LNEDRPORATEO
CANTALOUPE CENTEN
OF THE WORLD
MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting March 17, 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
Adjustments to Agenda.
Adoption of final Agenda.
City Manager Gonzalez requested that the Closed Session items be held after the Department Reports and Informational Items.
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).
SWEARING IN
1. City Manager Gonzalez to swear in Chief of Police Renteria.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and administered the oath of office to Chief of Police Renteria
Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 March 17, 2026
Chief Renteria provided an overview of his background and expressed his appreciation to the City Council for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Police.
The City Council congratulated Chief Renteria, noting the City's progress and the advancements within the Mendota Police Department; discussed various issues facing the community; and shared their experiences working with Chief Renteria.
Reserve Sergeant Comen offered remarks, recognizing Chief Renteria's swearing in and his commitment to serving the community.
PRESENTATION
Billie Hansen with Mid Valley Disposal to provide an annual update.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Billie Hansen, Rick Rai and Fernando Botello with Mid Valley Disposal provided an annual update.
The City Council thanked Mid Valley Disposal for their work and partnership.
Joseph Amador thanked Rick Rai and Mid Valley Disposal for their work
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Member(s)
Council Member Mendoza wished everyone a happy Saint Patrick's Day; commented on upcoming City and Mendota Community Corporation programs and events including the Autism Awareness Banner Program, the Inaugural Soccer Tournament, City infrastructure projects, an event that was held by Soudi Jimenez regarding his book Ecos Migrantes; acknowledged continued progress in the City; and thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso recognized Women's History Month and shared remarks honoring women in the community; congratulated Chief Renteria; commented on road repair projects and the Community Center project; and thanked the City Council and staff for their work.
Council Member Lopez commented on the progress of projects in the City; expressed her excitement about the community's growth; shared her appreciation for Chief Renteria; and thanked everyone for their work.
Council Member Riofrio commented on the appointment of Chief Renteria, and thanked everyone for their work.
Council Member Lopez commented on the Mendota Police Department and their work, and Officer Yaghoubi's work with the unhoused population.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 March 17, 2026
Mayor
Mayor Martinez thanked everyone; commented on women's history month; the work of Townsend Public Affairs on behalf of the City; advocacy trips that City officials have participated in; shared updates on City projects including the Community Center project, the 2024 Local Street Reconstruction project; Divisadero Street Reconstruction project; 2nd Street Stormwater project; a testimony at the State Capitol to discuss housing that City Manager Gonzalez recently participated in; upcoming City and Mendota Community Corporation programs and events including the Autism Awareness Banner Program, Inaugural Soccer Tournament, Earth Day Celebration, Silva Strong 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Charitable Golf Tournament, and the Mendota Fireworks Spectacular; and events at Mendota Raceway Park.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Twila Gonzalez and Samantha Perez shared information about Operation Blessed Housing, a non-profit organization, and a proposal to potentially lease City-owned land located on Bass Avenue.
Discussion was held on the information shared.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 3, 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 Council Member Riofrio to approve items 1 and 2, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
CLOSED SESSION
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
2. 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
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 March 17, 2026
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Ongoing litigation pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one case)
Southern California Edison Company v. Cal. State Board of Equalization, et al.
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2025-01534286
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case).
The City Council moved the Closed Session items to occur after the Department Reports and Informational items.
CONSENT CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 25, 2026 THROUGH MARCH 9, 2026
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 57682 THROUGH 57750
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $1,194,388.90
2. Proposed ratification of a letter of support for the West Hills Community College District's Community Project Funding Request.
3. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-14, approving an option agreement for the purchase of Fresno County APN 013-221-05 and 013-221-06.
4. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-15, approving an amendment to the employment contract of the City Manager.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 through 4 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
BUSINESS
City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 26-16, approving the agreement with Precision Civil Engineering, Inc., for professional engineering services.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report Ed Dunkel with Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. introduced Precision Civil Engineering and shared information on the firm's background.
Discussion was held on the information shared
Kevin Gross with Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. introduced himself and thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 March 17, 2026
The City Council welcomed Precision Civil Engineering, Inc.; shared expectations for the City; and thanked Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group for their work.
At 7:03 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers and returned at 7:06 p.m.
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period.
Joseph Amador commented on the item.
Michael Osborn commented on the item.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt Resolution No. 26-16, seconded by Council Member Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes)
2. City Council discussion and consideration of Ordinance No. 26-01, amending Title 15 of the Mendota Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Building Code and related Trade Codes by reference.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Finance Director Valdez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the item.
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 Council Member Riofrio to introduce and waive the first reading of Urdinance No. 26-01 and schedule the public hearing for the April 7, 2026 City Council meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso; unanimously approved (5 ayes).
3. City Council discussion and consideration of updating the City of Mendota's Facility Use Policy.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Deputy City Clerk Pizano and City Clerk Cabrera- Garcia provided the report
Discussion was held on the item, including the length of time a deposit may be held for use of sports fields; modifications to the facility use fee schedule for all facilities to remove usage fees for Mendota residents and Mendota-based organizations and agencies; continuing to require a $200 fee for for-profit soccer tournaments, with an exception for charitable tournaments, including fundraising for funeral purposes, and for nonprofit organizations; and proposed changes to field availability.
Discussion also included ensuring the sports field lights are turned on when needed; allowing public use from 7am to 11am on Saturdays for both fields at Rojas-Pierce Park; allowing public use from 7am to 11am on Sundays on one field while the other field remains Minutes of City Council Meeting March 17, 2026
available for reservations, with public use permitted if no reservations are made; limiting reservations on Saturdays and Sundays to practices or games; and closing the soccer fields during the week for maintenance.
Additional discussion included maintaining the deposit requirement while eliminating facility use tees tor Mendota residents and Mendota-based organizations tor all City tacilities; establishing a deadline for applicants to meet all conditions of approval no later than five business days prior to the approved use for other facilities; ensuring users maintain the facilities; and the cost of maintaining City facilities.
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period.
Discussion was held on the item, including ensuring that individuals maintain the facility and the cost of maintaining City facilities.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period.
Discussion was held on when the soccer fields would be opened to the public.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to direct staff to modify the Facility Use Policy to allow public use from 7am to 11am on Saturdays for both fields at Rojas-Pierce Park; allow public use from 7am to 11am on one field while the other field remains available for reservations, with public use permitted if no reservations are made; establish a deadline for non-sports field applicants to meet all conditions of approval no later than five business days prior to the approved use for other facilities; and modify the Facility Use Fee Schedule for all City facilities to maintain the deposit requirement while eliminating facility use fees for Mendota residents and Mendota-based organizations. The motion also included requiring a $200 fee for for-profit soccer tournaments, with an exception for charitable tournaments, including fundraising for funeral purposes, and for nonprofit organizations, and directing staff to bring back the modified Facility Use Policy for City Council consideration. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mendoza and unanimously approved (5 ayes).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) February Monthly Logs
Chief of Police Renteria provided the monthly update for the Animal Control Department and Code Enforcement Department.
Discussion was held on the update provided by Chief Renteria, including the number of dogs that are currently at the animal control facility ("facility") and the maximum number of dogs that the facility can hold
2. City Attorney
Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 March 17, 2026
Assistant City Attorney Castro stated that his comments will be shared during Closed Session and commented on a meeting he had with Chief Renteria regarding abatement projects.
3. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez commended Chief Renteria on his work and appointment as Chief ot Police; provided updates on the Community Center project bid opening; the Divisadero and Inez project bid opening; vandalism to the welcome sign on State Highway 180; and a planned roundabout at Dickenson and State Highway 180.
Discussion was held on the updates provided by City Manager Gonzalez, including double passing lanes on State Highway 180; the upcoming Silva Strong 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk event; the City Manager's attendance at a testimony at the State Capitol to discuss housing issues; two housing subdivisions; shade structure color options for the Pool Park; a State advocacy trip; appreciation to the City Council for the opportunity to continue serving; a visit from the Salvadoran Vice Minister to the City of Mendota; and the possible relocation of the Salvadoran Consulate.
CLOSED SESSION
1. 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
2. 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
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Ongoing litigation pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one case)
Southern California Edison Company v. Cal. State Board of Equalization, et al.
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2025-01534286
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case).
At 7:38 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 7 March 17, 2026
At 7:58 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 4.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. based on a motion by Council Member Mendoza, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso, and unanimously approved (5 Victor Martinez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Celeste Cabrera-Carcia, Cy 0161942
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Minutes of City Council Meeting 8 March 17, 2026