Minutes – January 8, 2026
SPECIAL
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
MEETING AGENDA
January 8, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Council Members Present: Vosburg, Lowder, Schindler, Hedgecock Others Present: City Manager Sean Brewer, Assistant City Attorney Nick Matoian, Assistant City Manager Jesse Barron, Chief of Police Jose Garza, Financial Services Director Mai Vang, City Treasurer Dawn Kahikina, Fire Chief Greg DuPuis, Administrative Analyst Mercedes Garcia, and City Clerk Shannon Jensen Council Members Absent: Ramirez
Others Absent: None
Changes to the Agenda: City Manager Sean Brewer announced the following Changes to the Agenda:
1. Table Item No. 5.5 for future meeting.
Motion by Hedgecock, Second by Schindler to Approve the Agenda for the Special meeting of January 8, 2026. Motion Approved by 4/0 Roll-Call Majority Vote. (Ramirez – Absent)
2. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Receive Presentation – Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Autocross & Rallycross Events at Coalinga Municipal Airport
Brandon Briggs presented information regarding proposed Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Autocross and Rallycross events at the Coalinga Municipal Airport.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to continue conversations and explore opportunities to facilitate these events at the airport.
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2. Recognizing Councilmember Lonnie Hedgecock’s Service on the City Council Mayor Vosburg presented a plaque to Councilman Hedgecock in recognition of his dedicated service and contributions to the City Council.
Councilman Hedgecock offered remarks thanking staff and fellow Councilmembers for their support and collaboration throughout his tenure.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following individual(s) spoke under Citizen Comments:
None
The following individual(s) submitted written comment(s):
Robert Smith - 2
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve MINUTES – November 13, 2025
2. Check Register: 11/01/2025 – 11/30/2025
3. Authorize City Manager to Approve and Sign the Engagement Letter with Price Paige & Company for Professional Services to Revamp the Chart of Accounts
4. State Route 33 Rehabilitation and Complete Streets Project Update – Future Agenda Item – Councilman Ramirez
5. Adopt Resolution No. 4303 Approving Water Conveyance Agreement with Gladstone California Water LP for Westlands Source Water to be Conveyed in January and February Item No. 5.5 was Tabled during Changes to the Agenda.
6. Authorization to Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for On-Call General Photography Services
7. Authorization to Advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Videography and Photography Services for the 2026 Wings Over the Westside Airshow
8. Introduce and Waive the First Reading of Ordinance No. 877 – Authorizing the City Manager to Execute City Instruments Pursuant to California Government Code Section 40602 Mayor Pro-Tem Schindler Pulled Item No. 5.8 for Discussion.
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Mayor Pro-Tem Schindler supported narrowing the scope of the ordinance before it returns for the second reading.
9. Adopt Resolution No. SA-350 Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26-27 for the July 2026 through June 2027 Period and the Successor Agency Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026- 27 10. Adopt Resolution No 4304 Modifying the Special Terms of Sewer Rates to Allow Some Exemptions for Sewer Charges Applied to Metered Potable Water that is Not Discharged into the City’s Sewer System
11. Approval of the Appointment of Mayor Pro-Tem Roger Schindler as Alternate to the Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board
12. Authorize City Manager to Execute Task Order with the City Engineer for Design Engineering for Segment 7, 8, and 9c of the Coalinga Multi-Trail System Funded by the Active Transportation Program
13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Task Order with the City Engineer for Design Engineering for Resurfacing Phase 3 Project
14. Approve Service Agreement with RSG Solutions to Prepare the FY2024-25 Housing Successor Agency Expenditure Report
15. Adopt Resolution No. 4306 Accepting Real Property Easement related to the Multi-Use Trail Segments 1e, 2, 13, and 14 Easement Acquisition (APN 071-020-58S) Motion by Schindler, Second by Lowder to Approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.4 and 5.6 through 5.15 with changes to Item No. 5.8 to narrow the scope of Ordinance No. 877 prior to bringing it back for the second reading. Approved by 4/0 Roll-Call Majority Vote. (Ramirez – Absent)
6. ORDINANCE PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
1. Presentation and Discussion of Proposed Cannabis Ordinance Overhaul (Repeal and Replace Framework)
Sean Brewer, City Manager
City Manager Sean Brewer provided a brief overview of the item and introduced David Kaufman and Kyle Tankard of SCI Consulting Group who presented a proposed overhaul of the City’s current cannabis ordinance.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back a draft ordinance for their consideration.
2. City Council Adoption of Resolution No. 4305 Establishing a Gas Enterprise Capital Improvement and Rate Stabilization Fund; Adopt Policies Governing Both Funds; and Amend the City’s Gas Purchase Policy to Incorporate Rate Stabilization and Capital Improvement Dan Bergmann, IGS and Sean Brewer, City Manager
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Dan Bergmann of IGService provided a presentation regarding Resolution No. 4305 establishing a Gas Enterprise Capital Improvement and Rate Stabilization Fund, adoption of policies governing both funds, and amendments to the City’s Gas Purchase Policy.
City Manager Sean Brewer provided additional context, noting the item was a continuation of prior gas rate discussions.
Motion by Schindler, Second by Hedgecock to Adopt Resolution No. 4305 with revisions to Section 7 to reflect a $500,000 funding level for the Rate Stabilization Fund. Approved by a 4/0 Roll-Call Majority Vote. (Ramirez – Absent)
3. Presentation, Discussion and Potential Action – Clean City Initiative – Code Enforcement and Abatement Strategy
Jesse Barron, Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager Jesse Barron provided an overview of the item.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to proceed with implementation of the Clean City Initiative, including prioritizing abatement of burned and unsafe structures, enhancing code enforcement efforts, and initiating community outreach. Council further directed staff to return with cost estimates for abatement activities for Council’s consideration approval prior to undertaking such actions, evaluate options for earlier lien placement on properties, and explore alternative outreach methods, including cost-effective mailers and text notification options.
Council also supported continued coordination with Mid Valley Disposal and community partners to explore a community cleanup event and additional strategies to address illegal dumping.
4. Provide Direction to Staff regarding the Submission of Regional Priorities to Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) for Consideration as Part of the 2026 One Voice D.C. Advocacy Trip Sean Brewer, City Manager
City Manager Sean Brewer provided a brief overview of the item.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to proceed with submitting priority projects consistent with prior year submissions, with a focus on airport-related projects, and to coordinate with staff to provide supporting documentation where feasible.
5. Discussion of Potential Washington D.C. Trip for Federal Earmark Advocacy with the City’s Federal Lobbyists
Sean Brewer, City Manager
City Manager Sean Brewer provided a brief overview of the item.
By consensus, Council directed staff to solicit availability from individual Councilmembers to determine preferred travel dates and potential attendance, and to report back for further coordination.
6. Consideration of Establishing an Ad Hoc Community Outreach and Interagency Communication Committee – Future Agenda Item – Mayor Vosburg
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Sean Brewer, City Manager
City Manager Sean Brewer provided a brief overview of the item.
By consensus, Council directed staff to bring back a draft policy establishing the Ad Hoc Committee for Council consideration at a future meeting, and to defer selection of committee members until the full Council is seated.
7. Review Applications and Possible Appointment for City Council Seat to be Vacated by Councilman Hedgecock (District 5)
Mario Zamora, City Attorney
City Manager Sean Brewer provided an overview of the item, stating that this was a Future Agenda Item requested by Mayor Pro-Tem Schinder.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to evaluate options for providing front counter services on Fridays and to return with information regarding staffing models, operational impacts, service levels, and associated costs, including whether limited or rotating coverage could meet community needs.
City Attorney Mario Zamora provided a brief overview of the process for a possible appointment for the City Council seat being vacated by Councilman Hedgecock (District 5) as outlined in the Council Code of Conducted. Swearing in of a newly appointed Councilmember shall take place at the next City Council meeting.
Candidate Ron Ramsey introduced himself and stated his interest in serving on the City Council.
Candidate Pedro Garcia introduced himself and stated his interest in serving on the City Council.
Candidate Abel Arroyo introduced himself and stated his interest in serving on the City Council.
Councilman Hedgecock nominated Abel Arroyo for appointment to the District 5 seat.
Councilman Lowder nominated Abel Arroyo for appointment to the District 5 seat.
Mayor Pro-Tem Schindler nominated Abel Arroyo for appointment to the District 5 seat.
Mayor Vosburg nominated Pedro Garcia for appointment to the District 5 seat.
The City Clerk took Roll-Call Vote for nominations.
Council approved the appointment of Abel Arroyo to serve as the District 5 City Council representative.
Approved by a 4/0 Roll-Call Majority Vote. (Ramirez – Absent)
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager’s Announcements:
City Manager Sean Brewer announced that a Special City Council Meeting is being scheduled for January 20, 2026, subject to confirmation of availability. He also announced that a Brown Act training is planned for Docusign Envelope ID: D53F2FA9-E0EA-8011-81E3-A33701EA3697 Minutes – January 8, 2026
February 5, 2026, to be held prior to the regular City Council meeting, with an anticipated start time of 5:00 PM, and will include participation from the Planning Commission.
Council Member’s Announcements:
Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Councilmember Lonnie Hedgecock’s service to the City and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Councilmember Hedgecock provided remarks thanking the City Council, City staff, and the community for their support during his tenure, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the City of Coalinga.
City Treasure Dawn Kahikina stated she had no announcements to report.
Mayor’s Announcements:
Mayor Nathan Vosburg provided an update on Fresno Council of Governments (COG) discussions related to Measure C, noting that an agreement was not reached between the cities and the County and that the measure, as proposed, will not move forward. He stated that alternative measures may be brought forward by other groups in the future and that the City will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as appropriate.
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilman Hedgecock requested a traffic study for the addition of speed bumps or stop signs for Sacramento Street between Forest Avenue and Warthan Street, to evaluate speeding concerns and potential trafficcalming measures.
Councilman Ramirez requested an update on upcoming Caltrans road work activities, including anticipated timelines and scope of work.
Mayor Vosburg requested deployment of the City’s speed radar trailer along Jayne Avenue, particularly near the Phelps Avenue intersection, to address speeding concerns as vehicles approach the City, siting a potential need to reduce the speed limit in the future.
Mayor Pro-Tem Schindler requested staff to explore opportunities to recognize America’s 250th Anniversary on the City’s digital sign.
Councilman Lowder requested staff to provide an update on the proposed food court project, including anticipated timeline and methods to promote community awareness and engagement.
Mayor Vosburg requested increased promotion of the City’s mobile application and exploration of additional outreach tools, including the use of QR codes.
Mayor Vosburg requested a Future Agenda Item to provide an update on the City’s social media and public outreach efforts, to be presented by the City’s new Public Outreach Coordinator Jessenia Medina.
9. CLOSED SESSION
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1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS – Government Code Section 54957.6. CITY NEGOTIATORS: City Manager, Sean Brewer and City Attorney, Mario Zamora. EMPLOYEE (ORGANIZATION); General Employees
2. REAL PROPERTY NEGOTATIONS – Government Code Section 54956.8. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. PROPERTY(S): APN: 070-070-42ST (Coalinga Airport) located in the City of Coalinga. CITY NEGOTIATORS: City Manager, Sean Brewer and City Attorney, Mario Zamora. NEGOTIATING PARTIES: Momentum Tactical, LLC. UNDER NEGOTIATION: Price and Terms of Payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS – Government Code 54957.6. CITY NEGOTIATORS: City Manager, Sean Brewer and City Attorney, Mario Zamora. EMPLOYEE (ORGANIZATION): Police Officer Association
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Potential Litigation – Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) – 1 Case
10. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
No reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
11. ADJOURNMENT 9:44 PM
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Nathan Vosburg, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Shannon Jensen, City Clerk
___________________________________
Date
Docusign Envelope ID: D53F2FA9-E0EA-8011-81E3-A33701EA3697 May 13, 2026
Dear Mayor Vosburg and Council members,
I am writing as both a citizen of our city and a current employee covered under the General Employees Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Although I am no longer a registered union member following recent changes in union leadership, I feel compelled to share my perspective on the proposed cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the General Employees Union, which I understand is scheduled for discussion in closed session at this week’s council meeting.
As the past President of the Union, I have firsthand experience with labor negotiations and appreciate the efforts of previous Councils in securing fair COLAs for our employees. I want to sincerely thank those former Council members for the adjustments we received, which helped address years of wage stagnation prior to 2019—a fact that many newer union members may not fully appreciate.
That said, I am concerned about the current approach to negotiations. While I fully recognize that negotiations are an essential part of the process, I struggle to understand the rationale for pursuing such a significant adjustment at this stage, especially with the actual collective bargaining process set to begin this spring.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this citizen comment. I trust in your judgment to navigate these negotiations fairly and in the best interest of our community.
Sincerely,
Robert Smith
Docusign Envelope ID: D53F2FA9-E0EA-8011-81E3-A33701EA3697 Dear Mayor Vosburg and Members of the Coalinga City Council, I am writing as a concerned citizen and long-time resident of Coalinga to urge the City Council to immediately set a firm, proactive campaign for extending the sunset date of Measure J, our 1% local sales tax for general city services, primarily public safety.
I understand this issue is likely already on the Council's radar, especially following the disappointing failure of the renewal measure on the November 2024 ballot. That setback makes it even more critical for the City to work harder and smarter this time. With the next viable election opportunity likely in November 2028, now is the time to begin building broad community support on this sensitive tax issue.
I respectfully ask that the City Council and the affected employee unions and associations collaborate closely to present a clear, transparent picture to the voters of exactly what the 1% tax has provided since it took effect in April 2019, and what essential services will be at serious risk if it is allowed to sunset.
Many current Council members were not serving before Measure J passed, but as citizens of Coalinga at the time, you will remember the challenging state of our City's finances. Prior to 2019, we simply did not have the resources for key positions and adequate staffing. We lacked a dedicated animal control officer, a code enforcement officer, and sufficient personnel levels in both our Fire and Police departments. Measure J revenue has helped change that, enabling the City to hire and retain essential staff, improve public safety response times, and maintain basic services that keep our community safe and livable.
I recognize there is understandable reluctance to place another tax measure on the ballot, and I myself am usually opposed to most new taxes. However, I strongly believe we cannot afford to return to the pre-2019 predicament of understaffed departments and limited services. Allowing the tax to expire would almost certainly force painful cuts that would impact every resident.
If the City and its partners begin planning and outreach early, there is a real opportunity to regain voter approval. I strongly encourage you to:
● Develop and publicize a clear, updated priorities list showing how future Measure J funds would be allocated.
● Highlight specific achievements made possible by the tax since 2019, such as increased staffing, improved response capabilities, new equipment, and enhanced community safety programs.
● Engage the community through town halls, informational mailers, and open meetings to build understanding and support.
By starting this effort now with transparency and collaboration, I believe we can make a compelling case to voters that continuing this modest tax is a worthwhile investment in Coalinga's future.
Docusign Envelope ID: D53F2FA9-E0EA-8011-81E3-A33701EA3697 Thank you for your service to our community and for considering this request. I am happy to discuss these ideas further or assist in any way I can. I look forward to seeing decisive action to protect and strengthen the services our residents depend on.
Sincerely,
Robert Smith
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