MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
August 19, 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, 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, Public Works Director Gary Ingram, 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
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation from Sister-City Visit
Danica Maciel
Miss Maciel gave her presentation and expressed her thanks to Mayor Nagy.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Joe Pick, Executive Director, Burn Institute, presented plaque and thanked Gustine Fire Department and Gustine community for their fundraiser for the Burn Institute. They also presented a secondary plaque to Cal Fire for their collaboration on the fundraiser.
Abby Pendleton, Assembly member Alanis’s office, updated on governor’s plan to redraw California congressional maps. She advised Assemblyman Alanis opposes redraw. She offered assistance to residents with state agency needs.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Minutes of the July 1, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Minutes of the July 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
4. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
5. Treasurer’s Report – June 2025
Recommendation: Review and file
6. Treasurer’s Report – July 2025
Recommendation: Review and file
7. Approve Request from Gustine Traveling Library for Use of City Streets, Services and Equipment, and Waiver of Fees for Annual 9/11 Memorial Walk Recommendation: Review and approve
8. Approve Resolution Approving Two-Year Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding with the Gustine Public Works Association Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Resolution Approving Two-Year Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding with the Gustine Police Officers Association Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
10. Approve Resolution Adopting Updated Gustine Employee Salary Schedule Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
11. Approve Request from Gustine High School for Use of City Streets and Services and Waiver of Fees for Annual Homecoming Parade and Night Rally Recommendation: Review and approve
12. Approve Resolution Accepting Completion of Jensen Basin Perimeter Fence 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
13. Approve Resolution Re-Appointing Member to Merced County Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
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.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
14. Consider Accepting the City’s Financial Audit for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to accept the City’s Financial Audit for FY 2022-2023 Finance Director Morrison introduced the item, and Michael O’Connor of O’Connor & Company, presented an overview of the audited financials and management letter.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired reasoning to why the end of year items were not reported, to which Finance Director Morrison advised of the absence of a Finance Director during this period and further clarified that items were not accrued over into the prior fiscal year. She stated that O’Connor & Company had to make adjustments in order to correct the numbers during the audit.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the accruals are done now, to which City Manager Than answered no and advised staff does the closeout at the end of year.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to accept the City’s Financial Audit for FY 2022-2023.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
15. Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for North Avenue Pump Station Improvements Project and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract
1. Receive staff report
3. Receive Public Comment
5. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented the staff report.
Craig Christensen, 657 West Ave, inquired if gravity is at play and if so is a pump necessary, to which Danny Reed, Project Manager, Goveia Engineer provided information on the necessity of the pump.
Council member Giles inquired whether the box had to be retro fitted for the bypass to work, to which Mr. Reed denied and provided further details on the bypass.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve the resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for North Avenue Pump Station Improvements project and authorizing City Manager to execute contract.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
16. Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Hangar Demolition Project and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract
1. Receive staff report
3. Receive Public Comment
5. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for Hangar Demolition project and authorizing City Manager to execute contract.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
17. Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for 2025 SB-1 Improvements Project and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract
1. Receive staff report
3. Receive Public Comment
5. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired what original budget amount was, to which City Manager Than advised $700K.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for 2025 SB-1 Improvements project and authorizing City Manager to execute contract.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez advised of recent police activity, resulting in two arrests related to auto theft. He updated on the success of back to school traffic enforcement and thanked all officers for their efforts on the first day of school. He advised of his attendance at FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force meeting in Sacramento.
Council member Marsigli commended him on his appearance on ABC30.
Fire Chief Martin updated on golf tournament on August 9th and advised of the great turnout.
Public Works Director Ingram advised broadband projects are starting to slow down.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if both Comcast and Unwired projects were being run concurrently, to which Ingram affirmed.
Recreation Manager Vitorino updated on successful back to school night. She advised the pool season is coming to a close. She further advised Kid’s Fishing Day and Trunk or Treat preparations are underway.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised a scope change has been submitted to state for approval for Pioneer Park. She informed Council the Housing Element was submitted on July 25. She advised Water Mill Express on Main Street is replacing their kiosk. She updated on upcoming businesses in town such as the opening of the Bookstore, Precision Genetics Solutions moving two doors down and DJ Dan moving into storefront. She advised of her work with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association to hold downtown business roundtable meeting in mid-September.
Council member Marsigli inquired name of home-based business, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the business is Made with Love and provided status of her application.
Finance Director Morrison advised of the upcoming work on the audit for FY 23-24.
Administrative Services Director Correa thanked Council for taking time out of their schedules today to attend the photoshoot. She advised of the onboarding of a new full-time Police Officer and further advised new hires will be introduced to Council at their next meeting. She informed Council of the Supervisor training tomorrow. She reminded everyone of the upcoming Battle of Chief football game on Friday.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than thanked Council for approving bargaining group amendments. He complimented Recreation and HR on their professionalism and execution of the lifeguard exit interviews. He complimented the Police department on their increased presence at each of the local schools last week for traffic control. He advised of the work at animal shelter to include weatherproofing. He thanked Public Works for their hard work on the water and sewer breaks and getting the City back up and running quickly.
Council member Melville inquired whether the City will still have an SRO, to which City Manager Than affirmed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether there is an upcoming project for the sidewalks on Grove to Middle School, to which City Manager Than advised of plans to submit for future CMAQ funding.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark advised of her work with staff on various projects.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Melville thanked Police Chief Chavez on update on recent police activity. He commended Fire Department for their efforts in raising funds for burn victims. He advised of his attendance at the Lions Club Rib-o-Rama, National Night Out, Chamber of Commerce meeting, and Planning Commission meeting.
Council member Giles advised he had nothing to report.
Council member Marsigli advised of her displeasure in receiving SLWA home owner’s utility coverage mailings, to which Administrative Services Director Correa advised of the process to discontinue City’s authorization of the partnership with SLWA.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether staff can ask them to attend a Council meeting and provide information, to which Administrative Services Director Correa affirmed.
Council member Marsigli inquired on debrief with County on gas leak in town. She also inquired if cameras are an option in park bathrooms to prevent vandalism, to which City Manager Than provided information that staff has gathered in their research.
Mayor Nagy and Council member Giles provided recommendations to help prevent vandalism.
Council member Marsigli inquired on enforcement of code violators, to which City Manager Than advised of upcoming sweeps by a task force to help with business licenses and illegal food vendors.
Police Chief Chavez further advised of outreach being conducted by Community Services Officers according to the established procedure.
Council member Marsigli advised of her displeasure with the recent billing from PG&E and the placement of PG&E box at Henry Miller Park. Lastly, she relayed that the broadband companies need to begin their remediation efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised he had nothing to report.
Mayor Nagy advised of his attendance at the Fire Department Golf tournament, and provided congratulations on successful fundraiser. He expressed happiness with demolition of hangars. He commended Finance Director Morrison on her work.
Finance Director Morrison gave kudos to the Finance staff for their efforts with the audit.
He advised of his attendance at the Rib-o-Rama dinner, and remarked that National Night Out was well attended. He commended the Aquatics Center for community spirit. He reported on Cody’s Caravan experience, which brought great exposure to Gustine. He advised of the upcoming League of Cities Annual Conference. He requested official sister-city agreement.
He thanked all staff, volunteers, and commissioners for their dedication to the city.
CLOSED SESSON PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1): One case in which facts are not yet known to potential plaintiff.
2. LIABILITY CLAIMS. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.95. Claimant: The Zenith a/s/o T. Mello; Agency Claimed Against: City of Gustine After returning to open session, Mayor Nagy advised there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:07 P.M.