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MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting May 5, 2026
Meeting called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso at 6:12 PM Roll Call
Council Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jose Alonso, and Council Members Libertad "Liberty" Lopez, Jesus "Jesse" Mendoza
and Joseph R. Riofrio
Council Members Absent: Mayor Victor Martinez
Flag salute led by Council Member Riofrio
Invocation led by Police Chaplain Robert Salinas
A moment of silence was held for Willie Clark, Betty Childress and former City of Madera Mayor Santos Garcia.
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of final Agenda.
City Manager Gonzalez acknowledged the presence of Mr. John Zimmerman with NUG, Inc., and requested that the Council consider tabling Public Hearing Item 1 to the next regular City Council meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to adopt the modified agenda as requested by staff, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent:
Martinez).
Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 May 5, 2026
PRESENTATION
City Council to recognize Restaurante y Pupuseria Morenita #1 and #2 for 18 years of business in the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso introduced the item and read the certificate of recognition into the record.
Maria Urias and the Urias family thanked God and the City Council for the recognition.
The City Council thanked Restaurante y Pupuseria Morenita #1 and #2 and the Urias family for their commitment to the community.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jenny Ramos shared that a sprinkler system for her front yard may have been broken by the contractor of the Divisadero Street Reconstruction Project, and asked who would be responsible for the repairs.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mrs. Ramos.
Kevin Romero provided an update on local high school sports.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Mr. Romero.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Members)
Council Member Riofrio commented on the history of Cinco de Mayo; and ongoing projects in the community.
Discussion was held on the comments made by Council Member Riofrio.
Council Member Lopez commented on the Divisadero Street Reconstruction Project; shared that May is Mental Health Awareness month; wished all of the mothers a happy Mother's Day; and commented on the annual Silva Strong Run and Walk.
Council Member Mendoza inquired into the possibility of installing a custom mental health awareness flag in the City; commented on the spay and neuter event taking place at Rojas- Pierce Park on May 7, 2026; ongoing community projects; and thanked staff and volunteers for their work with the Mendota Community Corporation's charitable golf tournament.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 May 5, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Alonso wished all of the mothers a happy Mother's Day; thanked Mrs.
Ramos for bringing her issue to the attention of the Council; shared his experience attending the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit; and thanked everyone for attending.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 21, 2026.
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 (4 ayes, absent: Martinez).
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APRIL 17, 2026 THROUGH APRIL 23, 2026
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 57869 THROUGH 57915
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $1,514,570.63
2. Proposed ratification of a letter of support for Poverello House's proposal for access and navigation services.
Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-25, approving the agreement with the County of Fresno for law enforcement dispatch services/9-1-1 answering responsibilities.
4. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-26, awarding the construction contract for the 2024 Local Streets Reconstruction project to Walsh Montgomery Construction, Inc. in the amount of $4, 100,536.60.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso to approve items 1 through 4 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent:
Martinez).
PUBLIC HEARING
City Council public hearing to review and consider the status of Development Agreement default, entitlements, and termination of Development Agreement with Element 7 Mendota, LLC, regarding the construction and operation of a commercial cannabis dispensary located at 796 Oller Street, Mendota, CA 93640 (APN 013-191- Public Hearing item 1 was tabled to a future meeting agenda.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 May 5, 2026
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
City Engineer
City Engineer Gross shared his experience in visiting different areas of the City; commented on upcoming projects that he is looking forward to working on and stated he is grateful for the opportunity to serve as City Engineer.
Discussion was held on the comments made by City Engineer Gross.
2. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro shared that he was happy to be in attendance and is available to assist with anything the City Council may need.
3. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez commented on the annual Silva Strong Run and Walk; the groundbreaking ceremony for the Community Center Project; grant funding that has been awarded for the Airport Park; thanked staff, consultants, and the City Council for their work, and commented on the cancellation of the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting due to Council and staff attendance at the ICSC Las Vegas conference.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Manager Gonzalez; the possibility of bringing additional automated teller machines to the City; possible grants to assist with sidewalk construction; and the possible installation of a high-intensity activated crosswalk on State Highway 33.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager Employee Organization: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: Mendota Police Officers Association
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: Unrepresented Management Employees Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 May 5, 2026
At 7:03 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
At 7:46 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 3
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the City Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 7:46 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Alonso, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Riofrio).
Jose Alonso, Mayor Pro Tem
OF MENDO
ATTEST:
Coleste Cabrera-Garcia, cig pert 942
«САНОВНИ
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 May 5, 2026