MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
May 5, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:31 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, City Attorney Olivia Clark (virtual), Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, City Engineer Mario Gouveia, Public Works Director Alberto Villa-Leyya and Deputy Clerk Desirae Porras
Mayor Pro Tem Ford arrived at 6:35P.M.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Ford absent.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Craig Christenson, 657 West Avenue, shared a sample from Carnation Road and expressed concerns with the road rehabilitation work.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes of the April 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
4. Treasurer's Report - March 2026
Recommendation: Review and file
Approve Request for Use of City Streets and Services, Waiver of Aquatics Center Fees for Patrons under 12, and Allowance of Mobile Food Vendors for Annual 4th of July in the Park Event
Recommendation: Review and approve request
Approve Resolution Authorizing Budget Appropriation in the Airport Fund Due to Emergency Airport Repair
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
7. Approve Use of City Streets and Services, and Authorize Mobile Food Vendors at Annual Color Run Event
Recommendation: Review and approve
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
City Manager Correa noted a typographical error in item #3 regarding the not to exceed amount listed on the resolution.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve the consent calendar as amended.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
4. Approve Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Enter into Agreement with Gouveia Engineering, Inc. for On-Call Architecture, Engineering and Special Services for the Gustine Municipal Airport
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 Marsigli made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing City Manager to Enter into agreement with Gouveia Engineering, Inc. for On-Call Architecture, Engineering and Special Services for the Gustine Municipal Airport.
The motion was seconded by Council member Melville and carried 5-0.
5. 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.
Mayor Nagy inquired clarification on the fireworks deficit, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino provided additional information regarding the fund balance in the current fiscal year.
City Manager Correa further advised that once community contribution funds are received it goes toward the deficit created in the last fiscal year.
Mayor Nagy inquired the amount in the firework fund currently, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she would look into it and advise Council.
Council member Marsigli inquired when the community contributions are received each year, to which City Manager Correa advised contributions are received end of June or beginning of July.
Craig Christenson, 657 West Avenue, advised the community contribution was initially slated for firework funds, to which Mayor Nagy provided clarification on community contribution.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether prepping means filling the holes on the gazebo, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino affirmed
Mayor Nagy commended Tiffany for thinking outside of box and having an estimate for it to be completed internally. He further commented on the need for interior paint for the gazebo.
There was further discussion regarding the projects presented.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether staff needs to dump sand at the park in the areas that become muddy during events, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised in the past that has been done but further advised of the issues with dumping sand in those areas.
Council member Giles expressed concern with using the funds for facility maintenance.
Council member Melville advised all issues presented need to be repaired and should be funded by the UUT funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired the amount of needed garbage cans in the parks, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised there was eleven at Henry Miller Park.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether Mid-Valley Disposal would be able to co-op a portion of the cans, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she would reach out to Mid- Valley Disposal.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the solar panel project can be added to the Capital Improvements Project, to which Finance Director affirmed.
Council member Marsigli made a motion allocating the remaining Tip Top Community funds toward completing the gazebo railings and painting and approving use of UUT funds for the remaining $3,434.35.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 5-0.
Council directed staff to add the Henry Miller Park Solar Panel Patio project to CIP.
6. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Downtown Community & Economic Development Actions
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford commented on the marquee pricing and expressed concern with the quality of the marquee screen.
Mayor Nagy inquired how often the marquee slides are displayed, to which City Manager Correa advised the frequency is outlined in the policy and explained that marquee time is shared among the City, the school district and the community Mayor Nagy suggested that the policy include additional details regarding slide display frequency and noted concerns about the slide visibility.
City Manager Correa and Deputy Clerk Porras encouraged Council and residents to contact staff with feedback on the marquee slides.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised staff can bring this item back for further review of the Marquee Policy.
Mayor Nagy recommended displaying the number of times the advertisement will be displayed in the matter of the twenty-one days.
Council member Giles suggested looking into upgrading marquee screens, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised staff will bring this item back to Council.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the projects were in addition to staff's regular daily duties, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised that the projects are part of staff's responsibilities, however, due to limited capacity, other projects may need to be deferred in order to complete those being presented.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the City could get upgraded lights with funding by PG&E.
There was further discussion regarding the type of lighting to add to downtown.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether the City has enough electrical to maintain new lighting, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the electrical will no longer be an issue due to the addition of the downtown roundabout.
Council member Marsigli advised of the importance for staff to provide business owners with clarity on their property lines.
Council member Giles inquired on the issue with all property lines being different in downtown, to which City Manager Correa advised staff can navigate a procedure or process that would include encroachment permits to have clear outlines of liability.
There was further discussion regarding each item.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the City has a code of what businesses are allowed downtown, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt affirmed.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether churches are listed in the code, to which Economic & Development Director Westervelt advised if they have been opened they are grandfathered in.
Mayor Nagy commented on past staff reports which presented resident lots with overgrown weeds and the consequences that were given to the residents such as fines Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether the City has a Code Enforcement Officer, to which Police Chief Chavez affirmed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford suggested having Public Works personnel help with identifying weed abatement lots through town.
Police Chief Chavez advised of past practices to issue citations with the option to rescind if the resident cleans up the property within a specific timeframe.
Council directed staff to prioritize the marquee, downtown decorative lighting, business district additional signage and the use of right of way by restaurants and cafes. The remaining projects will be ongoing and low priority.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez advised of the upcoming Officer of the Year Award ceremony at the Elks lodge next Thursday at 5P.M. He informed Council Officer Alvarez is getting a second award and will be attending. He gave a shout out to Officer Rincon for his work with the Explorer Program. He confirmed there has been no additional sightings of the mountain lion since the last one in Merced.
Fire Chief Martin advised of the upcoming Annual Pancake Breakfast and 4th of July festivities.
Public Works Director Villa-Leyva updated on the monthly report on wastewater and advised it complies. He advised the department is monitoring pump stations and waiting for contractor work schedule for Henry Miller Park Playground Ramp. He informed Council of today's department training for use of new compost spreader.
Finance Director Morrison updated on ARPA Reporting, which was completed on April 30t and the final report is due on December 30th. She advised of the scheduled two by two-Council budget review meetings in May. She further advised of her research on land property project.
Council member Marsigli inquired when surplus items would be on the auction site, to which Deputy Clerk Porras advised the surplus items will be added onto the auction site by end of month.
City Manager Correa further advised of additional education that will be done for the new auction site.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised all nets have been set up for tennis and pickle ball courts. She thanked everyone who assisted and came out to attend Earth Day. She thanked Public Works personnel and Recreation staff who helped. She advised of her work with community residents in making downtown more appealing. She informed Council the 4th of July mass mailer will be sent out in June and a flyer will be sent out with the City bill. She advised the Chamber of Commerce will be having the cow fundraiser again. She updated on the Aquatics Center and advised of the work in progress with scheduling and opening. She advised the lifeguards will be trained by the City's newly certified Lifeguard Instructor, Tianah Vitorino. She updated on the Memorial trees planted on Earth Day.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the City came up with signs for memorial trees, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of the metal sign option to install on tree. She further advised she is working on getting donated bows for the trees.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt thanked Public Works Director Villa-Leyva and City Manager Correa for their assistance in determining how to spend the additional funding from the 1383 OWR4 grant.
She advised the City has received the check for the PHLA funds and will be moving forward with Meredith Manor. She updated on the esthetician business in town passed zoning and advised the owner is making minimal changes. She updated on business and animal license training and is hopeful to launch it by July 1st.
Deputy Clerk Porras updated on the Aquatics Operations Assistant recruitment closure and the upcoming opening for the Community Services Officer recruitment. She updated on the Public Surplus auction site. She advised of her upcoming vacation.
City Engineer Gouveia advised of the completion of North Avenue Pump Station, SB1 Improvement and Citywide Crack Seal projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the no parking signs on HWY 33/140, to which City Manager Correa advised PG&E was completing overnight work for a Caltrans project.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Correa updated on the Citywide Crack Seal Project and advised the parking stall lanes were blacked out and red curb reinstalled.
She advised of her participation in SB294 webinar, Workplace Know Your Rights Law.
She advised of the upcoming training on SB 827, Mandated Fiscal Training for Department Heads. She advised of the Airport Fuel Pump pre-bid meeting that was held on April 29th and further advised the bid period closes at the end of May.
She informed Council the City put in a request for Congressional spending for public safety communication equipment and further advised Senator Padilla has recommended it for funding from the Appropriations Committee.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark provided further information on the SB827 training. She reminded Council and staff to stay up to date with Ethics and Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Prevention training.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Melville advised of his participation in Earth Day and Motors on Main.
He advised of the upcoming Linguica Run and stated he will be in attendance.
He informed Council he joined the literacy campaign sponsored by Gustine Traveling Library. He expressed appreciation with the Reporting Complaints snippet in the City newsletter.
Council member Giles inquired the completion date for the Henry Miller Park Ramp Project, to which Public Works Director Alberto advised we are waiting for the schedule from contractor.
City Manager Correa provided further information on the issues that has delayed the completion of the Henry Miller Park ramp. She advised this project is a priority to get completed by end of month.
Council member Giles inquired whether the electrical project is moving forward for the aerators, to which City Manager Correa advised she and Public Works Director Villa- Leyva are preparing an RFQ for an On-Call Electrician. She further advised of her recommendation to Public Works Director Villa-Leyva to work with an electrician prior to the RFQ to gather a full scope of work needed at the wastewater treatment plant.
Council member Marsigli inquired on an email from Department of Insurance regarding sustainable insurance strategy, to which City Attorney Olivia advised she has not heard about it but would look into.
Council member Marsigli advised of her attendance at the City/County Relations Dinner at Livingston. She expressed concern with Unwired taking 10 days to respond to Ben at Pioneer Drug Store when he lost his fiber connection. She advised that residents rely on his business. She inquired the amount the City collects annually for pickle ball, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she will look into it and update Council.
She advised of resident concerns with the pickle ball courts, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she has two volunteers who coordinate pickle ball and assists with issues and concerns. She commended the Motors on Main event and the Downtown Stakeholder's meeting.
She advised of the upcoming Gustine Unified School District Public Hearing to increase developer fees.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his attendance at the Spring Fair in Los Banos.
Mayor Nagy commended the youth participating in the Agricultural programs. He advised of his attendance at the Motors on Main and Earth Day events. He inquired an update on Pioneer Park, to which City Manager Correa advised it is on schedule has to be completed by end of 2027. He thanked staff for all their work for the City. He advised the Grand Marshall for 4th of July is Monica Barnes of Cornerstone Dance.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 8:20 P.M.