MINUTES
City Council Meeting
Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Open Session: 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Keily Smith
Mayor Pro Tem: Jeff Troost
Council Members: Waseem Ahmed, Ray Barragan, John Chavez City staff and contract employees present: City Administrator Rod Pruett, City Attorney Mary Lerner, Police Chief Jeff Palmer, Fire Chief Fred Gaumnitz, Public Works Director Jason Rogers, Community & Economic Development Director Denise Munoz, Finance Director Kerri Williams, Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener, lT System Administrator Carlos Berrocal, City Clerk Joann McClendon, Deputy City Clerk Vanessa Galvez—Escobar CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA Additions and/or Deletions: None.
OPEN SESSION — 4:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Pruitt
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
1.1 Proclamation — Fire Prevention Week
Nabeel Keron, Program Manager — Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, presented information on the nonprofit’s Climate Careers Program. The program has two main goals: Youth Employment — Hiring youth ages 15—24 as Energy Specialists to gain paid job experience, professional development, and externships in the green economy. Community Support — Providing free greenhouse calls to improve home energy and water efficiency by installing items such as LED lightbulbs, faucet/shower aerators, smart plugs, and induction cooktops, helping residents save on utility bills. This is the inaugural summer for the program in Madera County, with a goal of 200 greenhouse calls by the end of October. Mr. Keron invited the council and community to attend an open house next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and offered to arrange a demonstration visit in October.
Dennis Haworth, Executive Director of Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce gave a report on their Annual Car Show, Facebook stats, and their Newsletter. Next major event is the Dinner, and looking for board members.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS — Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
City Council Meeting MINUTES September 23, 2025
Council Member Barragan reported attending several events since the last meeting. He thanked Dennis for the invitation to the Chamber Car Show, noting it was a great event with a strong turnout.
Council Member Ahmed reported attending Men’s steak dinner night at Cornerstone Church, attended the Ad Hoc meeting with Council Member Barragan and the Madera County Transportation Commission meeting.
Council Member Chavez, attended the Patriots Day presentation at Fuller Elementary on September 11.
Mayor Pro Tem Troost also attended the Patriots Day presentation at Fuller Elementary on September 11 and expressed appreciation for the staff and students, stating he was proud of their efforts. Also attended the car show on Saturday, which he described as very well organized and well attended, with excellent weather. He recognized Dylan for assisting at the event and extended thanks to those who organized it. He further reported attending Assemblywoman Soria’s roundtable at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), noting it was well attended and thanking her for coming out, listening, and supporting the community.
Mayor Smith shared since the last council meeting, he went on vacation to Nashville and highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys music. Mayor Smith attended the car show last Saturday, which was very well attended. The weather was perfect, and the event was very well organized.
Thank you to staff for putting on another successful show
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
Police Chief Palmer reported The Police Department responded to 1,324 calls for service and conducted 582 proactive stops, resulting in 45 misdemeanor arrests, 8 felony arrests, and 23 citations issued. Code enforcement responded to 125 calls for service and took 23 different types of actions. Animal Control continued to remain busy with animal intakes, rescues, and pet owner assistance. Reported attending the former Police Chief and Madera County Sheriff, as well as former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jay Varney’s retirement dinner, noting it was well attended.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz also commended the Fire Department’s presence at the car show and announced their ongoing sale of Fire Prevention T-shirts during October, which also supports Breast Cancer Awareness. Proceeds will go to a local individual in need. The Chief reported attending the 9/11 Ceremony, commending the dedication of public safety personnel who responded to calls even during off-duty community events. He also announced that Fire Prevention Week activities will take place in local schools, with firefighters viSiting classrooms from Kindergarten through third grade.
Public Works Director Rogers reported attending the Patriot Day event at Fuller Elementary.
Staff also met with Caltrans and Madera County Transport Commission (MCTC) regarding the roundabout project. It was determined that Caltrans would complete the current design, while the City will pursue funding opportunities. City Administrator Mr. Pruett, Mayor Pro Tem Troost, and Public Works met with Thomas regarding the former library project to clarify previous Council direction. The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) project for intersection improvements is out to bid, with bids closing October 16. Public Works is also coordinating with Mid Valley Disposal to procure the annual requirement of compost and mulch. Once received, a compost giveaway event will be scheduled for the community.
Community & Economic Development Director Munoz reported the following; Permitting continues to progress smoothly. Maple Meadows Development: All Phase 1 permits have been pulled. Orchard View Development: Actively pulling permits and finalizing homes. Montgomery City Council Meeting MINUTES September 23, 2025
Self-Help Development: Preparing to tag for electrical services this week. Wingstop is planning a soft opening this Saturday, pending health inspection, with a grand opening projected for the end of October. Discussions are also underway with a prospective hotel developer behind Tree Plaza along with the City Administrator and Public Works, met with Rancho Clara representatives regarding project details.
Finance Director Williams reported meeting with a new credit card and bill pay processing company that may save the City approximately $370,000 annually. Meetings were also held with the City’s municipal advisors regarding upcoming treasury securities and with Tri-County Bank to renegotiate the City’s money market rate. Auditors were on site preparing for year-end closing. S&P Global Ratings recently increased the City’s water and sewer bond rating, which is expected to benefit the City long-term.
Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Wisener reported actively planning fall and winter events, including the Halloween Treat Trail, Christmas Parade, and other holiday activities. Fall sports are underway, with Little League, adult softball, youth soccer, and several travel teams utilizing City fields. The concession stand project at Edward Ray Park is progressing well, with the building nearing completion. On the administrative side, staff are updating policies, vendor applications, and preparing reports for Council review. The IT Department continues migrating systems to a new, more reliable platform, with most systems already transitioned. Major updates have been completed to prepare remaining servers for the transition.
City Administrator Pruett reported meeting with community partners regarding downtown revitalization efforts. The Rotary Club donated $10,000 toward the program. Additional funds remain available through the CFD program. Due to concerns regarding Rancho Clara’s project, staff are working on establishing additional improvement zones within the CFD to cover landscaping, lighting, and long-term maintenance needs. Rancho Clara will be submitting project-specific cost estimates for review. Also reported meeting with a builder interested in purchasing Blocks 3, 4, 12, and 13 ofthe Retro projects. lf finalized, the development could include approximately 300 homes.
3.1 Approval of the September 9, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Approval of the September 9, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.3 Consideration and Acceptance of the August 2025 Financial Report (Williams) Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Troost to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — Section 4
4.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Close Out of 2021 Community Development Block Grant Program 21-CDBG-1 0010 (Pruett) Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 4:31 p.m. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 4:31 p.m.
City Council Meeting MINUTES September 23, 2025
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Troost to Approve City Counci/ Resolution #73—25, Approving the Close Out of 2021 Community Development Block Grant Program 21-CDBG-10010. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
DEFERRED BUSINESS — Section 5
NEW BUSINESS — Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Declaring its Intention to Establish Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1), to Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes Therein, and to lncur Bonded Indebtedness (Pruett)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, Seconded by Council Member Chavez, to adopt City Council Resolution #74-25, Establishing Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 and Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes Therein, and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute Related Documents. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
6.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Awarding the Contract for the Avenue 24 1/2 Reconstruction Project to Terra West Construction, Inc. and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute Related Documents (Rogers)
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Chavez, to Adopt City Council Resolution #75-25, Awarding the Contract for the Avenue 24 ’/2 Reconstruction Project to Terra West Construction, Inc. and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute Related Documents. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
6.3 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Amending the Athletic Field Use Policy and Establishing an Effective Date (Wisener) Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed, to Adopt City Council Resolution #76-25, Amending the Athletic Field Use Policy and Establishing an Effective Date.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
6.4 Request for Council Direction Regarding Beautification of Vacant Land Donated to the City at 319 Robertson Boulevard (Rogers)
City Council directed staff to meet with Ad Hoc again to come up with additional designs, bring the item back.
6.5 Discussion and Direction Regarding Entering into a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) Regarding Providing Electric Utility Services in the City of Chowchilla (Pruett)
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Barragan to Enter into a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with Pioneer Community Energy regarding Providing Electric Utility Services in the City of Chowchilla. Motion passed unanimous/y by roll call vote.
ANNOUNCEMENTS — Section 7
OCT 14 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM
City Council Meeting MINUTES September 23. 2025
OCT 15 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5PM Mayor Smith Adjourned the September 23, 2025 City Council Meeting at 5:42 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
6a McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Méy'or Kelly Smith \