Livingston City Council
June 16, 2026

STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Discussion and Direction Regarding Procurement of New Playground Equipment at Max Foster Sports Complex and 1) Authorizing the City Manager to Issue a Purchase Order to the Selected Vendor, 2) Authorizing a 10% Contingency to the Purchase Order and 3) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Purchasing Agreement
MEETING DATE: June 16, 2026
PREPARED BY: Anthony Chavarria, Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Jose Antonio Ramirez, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council select a preferred playground equipment option at Max Foster Sports Complex and 1) authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order to the selected vendor, 2) authorize a 10% contingency to the purchase order and 3) authorize the City Manager to execute a purchasing agreement.

BACKGROUND:

Max Foster Park is one of the City’s most popular and well-loved community spaces. It serves as the heart of many local traditions, hosting the annual Sweet Potato Festival and Fourth of July celebration that brings residents and visitors together each year. The park also supports a wide range of recreational activities, including soccer, baseball, and flag football, and features amenities such as basketball courts and a large patio area that often serves as a gathering place for families and community celebrations.

The addition of new playground equipment would further strengthen the park’s role as a family-friendly destination. The proposed playground is designed to provide safe, engaging, and inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities — including those with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities such as autism. This improvement would enhance the overall park experience, promote physical activity, and foster social connections among children and families throughout the community.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed playground concepts were developed with an emphasis on creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive play environment at Max Foster Park. Constructing the new playground will enhance the park’s role as a regional gathering place and support the City’s efforts to improve recreational amenities for families. The options presented vary in layout, features, and accessibility components, and each reflects a long-term investment in the well-being of local children.

On March 3, 2026, City staff brought a City Council agenda item requesting Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the procurement of new playground equipment at Max Foster Park and allowing the City Manager to issue a purchase order and execute a purchase agreement with the selected vendor. City Council directed staff to continue the item and return with quotes including swings from the vendors.
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Subsequently, staff reached out to two Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) – OMNIA Partners and Sourcewell, to ensure the City received the most competitive pricing available for the selected playground equipment. Utilizing these cooperative purchasing programs, it allowed staff to compare costs across multiple vendors and confirm that the recommended option provides the best overall value.

Staff is seeking Council direction on the preferred playground design to ensure the selected option aligns with community needs and expectations. Upon selection, staff will proceed with procurement and begin preparing the site for installation in coordination with the vendor.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Funding will be expanded from the approved Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget from the Community Facilities District (CFD) 2005-1 Account (1213-475-7410)- Equipment Purchase.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution No. 2026-

2. Kompan Quote

3. All About Play Quote

4. Purchase Agreement

5. Max Foster Playground Equipment PowerPoint
Options Company Amount 10%
Contingency
Total +
Contingency
Option 1 All About Play $115,936.18 $11,593 $127,529.18 I I I I I Option 2 Kompan $83,428.54 $8,342 $100,113.39 I 459 of 534
01424.0001/910135.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON FOR

DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING PROCUREMENT OF NEW
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT MAX FOSTER SPORTS COMPLEX AND 1)

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO THE SELECTED VENDOR, 2) AUTHORIZING A 10% CONTINGENCY TO THE PURCHASE ORDER AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A

PURCHASING AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, Max Foster Park is one of the City’s most popular and well-loved community spaces.

It serves as the heart of many local traditions, hosting the annual Sweet Potato Festival and Fourth of July celebration that brings residents and visitors together each year; and WHEREAS, the park also supports a wide range of recreational activities, including soccer, baseball, and flag football, and features amenities such as basketball courts and a large patio area that often serves as a gathering place for families and community celebrations; and WHEREAS, the addition of new playground equipment would further strengthen the park’s role as a family-friendly destination; and
WHEREAS, the proposed playground is designed to provide safe, engaging, and inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities — including those with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities such as autism; and
WHEREAS, this improvement would enhance the overall park experience, promote physical activity, and foster social connections among children and families throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the proposed playground concepts were developed with an emphasis on creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive play environment at Max Foster Park; and WHEREAS, constructing the new playground will enhance the park’s role as a regional gathering place and support the City’s efforts to improve recreational; and WHEREAS, the options presented vary in layout, features, and accessibility components, and each reflects a long-term investment in the well-being of local children; and WHEREAS, staff reached out to two Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) – OMNIA Partners and Sourcewell, to ensure the City received the most competitive pricing available for the selected playground equipment; and
WHEREAS, utilizing these cooperative purchasing programs, it allowed staff to compare costs across multiple vendors and confirm that the recommended option provides the best overall value; and
WHEREAS, staff is seeking Council direction on the preferred playground design to ensure the selected option aligns with community needs and expectations; and 460 of 534
Resolution No.

WHEREAS, upon selection, staff will proceed with procurement and begin preparing the site for installation in coordination with the vendor; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Livingston hereby:

1. Finds the above recitals are true and correct findings of the Livingston City Council.

2. Authorizes the City Manager to issue a purchase order to the selected vendor, from the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 approved budget from the Community Facilities District (CFD) 2005-1 Account (1213-475-7410)- Equipment Purchase.

3. Authorizes a 10% contingency to the purchase order.

4. Authorizes the City Manager to execute a purchasing agreement.

5. This Resolution will become effective immediately.

I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-___ is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Livingston at a regular meeting thereof duly held on the 16th day of June 2026, by the vote recorded as follows:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

By:

Jose A. Moran, Mayor
Of City of Livingston
ATTEST
Monica Cisneros, Deputy City Clerk
Of the City of Livingston
Options Company Amount 10%
Contingency
Total +
Contingency
Option 1 All About Play $115,936.18 $11,593 $127,529.18 Option 2 Kompan $83,428.54 $8,342 $100,113.39
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Resolution No.

APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
______________________________
City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney
Of the City of Livingston
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City of Livingston
1416 C street
Mayra Dheri
Livingston, CA 95334
Email
Sales Representative
[email protected]
Doris Harpain
Customer Ref.

Quote No.

Document Date
OPTION 3 - Updated
SP166362-2
03/27/2026
Sales Proposal
Phone No. 559-977-2656 / 800-426-9788
Expiration Date 05/26/2026
Project Name US326367 Livingstone playground
Customer No. C158877
No. Description Qty Unit Unit Price Discount % Net Price KSW926-CUSTOM Custom Swing 1 Pieces 13,270.00 13,270.00 20460219
ASTM
PCM310632-0901 Triple Tower, Wackle - Red 1 Pieces 58,900.00 30.00 41,230.00 Total CO₂ Emission 7,384.9 LB (7,384.9 LB/Pieces)
In-Ground
PCM003821-0901 Play Panel High 2, Music - Red 1 Pieces 7,490.00 20.00 5,992.00 Total CO₂ Emission 466.0 LB (466.0 LB/Pieces)
In-ground 90cm
PCM003921-0901 Play Panel High 3, Learning - Red 1 Pieces 6,080.00 20.00 4,864.00 Total CO₂ Emission 517.7 LB (517.7 LB/Pieces)
In-ground 90cm
US-ENGSTAMPDRW-1Engineered Stamped Drawings 1-5 pieces 1 Pieces 3,846.15 3,846.15 FREIGHT Freight 1 Pieces 8,171.20 8,171.20
NOTES
This quote is for equipment only. No site work,
surfacing or installation is included.

Customer is responsible for safety surfacing
appropriate to the max fall height of equipment.

Please allow "11" to "13" weeks for product delivery
upon order placement.

Kompan California, Inc. | 22431 Antonio Parkway, Ste B160-426 | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | USA | Phone No. 1-800-426-9788 E-Mail [email protected] | www.KOMPAN.us
SWIFT Code NDEAUS3N (Nordea Bank, NY | Bank Account No. USD 718 155 3001 | Routing No. 026010786)

";f- KOMPAN ®
Let's play
463 of 534
City of Livingston
1416 C street
Mayra Dheri
Livingston, CA 95334
Email
Sales Representative
[email protected]
Doris Harpain
Customer Ref.

Quote No.

Document Date
OPTION 3 - Updated
SP166362-2
03/27/2026
Sales Proposal
Phone No. 559-977-2656 / 800-426-9788
Expiration Date 05/26/2026
Project Name US326367 Livingstone playground
Customer No. C158877
Description Qty Retail Price Discount Net Price
No. of Products 4
Subtotal - Products 85,740.00 20,384.00 65,356.00
Subtotal - Installation 3,846.15 3,846.15
Subtotal - Freight 8,171.20 8,171.20
Total USD Excl. Tax 77,373.35
Estimated Tax rate 6,055.19
Total USD Incl. Tax 83,428.54
Payment Terms 50% Prepayment , 50% Net 30 days
Installation Site Address
Livingstone
2238 Walnut Ave. Livingston, Ca
Livingston, CA 95334
Kompan California, Inc. | 22431 Antonio Parkway, Ste B160-426 | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | USA | Phone No. 1-800-426-9788 E-Mail [email protected] | www.KOMPAN.us
SWIFT Code NDEAUS3N (Nordea Bank, NY | Bank Account No. USD 718 155 3001 | Routing No. 026010786)

";f- KOMPAN ®
Let's play
464 of 534
City of Livingston
1416 C street
Mayra Dheri
Livingston, CA 95334
Email
Sales Representative
[email protected]
Doris Harpain
Customer Ref.

Quote No.

Document Date
OPTION 3 - Updated
SP166362-2
03/27/2026
Sales Proposal
Phone No. 559-977-2656 / 800-426-9788
Expiration Date 05/26/2026
Project Name US326367 Livingstone playground
Customer No. C158877
Note that the color and texture of products and surfacing made with recycled content are subjected by the differences from the used recycled raw materials. Therefore, minor differences in the appearance and texture can occur.

Applicable sales tax will be added unless a valid tax exemption certificate is provided. This amount is only an estimate of your tax liability.

Your acceptance of this proposal constitutes a valid order request and includes acceptance of terms and conditions contained within this Master Agreement, which is hereby acknowledged.

Acceptance of this proposal from KOMPAN is acknowledged by issuance of an order confirmation by an authorized KOMPAN representative.

Prices in this quotation are good until expiration date, shown in the top of this document. After that date, this proposal may be withdrawn.

Prevailing Wage and Payment & Performance Bonds are not included unless stated in body of Sales Proposal. If Payment & Performance Bonds are needed, add 2.2% of the entire sales proposal.

This information required for order placement:

Accepted By (Please Print): __________________________________________________ Accepted By (Title): __________________________________________________________ Accepted By (signature): ____________________________________________________ Date: ________________________________________________________________________ Date Equipment needed on site: __________________________________ Bill To: _______________________________________________________ Ship To: ____________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________ Contact: _____________________________________________________ Contact: ____________________________________________________________ Contact Email: _______________________________________________ Contact Email: ______________________________________________________ Contact Phone (Office): _____________________________________ Contact Phone (Office): ____________________________________________ Contact Phone (Cell): ______________________________________________ SALES TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE #: ____________________________________________________________ (PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATE)
Kompan California, Inc. | 22431 Antonio Parkway, Ste B160-426 | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | USA | Phone No. 1-800-426-9788 E-Mail [email protected] | www.KOMPAN.us
SWIFT Code NDEAUS3N (Nordea Bank, NY | Bank Account No. USD 718 155 3001 | Routing No. 026010786)

";f- KOMPAN ®
Let's play
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TO: DATE:

BY:

CONTACT:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

REFERENCE:

Little Tikes Commercial Equipment - Sourcewell/NJPA Contract #101521-PLP-4 Qty Description Each Total
MATERIALS: 1 Kid Builder Playground $120,769.37 $ 120,769.37 Max Play Swing (2) Belt (2) Tot (2) Inclusive Seats -
Additional Inclusive Ground Level Play Items
-
Sourcewell Discount 15% $ (18,115.41)
-
-
-
SUB TOTAL: $ 102,653.96
TAX: Sales tax is an estimate final tax will be charged 8.750% $ 8,982.22 based on final shipping address
FREIGHT: $ 4,300.00
TOTAL: $ 115,936.18
Please make purchase orders out to:

PlayPower LT Farmington C/O All About Play 3844 Presidio St., Sacramento, CA 95838 Signature: Date:

Glen Wurster
916.923.2180 PH
[email protected]
Customer is responsible to receive and offload equiment upon delivery. [email protected]
Playground Equipment Design Option 2
Max Foster Sports Complex
Anthony Chavarria
209.394.8044
Current lead time is 4-6 weeks for equipment shipping.

Quote is Good for 60 Days from Date Quoted
Quote # 032126-1
March 21, 2026
Phone: 916-923-2180 Fax: 916-646-6383
www.playgroundpros.com

QUOTATION
PlayPower LT Farmington C/O
All About Play Inc
3844 Presidio Street, Sacramento, CA 95838
City of Livingston
3844 Presidio Street • Sacramento, CA • (916) 923-2180 PH • www.playgroundpros.com I accept the terms and pricing listed on the above quotation:

Remit All Payments To:

PlayPower LT Farmington PO Box 734155 Dallas, TX 75373-4155 This quote does not include installation of any kind.

Safety surfacing is not included in this quuote.

Saefty surfacing, installation, and offloading is sole responsibility of the customer.

COMMERCIA-)
All
~9r~~~Plav
The Playground & Recreation Profess,onals,j/
466 of 534
TO: DATE:

BY:

CONTACT:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

REFERENCE:

Little Tikes Commercial Equipment - Sourcewell/NJPA Contract #101521-PLP-4 Qty Description Each Total
MATERIALS: 1 Kid Builder Playground $120,769.37 $ 120,769.37 Max Play Swing (2) Belt (2) Tot (2) Inclusive Seats -
Additional Inclusive Ground Level Play Items
-
Sourcewell Discount 15% $ (18,115.41)
-
-
-
SUB TOTAL: $ 102,653.96
TAX: Sales tax is an estimate final tax will be charged 8.750% $ 8,982.22 based on final shipping address
FREIGHT: $ 4,300.00
TOTAL: $ 115,936.18
Please make purchase orders out to:

PlayPower LT Farmington C/O All About Play 3844 Presidio St., Sacramento, CA 95838 Signature: Date:

Glen Wurster
916.923.2180 PH
[email protected]
Customer is responsible to receive and offload equiment upon delivery. [email protected]
Playground Equipment Design Option 2
Max Foster Sports Complex
Anthony Chavarria
209.394.8044
Current lead time is 4-6 weeks for equipment shipping.

Quote is Good for 60 Days from Date Quoted
Quote # 032126-1
March 21, 2026
Phone: 916-923-2180 Fax: 916-646-6383
www.playgroundpros.com

QUOTATION
PlayPower LT Farmington C/O
All About Play Inc
3844 Presidio Street, Sacramento, CA 95838
City of Livingston
3844 Presidio Street • Sacramento, CA • (916) 923-2180 PH • www.playgroundpros.com I accept the terms and pricing listed on the above quotation:

Remit All Payments To:

PlayPower LT Farmington PO Box 734155 Dallas, TX 75373-4155 This quote does not include installation of any kind.

Safety surfacing is not included in this quuote.

Saefty surfacing, installation, and offloading is sole responsibility of the customer.

COMMERCIA-)
All
~9r~~~Plav
The Playground & Recreation Profess,onals,j/
467 of 534
Max Foster
Sports Complex
Playground
Design Options
468 of 534
OPTION 1 PLAYGROUND

DESIGN FROM ALL ABOUT PLAY
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OPTION 1 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
PROJECT:

MAX FOSTER PARK OPTION 2

SACRAMENTO, CA
LTCPS REP:

Glen WL.1 rster

ALL ABOUT PLAY
Enter Phone No.
52"-6 x47"
71' x: 51'-6"
DRAWN BY: Glen WL.1rster
DA llE: 03/201'2026
PROJECT: 24005367

L TCPS - FARMINGTON
878 EAST HIGHWAY 160
MONETT MO 65708
VOICE: 1-800-325-8828
FAX: 417-354-2:273
AGE GROUF5- 2_ASTM
ES-TOTAJL: 13
LA.Y ACTIVI IES AOC LE IBY RA r,
ELEVA \LAY .ACTNI ES AOCES BLE IBY RAMP:

G □ LEVEL ACTMiY E:

D LEVEL QIJIAITTITY:

RE -'D 7

REQID D
REQID 3
REQ,'D 4

3. 5.
e.

Playground Layout
Con1p liance:
i;zJ ASTM F1487 - Playground
Equipment for Public Use.
liZ] CPSC Handbook for Public
Playground Safety
liZJ This playgrom1d design meets the
final Acces Board Regulations.

G:_· __ -E :. ERA- • -., L No·: _ ·-··-·
-. TEI S: -,-
_
A.GE GROUP
✓
The play components identified in this
plan are IPEMA cenifie<::I.The use and layout or these compot'\ents conform to the requirements of ASTM F1487. 470 of 534 OPTION 1 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
52'
""=.":~ ... ~ 0 002!1½25
DISCO F'AcrrY
~Pt\NB.. l[IQ•::!!J),:.23
32'
'"" CUME::Fi. l:[1(!'2021':\:,
DR.WDE PL"8TIC.sl..l)E
200D$ :977
5'
c,,.,a,\SASllED CCNCERTO I N M lUl 3Xl?ll,lt;.l:O

OONCSRTO
l-¢0N""8
2l]!J20},44)
------------- 72'
P~rk-inn I nt
[fp CCNC.ERTO e.;:1N'
c., &,,\EAS l»i.GE
""""3il1
EIEl.T SEAT .,....,.

BEL.'T ;!EAT
""""""

TOT SEAJ
40'
....,,.,. -------11 IMXFU.YS\\'NG
•HIGH
TOT !IEAT
""""'"'" - -----11
USI\E
SE." U 2Dl21!3Ln '>.:,...;::M..-L---41
INCI.USI\E SE."-U
2002[!3L)2 --......;;--L..--41
47'
471 of 534
OPTION 1 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
472 of 534
OPTION 1 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
0 473 of 534
OPTION 1 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
474 of 534
OPTION 1
QUOTE
QUOTATION All
PlayPower LT Farmington C/O About Pl ~ lttkttkcs.) COMMERCIAL] All About Play Inc ........... - . a V 3844 Presidio Street, Sacramento, CA 95838 Tt,e P1.,,,roul'<i & Rramratoo• Profes,ooroal• v TO:

CONTACT:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

REFERENCE:

Phone: 916-923-2180 Fax: 916--646--6383 7,
www.playgroundpros.com
City of Livingston
Max Foster Sports Complex
Anthony Chavarria
209.394.8044
achavarria@liv ingstonca.gov
Playg round Equipment Design Option 2
DATE: March 21, 2026
BY: Glen Wu rster
916.923 .2180 PH
[email protected]
Quote# 032126-1
Little Tikes Commercial Equipment - Sourcewell/NJPA Contract #101521-PLP-4 Qty Description Each
MATERIALS: 1 Kid Builder Playground $120,769.37 $
Total
120,769.37
TAX:

FREIGHT:

TOTAL:

Max Play Swing (2) Belt (2) Tot (2) Inclusive Seats
Additional Inclusive Ground Level Play Items
Sourcewell Discount 15%
SUB TOTAL:

Sales tax is an estimate final tax will be charged
based on final shipping address

8.750%
Quote is Good for 60 Days from Date Quoted
Current lead time is 4-6 weeks for equipment shipping.

Customer is responsible to receive and offload equiment upon delivery.

This quote does not include installation of any kind.

Safety surfacing is not included in this quuote.
$ (18,115.41)
$ 102,653.96
$ 8,982.22
$ 4,300.00
$ 115,936.18
Saefty surfacing, installation, and offloading is sole responsibility of the customer.

Please make purchase orders out to:
475 of 534

PLAYGROUND LAYOUT
476 of 534
OPTION 2

PLAYGROUND

DESIGN FROM
KOPMAN
477 of 534
OPTION 2 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
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OPTION 2 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
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OPTION 2 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
480 of 534
OPTION 2 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
481 of 534
OPTION 2 PLAYGROUND DESIGN
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PROPOSED

LOCATION
483 of 534
OPTION 2
QUOTE
KOMPAN'"t
Citij of Livingston
Mayra Dheri
1416 C street
Lirvingsto:n, CA 9'5334
Cuistomer Ref.

IPmj,ect Nlame
Paymemt Terms
Let's play
OPTION 3 - Upd!ated
US326367 Livingstone jp 1
layg rmmd
50% Prejpayrnent , 50% Net 30 days
Quote o.

Ou:stomer No.
. ocument Date
Expira -on Date
Sa I es Rejpresentatirve
Email
Phone No.

SP166362-2
( 158877
03/27/2026
05/26/2026

oris l-larpain
[email protected]
559-'977-2656 / 000--426-9788
Descr ption Qty Reta ii Plriice Discount INet Price
No. of Products
Su1btota I - Prod uds
Su1btota l - Installation
Su1btota I - Frei,g1ht
T oitall IUSD E>u::11. lax
Estimated Tax i-ate
Tota I IUSD l1111 dl. Tax
4 8-5, 740.00 2.0,384.00
3,846.15
8,171.20
65,356,00
3,846.15
8,171.20
77,3B.l5
6,055.19
,83,428.54
484 of 534
Quote Comparison
Option 1
All About Play
Option 2
Kopman
Subtotal/Tax $115,936.18 $83,428.54
Freight Included Included
Shade Structure Included Included
10% Contingency $11,593 $8,342
Total $127,529.18 $100,113.39
485 of 534

STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Adopt the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and its Identified Priorities MEETING DATE: June 16, 2026
PREPARED BY: José A. Ramírez, City Manager
Recommendation:

1. Adopt the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and its identified priorities.

Background:

The City Council conducts an annual Priority Setting process to improve decision-making and ensure that limited staff and financial resources are focused on initiatives that extend beyond routine operations and reflect the community's highest priorities.

Council priorities serve as overarching focus areas that guide the City's projects, programs, and policy decisions. By identifying and defining these priorities, the City Council ensures that staff efforts and available resources remain aligned with the most critical needs of the community.

The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan establishes a clear direction for major policy areas over the next four years and provides a framework for budget development, resource allocation, and implementation efforts. The Plan serves as both an actionable roadmap for the near term and a foundation for longerrange strategic planning.

Discussion:

Development of the Strategic Plan included a comprehensive engagement process consisting of community meetings, workshops, stakeholder convenings, and internal alignment sessions with crossdepartmental staff teams. Information gathered through these efforts was analyzed, synthesized, and organized into six strategic focus areas that reflect the community's priorities and aspirations.

On May 19, 2026, the City Council identified the following six priority areas for inclusion in the City's Strategic Plan:
• Public Safety
• Critical Infrastructure
• Parks and Recreation
• Economic Development
• Community Development
• Transparency
486 of 534

Attachment A provides a comprehensive summary of the priorities expressed by community members, key stakeholders, City leadership, and the City Council, and presents them within the framework of the proposed Strategic Plan.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the Strategic Plan. Resource requirements for projects and initiatives identified within the Plan will be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget and considered as part of future budget development and long-term financial planning efforts.

Attachment:

1. Resolution

2. 2025-2028 City of Livingston Strategic
Plan
487 of 534

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON ADOPTING THE 2025-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN AND ITS IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES
WHEREAS, the City Council conducts an annual Priority Setting process to improve decisionmaking and ensure that limited staff and financial resources are focused on initiatives that extend beyond routine operations and reflect the community's highest priorities; and WHEREAS, Council priorities serve as overarching focus areas that guide the City's projects, programs, and policy decisions. By identifying and defining these priorities, the City Council ensures that staff efforts and available resources remain aligned with the most critical needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan establishes a clear direction for major policy areas over the next four years and provides a framework for budget development, resource allocation, and implementation efforts. The Plan serves as both an actionable roadmap for the near term and a foundation for longer-range strategic planning; and WHEREAS, the development of the Strategic Plan included a comprehensive engagement process consisting of community meetings, workshops, stakeholder convenings, and internal alignment sessions with cross-departmental staff teams. Information gathered through these efforts was analyzed, synthesized, and organized into six strategic focus areas that reflect the community's priorities and aspirations; and
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2026, the City Council identified the following six priority areas for inclusion in the City's Strategic Plan: Public Safety, Critical Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Community Development, and Transparency; and WHEREAS, A comprehensive summary of the priorities expressed by community members, key stakeholders, City leadership, and the City Council, and presents them within the framework of the proposed Strategic Plan, is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Livingston as follows:

1. The above recitals are true and correct findings of the Livingston City Council.

2. Adopts Resolution Adopting the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and Its Identified Priorities.

3. This Resolution will become effective immediately.

I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-____ is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution duly passed and adopted by City Council of the City of Livingston at a regular meeting thereof duly held on 16th day of June, 2026, by the vote recorded as follows:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
488 of 534

By: ______________________________
Jose A. Moran, Mayor
of the City of Livingston
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Monica Cisneros, Deputy City Clerk
of the City of Livingston

APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
____________________________________
City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney
489 of 534

2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
2025-2028

CITY OF LIVINGSTON

STRATEGIC PLAN
2025 2028
490 of 534

2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
ABOUT CITY OF LIVINGSTON 3
LEADERSHIP 7
MISSION, VISION, & VALUES 9
CORE SERVICES 11
AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS 13

1. Community Identity & Quality of Life 14

2. Fiscal Responsibility & Governance 15

3. Housing & Neighborhood Stability 16

4. Community Safety & Public Health 17

5. Infrastructure & Public Services 18

6. Economic Development & Growth Management 19
CITY MANAGER LETTER 20
Index
491 of 534

2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan

ABOUT CITY OF LIVINGSTON
Livingston is a City on the move and is in a period of transition and transformation due to new residential and commercial development. The community is rapidly becoming a premier ethnically diverse, residential, commercial and industrial center in Merced County and Central Valley. It is strategically located along one of California’s major freeway arteries and is just two hours from San Francisco, the Pacific Coast and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The city of Livingston is located near Highway 99, providing easy access to other parts of the county, the Central Valley and the rest of California. As is typical in Merced County and the Central Valley, agriculture is the cornerstone of Livingston's economy.

The city is home to one of Foster Farms' largest poultry processing plants, which is a major employer in the county. Cultural diversity is celebrated in the city, with events that reflect the community's strong Hispanic and Sikh heritage.

Merced County’s current economic condition is composed of its economic, physical, and social environments. These environments are connected and influence each other. For example, the physical environment is the infrastructure (streets, utilities, development sites, etc.); the social environment consists of population, income, housing, health, and safety; and the economic environment encompasses the industry mix, jobs and employment which are all influenced by physical and social characteristics. Achieving a balance among these environments is necessary to create and sustain a socioeconomically healthy community.

Merced County covers 2,000 square miles and has a population of 297,700.

Livingston is a thriving community with strong family values. Livingston is experiencing significant growth from urban and commercial development. Through all the projects embarked, the City's focus is to provide its residents with quality services while retaining their family focused values.

Livingston lies in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Like the rest of the valley, it has long, dry summers and mild winters, alternating between fog, rain, and sun. Livingston is considered a primary hub of the agriculture industry due to its fertile soil. Some of the major agricultural industries/crops are:

ABOUT CITY OF IV GS 0
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2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
Agriculture
Merced County is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the County with $1.75 billion in annual products and $6.5 billion in economic impacts. Agriculture will continue to be economically important to Livingston. The main agricultural products produced in the Livingston area include:

Chickens and Turkeys
The Foster Farms poultry company headquarters and main processing plant are located in Livingston. The chicken ranches import most of their feed from other parts of the United States. The tallest building in the area is the Foster Farms grain elevator located in Delhi, right outside the Livingston City limits
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Dairy
Merced County is the second largest dairy producer in California, right behind Tulare County. The Joseph Gallo Dairy, just outside Livingston, has the single largest dairy herd in the United States. Neighboring towns (especially Hilmar) have many more dairy cattle. According to statistics from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Merced County had 305 operating dairies in 2006, down from the 327 dairies in 2005 and 335 dairies in 2000. While the number of diaries has gone down, the number of milk cows increased by 4,000 during that 12-month period. Dairy farmers and industry experts say recent increases in feed costs, tightened environmental regulations and growing pressure to sell land for development are among the factors that could be pushing some dairies to close.

Grapes
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2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
Joseph Gallo, Ernest and Julio Gallo, the Arkelian family, and many family farmers grow grapes for wine, the table and raisin-making. Ernest and Julio Gallo have a major grape pressing operation near Livingston.

Sweet Potatoes
Ninety percent of the sweet potatoes grown west of the Rockies are grown and packed in Livingston, Delhi and Atwater. The sweet potatoes benefit from the sandy soil in the area.

Other Crops
Other crops grown in the Livingston area include barley, wheat, corn, soybeans, onions, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, melons, peaches and alfalfa. Most of the peach orchards have been replaced by almonds. The alfalfa, soybeans and corn are grown to support the dairies.
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ELECTED OFFICIALS

Elected Officials serve on regional and statewide boards, committees, commissions, and task forces to advance and protect the interests of the residents of the City of Livingston. Every member of the governing body is expected to take committee assignments and attend all committee meetings. Summarized below are the respective assignments:

Gurpal Samra, Mayor Pro-Tem
Jose A. Moran, Mayor
Robert Wallis
Council Member
Jason Roth
Council Member
Japjeet Singh Uppal
Council Member

F ICI L
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2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
Board/Commission/Committee Representative/Liaison Alternate Merced County Association of
Governments (MCAG) Governing
Board
Gurpal Samra Jose
Moran
Merced County Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) Jason Roth
Central Valley Division League of
California Cities Jose Moran Japjeet Uppal
Merced County Mosquito Abatement
District Board of Directors Gurpal Samra Jason Roth
Special City Selection Committee of the
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
Board
Robert Wallis Japjeet
Uppal
City Council Liaison - Livingston
Planning Commission Jason Roth Robert Wallis
City Council Liaison - Parks, Recreation
and Arts Commission Jose Moran Japjeet Uppal
Utility Stakeholders Committee Japjeet Uppal Robert
Wallis
Merced Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan (MIRWMA) Japjeet Uppal Robert Wallis

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MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
The City of Livingston has a formally adopted Community Vision, Mission Statement, and Community Values as part of its strategic planning framework.

Mission
The City's mission is to:

Protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents; ensure quality development that preserves Livingston's small-town character; deliver responsive and efficient municipal services; encourage a culturally diverse community; and promote a diversified economy that supports the City's long-term financial stability.

Vision
Livingston's vision is to be:

A city that preserves its scenic beauty and unique character while providing educational, cultural, recreational, historic, and economic opportunities for its diverse population. The city envisions itself as a regional center for agriculture, warehousing, light manufacturing, and retail commerce, while maintaining a high quality of life and vibrant community.

Key themes in the vision include:
• Preserving natural beauty and environmental quality
• Maintaining a rural, open, small-town character
• Supporting diverse housing and neighborhoods
• Developing safe and attractive transportation networks • Encouraging environmentally compatible economic development • Providing efficient municipal services
• Working cooperatively with regional partners and other governments.

Core Values
Livingston's community values emphasize:
• Environmental stewardship and preservation of natural resources • Orderly, attractive, and high-quality development
• Public safety and community well-being
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2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
• Strong community spirit and citizen participation
• Welcoming diversity and encouraging volunteerism
• Efficient and effective public services
• Honest, dependable, ethical, and accountable government • Cultural and recreational opportunities for residents • Regional cooperation and shared responsibility.

These values are the community's "non-negotiable core principles" and are intended to guide planning, budgeting, capital improvements, service delivery, and future growth. 499 of 534

2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan

CORE SERVICES
The City of Livingston is a full-service municipal government that provides a broad range of services to residents, businesses, and visitors. The city’s core services include:

Public Safety
• Police services and law enforcement
• Fire protection services (provided through Merced County/Cal Fire partnerships) Utilities
• Water supply and distribution
• Wastewater (sewer) collection and treatment
• Storm drainage services
• Sanitation/garbage services (currently provided through a contracted vendor) Public Works & Infrastructure
• Street construction and maintenance
• Street lighting, traffic signals, and signage maintenance • Engineering and inspection services
• Maintenance of public infrastructure and facilities
Community Development
• Planning and zoning
• Building permits and inspections
• Economic development programs
• Development review and code-related services
Parks & Recreation
• Recreation programs
• Community events and activities
• Park maintenance and recreational facilities management

CORE SERVICES
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2026-2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan
General Government Services
• City administration
• City Council and governance support
• Budgeting and finance
• Customer service and utility billing
• Boards and commissions support
In short, the City of Livingston's primary responsibilities are public safety, utilities, infrastructure maintenance, community development, recreation, and municipal administration, making it responsible for most day-to-day local government functions within the city.
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AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS

1. Community Identify & Quality of Life

2. Fiscal Responsibility & Government

3. Housing & Neighborhood Stability

4. Community Safety & Public Health

5. Infrastructure & Public Services

6. Economic Development & Growth Management
C
1 Commu ty e fy & Qual y of Life
2 1 ca Re p 1ty & Gover ment
3 Hous ng & 1 bo ood ta hty
4 Commu y Saf ty & Publ c H a th
5 Inf struc ure & Pub c Serv1c
6 co om c Deve op ent & G o t ana e ent
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Enhance Livingston’s sense of place through recreation, culture, and inclusive community programs.

Key Priorities:
• Complete the Recreation Complex (Rec Plex) and expand recreational amenities.
• Develop new community attractions such as a skate park and/or water park. • Create a safe bike and walking path network.
• Require green space integration in all new developments. • Expand youth engagement programs, including internships for high school and college students.
• Increase family-oriented recreation (camping, fishing, outdoor programming). • Preserve Livingston’s small farm community identity while allowing a balanced mix of housing types.
• Promote public art, color, and cultural expression throughout the city.

1. Community Identity & Quality of Life
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Ensure transparent, accountable, and community-driven decision-making.

Key Priorities:
• Improve community notification systems (accessible communications). • Maintain strict adherence to budget and financial policies. • Align funding decisions with clearly defined city priorities. • Increase public participation
• Evaluate governance structures such as city council districts and term limits.

2. Fiscal Responsibility & Governance
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Promote accessible, diverse, and stable housing opportunities.

Key Priorities:
• Partner with affordable housing developers to secure funding and build new units.
• Encourage development of moderate-income single-family housing. • Explore rent assistance, homebuyer grants, and incentive programs to retain residents locally.
• Support policies that maintain neighborhood stability and long-term residency.

3. Housing & Neighborhood Stability
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Protect residents through strong emergency services and proactive health initiatives.

Key Priorities:
• Ensure the fire department is fully staffed.
• Plan for a second fire station to meet future demand. • Increase street and public area lighting.
• Implement smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing and shared public spaces. • Promote community cohesion, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. • Integrate environmental sustainability and public health into city planning. • Develop wellness and intergenerational spaces for community healing and connection.
• Address youth & adult mental health issues
• Address low parent engagement and awareness of available resources • Increasing the role of City Departments, Faith-Based Organizations, Local Health Clinics, County & Businesses working collaboratively (Strengthen Cross-Sector Collaboration to address Community Needs)

4. Community Safety & Public Health
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Invest in reliable, sustainable infrastructure to support current and future growth.

Key Priorities:
• Expand water capacity and ensure safe, clean drinking water for all residents. • Upgrade and expand the wastewater treatment plant.
• Establish a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for water and wastewater systems.
• Develop additional water wells.
• Complete key projects such as the Rec Plex.
• Improve stormwater systems, including pump station renovations. • Implement workforce development programs to recruit and train firefighters and police officers.

5. Infrastructure & Public Services
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Encourage sustainable economic growth while maintaining community character.

Key Priorities:
• Focus commercial development along key corridors such as Highway 99. • Coordinate with the county to annex land for strategic growth. • Conduct a retail leakage study to identify missing businesses. • Identify and activate vacant downtown properties.
• Attract community-oriented developers and locally rooted businesses. • Expand recreational and economic assets such as a multipurpose sports complex.
• Recruit diverse sit-down restaurants and targeted retail, including select chain establishments where appropriate.
• Activate and revitalize business corridors.

6. Economic Development & Growth
Management
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CITY MANAGER LETTER
It has been of great vantage to contribute to the development of the 2025–2028 City of Livingston Strategic Plan, a document that will serve as a roadmap for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our community in the years ahead.

The development of this plan reflects the insights gathered through numerous community conversations, workshops, and stakeholder convenings. The final document represents the collaborative efforts of the City Council, city department heads, and community members who generously shared their perspectives, ideas, and aspirations for Livingston’s future.

Together, these contributions have helped create a strategic plan that reflects our community’s priorities and provides a clear direction for achieving meaningful and sustainable progress.

The purpose of this strategic plan is to align the City’s resources, efforts, and actions with the priorities that matter most to our community. More than a planning document, it provides a framework for decision-making, establishes clear direction, and outlines actionable strategies to guide our work over the next several years.

By focusing on shared goals and measurable outcomes, this plan will help ensure that City initiatives are responsive to community needs, fiscally responsible, and aligned with our vision for Livingston’s future.

I look forward to our continued partnership and the meaningful progress that will result from implementing this plan.

Sincerely,
Jose Antonio Ramirez
City Manager
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STAFF REPORT
1 AGENDA ITEM: Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget

MEETING DATE: June 16, 2026

PREPARED BY: Happy Bains, Finance Director/Assistant City Manager REVIEWED BY: Jose Antonio Ramirez, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council:

1. Consider a Resolution adopting the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 and the Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:

The City of Livingston’s Municipal Code requires that an annual budget be submitted to the City Council for their review and approval based upon estimates of the financial needs and resources of the City.

The Paul Gann Act (Gann Limit), formally known as Proposition 4, amended the California Constitution by adding Article XIII B, which limits how much tax revenue state and local governments can spend each fiscal year. These limits are based on the prior year’s appropriations adjusted for changes in population and inflation as measured by California per capita income growth. The goal is to cap expenditures at a level that reflects economic and demographic shifts rather than political discretion.

This restriction applies to all governmental entities, including cities, counties, school districts, and special districts. If a government body collects more revenue than allowed, it cannot allocate the excess to new programs. Instead, surplus funds must be handled according to specific rules, reinforcing fiscal discipline.

The Gann Limit calculation which is attached shows there is no limit on expenditure of the estimated taxes to be received in 2026/2027.

FISCAL IMPACT
Total estimated revenue for all City funds is $66.7 million, and total estimated expense for all City funds is $76.7 million. The spreadsheets contained in the proposed budget reflect the estimated revenue and expense for each fund.
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STAFF REPORT
2 ATTACHMENTS

1. Proposed FY 2026/2027 Budget – City Website – www.cityoflivingston.org

2. Resolution Adopting the FY 2026/2027 Budget and Appropriations Limit

3. Appropriations Limit Calculation

4. Errata Sheet
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RESOLUTION 2026-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 AND THE APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
WHEREAS, City Management of the City of Livingston has prepared and submitted to the City Council of the City of Livingston a Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027 (“Proposed Budget”) and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Livingston has received public input and has thoroughly reviewed the Proposed Budget; and,
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the City Council to adopt the Proposed Budget, including any modifications, as the Budget for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/2027(“Final Budget”).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON AS FOLLOWS:

1. The Final Budget for the City of Livingston for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, is hereby approved and adopted.

2. The sums of money therein set forth are hereby appropriated from the revenues of the City to the departments, functions, and funds therein set forth for expenditures during the FY 2026/2027.

3. Capital Improvement Projects revenue and unspent appropriation actual carryover budget amounts from 2025/2026 shall be recalculated and updated to reflect balances as of June 30, 2026, and are hereby incorporated as part of the 2026/2027 approved budget.

4. Grant Funds received and appropriated and unspent appropriation actual carryover budget amounts from 2025/2026 shall be recalculated and updated to reflect balances as of June 30, 2026, and hereby incorporated as part of the 2026/2027 approved budget.

5. State Law requires that an Appropriations Limit be adopted annually by the City Council.

Article XIII B of the California constitution, which places certain restrictions on appropriations made by local governments and restrictions are applicable to appropriations that met the definition of “Proceeds of Taxes”. The law allows the option to select the factors to be used to calculate the Annual Appropriations Limit. For one of the factors the City must select between: (A) the change in the State per capita income; or (B) the change in the assessed valuation of local nonresidential construction, and the City has selected the change in the State per capita income. The appropriations subject to limitation in Fiscal Year 2026/2027 shall be as set forth on and as calculated on Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part hereof.

6. The City Council hereby authorizes the Finance Director to advance from Pooled Cash funds to cover expenditures, for which revenues will be received at a later date.

7. The City Manager or City Manager’s designee is authorized to make transfers of budget appropriations between classifications and activities within a fund to purchase such items Attachment 2 Attachment 2
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and services needed to accomplish those purposes set forth in the Budget document and to insure the efficient and effective administration of City services.

8. The Finance Director is authorized to revise revenue budgets and appropriations throughout the fiscal year based on actuals received from the Office of Emergency Services.

9. Estimated carryover balances as of June 30, 2026, shall be recalculated when actuals are determined and appropriations from estimated carryover balances will be updated to reflect actual amounts.

10. All resolutions and parts of resolutions in conflict herewith, including, but not necessarily limited to, such resolutions or parts of resolutions relating to compensations, allowances or benefits as may be in conflict herewith are hereby expressly repealed.

11. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption but shall be operative as of July 1, 2026.

12. In order to continue to build the balances in the Economic Opportunity Fund – 1110 and the Revenue Stabilization Fund- 1115, the actual remaining amount in the General Fund will be split as follows: 50% shall remain in the General Fund and can be used for future unbudgeted one-time costs when approved by Council, and the remaining 50% shall be split evenly and transferred to the Economic Opportunity Fund – 1110 and the Revenue Stabilization Fund- 1115.

13. The Finance Director is authorized to revise revenue and expense budgets from the approved Errata Sheet.

I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-__ is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Livingston at a regular meeting thereof duly held on the 16th day of June 2026, by the vote recorded as follows:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

By:

Jose A. Moran, Mayor
Of City of Livingston
ATTEST
_______________________________
Monica Cisneros, Deputy City Clerk
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APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
________________________
Marc Tran, City Attorney or
Maria S. Sullivan, Assistant City Attorney
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ATTACHMENT 3

ARTICLE XIII B- APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
Appropriation limit for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 $ 7,519,351 County Population January 2025 294,342
County Population January 2026 294,154
Population change (percent): -0.06%
Per Capita Cost of Living Change(percent): 4.95
Calculation of Factors for FY2026/2027
Per Capita Cost of Living converted to a ratio: 4.95% +100/100 1.0495 Population converted to ratio: -0.06% +100/100 0.9994
Calculation of limit for FY2026/2027
Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 1.0495*0.9994 1.0488703 $ 7,886,824 2026/2027 Projected Revenues Subject To Appropriation
Limit:

Taxes $ 5,079,145
Other Agencies (State Subventions) 2,413,128
Interest 113,122
Total $ 7,605,395
Estimated revenues to be received during 2026/2027 will not exceed the appropriation limit.

Computed Cost of Living Factor Using Per Percentage Change in Per Capita Personal Income As Provided By the State of California Department of Finance - May 2026 515 of 534
Item Amount Funding Source
Merced County Elections Office $35,000 General Fund - 1100 Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Errata Sheet
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STAFF REPORT
1 AGENDA ITEM:

MEETING DATE
PREPARED BY:

Discussion and Direction Regarding Municipal Code Section 3-2-8, Restaurant on Wheels
June 16, 2026
Maria S. Sullivan
REVIEWED BY: Jose A. Ramirez
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction and recommendations for amending Livingston Municipal Code section 3-2-8, Restaurant on Wheels.

BACKGROUND:

In 2018, California enacted the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946), which decriminalized sidewalk vending and required cities to adopt reasonable, objective time-, place-, and manner regulations directly related to public health, safety, or welfare. In 2022, Senate Bill 972 amended state law by modifying health-code requirements applicable to sidewalk food vendors to reduce regulatory burdens and improve compliance pathways.

On December 5, 2023, City staff was directed to update and revise the Livingston Municipal Code (“LMC”) related to Restaurant on Wheels, due to concerns from local small business owners that they were unable to operate in the City due to the restrictions in the LMC.

The City Attorney drafted a revised ordinance that addressed portable carts or motor vehicles that sold any goods, wares, merchandise, fruits, or vegetables. The revised ordinance required those wishing to engage in this type of activity to first obtain a business license and permit in accordance with the revised ordinance. It also required applicants for vendor permits to file an application with the City Clerk that included personal and business information, as well as a history of criminal convictions and a requirement that the applicant be fingerprinted and consent to a criminal history records check.

On August 6, 2024, the City Council approved this revised ordinance (Ordinance No. 656) to repeal and replace this same chapter as it pertained to “itinerant vendors.” Itinerant vendors were broadly defined to include any person who set up a temporary stand or used a portable cart or motor vehicle for the purpose of selling products.

After this revised Ordinance No. 656 was passed, California passed SB 635 in 2025, which further amended statutes related to sidewalk vendors by, in relevant part, restricting local governments from obtaining criminal histories, fingerprints, or background checks as part of an application for a permit or license. In addition, because California cities can regulate sidewalk vendors differently from other types of vendors, such as food truck vendors, the City’s itinerant vendor ordinance had 517 of 534

STAFF REPORT
2 become inconsistent with state law. The regulations needed additional clarification due to difficulties in enforcement, vendor confusion, and concerns about safety and sanitary conditions.

On April 21, 2026, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 665, which amended LMC § 3-2-4, the City’s itinerant vendor ordinance. To comply with state law, the amendment reorganizes sidewalk vendor regulations by updating statutory definitions, eliminating criminal background checks, clarifying local permitting and efficient appeal processes, and establishing specific time, place, and manner restrictions. This amended ordinance applies specifically to sidewalk vendors.

DISCUSSION:

In California, sidewalk vendors and “Restaurants on Wheels” (also known as Food Trucks), operate under entirely different legal frameworks. Food trucks remain highly regulated by local zoning ordinances and health and safety codes, whereas sidewalk vendors have become increasingly more protected by state law.

Food trucks are categorized as motorized vehicles, so cities can regulate where and when they park through zoning codes and vehicle codes. Food truck operators can be criminally punished for parking or zoning ordinance violations, depending on municipal code guidelines. Food trucks are also treated as commercial kitchens under the California Retail Food Code, and have additional health and safety requirements for plumbing, cooking, and refrigeration.

Sidewalk vendors, on the other hand, have been afforded many protections, as noted above, in order to create economic opportunities for low-income individuals and immigrants, and to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship.

Because sidewalk vending and food trucks are treated so differently under the law, the City’s Municipal Code has had to evolve with the changing statutes. Since the passage of this new Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, the City’s municipal code now only has one provision related to “Restaurant on Wheels,” under LMC § 3-2-8. The code does not define a “Restaurant on Wheels.” The code states that 1) restaurants on wheels are subject to § 3-2-4, except that one food truck for every population of 5,000 people is allowed at a fixed location upon obtaining a use permit, and that 2) taco trucks are classified as restaurants on wheels.

Since LMC § 3-2-4 has been amended to apply only to sidewalk vendors, and not to motorized vendors of any kind, section 3-2-8 relating to Restaurant on Wheels is now in need of revision.

Specifically, the City Council should consider amending the LMC to create a specific permit system for food truck vendors allowing a specified number of appropriately vetted, licensed, and insured vendors to operate on an objective system (such as first-come-first-served or rotation basis).

The ordinance should address the following:
- Permit application fees - Health & safety requirements - Permit duration - Application and review process - Hours & days of operation - Insurance required - Locations where the activities can take place
- Number of permitted trucks allowed to operate within a specific area 518 of 534

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3 - Penalties for violations (such as fines, suspension or revocation of permit) - Procedures to ensure equal access to prime locations for potential vendors Any ordinance amendment should support small business development while ensuring public safety, fairness, and regulatory compliance. With Council direction, staff will research the program, evaluate outreach needs, set application timelines, and calculate permit fees. Staff will return to the Council for discussion and potential approval.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:

This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it does not qualify as a “project” pursuant to Public Resource Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15320, 15378 and 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the City’s action would cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. LMC Chapter 3-2

2. Newly adopted Ordinance No. 665, amending LMC § 3-2-4 (not yet published) 519 of 534
§ 3-2-1 GENERALLY.

The rates of the license tax for the businesses, trades, occupations and employments named in this chapter are, and the same are fixed in and for the city, in accordance with this chapter and the same shall be paid by any person engaged in or about to engage in, or carrying on or about to carry on the same in the city. When a license can be measured by gross receipts as defined in § 3-2-2(B) of this chapter, the Finance Officer is authorized to license such business under § 3-2-2 of this chapter, whether or not such business is specifically set forth under a flat rate license section of this chapter. (Ord. 284, passed 6-13-1985)
§ 3-2-2 GROSS RECEIPTS.
(A) Generally. Every person conducting, carrying on or managing a retail business from a fixed place of business within the city shall pay an annual registration tax of $60, and in addition thereto shall pay a business license tax equal to one mil on each dollar of average monthly gross receipts, computed quarterly and payable quarterly on forms provided by the city. (B) Gross receipts defined. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

GROSS RECEIPTS. The total amount of the sale price of all sales, the total amount charged or received for the performance of an act, service or employment of whatsoever nature it may be, whether such service, act or employment is done as part of or in connection with the sale of goods, wares, merchandise or not, for which a charge is made, including all receipts, cash credits and property of any kind or nature, without any deduction therefrom on account of the costs of the property sold, the costs of the material used, labor or service costs, interests paid or payable, losses or any other expenses whatsoever; provided, that cash discounts allowed or taken on sales shall not be included and this section shall not be construed to impose any tax upon any business or transaction which the city is not authorized to license or tax under any law of the state or the United States. Any tax required by law to be included in or added to the purchase price and collected from the consumer or purchaser, and such part of the sales price of any property previously sold returned by the purchaser to the seller which is refunded by the seller by way of cash or credit allowances given or taken as part payment on any property so accepted for resale, shall be deducted for the purpose of determining gross receipts under this section.
(Ord. 284, passed 6-13-1985; Ord. 405, passed 6-2-1992) § 3-2-3 LICENSE TAX; FLAT FEE.
(A) The following businesses will pay a flat fee license tax of $60 per year:

1. Amusement rides;

2. Auctioneer;

3. Auto or horse races or similar type events;

4. Barbershop;

5. Beauty parlor;

6. Billiard or pool hall;

7. Billposting;

8. Boarders;

9. Bowling alley or bocce alley or handball court;

10. Brokers;

11. Campground or trailer court;

12. Cannery, packing house, manufacturing plant;

13. Christmas related merchandise;

14. Coin operated sound motion picture machines;

15. Concrete pipe laying;

16. Convalescent home;

17. Creamery;

18. Dances;

19. Directories;

20. Dry cleaning, laundry;

21. Feats or performances;

22. Finance or lending agency;

23. Hauling;

24. Home occupation;
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25. Hospital;

26. Junk dealer, secondhand store;

27. Livery or feed stable;

28. Minstrels;

29. Newspaper;

30. Nursery;

31. Nursing home;

32. Parking lot;

33. Pawnshop;

34. Peddling sewing machines, organs and office equipment;

35. Phonographs or mechanical musical instruments;

36. Photographic studio;

37. Professions;

38. Radio broadcasting;

39. Real estate office;

40. Service station;

41. Shoeshining;

42. Shooting gallery or skating rink;

43. Shuffleboard;

44. Sideshow signs;

45. Supplying or distributing milk;

46. Tailor shop;

47. Tobacco store;

48. Tombstones;

49. Trained animals;

50. Traveling merchant;

51. Traveling photographer;

52. Undertaker;

53. Vending machines; and

54. Warehouse.
(B) The following businesses will pay a flat fee license tax as follows:

Carnival $600 per week
Circus $120 per day
Contractors $120 per year or $40 per quarter
Fortune teller $100 per day
Restaurant on wheels $25 per quarter
Theaters/shows $54 per quarter, $30 per day or $120 per week if not a fixed place of business
Vending vehicles and
pushcarts $15 per quarter per vehicle plus a $25 registration fee (Ord. 405, passed 6-2-1992; Ord. 430, passed 2-15-1994) § 3-2-4 ITINERANT VENDOR.
(A) Every person engaged in the business or occupation of itinerant vendor shall pay a license fee of $100 per day. (B) ITINERANT VENDOR means and includes all persons, both principal and agent, who engage in a temporary and transient business in the city, selling different articles of wearing apparel, dry goods, fancy foods, notions, jewelry, cutlery, groceries, 521 of 534
machinery, vehicles of all kinds and types, hardware, tinware, mill products or merchandise of any class or character, with the intention of continuing such business in the city for a period of not more than 120 days and who, for the purpose of carrying on such business, has no fixed place of business or hires, leases or occupies any room, building or structure therein for the exhibition or sale of such items and articles as set forth above, or from which room, building or structure the sales are to be made or business solicited by means of samples or delivery from house to house; any such person or firm so engaged shall not be relieved from the provisions of this section by reason of associating temporarily with any local dealer, trader, merchant or auctioneer or by conducting such temporary or transient business in connection with, or as a part of, or in the name of any local dealer, trader, merchant or auctioneer.

1. License required. No person, except a person having a fixed and permanent place of business in the city, and duly licensed to so engage in such business at such fixed and permanent place of business under the provisions of this chapter shall:
(a) Engage in the business of hawking, peddling or vending goods, wares, merchandise, periodicals, reading matter, pictures, foodstuffs, services, advertising or any other article or thing of any kind or nature whatsoever, from door to door, house to house, or building to building, or from or upon the streets, alleys, parks or other public places of the city, or from any hotel, motel, rooming house, trailer house, or other enclosure or place, on foot or from or in any vehicle of any nature whatsoever, either by sample or by taking or soliciting orders for immediate delivery or for delivery in the future; (b) Engage in the business of photography, portraiture, photochromography, operating a photograph studio, taking pictures or any other branch of the photographic art whatsoever, or the rendering or performing of any other skill, profession or service, whether from door to door, house to house or building to building, or from or upon the streets, alleys or other public places of the city, or from any motel, hotel, rooming house, trailer house, enclosure or other place, on foot or from any type of vehicle whatsoever; or (c) Engage in the business of soliciting orders for photographs, peddling tickets, certificates or other documents intended to apply in whole or in part payment for photographs, frames or other photographic merchandise, or other material or in any other manner whatsoever engage in the business of or soliciting orders for any branch of the photographic art in any respect, including copying, retouching, enlarging or coloring of photographs or photograph negatives and prints, or for the rendering or performing of any other skill, profession or service, without first having applied for a license to so engage in such businesses in conformity with the requirements of this chapter and without first having been issued the license to engage in such businesses pursuant to the application as provided for in subsection (B)2. of this section. No person shall be relieved from the provisions hereof or of any other section of this chapter by reason of associating temporarily with any local dealer, trader, merchant or auctioneer having a fixed place of business in the city, or by conducting a temporary, transient or itinerant business in connection with or as part of or in the name of any such local dealer, trader, merchant or auctioneer having a fixed place of business within the city.

2. License, application. All applicants for licenses under the provisions of the subsection (B)1. of this section must pay to the Finance Director an application fee of $5 and must make application therefor to the Finance Director of the city upon forms provided by the city, which forms shall require the following information from the applicant:
(a) Full name, permanent business address, local business address and residence address of the applicant, if an individual, or its authorized representative, if other than an individual applicant; the nature of the applicant, the full names, ages, addresses and that is, whether individual, partnership, firm, corporation or otherwise; and occupations of each person who shall actually vend, solicit or otherwise engage in any act whatsoever within the city required by this chapter to be licensed on behalf of or for the applicant, whether as principal, agent, servant, employee, associate, partner, representative or otherwise; and (b) A specific description of the article or service proposed to be sold, vended or performed, whether for immediate or future delivery or performance and the proposed method of delivery and performance, including information as to whether such sales will be made by quantity, weight, quality, package or otherwise and whether delivery or performance will be made personally or by mail or in what other manner.

3. Documents to accompany application. In the event any form, contract, order blank, warranty, agreement or other written or printed document is to be signed by the purchaser or person receiving the property or service or is involved in any manner otherwise in the business of the applicant for a license as an itinerant peddler, solicitor, vendor or photographer, the application form must be accompanied by a copy of such form, contract, order blank, warranty, agreement or other written or printed document.

4. Photograph required. Each application for a license as required by this chapter must be accompanied by two prints of a recent photograph of each individual person who shall actually engage in vending, selling, soliciting, peddling or doing any other act required under this chapter, to be licensed, whether as principal, agent, servant, employee, associate, partner, representative or otherwise, which photographs shall not exceed two inches square in size and shall be full front views of the face and head only of such persons.

5. Cash deposit or bond required. In each case where it appears that the applicant will or may demand, accept or receive payments or deposits of money or property in advance of final delivery or performance of services, the application shall be accompanied by a cash deposit of $1,000 or by a bond to the city in the penal sum of $1,000 issued by a surety company authorized to do business within the state. Such bond shall be conditioned for making final delivery of goods, wares or merchandise or for final performance of services to be performed in accordance with the order, agreement or contract entered into, and failing therein, the advance payment or deposit on such order shall be refunded or returned. Such cash deposit or bond, as the case may be, shall remain in full force and effect and be retained for a period of 90 days after the expiration of any such license or the termination of any action upon such bond or deposit of which the Finance Director shall have been notified, unless sooner released by the Finance Director.

6. Fee. Each application for a license shall be accompanied by such license fee as may be set forth in this chapter, unless exemption therefrom is approved by the city.

7. Fingerprints required. At the time of making the application for a license, as required by subsection (B)5. of this section, each individual person, whether as principal, agent, servant or employee who shall actually engage in selling, soliciting, vending or doing any other act covered under the provisions of the above mentioned subsection, shall present himself or herself at the office of the Chief of Police of the city for the purpose of being fingerprinted and supplying routine information required on the fingerprinting forms 522 of 534
provided without expense by the city, including the physical characteristics of each person, identifying marks or scars, age, name, address and signature. Such fingerprint records are to be taken in triplicate and each individual so presenting himself or herself is advised that the city reserves the right to retain one of such fingerprint records, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice at Washington, D.C., and to the Criminal Investigation Department of the California Department of Justice at Sacramento, California, for the purpose of filing. No fingerprint records will be returned in the event the license applied for is not issued or is subsequently suspended or revoked.

8. Fee exemption. The following individual applicants shall be exempted from the payment of the license fees in this chapter, but must comply otherwise fully with the applicable requirements as to applications, fingerprinting, bonds and pictures:
(a) Every individual person exempted as an honorably discharged or honorably relieved soldier, sailor or marine under the provisions of Cal. Business and Professions Code § 16001. Such exemptions shall apply only to an individual applicant engaged in peddling, vending or soliciting for and by himself or herself alone, and shall not apply to any individual applicant, otherwise entitled to such exemption, who employs agents, servants or employees in such activities, nor apply to any other type of applicant, of which a person, otherwise entitled to such an exemption is an officer, member, agent or employee. All claims for such exemptions shall be referred to the veteran’s service officer of the county for investigation and recommendation; (b) Every individual person selling and vending farm fruits and vegetables grown and produced by his or her own labor on real property belonging to or possessed by him or her, or selling or vending on property, where the property owner has been granted a conditional use permit for the sale of farm fruits and vegetables; (c) Every applicant claiming to be entitled to exemption from the payment of any license provided for in this chapter upon the ground that such license casts a burden upon his or her right to engage in commerce with foreign nations or among the several states, or conflicts with the United States Constitution or the regulations of the United States Congress respecting interstate commerce or any other matter, shall file a verified statement with the Finance Director of the city disclosing the interstate or other character of his or her business entitled to such exemption. Such statement shall state the name and address of the company or firm or group for which the orders are to be solicited or secured or the sale made, the name of the nearest local or state manager, if any, and his or her address, the kind of goods, wares or merchandise to be delivered, the place from which the same are to be shipped or delivered, the method of solicitation or taking orders, the location of any warehouse, factory or plant in the state, the method of delivery, the name and address of the applicant and any other facts bearing on the issues of exemption. All claims for such exemptions shall be referred to the City Attorney for investigation and recommendation; and (d) Any individual who presents his or her goods and/or services for sale at a residence, where the resident has specifically invited said vendor to his or her residence for said presentation for sale, except that such presentations for sale shall not exceed four times per year per residence.

9. Identification card, issuance.
(a) The character and fitness of every applicant shall first be investigated by the Police Department before any license or identification card shall be issued. After conducting such investigation, if the Police Department finds that the character, reputation or fitness of any such applicant is good, the Department shall notify the Finance Director, who shall issue the license and identification card in accordance with this section. If, after conducting such an investigation, the Police Department finds that the character, reputation or fitness of any such applicant is bad, then the Police Department shall recommend the denial of such license and identification card, which recommendation shall be transmitted to the Finance Director. The Finance Director shall thereupon notify the applicant of such fact.
(b) Upon the receipt of the application accompanied by the required documents, the approval of the Police Department and appropriate fees, if any, the Finance Director shall issue a business license to the applicant and individual identification cards to all persons who shall actually solicit for or on behalf of the applicant, whether as principal or otherwise. Such identification card shall have affixed to it one of the pictures filed by the applicant, and shall contain reference to the issuance of the license, a description of the individual to whom issued, date of expiration and the signature of the individual to whom issued. In case the applicant claims an exemption from the payment of license fees under the provisions of subsection (B)8. of this section, the Finance Director shall issue such license only after he or she has reviewed the reports and recommendation of the county veteran’s service officer, the agricultural commissioner of the county or the City Attorney, as the case may be, and is satisfied therefrom that the applicant is entitled to the exemption.

10. License and identification card to be carried on person. Each applicant for a license, or if other than individual, its representative, must at all times retain in his or her possession the business license issued by the Finance Director and each person issued an identification card must retain the same in his or her personal possession at all times while engaged in the business so licensed within the city and must produce and show the same on the demand of any person solicited or of any police officer or official of the city. No license or person issued an identification card shall alter, remove or obliterate any entry made upon such license or card or deface such license or card in any way. Each license and card shall be personal and not assignable or transferable, nor shall any license or card be used by any person other than the licensee or the person for whom issued.

11. Conditions and regulations applicable to license. The following conditions and regulations shall also apply to the exercise of the privileges granted by licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter in addition to those set forth in other parts of this chapter or elsewhere in this code.
(a) Shouting, horn blowing, calling wares. No person acting under authority of any license issued pursuant to this chapter shall shout, blow horns or call his or her wares in a loud, boisterous or unseemly manner, or to the disturbance of citizens in the city. (b) Identification by comparing signature with that on license. Every licensee or holder of an identification card, upon the request of any police officer or other officer of the city, shall sign his or her name for comparison with the signature upon the license or card or the signature upon the license application.
(c) Orders to be written in duplicate. Any person acting under authority of any license issued under this chapter who solicits orders for future delivery shall write each order at least in duplicate, plainly stating the quantity of each article or commodity ordered, 523 of 534
the price to be paid therefor, the total amount ordered and the amount to be paid on or after delivery. One copy of such order shall be given to the customer.
(d) Loitering on streets, or private property. No licensee or his or her agent, servant or employee shall stop or remain in any one place upon the streets, alleys, or public places in the city longer than necessary to make a sale to a customer wishing to buy, except by prior permission of the City Manager, nor shall any licensee or his or her agent, servant or employee stop or remain upon any private property within the city without the consent of the owner thereof or some person having authority to grant such permission.

12. Revocation and suspension. In the event that the Chief of Police of the city has reasonable cause to believe and does believe that any licensee or other person employed by or representing such licensee is violating any of the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance relating to the business of the licensee, he or she shall have power to and shall be authorized to suspend such license and all identification cards so issued. If no written appeal is filed with the City Clerk protesting such suspension within two days of the date of such suspension, such suspension shall be deemed permanent and all such licenses or identification cards issued thereunder shall be deemed revoked.

13. Appeals to City Council. In the event that any applicant desires to appeal from any order, denial of exemption, order of suspension or any other ruling of the Finance Director, the Chief of Police or any other officer of the city, made under the provisions of this chapter dealing with itinerant peddlers, solicitors, vendors, photographers and others, such applicant or any other person aggrieved shall file written notice of such appeal with the City Clerk and such matters shall be heard at the next regular meeting of the City Council, at which time the City Council shall hear and receive evidence, written and oral upon all matters involved. The decision of the City Council shall be final upon all parties concerned.

14. Solicitation unlawful where “No Peddlers” sign posted. It is unlawful for any person described in this section to perform or attempt to perform the acts described in this section by ringing the doorbell or knocking at the door or otherwise calling attention to his or her presence of or at any residence, whereon a sign bearing the words “No Peddlers”, or words of similar import is painted or affixed so as to be exposed to public view, and no such person described in this section shall perform or attempt to perform any of the acts described in this section in any building, structure or place of business whereon or wherein a sign bearing the words “No Peddlers” or words of similar import, is painted or affixed so as to be exposed to public view. (Ord. 405, passed 6-2-1992)
§ 3-2-8 RESTAURANT ON WHEELS.

Restaurants on wheels shall be subject to the following rules, regulations and requirements:
(A) Restaurants on wheels are subject to § 3-2-4 of this chapter, with the exception that one for every 5,000 population is allowed at a fixed location upon obtaining a use permit; and
(B) Taco trucks are classified as restaurants on wheels. (Ord. 429, passed 2-15-1994)
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