MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
October 7, 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 – 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, Planning Consultant Kelsey George, Fire Chief Rich Martin, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
Council member Marsigli was absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Giles made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Craig Christensen invited attendance at this week’s home football game.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of the September 16, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
3. Approve Request to Close City Hall Lobby December 26-January 2 and Cancel January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
4. INFORMATIONAL: User & Regulatory Fee Increase Update Recommendation: Review file
5. Approve Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute an Easement Quitclaim for APN 021-082-008
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
6. Approve Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute FY2025 Airport Infrastructure Grant Agreement for the Design of Runway Rehabilitation Project Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
7. Approve Amendment to Administrative Services Director Employment Agreement and Interim City Manager Appointment
Recommendation: Review and approve
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Council member Melville made a motion approve the consent calendar.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
8. Consider Resolution Adopting Delta-Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Joint Powers Authority Agreement
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented the staff report. He introduced Mr. Jarrett Martin, General Manager, CCID, who could provide technical guidance.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Nagy inquired the restrictions around how requests for public records were addressed within the agreement, to which Mr. Martin provided information on the formation discussions related to transparency and release.
Mayor Nagy inquired on lack of funding available in managing the groundwater, to which Mr. Martin attested that CCID and the Exchange Contractors have fully funded the obligations on behalf of the cities they are partnering with.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on future grant opportunities, to which Mr. Martin advised of several grant opportunities realized to date.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve resolution adopting Delta-Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Joint Powers Authority agreement.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
9. Consider Resolution Adopting Delta-Mendota Subbasin Domestic Well Mitigation Policy
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Than presented staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether the properties that were recently annexed into the City by the Southeast Annexation project were incorporated, to which City Manager Than denied.
There was no public comment.
Council member Giles inquired when CCID gets involved with wells, to which Mr. Martin provided information on groundwater levels and noticing surrounding implementation.
Council member Giles inquired next steps once a well is needing to be refilled or decommissioned, to which Mr. Martin advised of the role Valley Water Collaborative plays and further advised of the GSA commitment of $2,500 for water quality and $30K if a well goes dry and needs replacement.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired the effect this has on the properties that were annexed on the south side of town in the last few years, to which Mr. Martin advised the GSA is not required to cover exclusively within its boundaries where the wells are. He further advised the obligation process.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution adopting DeltaMendota Subbasin Domestic Well Mitigation policy.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
10. 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. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. 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
Planning Consultant George presented the staff report.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:03 PM.
Craig Christensen, 657 West Ave, inquired whether secondary sewer lines and utilities are still required within the ordinance, to which Ms. George affirmed that additional utility lines were required, as per previous council direction.
Mr. Christensen requested this local requirement be removed.
The public hearing was closed at 7:05 PM
Mayor Pro Tem Ford 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.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
11. PUBLIC HEARING – Consider Resolution Re-Adopting 2024-2032 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element, and the 2024-2032 Gustine Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update (GPA 2024-01)
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Planning Consultant George presented the staff report.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:13 PM.
There was no public comment.
The public hearing was closed at 7:14 PM.
Mayor Nagy complimented the commitment of the community, the planning commission, and staff in getting the Housing Element to this point.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the resolution re-adopting 2024- 2032 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element, and the 2024-2032 Gustine Sixth Cycle Housing Element update (GPA 2024-01).
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
12. PUBLIC HEARING – Consider Resolutions Approving New Environmental Justice Element (GPA2025-01), and Amending Safety Element (GPA2025-02) and Incorporating Both I(continued) Into City’s General Plan
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. Consider a motion to approve the resolution approving new Environmental Justice Element (GPA2025-01) and incorporating element into City’s General Plan
6. Consider a motion to approve the resolution amending Safety Element (GPA2025- 02) and incorporating element into City’s General Plan
Planning Consultant George presented the staff report.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing opened at 7:22 PM.
There was no public comment.
The public hearing was closed at 7:23 PM.
Mayor Pro Ford made a motion to approve the resolution approving new Environmental Justice Element (GPA2025-01) and incorporating element into City’s General Plan.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve the resolution amending Safety Element (GPA2025-02) and incorporating element into City’s General Plan.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
13. Consider Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Playground Equipment through Gametime Matching Grant Program and Appropriating Funds from Utility Users Tax Fund
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
Economic and Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
Council provided consensus that staff use their best judgement on equipment selection.
Council member Giles attested that the lightest color slide would be preferred.
County Supervisor Lloyd Pareira inquired if a shade structure was included in final cost, and shared that Merced County First 5 was providing grants for shade structures, and invited staff to connect with them.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution authorizing purchase of playground equipment through Gametime matching grant program and appropriating funds from Utility Users Tax Fund.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
County Supervisor Lloyd Pareira advised that the Board of Directors approved new contract with AMR for ambulance services in the County. He provided information that Riggs staffed 18 ambulances in county, where AMR will provide 27 ambulances in the new contract. He advised dispatch will change from Merced to Ripon, to an updated facilities. Mr. Pareira advised that should anything happen with Westside Ambulance District, AMR would assume ambulance service in the Merced County portion of the District.
Volunteer Fire Chief Martin inquired whether Santa Nella would be a location for an ambulance substation, to which Mr. Pareira advised he would continue to advocate for presence in Santa Nella.
14. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Amendments to Municipal Code and Fine and Penalty Schedules
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Police Chief Chavez presented the staff report and introduced Attorney Aaron Chandler, Best, Best & Krieger.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Nagy commented on overweight vehicles on City streets and advised the municipal fine was too low, showcasing the need to increase fees.
Council member Giles inquired on escalation of parking violation fines in Gustine, to which Police Chief Chavez affirmed there was no escalation.
Council member Giles inquired if this would be consultant or staff driven, to which City Manager Than advised of the legal requirement to involve legal.
Council provided direction to draft update and bring back to council.
15. Consider Resolution Establishing Special Events Policy and Related Application Fees
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
Recreation Manager Vitorino presented staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Giles inquired additional information on brick and mortar applications involving food, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised that Merced County requires permit for providing food.
City Manager Than further advised this does not apply to businesses already permitted to serve food.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution establishing Special Events Policy and related application fees.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Marsigli absent.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez recognized volunteers for their assistance with homecoming parade. He commended Sgt Martinez and Officer Zelvaggio on the probation sweep.
He advised Officer Zelvaggio took lead on commercial enforcement where 153 citations were issued. He informed Council Reserve Officer Gonzalez is leading an operation with strike teams throughout the county to enforce violations in November.
Fire Chief Martin advised he had nothing to report.
Finance Director Morrison advised she had nothing to report.
Recreation Manager Vitorino updated on the success of Kid’s Fishing Day. She informed Council of upcoming events.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt reported on the business roundtable and thanked staff for attending. She advised the survey is still open and available to all residents. She informed Council the Pioneer Park scope change has been officially approved by the state.
Administrative Services Director Correa thanked Council for approving her contract amendment. She advised of internal interviews tomorrow for the Utilities Maintenance Worker position.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Than advised of Public Works Director vacancy and further advised Mario Gouveia will be assisting with technical attributes of position temporarily. He updated on his presentation to Measure V Citizens Oversight Committee, where he reported on six completed projects. He informed Council of the FY25 budget closeout at next regular meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clarke informed Council the Brown Act Revision SB707 did pass. She advised the City will be required to comply by Jan 1, 2026 and stated an update will be forthcoming.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Melville advised of his attendance at Business Roundtable Stakeholder meeting. He sent accolades to Planning commission on their role in Housing, Environmental Justice and Safety Element updates.
He commented on the success of Kid’s Fishing Day and stated it was well attended by local and out of town participants. He informed Council the Historical society WWII exhibit recently opened. He reminded everyone of the Native Sons pasta takeout and Ducks Unlimited event to reestablish Gustine chapter.
Council member Giles inquired on county enforcement of illegal food popups occurring outside of city limits, to which City Manager Than advised a county-wide working group has been established, with enforcement forthcoming. Mr. Pareira advised two new position allocations for code enforcement have recently been approved and stated enforcement will be stepped up.
Mayor Nagy inquired on new solar charging project just outside of town, to which Mr.
Pareira advised he would inquire and report back.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford encouraged a meeting between AMR, Westside Ambulance District and Cities of Newman and Gustine to ensure stable ambulance service. Mr.
Pareira inquired if Mayor Pro Tem Ford could make initial contact with Westside Ambulance District to inquire for meeting.
Mayor Nagy reminded everyone of upcoming events, and thanked staff for their hard work.
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 9:10 P.M.