INCORPORATED
CANTALOUPE CENTER
OF THE WORLD
MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting July 15, 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,
Jesus "Jesse" Mendoza and Joseph R. Riofrio
Council Members Absent: None
Flag salute led by Council Member Lopez
Invocation led by Council Member Lopez
A moment of silence was held for six community members that recently passed away.
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).
PRESENTATION
City Council to recognize Jennifer Alvarez for her outstanding achievement as a member of the Fresno County CTE All Stars Team, her fourth-place finish in the Annual Design-Build Competition, and her continued excellence in her career.
The City Council recognized Jennifer Alvarez for her outstanding achievement as a Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 July 15, 2025
member of the Fresno County CTE All Stars Team, her fourth-place finish in the Annual Design-Build Competition, and her continued excellence in her career.
Ms. Alvarez shared a few words and thanked the Council for the recognition.
The Council congratulated Ms. Alvarez for her achievements.
David Rivas with Nor Cal Carpenters Union commented on the recognition of Ms. Alvarez.
Anthony Ayerza with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools commented on the recognition of Ms. Alvarez
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Council Members)
Council Member Mendoza commented on the recent losses within the community; the Derrick and Oller Roundabout project; and thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso commented on the recent community losses and honored the life and legacy of Isaias Ruiz Carabez.
El Alcalde Provisional Alonso comentó sobre las recientes pérdidas en la comunidad y rindió homenaje a la vida y el legado de Isaias Ruiz Carabez.
Council Member Lopez commented on the recent passings; encouraged residents to stay close to their families and expressed pride in seeing the community come together in support of fundraising efforts.
Council Member Riofrio offered condolences for the recent losses, recognized the strong sense of unity the community displays during difficult times, thanked staff and consultants for their efforts, and noted the beginning of the agricultural season.
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez commented on the Fresno Council of Governments ("FCOG") approving funding for the 7'h Street Pavement Rehabilitation project, the Naples Street Reconstruction project and the 2025 Alley Paving project; a letter that was received regarding the Federal Appropriations Process and the possibility of receiving additional funding for the Community Center project; the Derrick and Oller Roundabout project, including the possibility of recognizing veterans at the project site; the Rojas-Pierce Park Phase III Expansion project; potential new housing developments; the Amador and Smoot Extension project; the proposed Airport Park; the Citywide Railroad Improvements project; the FCOG's Measure C renewal efforts; the need to address the illegal riding of all-terrain vehicles in the City; the need to address stray dogs in the City; the Safe Routes to School Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 July 15, 2025
project, including potentially receiving a grant to help improve crossings on State Highway 33; the need for unity to continue moving the City forward; thanked the City Council for the support, and thanked staff for their work.
At 6:33 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers and returned at 6:35 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Enrique Mercado commented on the need for businesses to adhere to the same public nuisance ordinance as homeowners; the need to address the large amounts of cars parked in neighborhoods; and the potential emergence of a new homeless encampment in the City.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Mercado; the Homeless Engagement And Response Team ("HEART") working to address the homeless encampment; the increase of Accessory Dwelling Units ("ADU(s)") in the City, including the ADUs leading to increased parking congestion in neighborhoods; and the need to address kids illegally riding all-terrain vehicles in the City.
Eimear O'Brien introduced herself and provided information about her campaign for the position of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
Kevin Romero provided an update on local high school sports.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
Minutes of special City Council meeting of June 25, 2025 and the regular City Council meeting of July 1, 2025.
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 Riofrio; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
JUNE 26, 2025 THROUGH JULY 7, 2025
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 56645 THROUGH 56690
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $307,281.79
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-43, approving the quote from CivicPlus LLC for the purchase of a mass notification system.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 through 2 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 July 15, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING
Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-44, in the matter of Application No. 25-02, approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 25-01 (APN 013-280- Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Assistant City Planner Czeshinski provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Assistant City Planner Czeshinski.
At 7:06 p.m. Mayor Martinez opened the hearing to the public.
Discussion was held on the item.
At 7:10 p.m. Mayor Martinez closed the hearing to the public.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt Resolution No. 25-44, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
2. Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 25-45, confirming the diagram and authorizing the levy and collection of assessments for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2019-01 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez; meeting with the Federal Correctional Institution - Mendota to possibly assist with trash clean-up throughout the City; and the importance of community members maintaining their properties to contribute to the overall beautification of the City.
At 7:20 p.m. Mayor Martinez opened the hearing to the public.
Alex Garcia thanked the Public Works Department for their work with the landscape at La Colonia Park ("Park"); requested more police patrol at the Park due to an increase in public rinking; commented in favor of installing a playground at the Park; and commented in favo if conducting a survey to gather input from residents of La Colonia to see what they woul like to see at the Park.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Garcia At 7:25 p.m. Mayor Martinez closed the hearing to the public.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt Resolution No. 25-45, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 July 15, 2025
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) June Monthly Logs
Chief of Police Smith commented on efforts to continue to address stray dogs in the City; and efforts to address all-terrain vehicles being illegally driven in the City.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Chief Smith; the personnel update for the Animal Control and Code Enforcement Departments; organizations that offer spay and neuter clinics; the need to increase police patrols during school commutes; challenges with the current dispatching services; the potential establishment of a neighborhood watch program; the need to address quads and all-terrain vehicles being illegally driven in the City; an increase in public intoxication arrests and individuals driving under the influence; the importance of checkpoints to address impaired drivers; the recent passing of a community member; monthly statistics for the Police Department; a personnel update for the Police Department; the need to continue to address issues such as loud music, stray dogs on Lolita Street, and community members speeding on Lolita Street; an empty lot along Lolita Street being used for illegal dumping; and the upcoming National Night Out event.
2. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro commented on ongoing tasks and projects, including an increase in Public Records Act requests received by the City.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Assistant City Attorney Castro and the City's franchise agreement with Mid Valley Disposal.
3. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez commented on the Rojas-Pierce Park Phase III Expansion project; the Westside Water Tank and Pump Station Bid Opening taking place on July 18th, commented on Measure C renewal efforts, including a meeting taking place in the City of Kerman; and shared that he will be out of office.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (two potential cases).
At 8:00 p.m. the City Council moved into closed session.
At 8:32 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.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 July 15, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the City Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 8:32 p.m. by Council Member Mendoza, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Victor Martinez, Mayo
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CALL OR NE
Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 July 15, 2025