INCORPORATEO
1942
CANTALOUPE CELTER
OF THE WORLD
MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting March 3, 2026
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:02 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 Council Member Lopez
Invocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
A moment of silence and reflection was observed in honor of those who lost their lives on the battlefield and those lost due to immigration.
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
Adjustments to Agenda.
Adoption of final Agenda.
City Manager Gonzalez requested to table business item 2 to a future meeting agenda.
A motion was made by Council Vlember Riofrio to adopt the modified agenda as requested by staff, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Council Member(s)
Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 March 3, 2026
Council Member Mendoza commented on events and programs, including the Autism Awareness Banner Program and the Mendota Community Corporation's ("MCC") Inaugural Soccer Tournament; a meeting hosted by Westside Youth, Inc to discuss a possible name change of the Mendota Cobras to the Mendota Aztecs; and thanked staff for their work with the Pool Park Rehabilitation Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso commented on the upcoming State Advocacy Trip; stated he was invited to participate in a panel to discuss municipal infrastructure; and thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Council Member Lopez provided updates on the Autism Awareness Banner Program and highlighted upcoming community programs and events, including the Silva Strong 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, the MCC Inaugural Soccer Tournament, the MCC Charitable Golf Tournament, and the 2026 Fireworks Spectacular; encouraged residents to complete a community transit survey; and shared that she attended a breakfast where candidates for the upcoming election presented information about their campaigns.
Council Member Riofrio shared his thoughts on the upcoming elections; discussed the City's infrastructure needs; reflected on the City's progress; emphasized the importance of continuing improvements; and expressed his pride and love for the City.
2. 1 Mayor
Mayor Martinez urged the community to move forward together and remain united in continuing to improve the City; commented on upcoming events in the City; encouraged community members to continue to stay involved; commented on transportation needs in the City; transportation funding measures, including the Moving Forward Together Initiative; the status of housing subdivisions in the City; and commented on the status of various projects, including the Derrick and Oller Roundabout Project; the Divisadero Street Reconstruction Project; the Community Center Project; the soccer fields at Rojas-Pierce Park; the 2024 Local Street Reconstruction Project; and the 2n° Street Stormwater Improvement Project.
Discussion was held regarding the status of housing subdivisions in the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Enrique Mercado commented on the condition of the Alfredo Muratalla Baseball Field and the Benny Mares Sr. Baseball Field, as well as a property near Barboza Street and Gaxiola Street where an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) was installed, requesting that the City enforce applicable ADU installation standards.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Mercado.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 March 3, 2026
Nathan Alonzo with Pacific Gas & Electric Company ("PG&E") acknowledged the agency's responsibility for issues related to City projects and provided an update that PG&E is once again reducing rates.
Ofelia Ochoa of La Granja de Favian provided an update on the status of the project, requested the City's assistance in moving the project forward, and thanked the Council and staff for their service to the community.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 17, 2026.
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 Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. FEBRUARY 11, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2026
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 57617 THROUGH 57681
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $659,243.13
2. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-07, approving the Fourth Amendment to the Lease Agreement between the City of Mendota and BB Limited, LP.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-08, approving the Clean California Local Grant Program Restricted Grant Agreement between the City of Mendota and the State of California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) for the Mendota Graffiti & Litter Abatement project.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-09, awarding the construction contract for the Divisadero Street Reconstruction Project to AJ Excavation, Inc. in the amount of $684,685.00.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-10, approving the quote submitted by California Turf Equipment & Supply Inc. for the purchase of two Cushman Hauler Pro Electric Carts for the Public Works Department in the amount $40,042.54.
6. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-11, authorizing the submittal of applications for, and to sign certain assurances with respect to applications for local, state and federal programs projects or grants.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-12, approving a license agreement with Central Cali Health and Fitness, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, for charity boxing gym operations at the former site of the William Robert Johnston Municipal Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 March 3, 2026
Airport.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 through 7 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
BUSINESS
1. City Council discussion and consideration Resolution No. 26-13, in its capacity as the Mendota Groundwater Sustainability Agency, adopting the Revised and Restated Memorandum of Agreement among the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez deferred to Steve Chedester with the Exchange Contractors to provide the report.
Discussion was held on the implementation of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan; implications of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act; and the history of water issues in the City.
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period.
Joseph Amador commented on the item.
Enrique Mercado commented on the item.
Discussion was held on the information provided.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt Resolution No. 26-13, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
2. City Council to receive an introduction from Precision Civil Engineering, Inc.
Business item 2 was tabled to a future meeting agenda.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. City Engineer
a) Update
City Engineer Osborn provided an update on numerous projects including, the Citywide Railroad Improvement Project, the Derrick & Oller Roundabout Project, 5th and Quince Street Reconstruction Project, Amador & Smoot Extension Pro ect, 2024 Local Street Reconstruction Project, Divisadero Street Reconstruction Project, Divisadero & Inez Street Reconstruction Project, 2nd Street Stormwater Project, and Westside Water Tank & Booster Pump Project.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 March 3, 2026
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Engineer Osborn, and the status of the installation of the pedestrian rapid flashing beacons on State Highways 180 and 33.
City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro stated that he would be happy to answer any questions.
Discussion was held on the implementation of Senate Bill 707 provisions.
3. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on the Pool Park Rehabilitation project, including the installation of shade structures; the status of the soccer fields at Rojas-Pierce Park; the condition of the Alfredo Muratalla Baseball Field and Benny Mares Sr. Baseball Field; commented on the installation of cameras near the soccer fields at Rojas-Pierce Park; stated that he was invited to a discussion panel by Assemblywoman Emeralda Soria to discuss housing issues; commented on scheduling a joint meeting with the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees; and the installation of drinking fountains at the basketball courts at Rojas-Pierce Park.
Discussion was held on ongoing and upcoming projects.
CLOSED SESSION
1. 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
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APNs 013-221-05 and 013-221-06
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Ernestine & Sergio Torres
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APN 013-050-21T
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Firebaugh Canal Water District
Jnder Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 March 3, 2026
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
otential initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) ot subdivision (d) ot Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) ot subdivision (d) ot Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case).
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to subdivision (b) of Government Code section 54957 Title: City Manager
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to subdivision (b) of Government Code section 54957 Title: Police Chief
At 7:18 p.m., the City Council entered into Closed Session.
At 8:46 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 through 7.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. based on a motion by Mayor Pro Alonso, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, and unanimously approved (5 ayes).
Luca Mall
Victor Martinez, Mayor
OFMENDO
ATTES
111#1942:*
eleste Cabrera-Garcia, Cia, Clerk
Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 March 3, 2026