Ripon City Council Minutes
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025 – 6:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
CLOSED SESSION AT 5:30 PM
CLOSED SESSION: The closed session meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON CLOSED SESSION MATTERS: No one from the public wished to speak at this time.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Leo Zuber, Michael Restuccia, Dean Uecker, Vice Mayor Gary Barton, Mayor Daniel de Graaf.
OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra Jr., City Clerk Lisa Roos.
IN THE MATTER OF:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Section 54956.9(d)(1) of the California Government Code. a. Liberty Self Storage, L.P. v. City of Ripon; Ripon Consolidated Fire District Case #: STK CV-UWM-2025-0007527
b. City of Ripon v. David Hegarty Case #: STK-CV-UED-2025-7194 c. California Sportfishing Protection Alliance v. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Case #: CV-20-001720
2. Potential or Pending Litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(e)(1) of the California Government Code – 1 case.
Return to open session.
City Attorney Terpstra said Council met in closed session, staff was given direction and no reportable action was taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with Mayor de Graaf leading in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
INVOCATION:
Pastor Rex Rodgers gave the invocation.
City Council Page 2 November 10, 2025
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Daniel de Graaf Mayor Present
Gary Barton Vice Mayor Present
Dean Uecker Council Member Present
Michael Restuccia Council Member Present
Leo Zuber Council Member Present
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Administrator Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra Jr., Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart, Recreation Director Kye Stevens, Director of Public Works James Pease, Police Chief Daniel Sauer, City Clerk Lisa Roos, Deputy City Clerk Jane Kilgore, Information Systems Technician Elizabeth Farnam, Michael Winters, Bob Gutierrez, Peter Rietkerk, Rex Rodgers, Kelly Donohue.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Emil Guillermo, Ripon Poet Laureate, said he had written two short poems dedicated to the Veterans of Ripon and proceeded to read them.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Ripon City Council meeting of October 14, 2025 and the Special City Council Meeting of October 30, 2025.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
1. CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING - OCT 14, 2025 6:00 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING - OCT 30, 2025 2:00 PM APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):
Motion to approve the agenda as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
City Council Page 3 November 10, 2025
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
1.1. Income
A. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Sales Tax
(October 2024 $297,562.84)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $1,412,505
FY 2024-25 YTD: $1,552,900
Highway Users Tax
(September 2024 $43,668.04)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $123,874
FY 2024-25 YTD: $130,486
SB1 Street & Road Tax
(October 2024 $36,556.14)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $150,476
FY 2024-25 YTD: $144,519
$321,363.41
$43,828.59
$38,234.05
TOTAL $403,426.05
B. CCATT HOLDINGS
Monthly Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment
October 2025 $1,336.34
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Monthly Franchise Fee Payment - September 2025 $4,360.83 D. GILTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
Quarterly Franchise Fee Payment – September 2025 $14,983.25
1.2. Bills, Invoices, Payments
A. CITY OF STOCKTON
Ripon Share of Library Operating Costs 2025-2026
Invoice #118536 $22,200.00
B. DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Ripon 6th Cycle Housing Element
Progress Payment – Invoice #4780 $12,670.00
C. SOUTH SAN JOAQUIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
SSJGSA Expenses
3rd Quarter 2025 - Invoice #Ripon 2025Q3 $6,893.63
City Council Page 4 November 10, 2025
D. LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA, JR.
General Matters
Police Department
Private Development
$6,248.25
$5,310.50
$260.00
TOTAL $11,818.75
E. PRICE PAIGE & COMPANY
Audit Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #36919 $3,310.00
F. LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE
Professional Employment Law Services
Invoice #306457 $400.00
G. SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT
Blossom Express Driver
October 2025 Invoice #AR038154 $2,515.17
H. WGR SOUTHWEST, INC.
City Storm Water Permit Assistance
Progress Payment – Invoice #32633 $131.00
I. SIEGFRIED ENGINEERING, INC.
Civil Design for the N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #50737 $3,455.00
J. BASECAMP ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
South County Water Connection Project Environmental
Progress Payment – Invoice #52904 $731.25
K. LSC TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS, INC.
Short Range Transit Plan
Progress Payment – Invoice #82294 $647.50
L. FEHR AND PEERS
N. Ripon Rd. / River Rd. Intersection Project
Traffic Engineering Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #189690 $1,734.15
M. WOODARD & CURRAN
Waste Water Treatment Plant Planning Report Update
Progress Payment – Invoice #254880 $12,486.25
N. GROVER LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC.
Landscape Repair Project
Progress Payment – Invoice #7 $83,071.86
City Council Page 5 November 10, 2025
1.3. Miscellaneous Items
A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services
Agreement with Stantec Consulting
Services to evaluate the water quality of
Well 19 in the not to exceed amount of
$52,069 (funding source: Water
Enterprise Capital Fund).
B. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT REVIEW
July 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025 Accept the City’s quarterly investment report for the period ending September
30, 2025.
C. CLAIM
Kathleen Sharafian Deny the claim filed by Kathleen
Sharafian on August 18, 2025 related to
a trip and fall on public right-of-way.
D. CLAIM
West Valley Properties, LLC Deny the claim filed by West Valley Properties, LLC on October 10, 2025
related to the development of the West
Valley Concrete project located at 875
Doak Boulevard.
E. POLICE OFFICER BADGE DONATION
Michael White Accept the donation of $1,982 from
Michael White to fund half the purchase
of the redesigned police badges.
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
City Council Page 6 November 10, 2025
2. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 25-36
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
DIRECTING STAFF TO INITIATE THE
PROPOSITION 218 PROPERTY OWNER
NOTICE, HEARING AND PROTEST
PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED
WATER, SEWER AND GARBAGE
RATE INCREASES EFFECTIVE
FEBRUARY 1, 2026 THROUGH
JANUARY 31, 2031, AND ADOPTING
SAID FEE INCREASES IN THE EVENT
OF A LACK OF A MAJORITY
PROTEST
This resolution approves the process in
accordance with Proposition 218 to
increase water, sewer and garbage rates as
recommended in with the Water, Sewer
and Garbage Funds Rates Study report
dated November 3, 2025, as described
below:
Set a public hearing for January 13,
2026 to consider protests opposing
the proposed water, sewer, and
garbage rate increases; and
Provide written notice to property
owners by mail a minimum of 45
days prior to the public hearing of
the proposed water, sewer, and
garbage rates.
In the event that a majority protest
does not exist, the proposed water,
sewer and garbage rates would be
approved for a five-year period
beginning February 1, 2026.
City Administrator Werner said that a workshop was held on October 30 with the City Council to review the draft recommendations from the consultant who prepared the Water, Sewer, and Garbage Rate Study dated November 3, 2025. The report outlines proposed rate adjustments for the three enterprise funds over the next five years, from 2026 through 2030.
He said the direction provided by Council at that workshop has been incorporated into the item being presented tonight.
Werner explained that under Proposition 218, a formal process is required to increase utility rates. Council will be asked to approve the Engineer’s Report and the Resolution of Intent to begin the Proposition 218 process. He said notices will be mailed to property owners and customers of record at least 45 days prior to the public hearing, which is scheduled for January 13, 2026. If there is no majority protest at that hearing, the proposed rates would take effect on February 1, 2026.
Werner said the City’s enterprise funds, water, sewer, and garbage, operate as independent business-type accounts, with rates covering the cost of services. Each fund includes both an operating account and a capital reserve account. He said the operating account covers daily expenses such as salaries, benefits, and utilities, while the capital reserve funds the replacement of equipment and infrastructure. He said the City conducts a rate study every five years to ensure financial stability and consistent service. Werner noted that the Council reviews financial reports annually to determine if the full scheduled rate adjustments are necessary.
City Council Page 7 November 10, 2025
Werner said that for the water fund, a 4% annual rate increase is proposed over the next five years to maintain service levels and address inflationary costs. He said planned improvements include two wellhead treatment systems and the addition of a maintenance position to support operations. He said approximately $1 million per year will continue to be transferred to the capital fund for replacement of wells, meters, vehicles, and tank maintenance.
Werner said that for the sewer fund, a 3% annual increase is proposed to sustain operations and maintain reserves. He said the fund also continues a capital transfer policy established to prepare for future wastewater treatment plant upgrades. He said the current plant operates under a 1994 discharge permit, and funds are being accumulated to meet future, more stringent regulatory requirements.
Werner said that for the garbage fund, the most significant rate adjustment is proposed due to costs associated with Senate Bill 1383, which requires jurisdictions to reduce organic waste in landfills. He said Ripon’s approach utilizes a high-diversion facility rather than a three-cart system, which remains the most cost-effective option. He said to restore reserves and support vehicle replacement, a 20% increase is proposed in year one, followed by 4% increases in the remaining four years.
Werner said that when combined, the proposed adjustments represent an overall 9.5% increase in the first year, followed by 4% per year thereafter. He said for the average residential customer, the monthly utility bill would increase from approximately $123 to $135 in the first year, reaching $157 by 2030 if all rate adjustments are implemented.
Werner said the City Council requires staff to return each year with updated financial reports for the enterprise funds to determine whether the full scheduled rate increases are necessary.
He noted that during the 2016–2020 rate period, not all approved increases were implemented; for example, the water fund received smaller adjustments of 2% in both 2019 and 2020 instead of the higher amounts originally projected. Similarly, sewer rate increases during that period were reduced based on financial conditions. He said that in the following five-year period, which occurred after COVID-19, the proposed rate adjustments were smaller overall and all were implemented as approved.
Werner said that a comparison of regional utility rates shows Ripon’s proposed combined rate remains about 11% below the regional average, with water rates near the average, sewer rates 50% lower, and garbage rates approximately 20% higher than neighboring cities.
Mayor de Graaf said he appreciated Werner pointing out that increases are not mandatory and Council has not always implemented them.
Council Member Restuccia said he appreciated the thorough work completed by staff and noted that while no one likes to see costs increase, the City must keep up with State regulations and ensure that the water, sewer, and garbage funds remain self-sustaining. He commended staff for identifying ways to meet requirements at the lowest possible cost.
Vice Mayor Barton said that, since the General Manager of South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) was present, he would like Werner to mention the capital accumulation for City Council Page 8 November 10, 2025
the future connection with SSJID. Werner said it was worth noting that the City is collecting funds for the future connection project with SSJID. He said these funds come from both new development and a portion of the capital transfers from the enterprise funds.
Werner stated that the action before the Council was to adopt the resolution, which begins the Proposition 218 process and approves the proposed rates, subject to the outcome of the public hearing.
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-36 directing staff to initiate the Proposition 218 property owner notice, hearing and protest process for the proposed water, sewer and garbage rate increases effective February 1, 2026 through January 31, 2031, and adopting said fee increases in the event of a lack of a majority protest.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
B. RESOLUTION NO. 25-37
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
DESIGNATING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR AS THE OFFICER
FOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS
FILED PURSUANT TO RIPON
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 6.52
Adopt the resolution designating the City
Administrator, or his or her designee, as the
hearing officer to hear appeals of orders of
the Animal Control Officer pursuant to
Ripon Municipal Code Section
6.52.060(A).
City Attorney Terpstra said the City has an ordinance that regulates dangerous animals and authorizes the Animal Control Officer to issue orders requiring various levels of control over animals deemed dangerous, in order to protect public safety. He explained that owners have the right to appeal these determinations to the City Council or its designee.
Terpstra said the purpose of this resolution is to clarify and streamline this process by formally delegating the authority to hear such appeals to the City Administrator or their designee, consistent with past practice of using impartial hearing officers and to improve efficiency in Council operations.
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-37 designating the City Administrator, or his or her designee, as the hearing officer to hear appeals of orders of the Animal Control Officer pursuant to Ripon Municipal Code Section 6.52.060(A).
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
City Council Page 9 November 10, 2025
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council will take action on the following items at the conclusion of each Public Hearing.
A. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT - ANNUAL REVIEW (2025)
Silverstone Subdivision
The Vineyards Subdivision
Meadowood Subdivision
Pereira Subdivision
Ripon Gardens II
Calvary Reformed Church Master Plan
Should the City Council agree with the
Planning Commission’s recommendation,
the following motion would be
appropriate:
“The City Council accepts this staff report
as the written report from the Planning
Commission that there has been
compliance in good faith, with the terms
and conditions of each respective
Development Agreement.”
Planning Director Zuidervaart said the Planning Commission reviewed the Development Agreements and found them to be in compliance with the terms.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
No one from the public wished to speak at this time.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Motion to accept the staff report as the written report from the Planning Commission that there has been compliance in good faith, with the terms and conditions of each perspective Development Agreement.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
B. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TAZ25-126 - ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
STATIONS
This is a public hearing to consider
amendments to Ripon Municipal Code
Title 16 (Development Title) by adding a
new Chapter to address development of
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
pursuant to California Government Code
Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said the proposed ordinance creates a chapter in the development title “Chapter 16.218 Electric Vehicle Charging Station”. He said this ordinance is required by recent state laws that mandate the City streamline the City Council Page 10 November 10, 2025
permitting process for Electric Vehicle charging stations through a ministerial review process. He said this means qualifying projects must be approved without a public hearing provided they meet all the requirements.
Zuidervaart said the City currently processes these projects through either a minor site plan or a major site plan that goes to the planning commission He said this process no longer meets the State requirements. He said the new ordinance brings Ripon into compliance while maintaining local oversight for safety access and design standards.
Zuidervaart said the Planning Commission reviewed the draft ordinance at their October 20, 2025 meeting, held a public hearing and unanimously recommended the City Council adopt the ordinance drafted, which is the next item on the Agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
No one from the public wished to speak at this time.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
4. ORDINANCES
First Reading and Introduction
A. ORDINANCE NO. 932
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
ESTABLISHING CHAPTER 16.218 OF
THE RIPON MUNICIPAL CODE TO BE
COMPLIANT WITH STATE LAW
This ordinance establishes expedited,
streamlined, and ministerial permitting
processes for Electric Vehicle Charging
Stations within the City of Ripon to comply
with California Government Code Sections
65850.7 and 65850.71.
Motion to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance 932 creating Chapter 16.218 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations of the Ripon Municipal Code establishing expedited, streamlined and ministerial permitting processes for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations within the City of Ripon to comply with California Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71.
RESULT: FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] Next: 12/9/2025 6:00 PM MOVER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
City Council Page 11 November 10, 2025
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Discussion/Action Approve and authorize the City
Administrator to sign the Memorandum of
Understanding between the South San
Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) and the
City of Ripon (City) regarding payments in
lieu of franchise fees to the City in order to
mitigate the financial impacts resulting
from SSJID’s Retail Electric Project.
City Administrator Werner said South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) has been pursuing retail electric since 2004. He said the City of Ripon passed a resolution in 2009 supporting those efforts. He said SSJID went to LAFCo, who then required SSJID to allocate 2.5% of gross retail revenue as in-lieu franchise fees subject to terms of agreements with the various cities and the County to replace that revenue.
Werner said staff is recommending the Council approve a memorandum of understanding that confirms SSJID’s obligation to pay these in-lieu franchise fees. He said once SSJID secures possession and ownership of the electric distribution system, the City will work with SSJID to enter into a more formal agreement.
Peter Rietkerk, SSJID, said SSJID’s goal from the beginning of the retail electric project has been to provide locally owned, operated, reliable, affordable, and safe electric service. He noted that SSJID remains committed to offering rates at least 15% lower than PG&E, which would return millions of dollars in savings to local residents, businesses, and public agencies.
Rietkerk explained that SSJID’s effort to acquire PG&E’s electric distribution system has spanned two decades and has involved extensive legal proceedings. He said in 2016, SSJID held a Resolution of Necessity hearing in Ripon as a precursor to filing an eminent domain case. Since then, the case has been dismissed, reinstated, scheduled for trial, and in 2024 deferred to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for review, actions that have collectively delayed implementation of the project.
Rietkerk said that on October 30, 2025 the CPUC issued a proposed decision to dismiss PG&E’s request for review of SSJID’s project. This means the CPUC will not consider the matter until the eminent domain case is resolved in San Joaquin County Superior Court. He stated that this clarification could expedite the process, as the court must first determine whether SSJID can legally acquire PG&E’s assets before the CPUC evaluates the public interest implications. He added that, barring an appeal by PG&E, SSJID hopes to return to trial in 2026.
Rietkerk explained that SSJID’s plan includes a 2.5% payment of gross revenues to offset any loss of franchise fees or property taxes to the County and cities within its service area, a condition established by LAFCo as part of its project approval. He said the resolution before the Council reinforces that commitment and supports ongoing City Council Page 12 November 10, 2025
collaboration between SSJID and the City of Ripon regarding future electric service. He thanked the Council for its continued support as SSJID prepares for trial and continues updating its technical studies.
Council Member Restuccia asked if SSJID would honor existing residential solar agreements. Rietkirk said SSJID would honor all current net metering agreements for the duration of their terms.
Motion to approve and authorize the City Administrator to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) and the City of Ripon (City) regarding payments in lieu of franchise fees to the City in order to mitigate the financial impacts resulting from SSJID’s Retail Electric Project.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
B. SAN JOAQUIN PARTNERSHIP
Discussion/Action Bob Gutierrez will provide an update on the San Joaquin Partnership. City Council
to provide direction regarding the annual
San Joaquin Partnership invoice.
Bob Gutierrez, San Joaquin Partnership, provided an update on the San Joaquin Partnership’s ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life in San Joaquin County by recruiting and retaining high-wage jobs and supporting local economic growth.
Established 34 years ago, the Partnership continues to collaborate with cities, counties, businesses, and regional organizations to promote investment opportunities and workforce training programs that benefit both residents and employers.
Gutierrez highlighted several key initiatives, including the GO SJ program, which centralizes information about career and technical education programs, helping connect students and workers with training and job placement opportunities. He provided updates on other programs such as North Valley Thrive, iHub San Joaquin, and partnerships with Team California and California Forward, which support innovation, industry engagement, and regional economic development through grant funding, workforce training, and promotion of emerging sectors such as clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Gutierrez also emphasized the Partnership’s marketing efforts to attract business and investment to the region. He said recent outreach included participation in statewide and national economic development events, as well as digital campaigns under the “Why San Joaquin” banner, which highlight the region’s livability, workforce, and opportunities. He said Ripon continues to be featured in these efforts as part of the broader strategy to promote the entire County as a desirable place to live and work.
City Council Page 13 November 10, 2025
Vice Mayor Barton asked about the current state of economic activity in San Joaquin County and the potential for additional industrial growth. Gutierrez said that while activity has slowed somewhat in recent months, largely due to tariffs and rising costs, there remains steady interest in food processing and manufacturing. He said that the Partnership is diversifying its portfolio of services to adapt to these economic shifts and continue supporting local industries.
Mayor de Graaf reflected on the value of the Partnership’s workforce training initiatives, noting that programs highlighted by staff play an important role in preparing community members for skilled employment opportunities. He said that while some programs may not directly relate to every local business, they contribute meaningfully to the broader community by strengthening the regional workforce.
de Graaf said that there is often more happening in local economic development than residents realize and encouraged continued outreach to help raise awareness. He expressed appreciation for the Partnerships’s growing engagement efforts and for the updates shared during the meeting.
Motion to approve the annual San Joaquin Partnership invoice in the amount of $5,000.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
C. FINANCIAL AUDITS - FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
Discussion/No Action Price Paige & Company has completed the audit of the City of Ripon’s Financial
Statements and the Money Purchase Thrift
Pension Plan for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2025. Resolutions will be
presented in December for City Council
acceptance.
City Clerk Roos said the audits for the City of Ripon and the Money Purchase Thrift Pension Plan for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 have been completed by Price Paige & Company.
Roos said these audits are completed to fulfill requirements place on the City by State agencies and our bonding agencies. She said the City uses an independent third party audit firm to ensure we are in compliance with the laws and regulations. The City of Ripon audit is a combination of all of the finances of the City.
Roos said she provided a staff report in the City Council packet that gives a high-level financial summary of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Roos said there is no action required tonight and resolutions to accept these audits will be on the Consent Calendar of our December meeting.
City Council Page 14 November 10, 2025
REPORTS
Department Heads:
Police Chief Sauer said that the Police Department plans to assign one patrol officer to serve as a full-time motor officer in the near future. He explained that this decision was made in response to increasing vehicular traffic and hazardous moving violations, noting that it would be a wise allocation of resources. He said the motor officer would also focus on e-bike, motor scooter, and golf cart violations, along with traffic collision investigations.
Sauer said traffic enforcement continues to be one of the most common requests from the community. He added that the motor officer would be responsible for pursuing traffic safety grants to fund needed equipment, such as a police motorcycle, radar trailers, DUI checkpoint resources, and other traffic-related tools.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said there is a Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025 that will include a potential rezone.
Public Works Director Pease said the October water usage was down 20% from last year’s numbers.
Pease said the City has moved to a one-day a week watering schedule.
Pease said the Annual Brush Pick-Up Program started October 15 and will run through January
7. City Council:
Council Member Restuccia said tomorrow is Veterans Day and encouraged people to thank a Veteran. He said there will be an event at the Veterans Hall at 10:30 am.
Council Member Zuber said he was glad to hear from Sauer regarding traffic enforcement because he wanted to raise concerns about golf carts. He said he has noticed more of them around town and questioned whether the people driving them were of legal age. He said he also owned a place in another town, where the community was facing the same issue and had recently shared a reminder about golf cart laws. He said the reminder cited the California Vehicle Code, which allows golf carts on public roads only under very limited conditions, within one mile of a golf course and only on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, designated by local ordinance.
Zuber said if Ripon wanted to get the situation under control, the City might need to consider a new ordinance, since many of the areas where carts are being driven likely do not meet those criteria. He said he believed the City’s current rules already aligned with State law and asked if that was the case.
City Attorney Terpstra said he was aware of the relevant State laws and had presented on the topic for other cities. He said it is correct that State vehicle code provisions override local ones, but added that the City does have some flexibility to regulate within that framework. He said this was an issue that could be brought before the City Council at its discretion for a future discussion.
City Council Page 15 November 10, 2025
Vice Mayor Barton said he wanted to thank Michael White and Council Member Restuccia for their donations for the new police badges.
Mayor de Graaf said he wanted to thank everyone who attended the meeting. de Graaf echoed Restuccia’s sentiments regarding thanking a Veteran and said he appreciates the service of Veterans.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:06 PM. (Signed) Daniel de Graaf
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk