MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNGIL MEETING
Regular Meeting May 14,2024
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:00 PM
Rol! Call
Council Members Present: Mayor Victor Martinez, Moyor Pro Tem Libertad "Liberty" Lopez, and Council Members Jose Alonso,
and Joseph Riofrio
Council Members Absenfi Council Member Oscar Rosales
Flag salute led by Mayor Martinez
lnvocation led by Ophelia Lugo
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of final Agenda.
Assistant City Attorney Castro reported that the City received information and a request to consider providing a resolution and letter of opposition for lnitiative 21-00424, The Taxpayer Protection and Accountability Act; that the request was received after the posting of the agenda; and stated that the item could be added as Business ltem 3 if the City Council makes a determination, by a unanimous vote of those present, that there is need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to make a determination that there is need to take immediate action regarding the aforementioned resolution and letter of opposition, that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted, and that the proposed item be added to the agenda as Business ltem 3, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 May 14,2024
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt the modified agenda, with the addition of Business ltem 3, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
PRESENTATIONS
1. Chief of Police Smith to introduce Police Officer lsaac Razo and Police Officer Sergio Climaco.
Chief of Police Smith introduced Police Officer lsaac Razo and shared his background.
Officer Razo thanked Chief Smith and the community for the opportunity to serve.
The City Councilthanked and congratulated Officer Razo.
Chief Smith introduced Police Officer Sergio Climaco and shared his background.
Officer Climaco thanked Chief Smith and the community for the opportunity to serve.
The City Councilthanked and congratulated Officer Climaco.
CITIZENS ORAL AND N PRESENTATIONS
Joseph Amador presented a letter on behalf of Joe Rascon to the City Council regarding recognizing former Mendota Chief of Police Silverio Sanchez; and shared his support for the City Council considering dedicating the new Police Department building in honor of former Mendota Chief of Police Sanchez.
Discussion was held on the information shared by Mr. Amador, and the City Council thanked Mr. Amador for his comments.
Joe Silva shared his support for the City Council considering dedicating the new Police Department building in honor of former Mendota Chief of Police Silverio Sanchez.
Discussion was held on the information shared by Mr. Silva, and the City Council thanked Mr. Silva for his comments.
Kevin Romero provided an update on local youth sports and extracurricular activities.
Discussion was held on the information provided by Mr. Romero Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 May 14,2024
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVI OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 23, 2024 Notice of waiving of the reading of all resolutions and/or ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.
A motion was made by Council Member Alonso to approve items 1 and 2, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
CONSENT CALENDAR
APRIL 24,2024 THROUGH MAY 6,2024
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 54735 THROUGH 54812
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAI = $406,304.51
Proposed ratification of a letter of support for Westside Family Preservation Services' proposed Sembrador Economic Development Project.
Proposed ratification of a letter of support for the Socio-Environmental Education Network's proposed West Fresno County Socio-Environmenta! Justice Action Project.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 24-19, in the matter of Application No. 24-01, Tentative Parcel Map No. 24-01(Assessor's Parce! Number 013-105-18).
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 24-20, in the matter of Application No. 24-02, Tentative Parcel Map No. 24-02 (Assessor's Parcel Number 013-105-19).
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 24-21, in the matter of Application No. 24-04, Tentative Parcel Map No. 24-03 (Assessor's Parcel Number 013-1 15-10).
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 24-22, calling and giving notice of the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Mendota on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the election of certain officers; requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Fresno consolidate and canvass the Genera! Municipal Election to be held on November 5,2024, with the Statewide General Election to be held on that date pursuantto California Elections Code Section 10400, et seq.; to permit the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters of the County of Fresno to render specified services to the City of Mendota relating to the conduct of said General Municipal Election pursuant to California Elections Code section 10002; and authorizing reimbursement funds to pay for said services.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to approve items 1 through 7 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent:
Rosales).
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3 4.
5. 6
7 Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 May 14,2024
1 BUS!NESS
Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 24-23, authorizing the addition of one regular full-time entry level police officer position for the Mendota Police Department.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Chief of Police Smith provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Chief Smith and the need to provide additional resources for unhoused individuals.
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period.
AIbert Escobedo commented in favor of the item.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez to adopt Resolution No.24-23, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
Council discussion and consideration of Ordinance No. 24-01, amending Chapter
12.20 of the Mendota Municipal Code related to the regulation of exclusive use of City facilities.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period
Kevin Romero commented in favor of Ordinance No. 24-01 and of the draft facility use policy.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mr. Romero.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period.
A motion was made by Council Member Alonso to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 24-01 and schedule its public hearing for May 28,2024, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 24-24, opposing Initiative 21-00421A, The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act and issuing a letter of opposition.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia provided the report.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 May 14,2024
2 3
1 Discussion was held on the report provided by City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez to adopt Resolution No.24-24 and authorize the issuance of a letter of opposition for lnitiative 21-00421A, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
PUBLIC HEARING
Council discussion and consideration of the introduction and waiver of the first reading of Ordinance No. 24-02, amending Title 17 of the Mendota Municipa! Code to add and modify housing-related definitions, procedures, and regulated uses.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Planner O'Neal provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Planner O'Neal Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. and seeing no one willing to comment c/osed it within the same minute.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 24-02, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Rosales).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS A D INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1 Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) March lVlonthly Logs
Chief of Police Smith provided the report for the Animal Control Department, including the current capacity of the animal control facility.
Discussion was held on the possibility of holding a spay and neuter clinic for dogs; the possibility of holding a vaccination clinic for dogs; and the City potentially receiving media attention regarding the over population of animals.
Chief Smith provided the report for the Code Enforcement Department, including the monthly log, an update on personnel, and on the City Council sponsoring Community Service Officer Alcazar's attendance at the Police Academy beginning in June.
Discussion was held on the information provided by Chief Smith.
Chief Smith provided the report for the Police Department, including a recent house fire near the Latino Market; an unhoused individual being arrested for setting dumpsters on fire; the status of the new Police Department and City Council Chambers Project; the status of the implementation of the trial run of body worn cameras for the Mendota Police Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 May 14,2024
2 Department ("MPD"), and on the 2023 End-of-Year report for the MPD Discussion was held on the information provided by Chief Smith.
City Engineer
a) Update
City Engineer Osborn reported on the status of the Stormwater lmprovement Project; the California Department of Transportation installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and additional delineators along Derrick Avenue; funding for the Mendota Pavement lmprovement Project that was received from Congressman John Duarte, and funding for the Divisadero and lnez Street Reconstruction Project.
Discussion was held on the status of the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project; the status of the Streetlight Data Collection and Mapping Project; the status of the Citywide Railroad lmprovement Project; and issues with the railroad crossing arms not working at the railroad crossing located on State Highway 33 near Bass Avenue.
Kyle Savage with the Office of Congressman John Duarte reported on the upcoming Town Hall meeting that will be held on Monday, May 20th at the AMOR Wellness Center at 6 p.m.
Discussion was held on the upcoming Town Hall meeting and the possibility of the City lending the translation system for the meeting.
3. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro stated he had nothing to report. 4 City Manager
a) Employee Recognition Event
Assistant City Manager Lekumberry provided an update on the Employee Recognition Event and requested that the Council consider June 13th at 5:30 p.m. forthe Employee Recognition Event; and provided an update on the possibility of purchasing a fan and mister for the Rojas-Pierce Park Main Pavilion.
Discussion was held on the information provided and on scheduling the Sacramento Advocacy Trip for June 26th.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Member(s)
Counci! Member AIonso commented on the upcoming Sacrament Advocacy Trip and shared his experienced at the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 May 14,2024
Mayor Pro Tem Lopez commented on the Mendota High School Senior Banners; an upcoming car wash fundraiser for the Mendota High School's Annual Sober Grad Night event ("Sober Grad Night"); the City assisting with fencing and providing light towers for the Sober Grad Night; a request from Mr. Covarrubias of Mendota High School that the Mendota Police Department ("MPD") consider participating in a ceremony during the Battle of 33 football game; the bike lanes in the City; the status of the new Police Department and City CouncilChambers Project; an incidentwhere a resident reported gun shots being fired; and shared a quote in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Discussion was held on calls for service that the MPD receives for gun shots being fired and the costs associated with purchasing a ShotSpotter.
Council Member Riofrio commented on gun shots being fired; the purpose of the Mendota Community Corporation, including its fundraising efforts; a donor that supports the community; and the upcoming Mendota Fireworks Show.
Discussion was held on the information shared by Council Member Riofrio.
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez commented on the need to continue working together to prosper as a community.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: Mendota Police Officers Association
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. EmployeeOrganization: Unrepresented ManagementEmployees 1 2
Minutes of City Council Meeting 7 May 14,2024
4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERry NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APN 013-222-02
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Jorge Rebollo and Saturnino Rebollo
Under Negotiation. Price and Terms of Payment
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL _ ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case).
At7 .43 p.m. the City Council moved into closed session At 8:28 p.m. the City Council reconvened in open session and Assistant City Attorney Castro stated that in regard to items 1 through 5 there were no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 8:28 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved , absent: Rosales).
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