"CORPORATED
1942
CANTALOUPE CENTER
OF THE WORLD
MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting January 20, 2026
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:01 p.m.
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 Joseph Amador
Invocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
Adoption of final Agenda.
City Manager Gonzalez requested to table business item 1 to a future meeting agenda.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt the modified agenda as requested by staff, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
PRESENTATION
City Council to honor and recognize Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc. and proclaim the month of January 2026 as "Human Trafficking Prevention Month".
Mayor Martinez read Proclamation No. 26-01 into the record and presented the proclamation to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 January 20, 2326
Martin Rodriguez with Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc. shared information about the organization, including a success story, and thanked the City Council.
The City Council thanked Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc. for the services that they provide and for their commitment to the community.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Council Member(s)
Council Member Riofrio shared that he has been thinking about ways to improve the community; commented on an interaction that he had with the Public Works Department regarding the replacement of water meters; and ensuring a system is established that enables City departments to proactively communicate and coordinate on issues throughout the City.
Discussion was held on the importance of proactively working together.
Council Member Lopez shared that she was excited to see the increase in public attendance; commented on her excitement about finalizing ongoing projects and that she is looking forward to new projects; and thanked staff for their work.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso thanked those in attendance, and shared that the City Council advocates on behalf of the community, keeping the needs and priorities of community members in mind
Council Member Mendoza thanked those in attendance; stated that he is excited for all the projects that are anticipated this year; stated that he is excited to represent the community; and commented on the need to continue beautifying and improving the City.
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez thanked the City Council for their unity; stated he was thankful for everyone in attendance; commented on the history of Measure C and how funding has been historically allocated in the county, including the minimal funding that has been allocated to rural communities; provided an update on City projects including the Divisaders Street Reconstruction Project; 7th Street Rehabilitation Project; a new planned housing development; and commented on the need to continue to improve the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Oneida Escobar with the Office of Assemblywoman Emeralda Soria provided a legislative update.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 January 20, 2326
Jon Zimmerman, an advocate for Element 7, requested that the City meet with Element 7 to discuss outstanding fees and to arrive at an agreement.
Jesus Herrera with Mid Valley Times introduced himself and stated that he looks forward to working with the community.
Omar Hernandez with the Office of Congressman Adam Gray provided a legislative update; stated that he is a member of the Board of Trustees for West Hills Community College and commented on their work to bring additional resources to the area.
Elizabeth Dingler shared her concerns regarding speeding near the area of 8th Street and Quince Street.
Discussion was held on the Police Department providing additional patrol in the area.
Felipe Perez, a Council Member with the City of Firebaugh, stated that he is running for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors District 1 office and shared his background.
Espi Sandoval commented on the progress of Mendota and Senate Bill 554.
Lavon Ortega, Mona, and Karen Shoji shared their concerns with the Animal Control Department's holding facility, and Ms. Shoji shared that her non-profit organization is willing to provide services to the community.
Discussion was held on working together to address the concerns.
Lourdes Santiago stated that she purchased properties in the City, and she shared her concerns regarding the lack of response from the City regarding her planning project.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 16, 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
1. DECEMBER 10, 2025 THROUGH JANUARY 9, 2026
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 57354 THROUGH 57495
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $2,313,350.72
2. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-01, reappointing Mr. S Leo Capuchino to Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 January 20, 2926
serve as the City of Mendota representative on the Fresno Westside Mosquito Abatement District Board
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 and 2 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
BUSINESS
City Council discussion and consideration of naming a facility/park in honor of Mr.
Jesse A. Gil.
Business item 1 was tabled to a future meeting agenda.
City Council discussion and consideration of Measure C.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report Mayor Martinez provided additional information about the status of Measure C.
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period
Espi Sandoval commented on the item.
Joseph Amador commented on the item.
At 7:33 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers and returned at 7:34 p.m.
Discussion held on the importance of the Code Enforcement Community Service Officers.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period.
A motion was made by Mayor Martinez to direct staff to bring back a resolution of support for the Moving Forward Together transportation measure, and the motion was approved based on a consensus of the City Council.
3. City Council discussion and consideration of the funding and advocacy memorandum provided by Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez, including prioritizing funding requests for an Animal Control holding facility; the Community Center; parks; possible incentive programs to encourage the community to properly maintain their homes; additional funding for the Mendota Police Department; sidewalk maintenance; water infrastructure improvements; and Pool Park Rehabilitation Project.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 January 20, 2026
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 Martinez to direct staff to prioritize the funding requests discussed, and the motion was approved based on a consensus of the City Council.
City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 26-02, designating the City Council's participation at external events.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Deputy City Clerk Pizano provided the report Discussion was held on the report provided by Deputy City Clerk Pizano, including which Council Members will attend which external events.
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. 26-02, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) December
Interim Chief of Police Renteria provided the monthly update for the Animal Control Department and the Police Department, including an update on a DUl checkpoint, a personnel update, and the monthly statistics.
At 8:04 p.m. Mayor Martinez left the Council Chambers and returned within the same minute.
Discussion held on the update provided by Interim Chief of Police Renteria; the need to address loud vehicle exhausts; loud music; public drinking; and the Police Department continuing to have zero tolerance for individuals driving under the influence.
2. City Engineer
a) Update
City Engineer Osborn commented on the Divisadero Street Reconstruction Projec:; the 5th and Quince Street Reconstruction Project; the Amador and Smoot Extension Project; and highlighted the need to improve the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
At 8:09 p.m. Council Member Riofrio left the Council Chambers and returned at 8:13 p.m.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Engineer Osborn; the Westside Water Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 January 20, 2026
Tank and Booster Pump Project; the Derrick and Oller Roundabout; Safe Routes to School crossings along State Highways 180 and 33; Nick who will be assisting City Engineer Osborn; the Citywide Railroad Improvement Project; and possibly adding street striping alongside a new street near Kate Street.
3. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro stated he is happy to be back for 2026 and commented on new Ralph M. Brown Act provisions going into effect in 2026.
4. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez stated he is happy to answer any questions anyone might have; provided an update on the Community Center Project; a meeting that he participated in regarding a new housing development in the City; and thanked City Engineer Ossorn for his work.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the need to examine and possibly replace older speed humps in the City; the status of previous federal earmarks; and the City Council thanked the Public Works Department for their work.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APNs 012-160-25S, 012-190-56, 012-190-25ST, 012-190-09T, and 012- 190-26ST
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Westlands Water District
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
At 8:29 p.m., the City Council entered into Closed Session.
At 8:41 p.m., the City Council reconvened in Open Session, at which time Assistant City Attorney Castro reported that there was no reportable action on item 1.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. based on a motion by Council Member Riofrio, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso, and unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Victor Martinez, Mayor
Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 January 20, 2026
ATTEST:
matto bee
Antonio Pizano, Deputy City Clerk
Minutes of City Council Meeting 7 January 20, 2026