July 16, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Item:
Minutes for:
Adopted:
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Madera City Council B-1
07/16/2025
08/20/2025
Council Chambers
City Hall
The Madera City Council meetings are open to the public. The meeting was available for public viewing and participation through Zoom. Members of the public were able to observe the live-streamed meeting on the City's website and were able to comment on agenda items at the meeting, remotely through an electronic meeting via phone, via email and by regular mail.
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayor Cece Gallegos
Mayor Pro Tern Jose Rodriguez, District 2
Councilmember Rohi Zacharia, District 1
Councilmember Steve Montes, District 3
Councilmember Anita Evans, District 4
Councilmember Elsa Mejia, District 5
Councilmember Artemio Villegas, District 6
Others present were City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez, City Clerk Alicia Gonzales, City Attorney Shannon L. Chaffin, City Engineer Keith Helmuth, Community Development Director Will Tackett, Grants Administrator Marcela Zuniga, Director of Human Resources Wendy Silva, Director of Information Technology Gary Price, Director of Parks and Community Services Joseph Hebert, Chief of Police Giachino Chiaramonte, Deputy City Engineer Ellen Bitter, Assistant Engineer Alexis Raymundo, Recreation/Community Programs Coordinator Adam Romero and Communication Specialist Joseph Carrello.
INVOCATION: Councilmember Zacharia
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tern Rodriguez
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS, THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE.
PRESENTATIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The first 15 minutes of the meeting are reserved for members of the public to address the Council on items which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. The Council is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters discussed that are not on the agenda, and no adverse conclusions should be drawn if the Council does not respond to public comment at this time.
Cynthia Obregon, a resident of Madera, mentioned that she was not in attendance during the June Pride Month proclamation and expressed her gratitude to Council for recognizing gay people.
Yolanda Contreras, a resident of Madera County spoke on behalf of the Madera Splash pad Project. She advocated for a fun place for children to play in Madera. She was saddened to hear Mayor Gallegos suggest to her and others that they visit other cities to enjoy their splash pads.
Michaela Contreras, a member of the public, advocated for a splash pad in Madera. Ms. Contreras asked Council why there was no clear direction to the Parks Director, no follow-up communications to their groups and why the Parks Director and City Manager were not present when their group met with Councilmembers. She also asked that this item be added to Council agendas until resolved.
Bishop Sherrod Cotton stated that they are opening a Church at 160 Dwyer Street. He invited Council to their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on August 3rd at 5:00 p.m. and he will be reaching out to Councilmember Evans for their musical event on August l't.
Mayor Pro Tern Rodriguez advised Council and City Clerk Alicia Gonzales that Bishop Cotton would like to be added to the invocation rotation. Bishop Cotton was asked to give his contact information to the City Clerk.
Jose Rivera, a member of the public, advocated for a splash pad in Madera. He asked that instead of having a table tennis area at Taubert Park that Council switch that out for a splash pad.
City Clerk Alicia Gonzales stated there were two written comments. Both were emailed to Council, copies were provided to Council for this meeting and copies were available at the podium for whomever wished to see them.
l51 Written Comment: by Tina Hernandez
Dear City Council Members, I am a mother and have two little ones. I would like to support the Madera Splash Pad Project and ask for each and everyone of you to please approve on this beneficial project.
We need this space for our community during the hot summer weather to safely cool down. I have two little children that have enjoyed the outdoors and because of the heat we are having to stay home or do indoor play. We would like the option to just drive down the street and have some fun cooling down in Madera but instead we have had to travel to Fresno or nearby cities to play in their splash pads. While we are there in other communities, we are also spending money on food, gas, etc when we would prefer to spend money in Madera. As you know traveling is also time consuming and my kids often get anxious by the time we get to where we need to go. Not having to travel out of town just to cool down and enjoy the fun of a splash pad would help us so much. A splash pad in Madera is much needed. Every city seem to have them but why not us. My children and I are asking for your help and to please support this project and make it a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration.
2nd Written Comment: by Maurice Johnson
This email is to address the vacancies within the Airport Advisory Committee. I am reporting my observations relating to the lack of participation from existing members of the airport advisory board.
There hasn't been a quorum in quite some time and it would be good to enlist people that are motivated to serve within their community. I (Maurice Johnson) have applied for an opportunity to support one of the vacant roles and would like to be considered. Again, this email is to bring to your attenti6h that the state -or order of business tled-to the Aipori: Advisory Committee's members attendance has been deficient. Thank you.
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025
No further Public Comment was presented. Public Comment was closed.
A.
A-1
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Establishment of Cannabis Business Permit Fees for the Annual Renewal of Cannabis Business Permits
Recommendation: Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Madera Establishing a Fee of $2816. 70 for the Annual Renewal of Cannabis Business Permits (Report by Will Tackett)
Josh Lewis representing Embarc stated he supports this item and also supports giving an update on their community benefits efforts.
No further Public Comment was presented. Public Comment was closed.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS, ITEM A-1 WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE.
RES 25-135 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA ESTABLISHING A FEE OF $2816.70 FOR THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF
CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITS
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion and one vote.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS, THE CONSENT CALENDAR WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE. ITEM B-4 WAS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION.
B-1 Minutes - July 2, 2025
Recommendation: Approve the City Council Minutes of July 2, 2025 (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-2 Informational Report on Register of Audited Demands Recommendation: Review Register of Audited Demands Report for June 21, 2025 to July 4, 2025 (Report by Michael Lima)
B-3 Informational Report on Personnel Activity
Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes only and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Wendy Silva) B-4 Quarterly Board, Commission, and Committee Attendance Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes only and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez) B-5 Informational Report on Contract City Attorney Services and Litigation Expenditures Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes only and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez) B-6 Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grants and Airport Improvement Program Grants for the Madera Municipal Airport
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution:
RES 25-136
1. Ratifying the submitted grant applications for Federal Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager to accept the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, including subsequent amendments thereto, that are likely to follow those applications for projects at the Madera Municipal Airport (Airport) (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS TO THE FEDERAL
AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT AIRPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS (AIG) AND AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (AIP) GRANTS, INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO, FOR
THE PROJECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE APPLICATIONS AT THE MADERA
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (AIRPORT)
B-7 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mid Management (MM) Recommendation: It is recommended the City Council adopt a resolution approving the MOU between the City of Madera and MM effective July 16, 2025, through June 30, 2027 (Report by Wendy Silva)
RES 25-137 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA APPROVING
A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF MADERA AND MID MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE JULY 16, 2025, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
B-8 Adoption of Updated City of Madera Full Time Salary Schedules Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving Revised City of Madera Full Time Salary Schedules Effective June 28, 2025, and July 12, 2025 (Report by Wendy Silva)
RES 25-138 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
ADOPTING THE CITY OF MADERA FULL TIME SALARY SCHEDULES
EFFECTIVE JUNE 28, 2025, AND JULY 12, 2025
B-9 Acceptance of a Grant Award from the State of California Department of California Highway Patrol
Recommendation:
RES 25-139
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
Adopt Resolutions:
1. Accepting the Grant Award in the amount of $83,468; and
2. Amending the City's 2025/26 Adopted Budget by $83,468 to Reflect Revenues and Expenditures Related to the Grant (Report by Giachino Chiaramonte)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING GRANT AWARD FROM THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL IN THE City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025
RES 25-140
AMOUNT OF $83,468 AND DESIGNATING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE
AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL TO ACCEPT THE GRANT AWARD
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF MADERA FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET
B-10 Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team Memorandum of Understanding Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Multi-agency Memorandum of Understanding Establishing the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team and Authorizing the Chief of Police to Execute the Agreement (Report by Giachino Chiaramonte)
RES 25-141 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
APPROVING A MULTI-AGENCY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
ESTABLISHING THE MADERA COUNTY NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT TEAM
AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT B-11 Lease Agreement with Madera Unified School District and California Teaching Fellows Foundation for the John Wells Youth Center
Recommendation: 1. Adopt a Resolution Approving a Two-Year Lease Agreement between the City of Madera and Madera Unified School District for Occupation and Use of Facilities at the John W. Wells Youth Center
2. Adopt a Resolution Approving a Two-Year Lease Agreement between the City of Madera and California Teaching Fellows Foundation for the Occupation and Use of Facilities at the John Wells Youth Center (Report by Joseph Hebert}
RES 25-142 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING A TWO-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MADERA AND MADERA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR
OCCUPATION AND USE OF FACILITIES AT THE JOHN W. WELLS YOUTH CENTER
RES 25-143 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING A TWO-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MADERA AND CALIFORNIA TEACHING FELLOWS FOUNDATION FOR OCCUPATION AND USE OF FACILITIES AT THE JOHN W. WELLS YOUTH CENTER
B-12 Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria Fee Waiver Request for the Community Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway
Recommendation:
RES 25-144
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
Adopt a Resolution Waiving the Rental Fees of the Pan-American Community Center (PACC) on August 5, 2025, related to the Community Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway event hosted by Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, at an Anticipated Rental Fee of $790 (Report by Joseph Hebert)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA WAIVING THE RENTAL FEES OF THE PAN-AMERICAN
COMMUNITY CENTER ON AUGUST 5, 2025, RELATED TO
City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025
ASSEMBLYWOMAN ESMERALDA SORIA'S COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR
AND BACKPACK GIVEAWAY EVENT, AT AN ANTICIPATED RENTAL FEE OF $790
8-13 Madera Coalition for Community Justice Fee Waiver Request for the Electric Vehicle Application Clinic Resource Event
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Waiving the Rental Fees of the Frank Bergon Senior Center (FBSC) on August 9, 2025, related to the Electric Vehicle Application Clinic Resource Event hosted by the Madera Coalition for Community Justice (MCO), at an Anticipated Rental Fee of $715 (Report by Joseph Hebert)
RES 25-145 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA WAIVING THE RENTAL FEES OF THE FRANK BERGON SENIOR CENTER ON AUGUST 9, 2025, RELATED TO MADERA COALITION FOR
COMMUNITY JUSTICE'S ELECTRIC VEHICLE APPLICATION CLINIC RESOURCE EVENT, AT AN ANTICIPATED RENTAL FEE OF $715
8-14 Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for Centrifuge #2 Rehabilitation Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment for $60,000 to Fund the Rehabilitation of Centrifuge #2 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez)
RES 25-146 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR $60,000 TO FUND THE REHABILITATION OF CENTRIFUGE #2 AT THE WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP)
C. WORKSHOP: None
D. PETITIONS, BIDS, RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, AND AGREEMENTS:
D-1 Community and Park Facility Parking Lot Surface Rehabilitation, City Project No. PK-81, CDBG Block Grant and City Hall Parking Lot Resurfacing
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution:
1. Approving a contract award for Community and Park Facility Parking lot Surface Rehabilitation, City Project No. PK-81 CDBG Block Grant Including Bid Alternate 1 Mountain Vista Parking Lot and Bid Alternate 2 City Hall Parking Lot in the amount of $743,120.00 to VSS International, Inc., and
2. Approving a budget amendment in the amount of $194,830.84 to fully fund the project; and
3. Determining the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Report by Keith Helmuth) No Public Comment was presented. Public Comment was closed.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS, ITEM D-1 WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE.
RES 25-147
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT AWARD FOR COMMUNITY AND City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025
PARK FACILITIES PARKING LOT SURFACE REHABILITATION, CITY PROJECT NO. PK-81 CDBG BLOCK GRANT INCLUDING BID ALTERNATE 1 MOUNTAIN VISTA PARKING LOT AND BID ALTERNATE 2 CITY HALL PARKING LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $743,120.00 TO VSS INTERNATIONAL, INC,. AND APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $194,830.84
TO FULLY FUND THE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING CONSTRUCTION
CONTINGENCIES RELATING TO THE CONTRACT
D-2 Contractor Services Agreement with Tosted Asphalt, Inc. for IFB 202425-23 Lions Town & Country Park Trail Improvements
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Awarding a Construction Services Agreement under Invitation for Bid (IFB) 202425-23 for the Lions Town & Country Park Trail Improvements for $841,019.63 to Tosted Asphalt, Inc., with a Construction Contingency of up to 10 Percent of the Original Construction Agreement amount, up to $84,102 (Report by Joseph Hebert) Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Hebert stated the bid came in under the Engineer's bid.
Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Hebert was asked and answered that they may be able to expand the play area with the spare funds. Mayor Pro Tern Rodriguez asked that an estimate for a water park (splash pad) be kept in mind as a possible use for the funds.
No Public Comment was presented. Public Comment was closed.
ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODRIGUEZ AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES, ITEM D-2 WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE.
RES 25-148 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AGREEMENT UNDER INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) 202425-23 LIONS TOWN & COUNTRY PARK TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS FOR $841,019.63 TO TOSTED ASPHALT, INC. WITH A CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCY OF UP TO 10% OF THE ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT AMOUNT, UP TO $84,102
E. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
E-1 Parks & Community Services Department Fiscal Year 2024/25 Quarter 4 Recap Recommendation: This report is submitted to provide the City Council with an informational report on the status of the Parks & Community Services (PCS) Department Fiscal Year 2024/25 Quarter 4 Recap (Report by Joseph Hebert) E-2 Appointments to the Golf Course Advisory Committee
Recommendation: This report is submitted to request direction from the City Council on the Golf Course Advisory Committee Members (Report by Joseph Hebert)
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS, TO TABLE ITEM E-2 TO THE NEXT MEETING WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE.
E-3 Informational Report on the Madera Metro Transit System Recommendation:
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
This report is submitted for informational purposes and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Michael Lima) City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025
F. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
G.
This portion of the meeting is reserved for the Mayor and Councilmembers (i) to make brief reports on boards, committees, and other public agencies, and at public events, (ii) to request updates, (iii) to initiate future agenda items, and (iv) to take action on matters initiated under this section of the agenda.
Councilmember Villegas had no reports.
Mayor Pro Tern Rodriguez requested that vacancies in the Airport Advisory Committee be added to a future agenda to address current vacancies and ensure that future meetings can achieve quorum and proceed with necessary business. He thanked the various service clubs, sponsors and agencies that were involved in putting on this year's fireworks show.
Councilmember Mejia requested that an item be to a future agenda where they can review which boards and commissions remain relevant, examine the nomination and appointment processes for filling vacancies, and explore opportunities for community input and engagement. She attended the Leighton's Jewelers ribbon cutting. Councilmember Villegas was also present at that event.
Councilmember Montes thanked those who helped put on this year's fireworks show.
Councilmember Zacharia thanked the Police Department for keeping the Fireworks Spectacular show safe and thanked the various sponsors for their generous donations and thanked volunteers for their time in preparing for the event.
Councilmember Evans had no reports.
Mayor Gallegos mentioned the ribbon cutting for J&P Spinal and Joint Center and also welcomed five new officers who recently graduated from the Police Academy and will soon begin their training with the Madera Police Department.
CLOSED SESSION: None
FUTURE MEETING DATES:
■ Wednesday, August 20, 2025
• Wednesday, September 3, 2025
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
City Council Minutes
July 16, 2025