MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNGIL MEETING
Regular Meeting March 4,2025
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6 =02 PM
Roll Call
Council Members Present: Mayor Victor Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem Jose Alonso, and Council Members Libertad "Liberty" Lopez, and
Jesus "Jesse" Men doza, otrd Joseph R. Riofrio
Council Members Absent None
Flag salute led by Assistant Public Works Director Baftuelos lnvocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
A moment of silence was held for a community member who recently passed away.
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of fina! Agenda.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to adopt the agenda, seconded by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
PRESENTATION
City Council to honor Silvia Valencia, owner of Silvia's Fashion, for over 21 years of business in the community.
The City Council presented a certificate of recognition to Silvia Valencia, owner of Silvia's Fashion.
1 Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 March 4, 2025
2 Ms. Valencia shared the history of Silvia's Fashion; thanked the Council for the recognition; and commented on the positive progress of the community.
The City Council thanked Ms. Valencia for her commitment and support to the community Chief Plant Operator Angel to present the Public Utilities Department's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Maintenance Worker !ll Jose T. Almanza.
Chief Plant Operator Angel presented the Public Utilities Department's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Maintenance Worker lll Jose T. Almanza and shared a few words about Mr. Almanza.
Mr. Almanza shared a few words and thanked staff and the Council Assistant Public Works Director Bafruelos to present the Public Works Department's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Maintenance Worker ll Gabriel Llanos.
Assistant Public Works Director Bafruelos presented the Public Works Department's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Maintenance Worker ll Gabriel LIanos and shared a few words about Mr. Llanos.
Mr. Llanos shared a few words and thanked staff and the Council Finance Director Valdez to present the Finance Department's2024 Employee of the Year Award to Administrative Assistant ! Leidy Hernandez.
Finance Director Valdez presented the Finance Department's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Administrative Assistant I Leidy Hernandez and shared a few words about Ms.
Hernandez.
Ms. Hernandez shared a few words and thanked staff and the Council City Manager Gonzalez to present the City Administration's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Assistant Public Works Director Macario "Mark" Bafruelos.
City Manager Gonzalez presented the City Administration's 2024 Employee of the Year Award to Assistant Public Works Director Macario "Mark" Bafruelos and shared a few words about Mr. Bafruelos.
Mr. Bafruelos shared a few words and thanked staff and the Council The City Council thanked all of staff for their work and congratulated the 2024 Employees of the Year.
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5 Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 March 4, 2025
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Member(s)
Council Member Mendoza congratulated the 2024 Employees of the Year; commented on a carwash fundraiserfor Kevin Orellana;the drag racing events at Mendota Raceway Park; the Reyes Brothers Lowrider Car Show; and the Mendota Community Corporation Autism Awareness Banner Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso wished his mom a happy 64th birthday; stated that he attended the Marjaree Mason Center Grand Opening; and commented on the upcoming Sacramento Advocacy Trip.
Council Member Lopez thanked the 2024 Employees of the Year and thanked staff and the Council for their work.
Council Member Riofrio commented on the recent passing of Adam Valdez
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez commented on businesses that recently opened; the various events being held each weekend; thanked Ramon Gonzalez with Mendota Raceway Park for his work; provided status update on various projects including the Derrick and Oller Roundabout project, the Eastside Streetlight project, the Community Center project, and the Pool Park Rehabilitation project; proposed passing lanes project on State Highways 180 and 33; and the City working to bring new housing developments to the community.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Douglas Benitez commented on the positive progress of the City in recent years; shared his concerns regarding a significant increase in Accessory Dwelling Units ("ADUs"); the lack of parking to accommodate ADUs; commented on non-local property owners constructing ADUs; and stated that non-local property owners do not care about the community.
Discussion was held on housing !aws; whether the City can limit the construction of ADUs or restrict non-local property owners from purchasing property in the City; and Assistant City Attorney Castro researching local ADU laws for the cities of Kerman and Firebaugh.
Jose Garcia shared that he had the same concerns as Mr. Benitez; and thanked the Mendota Police Department for their good service.
Discussion was held on the direction provided to Assistant City Attorney Castro regarding researching local ADU laws for the cities of Kerman and Firebaugh.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 March 4, 2025
1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 18, 2025. 2 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 Riofrio to approve items 1 and 2, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 11,2025 THROUGH FEBRUARY 21 ,2025
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 56010 THROUGH 56072
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $1,097,075.18
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-17, accepting lhe 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and General Plan Progress Report.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-18, approving the quote submitted by BSN Sports and authorizing the purchase of a scoreboard for the Benny Mares Sr.
Baseball Field.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 through 3 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Discussion was held on how property taxes are determined and assessed.
BUSINESS
1. City Council to receive the Mid-Year Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Update Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Finance Director Valdez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the information provided by Ms. Valdez, and the Council thanked Ms. Valdez for her work.
A motion was made by Council Member Lopez to approve the Mid-Year FiscalYear 2024- 2025 Budget Update report, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
2. City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-14, authorizing the creation of a Facilities Custodian position and approving its respective job description and salary schedule.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Director of Administrative Services/Assistant City Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 March 4,2025
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1 Manager Lekumberry provided the report
Discussion was held on the item.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to adopt Resolution No. 25-14, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
City Engineer
a) Update
City Engineer Osborn provided an update on the Derrick and Oller Roundabout project (" Roundabout project").
Discussion was held on the Roundabout project, including traffic control and providing community outreach regarding traffic detours and delays due to the Roundabout project; road repair projects; the Citywide Railroad lmprovements; the Community Center project; new pedestrian crossings on State Highway 33; the Fresno Council of Governments and Surface Transportation Block Grants; the Naples Street Reconstruction project; the Stormwater lmprovement project on Naples and 2nd Street; the Eastside Streetlight project; potentially installing a turn lane on 9th and Lolita Streets; and potentially installing sidewalks on Lolita Street.
At 7:46 p.m. Mayor Martinez left the Council Chambers and retumed at 7:48 p.m.
2. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro reported that he is working on various tasks and projects and commented on the upcoming Assembly Bil 1234 Ethics Training.
At 7:49 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers and retuned at 7:50 p.m.
Discussion was held on the status of the body worn cameras for the Mendota Police Department.
3. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez reported on the new animal control facility; the new scoreboard being installed at the Alfredo Muratalla Baseball Field; working to purchase a new scoreboard for the Benny Mares Sr. Baseball Field; an upcoming Pool Park Rehabilitation Subcommittee meeting; Community Development Block Grants funding for the new soccer field at Rojas-Pierce Park; the City Council Housing Subcommittee meeting with Habitat for Humanity; potential housing development on Westlands Water District land near the City; and the Community Center project.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 March 4, 2025
1 Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the proposed golf course project at the William Robert Johnston Municipal Airport; the possibility of purchasing a scoreboard for the Danny Trejo Soccer Field; dedicating the new soccer field to a community member; Chief of Police Smith catching stray dogs in the City; and loud music decreasing in the City.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERry 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
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).
At 7:58 p.m. the City Council moved into closed session.
At 8:45 p.m. the City Council reconvened in open session and Assistant City Attorney Castro stated that in regard to items 1 and 2 there were no reportable actions.
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 8:45 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso, seconded by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (5 ayes)
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Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 March 4,2025