MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
June 4, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Giles - Marsigli – Bonta – Mayor Pro Tem Ford - Mayor Nagy Staff present: City Manager Soknirorn Than, City Attorney Ann Siprelle, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Acting Police Chief Sammy Joseph, Finance Director Jenny Morrison, Fire Chief Pat Borrelli, Public Works Director Gary Ingram, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Officer of the Year Award
School Resource Officer T. Vargas Fuentes
Acting Police Chief Joseph introduced School Resource Officer Tony Vargas Fuentes.
Officer Vargas Fuentes thanked Council and City staff for the opportunity to work for GPD.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Keith Collins expressed his appreciation to staff for working to correct the oversight in maps in the MJHE. He urged staff and Council to remain diligent that only the Councilapproved site inventory map should be referenced within the document.
Gina Espinoza expressed her gratitude to Recreation Manager Vitorino for her work in securing a new ADA Chair Lift for the pool. She shared her excitement to visit the pool this summer.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be approved by one action of the City Council, unless any member of the City Council wishes to remove an item for separate consideration.
Are there any items on the consent calendar that any member of the public would like to comment on?
2. Minutes of the May 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
4. Approve Resolution Calling for Election and Consolidating City’s Municipal Election with General Election and Authorizing Merced County Elections Department to Conduct the Election and Canvass Returns
Recommendation: Review and file
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Council member Bonta shared his opinion that a two-year Mayoral term is too quick. He suggested for the betterment of the community, the term should be taken back to the voter’s to extend the term.
Council member Bonta made a motion to approve the consent calendar.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
5. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a Resolution Confirming Diagrams and Levying Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the Citywide, Southport, and Borrelli Landscape and Lighting Districts Pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Close the public hearing
4. Consider a motion to approve the resolution confirming diagram and assessment and levying assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
City Manager Than presented the staff report.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 6:42 P.M.
There was no public comment.
The public hearing was closed at 6:43 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve the resolution confirming diagram and assessment and levying assessment for fiscal year 2024-2025.
The motion was seconded by Council member Bonta and carried 5-0.
6. Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Determination Regarding the Interpretation and Application of Gustine Zoning-Subdivision Code Sections 4-30- 100 Solid Waste/Recyclable Material Storage and 4-34-030 Landscape and Irrigation Plans
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive public comment
3. Consider a motion to either:
a. Deny the appeal
b. Grant the appeal
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt introduced Gena Guisar.
Gena Guisar, CSG Contract Planner, presented the staff report and presentation.
Tom Gomes, Planning Commission Chairperson, advised that the Planning Commission unanimously voted that the residence area was not applicable due to the differing use.
Anise Abdullah, applicant and business owner provided a brief history of the market.
Mr. Abdullah spoke towards his appeal. He asked Council to grant the appeal and overturn the Planning Commission decision.
Council member Marsigli advised she would like to see the area walkable and stated the landscaping could be waived by the City Manager. She provided her supporting stance on granting the appeal and helping people succeed in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed agreeance with Council member Marsigli and advised people who are supporting the town and upgrading businesses should be recognized.
Council member Giles expressed understanding with the obstacles businesses have to go through and advised of his support with whatever local assistance can be provided.
Council member Bonta reiterated support for granting the appeal and advised of his support towards local businesses. He expressed hesitation in overturning the Planning Commission’s decision.
Mayor Nagy thanked the Planning Commission for their deliberations on the matter thus far. He advised this is a one-of-a-kind situation and further advised the City road encroaches on the applicants property. He expressed his support in granting the appeal and advised the City needs to help businesses grow.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to grant the appeal.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
7. Consider Resolution Adopting Design Information Bulletin 24-01 Revising Standards for Typical Streets Sections and On-Street Parking
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive public comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented the staff report.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether this would impact the Katakis Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, to which City Manager Than advised this action would not apply to vested entitlements.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve resolution adopting Design Information Bulletin 24-01 revising standards for typical streets sections and on-street parking.
The motion was seconded by Council member Bonta and carried 5-0.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Acting Police Chief Joseph advised of the department’s preparation for upcoming graduation ceremonies. He further advised traffic issues as a result of the roundabout project detours have decreased.
Acting Police Chief Joseph thanked the Council for assisting the department with the purchase of two new vehicles.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether travel within the roundabout project area was allowable outside of contractor work hours, to which Acting Police Chief Joseph answered no and advised the barricades are up to stop unauthorized travel in the area.
City Manager Than advised the City does not want to encourage residents to go through the barricades and stated the issues with trucks still traveling in non-truck routes.
Council member Marsigli inquired when truck route enforcement will begin, to which City Manager Than advised additional signage has been posted and enforcement will start very soon.
Fire Chief Borrelli updated on the success of the “Fill the Boot” drive and advised Gustine raised $2,200. He advised the department will be on standby at Gustine High School’s graduation. He updated that Engine 303 was in the Patterson Apricot Fiesta parade. He advised fire season is here and warned of hotter weather this week. He updated on a structure fire in Newman. Lastly, he advised the station was not assigned to the Corral Fire in Tracy.
Public Works Director Ingram advised the department is currently working towards automating irrigation at Jamero Park. He advised of minor tree maintenance on mulberry trees, and that the department is responding to customer concerns as they are received.
Recreation Manager Vitorino informed Council the Aquatics Center opened today for swim lessons, lap swim and Aqua Zumba. She advised all current classes are full except Aqua Zumba. She advised the ADA chair was installed today, and that orientation and training will begin on Saturday. She updated on 4th of July activities and thanked Public Works for assisting with getting the pool ready for the season. She shared that Borrelli’s Market donated $1,000 to the Recreation Department. She updated on the Miss Gustine Pageant and thanked pageant directors and Police Department volunteers.
Mrs. Vitorino advised of her efforts to publicize Wolfsen’s and Richard’s Market being open during construction.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised Senator Butler has submitted the Pioneer Park discretional funding request. She further advised the City is working on “Plan B” in case funding does not come through. She advised the Southeast Annexation project is moving forward and further advised the engineer is reviewing offand on-site improvements. She advised of a planned joint meeting with the Planning Commission and City Council to review public comments received in regards to the draft 6th Cycle Housing Element. She expressed appreciation to anyone reviewing the draft 6th Cycle Housing Element and providing comments. She thanked Council on the appeal decision for consent calendar item #6 and further advised of the next steps in the process for Borrelli’s Market.
Council member Bonta inquired clarification on the use description for Pioneer Park, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised it has been highlighted as a Community Wellness Center.
Finance Director Morrison advised that she had nothing to report.
Administrative Services Director Correa reminded Council of the RSVP deadline for the City/County Relations Dinner on July 11th in Atwater. She advised additional information in regards to the League Annual Conference in Long Beach in October has been distributed. She further advised City Snippets will resume in July.
Mayor Nagy shared his wish that other members of the Council and staff attend the League’s Conference.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Siprelle advised that she had nothing to report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than thanked staff for their hard work on the budget. He further advised of the work that went into developing the FY-2025 Capital Improvement Projects list. He thanked other agency partners for providing assistance and bringing him up to speed on items regarding the City. He advised the City is moving forward with the FAA contacts. He updated that Capital Advocacy Partners has been enlisted to help with moving EPA Water Loop Line project application and funding availability. He advised the Urban Forestry Management grant application has been submitted. He also advised an encroachment permit was granted to Gustine Unified School District for their broadband project at three sites using existing poles with some boring on the north side of North Avenue. He informed Council he has looked over plan reviews for the Broadband project from Unwired and Comcast. He advised he is working with Public Works Director Ingram and Caltrans in regards to the sidewalks.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on door hanger he received at his shop, to which City Manager Than advised it is the project for the Gustine Unified School District.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Giles advised that he had nothing to report.
Council member Marsigli expressed appreciation for City Manager Than providing additional time and patience in reviewing the budget. She advised it is a very detailed budget.
Council member Bonta reiterated how detailed the budget was. He advised he contacted the League of California Cities representative Stephen Qualls in regards to what the League of California Cities is doing for smaller cities for relief on the Housing Element.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford complimented the Goman Center. He advised the community partner who allows the City to use a portion of his land for the fireworks show has agreed to make the area available to the City again this year. He advised the budget is aggressive but fantastic. He expressed appreciation in the momentum and the work from staff.
Mayor Nagy echoed sentiments on the robust budget. He advised the budget process was very transparent and inclusive. He commented on the City’s ability to bring on new equipment and new staff. He updated on his attendance at the Miss Gustine pageant.
He advised he will miss the next two City Council meetings due to his trip to the Azores.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 7:47 P.M.