MINUTES
CHOW GH -LA
City Council Meeting
TY Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
WHERE TRADITION
- MEETS Tuesday, June 23, 2026
TOMORROW
Open Session - 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Kelly Smith
Mayor Pro Tem: Ray Barragan
Council Members: Waseem Ahmed, John Chavez (ABSENT), Jeff Troost City staff and contract employees present: City Administrator Rod Pruett, City Attorney Michael Prentice, Police Chief Jeff Palmer, Fire Chief Fred Gaumnitz, Public Works Deputy Director Joe Roman, Community & Economic Development Director Denise Munoz, Finance Director Daniel Seeto, Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener (Zoom), 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.
OPEN SESSION - 4:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Pruitt
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Titus Shields spoke on behalf of the family of Chad Hensley, expressing appreciation to the Mayor, City Council, Police Chief, and City staff for their support and concern regarding the ongoing investigation. Mr. Shields thanked City leadership for their continued efforts and encouraged them to continue working toward resolution of the case.
Matthew Thiel addressed the Council regarding the ongoing water dispute in Greenhills. Mr. Thiel expressed concerns about community division resulting from the matter and commented on interactions involving Council Member Jeff Troost on social media. The speaker stated that documentation related to the matter had been provided to the City Clerk.
Judy Wallace inquired about receiving an administrative citation related to weed abatement on her property. Fire Chief Gaumnitz advised that the matter would be discussed later under the corresponding agenda item and staff would review the issue.
Tim Alford, President of the Chowchilla Lions Service Club, provided information regarding the July 5th fireworks event and related family activities planned at the fairgrounds. He also noted that a grant request was included on the evening's agenda and thanked the City for its support.
Dennis Haworth of the Chamber of Commerce provided an update on Chamber activities, including new memberships, sponsorships for the upcoming car show, and services available to local businesses, including certificates of origin.
City Council Meeting MINUTES June 23, 2026
Dr. Harold Brown of Rural Health Network thanked City staff, the Fire Department, and Community Development staff for their assistance during the clinic's approval process and expressed enthusiasm about serving the Chowchilla community.
Olivia Tashira, speaking on behalf of Royal Health Network, thanked the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chowchilla for their support. She expressed enthusiasm about establishing the business in Chowchilla and stated that Royal Health Network looks forward to building a long- term relationship with the community.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS - Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
Council Member Troost reported attending the Concert in the Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Barragan indicated he also attended the Concert in the Park.
Mayor Smith reported attending the CalWORKs graduation ceremony with Council Member Troost, where two Chowchilla residents were recognized among the graduates. He noted that the eight-week program prepares participants for apprenticeship opportunities in skilled trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, providing pathways to in-demand careers.
Mayor Smith also reported attending the Block Party and Concert in the Park. He thanked the Yard Dogs for allowing him to participate in a song during the event and commented positively on the experience.
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
Police Chief Palmer reported that since the last Council meeting, the Police Department responded to 1,265 calls for service, conducted 483 proactive activities, made 39 misdemeanor arrests and 15 felony arrests, and issued 45 citations. Chief Palmer also provided an animal control update, reporting that 62 dogs had been taken in during the year, with more than 85 percent being adopted, returned to owners, or placed in foster care. Additionally, 37 cats were trapped, neutered, and released, with several rescued and adopted. Chief Palmer noted that euthanasia rates have decreased significantly.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz discussed ongoing concerns regarding weed abatement and emphasized the need for year-round vegetation management due to increased fire risks. Chief Gaumnitz also reported that the Firefighters Association awarded scholarships to two local students pursuing medical careers and welcomed new volunteer firefighter Alfonso Montez to the department.
Public Works Deputy Director Roman reported that increased summer temperatures have led to higher water demand and an increase in water leaks, noting that seven leaks had been repaired since June 9. He encouraged residents to report issues observed on City property. Deputy Director Roman also announced the hiring of Joel Garcia as Parks and Facilities Supervisor.
Deputy Director Roman provided project updates, stating that work on the Airport Project continues and that unforeseen utility conflicts are being addressed. He reported that the Ventura Avenue Project had been delayed due to issues involving the contractor's license status and that staff are working to resolve the matter while maintaining the project schedule. He further reported that improvements on Road 15½ are progressing, with paving scheduled and roadway reopening anticipated pending completion of remaining work.
Community and Economic Development Director Munoz reported attending the June 17 Planning Commission meeting and participating in a community beautification project at 336 Robertson Boulevard alongside community volunteers and local organizations. She announced that Flames Restaurant, Bar and Arcade are planned for 408 Robertson Boulevard, with an opening date to June 23, 2026
City Council Meeting MINUTES
be determined. Director Munoz also reported that staff continues processing permits and working with prospective developers on future projects.
Finance Director Seeto reported that staff continues working on the City's budget and the Master Fee Schedule.
Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Wisener reported Information Technology continues to support daily operations across all departments, including employee onboarding, equipment setup, troubleshooting, server and infrastructure maintenance, resolution of connectivity and backup issues, recording of the Planning Commission meeting, and ongoing cybersecurity and utility infrastructure improvements. Director Wisener reported that while absence. Open Swim continues to experience strong attendance, including reaching maximum capacity of 100 participants. A planned pool closure is scheduled for July 6 to allow for repairs by the high school.
City Clerk McClendon reported that the Primary Election Voting Center operated smoothly at City Hall and that preparations are underway for the November General Election. Also noted that the City is completing required election procedures, including calling the election and requesting consolidation with the County. Offices up for election include one City Council seat in District 1, one City Council seat in District 2, and one at-large Mayor position. The nomination period will open July 13 and close August 7.
City Administrator Pruett reported attending a webinar on internal controls and meeting with economic development representatives regarding Opportunity Zone applications. Also provided updates on the City's efforts to pursue Opportunity Zone designation and discussed ongoing coordination with state agencies. Mr. Pruett also reported meeting with Caltrans regarding the roundabout project, including discussions related to future lighting improvements. He noted that environmental review requirements have been completed and the project is moving into the right- of-way acquisition phase. Additional updates included attendance at the California Cities quarterly division meeting, continued work on the Community Facilities District bond issuance process, and development of updated internal procedures for graffiti abatement. He reported that staff does not anticipate significant changes to the Municipal Code but plans to implement revised administrative procedures for graffiti removal.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Section 3
3.1 Approval of the June 9, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the May 2026 Financials Report (Seeto)
3.3 a) Second Reading, with Option to Waive the Second Reading, and Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Zoning Map Amendment No. ZOA 25-0805 Amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Chowchilla for Certain Properties Citywide; and b) Second Reading, with Option to Waive the Second Reading, and Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. ZOA 25-0806 for Site 10, Amending the Official Zoning Map to Rezone APN 014-020-031 from High Density Residential (HDR) to Service Commercial (SC), Subject to Condition Ensuring Compliance with Government Code Section 65863 (Munoz)
Second Reading, with Option to Waive the Second Reading, and Adoption of an Ordinance Approving the Pre-Zoning of Approximately 45.06 Acres to High Density Residential (Munoz)
City Council Meeting MINUTES June 23, 2026
3.5 Second Reading, with Option to Waive the Second Reading, and Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Zoning Map Amendment No. ZOA 26-0001 for the Rancho Calera Block 12 Project (Munoz)
3.6 Second Reading, with Option to Waive the Second Reading, and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 15.12 - Fire Prevention (Gaumnitz)
3.7 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving Applications for Transportation Development Act Funds for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute and Submit Applications to the Madera County Transportation Commission (Annual TDA Application) (McClendon) Motion by Council Member Ahmed , Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barragan to Approve the Consent Calendar as Corrected. Motion passed by roll call vote with Council Member Chavez absent.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Section 4
4.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule (Seeto)
Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 4:42pm. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 4:42pm.
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Barragan to Adopt City Council Resolution #38-26, Amending the 2026/2027 Master User Fee Schedule, as amended, removing the Increased Water Turn on Fees for Utilities; keeping the original $25 fee. Motion passed with Council Member Chavez absent.
4.2 Public Hearing Regarding Employment Vacancies and Recruitment Efforts in Accordance with AB 2561 (McClendon)
Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 4:54pm. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 4:55pm.
No action; Verbal Report Only.
4.3 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Related to Annual Weed Abatement, Overruling Protests of Any Affected Property Owners, and Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute Necessary Documents (2026 Weed Abatement Program) (Gaumnitz)
Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 4:56pm. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 5:01pm.
Motion by Council Member Troost, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barragan to Adopt City Council Resolution #39-26, Related to Annual Weed Abatement, Overruling Protests of Any Affected Property Owners, and Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute Necessary Documents (2026 Weed Abatement Program). Motion passed with Council Member Chavez absent. • Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Finding Zoning Text Amendment 26- 0001 Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and Amending Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 18.60.030- Accessory Dwelling Units, to Comply with State ADU Law and City Council Meeting MINUTES June 23, 2026
Address California Department of Housing and Community Development Findings (Munoz)
Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 5:03pm. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 5:03pm.
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Troost to Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance Finding Zoning Text Amendment 26-0001 Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and Amending Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 18.60.030- Accessory Dwelling Units, to Comply with State ADU Law and Address California Department of Housing and Community Development Findings. Motion passed by roll call vote with Council Member Chavez absent.
DEFERRED BUSINESS - Section 5
NEW BUSINESS - Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution of Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessment for Landscape Maintenance and Lighting District No. 90-1 of the City of Chowchilla (Ensminger)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Barragan, Seconded by Council Member Troost to Adopt City Council Resolution #40-26, Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessment for Landscape Maintenance and Lighting District No. 90-1 of the City of Chowchilla. Motion passed with Council Member Chavez absent.
6.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing Allocation from the Council Contingency Fund for the Lions Club 'Chowchilla Freedom Celebration' Fireworks Event (McClendon)
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Troost to Adopt City Council Resolution #41-26, Authorizing Allocation from the Council Contingency Fund for the Lions Club 'Chowchilla Freedom Celebration' Fireworks Event. Motion passed with Council Member Chavez absent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Section 7
JUNE 26 MUSIC IN THE PARK #2, MOVE MOUNTAINS, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 7PM JUNE 27 MOVIES IN THE PARK #3, 'HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, SUNSET
JUNE 30 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM JULY 3 FOURTH OF JULY OBSERVANCE, CITY OFFICES CLOSED
JULY 10 MUSIC IN THE PARK #3, TROUBLESOME, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 7PM JULY 11 MOVIES IN THE PARK #4, DAVID, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, SUNSET JULY 14 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM
JULY 15 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5:00PM
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Smith Adjourned the June 23, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting at 5:09 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
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Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Mayor Kelly Smith