Public Safety Sub-Committee Minutes 1 June 5, 2023
MINUTES
MENDOTA PUBLIC SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE
MEETING
June 5, 2023
12:00 PM
Mendota City Hall
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Alonso at 12:01 p.m.
Members Present: Chairperson Jose Alonso, Vice Chairperson Libertad “Liberty” Lopez, and Committee Member Joseph Amador
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager; Kevin Smith, Chief of Police; Gerardo Galaviz, Police Sergeant; Jeronimo Angel, Public Utilities Superintendent, Victor Martinez, Mayor; Celeste Cabrera-Garcia, City Clerk; and Antonio Pizano, Deputy City Clerk.
Others Present: Maria Gavina, RCS Fresno – Carmen Meza Center; Nicolas Esquivel, Caltrans.
II. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The minutes for the regular meeting of May 1, 2023, were approved based on a subcommittee consensus.
III. BUSINESS
1. Chairperson Alonso
a) Discussion of thefts in the City
Chairperson Alonso introduced the item and discussion was held on an increase in thefts throughout the City; the City’s citation process for thefts; the possibility of implementing community policing or a neighborhood watch program, and on the Mendota Police Department’s (“MPD”) personnel.
b) Traffic issues during school hours
Chairperson Alonso introduced the item and discussion was held on traffic issues during school hours; cars speeding through a stop sign at the intersection of Marie and I Streets; and possible solutions to address the traffic issues being faced by the schools.
Public Safety Sub-Committee Minutes 2 June 5, 2023
Chairperson Alonso left the Public Safety Subcommittee meeting.
2. Vice-Chairperson Lopez
3. Committee Member Amador
a) Discussion of homelessness in the City
Committee Member Amador introduced the item and discussion was held on homelessness in the City; the need to address homelessness before it becomes a bigger problem; mental health services offered to the homeless population; and on possible grants to assist with the development of a homeless facility. b) Discussion of illicit drug issues
Committee Member Amador introduced the item and discussion was held on drug use in the City; the need to work with the California Highway Patrol to limit drug entry into the City, and the need to address drug use in the City. c) Discussion on vehicles exhibiting speed and having loud exhausts Committee Member Amador introduced the item and discussion was held on the loud exhausts on vehicles throughout the City; speeding vehicles; unlawful parking by vehicles throughout the City; on asking businesses to locate their tobacco/smoking products to different areas of their business to limit exposure of these products to children; parking availability requirements for new businesses; and cars not respecting bike riders throughout the City.
4. Code Enforcement
a) Monthly update
Chief of Police Smith provided the monthly update for the Code Enforcement Department including their ongoing work with weed abatement and provided an update on the Animal Control Department.
Discussion was held on the updates provided by Chief Smith.
5. Police Department
a) Monthly update
Chief Smith provided the monthly update for the Police Department including increased crime in the City due to the rising temperatures and on the MPD’s work to address public drinking.
6. Other Business
Public Safety Sub-Committee Minutes 3 June 5, 2023
Maria Gavina with RCS Fresno – Carmen Meza Center provided an update on services offered by the agency.
City Manager Gonzalez stated that he would address any concerns that anyone might have regarding anything that was discussed during the meeting.
Deputy City Clerk Pizano provided an update on a Community Clean Up event that was held on June 3, 2023.
City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia provided an update on the upcoming Mendota Firework’s Show that will be held on June 30, 2023, and the Armed Forces Recognition Ceremony that will take place at the Mendota Firework’s Show.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City-Clerk Cabrera Garcia.
Chief Smith provided an update on the upcoming First Annual Battle of 33 PD Edition flag football game between the Mendota and Firebaugh Police Departments.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 12:52 p.m., with no more business to be brought before the Committee.
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Libertad “Liberty” Lopez, Vice Chairperson
ATTEST:
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Antonio Pizano, Deputy City Clerk