CITY OF PATTERSON
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
September 02, 2026
Present:
Councilmember Roque
Councilmember Hernandez
Councilmember Mora
Councilmember Jack
Absent:
Mayor Clauzel
City Staff:
City Manager Ulloa
Deputy City Attorney White
IT Manager Marty
City Clerk Alegre
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson of September 2, 2026 was called to order in the City of Patterson at 7:27 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Roque.
Pledge of Allegiance
Statements of Conflict
None.
Items from the Public
Sheryll Lex - Asked for clarification regarding the censure process, including whether the Council had previously decided to move forward with censure, whether the action being considered that evening restarted or altered the process, whether the allegations involved criminal activity, and whether the process could result in the Mayor's removal from office.
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Deputy City Attorney explained the process.
Mark Dizon - Expressed concerns regarding communication and transparency surrounding the censure process and the amount of information provided to the community. He questioned Councilmember Jack's previous recusal, Councilmember Hernandez's participation in the process while running for Mayor, and the timing and availability of information concerning the matter. He encouraged the City to improve communication and ensure information is accessible to the entire community.
Kandace Weyhrauch - Commented in support of taking the allegations and findings of the independent investigation seriously. The speaker discussed personal experiences with Mayor Clauzel, expressed support for individuals who raised allegations, and encouraged the decisionmaking bodies to consider the investigative findings. The speaker also questioned statements made by Mayor Clauzel regarding the amount of information he had received concerning the investigation.
Alyssa Homen - Expressed concerns regarding Councilmember Hernandez's participation in the censure process while she is a candidate for Mayor against Mayor Clauzel. She distinguished between a legal conflict of interest and the appearance of impartiality, citing provisions of the Councilmember Handbook concerning independence, fairness, and avoiding the appearance of impropriety. She requested that the Council consider a more neutral process or that Councilmember Hernandez not participate in the committee.
Councilmember Jack provided a comment regarding the reasons for her recusals.
Councilmember Hernandez asked legal to explain the timeline.
Angela Bodas - Expressed concerns regarding transparency and the City's communication with the public regarding the censure process. She questioned why, given the length of the investigation, a clearer explanation of the process and timeline had not previously been provided. She encouraged the City to clearly communicate the procedural steps, possible outcomes, and timeline to the community before proceeding further.
Mercedes Carter - Acknowledged the complexity of the matter and expressed appreciation for the City's efforts to conduct due diligence and follow the appropriate investigative process. She recognized the need to protect employee information and follow established procedures and suggested that the Council consider whether future amendments to the Councilmember Handbook could provide greater clarity regarding participation and conflicts in similar proceedings.
5. City Staff Reports
Discussion and Action regarding appointment of the Censure Rules Committee members.
Deputy City Attorney White reviewed his report.
At 8:07 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Roque opened the item to public comments. There were no comments.
ACTION: Motion to appoint Councilmember Mora, Councilmember Hernandez, and Mayor Pro Tem Roque to the Censure Rules Committee to consider the written censure request regarding Mayor Clauzel was made by Councilmember Mora and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Roque. Them motion carried 4-1-0.
Council Member Mora: Aye | Council Member Jack: Aye | Council Member Hernandez: Aye | Mayor Pro Tem: Aye
Adjournment
At 8:08 p.m. the City Council adjourn to closed session.
At 9:41 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Roque reported the following:
First potential matter: No reportable action.
Second potential matter: By a vote of 3–0–1 (Council Members Mora and Hernandez and Mayor Pro Tem in favor; Council Member Jack abstaining), the City Council authorized the limited release of the independent investigation report to Mayor Clausell. The report was prepared by a third-party investigator and concerns allegations raised by employees and council members against Mayor Clausell, including claims of intimidation and excessive involvement in city operational matters.
The City Council further directed that the City Manager and City Attorney's office coordinate with Mayor Clausell so that he may view, but not copy, the report in person.
There being no further business, the meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson of September 2, 2026 was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Approved by the Patterson City Council on October 6, 2026.
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