"ИСФАРОВАТЕВ
1942
CANTALOUPE CENTER
OF THE WORLD
MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting September 16, 2025
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:01 PM
Mayor Martinez wished Council Member Lopez a Happy Birthday.
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 Sergio Valdez
Invocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
Mayor Martinez noted the need for unity to continue moving the community forward.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Minutes of City Council Meeting September 16, 2025
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Council Members)
Council Member Mendoza wished a Happy Independence Day to all celebrating countries; commented on the success of the recent spay and neuter clinic; extended his condolences to Genevie Ochoa; and urged the community to enjoy life with their loved ones.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso wished a Happy Independence Day to all celebrating countries; congratulated the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission ("Fresno EOC") on the grand opening of the Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5; and thanked everyone in attendance.
Council Member Riofrio extended his condolences to Genevie Ochoa; commented on reoccurring accidents at a specific location; urged the community to keep Ms. Ochoa in their prayers; and thanked the Mendota Police Department's Animal Control Department and Mendota Police Officer Lopez for their efforts in addressing a situation involving a pack of aggressive dogs.
Council Member Lopez thanked God for another year of life; thanked everyone for their birthday wishes; thanked Police Chaplain Salinas for his invocation; commented on the City's upcoming Employee Recognition Celebration; commented on AMOR Wellness' Five- Year Celebration; shared positive remarks she has received regarding the progress of the City; commented on the month of September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and shared a quote regarding suicide prevention.
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez commented on the need to keep the community moving forward; possibly scheduling a meeting with the new head director of the Consulate of Mexico in Fresno to discuss collaborative efforts; the League of California Cities' Annual Conference scheduled for October; the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project and noted the end of the year quickly approaching
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sergio Valdez commented on remarks made by a community member on social media and provided an update that the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees is working to address the matter.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mr. Valdez.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 September 16, 2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
Minutes of the special City Council meeting of August 26, 2025 and the regular City Council meeting of September 2, 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 Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. AUGUST 27, 2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 56882 THROUGH 56945
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $480,268.06
2. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-56, concerning Local Transportation Purpose Funds (Measure "C" Extension Funds).
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 25-57, approving a policy for commemorating individuals on dedication plaques associated with City projects.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 through 3 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
PUBLIC HEARING
Council discussion and consideration of the proposed waiver of the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-03, amending Section 5.04.200 of Chapter 5.04 of Title 5 of the Mendota Municipal Code to increase the number of permitted garage and yard sales.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the item.
At 6:32 p.m. Mayor Martinez opened the hearing to the public and seeing no one willing to comment closed it within the same minute.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-01, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 September 16, 2025
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) August Monthly Logs
Chief of Police Smith provided the monthly update for the Police Department, including a Driving Under the Influence checkpoint scheduled for September 19, 2025.
Discussion was held on the update provided by Chief Smith; a decrease in stray dogs in the City; the promotion of Police Officer Levandusky to sergeant; a decrease in public drinking and intoxication in the City; Chief Smith's retirement; and Chief Smith's work for the City.
City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro had nothing to report.
3. City Manager
a) Update regarding the art installation at the Derrick & Oller Roundabout Project City Manager Gonzalez provided an update regarding the art installation at the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the Council's desire to see projects move forward; Chief Smith's upcoming retirement and his work for the City; a letter received from the Department of General Services notifying the City of the cancellation of their lease agreement for the Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV") field office in the City; and the need for DMV services in the City.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APNs 013-152-29ST & 013-162-19ST
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Verizon
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Potential initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Potential initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case)
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 September 16, 2025
At 6:56 p.m., the City Council entered into Closed Session.
At 7:15 p.m., the City Council reconvened in Open Session, at which time Assistant City Attorney Castro reported that there was no reportable action on items 1, 2 and 3.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. on motion by Council Member Mendoza, seconded by Council Member Lopez, and unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Victor Martinez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Celeste Cabrera-Garcia, City Clerk 1 942
CALIFORN
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 September 16, 2025