MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
November 4, 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 – Giles – Mayor Pro Tem Ford – Mayor Nagy Staff present: Interim City Manager Melanie Correa, Finance Director Jennifer Morrison, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, City Attorney Olivia Clark, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, City Engineer Mario Gouveia, and Acting Deputy Clerk Desirae Porras
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Giles made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Marie Hall, owner of Scribble, Scrawl, and Smirch, thanked Council member Melville, Police Chief Chavez and Recreation Manager Vitorino for their assistance with Cocoa with a Cop event.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of the October 21, 2025 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Minutes of the October 24, 2025 Special Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
4. Approve Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
5. Approve Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Memorandum of Understanding with County Office of Emergency Services for State Homeland Security Grant Program FY2024
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
6. Approve Resolution Accepting Bid and Authorizing Interim City Manager to Enter Into Contract for Tree Services with Grover Landscape Inc.
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
7. Approve Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to Graham Contractors, Inc. for FY26 Citywide Crack Sealing Program and Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Agreement
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
8. Approve Resolution Accepting Proposal and Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute a Contract Amendment with Mid Valley IT for Installation of Fiber Optic Infrastructure
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Grant Acceptance Agreement Letter for Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project and Approving Related Appropriations
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Interim City Manager provided Council with a list of manhole locations.
Council member Marsigli inquired why Council is approving an item for FY24, to which Police Chief Chavez advised this grant is received on a delayed timeframe. .
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
10. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Consideration of Sale or Lease of City-Owned Parcel 020-044-017
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt presented staff report.
Pat Brach, with the Gustine Historical Society, inquired whether there will be discussion with the Historical Society relating to their interest in expanding, to which Mayor Nagy advised if direction is to look to sale there would be further discussion with the Historical Society.
Aaron Cannon, Depot Garage, provided back history from his viewpoint, and expressed the businesses’ interest in purchasing over a lease.
Council member Marsigli inquired the possessory payment amount, to which Mr.
Cannon advised the amount was $200 annually.
City Attorney Clark provided an overview of the Surplus Land Act and advised that, pursuant to its provisions, the purchase could not be guaranteed to any particular buyer.
Council member Marsigli inquired the past lease amount, to which Mr. Cannon advised it was $200 back in 2008.
Council directed staff to create a lease agreement with Depot Garage.
11. INFORMATIONAL: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Closeout
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Provide Council Comment and file report
Finance Director Morrison presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired why the City budgeted $4M more than what was coming in, to which Finance Director Morrison provided information on the capital project portion of the budget.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the recycling fund, to which Finance Director Morrison provided information.
12. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Community Contribution Payment Expenditures
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Nagy inquired clarification on the revenue for FY25/26, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of how the city observes fiscal years that start in July, which split the fireworks revenues each year.
Mayor Nagy commented on the Goman Center Roof Repair project and advised the roof is still under warranty, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of her unanswered attempts to reach the contractor.
Mayor Nagy further suggested that Recreation Manager Vitorino file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board.
Council member Melville inquired the balance of the UUT to be used toward projects, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino answered $632,638.00.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the Gazebo railing and floor would be done by one contractor as a package deal, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the railing portion can be installed by City staff.
Council member Giles inquired the amount for repairs if done in-house.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the estimate is for the replacement of the entire flooring, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised just the damaged areas would be replaced and further advised the entire floor would be painted.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the railing material is commercial grade, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she requested powder coated railings.
Council member Giles requested a quote on replacing deck and railing, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she will bring this item back as a separate project.
Council’s consensus was that the Gazebo is priority and advised to bring the item back for consideration. They further advised to start fundraising now for the 2026 4th of July celebration. Council provided consensus to cover the FY25 Fireworks fund deficit from the Community Contribution funds.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the Request for Proposal for firework vendor will be released early 2026.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez updated on the success of Cocoa with a Cop event. He reported on the recent Animal Clinic and noted that additional planning and coordination would be needed for future clinics. He thanked the volunteers for their assistance in the Halloween parade at Gustine Elementary. He stated the BSCC grant has proven to be valuable and is being utilized effectively. He expressed his appreciation to Recreation Manager Vitorino for distributing the community survey. He commented on the Trunk or Treat event and commended the volunteers for their assistance.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether renewal notices for dog licensing would resume, to which Police Chief Chavez answered yes and advised he is trying to secure a module through ERP system Tyler to help with the renewals.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt informed Council of a new local home-based business, Corner Crumb Micro Bakery. She reported on the progress of the 6th Cycle Housing Element. She advised of the food giveaway by Comcast and advised 400 bags will be given out on November 18th on a first come first serve basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired additional information on Micro Kitchen licenses, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt provided information and examples.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether Micro Kitchens were allowed in Merced County, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised she would look into it.
Finance Director Morrison reminded Mayor Nagy and Mayor Pro Tem Ford of their need to sign their bank signature cards.
Recreation Manager Vitorino updated on the success of the Halloween Trunk or Treat and thanked the police department, volunteers, trunks and businesses for their support and assistance. She commended the Recreation staff, Facilities Maintenance Worker and Custodian for their participation. She informed Council of the cancellation of the 2025 Color Run due to low sponsorships and lack of participation. She advised the preparations for Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas are underway.
City Engineer Gouveia provided updates on ongoing projects within the City and public works.
Council member Marsigli commented on the parking issue on North Avenue and inquired whether it is due to the North Ave Lift Station project, to which Mr. Gouveia advised he would look into it.
Acting Deputy Clerk Porras advised she had nothing to report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Correa reminded everyone of the upcoming Employee Appreciation Luncheon and advised the City Hall lobby will be closed from 12PM-2PM.
She reported on the Agape/Gustine Rotary food distribution efforts and advised of the increase in activity as a result of the government shutdown and CalFresh benefits interruption. She reminded the Council that the Public Works Director recruitment is currently open and noted that one application has been received to date.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark advised she had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Melville advised of his attendance at the Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Cocoa with a Cop event, Ducks Unlimited and Halloween Trunk or Treat. He thanked staff and volunteers for their work at the Halloween Trunk or Treat.
Council member Marsigli advised of her attendance at the Merced City/County Relations dinner. She reminded everyone of the Chamber mixer on November 13th from 6PM-8PM.
Council member Giles inquired whether all Public Work positions have been filled, to which Interim City Manager Correa advised the positions are full but stated there is a technical vacancy due to a current leave of absence.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford suggested adding Public Works projects to City Snippets.
Mayor Nagy requested staff to contact Merced County Registrar of Voters office and Merced County Supervisor Lloyd Pareira regarding the early removal of ballot box. He gave a shout out to the Halloween Trunk or Treat event. He reminded everyone of the upcoming Veteran’s Day holiday, Employee Appreciation Luncheon and Chamber Mixer.
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 reported that Council has advised the City Attorney to begin negotiations with their selected candidate.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 8:52 P.M.