MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
May 20, 2025
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: Melville - Giles - Marsigli - 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, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, City Attorney Ann Siprelle (virtual), and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 5-0.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Council member Marsigli advised of her abstention from consent calendar item #4.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his abstention from the warrant in his name, and consent calendar item #3.
Council member Melville advised of his abstention from consent calendar item #4.
Mayor Nagy advised of his abstention from the warrant in his name.
PRESENTATIONS
1. PROCLAMATION: Public Works Week
Mayor Nagy presented the proclamation to the Public Works department employees in attendance. Public Works Director Ingram commended his department staff for their dedication to the City.
2. New Employee Introduction
Martin Pulido, Public Works Utilities Supervisor
Public Works Director Ingram introduced Utilities Supervisor Martin Pulido and provided a brief background of Mr. Pulido’s experience.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Abby Pendleton, Assembly member Alanis’s office, shared information on the recently released state budget proposal.
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?
3. Minutes of the April 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
4. Minutes of the May 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
6. Treasurer’s Report – April 2025
Recommendation: Review and file
7. Approve Request from Chamber of Commerce for Use of City Streets and Services, and Waiver of Fees for Annual 4th of July Parade Recommendation: Review and approve request
8. Approve Resolution Accepting Completion of Schmidt Park Trail Slurry Seal Project, Authorizing the City Clerk to File a Notice of Completion, and Authorizing City Manager to Make Final Payment of Retention Monies
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Adoption and Waive Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 7-6-10(a) of Chapter 6 of Title 7 of the Gustine Municipal Code Regarding Administrative Fines for Fireworks
Recommendation: Approve adoption and waive second reading
10. Approve Resolution Appointing Gustine Representative to the Measure V Citizen’s Oversight Committee for a Two-Year Term
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
11. Approve Request from Gustine Pentecost Society for Use of City Streets, and Services for Annual Celebration Event
Recommendation: Review and approve request
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the consent calendar.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 5-0, with Council member Marsigli abstaining from consent calendar item #4, Mayor Pro Tem Ford abstaining from the warrant in his name, and consent calendar item #3, Council member Melville abstaining from consent calendar item #4, and Mayor Nagy abstaining from the warrant in his name.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
12. PUBLIC HEARING: Direction on Scope Priorities for Pioneer Park California State Parks Grant
1. Receive staff report
2. Open the Public Hearing
3. Receive Public Comment
4. Close the Public Hearing
5. Hold discussion and provide direction on scope priorities Economic and Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
Danny Reed, Project Manager, provided additional information on the overall scope of the project.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing opened at 6:59 P.M.
Barbara Fanning, 34 Manor Avenue, provided her opinion of basketball court and splash pad, she recommended leaving the existing tree for shade. She advised of her opinion removing the bbq due to potential fire hazard and add garbage cans.
Zachery Ramos, 1080 Elm Ave, agreed on opposition of splash pad due to excessive need for supervision. He commented a half-court basketball would be appreciated, along with picnic area. He thanked Council and staff for continuing to work on this rehabilitative project.
Renee Duprel, 1110 Bonta Ave, expressed opinion that bathrooms are not needed, due to ongoing issues with existing bathrooms at City parks. She expressed need for an updated fence.
The public hearing was closed at 7:03 P.M.
Council member Melville commented that on a Saturday afternoon he only observed people at Schmidt Park. He expressed his opposition on the splash pad, and further commented on the need for a half-court basketball court.
Council member Giles confirmed that soft costs would be decreased in accordance with decreases in scope. He commented that splash pad and restrooms would be heavy on infrastructure needs. He provided his opinion to remove splash pad, restrooms, and potentially reduce size of basketball court and playground feature.
Council member Giles inquired whether there was an estimate on the cost savings the City could review, to which Economic & Development Director Westervelt advised that staff is looking for direction from Council so that staff can better prepare a revised and reduced scope document and budget.
Council member Giles reiterated his opinion to remove restrooms, splash pad, and revise playground structure.
City Manager Than advised of the opportunities for cost saving.
Council member Marsigli advised of the importance of shade. She provided her opinion on removing the splash pad and restrooms. She inquired on the site amenities, to which Engineer project manager Reed provided information.
Council member Marsigli provided her direction as adding shade, reducing the size of basketball court to half-court and to mimic the other City parks in regards to playground bark.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford attested also on the necessity for shade. He provided his opposition of splash pad due to waste of water. He recommended to remove restrooms, cut back basketball area to half-court.
Project Manager Reed reiterated that many components will be adjusted down as the scope is reduced.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the costs for the design to be rescoped, to which City Manager Than advised there have not been any costs related to date.
City Manager Than clarified the consensus from Council.
Mayor Nagy shared the feedback he’s received from the community to keep the fullsized basketball court. Mayor Nagy inquired what proposed fencing was in original scope, to which Project Manager Reed answered it was quoted as coated steel, and provided information that the fence was only slated for two-sides.
Mayor Nagy inquired on proposed picnic area roof material, to which Project Manager Reed provided additional information.
There was discussion in exchanging concrete for landscaped area.
Council provided consensus to remove splash pad and restrooms.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised staff could bring back item with splash pad and restrooms removed with basketball court options.
Mayor Nagy inquired if existing play structure could be incorporated into new design, to which staff advised of the deteriorated condition.
Council member Marsigli advised of keeping two picnic areas.
13. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Sixth-Cycle Housing Element Second Revised Draft
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive public comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Planning Consultant Kelsey George presented staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired clarification on overlay district, to which Ms. George provided additional information.
Council member Giles inquired how an overlay can be removed, to which Ms. George advised it is removed by a rezone.
Mayor Nagy inquired which development standards the City is lacking, to which Ms.
George provided information that planned development is defined as lacking.
There was further conversation related to planned development zoning designations.
Council member Marsigli inquired how air quality is being addressed in west Gustine, to which Ms. George advised that language came from the Environmental Justice Element.
City Manager Than advised the City is not adding more to the air quality and stated of the City’s actions to decrease air pollution.
Council member Marsigli advised of the language in the slide relating to west Gustine, to which Ms. George advised of the typo and advised it should be southeast Gustine.
There was discussion in regards to opposition in rezoning alternative properties.
Council directed staff to not offer rezoning of properties but to inquire with HCD on how we can address their comment without further committing to land the City does not have.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired the amount of extensions the City is able to receive on the map, to which Ms. George provided information.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether Council provided an extension for Katakis project, to which City Manager Than affirmed.
There was discussion in regards to the requests from HCD, in consideration of Gustine’s size.
City Manager the proposed to use the language from the Planned Development Zoning District.
Council member Giles expressed his concerns with rezoning of properties.
14. WORKSHOP: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
1. Receive Staff Report and Presentation
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Conduct Workshop
City Manager Than presented a brief summary of the proposed budget.
Finance Director Morrison presented the staff report and presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the City population, to which City Manager Than advised the Department of Finance used a formula on the census reporter to gather this number.
City Manager Than advised of additional intern positions included on the Elected Officials and Staff slide.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the 4% for Cannabis is sales tax, to which City Manager Than denied and advised the sales tax is 27%.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the pasture rental out by the sewer farm, to which City Manager Than affirmed and stated it brings $72K revenue each year.
Council member Marsigli inquired why sales tax is declining, to which City Manager Than advised of his process in gathering the sales tax estimates.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether the City monitors how much revenue is received from deliveries into town, to which City Manager Than advised he is working with Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt to gather this information.
Council member Marsigli inquired the last time the City put money into the General Fund Reserve, to which Finance Director Morrison advised FY 24-25.
There was discussion in regards to the Gas Tax fund.
Mayor Nagy commented on the Water fund and advised the City should be improving water infrastructure, to which City Manager Than agreed and advised once a new Water Master Plan is adopted the City will have a full list of replacement projects to consider and decide on how much capital can be done per year.
Council member Giles inquired on the increase for the Tyler system, to which Finance Director Morrison advised of the addition of Business and Animal Control license existing system.
City Manager Than presented the presentation on Capital Improvement Projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether there will be a new sewer and water line installed down Carnation Road after the new subdivision is developed, to which City Manager Than advised the sewer and water line will come up on East Avenue, south on Fairview and will connect back on Fagundes property.
Council member Marsigli advised she would like to see more money going towards the sidewalks, to which City Manager Than advised of the importance of a sidewalk replacement program to identify project priorities.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on valve and hydrant replacements, to which Public Works Director advised there will be valve and hydrant replacements but they will be taken care of by the Public Works department and will not be listed on the CIP.
Public Works Director Ingram advised that stump grinding is included in the Citywide Tree Trimming fund for $50K and further stated the department will also help with the stump grinding.
Mayor Nagy provided an option to working with a fuel provider for the Airport in the meantime while waiting for the grant.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the speed survey for enforcement of speeding throughout the town, to which City Manager Than advised he will bring back a revision with a speed survey added.
City Manager Than informed Council that Council member Giles is working with drawing the new Welcome Sign on the north end of town.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez thanked volunteer Janis Peters and Renee Duprel for escorting explorers to Laguna Seca event.
Fire Chief Martin advised of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Fill the Boot fundraiser organized by Cal Fire this Saturday. He informed Council of tickets available for Fire Chief Borrelli’s retirement dinner on June 7th.
Public Works Director Ingram advised of recent City tree limb removal. He advised the County is scheduled to pave Carnation Rd. later this month. He recognized part-time Account Clerk Lori Sequeira as a member of his department.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the Aquatics Center opening day is June 9, and the opening schedule available now. She further advised Lifeguard training is ongoing.
She informed Council the Chamber of Commerce is starting the Cow Herd fundraiser with funds going to 4th of July fireworks show. She reminded everyone of the May 31st Pickleball tournament.
Economic & Community Development Westervelt updated on the rejection of all bids for Airport Hangar project. She advised of a new home-based business, EG Concrete, locally owned and operated.
Finance Director Morrison advised she had nothing to report.
Administrative Services Director Correa updated on the Citywide all hands-on deck staff meeting held last week.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than updated on his trip on the One Voice delegation to Washington DC, he expressed pleasure to advocate for the region in the nation’s capital.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Siprelle advised she had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Marsigli inquired why Caltrans was involved in Lucerne sidewalk project planning, to which City Manager Than advised Caltrans is involved with all CMAQ funded projects.
Council member Giles advised he had nothing to report.
Melville reiterated the importance of advocating for parks for the youth of the community. He advised of his attendance at the Chamber of Commerce meeting, and inquired whether Council would participate in the 4th of July parade. He advised of his attendance at the youth football meet and greet.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised he had nothing to report.
Mayor Nagy remarked on Mayday Fair awardees from Gustine. He advised of his attendance as a delegate on the One Voice visit to Washington DC. He advised of his pitch towards funding for high speed rail in California. He reminded everyone of the Memorial Day ceremony at National Cemetery and Hills Ferry Cemetery.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:23 P.M.