City of Patterson Page 1 Updated 10/22/2025
City of Patterson
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 21, 2025
City Manager
Fernando Ulloa
City Attorney
Nubia Goldstein
Deputy City Attorney
Douglas White
www.pattersonca.gov
Mayor
Michael Clauzel
City Council
Gabriela Hernandez, District A
Jessica Romero, District B
Kendra Mora, District C
Carlos Roque, District D
City Clerk
Aracely Alegre
1. Call to Order
Attendance Attendee Name, Title
Present Gabriela Hernandez, Councilmember District A
Jessica Romero, Councilmember District B
Kendra Mora, Councilmember District C
Carlos Roque, Councilmember District D
Michael Clauzel, Mayor
Absent None
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson was called to order in the City of Patterson, Council Chambers at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Clauzel.
City Staff Present:
City Manager Ulloa
Assistant City Manager Willett
City Attorney Goldstein
Fire Chief Frye
Finance Director Williams
Recreation & Community Services Director Weaver
Director of Engineering, Building & Capital Projects Rodriguez IT Support Technician II Valenzuela
Interim Public Works Director Barrera
Director of Human Resources Guillory-Jones
Police Chief Casey
City Clerk Alegre
Mayor Clauzel delivered a tribute to former Mayor Luis Ismael Molina, who passed away on October 4, 2025. Mayor Clauzel highlighted Molina's service as Mayor of Patterson from 2010 to 2016 and on the Stanislaus County Board of Education from 2005 to 2013, as well as his City of Patterson Page 2 Updated 10/22/2025
involvement in numerous community organizations. A moment of silence was observed in his honor.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Statements of Conflict
None.
4. Items from the Public
Dennis Booher, a Patterson resident and former city attorney for multiple cities, expressed concerns about the cost of legal services, noting the $285,000 request for one month of legal advice submitted by the contract city attorney. He questioned the structural problem with how the city obtains legal advice, citing potential conflicts when the same attorney provides legal advice and also represents the city when a complaint is filed. Mr. Booher requested that the City Council review the cost of legal advice within 60 days.
Maria Gabriel and Natalie Garcia, residents of Walnut Avenue, expressed concerns about street safety on Walnut Avenue and Hartley Street, particularly citing multiple incidents where children and pets had been hit by speeding vehicles. They requested speed bumps and additional safety measures on Walnut between Logan and Sycamore, and Hartley from Las Palmas to Walnut Grove. Natalie Garcia added that more lighting is needed in these areas as it is very dark at night.
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Roque responded that the Council had previously looked into speed bumps and would revisit the issue. He offered to share his contact information to further discuss this matter.
Police Chief Casey Hill validated these concerns, noting an uptick in vehicle versus pedestrian incidents. He detailed enforcement actions including 78 citations issued during a recent 4-hour period focused on school zones, with 29 for speeding and 15 for distracted driving. Chief Hill also mentioned deploying speed trailers to monitor traffic patterns, with priority for Walnut and Hartley.
Nick Jamieson, President of Local 4577 representing Patterson firefighters, discussed ongoing contract negotiations. He reported filing four grievances against the administration that were settled in the union's favor, and explained that the union's only request in current negotiations is binding arbitration for grievances and discipline. Mr. Jamieson cited ongoing issues with the Fire Chief, including two votes of no confidence, and expressed concerns about potential retaliation.
George Maroudas, Fire Captain, explained that after more than 100 days without a contract, the union is only asking for binding arbitration, which he characterized as fair, impartial, and beneficial to all parties.
Marty Grunke, Fire Captain and lifelong Patterson resident, emphasized that binding arbitration is not a budget issue but a fairness issue that keeps the system honest. He expressed concerns City of Patterson Page 3 Updated 10/22/2025
about retaliation for speaking up against the Fire Chief and noted declining morale and firefighters seeking employment elsewhere.
Amy Portali, union representative for AFSCME Local 10, expressed solidarity with the firefighters, noting they are requesting the same binding arbitration language. She stated the city's negotiator told them not to bring amended proposals back to the Council and invited Council members to meet with their negotiation team.
Deborah Novelli, former Mayor, spoke about labor instability and protracted negotiations being a drain on city resources. She encouraged binding arbitration to provide impartial decisions and allow both leadership and staff to refocus on public service.
Victor Chavez, labor organizer and Patterson resident, shared how firefighters saved his father's life during a medical emergency, emphasizing that union contracts mean dignity for members, families, and neighbors.
The City Council discussed the issue of binding arbitration during labor negotiations.
Councilmember Romero expressed opposition to binding arbitration, citing fiscal and accountability concerns.
Councilmembers Mora and Hernandez expressed support for continuing discussions toward a fair resolution with employee groups.
Mayor Pro Tem Roque encouraged collaboration and mutual understanding among all parties.
Mayor Clauzel emphasized transparency, fiscal responsibility, and continued good faith negotiations with bargaining groups.
No formal action was taken.
5. Consent Calendar
Councilmember Mora, District C motions to approve. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Roque, District D and Approved by a 5-0 roll call vote.
RESULT: Approved
MOVER: Mora
SECONDER Roque
AYES: 5 Hernandez, Romero, Mora, Roque, Clauzel
NAYS: 0 None
RECUSED: 0 None
EXCUSED: 0 None
5.1. Motion to Waive Readings – All Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions, Except by Title are hereby waived.
5.2. Approve September 16, 2025 Closed Session Meeting Minutes and Regular Session Meeting Minutes.
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5.3. Approve City Department Reports for the Month of July through September 2025 (Finance, Public Works, Fire, Engineering and Recreation & Community Services).
5.4. Approve City Commission Reports for the Month of September 2025 (Parks Recreation & Beautification Commission and Senior Commission).
5.5. Accept grant funds in the amount of $208,974.54 for Paramedic Training, from Homeland Security through an AFG grant and Authorize the Finance Department to make the necessary budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
5.6. Motion to Approve street closure and city sponsorship for Patterson Christmas Festival events on Saturday, December 6, 2025 and request for support and city funding.
5.7. Approval of Surplus City Vehicles FY 2025/2026
5.8. Motion to Approve the four-year municipal lease-purchase of a new 2024 Case CE 580SV backhoe (Equipment #19 replacement) and authorize the Finance Department to make necessary budget adjustments to the Water Enterprise Fund to support lease payments.
5.9. Approve Lease Proposals for Two Street Sweepers (5-Year Leases) and Authorization for Finance Department to Make Budget Adjustments to FY.
5.10. Approve $80,000 appropriation from CFD No. 2018-02 for the purchase of a Public Works utility truck to support maintenance of Baldwin Ranch accepted areas, and authorization for the Finance Department to make the necessary budget adjustments.
5.11. Approve Resolution No. 2025-57 approving the Apricot Veterinary Hospital Projects, Landscaping, Stormwater Treatment Devices, Low Impact Development Structures, Access and Maintenance Agreement, Authorizing the City Manager or his Designee to Execute the Agreement, and Authorizing the City Clerk to Record the Agreement.
5.12. Approve Request for road closure of Poppy Avenue along the frontage of the Apple Storage construction site, between Marisa Drive and State Highway 33, for a duration of no more than five (5) days. Dates of closure to be determined, contingent on Caltrans permitting.
5.13. Approve Resolution No. 2025-58 Accepting the Public Improvements for the Popeye’s Restaurant Project as Complete; Authorizing the City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion, and Commence the One-Year Warranty.
5.14. Approve Resolution No. 2025-59 Accepting the Public Improvements for the S. Rogers Road Extension Phase 2 project as Complete; Authorizing the City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion; and Begin the One-Year Warranty.
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5.15. Intent to Reimburse Expenditures Relating to the Water Line Replacement Connection with the Old Water Office Restaurant.
5.16. Approve Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 884, Amending Section
2.48.040 of Chapter 2.48 of the Patterson Municipal Code to Revise the Regular Meeting Time of the Economic Strategic Commission.
6. Public Hearing
6.1. Approve First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance No. 869 Reading by Title Only, Waving Further Readings, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Patterson amending Sections 2.40.030, 2.48.030, and 2.50.040 of the Patterson Municipal Code to Exclude City Employees and Staff from Serving on Committees and Commissions.
Staff Report: Nubia Goldstein, City Attorney
Mayor: Open/Close Item to Public Hearing
Council Motion to Approve First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance No. 869 Reading by Title Only, Waving Further Readings, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Patterson amending Sections 2.40.030, 2.48.030, and 2.50.040 of the Patterson Municipal Code to Exclude City Employees and Staff from Serving on Committees and Commissions.
City Attorney Goldstein reviewed her report.
Councilmember Hernandez commented that she initially opposed this ordinance when she served on multiple commissions, but now recognizes potential conflicts of interest. She mentioned plans to start a civic engagement leadership program to encourage community participation.
At 7:35 p.m. Mayor Clauzel opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Councilmember Roque, District D motions to approve. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mora, District C and by a 5-0 roll call vote.
RESULT: Approved
MOVER: Roque
SECONDER Mora
AYES: 5 Hernandez, Romero, Mora, Roque, Clauzel
NAYS: 0 None
RECUSED: 0 None
EXCUSED: 0 None
7. City Council Items
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A. Appoint Three (3) Members to the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission for the Term May 2025 - May 2027
A.1 Motion to Appoint Three (3) Members to the Parks Recreation and Beautification Commission for the Term May 2025-May 2027 B. Councilmember Hernandez
Nothing to report.
B.1 Stanislaus Homeless Alliance (Councilmember Mora alternate) B.2 Stanislaus County Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee (Councilmember Mora alternate)
C. Councilmember Romero
Nothing to report.
C.1 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Mayor Pro Tem Roque alternate)
D. Councilmember Mora
Nothing to report.
D.1 Workforce Development Board (Mayor Pro Tem Roque alternate) E. Mayor Pro Tem Roque
Nothing to report.
E.1 (EDAC) Stanislaus County Economic Development Action Committee (Councilmember Romero alternate)
F. Mayor Clauzel
Mayor Clauzel reported on the League of California Cities annual conference in Long Beach in early October. He and Mayor Pro Tem Roque attended various sessions including public service and ethics, legal issues focusing on land use, infrastructure partnerships, tax measure passage, and harassment prevention training.
F.1 Stanislaus County Mayor's Meeting
F.2 StanCOG (Mayor Pro Tem Roque alternate)
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F.3 League of California Cities (Mayor Pro Tem Roque 1st alternate, Councilmember Romero 2nd alternate)
8. Other Matters
Councilmember Hernandez also reported on her experience at the conference, highlighting workshops on ethics and law, homelessness reduction strategies, and small city collaboration.
She suggested exploring the formation of a city homelessness committee and recognized various nonprofits and service organizations making a difference in Patterson.
Mayor Pro Tem Roque thanked firefighters, sheriffs, and ambulance services for their fast response to an incident that morning on Sperry Avenue.
Mayor Clauzel shared that he had reached out to Graciela Molina, widow of former Mayor Luis Molina, about naming a park after him. The Parks and Recreation Commission has moved forward with a recommendation to name the park in the Villages of Patterson community after Luis Ismael Molina, which will come before the Council for approval.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson of October 21, 2025 was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Approved by the City Council on (November 4, 2025).