Minutes of City Council Meeting 1 June 2, 2026
MINUTES OF MENDOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting June 2, 2026
Meeting called to order by Mayor Martinez at 6:02 PM
Roll Call
Council Members Present: Mayor Victor Martinez and Council Members Libertad “Liberty” Lopez, Jesus “Jesse” Mendoza
and Joseph R. Riofrio
Council Members Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Jose Alonso
Flag salute led by Council Member Lopez
Invocation led by Police Chaplain Ophelia Lugo
A moment of silence was held for Mr. Juan Amador and Mr. Tomas Ramos.
FINALIZE THE AGENDA
1. Adjustments to Agenda.
2. Adoption of final Agenda.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt the agenda seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Council Members
Council Member Riofrio commented on concerns expressed regarding local gas prices; the June 2, 2026, Primary Elections; the continued progress in the City; congratulated Police Lieutenant Antuna on his promotion and thanked everyone for attending.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 2 June 2, 2026
Council Member Lopez commented on the Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony; ongoing community projects, including road repair projects; thanked everyone for their work; commented on the upcoming 2026 Mendota Fireworks Spectacular; the pride she feels for the City; and thanked everyone for attending.
Council Member Mendoza thanked everyone for attending; extended condolences to Mr.
Joseph Amador and his family on the passing of Mr. Juan Amador, and to the family of Mr.
Tomas Ramos for their loss; congratulated Police Lieutenant Antuna on his promotion; commented on ongoing projects; congratulated the graduating class of 2026; commented on the need to bring additional jobs to the City; the importance of the census; and the importance of safety when riding electric bicycles.
2. Mayor
Mayor Martinez commented on illegal trash dumping occurring throughout the City; the City’s mattress recycling program; the need to continue to address the issue of stray dogs and cats in the City; ongoing community projects including the Community Center Project, the 2024 Local Streets Reconstruction Project, the 7th Street Rehabilitation Project, the Alley Paving Project, new welcome signs on State Highways 33 and 180, the Westside Water Tank and Booster Pump Project, additional housing developments, and the Citywide Railroad Improvement Project; commented on the unity of the community; the need to continue improving infrastructure in the City; and thanked everyone for their work.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Cabrera-Garcia read a public comment, on behalf of Victor Antonio Garcia, requesting that the City investigate ways to lower gas prices and the removal of a curfew.
Discussion was held on public comment shared on behalf of Victor Antonio Garcia.
Kevin Romero congratulated the graduating Class of 2026; shared that he was part of the graduating Class of 2013; shared his condolences to Mr. Joseph Amador and his family on the passing of Mr. Juan Amador and provided an update on local youth sports.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Romero.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING
1. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of May 5, 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 Martinez; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
Minutes of City Council Meeting 3 June 2, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APRIL 28, 2026 THROUGH MAY 20, 2026
a. WARRANT LIST CHECK NOS. 57916 THROUGH 58068
b. TOTAL FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL = $1,781,137.07
2. Proposed ratification of a letter of support for Assembly Bill 2566 (Soria): Huron Hawk Conservancy.
3. Proposed ratification of a letter of support for the Heartland Solar Project proposed in Western Fresno County.
4. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-27, calling and giving notice of the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Mendota on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of certain officers of said city and requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Fresno to consolidate and canvass the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026 with the Statewide General Election to be held on that date pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10400 et seq.; to permit the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters of the County of Fresno to render specified services to the City of Mendota relating to the conduct of said General Municipal Election pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10002; and authorizing reimbursement funds to pay for said services.
5. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-28, requesting that the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission initiate proceedings to amend the City of Mendota’s adopted Sphere of Influence.
6. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-29, approving the Proposal from Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. for Engineering Management Services for the 2026 Report Update for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2019-01.
7. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-30, approving the Proposal from Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. for Engineering Design Services for the Naples Street Reconstruction Project.
8. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-31, approving the Proposal from Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. for Engineering Design Services for the Mendota Alley Paving Project.
9. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-32, approving the Proposal from Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. for Engineering Design Services for the 7th Street Rehabilitation Project.
10. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-33, approving the Proposal from Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. for Engineering Design and Coordination Services for the Welcome Sign Study and Design Project.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 4 June 2, 2026
11. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-34, claiming Local Transportation Funds for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
12. Proposed adoption of Resolution No. 26-35, approving the creation of a bank account with Community West Bank, Formerly Known as United Security Bank, for the Mendota Community Center Project.
A motion was made by Mayor Martinez to approve items 1 through 8 and 10 through 12 of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
A request was made to pull Consent Calendar Item 9 for discussion.
Discussion was held on Consent Calendar Item 9.
A motion was made by Council Member Riofrio to adopt Consent Calendar Item 9 and direct City Manager Gonzalez to work with City Engineer Gross for possible amendments to expand the 7th Street area being rehabbed and to include ways to further beautify 7th Street, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent:
Alonso).
BUSINESS
1. City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 26-36, supporting and authorizing the submittal of the Active Transportation Program Pedestrian Crossing Improvements Grant Application.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Manager Gonzalez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by City Manager Gonzalez.
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 adopt Resolution No. 26-36, seconded by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (4 ayes: absent: Alonso).
2. City Council discussion and consideration of the policy analysis and proposed policies for updating Mendota General Plan.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Sara Allinder with Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group presented information on the Mendota General Plan.
Discussion was held on the information presented by Ms. Allinder; implementation of SB 707; who is responsible if lead is found in the water of homeowners; and flooding concerns in the City.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 5 June 2, 2026
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period and seeing no one willing to comment closed it within the same minute.
3. City Council discussion and consideration of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Finance Director Valdez provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Finance Director Valdez; including funding in the budget to maintain facilities throughout the City; positive remarks received regarding City facilities; potential funding for vaccination clinics for pets; the importance of cash flow in the City.
Mayor Martinez opened the public comment period.
Alex Garcia commented on the item.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Garcia; possibly providing information to residents regarding citations for unsafe pet ownership; and unhoused community members with large amounts of dogs.
Arturo Hernandez commented on the item.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Hernandez.
Kevin Romero commented on the item.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Romero.
Mayor Martinez closed the public comment period.
Staff was directed by the City Council to move forward with the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and bring back an item at the next City Council meeting for adoption.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. 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- 18).
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and Assistant City Attorney Castro provided the report.
Discussion was held on the report provided by Assistant City Attorney Castro.
At 7:51 p.m. Mayor Martinez left the Council Chambers and returned at 7:53 p.m.
Minutes of City Council Meeting 6 June 2, 2026
At 7:54 p.m. Mayor Martinez opened the hearing to the public.
John Zimmerman with NUG Inc., commented on the item.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Zimmerman.
Alex Garcia commented on the item.
John Zimmerman commented on the item.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by Mr. Zimmerman.
At 8:09 p.m. Mayor Martinez closed the hearing to the public.
A motion was made by Council Member Lopez to terminate the Development Agreement with Element 7 Mendota and give NUG Inc. thirty days to cure outstanding balance; seconded by Council Member Mendoza; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
2. City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 26-37, making a finding of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act and requesting that the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission initiates proceedings for the “North East Bass Avenue No. 2 Reorganization” (APNs 013-050-45S and 013-061- 09S).
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Planner O’ Neal provided the report.
At 8:13 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 Council Member Riofrio to adopt Resolution No. 26-37, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
3. City Council discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 26-38, in the matter of Application No. 25-03, making a finding of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act and approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 25-02.
Mayor Martinez introduced the item and City Planner O’ Neal provided the report.
At 8:14 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 Council Member Lopez to adopt Resolution No. 26-38, seconded by Council Member Riofrio; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Minutes of City Council Meeting 7 June 2, 2026
1. Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Police Department a) April Monthly Logs
Chief Renteria provided the monthly update for Antimal Control Department, Code Enforcement Department and Police Department, including a driving under the influence checkpoint planned for June 12, 2026.
At 8:14 p.m. Council Member Lopez left the Council Chambers.
Discussion was held on continuing to work to bring additional spay and neuter clinics to the City; and continuing to address loud music and loud exhausts in the City.
2. City Engineer
At 8:16 p.m. Council Member Lopez returned to the Council Chambers.
City Manager Gonzalez provided an update on road repair projects, including the 2024 Local Street Reconstruction project.
Discussion was held on the update provided by City Manager Gonzalez.
3. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Castro provided an update on his work addressing weed abatement nuisances in the City.
Discussion was held on the comment provided by Assistant City Attorney Castro; including addressing concerns regarding a property on Lolita Street.
4. City Manager
City Manager Gonzalez congratulated Lieutenant Antuna on his promotion; thanked staff, consultants and the Council for their work; commented on the numerous amounts of ongoing projects in the City; and commended the Finance Department for working to continue moving projects along.
Discussion was held on the comments shared by City Manager Gonzalez; thanking staff for their work; continuing to move forward to improve the community; a grant opportunity with Tree Fresno for the City to bring additional trees; the need to beautify businesses on State Highway 33 and 180; and looking into grants for affordable housing.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: APNs 013-221-05 and 013-221-06
Minutes of City Council Meeting 8 June 2, 2026
Agency Negotiator: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Ernestine & Sergio Torres
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: Mendota Police Officers Association
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code sections 54954.5, subdivision (f), 54957.6 a. Agency Designated Representative: Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager b. Employee Organization: Unrepresented Management Employees
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION a. Potential initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one potential case).
At 8:24 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
At 9:15 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 through 5.
ADJOURNMENT
With no more business to be brought before the City Council, a motion for adjournment was made at 9:16 p.m. by Council Member Mendoza, seconded by Council Member Lopez; unanimously approved (4 ayes, absent: Alonso).
_______________________________
Victor Martinez, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Celeste Cabrera-Garcia, City Clerk