MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
July 21, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Ford called the meeting to order at 6:33 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Melville – 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, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Public Works Director Alberto Villa-Leyva and HR Manager/Deputy Clerk Desirae Porras Council member Giles was absent.
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 Council member Giles absent.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his abstention from the two warrants in his name. Mayor Nagy and Council member Marsigli abstained from the 6.16.26 minutes.
PRESENTATIONS
1. 2026 Aquatic Center Personnel Introductions
Tiffany Vitorino, Recreation Manager
Recreation Manager Vitorino introduced the lifeguards.
Mayor Nagy thanked the lifeguards and expressed appreciation for their dedication to the Aquatics Center.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Abby Pendleton, on behalf of Assembly member Juan Alanis, provided a legislative update.
Vic Andersen, of Gustine, advised of the lighting issue at the Gustine High School stadium which led to an injury, to which Mayor Nagy advised that needs to be addressed to the school board recommended the resident to attend a GUSD Board meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Minutes of the June 16, 2026 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
4. Treasurer’s Report – July 2026
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Approve Request for Use of Streets and Services and Authorize Mobile Food Vendors for Annual Our Lady of Miracles Event
Recommendation: Review and approve
6. Approve Resolution Accepting Completion of Sewer Manhole Project, Authorizing the City Clerk to File a Notice of Completion, and Authorizing City Manager to Make Final Payment of Retention Monies
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
7. Approve Request from Gustine Rotary Club for Use of City Facilities and Services, Allowance of Mobile Food Vendors, and Waiver of Fees for Annual Flea Market Event
Recommendation: Review and approve request
8. Approve Resolution Adopting Gustine Employee Salary Schedule Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
9. Approve Resolution Accepting Completion of Henry Miller Park Playground Ramp Project, Authorizing the City Clerk to File a Notice of Completion, and Authorizing City Manager to Make Final Payment
Recommendation: Review and approve resolution
10. Approve Adoption and Waive Second Reading of Ordinance Adding Division 3 and Section 7-7-241 to Title 7 of the Municipal Code Related to the Sale of Nitrous Oxide within the City
Recommendation: Review and approve adoption and waive second reading
11. Approve Fee Waiver Request from Lion’s Club for Use of City Facility Recommendation: Review and approve request
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
City Manager Correa informed Council of a typo on consent calendar item #6 on the resolution.
Council pulled consent calendar item #2 due to lack of quorum.
Council member Melville made a motion to approve consent calendar items 3-11 as amended.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0, with Council member Giles absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
12. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Housing Element Implementation
1. Receive Staff Report and Presentation
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
Planning Consultant George provided the presentation.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised of his interpretation of the planned development, to which Planning Consultant George provided further information on the general purpose of planned development.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the City can delineate high density where they choose as applications were submitted, to which Planning Consultant George confirmed and advised there are extensive concessions for housing.
There was further discussion regarding the implementation of the Housing Element.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if the City had a Planned Development that required a percentage to be high density would the City get credit towards the Housing Element, to which Planning Consultant George affirmed and advised that all of the housing inventory counts towards the RHNA numbers. She further stated the rezone sites would be restricted to housing.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the annexation process, to which Planning Consultant George advised it is most common that annexations are accompanied by development unless it is City initiated.
Council member Melville inquired whether the City has received annexation requests, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the City has had several requests over the years.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether Council can choose an option but have the openness to discuss other ideas, to which Planning Consultant George advised Council not do that to satisfy the current Housing Plan requirement. She further urged Council to heavily rely on the Master Plan and the discretionary power Council has in that document.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired whether the introduction of objective design standards relates to the paint standards for business buildings, to which Planning Consultant George advised the City is not establishing design standards just including applicability language.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired the number of actions Council will have to take, to which Planning Consultant George advised there is one resolution and two actions that will be taken to Council as a singular action.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford whether the City will need to do a General Plan amendment, to which Planning Consultant George advised not if Council chooses the retain approach.
Council directed staff to retain Planned Development District and establish development Standards.
13. Consider Request from Merced County Elections Office for Voting Center Location at City Facility, and Request for Fee Waiver for Use of City Facility and City Services
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to select city facility location and waive associated fees Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli inquired whether the City can charge Merced County for facility rental fees, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she has been successful in charging a cleaning fee of $317.
There was further discussion regarding the voting center locations and times.
City Manager Correa provided clarification on why staff is requesting Councils direction for Elections Voting Center location. She further advised of the ways the City will advertise to the community leading up to the election.
Council member Melville made a motion to hold the voting center and all future voting centers at the Library Community Room and to continue charging Merced County Registrar of Voters the cleaning fee.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-0, with Council member Giles absent.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez advised of their system going offline on June 30, 2026 and advised how their department worked around it. He updated on the 4th of July firework patrol and that one citation was given. He reported on an incident that occurred on July 5th.
Chief Chavez advised that four explorers are attending Explorer Academy and advised of the invite to visit the explorers and attend the graduation. He reported on a DUI pursuit that occurred on July 11th. He advised of his attendance at the Westside Auto Club Car Show and Linguica Run. He updated and complimented the Festa. He commended Project Engineer, Danny Reed, on his assistance with The CalTrans Encroachment permit process.
Police Chief Chavez advised of the debrief scheduled for August 17, 2026 where AT&T is scheduled to be present.
Public Works Director Villa-Leyva advised of equipment repairs that took place last week and advised the equipment is up and running. He advised of the release of Request for Qualifications for On-Call Electrical.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the open trench behind the City Hall, to which Public Works Director Villa-Leyva advised it is work with Comcast and PG&E.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if it relates to our water system or has impacted our water system, to which Public Works Director denied.
He further advised that Public Works was also working on the water line behind Parreira’s Auto Shop.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of the completion of the Gazebo project. She updated on the lifeguard participation at the 4th of July in the Park event, and shared the Boys and Girls Club is back and is planning two pool parties at the Aquatics Center.
She advised Tennis Camp was well attended. Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of the Miss Gustine Court deficit and informed Council of a possible reimbursement from GPS for use of their hall. She updated on the success of the Color Run with 207 runners and commended Class of 2027 for their assistance. She commended Public Works on their assistance in cleaning up after the Color Run event. She updated on the 4th of July event and fireworks show. She advised of the 2025/2026 donations. She shared the Lions Club remitted $1,900 from the beer booth to go towards the fireworks show. Mrs.
Vitorino thanked Renee Duprel and the Police Volunteers for assisting in with donation collection at the fireworks show. Lastly, she shared of the two upcoming Movie Night events at the pool on July 24th and August 7th.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt updated on the Brownfields project and advised Depot Garage has completed their electrical requirement. She clarified on 497 5th Street update, advising the property has three commercial sites on Main Street, and three apartments in the back, the owner is inquiring to add additional residential along the alley, where staff discovered a discrepancy between the City’s zoning code and its reference to the General Plan for density requirements. Lastly, Mrs.
Westervelt advised staff has approached FAA regarding the lack of bids for the Airport Fuel Card reader project, and has requested a sole source contract.
Finance Director Morrison advised she had signed the FY24/25 engagement letter with the auditor. She shared document requests have already been received to get the audit started. She shared that Nichols Consulting has submitted for $29,018 in reimbursement for mandated police expenses in FY24/25. The funding is expected to be received before the end of the calendar year.
Project Manager Reed advised his office is preparing to finalize two projects to go to bid this fall.
HR Manager/Deputy Clerk Porras advised of the upcoming Voter Language Accessibility and Voting Accessibility public meetings that were upcoming. She further reported on open recruitments.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Correa thanked Council for granting a summer break.
She advised of her attendance at the City County dinner, hosted by MCAG, where Gustine was well represented. She reminded everyone of the email migration to Office 365 on August 5th and 6th.
Will be visiting Police Explorer’s at the Explorer Academy on Thursday.
She relayed that reported concerns have been steadily streaming in, and advised a reminder of this reporting feature would be sporadically listed in the City Snippet newsletter.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Clark reminded Council that due to their retainer with Best, Best, Krieger, she is available to them as often as they need. She advised she would look into the General Plan and Zoning Code inconsistencies and bring it back to Council for information.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Marsigli advised of her attendance at the Volunteer Fire Department Family Night. She assisted with the pancake breakfast and attended the Linguica Run.
She wished Sgt. Martinez a happy anniversary on his 10-years with the City. Council member Marsigli shared her enjoyment of 4th of July, and shared she had a great Azores trip. Lastly, she advised of her attendance at the City County dinner and thanked staff for their work on the budget.
Council member Melville advised of his attendance at the City County dinner and expressed his pride in seeing Gustine’s Roundabout on the front page of the Measure V annual report. He advised of his attendance at the Color Run, 4th of July, Linguica Run and Festa. He commended Police Explorer’s and Volunteers with their assistance with City events.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford complimented the sopas at the Festa. He requested staff introductions at future council meetings.
Mayor Nagy updated on his trip to the Azores. He commended the 4th of July event, and shared that he served at the Fire Department’s pancake breakfast and also attended the Linguica Run. He advised of his assistance at the Festa event. He thanked staff for their work on the budget. He advised of his meeting with the surrounding Merced County City Mayors with Assembly member Soria. He shared topics of conversation, including SB 707 regarding public meetings and public comment allowances.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired what the population threshold is, to which City Attorney Clark advised the threshold is 30,000.
City Attorney Clark provided further clarification on the Public Records Request Act.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the City could pass an Ordinance requiring requestors to physically come to City Hall for PRAs, to which City Attorney Clark denied due to accessibility as described in the act.
Mayor Nagy advised of upcoming roundabout projects in the County, as presented by CalTrans at the Governing Board meeting.
Police Chief Chavez advised of hiring of Ray Framstad as Newman’s Police Chief, who will be sworn in on July 28.
Mayor Nagy presented Council member Marsigli a bullfight poster from Angra do Heorismo.
CLOSED SESSON PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION- Title: City Manager.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR- Pursuant to Government Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Unrepresented Employee: Finance Director After returning to open session, Mayor Nagy reported advised there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:31 pm.