MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
June 17, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Ford called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Melville - Marsigli - Mayor Pro Tem Ford Staff present: City Manager Soknirorn Than, Finance Director Jennifer Morrison, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Public Works Director Gary Ingram, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, City Attorney Ann Siprelle, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Fire Chief Richard Martin, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy were absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 3-0 with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Abby Pendleton, Assembly member Alanis’s office, updated on legislative bills. She expressed honor in attending SR-140/Hwy 33 Roundabout ribbon cutting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of the June 3, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
3. Treasurer’s Report – May 2025
Recommendation: Review and file
4. Approve Resolution Establishing Appropriations Limit and Certifying Population Estimate for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
5. Approve Request from Gustine Rotary Club for Use of City Facilities and Services, Allowance of Mobile Food Vendors, and Waiver of Fees for Annual Flea Market Event
Recommendation: Review and approve request
6. Approve Resolution Approving Two-Year Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding with the Gustine Clerks Association
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
7. Approve Resolution Authorizing the City Manager Enter into Memorandum of Understanding between Valley Water Collaborative and Gustine Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
8. Approve Resolution Approving Appointment of City Attorney Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract Addendum with Capital Advocacy Partners for COPS Hiring Program Grant Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
Mayor Pro Tem Ford introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Administrative Services Director Correa advised consent calendar #1 would be continued to the next Council meeting due to lack of quorum.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve consent calendar items 2-9.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 3-0, with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
10. Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Jensen Basin Perimeter Fence Project and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement
1. Receive Staff Report and Presentation
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Public Works Director Ingram presented staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the forty-foot gate, to which City Manager Than provided additional information regarding the need for the gate size.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether cameras will be installed, to which Public Works Director advised he is looking into the feasibility of cellular cameras.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for Jensen Basin Perimeter Fence project and authorizing City Manager to execute agreement.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 3-0, with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
11. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Adoption of City’s Financial Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
1. Receive staff report
2. Open the Public Hearing
3. Receive Public Comment
4. Close the Public Hearing
5. Consider a motion to adopt the City’s 2025/2026 Financial Budget Finance Director Morrison provided a presentation on the City’s financial budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether the $12.75M in projected revenues included reimbursements from other organizations, to which Finance Director Morrison affirmed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the public hearing at 6:47P.M.
Craig Christensen, inquired of $5M difference between revenues and expenditures, to which Mayor Pro Tem Ford clarified was due to capital projects being proposed for FY26.
The public hearing was closed at 6:48P.M.
Council member Melville made a motion to adopt the City’s 2025-2026 Financial Budget. The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 3-0, with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
12. Consider Approval of a Resolution Adopting List of SB1/Road Repair and Accountability Act Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
1. Receive Staff Report and Presentation
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
City Manager Than provided a presentation on SB1 project list for FY 25-26.
Council member Melville advised he is pleased to see list of streets proposed for repair.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve resolution adopting list of SB1/Road Repair and Accountability Act projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 3-0, with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
13. Consider Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 4-44-140 of Article 4, Chapter 4-44 of the Gustine Zoning and Subdivision Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Close the public hearing
4. Consider a motion to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 4-44-140 of Article 4, Chapter 4-44 of the Gustine Zoning and Subdivision Code relating to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised staff has identified new component that should be considered and would be presented. She encouraged Council to discuss and advise of updates they have identified.
Planning Consultant, Kelsey George, provided the presentation on the zoning ordinance amendment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether exterior lighting height requirements are included, to which Ms. George answered no and advised it could be added if Council wished to include it.
Ms. George read aloud Mayor Nagy’s questions and comments.
In his written correspondence, Mayor Nagy inquired whether the ceiling height can be changed to 8 feet, to which Ms. George affirmed and advised all architectural elements and requirements may be changed per the Council’s direction as long as they are objective.
Via written correspondence, Mayor Nagy commented that 15 sq. feet is too small for most kitchen appliances, to which Ms. George advised the 15 sq. feet applies to counter and storage space only. Mayor Nagy commented, in writing, that septic should not be allowed in the City, to which Ms. George advised this language was carried over from the previous ordinance and stated if the ADU is not permitted local restrictions apply.
In his correspondence, Mayor Nagy inquired whether the City can change the residential designation for water rates for renting ADU’s/JADU’s, to which Ms. George advised the City bases water rates on the category of user.
Mayor Nagy inquired in writing whether the transit hub could be disregarded since Gustine doesn’t have a transit hub, to which Ms. George advised this is state parking exemption language and if it doesn’t exist then it would not apply.
Mayor Nagy inquired in writing whether the City could charge impact fees for ADU’s over 750 sq. feet, to which Ms. George affirmed and advised all ADU’s over 750 sq. feet and in proportion to the primary dwelling unit are charged impact fees.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired how the window being placed at 6-foot or higher will fit if the ceiling height is 7 feet, to which Ms. George advised windows would need to be obscured if the height could not be achieved and stated Council may modify ceiling height.
Council provided consensus on utility connections is to do separate utility on all ADUs that are exempt.
Council member Marsigli inquired if ADUs are grandfathered if a property became a historical landmark building, to which Ms. George advised if the ADU is existing, they are grandfathered in but if the property is listed on the registrar it would prevent new ADUs from being visible from the public right of way.
Council member Marsigli inquired about street facing requirements in regards to corner lot, to which Ms. George advised the corner lots will have the most challenge to adhere to the code due to the dual road frontage.
Council member Marsigli suggested adding language to align ADU front door in same direction as primary residence.
Council member Marsigli inquired definition of “unreasonable” restrictions, to which Ms.
George advised she did not have additional criteria for unreasonable restrictions.
Council advised of their consensus to mandate an 8’ minimum ceiling height.
City Manager Than advised efficiency kitchens would only apply to JADUs.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the public hearing at 7:26P.M.
Craig Christensen, advised that 7’ ceilings align with many RV height.
There was further discussion related to declaring RVs as ADUs, during which Planning Consultant Geourge advised of hospitable requirement.
A meeting attendee inquired on minimum sq. feet an ADU can be, to which Ms.
George advised of the proposal to align the City’s maximum with the states minimum of 1000” sq. feet.
Council provided consensus to approve two changes: 8’ ceiling height and mandate separate water and sewer hookups.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 4-44-140 of Article 4, Chapter 4-44 of the Gustine Zoning and Subdivision Code relating to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units as amended.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 3-0, with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
14. Consider Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of an Ordinance Adding Section 7-3-13 to Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Gustine Municipal Code Regarding the Feeding of Wildlife
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Close the public hearing
4. Consider a motion to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adding Section 7-3-13 to Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Gustine Municipal Code regarding the feeding of wildlife
Police Chief Chavez presented staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the public hearing at 7:35P.M.
There was no public comment
The public hearing was closed at 7:36P.M.
Council member Marsigli voiced concern about lack of inclusion of feral cats, to which City Manager Than advised staff is working on code regarding feral cats which will be brought to Council in the fall.
Police Chief Chavez advised of future work on educational campaigns.
Council member Melville made a motion to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adding section 7-3-13 to Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Gustine Municipal Code regarding the feeding of wildlife.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 3-0, with Council member Giles and Mayor Nagy absent.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez advised Gustine graduations went smoothly last week. He advised the department is doing a proactive campaign on social media and having the sign board at the 33/140 roundabout advising of the firework citation fine increases. He updated on probation checks and advised of three arrests. He thanked Sergeant Martinez and Reserve Officer Zelvaggio, and Police Chief Defron for partnership efforts.
He informed Council of the donation from Reserve Officer Zelvaggio for the fence replacement at the police department parking lot.
Fire Chief Martin reminded Council of the upcoming golf tournament fundraiser on August 9th. He thanked those who attended Fire Chief Borrelli’s retirement party.
Public Works Director Ingram expressed appreciation of the resdients patience as crews conduct projects throughout town. He invited the public to connect with department to relay concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on muddy tracks around town, to which Public Works Director Ingram advised he had been in contact with general contractor to remedy.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of upgrades to recreation registration software.
She informed Council Lifeguard orientation is complete. She advised the Aquatics programs are at capacity. She further advised of the current firework donations received and informed Council of additional donations coming from 4-H and the Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, she inquired if Council would like to participate in the 4th of July parade to inform her.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised of a business meeting being planned for September. She advised solar permitting promotion is forthcoming. She informed Council of the groundbreaking for unWired Broadband project on July 15th. She updated on L&E Café and stated they are remodeling and hoping to open again next week.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the business coming across the street from L&E Café, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised it is another Café that is working on the inside of the building.
Finance Director Morrison thanked Council for approving budget.
Administrative Services Director Correa advised she had nothing to report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than advised he had nothing to report. .
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Siprelle thanked Council for approving change of attorney. She advised she would assist in transition through remainder of calendar year. She expressed pride in working with Gustine.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Melville echoed positive comments about Aquatics Center and graduation ceremonies. He advised of attendance at recent Ducks Unlimited meeting.
He also advised of his attendance at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and stated preparations for the 4th of July parade are in full swing, and advised the Chamber was working to collect service club signs for replacement welcome sign.
Council member Marsigli commented positively on Fire Chief Borrelli’s retirement party..
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised he is glad to see probation enforcement in town, and encouraged more frequent checks. He advised of his conversation with Assembly member Gray regarding recent statewide ICE checks, and resulting zoom meeting with his office to review the bill being coordinated to allow temporary status to those community members needing time to establish status.
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 Police Officers Association
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR- Pursuant to Government Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Unrepresented Employee: Chief of Police
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR- Pursuant to Government Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Unrepresented Employee: Economic & Community Development Director
5. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR- Pursuant to Government Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Unrepresented Employee: Recreation Manager
6. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR- Pursuant to Government Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Unrepresented Employee: Administrative Services Director
After returning to open session, Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Ford adjourned the meeting at 9:30 P.M.