Item:
Minutes for:
Adopted:
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Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Madera City Council Wednesday, May 6, 2026
6:00p.m.
B-1
05/06/2026
05/20/2026
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:
Absent:
Mayor Cece Gallegos
Mayor Pro Tern Rohi Zacharia, District 1
Councilmember Jose Rodriguez, District 2
Councilmember Steve Montes, District 3
Councilmember Anita Evans, District 4
Councilmember Artemio Villegas, District 6
Councilmember Elsa Mejia, District 5
(Councilmember Mejia joined the meeting under Gov. Code 54953.8.3, however due to technical difficulties, consistent visual display per Gov. Code was not possible. Councilmember Mejia left the meeting at 6:08 p.m.) 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, Director of Human Resources Wendy Silva, Network Administrator Jeffrey Neri, Director of Parks and Community Services Joseph Hebert, Planning Manager David Brletic, Chief of Police Giachino Chiaramonte, Public Works Director Harpiar Gandhi, Senior Civil Engineer Steve Bettencourt, Administrative Analyst I (Engineering) Nicole Say, and Communication Specialist Joseph Carrello.
INVOCATION: Pastor Sam Alvarado, Ill, Grace Point Ministry PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tern Zacharia
Mayor Gallegos requested a moment of silence in honor of former Mayor Santos Garcia and Board Supervisor Max Rodriguez, in remembrance of their passing.
A short recess was called due to technical difficulties affecting the consistent visual display of Councilmember Mejia, as required by government code. Councilmember Mejia subsequently left th·e meeting so the meeting could continue.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
ON MOTION BY COUNCIMEMBER EVANS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS, THE AGENDA MOVING ITEM F. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS BEFORE PUBLIC COMMENT, AND CONTINUING City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026
PRESENTATIONS, AND ITEMS E-1 & E-2 TO THE MAY 20TH COUNCIL MEETING WAS APPROVED BY A 6/0 VOTE. ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA.
PRESENTATIONS:
1. Proclamation Recognizing Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
2. Proclamation Recognizing Relay for Life
3. Proclamation Recognizing Public Service Week
4. Proclamation Recognizing International Firefighters Day
5. Proclamation Recognizing National Police Week
6. Proclamation Recognizing National Foster Care Awareness Month
7. Presentation of Madera Unified School District's OPTIONS Program This item was continued to the May 20, 2026 Council meeting.
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.
Anthony Forestiere expressed his condolences on ihe passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia and Board Supervisor Max Rodriguez. Mr. Forestiere asked for Council support in his candidacy for Auditor Controller of Madera County.
Monica Ramirez, Executive Director of First 5 Madera County and Family Resource Center, presented Council with a thank-you card to honor Council's hard work.
Monica Bravo, CEO of Latinos Madera Group expressed their condolences on the passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia and Board Supervisor Max Rodriguez.
City Clerk Alicia Gonzales stated that written Public Comment was submitted by Josh Hylden. A copy of the comment was distributed to Council and extra copies are available at the podium.
City Clerk Alicia Gonzales read written Public Comment submitted by Gabriella Khatchadourian.
I'm reaching out regarding the maintenance in the area behind Parkwood Elementary. Where can we locate a calendar when maintenance is completed in this area, New Parkwood Valencia? My next question is if there are resources available for residents to cover some of the medical expenses? I only ask because some concerns have been brought up that residents have been discouraged to use the hospital because they are being told there is no fee waivers that Madera offers.
No further Public Comment was presented. Public Comment was closed.
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A-1 Consideration of Ordinance Text Amendment (OTA) 2026-01, for the Amendment of Chapter 3 of Title X: Planning and Zoning of the City Municipal Code regarding a Commercial Color Palette and the Establishment of Exterior Paint Color Standards for Construction of New Buildings and Repainting Existing Buildings, within the Commercial Zone Districts City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026
Recommendation: The Planning Commission and staff recommend the City Council conduct a public hearing and take action as follows:
1. Waive full reading and introduce by title only an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Madera determining the project is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and amending Chapter 3 of Title X:
Planning and Zoning of the City Municipal Code (CMC) regarding Exterior Colors in Commercial Zone Districts (Report by Will Tackett)
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS, ITEM A-1 WAS APPROVED BY A 6/0 VOTE. ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA.
INTRO ORD AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
DETERMINING THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT PURSUANT TO SECTION
15061(8)(3) OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES AND AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE X: PLANNING AND
ZONING OF THE CITY MUNICIPAL CODE (CMC) REGARDING EXTERIOR COLORS IN COMMERCIAL ZONE DISTRICTS.
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 RODRIGUEZ, THE CONSENT CALENDAR WAS APPROVED BY A 6/0 VOTE. ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA.
B-1 Minutes - April 15, 2026
Recommendation: Approve the City Council Minutes of April 15, 2026 (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-2 Informational Report on Register of Audited Demands Recommendation: Review Register of Audited Demands Report for April 4 to April 24, 2026 (Report by Michael Lima)
B-3 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance Amending the City's Municipal Code Relating to Fireworks
Recommendation: Waive full reading and adopt by title only an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Madera repealing chapters 13 and 13B of Title Ill, and adopting a new chapter 13 of Title Ill entitled " Regulation of Fireworks"(Report by Giachino Chiaramonte}
ORD 1020 C.S. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA REPEALING CHAPTERS 13 AND CHAPTER 13B OF TITLE Ill, AND ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 13 OF TITLE Ill ENTITLED " REGULATION OF FIREWORKS" B-4 Reciprocal Easement Agreement with Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, Parcel Map No. 25-P-04 (Tentative Parcel Map No. 2025-05)
Recommendation:
City of Madera
205 W. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
1. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Madera Approving the City of Madera as Covenanter to the Reciprocal City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026
RES 26-66
Easement Agreement with Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, Parcel Map No. 25-P-04 (Tentative Parcel Map No. 2025-05) (Report by Will Tackett)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
APPROVING THE CITY OF MADERA AS COVENANTOR TO THE RECIPROCAL
EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND
RESTRICTIONS, PARCEL MAP NO. 25-P-04 (TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2025-05)
B-5 Fleet Mechanics Electric Vehicle Training and Grant Application Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with Advanced Automotive Training for Electrical Vehicle Maintenance Training and submittal of an application to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for reimbursement for above training through the Remove II Program (Report by Michael Lima)
RES 26-67 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH ADVANCED
AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING FOR ELECTRICAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
TRAINING AND SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE SAN JOAQUIN
VALLEY AIR POLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR
THIS TRAINING THROUGH THE REMOVE II PROGRAM
B-6 Proclamation Recognizing World No Tobacco Day
Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order for a Proclamation Recognizing World No Tobacco Day (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
8-7 Addition of One (1) Deputy City Engineer Position to the Engineering Department Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the addition of one (1) Deputy City Engineer position to the Engineering Department (Report by Wendy Silva) RES 26-68 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA
APPROVING THE ADDITION OF ONE DEPUTY CITY ENGINEER POSITION TO
THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
C. WORKSHOP: None
D. PETITIONS, BIDS, RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, AND AGREEMENTS:
D-1 Landscape and Lighting Assessment District Zones of Benefit: Engineer's Report and Intention to Levy and Collect ·Annual Assessment for City Wide Landscape and Lighting Assessment District Zones of Benefit for Fiscal Vear 2026/2027
Recommendation:
City of Madera
205 w. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
1. Adopt Resolution Ordering The City Engineer To File A Report With Regard To City Wide Landscape And Lighting Assessment District Zones of Benefit 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-A, 6-B, 7, 8, 9, 10-A, 10-B, 10-C, 10-D, 10- E, 10-F, 10-G, 10-H,10-I, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15-B, 15-C, 16, 17-A, 17-B, 17- C, 17-D, 18, 20-A, 20-B, 20-C, 21-A, 21-B, 21-C, 21-D, 23, 24, 25-C, 25- D, 26, 26-B, 26-C,26-D, 27, 27-B, 28, 28-B, 29, 29-B, 29-C, 29-D, 29-E, 30, 31-A, 31-B, 32-A, 32-B, 33, 34, 34-B, 34-C, 35, 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43-A, 43-C, 43-D, 43-E, 44, 45-A, 46, 50 & 51 For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27; and
City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026
2. Adopt a Resolution Of Intention To Levy And Collect Annual Assessments For City Wide Landscape And Lighting Assessment District Zones Of Benefit 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-A, 6-8, 7, 8, 9, 10-A, 10-8, 10-C, 10-D, 10-E, 10-F, 10-G, 10-H,10-1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15-8, 15-C, 16, 17-A, 17-8, 17-C, 17-D, 18, 20-A, 20-8, 20-C, 21-A, 21-8, 21-C, 21-D, 23, 24, 25-C,25-D,26,26-B,26-C,26-D,27,27-8,28,28-B,29,29-B,29-C,29- D, 29-E, 30, 31-A, 31-8, 32-A, 32-B, 33, 34, 34-8, 34-C, 35, 36-A, 36-8, 36-C, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43-A, 43-C, 43-D, 43-E, 44, 45-A, 46, 50 & 51 for FY 2026/27 And Setting Date For Public Hearing (Report by Keith Helmuth)
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VILLEGAS, ITEM D-1 WAS APPROVED BY A 6/0 VOTE. ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA.
RES 26-69
RES 26-70
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA,
CALIFORNIA ORDERING THE CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A REPORT WITH
REGARD TO CITY WIDE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT ZONES OF BENEFIT 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-A, 6-B, 7, 8, 9, 10-A, 10-B, 10-C, 10-D, 10-E, 10-F, 10- G, 10-H, 10-1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15-B, 15-C, 16, 17-A, 17-B, 17-C, 17-D, 18, 20- A, 20-B, 20-C, 21-A, 21-B, 21-C, 21-D, 23, 24, 25-C, 25-D, 26, 26-B, 26-C, 26-D, 27, 27-B, 28, 28-B, 29, 29-B, 29-C, 29-D, 29-E, 30, 31-A, 31-B, 32-A, 32-B, 33, 34, 34-B, 34-C, 35, 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43-A, 43-C, 43-0, 43-E, 44, 45-A, 46, 50 & 51 for FY 2026/27
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MADERA, CALIFORNIA, TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS
FOR CITY WIDE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT ZONES OF BENEFIT 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-A, 6-8, 7, 8, 9, 10-A, 10-B, 10-C, 10-D, 10-E, 10-F, 10-G, 10-H, 10-1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15-8, 15-C, 16, 17-A, 17-B, 17-C, 17-D, 18, 20-A, 20-B, 20-C, 21-A, 21-B, 21-C, 21-D, 23, 24, 25-C, 25-D, 26, 26-B, 26-C, 26-D, 27, 27-B, 28, 28-B, 29, 29-B, 29-C, 29-D, 29-E, 30, 31-A, 31-B, 32-A, 32-8, 33, 34, 34-8, 34-C, 35, 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43-A, 43-C, 43-D, 43- E, 44, 45-A, 46, 50 & 51 for FY 2026/27 AND SETTING DATE FOR PUBLIC
HEARING
D-2 Raymond Road Street Improvements Rebid, City Project R-37, CMAQ 5157(094), Shoulder Paving and RMRA Street Rehab
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Contract Award for the Raymond Road Street Improvements Rebid, City Project R-37, CMAQ CML 5157 (094), Shoulder Paving and RMRA Pavement Rehab in the amount of $443,261 to Juarez Brothers General Engineering Inc. and adopting a CEQA Class 1 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption for the project (Report by Keith Helmuth)
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER EVANS AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM ZACHARIA, ITEM D-2 WAS APPROVED BY A 6/0 VOTE. ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA.
RES 26-71
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 RAYMOND ROAD STREET IMPROVEMENTS REBID, CITY PROJECT R-37, CMAQ CML 5157 (094), SHOULDER PAVING AND RMRA PAVEMENT REHAB IN THE
City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026
E.
E-1
AMOUNT OF $443,261 TO JUAREZ BROTHERS GENERAL ENGINEERING INC. AND AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CONTINGENCIES RELATED TO THE
CONTRACT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Update on Sidewalk Improvements Program
Recommendation: This item is informational only; therefore, no Council action is required (Report by Harpiar Gandhi)
This item was continued to the May 20, 2026 Council meeting.
E-2 Selecting Recipients for June Proclamations
Recommendation: Request for Council's Selection of Recipients for the Proclamation Recognizing PRIDE Month and Juneteenth Day (Report by Alicia Gonzales) This item was continued to the May 20, 2026 Council meeting.
E-3 Direction Regarding Animal Control Services Agreement with the County of Madera and Consideration of Establishing a City/County Ad-Hoc Committee F.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Provide direction regarding the City's approach to the County of Madera's request to amend the existing Animal Control Services Agreement; and
2. Approve the establishment of a City Council ad-hoc committee to meet with a corresponding County Board of Supervisors adhoc committee to discuss potential modifications to the agreement (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez)
ON MOTION BY MAYOR GALLEGOS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTES, ITEM E-3
NOMINATING MAYOR GALLEGOS, COUNCILMEMBER RODRIGUEZ AND MAYOR PRO TEM
ZACHARIA TO SERVE AS THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES IN THE AD-HOC COMMITTEE WAS APPROVED BY A 6/0 VOTE. ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER MEJIA.
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.
Council member Rodriguez extended his condolences on the passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia and Board Supervisor Maz Rodriguez. He participated in the League of CA Cities Leaders Summit along with Mayor Pro Tern Zacharia, Councilmembers Mejia, Evans, Villegas and City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez. He proposed that staff look into adding a website chat box. He participated in the San Joaquin Regional Policy Retreat focusing on transportation, housing and air quality issues.
Councilmember Villegas expressed his condolences on the passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia. He noted the significant mentorship he received from the former Mayor and from Councilmember Rodriguez.
City of Madera City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026
205 w. 4th Street
Madera, CA 93637
G.
G-1
Councilmember Evans expressed her condolences on the passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia whom she regarded as a brother. She attended the Celebration of Life for Board Supervisor Max Rodriguez.
Mayor Pro Tern Zacharia expressed his condolences on the passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia. He requested that a proclamation be issued to the Robotic Team in recognition of their 4th World Championship this past Saturday.
Councilmember Montes expressed his condolences on the passing of former Mayor Santos Garcia and Board Supervisor Max Rodriguez.
Mayor Gallegos announced that Relay for Life raised $57,000 in Madera. The community welcomed grand openings with Doors of Hope and Gonzalez Boxing this weekend. The Madera High Coyotes held a volleyball camp for K-6th grade students. Madera County Office of Education held an Art Fest. She witnessed Law Enforcement United cycle through Madera honoring fallen officers during their miles long trek. Mayor Gallegos attended a ribbon cutting where the Governor shared a 30-year/ 30,000 square feet expansion of parklands. The Mayor announced that free national park passes are available at the Madera County Library. She reminded everyone of tomorrow's Madera Prayer Breakfast.
CLOSED SESSION:
Conference with Labor Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 Agency Designated Representatives: Arnoldo Rodriguez, Wendy Silva, and Michael Lima Employee Organizations: Madera Affiliated City Employees' Association, Madera Police Officers' Association, Mid Management
Employee Group, and Law Enforcement Mid
Management Employee Group
City Attorney Shannon Chaffin made the closed session announcement at 7:20 p.m. Mr. Chaffin and Council returned from Closed Session at 7:36 p.m. Mr. Chaffin stated there was no reportable action.
FUTURE MEETING DATES:
• Wednesday, May 20, 2026
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
TES PREPARED BY
ZELDA LEON, Deputy City Clerk
City of Madera
205 W. 4'h Street
Madera, CA 93637
I
City Council Minutes
May 6, 2026