MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting June 3, 2025
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:01 PM
Roll Call
Council Members Present: Mayor Victor Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem Jose Alonso, and Gouncil Members Libertad "Liberty" LoPez,
Jesus "Jesse" Mendoza and Joseph R. Riofrio
Council Members Absent None
Flag salute led by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso
A moment of silence was held for Adrian Castellanos who had recently passed away. lnvocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of final Agenda.
City Manager Gonzalez requested that Business item 2 be tabled to a future meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem AIonso to adopt the modified agenda as requested by staff, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
PRESENTATIONS
City Council to present a congressional certificate to the Muratalla Family on behalf of Congressman Adam Gray in honor of the dedication of the Alfredo lvluratalla Baseball Field.
1 Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 June 3, 2025
2 The City Council presented a congressional certificate to the Muratalla Family on behalf of Congressman Adam Gray in honor of the dedication of the Alfredo Muratalla Baseball Field and shared a few words.
City Council to present a congressional certificate to the ltlares Family on behalf of Congressman Adam Gray in honor of the re-dedication of the Benny Mares Sr.
Baseball Field.
The City Council presented a congressional certificate to the Mares Family on behalf of Congressman Adam Gray in honor of the re-dedication of the Benny Mares Sr. Baseball Field and shared a few words.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council [/ember(s)
Council Member Riofrio requested that staff conduct a survey to identify bucked sidewalks, areas that need sidewalks, or sidewalks that need improved accessibility; commented on the overpopulation of cats in the community; the status of the soccer fields at Rojas-Pierce Park; and a donor for the 2025 Mendota Fireworks Spectacular.
Discussion was held on the need for individuals to be responsible for their pets and the procedures of the Animal Control Department.
Council Member Lopez commented on the 2025 Mendota Fireworks Spectacular; services offered by the General Consulate of El Salvador in Fresno; the status of the Derrick and Oller Roundabout project; additional funding that was earmarked for the Community Center project; and thanked the community for their support of a funeral car wash fundraiser.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso thanked Congressman Adam Gray for selecting a Mendota project for congressional earmarks; commented on his involvement in the Community Center Subcommittee ("Sub-committee") and the Sub- committee's work on the Community Center project; congratulated the residents that graduated college; and congratulated Mendota Junior High School and Mendota High School graduates.
Council Member Mendoza thanked Congressman Adam Gray for selecting a Mendota project for congressional earmarks; congratulated the graduating class of 2025; commented on the Pool Park Rehabilitation project and thanked the community for their involvement and support.
Discussion was held on installing a handicap parking stall near the Council Chambers and the completion of the Eastside Streetlight project.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 June 3, 2025
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez commented on City projects, including the Eastside Streetlight project, thanked staff for their work with the Eastside Streetlight p@ect; thanked Congressman Adam Gray and Senator Alex Padilla for selecting Mendota projects for funding earmarks thanked the Council for their unity; and thanked everyone for their patience.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Laura Zermeno shared her concerns on the significant number of cars parked within neighborhoods.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of May 20,2025
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 Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 and 2, seconded by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
MAY 15,2025 THROUGH MAY 23,2025
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 56440 THROUGH 56s02
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $783,575.46
2 Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-29, claiming Local Transportation Funds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
A motion was made by Council Member Lopez to approve items 1 through 2 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
BUSINESS
City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-30, in its capacity as the Mendota Groundwater Sustainability Agency, approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Valley Water Collaborative and the Delta-[Iendota Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia provided the report.
Discussion was held on the item.
A motion was made by Council Member Lopez to adopt Resolution No. 25-30, seconded Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 June 3,2025
1 1
3 by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (5 ayes) Si$er eiV Partnership between the eiV ef eabaftas Este; El Salvader; and the eiV ie*
Business item 2 was tabled to a future meeting.
City Council discussion and consideration of potential discussion topics for the upcoming Joint Meeting with the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the possibility of rescheduling the upcoming Joint Meeting with the Mendota Unified School District ('MUSD') Board of Trustees; various discussion topics to include on the meeting agenda, including updates on City projects and MUSD projects, ways to expand water capabilities, discussion on the use of MUSD sports fields and facilities, update on MUSD enrollment, update on MUSD students providing the City with barbecue pits and benches for parks, update on the Safe Routes to School Master Plan, update on rapid flashing beacons on State Highway 180, discussion on pedestrian crossing improvement on State Highway 33, discussion on student safety, and discussion on student involvement in local government.
Mayor ft/lartinez opened the public comment period.
Josh Garcia commented on discussions to construct a new school and construction of additional classrooms at Mendota Elementary School.
Veronica Gill commented on the need for more housing in the City.
Discussion was held on the need for more housing in the City Mayor fi/lartinez closed the public comment period.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to direct staff to incorporate the discussion topics that were discussed for the upcoming Joint Meeting with the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees and to request to reschedule the Joint Meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
City Council discussion and consideration of the City of Mendota's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Finance Director Valdez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the item, including road improvement projects that are included in the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 ("Budget"); funding to beautiff the City; Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 June 3,2025
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including additional funding to update the recognition plaque at the new Council Chambers; and bringing back a resolution to a future meeting that establishes a process on what names to include on recognition plaques for future projects.
Mayor Maftinez opened the public comment period and seeing no one willing to comment c/osed it within the same minute.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to include additionalfunding in the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to update the recognition plaque at the new Council Chambers and to bring a resolution to a future meeting that establishes a process on what names to include on recognition plaques for future projects, seconded by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
At 7:08 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
City Engineer
a) Update
City Engineer Osborn presented the monthly update, including a status update on the Rojas-Pierce Park Phase lll Expansion project; and funding sources for various projects.
At 7:09 p.m. Council Member Lopez returned to the Council Chambers.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Engineer Osborn; the City Wide Railroad Improvement project, including Townsend Public Affairs ('TPA') assisting with this project to move it forward; the Derrick and Oller Roundabout project ("Roundabout"), including honoring veterans with an honor wall at the Roundabout, the design of the Roundabout to allow for big rig vehicles to properly maneuver; potential centerpieces for the Roundabout; the type of landscaping that will be used for the Roundabout; ways to improve the condition of Naples Street, including potentialfunding; the need to improve and beautify 7th Street in the City; identifying locations where decorative City of Mendota letters can be installed; installing turning lanes on 9th Street into Lolita Street and Kate Street; restriping the center line on Belmont Avenue and Guillen Parkway Drive; and the type of turf that will be used for the soccer fields at Rojas-Pierce Park.
At 7:23 p.m. Council Member Riofrio left the Council Chambers and retumed at 7:25 p.m.
2. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro provided an update on increasing the salaries of the City Council Members and bringing an ordinance for the Council to consider at a future City Council meeting.
Discussion was held on the update provided by Assistant City Attorney Castro, including Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 June 3,2025
1 when the potential ordinance would go into effect; the salaries of Council Members for the City of Fresno; whether the Council is able to receive a budget allowance or credit line to pay for expenses when conducting Council work; and the Smoot Avenue Reconstruction project.
3. City [tilanager
City Manager Gonzalez commented on Community Development Block Grant ('CDBG') projects, including the City of Mendota being one of the few cities with CDBG shovel ready projects; Senator Alex Padilla earmarking funding for the Community Center project; upcoming bids for the Community Center project; thanked staff for their work; thanked the Council for their guidance and thanked consultants for their work.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the City placing 2nd place at a golf tournament; the Silva Family asking for improved lighting at the Robert Silva Plaza; an inquiry into whether an individual can offer notary services from their home; the need to continue moving the community forward; and staff potentially attending conferences to assist with professional growth.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APN 01 3-030-675T
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Terraform Powe rlBrookfield Renewable Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
At7:50 p.m. the City Council moved into closed session
At 8:01 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.
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the City Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 8:01 p.m. by Counci! Member Mendoza, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimous ly approved ayes, absent: Lopez)
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