MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
September 2, 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, Public Works Director Gary Ingram, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa Council member Giles was absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 4-0 with Council member Giles absent.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
1. New Sworn Employee Badge Pinning
Monica Marrot, Reserve Police Officer
Jonathan Bedolla-Ramirez, Reserve Police Officer
Arthur Rincon, Police Officer
Andres Hernandez, Police Officer
Police Chief Chavez introduced other agency Chief’s in attendance supporting the presentation. Police Chief Chavez then introduced each of the new sworn employees.
Mayor Nagy expressed his appreciation to the new employees for committing to the City.
Family members pinned their badges.
The Mayor announced a recess at 6:46 P.M. Mayor called the meeting back to order at 6:53 P.M.
2. Police Explorer Academy Graduate Recognition
Community Services Officer K. Elizalde
Community Services Officer Elizalde, who also serves as Explorer Advisor, presented information on the Explorer Academy graduates and gave background on what the academy entailed.
Mayor Nagy congratulated both Explorer Gallichio and Sgt. Explorer Ruiz on their achievement.
City Manager Than expressed his appreciation to the Explorer Unit for stepping up and making the City better.
Explorer Gallichio attested that she most enjoyed the self- defense classes.
Sgt. Explorer Ruiz relayed the relationships she made during the academy was her favorite takeaway.
3. New Employee Introduction
Dylan Vitale, Part-Time Maintenance Worker
Public Works Director Ingram introduced Dylan Vitale and provided his background.
Mayor Nagy welcomed Dylan to the team.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Minutes of the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
6. Approve Use of City Park Facilities and Services, and Authorize Mobile Food Vendors at Annual Kid’s Fishing Day Event
Recommendation: Review and approve
7. Approve Use of City Streets and Services, and Authorize Mobile Food Vendors at Annual Trunk or Treat Event
Recommendation: Review and approve
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 4-0 with Council member Giles absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
8. Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Professional Services Agreement for Gopher and Ground Squirrel Abatement at Harry Schmidt Park and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
Public Works Director Ingram presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired the area of abatement, to which Mr. Ingram advised of a phased approach as recommended by the companies who provided proposals.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether it is a carbon monoxide, to which Public Works Director Ingram affirmed.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the annual services start after the eight weeks, to which Public Works Director Ingram affirmed.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the City will have to constantly backfill or if it will be one time backfill prior to the services, to which City Manager Than advised the company would gas the areas during the first treatment and then the City would have to backfill and further advised the treatments will be continuous.
Mayor Nagy advised of the proposals date, to which Public Works Director Ingram advised the last proposal was provided on August 4th.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the City is currently paying for gopher services, to which Public Works Director Ingram denied and advised the service was discontinued a year ago.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement for gopher and ground squirrel abatement at Harry Schmidt Park and authorizing City Manager to execute the agreement.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Giles absent.
9. Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Waste Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Air Conditioning Unit Replacement and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
Public Works Director Ingram presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford remarked on missing information on Lightning Flash Electric Co.’s quote, to which Public Works Director Ingram provided information.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether references were contacted, to which Public Works Director Ingram denied and advised the City has worked with the contractor prior.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for Waste Water Treatment Plant laboratory air conditioning unit replacement and authorizing City Manager to execute contract.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 4-0 with Council member Giles absent.
10. Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of Contract Between City and Gustine Unified School District for School Resources Officer Services
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than provided the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired what the current monthly payment covers, to which City Manager Than provided information.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed his opinion on the importance of additional police hours at local schools.
Council member Melville expressed concern with contract language in section B referring to each school, to which City Manager Than clarified it is one officer to cover all schools.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether Romero Elementary school should contract with the Sheriff’s office, to which City Manager Than advised the school district may contract with the City or with the Sherriff’s department.
City Manager Than advised of the new process of the Police Department and Gustine Unified School District working together to figure out the programs and hours of service for each school.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve resolution authorizing execution of contract between the City and Gustine Unified School District for School Resources Officer services.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Giles absent.
11. Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute FY 2025 Airport Infrastructure Grant Agreement
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the Noise Program Implementation Plan is part of the project itself, to which City Manager Than denied and advised CEQA for this project will be through categorical exemption.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute FY 2025 Airport Infrastructure Grant agreement.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Giles absent.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez expressed appreciation to CSO Elizalde for her efforts in expanding the Explorer Unit. He also congratulated Administrative Services Director Correa for the new department hires. He thanked Denair Lumber for materials to retrofit the City’s animal shelter. He shared his attendance this morning at the Sacramento FBI offices as part of a tribute video to the 9/11 victims.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the Rotary Shelter at Henry Miller Park has been repainted. She informed Council preparations for Kids Fishing Day and Trunk or Treat are underway. She advised of upcoming meetings with Class of 2026 to plan Color Run, and with Chamber of Commerce to plan Downtown Christmas. She informed Council the OLM Festa preparations will begin Friday through next week.
Finance Director Morrison advised she had nothing to report.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised of preliminary response from State Parks on Pioneer Park’s scope revision proposal. She advised Comcast is applying to permit door to door sales. She informed Council of the Business Roundtable meeting flyer that was sent out and advised the meeting will take place on September 17th at City Hall. She updated on the Housing Element and advised it has been deemed substantially compliant, and that it would be coming to Council for formal adoption in October.
Public Works Director Ingram presented an update on the recent SR-140/Hwy 33 Water Main break and Sewer Repair.
Mayor Nagy inquired the location of the valves, to which Public Works Director Ingram advised they are under the asphalt and further advised risers and G5 boxes were installed.
Mayor Nagy inquired on the barricades at the end of the alley, to which Public Works Director Ingram advised the barricades have been removed and further advised concrete was restored.
Administrative Services Director Correa expressed delight in filling police department vacancies.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than advised he had nothing to report.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark advised she had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Melville expressed excitement to see new employee swear ins. He conveyed his hope that the abatement at Schmidt Park is successful.
Council member Marsigli inquired status of second aerator at Schmidt Park pond, to which Public Works Director Ingram advised that both were shut off due to low water level, and further relayed that one had a motor burn out and is being sent back to manufacturer.
Council member Marsigli further inquired on an explanation of SB364, to which City Manager Than advised he would provide to Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford gave credit to Comcast who replaced concrete with integrity. He inquired data from Merced County to substantiate the need for radical restrictions being put on local jurisdictions. Mayor Pro Tem Ford remarked on several phases of projects replacing 4” lines on east side of town.
Council member Marsigli reported hazard with food vendor stationed at Hwy 33 and Canal School Road.
Mayor Nagy advised of his meeting with City Manager Than, Supervisor Parreira and County CEO Hendrickson during which they discussed illegal food vendors. He noted his appreciation for the positive updates on the Housing Element. He reminded everyone of the Business Roundtable meeting on September 17th. He advised of his trip to Washington DC for Valley Voice delegation. He advised of the upcoming home football game on Friday.
CLOSED SESSON PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT. Position: City Manager
After returning to open session, Mayor Nagy advised there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:06 P.M.