MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
July 1, 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 - Marsigli - Mayor Pro Tem Ford – Mayor Nagy Staff present: City Manager Soknirorn Than, Finance Director Jennifer Morrison, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, City Attorney Olivia Clark (virtual), Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Fire Chief Richard Martin, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 5-0.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his abstention from the warrant in his name and minutes from June 3rd meeting.
Mayor Nagy advised of his abstention from the warrant in his name and minutes of June 17th meeting.
Council member Giles advised of his abstention from the minutes of June 17th meeting.
PRESENTATIONS
1. 2025 Aquatic Personnel Introductions
Presented by Recreation Manager Vitorino
The lifeguard staff in attendance introduced themselves.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of upcoming Aquatics Center events.
Mayor Nagy thanked the staff for their dedication to the Aquatic Center.
2. PROCLAMATION: Parks and Recreation Month
Mayor Nagy presented a proclamation to Recreation Manager Vitorino.
3. New Employee Introduction
Melissa Zepeda, Temporary Account Clerk
Finance Director Morrison introduced Melissa Zepeda and provided a brief introduction of her background.
4. Capital Improvement Projects Update
Danny Reed, Gouveia Engineering
City Manager Than introduced Project Manager Danny Reed.
Mr. Reed presented an update on the City’s Capital Improvement projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on additional alley paving throughout town, to which Mr.
Reed advised that was through the CMAQ application but stated it was not funded.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the missing sidewalk across from Richards at Saputo, to which City Manager Than provided details on why Caltrans skipped this portion of the sidewalk paving and advised that the area will be included in the next round of Caltrans project.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Cynthia Pinto Cabrera and Valeria Salamanca, Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, informed Council the nonprofit is expanding into Merced and Madera Counties. She advised the program provides youth with job opportunities and financial literacy. She further advised she is looking to connect with City and attend local events. She provided information on energy savings that participating youth would be working on.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Minutes of the June 3, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
6. Minutes of the June 17, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
7. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
8. Approve Resolution Approving Employment Contracts and Amendments Between City of Gustine and Economic & Community Development Director, Recreation Manager, Administrative Services Director, Police Chief and Public Works Utilities Project Consultant
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Request for Use of City Streets, Facilities and Services, and Allowance of Mobile Food Vendors, for National Night Out Event
Recommendation: Review and approve request
10. Approve Resolution Approving Third Amendment to Contract for City Attorney Services with Best, Best & Krieger and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
11. Approve Resolution Adopting Updated Gustine Employee Salary Schedule Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
12. Approve Request for Summer Recess and Direct Staff to Cancel August 5, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
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 Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
13. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Special Events Policy and Procedure
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
4. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
City Manager Than acknowledged the work of staff, local community groups, and the Ad Hoc Committee in forming the draft policy.
Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff report.
A resident inquired whether the waivers for sporting event attendees includes youth events such as Youth Football and Cheer, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino provided information, as it pertains to the City’s property.
Lizette Garcia, Whichcraft Taproom, inquired how their establishment would be classified, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino explained their events would be minor events.
Ms. Garcia inquired about fees, to which City Manager Than, provided information on the evolving regulations from Merced County.
There was further discussion related to specifics of Whichcraft Taprooms food vendors.
Council member Marsigli provided her opinion on takeout events needing a permit, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised takeout does require special permits and stated it provides a tracking measure should issues arise from the takeout.
Ms. Garcia inquired whether it is sufficient enough if vendor documentation is turned into Merced County instead of turning it into the City, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino expressed her agreeance but advised Merced County is requiring City involvement.
Council member Marsigli advised of language needing to be removed regarding “50 people,” to which City Manager Than advised it was inadvertently left in and it will be removed.
Council member Marsigli inquired why dumping ice is listed as an issue on page 86 item H, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised additional language will be added to clarify.
Council member Marsigli inquired clarification on alcohol not being allowed for an event honoring a minor, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised this restriction is pre-existing.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the requirement to have a handwashing station at each portable, to which City Manager Than advised that could be revised upon Council’s request.
City Manager Than informed Council they may direct staff to waive fees for nonprofit organizations and include the language in the Special Event Policy.
There was discussion regarding implementing fees for staff time for major and minor event applications.
City Manager Than advised the policy would not go into effect until January 2026.
Council member Marsigli inquired about recycle bins.
Mayor Nagy provided examples of meetings in locations not normally held and inquired whether they would be considered Special Events, to which City Manager Than advised the language can be revised or removed.
Council directed staff to remove #12 on page 80.
Mayor Nagy advised staff to remove “pay day” language on the meeting schedule.
Mayor Nagy questioned the definition of special events in the staff report, to which City Manager Than advised staff will correct the staff report.
City Manager Than reassured Council if any issues arise within the Policy it will be brought back to Council for revisions.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez thanked volunteers who will be busy this week on July 4th at the Gustine festivities. He expressed appreciation to California Fence Builders, who completed the fence surrounding the Police Department parking lot. He informed Council that Reserve Police Officer Gonzalez graduated as master instructor for POST.
He advised of the planned event with ATF inspections on several locations in town, and expressed appreciation to Sgt. Martinez.
Fire Chief Martin welcomed back Mayor Nagy. He thanked Gustine Police Department and volunteers for mobilization to assist with recent gas main rupture evacuations and traffic enforcement. He commended PG&E for their quick response.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised of the upcoming hangar demolition bid and stated it will be brought back to Council for award on August 19. She updated on new businesses which include a book shop, esthetics, and cottage kitchen all under application review. She informed Council a contract doctor is coming to Dr. Iyer’s location. She updated on the Airport Pump project and advised the categorical exemption from NEPA has been received and stated the project is progressing forward.
Finance Director Morrison advised the department is in the final review for FY22.23 audit and stated it will be brought to Council in August.
Recreation Manager Vitorino updated on 4th of July preparations. She advised of upcoming Movie Nights. She further advised firework donations are being received. She informed Council donations are totaling $12,000, with another $5-$6K expected from Chamber fundraisers.
Administrative Services Director Correa updated on conditional offers of employment.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than provided an update on behalf of Public Works, and advised preparations for 4th of July are underway. He advised the department is keeping up with underground service markings to accommodate nine ongoing projects around town. He advised the department is looking to turn attention from weekly mowing to preventive maintenance.
He updated on the WWTP aerators being placed in ponds this month and advised an item is coming to Council to approve additional aerators. He expressed excitement to begin street sealing and to begin preparations to conduct pothole repairs.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark expressed honored to be approved to be City Attorney and advised she looks forward to serving the City.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Marsigli inquired on behalf of neighbor on status of fire hydrant on North Ave and inquired whether it is it functional, to which Fire Chief Martin advised wrapped hydrants are not functional.
Council member Marsigli inquired on testing of hydrants, to which Fire Chief Martin advised a program for routine testing was being established.
Council member Marsigli inquired what effect cannabis excise tax will have on City, to which City Manager Than advised increased tax will dip into retailer’s margin.
There was further discussion in regards to the issues with the Cannabis industry.
Council member Marsigli inquired who was responsible for gas main rupture, to which City Manager Than advised a press release would be forthcoming.
She wished everyone a Happy 4th.
Council member Melville recognized Chamber for their organization of 4th of July parade. He advised Ducks Unlimited was moving forward in forming a Gustine Chapter.
He reminded everyone of the Linguica Run on July 13, with Fire Department breakfast that same morning.
Council member Giles commended staff on Special Event Policy draft. He advised he is looking forward to 4th of July festivities.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford wished everyone a happy 4th of July.
Council member Marsigli thanked Fire Chief Martin for inviting Council to their family night event.
Mayor Nagy remarked his pride of staff. He advised the Sister City sends regards and will be visiting this fall. He recommended staff send letters to Senators and other electeds to save the U.S. Consulate in Azores. He informed everyone the bridge on Hwy 33/SR-140 has been resurfaced. He updated on the Sister City summit and advised of several ideas on how Cities celebrate their partnerships. He provided information on FLAD organization and their initiatives.
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
After returning to open session, Mayor Nagy advised there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:07 P.M.