MINUTES
GATEWAY City Council Meeting
CITY OF RNIA Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
TO 130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
PROSPERE 1073 Tuesday, October 14, 2025
FEBRUARY
Closed Session: 3:00 p.m. | Open Session: 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Kelly 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 Daniel Seeto, Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener, IT System Administrator Carlos Berrocal, City Clerk Joann McClendon, Deputy City Clerk Vanessa Galvez-Escobar CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA Additions and/or Deletions: None.
PUBLIC ADDRESS - CLOSED SESSION
None.
CLOSED SESSION - 3:03 PM
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Administrator
OPEN SESSION - 4:01 PM
CLOSED SESSION REPORT: No reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Troost
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Mr. Doug Thiel, Theil Air Care addressed the Council regarding a proposal to purchase a portion of the airport.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS - Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
City Council Meeting MINUTES October 14, 2025
Council Member Ahmed reported attending the Transportation Commission meeting and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting. The EDC meeting included an update from the Congressman regarding the federal government shutdown. Attended Officer Barrantes' vigil and appreciates the community coming together.
Council Member Chavez reported attending the vigil for Officer Barrantes and expressed appreciation to the community for coming together in support. The service was described as very heartfelt and touching.
Mayor Smith reported that along with Rod and Jeff, attended the Task Force meeting last Tuesday. This past Saturday, Rotary's Community Cleanup took place, and special thanks were extended to Diana Palmer, the Rotary Club, the volunteers, and the participating youth for doing a great job. Appreciation was also expressed to Jeff and his team for their efforts. Mayor also attended Officer Ray Barrantes' candlelight vigil and thanked Chief Palmer for organizing the event, as well as the city staff who worked hard to make it possible. Additionally, thanked Jason and his staff for their quick response to a request from the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds received funding to repave their area and requested street sweeping before the project began. Although initially given a two-week timeline, staff accommodated a next-day request, and the project turned out very well. Several fairgrounds board members expressed their appreciation to the City for its assistance.
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Wisener, reported that preparations are underway for the upcoming Halloween event scheduled for Friday, October 25. This is one of the largest community gatherings of the year, held in partnership with the Fairgrounds and 4-H to host the Trunk-or-Treat Trail, costume contest, and other family-friendly activities. It was also noted that two Halloween soldiers, affectionately named "Sir CHOW-A-Little" and "Sir CHILL-A- Lot," have been placed in the Council Chambers foyer and will make their official debut at this year's event. In addition to event preparations, the Community Services team continues to assist the Police Department as needed, manage ongoing recreation operations, coordinate field scheduling, and provide community communication through the City's website and social media to ensure residents remain informed of upcoming events.
Police Chief Palmer reported, that since the last Council meeting, officers responded to 1,133 calls for service, conducted 562 proactive stops, resulting in 31 misdemeanor arrests, county arrests, and six citations issued. Chief Palmer extended his gratitude to the Madera County Sheriff's Office for their assistance and continued support, particularly in handling calls for service following the passing of one of the City's officers. The Sheriff's Office will continue to assist through Thursday during funeral services. Chief Palmer thanked all members of the Council, community members, and partner agencies who reached out, sent condolences, flowers, or visited the Police Department to pay their respects. Appreciation was expressed to Senator Mark Gray, Assemblywoman Emeralda Soria, District 3 Supervisor Robert Poythress, and District 4 Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez for personally reaching out during this difficult time.
Thanks, were also extended to Stacy, Vanessa, Emily, and City staff, including Public Works under Jason's leadership, for organizing and supporting the candlelight vigil. The officer's family expressed deep gratitude for the event and community support. He also thanked his officers, including his lieutenant and sergeant, for their continued service and dedication to keeping the community safe while mourning the loss of their colleague.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz expressed condolences to the Police Department and noted that the loss deeply affected the entire public safety community. The Fire Department responded quickly to provide communications support and system adjustments following the incident, ensuring operational continuity. Chief reported that fire leadership at the county and state levels reached out to offer support and resources. The department also participated in last week's escort, with City Council Meeting MINUTES October 14, 2025
fire engines positioned on every bridge along the route. Chief Gaumnitz shared that he attended the recent ECC (Emergency Communications Council) medical meeting involving ambulance and hospital coordination. He announced that on November 15, the current ambulance provider Will be retiring, and AMR will assume service for the City and County beginning January 1.
During the past month, the Fire Department responded to 104 calls for service, with a total of 447 responses by volunteers and full-time personnel. Recruitment for full-time firefighter positions remains open.
Public Works Director Rogers reported that staff continues to help and support to the Police Department as needed and will continue to do so moving forward. Regarding the runway reconstruction project, the contractor requested a spring 2026 start date. After consultation with Tetra Tech (the airport engineering consultant), it was determined the project would begin around April 1, 2026, to minimize impacts on airport operations. It was also noted that the Airport Advisory Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, as there are now enough members to establish a quorum. Additionally, staff recently launched a pilot program to assist with traffic congestion near Fig Tree and Robertson Boulevard during school drop-off hours.
Public Works personnel are providing morning traffic control to improve safety and flow. The program will be evaluated for effectiveness before deciding whether to continue long-term. A brief discussion followed regarding community feedback and coordination with the school, after a report that an individual unaffiliated with City staff had attempted to direct traffic on their own.
Staff and police responded to ensure proper safety and communication moving forward.
Community & Economic Development Director Munoz reported that residential and commercial projects throughout the City continue to progress smoothly. A Boba shop located at 1165E.
Robertson Boulevard (next to Little Caesars) is expected to open on October 31. Mid Valley Pipe continues site work, and Calera Block 34 final maps, landscape, and improvement plans are tentatively scheduled for Council review on October 28. Staff met with a developer proposing a gas station and quick-serve restaurant at 112 Carlisle Avenue. Preliminary discussions have also begun with Wyndham Hotels regarding potential La Quinta and Hawthorn hotel developments near the Gardner and Fig Tree Shopping Center. Staff is also working on potential incentive programs targeting commercial and industrial growth, which will be presented to the Council at a later date.
Finance Director Seeto, the new Finance Director, began his role this week.
City Administrator Pruett reported attending the ICSC Conference in Palm Springs. The event was larger than the Monterey conference but smaller than the Las Vegas event, offering multiple opportunities to meet potential developers and business partners. Follow-ups will continue to encourage future investment opportunities in the City. He also attended the California Cities Annual Conference, where discussions included housing, land use, and economic development. During the past week, a realtor contacted the City regarding a client seeking 200-300 acres for a master-planned community project. The City administrator connected the realtor with representatives from Rancho Clara to explore potential opportunities.
Additionally, discussions were held with Colliers International regarding the vacant Rite Aid building. The property owner is reportedly open to selling or leasing, though no contract has been finalized. Staff will continue monitoring and supporting potential redevelopment of that site.
The City continues to hold monthly coordination meetings with the grant writer to pursue and manage active grant opportunities. Follow-up meetings with staff are planned to identify and prepare additional projects for upcoming grant cycles.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Section 3
3.1 Approval of the September 23, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
City Council Meeting MINUTES October 14, 2025
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the September 2025 Check Register Report (Williams)
3.3 Informational Item: Project Management Program Update (McClendon)
3.4 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving a Lease Agreement with the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce (McClendon)
3.5 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving Budget Amendments for Purchase Orders Rolled Over from Fiscal Year 2024/2025 to Fiscal Year 2025/2026 (Williams)
3.6 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Amendment of Transportation Development Act State Transit Assistance (STA) Funds for the 2025/26 Fiscal Year and Authorizing the City Administrator of Designee to Execute and Submit the Amendments to MCTC (Williams)
3.7 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Amendment to the Application for Local Transportation Funds (LTF) for Fiscal Year 2024/25 and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute and Submit the Amendments to MCTC (Williams)
3.8 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Third Amended Tolling Agreement Between Salters Distribution, Inc. and the City of Chowchilla (Pruett)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, Seconded by Council Member Chavez to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Section 4
DEFERRED BUSINESS - Section 5
NEW BUSINESS - Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Considering a Request for Allocation from the City Council Contingency Fund Application to Support the Chowchilla Union High School Class of 2027 (Wisener)
Consensus by the City Council to table the item, bringing it back with additional information.
6.2 Consideration and Approval of Donated "Welcome to Chowchilla" Sign from Rancho Calera Located on Berm of Northbound Highway 99 (Wisener) Motion by Council Member Ahmed, seconded by Council Member Barragan, to approve the donated "Welcome to Chowchilla" sign from Rancho Calera located on the berm of northbound Highway 99. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
6.3 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Expressing Concerns Regarding Proposition 50 on the November 4, 2025 Ballot and its Potential Impacts on Fair Representation and Local Community Interests (Wisener) City Council Meeting MINUTES October 14, 2025
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, seconded by Council Member Ahmed, to adopt City Council Resolution #82-25. Expressing Concerns Regarding Proposition 50 on the November 4, 2025 Ballot and its Potential Impacts on Fair Representation and Local Community Interests. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Section 7
Ост 15 PLANNING GOMMISSION MEETING, GOUNGIL CHAMBERS, 5PM (CANCELLED) Ост 18 TRINITY PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTEr's 18™H AnnuAL BANQUET, CoRNErSTONE CHURCH, 5:30PM
Ост 20 AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5PM Ост 25 HALLOWEEN TREAT TRAIL, VETERANS PARK, 5:30PM
Ост 28 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM
ADJOURNMENT
The Chowchilla City Council Adjourned the October
14, 2025 Meeting in Honor of Chowchilla Police
Officer Ray Barrantes at 4:38 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Small
Mayor Kelly Smith