MINUTES
GATEWAY City Council Meeting
Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
RNIA 130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
TO
PROSPER 1023 Tuesday, July 8, 2025
FEBRUARY 1 Open Session: 4:00 pm.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Kelly Smith (absent)
Mayor Pro Tem: Jeff Troost
Council Members: Waseem Ahmed, Ray Barragan, John Chavez (absent) City staff and contract employees present: City Administrator Pruett, City Attorney Mary Lerner, Police Chief Jeff Palmer, Public Works Director Jason Rogers, Community & Economic Development Director Jaime Quintana, Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener, IT System Administrator Carlos Berrocal, City Clerk Joann McClendon CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA | Additions and/or Deletions: None.
OPEN SESSION - 4:03 pm
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Pruitt
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Dennis Haworth introduced himself as the new Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce Manager.
Bethany McLane, Trinity Pregnancy Resource Center, addressed the Council with concerns over the homeless using the property at 350 Trinity to drink, use drugs, leaving paraphernalia and trash around. They seem to be using a bench to gather at night. The outside of the building smells like urine, and at times, human excrement is found nearby. She would like some help deterring these activities, as they are unsanitary and scare people coming in for assistance and/or care. She is especially concerned as families may come in with children who are not wearing any shoes.
David Salters addressed the Council regarding his property at Salters Distributing.
Debbie Lewis addressed the Council regarding a code enforcement issue at her family's property.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS - Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
Mayor Pro Tem Troost attended Music in the Park.
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 8, 2025
Police Chief Palmer reported that since the last meeting, the Chowchilla Police Department has responded to 1,237 calls for service. Conducted 615 proactive stops, resulting in 36 misdemeanor arrests, nine felony arrests, and 34 citations issued. Code Enforcement responded to 46 calls for service and took eight different actions. Animal Control took in 8 more dogs last month, but we were able to send a total of 13 dogs to rescue, and 3 were adopted.
Also took in 11 cats, where 6 were sent to rescue and 7 were trapped, Neutered, and released.
On the night of July 4, we had 10 officers on patrol who responded to 75 calls for service. That evening, the officers had 5 people in custody. They were transported to Madera County Jail for charges such as felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, another felony in possession for sales, as well as a restraining order violation, felony warrant, battery upon a person, and public intoxication. All of these arrests take multiple officers to deal with and transport. Additionally, officers issued four citations for illegal fireworks, while also dealing with a domestic dispute. The officers were very busy not only trying to deal with the aerial fireworks, but also dealing with those out there selling methamphetamines.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz provided a recap of Fourth of July activity, noting it was a particularly busy night for our fire personnel. The department responded to several vegetation fires, a backyard fire that nearly escalated into a structure fire, a field fire, and also dealt with illegal aerial fireworks being launched near the Ash Slough area. As is tradition, our volunteer firefighters organized a Fourth of July BBQ for their families, knowing they would likely be called away to respond to emergencies. This year was no exception. While they were able to return briefly to grab a quick meal, they were back out shortly afterward, responding to calls and helping the community's children light fireworks. Many volunteers didn't return to the station until 1 am the following morning. A huge thank you went out to our dedicated volunteer firefighters for their sacrifice, commitment, and service to our community. In June, the department responded to a total of 81 incidents, with 322 individual volunteer responses—a testament to the continued dedication of our team.
Chief Gaumnitz also asked for a moment of reflection and prayers for recent tragedies impacting the fire service. In Texas, flood victims are still recovering, and in Idaho, there was a heartbreaking incident where a fire was intentionally set, followed by gunfire that killed two fire chiefs and left an engineer hospitalized. He emphasized how tragic and unsettling it is, as firefighters typically do not expect to face the same dangers as law enforcement. "We go out to put out fires or help someone medically," he said, "not expecting to be in harm's way like that." Lastly, the Chief acknowledged the large fires currently burning in California and extended thoughts and prayers to all communities and firefighters affected.
Public Works Director Rogers reported that he recently completed and submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant program. If approved, it will install a missing sidewalk and ADA Ramps near Wilson Middle School and the High School. I will keep you updated on its status. His department completed the RFP for Grant Writing Services and began advertising. This will involve a consultant researching and preparing grants for the City. The consultant will look for grants related to infrastructure, community development, and emergency services. They also completed the RFP and began advertising for the Highway Safety Improvement Program project. This initiative aims to enhance intersection safety at various city intersections by implementing additional lighting, signage, crosswalks, and RRFBs. (Ave 24 1/2 & Rd 16; Robertson Blvd & 8th St; 7th & Robertson Blvd; Ave 24 1/2 & Chowchilla Blvd; S 3rd St & Colusa Ave; N 5th St & Riverside Ave; N 4th St & Ventura; Orange Ave & S 12th St; N 5th St & Ventura.) Community & Economic Development Director Quintana recently attended the League of California Cities event, where he met with representatives David Topanga and Matt Reade.
Both provided a broad overview of the current economic landscape from both state and federal perspectives. They also extended an open invitation for city council members and administration City Council Meeting MINUTES July 8, 2025
to reach out directly with any comments or questions, emphasizing their willingness to build stronger relationships with local governments. Director Quintana appreciated the opportunity to visit Sonora and observe how that community is thriving through tourism. He expressed a desire to bring similar economic vitality and tourism-driven growth to our own community. On the economic development front, staff is currently in communication with three potential pharmacy store owners who have expressed interest in opening a pharmacy in town. Of these, Chowchilla Pharmacy is the furthest along in the process. They are currently awaiting final approval from the California State Board of Pharmacy to begin operations. Director Quintana has also spoken with Brent Rose, who has confirmed a strong and vetted commitment to bringing this pharmacy to fruition.
Director Wisener, our Music and Movies in the Park series continues to be well-attended and well-received. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for these family-friendly events. A reminder to Council: events are only canceled if the temperature exceeds 105°F at the time of the event. Since these events begin at sundown in a fully shaded park, it often feels much cooler than projected temperatures. We always aim to proceed as planned, but safety remains our top priority, especially during July when heat becomes more challenging. Any cancellations will be made only when absolutely necessary.
Our Open Swim program has seen record-breaking attendance this summer. We reached a peak of 112 swimmers in a single day, which is a new high. However, to maintain safety and remain in compliance with Red Cross standards, we've implemented a cap of 100 swimmers per session, allowing our three lifeguards to monitor approximately 33 swimmers each. To date, we've had a total of 1,162 swimmers over 17 operating days.
Upcoming Event - Party in the Park: Our annual Party in the Park (a citywide block party) is scheduled for August 22. We're working to engage local service clubs and nonprofit organizations in creating stronger community ties and encouraging future membership growth. 4th of July Fireworks Recap: The Chowchilla Lions Club successfully hosted its annual Fireworks Show on Sunday, featuring live music. The City supported the event by designing and distributing the event flyer across all platforms and offering use of the PA system, which the Lions Club utilized.
Looking Ahead: While summer events remain active, our team is already planning for Halloween and Christmas. These large-scale events require months of preparation, and planning has already begun to ensure another successful holiday season.
Little League Update: The 10U All-Stars won two games and had a great season, especially notable since all players were first-time All-Stars. The Majors played two close games but were eliminated in Fresno. The 50/70 team had an incredible postseason, finishing 5-1 and winning both the District 10 and Section 7 Championships. The Juniors also claimed the Section 7 Championship in Visalia and will advance to compete in San Jose this weekend City Clerk McClendon reporting on behalf of HR, we have the Parks and Facilities Worker recruitment open. It closes on the 24th, and we already have over 30 applications.
City Administrator Pruett continued his meetings with staff this past week, focusing on the implementation of the recently approved budget. He had another meeting regarding the CFDs.
Both are continuing to move forward. We reviewed proposed numbers for the RMA on the refunding of the current CFD. We also discussed the Rancho Calera, which is scheduled for a public hearing at the first council meeting in August. That meeting will include the formation process, the public hearing, and the landowner vote. There will be additional meetings afterward to finalize remaining items, but overall, both CFDs are progressing as planned. He emphasized the importance of moving forward promptly with all approved projects, particularly those connected to grant funding, to avoid delays and maintain momentum.
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 8, 2025
Mr. Pruett also attended the annual partner meeting with Self-Help Enterprises. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled to discuss specific ongoing and upcoming projects. One key focus remains the Maple Meadows development, where the team continues to work through issues related to defaulted impact fees, which are expected to be paid by the end of the month.
Additionally, Self-Help Enterprises is currently pursuing a grant for Phase 2 of the project, which is still in the early stages of planning.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Section 3
3.1 Approval of the June 24, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the June 2025 Check Register Report (Williams)
3.3 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Amending the Approved City of Chowchilla Salary Scale for the Following Period: July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (Williams)
Motion by Council Member Barragan, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed with Mayor Smith and Council Member Chavez PUBLIC HEARINGS - Section 4
4.1 Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 2.04.110 - Council Salaries, to Authorize the Mayor to Temporarily Receive Additional Compensation (Lerner)
Mayor Pro Tem Troost opened the public hearing at 4:33 pm no one came forward for or against the item. Mayor Pro Tem Troost closed the public hearing at 4:33 pm.
Motion by Council Member Barragan, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Accept the Introduction and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 2.04.110 - Council Salaries, to Authorize the Mayor to Temporarily Receive Additional Compensation. Motion passed with Mayor Smith and Council Member Chavez absent.
4.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving Measure T Annual Expenditure Plan (AEP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 and Authorizing the Public Works Director or Designee to Submit the Plan to the Madera County Transportation Authority (MCTA) for Adoption (Rogers)
Mayor Pro Tem Troost opened the public hearing at 4:35 pm no one came forward for or against the item. Mayor Pro Tem Troost closed the public hearing at 4:35 pm.
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Barragan to Adopt City Council Resolution # 53-25, Approving Measure T Annual Expenditure Plan (AEP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 and Authorizing the Public Works Director or Designee to Submit the Plan to the Madera County Transportation Authority (MCTA). Motion passed with Mayor Smith and Council Member Chavez absent.
DEFERRED BUSINESS - Section 5
5.1 Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Section 9.29 - Abandoned Shopping Carts, to the Chowchilla Municipal Code (Palmer) City Council Meeting MINUTES July 8, 2025
Motion by Council Member Barragan, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Adopt Ordinance #530-25, Adding Section 9.29 - Abandoned Shopping Carts, to the Chowchilla Municipal Code.
Motion passed with Mayor Smith and Council Member Chavez absent.
NEW BUSINESS - Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Authorization of the Fireworks Booth Sales Permit Drawing for the Years 2026 and 2027 (Gaumnitz)
Motion by Council Member Barragan, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to dispense with the Fireworks Booth Sales Lottery Drawing due to only having 4 Applicants. Motion passed with Mayor Smith and Council Member Chavez absent.
City Clerk McClendon announced the names of the 2026 & 2027 permit holders:
• Chowchilla Lioness Lions Club
• Chowchilla Family Worship Center
• Chowchilla Police Officers Association
• VFW*
6.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving Offers from the Calitornia Department of Transportation for Temporary Construction Easements Regarding Certain City Properties (Rogers)
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Barragan to Adopt City Council Resolution # 55-25, Approving Offers from the California Department of Transportation for Temporary Construction Easements Regarding Certain City Properties. Motion passed with Mayor Smith and Council Member Chavez absent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Section 7
JULY 16 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5PM JULY 22 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM
BEGINNING JUNE 9 THROUGH JULY 25, SUMMER OPEN SWIM PROGRAM, CUHS SWIMMING POOL
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Troost adjourned the July 8, 2025, City Council Meeting at 4:43 pm.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Mayor Pro Ten det Troost