MINUTES
GATEWAY City Council Meeting
CITY oF RNIA Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
TO 130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
FROSPERT 1923 Tuesday, October 28, 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, Public Works Director Jason Rogers, Community & Economic Development Director Denise Munoz, Finance Director Daniel Seeto, 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 - 3:06 PM
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Administrator
OPEN SESSION - 4:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION REPORT: No reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Pruitt
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
1. Proclamation: Veteran's Day
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Dale Thomas addressed the city council regarding the MOU between the Historical Society and the City for the library.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS - Section 2
1. COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
Mayor Pro Tem Troost reported, "I attended the Pregnancy Center Dinner, which is a wonderful program supporting individuals facing crisis pregnancies. Pastor Rick will be leading the organization next year, and | look forward to continuing a strong relationship with him and the center "
Council Member Barragan reported attending the memorial service for Officer Barrantes noting "Pastor Rick's message about community pride deeply resonated — it was truly moving to see how our community and first responders came together during such a difficult time. Pastor City Council Meeting MINUTES October 28, 2025
Walker and Pastor Logan both did a wonderful job during the service, and the candlelight ceremony was especially touching.". . In addition, Mr. Barragan attended the City's Trunk-or- Treat event, which he stated was a great success. There were a ton of kids and families in attendance. He stated Public Works did an excellent job with setup, and Stacy and her team ran the event flawlessly.
Council Member Ahmed reported attending the CALAFCO Conference in San Diego; the Madera County Transportation (MCT) meeting where unmet transit needs were discussed and community members were encouraged to go online and share their input about transportation services in our area.
Mayor Smith reported attending the candlelight vigil for Officer Barrantes, another well-done and heartfelt event. he thanked Chief Palmer, for his leadership and to everyone who made it meaningful. On a lighter note, he congratulated our local golfer, Asterisk Talley, who recently signed with Stanford - the number one golf school in the nation. We're incredibly proud of her accomplishment and wish her continued success.
2. STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
Police Chief Palmer reported the past two weeks, the Police Department has responded to 1,299 calls for service, conducted 575 proactive patrols, resulting in 21 misdemeanor and felony arrests and 11 citations issued. This past Saturday, officers responded to a shooting incident on South First Street, where a male subject was shot in the face. Fortunately, he is expected to recover. Within an hour of the incident, our officers had all four suspects in custody, along with the vehicle and firearms involved. Our city's investment in license plate readers (LPRs) and camera systems continues to be an invaluable tool in solving and preventing crime. My message remains clear: if you choose a criminal lifestyle, Chowchilla is not the place for you.
We will use every available resource to keep our community safe.
Public Works Director Rogers (via Zoom):
Reported attending the memorial service for Officer Barrantes. Additionally, him and Rod met with Caltrans and Madera County Transportation Meeting (MCT) staff to discuss the roundabout project. Caltrans plans to present to Council in November regarding potential cost savings and to request direction moving forward. At our last meeting, Mr. Rogers informed Council that Public Works had begun a trial traffic control effort at the Figarden intersection during the morning rush hour. After two weeks, they did not see an improvement and have halted that effort for now. We are exploring other alternatives, including potential restriping of the intersection, and will provide an update once cost estimates are available. They are also working closely with our engineers and the school district on this issue.
Community & Economic Development Director Munoz reported she is happy to announce that Madera Auto Center will be opening a new location in Chowchilla at 312 Prosperity Blvd., formerly Pacific Auto Center. Their grand opening is scheduled for January 2, 2026, and Rod will assist with coordinating a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Additionally, The Branch Deli, a sandwich shop affiliated with The Orchard Bar & Grill, is expected to have its soft opening this Saturday. I encourage everyone to stop by and show support.
Finance Director Seeto reported during my first few weeks, I've gone through a couple of payroll and accounts payable cycles, asked questions, and reviewed current processes to better understand daily operations. My next focus will be on preparing for the upcoming audit. Last week, I also attended orientation with the CSJVRMA (Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority), and I am now able to participate in board meetings to represent the City.
City Council Meeting MINUTES October 28, 2025
City Clerk McClendon reported this weekend and into next week will be a busy election period.
The Council Chambers will serve as a polling location and will be open Saturday through Tuesday as follows: Saturday-Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Election Day (Tuesday): Open at 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.We will begin setup on Thursday to prepare all voting equipment and ensure everything runs smoothly.
City Administrator Pruett reported wanting to elaborate further on the meeting with Caltrans and MCTC regarding the roundabout projects. The main concern discussed was project cost escalation. Caltrans 'cost estimates have continued to increase substantially — in fact, the estimate has risen by approximately $5 million within just 60 days. Because of these increases, the grant funding originally anticipated may no longer cover the full cost of the project. As a result, we may need to consider reducing the project scope, which is why Caltrans plans to bring this item back before Council for discussion and direction. This will be an important decision for Council to make regarding how we want to proceed. We also continue to coordinate with our CFD (Community Facilities District) team, which is on tonight's agenda, and are still working on aspects related to the Rancho Clara CFD that were previously presented. That includes finalizing details related to the service portion of that district. Mr. Pruett attended the funeral service for Officer Barrantes. As others have expressed, it was a very moving and well- organized service. The turnout was incredible, and I want to commend Chief Palmer and the department for the thoughtful way everything was handled.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Section 3
3.1 Approval of the October 14, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the September 2025 Financials Report (Seeto)
3.3 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing the Annual Renewal for Grant Management Requirements, Submittal of Related Authorizations with California Department if Resources Recycling and Recovery, and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Sign all Related Documents Thereto (Rogers)
3.4 Consideration and Acceptance of the Quarterly Fee Waiver (Seeto)
3.5 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing the Recordation of Final Map #24-0112 for Rancho Calera Block 3 (Munoz)
3.6 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing the Recordation of Final Map #23-0014 for Rancho Calera Block 4 (Munoz)
3.7 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing the Recordation of Final Map #21-0010 for Rancho Calera Block 13 (Munoz) Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, Seconded by Council Member Barragan to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Section 4
4.1 A Public Hearing and Related Formation Proceedings in the Establishment of Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1), Including Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Establishing Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1) and Authorizing Related Actions; Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Declaring the Necessity to Incur Bonded Indebtedness of the City of Chowchilla Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1); and, Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Calling an Election for the Purpose of City Council Meeting MINUTES October 28, 2025
Submitting the Questions of the Levy of the Special Tax, the Incurrence of Bonded Indebtedness, and the Establishment of an Appropriations Limit to the Qualified Electors of City of Chowchilla Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1) (Pruett)
Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 4:28 p.m. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 4:29 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, Seconded by Council Member Chavez to Approve City Council Resolution # 87-25, Establishing Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1) and Authorizing Related Actions; and
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Chavez to Approve City Council Resolution # 88-25, Declaring the Necessity to Incur Bonded Indebtedness of the City of Chowchilla Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1); and, Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Barragan, to Approve City Council Resolution # 89-25, Calling an Election for the Purpose of Submitting the Questions of the Levy of the Special Tax, the Incurrence of Bonded Indebtedness, and the Establishment of an Appropriations Limit to the Qualified Electors of City of Chowchilla Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Replacement of CFD 2006-1). Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
4.2 Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Section
5.08.030 - Exemption for Certain Business and Occupations, to Provide a Business License Fee Exemption for Veteran and Active Duty Sole Proprietors (Wisener) Motion by Council Member Chavez, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Approve the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Section 5.08.030 - Exemption for Certain Business and Occupations, to Provide a Business License Fee Exemption for Veteran and Active Duty Sole Proprietors. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
DEFERRED BUSINESS - Section 5
5.1 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)
Motion by Council Member Barragan, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Troost to Approve City Council Resolution # 90-25, Considering a Request for Allocation from the City Council Contingency Fund Application to Support the Chowchilla Union High School Class of 2027 in the amount of $3,000. Motion passed with Council Member Chavez voting "no".
NEW BUSINESS - Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Awarding Contract for the CMAQ: Pedestrian Improvements Project to Don Berry Construction, Inc. and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute Related Documents (Rogers)
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Troost to Approve City Council Resolution # 91-25, Awarding Contract for the CMAQ: Pedestrian Improvements Project to Don Berry Construction, Inc. 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 Samsara SCADA Replacement to Telstar Instruments, Inc. and Authorizing the City City Council Meeting MINUTES October 28, 2025
Administrator or Designee to Execute Related Documents and Amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26 City Budget (Rogers)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Troost, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Approve City Council Resolution # 92-25, Awarding the Contract for Samsara SCADA Replacement to Telstar Instruments, Inc. and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute Related Documents and Amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26 City Budget. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Section 7
Nov 11 VETERANS DAY, CITY OFFICES CLOSED
Nov 19 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5PM Nov 27-28 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, CITY OFFICES CLOSED
Nov 25 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Smith Adjourned the October 28, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting at 4:52 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
ADhe 1 Saten
Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Mayor Kelly Smith