MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
May 6, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Giles –Mayor Pro Tem Ford - Mayor Nagy Staff present: City Manager Soknirorn Than, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Finance Director Jenny Morrison, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Fire Chief Richard Martin, Public Works Director Gary Ingram, City Attorney Ann Siprelle(virtual), and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa Council members Melville and Marsigli were absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 3-0, with Council members Melville and Marsigli absent.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Mayor Nagy advised of his abstention from the warrant in his name.
Council pulled the warrant from consideration due to lack of quorum.
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Supervisor Lloyd Pareira advised of his intention to collect concerns or comments relating to Merced County. He further advised the Merced County CEO has announced his resignation effective May 18 and informed Council of the open recruitment. He advised of the approval of contracts with four County bargaining groups and shared the approval of 2-year contracts with COLAs set at 7% and 3%.
Supervisor Pareira provided information on potential interest in the old hospital north of town.
Mayor Nagy inquired status on Carnation Road, to which Mr. Pareira advised Carnation Road will be paved this season potentially in June, depending on weather.
Mayor Nagy inquired on the installation of charging stations, to which Mr. Pareira advised he had no update but would inquire for further information.
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?
1. Minutes of the April 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
3. Approve Resolution of Intent to Levy and Collect Annual Assessment for Citywide Assessment District No. 95-1; Southport Assessment District; Borrelli Assessment District and Setting a Public Hearing
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
4. Approve Request for Use of City Streets and Services, Waiver of Aquatics Center Fees for Patrons under 12, and Allowance of Mobile Food Vendors for Annual 4th of July in the Park Event
Recommendation: Review and approve request
5. Approve Request from Westside Auto Club for Use of City Streets, Facilities, and Services, and Waiver of Fees for Annual Linguica Run Event Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his abstention from consent calendar item #1 due to his absence.
Consent calendar item #1 was pulled from consideration due to lack of quorum.
Council member Giles made a motion to approve consent calendar items #2-5.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 3-0, with Council members Melville and Marsigli absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
6. Consider Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for the Construction of East Avenue Sidewalk Improvements and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive public comment
3. Consider the motion to approve the resolution
City Manager Than presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Giles made a motion to approve the resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for the construction of East Avenue Sidewalk Improvements and authorizing City Manager to execute agreement.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 3-0, with Council members Melville and Marsigli absent.
7. Consider Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Henry Miller Park Gazebo Roof Replacement Project, Increasing Appropriations Limit in Utility Users Tax Fund and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive public comment
3. Consider the motion to approve the resolution
Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Giles made a motion to approve the resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for the Henry Miller Park Gazebo Park Roof Replacement project, increasing appropriations limit in Utility Users Tax fund and authorizing City Manager to execute agreement.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 3-0, with Council members Melville and Marsigli absent.
8. Consider Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Changes to Existing Contracts with 4Creeks and Gouveia Engineering Related to Planning Services
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive public comment
3. Consider the motion to approve the resolution
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to authorize City Manager to execute changes to existing contracts with 4Creeks and Gouveia Engineering related to Planning Services.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 3-0, with Council members Melville and Marsigli absent.
9. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Wildlife Feeding Ordinance
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive public comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Police Chief Chavez presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of residents feeding the ducks, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino shared information that residents feeding the ducks are drawing the ducks to other areas of the park.
Mayor Pro Tem suggested thinning out the current population.
Council member Giles inquired whether there is anything listed in the City Municipal Code regarding feeding the ducks, to which City Manager Than declined and advised Fish and Wildlife would need to enforce it as it is today.
City Attorney Siprelle advised if the City adopts an ordinance it would allow the City the ability to enforce through the administrative citation process.
Council directed staff to draft an ordinance for consideration.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez informed Council of the upcoming Officer of the Year Award ceremony on May 29th at 5P.M.
Fire Chief Martin advised of a recent vegetation fire on East Avenue. He warned everyone against metal working on dry grass. He shared details of Fire Chief Pat Borrelli’s retirement party on June 7th and stated tickets are available. He informed Council that Westside Ambulance has not conducted a Board Meeting since the last update.
Public Works Director Ingram advised he had nothing to report.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt updated on the FAA fuel pump.
Mayor Nagy advised of his upcoming meeting with FAA next week and requested further details prior to the meeting.
Finance Director Morrison advised of the upcoming Budget Workshop and informed Council FY 22/23 audit work is ongoing.
Recreation Manager Vitorino thanked Council for approving the 4th of July Celebration activities and Linguica Run. She advised of upcoming special events, and informed Council the pool chemical pump will be installed next week.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether a gentleman reached out regarding the Gazebo fence, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino declined.
Administrative Services Director Correa recognized local students from Westside 4-H and Gustine FFA who participated, and placed in their respective classes at the Merced County Spring Fair.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than reminded the community of the importance of taking care and responsibility of their pets. He advised of the additional burden placed on Code Enforcement. He informed Council he would look further into the Gustine Municipal Code regarding licensing and vaccination to ensure accountability. He asked the community to refrain from feeding feral cats. He advised of the upcoming 5-year CIP presentation on May 20th.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Siprelle advised of the upcoming Fireworks ordinance that will be brought to Council for adoption on May 20th.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Giles expressed excitement for ongoing projects in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised he had nothing to report.
Mayor Nagy advised he had nothing to report.
CLOSED SESSON PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Public Works Association
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Clerks Association
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Police Officers Association
After returning to open session, Mayor Nagy advised there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:16 P.M.