CLOVIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 2, 2025 6:00 P.M. Council Chamber
Meeting called to order by Mayor Mouanoutoua at 6:00
Flag Salute led by Councilmember Bessinger
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Ashbeck, Bessinger, Mayor Pro Tem Pearce Mayor Mouanoutoua
Absent: Councilmember Basgall
PRESENTATION - 6:00
6:00 - ITEM 1 - Presentation of Certificates Recognizing Students for Participating in the American Legion State Programs.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS - 6:12
6:12 ITEM 2 - Consider Approval - Appointments of City of Clovis Youth Commission.
Motion for approval by Councilmember Ashbeck, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pearce. Motion carried by 4-0-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - 6:23
The following residents spoke in support of the Senior Center dance instructor and requested his reinstatement: Debbie Graeber, Twilla Smith, Mary Bracci, Henry Whalen, and Clovis resident.
Resident Steven Trevino commented on road improvements at Sunnyside and Barstow and also expressed concerns regarding the Senior Center dance instructor.
CONSENT CALENDAR - 6:44
Upon call, there was no public comment.
Motion by Councilmember Bessinger, seconded by Councilmember Ashbeck, that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved, except items 7-9. Motion carried 4-0-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent.
3. Administration - Approval - Minutes from the August 18, 2025, Council Meeting.
4. General Services - Approval - Res. 25-91, Approving the Amended Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA).
5. General Services - Approval - Claim Rejection of the General Liability Claim on behalf of Jose Araiza, Gabriela Araiza, Damien Araiza, and Christian Araiza.
6. General Services - Approval - Claim Rejection of the General Liability Claim on behalf of Jerrold Robertson.
10. Public Utilities - Approval - Terminate Emergency Authorization for the City Manager to Approve and Sign a Contract for Emergency Water Main Repairs in an Amount Not to Exceed $250,000, Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22050.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
6:44 ITEM 7. Planning and Development Services - Approval - Final Acceptance for Final Map for Tract 6277, located at the northeast area of Locan Avenue and Teague Avenue (Tarlton Fresno, LLC).
Mayor Pro Tem Pearce recused herself from the item due to a potential conflict of interest, as she owns real property within 1,000 feet of the project site.
Motion for approval by Councilmember Bessinger, seconded by Councilmember Ashbeck. Motion carried by 3-0-1-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent and Mayor Pro Tem Pearce recused. 6:44 ITEM 8. Planning and Development Services - Approval - Res. 25-92, Final Map Tract 6403 located on southeast corner of Gettysburg Avenue and Armstrong Avenue (Gleneagles Homes, a California Corporation).
Councilmember Ashbeck recused herself from the item due to a potential conflict of interest, as she owns real property within 1,000 feet of the project site.
Motion for approval by Councilmember Bessinger, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pearce. Motion carried by 3-0-1-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent and Councilmember Ashbeck recused. 6:44 ITEM 9. Planning and Development Services - Approval - Res. 25-93, Annexation of Proposed Tract 6403 located on southeast corner of Gettysburg Avenue and Armstrong Avenue to the Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 of the City of Clovis. (Gleneagles Homes, a California Corporation).
Councilmember Ashbeck recused herself from the item due to a potential conflict of interest, as she owns real property within 1,000 feet of the project site.
Motion for approval by Councilmember Bessinger, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pearce. Motion carried by 3-0-1-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent and Councilmember Ashbeck recused.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS - 6:47
6:47 ITEM 11 - Consider Adoption - Ord. 25-11, Amending Chapter 5.35 to Title 5 of the Clovis Municipal Code relating to Tobacco Retailers. (Vote: 3-1-1 with Councilmember Bessinger voting no and Councilmember Ashbeck absent)
Upon call, there was no public comment.
Motion for approval by Mayor Pro Tem Pearce, seconded by Mayor Mouanoutoua. Motion carried by 3-1-1, with Councilmember Bessinger voting no and Councilmember Basgall absent.
6:48 ITEM 12 - Consider Approval - Res. 25-94, Amending the City's Master Administrative Fee Schedule pertaining to changes in labor costs and other increases.
Steven Trevino, resident, expressed concern about the tobacco fee and feels the city is getting carried away.
Motion by Councilmember Bessinger, seconded by Councilmember Ashbeck, to approve as presented except for Tobacco Retailers License Fee (Annual) in the amount of $1,000 and direct staff to report back to the Council with justification for the $1,000 fee and propose alternative approaches. Motion carried by 4-0-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS - 7:18
City Manager Haussler announced upcoming park tour stops at Camden Place Park, San Gabriel Park, Pasa Tiempo Park, and Dry Creek Park through September; he noted the 9/11 Run to Remember and 9/11 Ceremony; reported the first General Plan Advisory Committee meeting on September 11th; highlighted the Clovis Youth Commission meeting on September 17th; announced ClovisFest at the end of September; and stated the community survey will be distributed to a sample group of residents later this month.
COUNCIL COMMENTS - 7:20
There was a consensus to bring back a Proclamation at the September 8, 2025, Council meeting related to National Service Dog Month.
CLOSED SESSION - 7:39
Upon call, there was no public comment.
ITEM 13 - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION CASE NAME: IN RE: NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION OPIATE LITIGATION, U.S. DISTRICT COURT, NO. DIST. OF OHIO, E. DIV.; MDL NO. 2804 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pearce, seconded by Councilmember Ashbeck, Motion carried 4-0-1, with Councilmember Basgall absent.
The City Council approved the City to opt-in and participate in two recent settlements with defendants in the national opiate case as listed on the agenda - the first settlement is with defendants Purdue Pharma L.P. and the Sackler Family, and the second settlement is with eight defendant secondary opioid manufacturers (Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus).
ITEM 14 GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS AGENCY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES: ANDREW HAUSSLER, PAUL
ARMENDARIZ, AMY HANCE, BETHANY BERUBE, SCOTT CROSS EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS: CLOVIS PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION AND TRANSIT
EMPLOYEES BARGAINING UNIT
No Action Taken.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION AND REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Mouanoutoua adjourned the meeting of the Council to September 8, 2025.
Meeting adjourned: 8:15 p.m.
Avana Par
City Clerk
BLY OF CLOVAS
Public Comment for
Briana Parra September 2, 2025
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 11:38 AM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler
Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2025-09-02
Item-Number = 0
Full-Name = Meagan Peterson
Email = [email protected]
Comment = Regarding Jim Ray the former dance instructor at Clovis Sr. Center.
I aling with many other line dancers at the center are so sad about the loss if our wonderful dance instructor Jim Ray. He is such a patient, kind and joyful instructor. Just what the seniors meed and what the center needs. I believe he represents what the Smithcamps, orher diners and the City wanted for the center and our Community. Their was issues with the dance floor being also used as a pickeball court recently. This bscame a safety issue. When Jim Ray tried ro resolve this issue it resulted in him feeling defeated. He recently resigned. However, our goal is to have him rehired as our instructor. He may not be a city employee anymore but i believe he may have that option of instructing. The dancers at the Sr. center are hoping. Jim Ray would like this too. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Meagan Peterson Client IP = 172.59.51.204
Public Comment for September 2, 2025
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 2:31 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler
Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2025-09-02
Item-Number = 0
Full-Name = Debbie Graeber
Email = [email protected]
Comment = 850 4th Street, only floating dance floor in Clovis turned into a pickleball court using blue painters tape.
Client IP = 99.60.175.176
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 2:56 PM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler
Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2025-09-02
Item-Number = 0
Full-Name = Mary Bracci
Email = [email protected]
Comment = On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Clovis employee, Jim Ray, was called into a meeting with the staff of the Clovis Senior Center. One of the items discussed was the placing of blue painters tape on the floor of the Clovis Community Center on 4th street (the old Senior Center) which was creating a trip hazard for those seniors who enjoyed line dance classes. The purpose of the tape was to outline boundaries for the pickleball players who play inside the 4th street building several days a week. Jim Ray asked that the blue painters tape not be allowed as it would mar the floor in addition to creating a barrier for the dancers. Several of us have tripped and nearly fallen. It is an accident waiting to happen. Jim was told he could remove the tape for dance class but he would have to put it back. What??? Many of us have been dancing with Jim Ray as our dance instructor for 10, 15, 20 or more years. The dance floor was put in many years ago following a huge fundraising activity, primarily funded by those who wished to dance on a suitable floating wooden dance floor. Dancing on the concrete floors at the new Senior Center has resulted in many of us having leg, knee, and joint problems. Our instructor, Jim, actually had to take a brief leave of absence from teaching due to the negative impact of dancing on the concrete floor. Please listen to our feedback. Jim Ray has been our instructor for many years. He is a figure within our community. We have seen him treated with a tremendous amount of disrespect from several persons from the Senior Center management staff. Clovis, you can do better. Certainly there is a middle of the road that can be achieved. While we understand this is a personnel matter, asking each side to make adjustments is clearly warranted here. Please find a way to bring our beloved dance instructor, Jim Ray, back so that we may enjoy our classes from him.
Client IP = 97.205.46.162
The original Clovis Senior Center located at 850 4th Street in Clovis, currently the Clovis Community Center, has a history worth noting and should be looked at as a landmark in Clovis. This building still has all of its original fixtures and charm and character from the early 80's. It has main hall designed for dancing and luncheons, with a floating dance floor and ceiling fans. The floating dance floor and fans were funded by Jim Ray and his students through a fundraiser back in the early years of the center. Jim Ray's dance classes were the main attraction for the senior center. To this day, over 30 years later, Jim's classes are still providing an estimated 40k revenue per year to the senior center.
In 2023 when the senior center moved to a new building, Jim's class attendance dropped drastically. The reason for the drop was the elimination of a dance floor which was replaced with a concrete slab and tiles. This was a surprise for Jim and his students as he was told there would be wood flooring. Samples of wood flooring were even installed in the building on 4th Street, as a sample of what was supposed to be at the new center.
Dancing on a concrete floor has proven to be extremely damaging to the body, not a wise choice for the senior center. Jim's students complained of pain and discomfort right away. Jim also developed knee and foot problems after teaching on the new centers floor for 2 years.
When the building on 4th Street became available again after being vacant for 2 years, Jim fought to get it back for his dancers. He asked if he could please hold his classes there. In April of 2025 he was allowed to move all of his classes back to the dance floor and building he taught in for almost 30 years.
Since April of 2025 there has been a steady increase in attendance for all of Jim's classes and Friday night dance.
The wood floor and ambiance of the building on 4th make it the perfect dance and banquet hall. People who have danced with Jim over the years are coming back to either dance or just say hi. There has been an overwhelming amount of thankfulness and happiness from the entire dance community about having that building back.
In June of 2025, the building on 4th became the Clovis Community Center. There are now various programs and events held there. It's a shared space for the Clovis recreation center and the senior center. This was all working out well until around August 14th when blue painters tape was placed all over the dance floor to create a pickleball court.
Painters tape should not be placed on a laminate floor for various reasons. It's not safe for dancers and it will ruin the floor. Dancer's shoes were sticking to the tape, and it started coming up and tearing. Jim went to Ashlee Winsiow and requested the tape be removed. Not only did she say the tape was staying put, but she also belittled him and told him it was not his floor.
The purpose of this letter is to save 850 4th Street and the flooring. The history of that building deserves to be noted. It can't be lost in the new management of the Clovis Senior Center. There doesn't seem to be any concern for the health and happiness of the actual seniors of the senior center. Especially the one who kept the senior center going for all of these years. The main hall at 850 4th Street was built for dancing and dining, not pickleball and ping pong. There's even a sign on the wall that states maximum occupancy, dancing 212, dining 100. Using the building as a shared space makes perfect sense, but not at the expense of ruining a beautiful room and floor where practically all of Clovis has learned to dance over the past 30 years.
On August 28', Jim Ray was told the blue painters tape was staying down. This tape takes probably an hour or so to lay down and at least 2 people to do it. He was told by Bethany Berube he could remove the tape before class if he put it back after, she also laughed at him as she gave him this ridiculous option. On August 29th, Jim Ray felt defeated and resigned from the City of Clovis. The Clovis and Central Valley dance community is devastated.
Dancing has proven health benefits and has been around since the beginning of time. Pickleball is a trend and a fad. It's hard to believe the City of Clovis would allow such an important part of its community and people's lives to walk away because they thought it was okay to turn a dance floor and room into a Pickleball court.
There are ZERO dance floors and rooms in Clovis that compare to the beautiful space we have at 850 4th Street.
This facility could easily be transformed into a dance hall and studio to support the entire dance community.
Please consider the history and value of this space and the importance it has played in the senior community and dance community of Clovis for the past 40 years.
Most of all, please reinstate Jim Ray as the instructor for all western dance classes at the Clovis Senior/Community Center.
Maximum
Occupant Load
Dancing 212
Dining 100