensure limited federal resources are directed toward programs that demonstrate community need, collaboration, measurable outcomes, and effective service delivery. Representatives from each Urban County member jurisdiction, along with the local Continuum of Care, participate in the grant review process to help ensure funding recommendations reflect countywide priorities and complement other community resources.

During FY 2025-2026, the County awarded CDBG-PSG funding to nonprofit agencies providing food assistance, emergency shelter, fair housing services, counseling, utility assistance, youth services, and other public services benefiting low- and moderate-income residents. ESG funding supported emergency shelter operations, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) participation, and program administration, helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness obtain shelter, housing stability, and supportive services.

Recognizing that federal resources alone are insufficient to address all identified community needs, the County continued leveraging multiple funding sources, including CDBG, ESG, HOME, PLHA, and Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds, while coordinating with member jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, and other public agencies to maximize available resources. These collaborative efforts continue to strengthen the County's ability

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 40 to address underserved needs, expand access to housing and supportive services, and improve outcomes for low- and moderate-income residents throughout Stanislaus County.

Additional information regarding funding allocations and expenditures is provided in CR-15 – Resources and Investments.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO REDUCE LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS. 91.220(K); 91.320(J) The Health Services Agency (HSA) of Stanislaus County is the lead agency for the identification, documentation, and prevention of lead poisoning in Stanislaus County. HSA works with referrals from schools and other agencies to test for lead-based paint hazards. During the FY, approximately nine (9) homes were tested and two (2) were found to have contamination. If a housing unit is found to have lead-based paint, the abatement process and consequences of living in a home that is contaminated are explained to the residents. The HOME Consortium members provide lead-based paint information to all residents that participate in the down payment assistance and/or housing rehabilitation programs. If, during a housing rehabilitation, a housing unit is found to have any leadbased paint issues, information on the dangers of lead-based paint is provided to the property owner and lead abatement is conducted as part of the rehabilitation work. Every effort is made to provide a safe and healthy housing opportunity for clients participating in HOME Consortium funded housing assistance programs. During the FY, no County HUD funded activities necessitating the need to test for lead-based paint were undertaken.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF POVERTY-LEVEL FAMILIES. 91.220(K);

91.320(J)
To reduce the number of persons living below the poverty level, the Urban County has continued its partnership with other local entitlement jurisdictions, agencies, and the CSOC, to provide services and resources to families in need.

The Urban County supported local nonprofit agencies through $345,430 in CDBG-PSG and $187,389 in ESG funds, which provided services that promote housing stability and self-sufficiency. Funded activities included emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, food assistance, utility assistance, fair housing services, youth services, counseling, housing navigation, and comprehensive case management. These services support individuals and families in obtaining or maintaining stable housing, reducing the likelihood of continued or recurring poverty.

In addition, funded service providers connected participants with employment resources, education and training opportunities, healthcare, behavioral health services, public benefits, and other

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 41 mainstream resources that support long-term economic stability. These coordinated efforts help reduce barriers faced by low-income households, prevent homelessness, increase housing stability, and provide pathways toward greater self-sufficiency and financial independence.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO DEVELOP INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE. 91.220(K); 91.320(J) The strategies identified in the Con Plan for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs are to: 1) continue to work collaboratively with service providers, housing partners, community organizations, and shelter providers to identify and address gaps in the service delivery system; and 2) continue to invest time and resources to strengthen the overall CoC system and not one particular agency or organization.

The Urban County continued its active involvement in the Stanislaus Community System of Care (CSOC), the locally recognized CoC, to enhance collaboration with homeless service providers, local jurisdictions, and the SRHA. Staff participated in regular meetings, coordinated funding strategies, and provided technical assistance to local partners to strengthen program delivery and compliance.

The County also continued developing institutional capacity by providing technical assistance, monitoring, and training to CDBG and ESG subrecipients. Program monitoring included reviewing agency referral practices, coordination among service providers, and compliance with federal requirements to help ensure participants received comprehensive services without unnecessary gaps or duplication. In addition, the County conducted program workshops and provided ongoing guidance to strengthen nonprofit capacity in areas such as program administration, eligibility determination, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) participation.

The CSOC is a dedicated network of service providers, consumers, and government agencies that work collaboratively to identify where gaps exist and how they can be best addressed. The CSOC continues working to improve coordination among service providers and to further enhance the Coordinated Entry System (CES). The main goal of the CES is to assist service providers with tracking and responding to the needs of individuals that seek services.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO ENHANCE COORDINATION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES. 91.220(K); 91.320(J)
Stanislaus County maintained coordination with the SRHA and other housing and service providers to support the planning of future affordable housing developments. The HOME Consortium also

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 42 collaborated with local jurisdictions and community-based organizations on fair housing outreach, housing referrals, and funding alignment.

The HOME Consortium recognizes it cannot work alone in achieving the housing goals outlined in the Con Plan. Therefore, the HOME Consortium participates with and coordinates with the following collaboratives and public housing agency in order to better serve and coordinate the needs of the community:

Turlock Community Collaborative
This collaborative was formed to deal with homeless issues facing the Turlock community. The group is comprised of concerned community members, faith-based groups, and government agencies working together to deal with issues concerning the homeless and the community. County staff regularly attends and presents to the group on CDBG, ESG and HOME programs throughout the year.

Stanislaus Community System of Care (CSOC)
The CSOC, the locally recognized CoC, is a collaborative comprised of local government agencies, shelter providers, housing and housing counseling services providers, faith-based organizations, and over a dozen housing and supportive service providers. The Stanislaus County’s Community Services Agency (CSA), serving as the Collaborative Applicant (CA), assists the CSOC to coordinate with service providers, law enforcement, and community members to conduct the County’s annual Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count. The HOME Consortium members participate in efforts to improve the functionality of the CSOC’s HMIS, including the CES component, and to update the CES policies and procedures. FY efforts have also included working with the CSOC’s CA on the operations of the HMIS in order to meet HUD’s mandate that all ESG program participants are part of and actively entering pertinent universal data elements into the HMIS.

Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority (SRHA)
The SRHA and the HOME Consortium have a strong relationship and continue to work towards furthering decent, safe, and affordable housing throughout the County. The SRHA serves as the administrator for housing rehabilitation and Emergency Sewer Lateral Connection programs for the County. The SRHA also serves on several housing and community development related committees alongside HOME Consortium members.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 43

IDENTIFY ACTIONS TAKEN TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF ANY IMPEDIMENTS IDENTIFIED IN THE JURISDICTION’S ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE. 91.520(A)
Project Sentinel, as the Urban County’s fair housing service provider, responded to a total of 210 calls for landlord/tenant mediation and fair housing information within the Urban County area. A total of five (5) of fair housing cases and seven (7) tenant/landlord cases were handled by the agency during the FY. Additionally, Project Sentinel fielded 151 fair housing information and service referral calls, benefiting 512 residents. The U.S. Department of Justice, through their Fair Housing Testing Program, contracts out with fair housing agencies to conduct testing separate from their service agreements with any jurisdiction. Project Sentinel conducted no fair housing tests within the Urban County in FY 2025-2026.

Additional Actions Taken to Address Obstacles to Meeting Underserved Needs As some nonprofits and community organizations may not be familiar with the HUD funding grant process, the Urban County, working collaboratively with agencies familiar with HUD processes, continued to share program and funding information with service providers and grassroots organizations throughout the community to better meet the needs of the community.

An annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was announced for the release of CDBG and ESG funds for the Public Service Grant cycle. The NOFA included an announcement of a mandatory Grant Technical Workshop and a timeline for the grant cycle. The NOFA was advertised in the local newspaper, The Modesto Bee, in English and Spanish. An e-mail was sent out to all past and current grantees and applicants that had applied in the last five (5) years. County staff also announced the NOFA at the local CSOC meeting, distributed a reminder, and e-mailed the local CSOC agencies a NOFA announcement. County staff coordinated with Urban County members to distribute the NOFA announcement to service providers working in their respective cities. It is with funds awarded through the NOFA process that the Urban County is able to provide much needed services to communities.

The annual Grant Technical Workshop provides an opportunity for questions and answers. In addition to the workshop, County staff are available via phone, in person, and by e-mail to answer questions throughout the grant application process. Once grant awards are announced, the County also requires grantees to attend a Grantee Technical Workshop prior to receiving their agreements.

In the workshop, the policies, procedures, program regulations, requirements, and obligations of the grant are explained. All grantees receive the information covered in the workshop via email.

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 44 Technical assistance is ongoing to those agencies awarded funding and those agencies interested in competing for future funding. Reference, guidance, and support materials are provided upon request, and staff are available to address inquiries in person, by phone/virtually, or via email. The Urban County is constantly looking for ways to expand service provider capacity and to encourage public and private partnerships and joint ventures between nonprofit and for-profit housing developers.

CR-40 – MONITORING 91.220 AND 91.230
EVALUATE THE JURISDICTION’S PROGRESS IN MEETING ITS SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES FOR REDUCING AND ENDING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH:

Describe the standards and procedures used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and used to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements.

During the program year, the Urban County continued to implement its monitoring plan to ensure compliance with applicable HUD regulations for CDBG and ESG programs. Monitoring was conducted using a combination of desk reviews, on-site visits (when feasible), and virtual monitoring protocols. Funding and service agreements set clear performance measures, reporting procedures, timeliness, and budgets against which goals are measured. County staff regularly monitors compliance with contracting requirements and performance goals through the implementation and review of quarterly performance reports, reimbursement requests and desk and on-site monitoring.

When necessary, County staff provided technical assistance to improve reporting and performance.

ESG financial and program files are reviewed to ensure compliance with 24 CFR Part 576, particularly around participant eligibility, habitability standards, and allowable costs. County staff reviews quarterly ESG statistical tables, narratives, HMIS activity reports, RFF forms and budget printouts, which identify the total funds used/requested by each grantee during that reporting period.

ESG funded agencies are provided with ongoing HMIS system training. As part of the ESG monitoring process, only fifty percent (50%) of the costs related to the project are reimbursed, as the remainder of the costs are paid by non-ESG match funding sources (i.e., local unrestricted donations). In this manner, the subrecipient in turn ensures that dollar-to-dollar matching requirements are satisfied by paying the remainder of the expenses from non-ESG sources.

For nonprofits awarded CDBG-PSG and ESG funds, County staff conducts an initial technical workshop to provide a comprehensive overview of the quarterly reporting, request for funds, and

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPER 45 monitoring processes and requirements. County staff is available to awarded agencies during regular business hours to address technical concerns and questions as they arise. Nonprofits that reach a certain performance threshold become eligible for bi-annual monitoring reviews in place of quarterly reviews.

The County uses a risk-based approach to prioritize monitoring, giving special attention to new subrecipients, high-dollar contracts, or organizations with past performance issues. Subrecipients are evaluated based on factors such as program size, type of activity, complexity, and prior audit findings.

In addition to formal monitoring, County staff provided ongoing technical assistance, conducted subrecipient trainings, responded to program questions, and assisted agencies in maintaining compliance with HUD requirements throughout the program year.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN. 91.105(D); 91.115(D)
Describe the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on performance reports.

The following public comment period, community meeting and public hearing information provided in this section are for public notification purposes and will be updated upon CAPER approval by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors as part of the final CAPER submitted to HUD:

Public comment period: August 7, 2026 to August 21, 2026. Written public comments must be submitted to the Stanislaus County Planning and Community Development Department by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026. Written public comments can be mailed to 1010 10th Street, Suite # 3400, Modesto, CA 95354 or emailed to [email protected].

As part of the CAPER process the following community meetings are being held:
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Ceres City CouncilSeptember 14, 2026

Ceres City Council
September 14, 2026