Item: B-1
Minutes for: 02/18/2026
Adopted: 03/04/2026
The City of
MADERA
VALLEY CENTRAL
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Madera City Council Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Council Chambers
City Hall
6:00 p.m.
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 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayor Cece Gallegos
Mayor Pro Tem Rohi Zacharia, District 1
Councilmember Jose Rodriguez, District 2
Councilmember Steve Montes, District 3
Councilmember Anita Evans, District 4
Councilmember Elsa Mejia, District 5 (Attended through Zoom) 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, Director of Financial Services Michael Lima, Division Fire Chief Larry Pendarvis, Grants Administrator Marcela Zuniga, Director of Human Resources Wendy Silva, Director of Information Technology Gary Price, Director of Parks and Community Services Joseph Hebert, Planning Manager David Brletic, Chief of Police Giachino Chiaramonte, Director of Public Works Harpiar Gandhi, Deputy City Engineer Ellen Bitter, Senior Civil Engineer Jonathan Gramajo, Assistant Engineer David Gomez and Communication Specialist Joseph Carrello.
INVOCATION: Pastor Brandon Hopkins, Grace Community Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Zacharia
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM ZACHARIA AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES, THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE AS SEEN BELOW:
YES: (7) MAYOR GALLEGOS
COUNCILMEMBER ZACHARIA
MAYOR PRO TEM RODRIGUEZ
COUNCILMEMBER MONTES
COUNCILMEMBER EVANS
COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA
COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS
City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4* Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 1 of 9
PRESENTATIONS:
1. Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month
2. Proclamation Recognizing California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Awareness Week 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.
Harlon Rippetoe, the founder of the Big Valley Horseshoe League, stated he appreciates the Parks Department staff for all their assistance. He believes the City of Madera has some of the best-looking parks in the state.
Michael Hoffridge, a veteran of the 82^d Airborne Division and the first Gulf War, would like the Council's help in building the Central Valley Vintage Aircraft Museum for the community.
Alexa Morales of 510 E. Adell Street indicates that they used to be out in the County but are now within the City Limits. KB Homes is building next to them and Mr. Morales requests that the water and sewer lines be brought closer to their homes, so they can utilize. Mr. Morales indicated they are unable to bring those lines closer to their homes as it is expensive and they would also have to pay a monthly utility fee.
No further Public Comment was presented. Public Comment was closed.
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
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 EVANS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES, THE CONSENT CALENDAR WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE AS SEEN BELOW:
YES: (7) MAYOR GALLEGOS
COUNCILMEMBER ZACHARIA
MAYOR PRO TEM RODRIGUEZ
COUNCILMEMBER MONTES
COUNCILMEMBER EVANS
COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA
COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS
Recommendation: Approve the City Council Minutes of February 4, 2026 (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-2 Adoption of updated City of Madera Full Time Salary Schedules Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving revised City of Madera Full Time Salary Schedules effective January 24, 2026 (Report by Wendy Silva) RES 26-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
ADOPTINGTHE CITY OF MADERA FULL TIME SALARY SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 24, 2026
City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 2 of9
B-3 Temporary overfill of Mechanic budgeted positions
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving a temporary overfill for the Mechanic classification due to specialized training requirements (Report by Wendy Silva)
RES 26-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
APPROVING A TEMPORARY OVERFILL OF THE MECHANIC BUDGETED POSITIONS AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 OPERATING BUDGET
B-4 Fee waivers for all 2026 City-run baseball programs Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution waiving the registration for City-run T-ball and Coach Pitch Leagues for 2026 (Report by Joseph Hebert)
RES 26-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF REGISTRATION FEES CITYRUN T-BALL AND COACH PITCH LEAGUES FOR 2026
B-5 Certificate of Recognition Honoring Linda Garner
Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order approving a Certificate of Recognition honoring Linda Garner founder of Doors of Hope (Report by Alicia Gonzales) B-6 American Cancer Society Waiver Request for Relay for Life 2026, Heart of California Event Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to waive the rental fees of the Lions Town & Country Park starting on May 1, 2026, and ending on May 3, 2026, related to the Relay for Life 2026 event hosted by the American Cancer Society, at an anticipated rental fee of $1,118.75 (Report by Joseph Hebert) RES 26-15 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA WAIVING THE RENTAL FEES OF THE TOWN & COUNTRY PARK ON MAY 1, 2026, THROUGH MAY 3, 2026, RELATED TO THE RELAY FOR
LIFE EVENT HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, AT AN ANTICIPATED FEE RENTAL OF $1,118.75
B-7 Madera County Behavioral Health Waiver Request for Underage Drinking Training Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to waive the rental fees of the Frank Bergon Senior Center on February 20, 2026, related to an Underage Drinking Training from the California Highway Patrol, hosted by Madera County Behavioral Health Services, at an anticipated rental fee of $252.50 (Report by Joseph Hebert)
RES 26-16 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA WAIVING THE RENTAL FEES OF THE FRANK BERGON SENIOR CENTER ON FEBRUARY 20, 2026, RELATED TO AN UNDERAGE DRINKING
TRAINING FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, HOSTED BY
MADERA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, AT AN ANTICIPATED RENTAL FEE OF $252.50
B-8 Actions Relating to Sienna Estates Subdivision
Recommendation: 1. Adopt a Resolution:
City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 3 of 9
a. Approving the Final Map for the Sienna Estates Phase 2 Subdivision (Tract No. 22-S-01); and
b. Approving Revised and Restated Improvement Agreement for the Sienna Estates Subdivision Phase 1 (Agreement) (Tract No. 05-S-19) and Phase 2 (Tract No. TSM 22-S-01); and
c. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans for roadway improvements along State Route 145; and
d. Authorizing staff to record the Phase 2 Final Map and Agreement; and
e. Accepting the Dedication of Land for Public Use; and
2. Adopt a Resolution Initiating Proceedings Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 for the Annexation of Property into City of Madera Landscape Maintenance District Zone of Benefit 45A, to Review the Improvements and Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024/25, and Setting a Public Hearing (Report by Keith Helmuth) RES 26-17 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FINAL MAP FOR THE SIENNA ESTATES PHASE 2 SUBDIVISION (TRACT NO. 22-S-01) AND REVISED AND RESTATED IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR SIENNA ESTATES PHASE 1 SUBDIVISION (TRACT NO. 05-S-19) AND SIENNA ESTATES PHASE 2 SUBDIVISION (TRACT NO. 22-S-01) AND ACCEPTNG DEDICATIONS FOR PUBLIC USE
RES 26-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA INITIATING PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972 FOR THE ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY INTO
CITY OF MADERA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT (LMD) ZONE OF BENEFIT 45A, TO REVIEW THE IMPROVEMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING
B-9 Traffic Signal Installation at South and D Streets City Project No. TS-32, Federal Project CML 5157 (125)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the contract award for Tratfic Signal Installation at South and D Streets City Project No. TS-32, Federal Project CML 5157 (125), for $432,367 to St Francis Electric, LLC and adopting a CEQA Class 2 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption for the project (Report by Keith Helmuth)
RES 26-19 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT AWARD FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION AT SOUTH STREET AND D STREET CITY PROJECT NO. TS-32, FEDERAL PROJECT CML 5157 (125) IN THE AMOUNT OF $432,367.00 TO
ST FRANCIS ELECTRIC AND AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CONTINGENCIES
RELATED TO THE CONTRACT
B-10 Traffic Signal Installation at Cleveland Avenue and Granada Drive City Project No. TS-24, Federal Project CML 5157 (124)
City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 4 of 9
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the contract award for Traffic Signal Installation at Cleveland Avenue and Granada Drive City Project No. TS- 24, Federal Project CML 5157 (124), for $344,617 to St Francis Electric, LLC and adopting a CEQA Class 1 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption for the project (Report by Keith Helmuth)
RES 26-20 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT AWARD FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
INSTALLATION AT CLEVELAND AVENUE AND GRANADA DRIVE CITY PROJECT NO. TS-24, FEDERAL PROJECT CML 5157 (124) IN THE AMOUNT OF $344,617 TO ST FRANCIS ELECTRIC AND AUTHORIZING CONTRACT
CONTINGENCIES RELATED TO THE CONTRACT
B-11 Traffic Signal Modification at the Intersection of Howard Rd & Pine St, Howard Rd, & Yosemite Ave/Q St, City Project No. TS-23 Federal Project No. CML 5157(121) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the contract award for Traffic Signal Modification at the Intersection of Howard Rd & Pine St, Howard Rd, & Yosemite Ave/Q St, City Project No. TS-23 Federal Project No. CML 5157(121), for $211,097.00 to St Francis Electric, LLC. and adopting a CEQA Class 1 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption for the project (Report by Keith Helmuth)
RES 26-21 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT AWARD FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
MODIFICATION AT HOWARD ROAD AND PINE STREET, HOWARD ROAD AND YOSEMITE AVENUE/Q STREET CITY PROJECT NO. TS-23, FEDERAL PROJECT CML 5157 (121) IN THE AMOUNT OF $211,097.00 TO ST
FRANCIS ELECTRIC AND AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CONTINGENCIES
RELATED TO THE CONTRACT
B-12 Agreement with BSK Associates for Testing Services Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the professional services agreement with BSK Associates for testing services not to exceed $173,957 related to the water main replacement City Project No. W-43 Rebid (Report by Keith Helmuth)
RES 26-22 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
APPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BSK
ASSOCIATES FOR TESTING SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $173,957 RELATED TO THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. W-43 REBID PROJECT B-13 Sidewalk Improvements at Various Locations, City Project No. R-94 Bid Package 3 Phase 2 AHSC Agreement No. 19-AHSC-12761
Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order Approving:
1. Acceptance of the Sidewalk Improvements at Various Locations City Project No. R-94 Bid Package 3 Phase 2 AHSC Agreement No. 19- AHSC-12761; and
2. Recording of Notice of Completion; and
City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4'h Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 5 of 9
3. Release of retention 35 days after the recording of the Notice of Completion (Report by Keith Helmuth)
B-14 Olive Avenue Widening and Reconstruction - Gateway Drive to Knox Street Phase 2, Utility Undergrounding City Project No. R-000010
Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order Approving:
1. Acceptance of the Olive Avenue Widening and Reconstruction - Gateway Drive to Knox Street, Phase 2 Utility Undergrounding, City Project No. R-000010; and
2. Recording of Notice of Completion; and
3. Release of retention 35 days after the recording of the Notice of Completion; and (Report by Keith Helmuth)
B-15 Temporary use of 103 East Yosemite Avenue (APN:007-101-011) for construction staging Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the License to Enter Agreement with Rolfe Construction for temporary use of City-owned property associated with the Water Main Replacement Project, City Project No. W-43 Rebid (Report by Keith Helmuth)
RES 26-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
APPROVING A LICENSE TO ENTER AGREEMENT WITH ROLFE
CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. W-43 (REBID)
B-16 Agreement with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with BSI for backflon prevention assembly notification and Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) management and control program data management services (Report by RES 26-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A NEW AGREEMENT WITH BACKFLOW
SOLUTIONS, INC., FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOTIFICATION
AND FATS, OILS, AND GREASE PROGRAM DATA MANAGEMENT SERVICES c. WORKSHOP:
C-1 Discussion and Direction regarding City Private Domestic Water Well Permitting Regulations and Policies
Recommendation: This report is submitted for Discussion and Direction regarding City Private Domestic Water Well Permitting Regulations and Policies (Report by Will Tackett)
D. PETITIONS, BIDS, RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, AND AGREEMENTS: None E. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
E-1 Micro Transit Feasibility Study Update
Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Michael Lima) City of Madera City Council Minutes
205W. W.4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 6 of 9
E-2 Caltrans Highway Capital Preventive Maintenance (CAPM) Project 06-0Y180 on State Route 145 (Project) Update Relative to Business Owner Impacts Recommendation: This report has been prepared at the direction of the City Council (Council), therefore there is no staff recommendation provided. Council is asked to consider the information and provide further direction at its discretion (Report by Keith Helmuth)
E-3 Informational report on the Madera Metro Transit System Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Michael Lima) E-4 4th of July Celebration
Recommendation: This report was prepared at the direction of the City Council (Council) for informational purposes. No staff recommendation or Council action is requested; however, Council may provide direction if desired (Report by Joseph Hebert)
Council discussed a City Contribution of $20,000 to secure the fireworks vendor. There was discussion that funds could comprise of donated funds for the event and/or surplus funds from several budget line items such as the City Manager contingency fund. If any funds remained after the event, those funds would be transferred back into the budget line items from which they came.
ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM ZACHARIA AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES, ITEM E-4 AS DISCUSSED WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE AS SEEN BELOW:
YES: (7) MAYOR GALLEGOS
COUNCILMEMBER ZACHARIA
MAYOR PRO TEM RODRIGUEZ
COUNCILMEMBER MONTES
COUNCILMEMBER EVANS
COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA
COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS
E-5 Commercial Exterior Paint Color Palette
Recommendation: Receive report from staff, discuss regulations pertaining to the establishment of a citywide commercial exterior paint color palette, and provide staff with direction (Report by Will Tackett)
E-6 Administration of the Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan Funds (CDBG- RLF Program
Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes and there is no action requested from the City Council (Report by Michael Lima) E-7 Race Communications and Upcoming Installation of Internet and Telephone Services Recommendation: Receive introduction and provide direction, if any, regarding information provided as part of this report to City Council (Report by Keith Helmuth) Mayor Gallegos called for a recess at 9:10 p.m. Meeting resumed at 9:15 p.m.
City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637
E-8 Selecting Recipients for March Proclamation
Recommendation: Request for Council's Selection of Recipients for the Proclamation Recognizing Red Cross Month and Women's History Month (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
Mayor Gallegos suggested that the proclamation be presented at the March 4th Council meeting. Mayor Gallegos nominated the Red Cross of Fresno Madera as the recipient of the Red Cross Month proclamation. Mayor Gallegos nominated Patty Manfredi as the recipient of the Women's History Month proclamation.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA, ITEM E-8 AS DISCUSSED WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY A 7/0 VOTE AS SEEN BELOW:
YES: (7) MAYOR GALLEGOS
COUNCILMEMBER ZACHARIA
MAYOR PRO TEM RODRIGUEZ
COUNCILMEMBER MONTES
COUNCILMEMBER EVANS
COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA
COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS
E-9 Employee work locations and office space needs
Recommendation: This report has been prepared at the direction of the City Council (Council), therefore there is no staff recommendation provided. Council is asked to consider the information and provide further direction at its discretion (Report by Wendy Silva)
E-10 Lions Town & Country Park Trail Improvement Project Update Recommendation: This report has been prepared at the direction of the City Council (Council) for informational purposes; no staff recommendation or Council action is requested (Report by Joseph Hebert)
F. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
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 Rodriguez thanked Councilmember Evans for inviting him to the Black History Month event that Councilmember Evans coordinated and which was held on Sunday. He expressed his condolences to the families of the young folks that passed away this weekend.
Councilmember Villegas mentioned that he had fun at the Black History Month event.
Councilmember Montes thanked Community Development Director Will Tackett for attending and representing the City of Madera at the HUD meeting. He mentioned that he appreciates the Police Department for all they do.
Mayor Pro Tem Zacharia mentioned it was a great experience to attend the event on Sunday.
Councilmember Evans thanked her colleagues, the Police Department, the Parks Department, the City Manager and the maintenance staff for their assistance with the Black History Month City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W. 4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637 Page 8 of 9
event. The building was outstanding and the Miller sisters were impressed with the Fire Department and the presentation of the flag.
Councilmember Mejia thanked staff for bringing the staff reports that Council requested during the previous meeting.
Mayor Gallegos stated she sends prayers to the family of the grandmother that passed away.
She gave a shout out to Assemblyman Gray who has indicated the City of Madera will be receiving two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the sewer project.
G. CLOSED SESSION:
G-1 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Deciding whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) One Case
G-2 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code, §54956.9(d)(1)) Name of Case: City of Madera v. Jesus Lopez
County of Madera Superior Court Case No. MCV086188
City Attorney Shannon Chaffin made the closed session announcement at 9:39 p.m. Mr.
Chaffin and Council returned from Closed Session at 10:05 p.m. Mr. Chaffin stated there was no reportable action.
FUTURE MEETING DATES:
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Wednesday, March 18, 2026
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
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City of Madera City Council Minutes
205 W, 4th Street February 18, 2026
Madera, CA 93637