MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
April 7, 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 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
Mayor Pro Tem Ford and Council member Giles advised of their abstention from the March 17, 2026 minutes.
PRESENTATIONS
1. PD Explorer Program Graduating Seniors Recognition
Ruben Chavez, Police Chief
Police Chief Chavez thanked the families for being a part of the Explorer’s program journey. He provided an overview of the program and introduced the mentoring employees.
Police Officer Rincon introduced himself and provided an overview of his mentorship to the program. He updated on the Explorer’s participation in the Bob Luna Explorer event.
He recognized the Explorer’s who competed in the Felony Stop event, Shoot House event and the Physical Agility event. He thanked the staff who helped assist behind the scenes.
He commended the Explorer’s for all the hard work they have put it.
He gave kudos to the volunteers that contributed to the Explorer program.
Police Chief Chavez introduced the senior Explorer’s and commended them for their hard work.
Mayor Nagy presented the senior Explorer’s with graduation stoles.
Police Chief Chavez presented the senior Explorer’s with scholarship money.
The graduating Explorers provided a brief overview of their experience with the program and their future plans and goals.
Police Chief Chavez presented a donation of $5,200 to the City from their participation in the AT&T Pebble Beach event.
2. Merced County Illegal Food Vending
Amanda Duran, Merced County Deputy Director of Environmental Health Amanda Duran, Merced County Deputy Director of Environmental Health, presented an overview of unpermitted food vending.
Council member Marsigli inquired the steps to report unpermitted food vendors, to which Ms. Duran advised residents could file a complaint, call or email Merced County Environmental Health.
Council member Melville inquired whether Merced County provides the vendors with permit information to place at their stand, to which Ms. Duran affirmed, but attested that pop-up food vendors are not permittable.
Council member Giles inquired the consequences for repeat offenders, to which Ms.
Duran advised of the steps Environmental Health takes and their work with the DA’s office.
Council member Giles inquired whether citations given have been paid, to which Ms.
Duran advised they have received limited payments.
Mayor Nagy commented on the traffic concerns alongside Netherton and Highway 33 due to illegal food vending.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether local police can enforce the vendors to leave, to which Ms.
Duran discussed jurisdictional constraints.
Ms. Duran advised she could work with Gustine Police Department to impound equipment and have the Police department impound the vehicles.
Council member Melville inquired on the vendors selling hats and other items, to which Ms.
Duran advised that would go through City Code Enforcement or County Code Enforcement.
Mayor Nagy thanked Ms. Duran for her presentation and commended the work Merced County is doing on this issue.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Minutes of the March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
4. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
5. Approve Request from Chamber of Commerce for Use of City Streets and Services, and Waiver of Fees for Annual 4th of July Parade Recommendation: Review and approve request
6. Approve Resolution Authorizing Contract for 2026 Gustine Fireworks Show and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract Documents
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
7. Approve Resolution Authorizing the Destruction of Certain City Records Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
8. Approve Resolution Authorizing the Sale, Auction, or Destruction of Certain City Property
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Adoption and Waive Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Title 1, Chapter 1, Title 2, Chapter 7, and Title 10, Chapter 3 of the Gustine Municipal Code Related to Administrative Code Enforcement
Recommendation: Review and approve
10. Consider Resolution Approving Employment Agreement for Public Works Director Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired when the public would know the items are up for auction, to which City Manager Correa advised the items will be added onto the Public Surplus website and advertised on social media.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the agreement with Public Surplus to which City Manager Correa affirmed the agreement has been established and staff is hoping to have all items added onto the site by the end of April.
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
11. Approve Resolution Approving New Classification and Adopting Job Description for Seasonal Aquatics Operations Assistant
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
City Manager Correa presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution approving new classification and adopting job description for seasonal Aquatics Operations Assistant.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
Mayor Nagy inquired who the Aquatics Operation Assistant reports to, to which City Manager Correa advised they would report to the Lead Lifeguard.
12. Approve Resolution Adopting Updated Gustine Employee Salary Schedule
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve resolution
Deputy Clerk Porras presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve resolution adopting updated Gustine employee salary schedule.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez thanked Council for the approval of the municipal code updates and advised the department is working with Data Ticket in producing the citation books. He advised it is Property Evidence Professionals week and he thanked Officer Gallardo and Part-Time Records Clerk Barragan. He informed Council that Ms. Barragan was nominated and awarded the 2026 Evidence Technician of the Year. He advised of his upcoming vacation and stated that Sergeant Martinez will be Acting Chief in his absence.
Fire Chief Martin advised of the beginning of fire season and updated on the two fires down south. He commented on the Merced County illegal food vending and advised of an increase of vehicle accidents on Canal School Road and Highway 33. He advised of an uptick in calls due to spring weather and more outings.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised of the opening of the Thrift Store at 436 5th Street. She informed Council staff delivered a letter to Unwired Broadband regarding restoration and USDA payment that came through. She updated on her meeting with the CEO of Unwired. She advised of her conversation with Feihe consultant to help find the owner of the warehouse parcel. She updated on her follow up with the owner of the former bowling alley site regarding the side attic window being pushed out. She stated she provided information to the owner regarding the City’s policy on abandoned and boarded up code. She updated on the Bakery next door and advised inspections are being done and stated there has been interest from a potential buyer.
Mayor Nagy inquired on a house on Highway 33, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the City red-tagged it due to no permit.
Council member Marsigli advised on revoking the CUP for 7 Star Smoke Shop, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the CUP is for the secondary use of the market and advised the original tobacco sale did not require a CUP. She further stated she would look into whether the City could pull the use permit.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the sale of flavored cigarettes is considered the market or tobacco establishment, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised it is the tobacco establishment.
Finance Director Morrison advised current Department Head budget meetings are taking place this week.
Recreation Manager Vitorino thanked Council for approving the Aquatics Operations Assistant position and thanked City Manager Correa and HR Manager Porras for their assistance. She updated on the number of lifeguards enrolled in the lifeguard training/workshop. She updated on the success of the Easter Egg Hunt and Vendor Fair.
She advised of her work with the GHS Class of 2027 for the Color Run and advised of changes they would like to make. She advised of the upcoming Earth Day event on April 22nd. She informed Council that the barbed wire at the pool has been removed.
She advised tennis nets have arrived and will be installed in early May.
Council member Giles inquired whether the Henry Miller Park Playground is still fenced off, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino affirmed and advised the City is still waiting on the ramp installation.
City Manager Correa further advised the City’s RMA will be inspecting the playground as well.
Deputy Clerk Porras advised second interviews for Administrative Assistant took place last Friday and stated she is hopeful to have the conditional offer out this week. She informed Council of open recruitment for Public Works Utilities Supervisor.
City Engineer Gouveia advised of a final inspection for the Citywide Crack Sealing project. He advised the SB1 Improvements project is ongoing and will be completed at the end of April. He further advised North Ave Pump Station is in final phase. He updated on the Schmidt Park Pond and advised both aerators are working and waterfall is operating. He informed Council the Water Tank was inspected yesterday and report will be coming soon.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired clarification on the crack seal work on Olsen and Linden and advised of outlined cracks that were not sealed, to which City Engineer Gouveia advised of the specifications.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford commented on the work quality, to which Gouveia advised there will be a final inspection to go over the final work.
Council member Giles commented on the pavement construction on Lucerne Avenue and advised of noticeable dips in road, to which City Engineer Gouveia advised those items will be addressed at the final inspection.
Council member Giles inquired whether anything can be done regarding the issues, to which Gouveia advised they may be able to but stated sometimes the fix is worse than the problem.
There was further discussion regarding the pavement work on Lucerne Avenue.
Council member Marsigli inquired why there was a cone in the middle of the road on Fentem Road, to which Gouveia advised he was unsure and would look into it.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Correa advised of the opening of public comment for the Merced County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. She informed Council staff has released the Request for Qualifications for On-Call Architectural Engineering Firms for Airport Special Services. She updated on the new assembly bill regarding Public Safety CalPERS Retirement formulas. She advised of the upcoming City Manager Roundtable on Friday to further discuss impacts of this proposed legislature. She advised of her meeting with CPC, Caltrans and both railroad companies regarding the City’s eligibility to install railroad-crossing arms at the railroad crossing on Third Avenue. She further advised it will be a slow-moving project. She thanked Council for approving the Public Works Director contract.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark advised of her work with staff on legal matters, contracts and the Ordinance regarding Planning Commissioner qualifications.
Council Marsigli inquired an update on SB 866, to which City Attorney Clark advised she was unsure of the bill and would report back with an update.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Marsigli reminded everyone of the Hops and Bangers event on Saturday with Karaoke following at the Pastime.
Council member Melville reiterated the lack of involvement in the City Service Clubs. He advised of his attendance at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and stated a main concern was the 4th of July celebration. He updated on his participation at the Gustine High School Career Day and commended staff for their participation in the event. He advised of his attendance at the Voter Registration/Mobile Passport event. He commended the County for their illegal food vending presentation. He further commended Lions Club and the City on the Easter Egg Hunt and Vendor Fair.
Council member Giles advised of resident calls due to the crack sealing project. He inquired whether the City received any update regarding the double yellow lines on Highway 140 by the Airport, to which City Manager Correa advised it was still in discovery at the last quarterly meeting she attended. She further advised of the next quarterly meeting and stated she would keep Council updated.
Council member Giles inquired on the mountain lion, to which City Manager Correa advised no additional sightings were reported and that the lion should be well moved on away from Gustine.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his attendance at the San Joaquin Valley Air Board meeting. He updated on the MCAG meeting on the 19th and stated funding proposal passed for work on East Avenue and Sullivan Road.
Mayor Nagy reminded everyone of the upcoming GPS Tri-Tip take out and Hops and Bangers event. He commended City Manager Correa on her weekly update and complimented the layout of the 2026 Firework Show proposal. He advised of the Merced County Passport event in Gustine.
City Manager Correa advised Gustine was their first stop and advised that they will work out the issues for future mobile passport events.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of issues with passport pictures, to which Council member Melville advised the camera arrived late.
Mayor Nagy advised of his attendance at the Gustine High School Career Day.
He advised of complaints received on crack sealing on Wallis Avenue.
Mayor Nagy inquired a future update on stump grinding, firework fines, Airport fuel pump.
Mayor Nagy advised of his conversation with the owner of Cielito Lindo Café.
He advised staff to look into annexing Sullivan Road and area out at I5, to which City Manager Correa advised if it is Council’s direction staff can begin exploring the idea.
He informed Council the Navy squadron out of Lemoore Naval Air Station will be here during 4th of July Parade.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting in memory of Anna Marie Zelvaggio at 7:59 P.M.