January 12, 2026 - 1 - 3:27 PM A G E N D A • C I T Y C O U N C I L M E E T I N G
January 12, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chamber
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to access the City Council Chamber to participate at this meeting, please contact the City Clerk or General Services Director at (559) 324 -2060 (TTY – 711). Notificatio n 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the Council Chamber.
The Clovis City Council meetings are open to the public at the physical address listed above. There are numerous ways to participate in the City Council meetings: you are able to attend in person; you may submit written comments as described below; and you may view the meeting which is webcast and accessed at www.clovisca.gov/agendas.
Written Comments
Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments at:
www.clovisca.gov/agendas at least two (2) hours before the meeting (4:00 p.m.). You will be prompted to provide:
Council Meeting Date
Item Number
Name
Email
Comment
Please submit a separate form for each item you are commenting on.
A copy of your written comment will be provided to the City Council noting the item number.
If you wish to make a verbal comment, please see instructions below.
Please be aware that any written comments received that do not specify a particular agenda item will be marked for the general public comment portion of the agenda.
If a written comment is received after 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting, efforts will be made to provide the comment to the City Council during the meeting. However, staff cannot guarantee that written comments received after 4:00 p.m. will be provided to City Council during the meeting. All written comments r eceived prior to the end of the meeting will be made part of the record of proceedings.
Council Chamber, 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612 (559) 324-2060 www.clovisca.gov
1 January 12, 2026 - 2 - 3:27 PM CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION PROHIBITIONS AND MANDATORY DISCLOSURE – Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, a Councilmember shall not accept, solicit, or direct a campaign contribution of more than $500 from any party or their agent, or from any participant or their agent, while a proceeding involving a license, permit, contract, or other entitlement for use is pending before the City or for 12 months after a final decision is rendered in that proceeding. Any Councilmember who has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from a pa rty or their agent, or from a participant or their agent, must disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall not make, participate in making, or in any way attempt to use their official position to influence the decision.
Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, subdivision (e), any party to a covered proceeding before the City Council is required to disclose on the record of the proceeding any campaign contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made within the pre ceding 12 months by the party or their agent to any Councilmember. The disclosure shall be made as required by Government Code Section 84308, subdivision (e)(1) and California Code of Regulations, Title 2, section 18438.8. No party or their agent, and no p articipant or their agent, shall make a campaign contribution of more than $500 to any Councilmember during the covered proceeding or for 12 months after a final decision is made in that proceeding. The foregoing statements do not constitute legal advice, and parties and participants are urged to consult with their own legal counsel regarding the applicable requirements of the law.
CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE - Councilmember Ashbeck
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS - This is an opportunity for the members of the pub lic to address the City Council on any matter within the City Council’s jurisdiction that is not listed on the Agenda. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to 3 minutes or less, or 10 minutes per topic. Anyone wishing to be place d on the Agenda for a specific topic should contact the City Manager’s office and submit correspondence at least 10 days before the desired date of appearance.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Items considered routine in nature are to be placed upon the Consent Calendar. They will all be considered and voted upon in one vote as one item unless a Councilmember requests individual consideration. A Councilmember’s vote in favor of the Consent Calendar is considered and recorded as a separate affirmative vote in favor of e ach action listed. Motions in favor of adoption of the Consent Calendar are deemed to include a motion to waive the reading of any ordinance or resolution on the Consent Calendar. For adoption of ordinances, only those that have received a unanimous vote upon introduction are considered Consent items.
1. Administration - Approval - Minutes from the January 5, 2026, Council Meeting.
2. Administration - Receive and File – Business Organization of Old Town (BOOT) Second Quarter Report, October through December 2025.
3. Finance – Receive and File – Status Report of Community Facilities District 2004 -1 Revenues and Expenditures.
2 January 12, 2026 - 3 - 3:27 PM ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS - Administrative Items are matters on the regular City Council Agenda other than Public Hearings.
4. Receive and File – Findings and Recommendations fro m Measure Y Oversight Committee.
Staff: Andrew Haussler, City Manager / Jay Schengel, Finance Director Recommendation: Receive and File
5. Workshop: Economic Development Update.
Staff: Chad McCollum, Economic Development, Housing and Communications Department Director
Recommendation: Receive and File
COUNCIL ITEMS
6. Receive and File - Community Survey Results on “In God We Trust” Di splays in Council Chamber
Staff: Andy Haussler, City Manager / Chad McCollum, Economic Development, Housing and Communications Director
Recommendation: Receive and File
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
COUNCIL COMMENTS
CLOSED SESSION - A “closed door” (not public) C ity Council meeting, allowed by State law, for consideration of pending legal matters and certain matters related to personnel and real estate transactions.
7. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Case Name: Desiree Martinez v. City of Clovis, et al., Case No. 19CECG03855
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION AND REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
FUTURE MEETINGS
Regular City Council Meetings are held at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber. The following are future meeting dates:
Jan. 20, 2026 (Tue.)
Feb. 2, 2026 (Mon.)
Feb. 9, 2026 (Mon.)
Feb. 17, 2026 (Tue.)
3 PRELIMINARY - SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
CLOVIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 5, 2026 6:00 P.M. Council Chamber
Meeting called to order by Mayor Mouanoutoua at 6:01
Flag Salute led by Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Pearce
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Ashbeck, Basgall, Bessinger, Mayor Pro Tem Pearce Mayor Mouanoutoua
PRESENTATION – 6:02
6:02 ITEM 1 - Presentation of Proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month Honoring Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California.
6:08 ITEM 2 - Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Jennifer Willems - Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District Board Representative from 2021-2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – 6:10
Bill Scott, resident, asked the City to recognize the upcoming 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and consider a proclamation or educational effort honoring its role in American independence.
Eric Rollins, resident, spoke about civic responsibility tied to liberty, praised com munity participation in local government, and publicly asked how a prior budget shortfall was addressed after the passage of Measure Y.
Bill Rogers, resident, thanked the council for attending and supporting a recent ceremony honoring Hmong American veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
Crystal, resident, raised concerns about landlord violations of California tenant protection laws and urged the City to strengthen and clarify local enforcement of habitability and anti -retaliation protections.
Karen Toero, resident, opposed a potential change allowing southbound Willow Avenue traffic into Clovis West Estates, citing neighborhood safety concerns and requesting City support to prevent the access change.
Bob Gates, resident, thanked the City for its s ervices and requested formal notification to residents, including clear information and traffic analysis, regarding any proposed changes to the Escalon and Willow intersection.
Mayor Mouanoutoua noted for the record that w ritten comments were received by Nathaniel Weibert regarding Consent Calendar Item 4 related to Quail Run.
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PRELIMINARY - SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
CONSENT CALENDAR – 6:35
Upon call, there was no public comment.
Motion by Councilme mber Ashbeck, seconded by Councilmember Bessinger, that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved, including the waiver of the reading of the ordinance. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
3. Administration - Approval - Minutes from the December 15, 2025, Council Meeting.
4. Administration - Adopt - Ord. 25-14, R2024-008, An ordinance of the City Council approving a request to prezone the properties within the Quail Run Neighborhood from the Fresno County R-R (Rural Residential) Zone District to the Clovis R -R (Rural Residential) Zone District. (Vote: 5-0)
5. Administration – Approval – Waive normal purchasing process and authorize purchase of VMware System subscription from Saitech, Inc., in the amount of $93,936.
6. General Services – Approval – Res. 26-01, Authorizing Amendments to the Firefighter, Firefighter Lateral, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Marshall, and Fire Chief Classifications in the Fire Department.
7. General Services - Approval – Res. 26 -02, Authorizing Amendments to the City’s Classification Plan b y Revising the Recreation Coordinator Classification in the General Services Department.
8. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Final Acceptance for CIP 24-12 Barstow Avenue Street Improvements, for a final contract cost of $934,441.93.
9. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Final Acceptance for CIP 21 -19 Shaw Avenue Street Rehabilitation, for a final contract cost of $1,339,401.05.
10. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Bid Award for CIP 25 -06 Antonio & Ashlan Alley Improv ements to Asphalt Design by Juan Gomez in the amount of $126,100.00 and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.
11. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26 -03, Amend the 2025 -2026 Community Investment Program Budget for Street Improvement Fund, for the Safe Streets for All Action Plan in the amount of $378,400.
12. Planning and Development Services – Approval – Res. 26 -04, Approving a Third Amendment to the Consultant Agreement with LSA for the Preparation of the Environmental Impact Report for the Heritage Grove H-Land Specific Plan for a change in scope of services in the amount of $234,745.44 for a total contract amount of $840,730.44, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS – 6:36
6:36 ITEM 13 - Consider Approval - Res. 26-05, Accepting the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant award in the amount of $2,018,479.50 to hire six (6) firefighters for a period of three (3) years to staff a Fire Squad; Amending the FY 2025 -2026 Budget to include the salary, benefits, and equipment needs paid for from Measure Y funding; and Amending the Fire Department Position Allocation for the required additional Fire Personnel.
Eric Rollins, resident, asking for clarification about the terms and long-term financial impacts of a grant related to hiring six firefighters, including whether there are ongoing obligations after the 5 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
PRELIMINARY - SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
grant period ends and whether Measure Y funds are sufficient to sustain those positions given existing allocations.
Motion for approval by Councilmember Ashbeck, seconded by Councilmember Basgall. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
COUNCIL ITEMS – 6:56
6:56 ITEM 14 - Receive and File – Annual Update on California Open Governance Laws – Brown Act, Public Records Act, Ethics.
Bill Scott, resident, expressed concern about potential legal issues related to council members communicating with the public outside of meetings and questioned how technical disruptions during virtual or streamed meetings would be handled.
Crystal, resident, asked for clarification on how members of the public watching meetings remotely can participate, specifically whether YouTube Live allows interaction or if another platform will be used.
The above item was received and filed.
7:38 ITEM 15 - Consider Approval – First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement.
Upon call, there was no public comment.
Motion for approval by Councilmember Ashbeck, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pearce . Motion carried by unanimous vote.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – 7:40
City Manager Haussler announced an upcoming public meeting for the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and Fair Housing Study on January 6, 2026.
COUNCIL COMMENTS – 7:40
There was no formal Council direction for staff.
CLOSED SESSION – 7:51
Upon call, there was no public comment.
ITEM 16 - GOVERNMENT CODE SECT ION 54957.6 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS AGENCY DESIGNATED RE PRESENTATIVES: ANDREW HAUSSLER, PAUL ARMENDARIZ, AMY HANC E, AND SCOTT CROSS E MPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS: CLOVIS
POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, CLOVIS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION, CLOVIS PUBLIC
SAFETY EMPLOYEES ASS OCIATION, CLOVIS PRO FESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL
ASSOCIATION, AND UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
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PRELIMINARY - SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION AND REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Mouanoutoua adjourned the meeting of the Council to January 12, 2026.
Meeting adjourned: 9:32 p.m.
______________________________ ________________________________ Mayor City Clerk
7 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Administration
DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT: Administration - Receive and File – Business Organization of Old Town (BOOT) Second Quarter Report, October through December 2025.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Business Organization of Old Town (BOOT) Second Quarter Report, October through December 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive and file the BOOT Second Quarter Report, October through December 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
According to the 202 5–2027 agreement between the City of Clovis and the Business Organization of Old Town, BOOT is to submit quarterly reports to the City Manager and City Council. The amount to be funded is $18,000.
BACKGROUND
According to the 202 5-2027 agreement between the City of Clovis and the Business Organization of Old Town, BOOT is to submit quarterly reports to the City Manager and City Council detailing the progress of BOOT’s promotional and marketing ac tivity. Attached, as Attachment 1 , is the Second Quarter Report covering October through December 2025 activities. The amount to be funded is $18,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
The amount to be funded is $18,000, which is called out in the 2025-2026 Budget.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION
The attached report meets the requirements established in the 2025-2027 agreement between the City of Clovis and the Business Organization of Old Town.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
Staff will process payment to BOOT.
8 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
Prepared by: Shawn Miller, Business Development Manager
Reviewed by: City Manager AH
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17 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Finance Department
DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT: Finance – Receive and File – Status Report of Community Facilities District 2004-1 Revenues and Expenditures.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council receive and file the report on the status of the Community Facilities District 2004-1 Revenues and Expenditures.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In March 2004, the Council approved the formation of Community Facilities District 2004 -1 (CFD), which provides funding for public safety operations in new growth areas generally located north of Herndon or east of Locan Avenues. During formation, the Cou ncil directed staff to prepare an annual report indicating the amounts received from CFD tax revenues and expenditures applicable to the CFD area.
BACKGROUND
Fiscal year 2005-2006 was the first year the City received revenues from the levy of CFD taxes.
Any residential parcel located in the CFD with a building permit issued prior to May 1, would be subject to the CFD tax the following fiscal year, payable with their property tax bill.
There were 11,911 parcels assessed in 2024-2025, generating $3,644,000 in special taxes. The per-unit tax for 2024-2025 was $293.54 for single family units and $253.46 for multi-family units.
The revenue received is allocated between Police (67%) and Fire (33%) which goes into the Police and Fire department budgets as non-discretionary general fund revenue. The revenue received in 2024-2025 provides funding for approximately 12 Police Officers and 7 Firefighters.
Expenditures for public safety services associated with growth in the CFD area for 202 4-2025 were $8,008,000. In 2024-2025, CFD tax revenue covered 46% of CFD area expenditures.
2024-2025 2023-2024 2022-2023 and prior
Expenditures $8,008,000 $7,371,000 $60,072,000
Revenues $3,644,000 $3,250,000 $19,751,000
18 AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.
FISCAL IMPACT
This report provides a status of the CFD revenue and expenditures attributable to the CFD. The report reflects that the CFD tax revenue is contributing approximately 4 6% of the total expenditures attributable to the public safety services provided in the CFD.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION
This annual status report is for information only and no action is required.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
Staff will file the report and copies of the report will be made available to any member of the public who requests a copy.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
Prepared by: Ran Chan, Accountant
Reviewed by: City Manager AH
19 AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Administration
DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT: Receive and File – Findings and Recommendations from Measure Y Oversight Committee.
Staff: Andrew Haussler, City Manager / Jay Schengel, Finance Director Recommendation: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Report from Measure Y Oversight Committee
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive and file the report presented by the Measure Y Oversight Committee following its review of Measure Y revenues, expenditures, and findings relating to the use of Measure Y tax proceeds supporting the City’s operations.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In November 2024, Clovis voters approved Measure Y, a one-percent (1.0%) Transactions and Use Tax designed to provide additional funding for City services. In January 2025, the City Council directed staff to establish an independent citizens oversight committee to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of Measure Y funds.
The Council subsequently adopted Ordinance 25-06 and Resolution 25-34, formally creating the Measure Y Oversight Committee and defining its responsibilities, membership, and meeting requirements.
The Committee recently convened its inaugural meeting with the City Manager, Finance Director, and Department representatives to review Measure Y revenue allocations, expenditure records, and departmental budgets. The Committee validated the allocation methods used to distribute Measure Y proceeds to City programs and confirmed that expenditures align with the stated purpose and intent of Measure Y and the City Council’s governing criteria.
BACKGROUND
Measure Y was approved by voters on November 5, 2024, authorizing a one -percent (1.0%) Transactions and Use Tax to fund a variety of general City services. Although not required by law, the City Council proactively established the Measure Y Oversight Committee to strengthen fiscal transparency, accountability, and public trust in the use of Measure Y revenues. 20 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.
The Committee consists of five members, each appointed by a member of the City Council.
Members serve in an advisory capacity, without compensation, and will meet at least twice each year to review Measure Y revenues and expenditures.
The current Committee members are:
Sarah Anderson – Appointee of Councilmember Ashbeck
Desiree Haus – Appointee of Councilmember Basgall
LaDonna Snow – Appointee of Councilmember Bessinger
Eric Rollins– Appointee of Mayor Pro Tem Pearce
Greg Newman – Appointee of Mayor Mouanoutoua
LaDonna Snow serves as the Committee Chair.
Desiree Haus serves as the Committee Vice-Chair.
The purpose and intent of Measure Y, as established by the City Council, is to provide sustainable local funding to maintain essential City services such as public safety, parks and recreation, street maintenance, neighborhood preservation, and community programs. The Committee’s role is to review the revenues and expenditures associated with Measure Y and report its findings to the City Council to ensure funds are being used as intended.
The Committee met with City management and finance staff to review fiscal year 2024 -25 Measure Y revenue collections and expenditure allocations to departments and programs serving the City. The Committee verified that:
Actual and budgeted expenditures supported by Measure Y are appropriate and consistent with the purposes approved by voters;
Allocation methods and accounting for Measure Y revenues are transparent, traceable, and in accordance with adopted financial policies; and
Expenditures benefiting the City are aligned with the intent and objectives of Measure Y.
While the Committee identified no findings requiring corrective action, it affirmed that the City’s practices for allocating and reporting M easure Y funds are consistent with the oversight principles adopted by the Council.
In conclusion, the Committee verified that Measure Y expenditures are in accordance with the purpose and intent of the enabling ordinance and resolution approved by the Clovis City Council.
The Committee expresses its appreciation to staff for their cooperation and recommends that Measure Y oversight and reporting continue as currently established.
FISCAL IMPACT
This report provides the findings and recommendations of the Measure Y Oversight Committee.
The Committee confirms that Measure Y revenues and expenditures have been appropriately managed and recommends continuation of the established oversight and reporting framework to ensure accountability and transparency in future fiscal years. 21 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION
The fiscal report is for information only and requires no Council action. It is presented to confirm that the Measure Y Oversight Committee has met, reviewed the applicable financial information, and verified that Measure Y revenues have been expended in accordance with the purpose and intent approved by the voters and the City Council.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
Copies of this report will be made available to any member of the public upon request. The Measure Y Oversight Committee will continue to meet at least twice annually or more frequently if needed to fulfill its advisory responsibilities in accordance with Ordinance 25-06 and Resolution 25-34.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
Prepared by: Briana Parra, City Clerk
Reviewed by: City Manager AH
22 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.
C I T Y 01· C L O V I S
1033 FIFTH STREET • CLOVIS, CA 93612
December 11, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Clovis City Council From: LaDonna Snow, Chair, Measure Y Oversight Committee Subject: Measure Y Oversight Committee - Confirmation of Meeting and Review Findings Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of the Measure Y Oversight Committee, I am writing to confirm that the Committee has convened in accordance with the provisions established under Ordinance 25-06 and Resolution 25-34.
The Committee was formed pursuant to the City Council's action to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the expenditure of revenues generated by Measure Y-a one percent (1.0%) Transactions and Use Tax approved by Clovis voters in November 2024.
The Measure Y Oversight Committee has held its initial meeting to review information provided by City staff related to Measure Y revenue collection and expenditure allocations. During this meeting, the Committee verified that all information presented was accurate and consistent with the stated purpose and intent of Measure Y, as well as with the governing criteria established by the City Council.
In accordance with its advisory role, the Committee affirms that Measure Y expenditures have been reviewed and found to be in alignment with the City Council's adopted guidelines. The Committee will continue to meet at least twice per year-once to review prior fiscal year expenditures and once to review proposed expenditures for the current fiscal year-to maintain transparency and provide ongoing public oversight.
We appreciate the City Council's commitment to ensuring open government and responsible stewardship of Measure Y revenues. The Committee looks forward to continuing its work in partnership with the Council and City staff to uphold these standards of accountability. mitted� A
�-�
LaDonna Snow
Chair, Measure Y Oversight Committee
City of Clovis
Attachment 1
23 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Administration Department
DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT: Workshop: Economic Development Update.
Staff: Chad McCollum, Economic Development, Housing and Communications Department Director
Recommendation: Receive and File
Economic Development, Housing and Communications Department Director Chad McCollum will give a verbal presentation on this item.
Please direct questions to the City Manager’s office at 559-324-2060. 24 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Administration
DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT: Receive and File - Community Survey Results on “In God We Trust” Displays in Council Chamber
Staff: Andy Haussler, City Manager / Chad McCollum, Economic Development, Housing and Communications Director
Recommendation: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Representative Survey Data Analysis Report
RECOMMENDATION
For the City Council to receive and file the report on Community Survey Results on “In God We Trust” Displays in Council Chamber.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A representative survey was conducted between the months of November – December 2025 to gather community i nput on a proposal brought forward by community members to display “In God We Trust” in the Clovis City Council Chamber. This survey was designed and distributed to ensure a representative demographic sample, and Clovis residents were invited via a variety of online platforms to participate in the survey. At the same time, the City established an engagement page on the City website, where residents could learn more about the proposal as well as participate in an open survey, which was open to all residents of Clovis.
Four “Meet the Mayor and City Manager” meetings were held where residents learned more about the proposed addition to the Council Chamber and were encouraged to participate in the open survey.
The open survey and public meetings were also promoted on the City’s social media pages, and the topic and community engagement effort was covered by multiple local media outlets.
Participation in each of the surveys was as follows:
508 residents participated in the representative survey, where each was recruited online to participate.
25 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
189 residents participated in the open survey, which was open to all interested residents.
The results of the representative survey showed the following:
Do you support or oppose adding the phrase “In God We Trust” to the Clovis City Council Chamber?
o 68% of respondents support adding “In God We Trust” to the Council Chamber. o 22% of respondents oppose adding “In God We Trust” to the Council Chamber. o 10% of respondents did not have an opinion.
How important do you think it is for city government buildings to include visible words or messages that express community values?
o 74% of respondents said Important
o 14% of respondents said Unimportant
o 12% of respondents said Neither Important nor Unimportant
If the phrase “In God We Trust” were to be placed on the wall of the Council Chamber, where would you prefer it be displayed?
o 46% of respondents preferred the phrase be displayed on the wall above the Council dais
o 31% of respondents had no preference on location of the phrase. o 13% of respondents preferred the phrase be displayed above the audience, directly viewable by the Council.
Other words, phrases, or documents respondents would like to see displayed in the Council Chamber. Respondents could select multiple preferences:
o 42% supported “We the People”.
o 37% supported “A Way of Life”.
o 32% supported a framed copy of the U.S. Constitution. o 22% supported a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence. o 15% preferred none of the above be displayed.
o 8% supported “E Pluribus Unum”.
The representative survey data analysis report is provided as an attachment. The open survey, though not a demographically representative sample, had similar results with a majority of respondents selecting that they were in support of adding “In God We Trust” to the City Council Chamber, while preferences regarding alternate phrases were divided.
BACKGROUND
At the Council Meeting on September 8, 2025, during Public Comment, c omments were made proposing the display of “In God We Trust” in the Council Chamber. Five members of the public spoke in support and one in opposition. During Council Comment, there was consensus of the 26 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
City Council to place an item on a future agenda to discuss and consider displaying “In God We Trust” in the Council Chamber, and City Council directed City Staff to gauge public sentiment.
FISCAL IMPACT
At the September 8, 2025, Council Meeting, discussion took place indicating that private donors would be responsible for funding any display of the national motto in the Council Chamber. City Staff will look to City Council to provide additional direction.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION
The findings of this survey are provided to assist City Council in gauging public sentiment on this topic.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
City Staff will look to City Council to provide additional direction on next steps.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
Prepared by: Chad McCollum, Economic Development, Housing, and Communications Director
Reviewed by: City Manager AH
27 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
Nov - Dec 2025
1 Council Chamber
National Motto Pulse
Clovis, CA
28 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
Report structure
01 Methodology & Sample
02 03
04 Executive Summary
Awareness & Support
Alignment with Values
2 05 Implementation Preferences
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Methodology and
Sample
3 01
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Methodology
Sample
508 respondents were recruited online across Clovis between Nov 18th and Dec 23rd, 2025 using targeted ads on various digital platforms (e.g., mobile web, social media, mobile apps for Android and IOS) as well as online survey panels). Using data from the US Census Bureau, this survey employed quotas to match the distribution of race, ethnicity, age, and gender in the US, ensuring that the sample represents the entire
population of the area.
Weighting
To make sure our sample is representative, a technique called rake-weighting was used to balance out any remaining
differences between the makeup of the survey respondents and the community. This process serves as a statistical safeguard against any demographic group being
overrepresented or underrepresented in the final score
calculations by giving overrepresented groups a lower weight and underrepresented groups a higher weight in the analysis.
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Sample Composition
● Unweighted demographics - What we collected,
without adjustments.
● Weighted demographics - Our sample, adjusted
to be representative of the population.
● Population demographics - The demographics of
the 18+ population.
○ The “Other” category includes missing
data, people who selected “prefer not to
say,” and other groups not defined in
census.
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02 Executive Summary
33 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
Executive Summary
7 ● Residents are generally in favor of adding the National Motto to the Council Chamber (68% support vs. 22% oppose; 10% no opinion).
● Awareness is split (52% aware / 48% not aware), but residents who were already aware show stronger support (74%) and less uncertainty (5% no opinion).
● Values alignment is closely tied to support. Among supporters, 92% say the phrase aligns well with Clovis values. ● Among opponents, 54% say it does not align and 39% are neutral (7% say it aligns well). ● Most residents prefer civic messaging that reflects local identity (44% local character; 34% both equally; 9% national traditions).
● Opposition often reflects reservations about government messaging overall. Among opponents, 29% say the City should not display symbols/messages at all.
● Placement is a secondary preference area: 46% prefer the front wall above the dais, 31% have no preference, and 7% prefer nowhere/not at all.
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03 Awareness & Support
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Powered by
Awareness & Support
Q1: Are you aware that the Clovis City Council is
considering adding the phrase “In God We Trust” to the
Council Chamber wall?
Powered by
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
[single-select, n=508]
Q2: Do you support or oppose adding the phrase “In God
We Trust” to the Clovis City Council Chamber?
[single-select, n=508]
Overall, support outweighs opposition (68% vs. 22%),
with 10% unsure. Awareness of the proposed change is
almost evenly split (52% aware / 48% not aware). Among
residents who were already aware, support rises to
74% and uncertainty drops to 5%, while opposition
remains roughly unchanged.
36 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Awareness & Support
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
Q2: Do you support or oppose adding the phrase “In God We Trust” to the Clovis City Council Chamber?
[single-select, n=508]
Age group breakdown
Support increases with age: residents 55+ are
most supportive (76%) and least unsure (3% no
opinion), while 18–34 and 35–54 are closer to
the overall split (low-60s support) and show
higher uncertainty or opposition (especially
among 35–54)
Support is relatively consistent across groups,
with Hispanic/Latino residents showing the
highest support (74%) and the lowest
opposition (15%). The Asian subgroup shows
lower support (53%) paired with higher “no
opinion” (32%), suggesting more uncertainty
rather than stronger opposition.
Race/ethnicity breakdown
37 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Awareness & Support
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
Q2: Do you support or oppose adding the phrase “In God We Trust” to the Clovis City Council Chamber?
[single-select, n=508]
Religious preference breakdown
Religious preference is the clearest
divider: Broadly Christian
respondents are strongly supportive
(84%), while respondents reporting
no religion are more likely to oppose
(50%) than support (29%). Those
selecting “prefer not to say” or other
religion/spiritual fall in between, with
more mixed views and higher
uncertainty.
* Religious affiliation responses were consolidated
into broader groups in line with common academic
survey reporting guidance, to ensure sufficient
subgroup sizes and protect respondent privacy.
38 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Awareness & Support
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
Q3: Why do you feel the way you do about adding the phrase “In God We Trust” to the wall of the Council Chamber?
[open-text, n=508]
Many supporters describe the phrase as a familiar civic symbol and note that it is already used nationally, including on U.S. currency.
Some respondents frame it as a positive affirmation of faith and say it reflects values they associate with the Clovis community.
Others connect their support to local identity, describing it as consistent with the “Clovis way of life” and traditional community norms.
“Because it’s the saying of the United States and
Clovis represents that”
“I believe there is nothing wrong with publicly
expressing our belief and faith in God.”
Many opponents argue that religious language does not belong in a government chamber and cite separation of church and state.
Some respondents emphasize the Chamber should feel inclusive to residents of different faiths or no faith, and view the phrase as unrepresentative.
Others worry that displaying the phrase could be divisive or distract from the Chamber’s civic purpose.
“Even though I am Catholic and believe in God adding it doesn’t represent all people of Clovis.”
“Not everyone believes in god. It’s divisive and
discriminatory to do this.”
Support Themes Opposition Themes
Support is often framed as tradition/values; opposition is often framed as neutrality/inclusion. 39 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
04 Alignment with Values
40 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Alignment with Values
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Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
[single-select, n=508]
Q4: To what extent do
you feel adding “In God
We Trust” aligns with
the values of the Clovis
community?
[single-select, n=508]
Support and values alignment are tightly linked: 92% of supporters say the phrase aligns well with Clovis values (7% neutral; 1% does not align). Among opponents, a majority say it does not align (54%) and another 39% are neutral—only 7% say it aligns well—highlighting how strongly “values fit” maps onto overall stance.
Q2: Do you support or
oppose adding the
phrase “In God We
Trust” to the Clovis City
Council Chamber?
41 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
Q4: To what extent do you feel adding “In God We Trust” aligns with the values of the Clovis community?
[single-select, n=508]
Age group breakdown
Perceived alignment with Clovis values also
rises with age: 73% of residents 55+ say it
aligns well, compared to 61–65% among
younger groups. Notably, 18–34 are most
likely to be neutral (29%), indicating more
“in-between” views rather than outright
misalignment.
As with support, values alignment varies
sharply by religious preference: 80% of
broadly Christian respondents say it aligns
well, while respondents reporting no religion
are split (31% aligns well / 31% neutral / 38%
does not align). The other two groups sit
mid-range, with sizeable neutral shares.
Religious preference breakdown
Alignment with Values
42 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Alignment with Values
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
Most residents say visible values
messaging matters (74%
“important”), but intensity varies
by demographics: respondents
with higher education show more
pushback (53% important; 36%
unimportant), and higher-income
respondents also tilt more toward
“unimportant” than lower-income
groups.
Q8: How important do you think it is for city government buildings to include visible words or messages that express community values? [single-select, n=508]
43 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Alignment with Values
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
When the City displays symbols/messages, residents prefer local character (44%) or both equally (34%), with relatively few favoring national traditions (9%). Among residents who oppose adding the motto, preferences are more mixed: a plurality still prefers local character (38%), but a substantially larger share than overall say the City should not display symbols or messages at all (29%), suggesting some opposition reflects broader discomfort with civic messaging—not only this specific phrase.
Q9: When the City chooses to display symbols or messages, do you think they should focus more on representing Clovis’ local character or broader national traditions?
[single-select, n=508]
Residents who oppose adding the national motto
to the chamber wall [N= 115]
44 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
05 Implementation
Preferences
45 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Implementation Preferences
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
Q7: If the phrase “In God We Trust” were to be placed on the wall of the Council Chamber, where would you prefer it be displayed? [single-select, n=508]
Nearly half of respondents prefer the phrase
be placed on the front wall above the dais
(46%), while 31% report no preference,
suggesting many residents are not strongly
attached to the exact placement.
Fewer favor a less prominent location (13%
back wall), and a combined 7% prefer
nowhere / not at all (including recoded
write-ins indicating it should not be
displayed), while 2% fall into other
placement suggestions.
46 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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Implementation Preferences
Clovis, CA
National Motto Survey
[multi-select, n=508]
Residents’ alternative preferences skew toward civic identity and founding-document messaging: “We the People” (42%), “A Way of Life” (37%), and the Constitution (32%) lead, followed by the Declaration of Independence (22%). A smaller share would prefer none of these displays (15%), and only 7% selected “something else,” where write-ins tended to emphasize inclusion, unity, and broadly shared civic values (e.g., “All are welcome here,” integrity/respect/community).
“All are welcome here”
“In addition to ‘The Clovis Way of Life,’ I’d like the
Council Chamber to display values such as ‘Service,’
‘Community,’ ‘Integrity,’ and ‘Respect’—principles
that represent all Clovis residents and guide our
local government.”
“I'd like something more neutral that applies to the
mass majority's moral compass rather than religious
beliefs. I believe those should be separated in
respect to others.”
“Perhaps something very inclusive like the words ’all
means all ‘”
“California strong”
Q5: Are there any other words, phrases, or documents you would like to see displayed in the City Council Chamber?
[open-text, n=25]
Q6: Please state what else you’d like to see
displayed in the Council Chamber
47 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
Questionnaire
Link to questionnaire
48 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.
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