MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting January 21 ,2025
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:09 PM
Roll Call
Council Members Present: Mayor Victor Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem Jose Alonso, and Council Members Libertad "Liberty" LoPez,
Jesus "Jesse" Mendoza and Joseph Riofrio
Gouncil Members Absent: None
FIag salute led by Council Member Lopez
lnvocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
A moment of silence was held for the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of final Agenda.
A motion was made by Council Member Lopez to adopt the agenda, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
PRESENTATIONS
City Council to recognize Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, lnc. and proclaim the month of January 2025 as "Human Trafficking Prevention Month." Mayor Martinez read Proclamation No. 25-01 into the record and presented the proclamation to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, lnc. 1 Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 January 21 ,2025
Martin Rodriguez provided information about Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc and provided information on "Human Trafficking Prevention Month".
Evelyn Gonzalez provided information about Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and provided information on "Human Trafficking Prevention Month".
Discussion was held on the work that the organizations do; Human Trafficking Prevention Month; and the National Human Trafficking Hotline whose phone number is 888-373-7888.
2. Chief of Police Smith to introduce Police Sergeant James "Jimmy" Kang Chief of Police Smith introduced Police Sergeant James "Jimmy" Kang and shared his background.
Sergeant Kang shared his background and thanked the community for the opportunity to serve.
The City Council congratulated Sergeant Kang and wished him well.
Joseph Amador wished Sergent Kang well.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Member(s)
Council Member Mendoza wished everyone a Happy New Year; commented on the Pool Park Rehabilitation Project; Autism Awareness month, including installing banners throughout the City to bring awareness; stated that he is eager to be involved; and encouraged the public to become involved.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso wished everyone a Happy NewYear; shared a statement regarding protecting and supporting Mendota residents and immigrants; commented on participating in State and Federal Advocacy trips to bring funding to the community and thanked everyone for attending.
Council Member Lopez commented on the area formerly known as Jack's Resort, including the property owner possibly making improvements to the property; commented on the Christmas Celebration and Toy Giveaway; thanked staff and the community for attending the Christmas Celebration and Toy Giveaway; commented on the Annual Christmas Parade; and urged the public to think about the information they share on social media regarding immigration.
Council Member Riofrio thanked everyone for attending; commented on upcoming road repair projects, including the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project; the work of the City Council; commended the Mendota Police Department and Fire Department for keeping the Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 January 21,2025
community safe; and commented on the public's negative perception of law enforcement.
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez urged everyone to work together to ensure that the community prospers; commented on the need for law enforcement to enforce laws; not being able to prevent U.S. lmmigration and Customs Enforcement ('!CE') from entering the City due to it being a Federal Agency; the need to educate the community on their rights when dealing with ICE; a state budget meeting he attended at the state capitol, including the positive outlook for funding for Fiscal Year 25-26; Fresno County Transportation Authority securing funds for projects that will benefit the community, including passing lanes on State Highway 33 between the Cities of Firebaugh and Mendota and passing lanes on State Highway 180 between the Cities of Kerman and Mendota; the California Department of Transportation ("Caltrans") installing rapid flashing beacons at various crosswalks; status of the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project; funding for various projects; the Street Lighting Project; and the Mendota Chamber of Commerce hosting and immigration forum on February 1,2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
CITIZENS ORAL AND WRITTEN PRESENTATIONS
Ofelia Ochoa wished everyone a Happy New Year; stated that she hopes that La Granja de Favian ("La Granja") is able to open; and commented on Council Member Mendoza's desire to hold an event for children with special needs.
Karina Beltran wished everyone a Happy New Year; provided information about La Granja; and requested an update on the City's consideration of leasing City-owned property for La Granja.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Ms. Beltran Kenneth Apodaca commented on his desire to open a golf course in the City Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Apodaca. lnterim Battalion Chief Christopher Miller introduced himself; shared his background; and stated that he looks forward to serving the community.
Aaron Olson with Central Valley Regional Center commented on the Request for Proposals that was issued for an Adult Day Program and provided an update on the process.
Discussion was held on the services that will be offered by the project.
Jose Pineda and Omar Gomez shared their concerns regarding a lack of available soccer fields for the public's use.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mr. Pineda and Mr. Gomez.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 January 21,2025
1 Mayor Martinez requested that staff bring back the Facility Use Policy for the City Council's discussion.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 19, 2024, and the special City Council meeting of December 10, 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 Mendoza; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
DECEMBER4,2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 30, 2024
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 55725 THROUGH 55836
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $1 ,443,736.91
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25{'1, updating the United Security Bank authorized signers for City of Mendota bank accounts.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-02, approving the Professional Services Agreement with Adams Ashby Group, !nc. for HOME Program Long-Term Monitoring Audit Services.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-03, approving the proposal submitted by Liebert Cassidy \Mitmore for Personnel Rules Handbook Revision Services and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-04, authorizing the addition of three police officer positions for the Mendota Police Department that will be partially funded through Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Grant Program.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No.25-05, approving the School Resource Officer agreement with the Mendota Unified School District and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
An inquiry was made on Consent Calendar ltem 6.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to approve items 1 through 5 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
2. 1
2 3
4 5.
6 Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 January 21 ,2025
6 Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-05, approving the School Resource Officer agreement with the Mendota Unified School District and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Discussion was held on ltem 6 of the Consent Calendar
At 7:21 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Council Member Mendoza to approve item 6 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent:
Lopez).
BUSINESS
City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-06, appointing Council Members to various boards, commissions, and sub-committees.
At 7:23 p.m. Council Member Lopez retumed to the Council Chambers.
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, including which Council Members will serve on which boards, commissions, and sub-committees.
At 7:31 p.m. Mayor Maftinez opened the public comment period Joseph Amador thanked the Council for their work; commented on the Pool Park Rehabilitation Project and the Mendota Chamber of Commerce's willingness to assist to improve the community.
Ofelia Ochoa inquired into whether community members can serve on the various boards, commissions, and sub-committees.
Discussion was held on the inquiry made by Ms. Ochoa.
At 7:36 p.m. Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to adopt Resolution No 25-06, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-07, appointing residents to the Mendota Planning and Recreation Commissions.
At 7:37 p.m. Council Member Riofio left the Council Chambers and retumed at 7:38 p.m.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia provided the report.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 January 21,2025
1 2
3 Discussion was held on the report provided by City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia.
At 7:39 p.m. Mayor Martinez opened the public comment peiod.
Moses Macias commented on his desire to serve on the Planning Commission and shared his goals.
Ir/layor fr/lartinez closed the public comment period.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to adopt Resolution No. 25-07, seconded by Council Member Lopez unanimously approved (5 ayes).
City Councildiscussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-08, designating the City Council's participation at external events.
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, including which Council Members will attend which externalevents.
At 7:55 p.m. Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period and seeing no one willing to comment closed it within the same minute.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to adopt Resolution No. 25-08 and the resolution was approved based on a City Council consensus; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) October Monthly Logs
Chief Smith provided the report for the Animal Control Department and Code Enforcement Department, including statistics and stray dog rehoming efforts done by volunteer Veronica Giil.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Chief Smith; the need to host a spay and neuter clinic in the City to assist with the number of stray dogs; whether the Animal Control Department rescues animals besides cats and dogs; the need to continue to find ways to address all of the stray animals in the City; Community Service Officer ("CSO") Navarro attending the Police Academy; the need to hire a new CSO Officer and the need to address loud music being played throughout the City.
Chief Smith provided the report for the Police Department; including three individuals committing violent crimes during the holiday season; the Mendota Police Department forming a task force with the Fresno County Sherrifs Department to assist with the capture Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 January 21,2025
1 of the three individuals committing violent crimes and on crime being low during the holiday season
b) Traffic Enforcement Report
Chief Smith commented on the Traffic Enforcement Report.
Discussion was held on the different citations provided by the Code Enforcement Department and the lack of resources available to various Animal Control Departments throughout the state.
2. City Engineer
City Engineer Osborn presented the monthly update, including planned road repair projects.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Engineer Osborn; the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project; the Roundabout on Barboza Street and Bass Avenue; the Amador and Smoot Expansion Project; the Divisadero and Inez Road Repair Project; the need to continue to work to complete road repair projects in the City, and the Cihywide Railroad Improvement Project.
3. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro commented on scheduling Ethics and Sexua! Harassment Prevention trainings for the City Council and working on various enforcement actions for the Code Enforcement Department and for businesses in the City.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Assistant City Attorney Castro and on a vacant building in the City, including possibly reaching to the building owner to develop the building.
4. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on the Danny Trejo Soccer Field ("Soccer Field") and the proposed new soccer field; the difficulty of properly maintaining the Soccer Field due to it being the only soccer field available; ways to improve the condition of the Soccer Field, including the possibility of resodding the Soccer Field; and possibly using Community Development Block Grant Programs funds to construct the new soccer field.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the Pool Park Rehabilitation Project; the need to revisit the City's Facility Use Policy; the need to construct a soccer field on the Eastside of the City; the Streetlighting Project, including holding a groundbreaking ceremony; and the need to address stray dogs and loud music in the City.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 7 January 21 ,2025
1 CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APN 013-050-21 T
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Karina Beltran
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
At 8:33 p.m. the City Council moved into closed session At 9:25 p.m. the City Council reconvened in open session and Assistant City Attorney Castro stated that in regard to item 1 there was no reportable action.
With no more business to be brought before the Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 9:25 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Victor Marti nez, Mayor
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Minutes of City Council Meeting 8 January 21 ,2025
ADJOURNMENT
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