MINUTES
CHOWCHI LLA
CALIFO City Council Meeting
Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
WHERE TRADITION
MEETS Tuesday, July 28, 2026
TOMORROW
Closed Session: 3:00 p.m. | Open Session: 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Kelly Smith (Absent)
Mayor Pro Tem: Ray Barragan
Council Members: Waseem Ahmed, John Chavez, Jeff Troost City staff and contract employees present: City Administrator Rod Pruett, City Attorney Michael Prentice, Lieutenant Daniel Denny, Fire Chief Fred Gaumnitz, Public Works Director Dustin Ensminger, Community & Economic Development Director Denise Munoz, Finance Director Daniel Seeto, Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener, IT System Administrator Kurt Wlodarczyk, 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 - 3:00 PM
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d) (1)
Name of Case: Chowchilla Real Estate Holdings, LLC v. City of Chowchilla, Madera Superior Court Case No. MCV090718
OPEN SESSION - 4:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION REPORT: No reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Doug
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Titus Shields shared comments he said were gathered from community members regarding various City concerns and requests, thanking the Council for listening.
Tami Lamenta expressed concerns regarding code enforcement and neighborhood maintenance.
Ms. Lamenta thanked City staff and requested follow-up regarding the concerns raised Dennis Haworth from the Chamber of Commerce announced two upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies:
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 28, 2026
• A grand opening for the VA Telehealth Center, in partnership with the VA, American Legion, and VFW, scheduled for August 13 at 12:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Appreciation was expressed to City staff, including the City Administrator and Public Works, for their assistance in coordinating the rescheduled event.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS - Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
Council Member Chavez reported attending the Concerts in the Park and expressed that it was a great event.
Council Member Troost reported also attending the Music in the park.
Council Member Ahmed reported attending the Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC) meeting and reported that plans are moving forward, including the acquisition of land.
Discussions are also underway regarding properties related to the Highway 99 overpass project.
He also attended the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting. The deadline for annexation of a parcel being considered for exchange with the City of Madera was extended because the required conditions, including road-related requirements, had not yet been fulfilled.
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
City Administrator Pruett reported on a meeting with staff and Rancho Calera regarding proposed restriping improvements on E. Robertson Boulevard to improve traffic flow during school hours.
The proposal may require an amendment to the Development Agreement and will be returned for further review. Mr. Pruett met with Madera County Transportation Commission (MCT) and other agencies regarding transportation projects and funding opportunities. The Community Facilities District (CFD) refunding has closed escrows, with remaining reimbursement and closeout items to be completed. The city submitted its Opportunity Zone 2.0 application and is awaiting further information regarding an additional qualifying tract. Staff are coordinating the removal of a remaining damaged sign at the airport
City Clerk McClendon reported that the Council election nomination period ends August 7, with a possible extension to August 12 if an incumbent does not file.
Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Wisener reported, summer programs are wrapping up, including Music in the Park and Movies in the Park. Open swim will conclude Friday.
Community outreach has begun for the proposed Linear Park project. Staff gathered community feedback during Music in the Park regarding amenities residents would like to see included. The feedback will help satisfy community engagement requirements for the grant application. Staff will host a community Paint Night in August. Staff have begun focusing on planning for upcoming Halloween events. Adult Recreation is concluding its summer season and preparing for the upcoming fall season. On the IT side, IT met with service providers regarding department communications and building-access security. Work continues the backup power system upgrade for critical public safety equipment. Staff completed a major software/operating system upgrade for the Police Department's records management system.
Finance Director Seeto reported that an audit began the previous Wednesday, earlier than originally anticipated. Auditors have begun reviewing payroll expenses and Human Resources- related information. No significant issues were reported at this time.
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 28, 2026
Public Works Director Ensminger reported that Staff responded to a water main break. The break involved an older cast-iron pipe that developed a significant longitudinal crack. Staff were able to quickly isolate the affected area through the water distribution system, notify impacted residents and businesses, and complete the repair during the daytime. The incident highlighted the challenges associated with aging water infrastructure. Staff also held the quarterly Airport Commission meeting. The meeting went well, and the Commission identified several follow-up items for staff to review.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz reported that Staff reminded residents to stay hydrated and use caution during the current heat and fire season. The Fire Department recently responded to a vegetation fire involving approximately 23 acres near the area east of Avenue 16 and thanked full-time staff and volunteers for their response efforts.
Lieutenant Denny reported that since the previous meeting, the Police Department has responded to 1,000 calls for service. Officers conducted 522 proactive activities/traffic stops, resulting in: 33 misdemeanor arrests, 10 felony arrests, 35 citations. The Police Chief and Captain will travel to the academy to interview candidates for a new position. A part-time Code Enforcement position has been posted. Due to staffing shortages, a Criminalist has been assisting with Code Enforcement while also covering Evidence Technician duties. Lieutenant Burns has also been assisting with Code Enforcement activities. Since January, Code Enforcement has: Responded to 35 abandoned/derelict vehicle complaints, received 11 weed-related service calls, issued 48 citations, removed 34 shopping carts, trespassed 7 individuals, responded to 37 graffiti calls, with 15 reports taken.
Community & Economic Development Director Munoz reported that Staff continue to issue permits, meet with developers regarding future projects, and review development applications.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Section 3
3.1 Approval of the July 14, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the June 2026 Financials Report (Seeto)
3.3 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Adopting the Updated Title VI Program for The City Bus (McClendon)
3.4 Consideration and Acceptance of the Quarterly Fee Waiver Report (Pruett)
3.5 Consideration and Acceptance of the Quarterly Financial Investment Report (Seeto)
3.6 Informational Item - Quarterly Project Management Update (McClendon)
3.7 Consideration and Acceptance of the Quarterly Contracts Executed Report (Pruett)
3.8 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Amendment to the Application for Local Transportation Funds (LTF) for Fiscal Year2024/25 and Authorizing the City Administrator or Designee to Execute and Submit the Amendments to MCTC (Seeto)
Motion by Council Member Troost, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed by roll call vote with Mayor Smith absent.
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 28, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Section 4
4.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Chowchilla and Approving the Submission of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Chowchilla to the California Department of Water Resources in Accordance with California Water Code Sections 10610-10657 (Ensminger)
Mayor Pro Tem Barragan opened the public hearing at 4:26pm. No one came forward for or against the item. Mayor Pro Tem Barragan closed the public hearing at 4:26pm.
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Chavez to Adopt City Council Resolution #50-26, Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Chowchilla and Approving the Submission of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Chowchilla to the California Department of Water Resources in Accordance with California Water Code Sections 10610-10657. Motion passed by roll call vote with Mayor Smith absent.
4.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Finding General Plan Amendment (GPA 26-0345) is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Sections 152626 and 15061 (B) (3) Of the CEQA Guidelines and Consideration of a General Plan Amendment (GPA 26-0345) for Adoption of the 2026 Madera County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and Incorporating the HMP by Reference into the Public Safety Element of the City of Chowchilla (Munoz)
Mayor Pro Tem Barragan opened the public hearing at 4:29pm. No one came forward for or against the item. Mayor Pro Tem Barragan closed the public hearing at 4:29pm.
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Troost to Adopt City Council Resolution #51-26, Finding General Plan Amendment (GPA 26-0345) is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Sections 152626 and 15061 (B) (3) Of the CEQA Guidelines and Consideration of a General Plan Amendment (GPA 26-0345) for Adoption of the 2026 Madera County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and Incorporating the LHMP by Reference into the Public Safety Element of the City of Chowchilla. Motion passed with Mayor Smith absent.
DEFERRED BUSINESS - Section 5
5.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing the City Administrator or Other Authorized Representative to: Execute all Implicated Documentation for Pre-Application and Application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grants for Federal Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 for the Chowchilla Municipal Airport (206) as Shown in the Airport's capital improvement plan (ACIP); Accept FAA AIP grants) for FY 2026 and FY 2027 Projects at the Airport Including All Subsequent Amendments Thereto Offered by the FAA; and Apply for and Accept Grants and all Subsequent Amendments Thereto Offered by the California Department of Transportation ered by too Aeronautics Division for Matching Funds for FY 2026 and 2027 FAA-approved projects at the Chowchilla Municipal Airport (Ensminger) Motion by Council Member Troost, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Adopt City Council Resolution #52-26, Authorizing the City Administrator or Other Authorized Representative to:
Execute all Implicated Documentation for Pre-Application and Application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grants for Federal Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 for the Chowchilla Municipal Airport (206) as Shown in the Airport's capital improvement plan (ACIP); Accept FAA AIP grants) for FY 2026 and FY 2027 Projects at the City Council Meeting MINUTES July 28, 2026
Airport Including All Subsequent Amendments Thereto Offered by the FAA; and Apply for and Accept Grants and all Subsequent Amendments Thereto Offered by the California Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division for Matching Funds for FY 2026 and 2027 FAA-approved projects at the Chowchilla Municipal Airport. Motion passed with Mayor Smith absent.
NEW BUSINESS - Section 6
6.1 Consideration to Appoint Voting Delegates for the League of California Cities (LOCC) Business Meeting at the 2026 Annual Conference in Anaheim (McClendon) Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem to Appoint Council Member Chavez as the City's Voting Delegate and City Administrator Pruett as the City's Alternate Voting Delegate for the Business Meeting at the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference in Anaheim. Motion passed with Mayor Smith absent.
6.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Authorizing Allocation from the Council Contingency Fund for the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce (McClendon)
Motion by Council Member Troost, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Adopt City Council Resolution #53-26, Authorizing Allocation from the Council Contingency Fund for the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce, as amended, awarding $3,500 now with the understanding there could be a second $3,500 granted later in the year. Motion passed with Mayor Smith absent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Section 7
JULY 27 SPECIAL AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING, COUNcIL CHAMBERS, 5:30PM AuG 11 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4PM
AUG 19 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5 PM SEP 19 CLASSIC CAR & CUSTOM BIKE SHOW, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 8:30 AM
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Barragan Adjourned the July 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting at 4:52 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Joanh McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Mayor Pro Tem, Ray Barragan