MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
February 3, 2026
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 Melanie Correa, Finance Director Jennifer Morrison, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, Fire Chief Rich Martin, City Attorney Olivia Clark (virtual), Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, City Engineer Mario Gouveia, and Acting Deputy Clerk Desirae Porras
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. Keep California Clean Community Award
Zachery Ramos, Gustine Downtown Business Association
Zachery Ramos, Gustine Downtown Business Association, presented the City with a sign marking the City’s Keep California Clean Community designation. He provided an overview of why the City has been awarded with the sign. He expressed pride in the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the Ontiveros family pleaded with the Council to assist with retrieving the CHP report along with providing additional resources for the family. They expressed grief and hardship regarding locating Lupita Ontiveros and asked for additional help from the City. Police Chief Chavez advised he would provide an update the family.
Mayor Nagy expressed condolences and thanked the family for attending and speaking to Council.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to amend the agenda and move the remainder of public comment to after the Administrative Agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Minutes of the January 20, 2026 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
4. Approve Request from Gustine Lions Club for Use of City Park, City Services, Allow Mobile Food Vendors and Waive Fees for Annual Egg Hunt Event Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Approve Resolution Designating Authorized Users and Defining Roles for USDA Reporting and Compliance System
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
6. Approve Request from Pickleball for a Cause for Use of City Tennis Courts, City Parking Lot, Al Goman Community Center, City Services, Allow Mobile Food Vendors and Waive Fees for Pickleball Tournament Event
Recommendation: Review and approve
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
Daniel Gomes and Patty Garcia, on behalf of Pickleball for a Cause, provided a lengthy overview of the event and on the success of last year’s event.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the filed 501(c)(3) is listed under DJ Dan Entertainment, to which Mr. Gomes advised it is filed under Pickleball for a Cause.
Council member Marsigli requested specific ideas for Mr. Gomes to contribute to the City, to which Mr. Gomes advised of his past contributions to the City and stated he would like to earmark funds for the 4th of July events.
Council member Melville expressed his approval with the Pickleball for a Cause event.
Council member Marsigli inquired the value for the Wi-Fi at the Airport, to which City Manager Correa and Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt provided information.
Council member Marsigli inquired what the wi-fi is used for at the airport, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised it is for the fuel pump card reader.
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
7. Consider Resolution Approving Two-Year Extension for the Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map Submitted by Ron Katakis Related to Development of Parcels in Southeast Gustine Master Plan Development Area
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
George Petrulakis, applicant’s lawyer, expressed appreciation in the two-year extension and provided the issues they ran across in 2024 with the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford made a motion to approve two-year extension for the Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map submitted by Ron Katakis related to development of parcels in Southeast Gustine Master Plan Development area.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
8. Consider Resolution Updating Gustine Parking Violation Fine Schedule
1. Receive staff report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Police Chief Chavez presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired the length of time since the last ticket issued, to which Police Chief Chavez advised the middle of last year.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether Data Ticket is invoicing the City now, to which Police Chief Chavez denied.
Council member Marsigli commented on the fiscal impact portion, to which Police Chief Chavez advised of the responsibilities that will be handled by Data Ticket.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the fines include the additional amount that is disbursed to other government agencies, to which Police Chief Chavez affirmed.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the City could issue tickets for expired registrations, to which Police Chief Chavez affirmed.
Council member Giles inquired how frequently the City will reassess the violation fine schedule, to which Police Chief Chavez advised it could be reassessed at any time.
City Manager Correa further advised the Municode allows Council to review annually.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve resolution with updated Gustine Parking Violation Fee Schedule.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Nagy opened public comment at 7:10P.M.
Mr. Cornell expressed frustration with the agenda distribution process. He inquired on the January City Council meetings, to which Mayor Nagy advised of the cancellation of the first meeting and the holding of the second Council meeting.
City Manager Correa advised of the locations where agendas and cancellations are posted for the public.
Mayor Nagy advised the Airport Commission does not have a quorum to hold a meeting and the Planning Commission only meets when there are items to address.
Mayor Nagy advised of openings in the Airport and Planning Commissions.
Jeremy Stern, Unwired Broadband Regulatory Advisor, requested Council support to immediately file supporting documentation with USDA in order for Unwired to receive their reimbursement from the grant. He expressed pride in the partnership with the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired which part of the organization Unwired is working with regarding the reimbursement, to which Mr. Stern advised they are working with Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt and Finance Director Morrison.
City Manager Correa advised of communication sent out earlier in the day and stated there is a portion of the Unwired reimbursement request that does not have necessary backup documentation. She further advised of the resolution the City is working on.
Mr. Stern advised of the uncertainty that comes with the compromise from the City.
9. INFORMATIONAL: Aquatics Center Fiscal Budget Profit and Loss
1. Receive staff report
2. receive public comment
3. Hold discussion
Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired the timeline for the Lifeguard Instructor certification, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the classes are from April 6th to April 9th.
Mayor Nagy commented on the importance of a consistent programing schedule. He expressed appreciation for the Recreation Manager and Lifeguards.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of the upcoming City events such as Paint Night, Citywide Garage Sales and the Easter Egg Hunt.
Police Chief Chavez advised of his attendance at the California League of Cities meeting representing the Cal Chiefs Association. He informed Council of the upcoming ATT Pro Am event next Wednesday. He updated on the partnership with Kate’s Furreka Rescue. He commented on the Ontiveros family and advised he will reach out to La Familia to provide resources to the family.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether there are dive crews and CHP working the crime scene, to which Police Chief Chavez confirmed and further advised of his communication with Captain Sullivan at the Sherriff’s Department.
Mayor Nagy recommended reaching out to La Familia and Assembly member Juan Alanis.
Fire Chief Martin advised of two new recruits going through the onboarding process. He provided information on canal flow and water level. He informed Council of the presence of Merced County helicopter and resources distributed by the Fire Department. He advised gates have been locked due to heavy traffic up and down the canal.
Finance Director Morrison advised she had nothing to report.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt informed Council the City has received the second submittal for a project south of Carnation Road impacting the area of Carnation and East Wallis. She thanked Council for approval of the USDA Resolution and advised of the community’s positive thoughts on the addition of internet services. She updated on Henry Miller Park’s Playground installation. She informed Council staff has received the 2026 Egret Depredation permit. She advised of the closing of L&E Café, and further advised of the submittal of plans for the expansion of Borrelli’s Market.
Council member Marsigli commented on the zoning of the Fagundes property, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised rezoning is a part of the application.
City Engineer, Mario Gouveia, provided an update on East Avenue Sidewalk Improvement project and North Ave. Lift Station project. He advised of the bid proposals received for the Manhole Rehabilitation project.
Council member Melville inquired on the aerator at Schmidt Park pond, to which City Engineer Gouveia advised they are looking into.
Acting Deputy Clerk Porras advised of the upcoming City County Relations Dinner in Livingston on April 23rd and asked for RSVP’s to be sent to her.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Correa informed Council all of the City’s budgeted sworn positions are filled. She further advised 1st interviews for the HR Manager/Deputy City Clerk were held on Friday and 2nd interviews will occur later this week. She informed Council and the community the City post the agenda in accordance with the law. She commented that staff posts the meeting agendas in accordance to law. Lastly, she provided condolences to the Ontiveros family and expressed hope for quick resolve.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark advised she had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Marsigli advised of her attendance at the Los Banos City County Relations Dinner. She inquired the length of the Rodent Control contract, to which City Manager Correa advised it is for one-year.
Council member Marsigli requested that action be taken regarding feral cats throughout the City.
Council member Melville also advised of his attendance at the Los Banos City County Relations Dinner. He commented on horse riding in Schmidt Park. He complimented the FFA Dinner Dance event.
Council member Giles recommended to automate the pool waiver sign in or finding an AI program to help assist. He inquired whether the City is trying anything new regarding the Egret Depredation permit, to which City Manager Correa advised of an upcoming meeting with staff to brainstorm new effective ideas. There was further discussion regarding ideas for the Egret mitigation.
Council member Giles inquired if the overflow of animals are going to the County, to which Police Chief Chavez affirmed and advised the contract with County is ongoing until June 30th.
Council member Giles inquired whether the City will be working exclusively with Kate’s Furreka Rescue after June 30th, to which Police Chief Chavez advised it depends on the results of the trial period with the rescue.
Council member Marsigli commented on the expenses from Kates Furreka for recent services, to which Police Chief Chavez advised of the incidents that occurred that led to those expenses.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford commented on the Unwired Broadband installation and advised of the pricing structure offered by Unwired.
Council member Marsigli advised she had to reach out to Unwired directly for her business and commented on the price for business compared to residential.
Mayor Nagy advised of his attendance at the FFA Dinner Dance event. He inquired whether PG&E is doing stump grinding, to which City Manager Correa advised she is working with Nathan at PG&E to get some resolve.
Mayor Nagy inquired clarification on the calculation of overtime exemption in the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation, to which City Manager Correa provided a breakdown of FLSA Overtime and the tax exemption.
Mayor Nagy reminded everyone of Paint Night on February 27th, Citywide Garage Sale from March 6th to March 8th, Spring Clean-Up on March 14th and the Easter Egg Hunt on April 4th. He expressed his condolences to the Ontiveros family and advised of hope to provide resources to the family.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 8:12 P.M.