Ripon City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026 – 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 Daniel de Graaf, Leo Zuber, Michael Restuccia, Vice Mayor Dean Uecker, Mayor Gary Barton.
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
Return to open session.
City Attorney Terpstra said Council met in closed session and no reportable action was taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm with Planning Director Zuidervaart leading in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
INVOCATION:
Pastor Phil Krygsheld gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Gary Barton Mayor Present
Dean Uecker Vice Mayor Present
Michael Restuccia Council Member Present
Leo Zuber Council Member Present
Daniel de Graaf Council Member Present
City Council Page 2 April 14, 2026
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.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Emil Guillermo, Ripon Poet Laureate, said he had written a poem about Ripon and proceeded to read.
Guillermo invited the public to Poetry Night at the Ripon Library on April 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
John Mangelos said the Roddans are proposing a community brick program to honor notable local contributors and emphasized the positive impact and optics of supporting the effort. He highlighted Rotary’s history of community contributions, noting that projects like this reflect a strong spirit of civic pride and investment. Mangelos expressed concern that the Council may not have had adequate time to fully consider the proposal and its benefits to community engagement.
He encouraged thoughtful discussion and support, stressing the importance of recognizing those who have contributed to the community.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Ripon City Council meeting of March 10, 2025.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
1. CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING - MAR 10, 2026 6:00 PM APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):
Motion to approve the agenda as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
City Council Page 3 April 14, 2026
1.1. Income
A. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Sales Tax
(March 2025 $259,585.84)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $3,163,117
FY 2024-25 YTD: $3,297,870
Highway Users Tax
(February 2025 $31,772.75)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $300,114
FY 2024-25 YTD: $318,669
SB1 Street & Road Tax
(March 2025 $31,197.51)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $330,526
FY 2024-25 YTD: $326,133
$237,815.45
$35,419.69
$33,735.78
TOTAL $306,970.92
B. CCATT HOLDINGS
Monthly Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment
April 2026 $3,500.00
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Monthly Franchise Fee Payment – February 2026 $4,984.04
1.2. Bills, Invoices, Payments
A. CORONA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, LLC
General Water System Consulting Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #U-9619 $7,412.50
B. WGR SOUTHWEST, INC.
City Storm Water Permit Assistance
Progress Payment – Invoice #33289 $425.00
C. LSC TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS, INC.
Short Range Transit Plan
Progress Payment – Invoice #82868 $377.13
D. J D E ENGINEERING, INC.
Construction Management and Inspection Services
February 2026
Progress Payment – Invoice #1082 $1,875.00
E. LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA, JR.
General Matters
Police Department
Private Development
$4,130.00
$3,411.00
$9,652.50
TOTAL $17,193.50
City Council Page 4 April 14, 2026
F. CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 2025-2026 4th Quarter Deposits:
Workers’ Compensation Program
Liability Program
2025/2026 Cyber Assessment
$170,646.00
$136,509.00
$3,413.00
TOTAL $310,568.00
G. BASECAMP ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
Environmental Review for Lawson Drayage
(Reimbursed by Developer)
Progress Payment – Invoice #53021 $8,575.00
1.3. Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING THE CITY
ENGINEER'S REPORT IN
CONNECTION WITH THE
PROPOSED FORMATION OF THE
MEADOWOOD ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 26-1, CITY OF
RIPON, COUNTY OF SAN
JOAQUIN, CALIFORNIA;
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
FORM AN ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT TO LEVY AND
COLLECT ASSESSMENTS
PURSUANT TO THE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
ACT OF 1972 FOR THE
MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN
LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION
SYSTEMS; AND SETTING A TIME
AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC
HEARING THEREON
This resolution approves the City
Engineer's Report for the proposed
formation of the Meadowood Assessment
District and sets the time and place of the
public hearing for June 3, 2026 at 10:00
AM in the City of Ripon Council
Chambers.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 26-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
ACCEPTING THE SAN JOAQUIN
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS’
ANNUAL FINANCIAL PLAN FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
ADOPTED BY THE SJCOG BOARD
ON MARCH 26, 2026
This resolution accepts the San Joaquin
Council of Governments’ annual
financial plan that describes the proposed
transportation planning activities for
Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
City Council Page 5 April 14, 2026
1.4. Miscellaneous Items
A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
T. Mitchell Engineering Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services
Agreement with T. Mitchell
Engineering & Associates to prepare
design drawings for upgrades to the
compressed natural gas components of
the Ripon Fueling Station in the not to
exceed amount of $99,330 (funding
source: CNG/Fueling Station
Maintenance Reserve Fund).
B. CLAIM
Alejandro Morales Reject the claim filed by Alejandro
Morales.
C. ACCESS AGREEMENT
Nestle USA, Inc. Approve and authorize the Mayor to
sign the Access Agreement with Nestle
USA, Inc. to install a groundwater
monitoring well on City property under
direction and oversight of the Central
Valley Regional Water Quality Control
Board.
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
2. ORDINANCES
Second Reading and Adoption
A. ORDINANCE NO. 935
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AMENDING CHAPTER 9.23
"GENERAL RULES FOR CITY PARKS"
OF THE RIPON MUNICIPAL CODE
This Ordinance amends Chapter 9.23
"General Rules for City Parks" to clarify
the process for obtaining a park use permit,
specify when violations of park rules
constitute an infraction or misdemeanor,
and establish protections for open space
areas controlled or operated by the City for
park, recreation, or open space purposes.
City Administrator Werner said staff made two changes based on Council’s feedback at the March 10, 2026 City Council Meeting including a reduction of the timeline from 25 business days to 10 business days for the Recreation Director to approve or deny a park use permit application and the prohibition of personal transportation devices such as electric bikes or motorized scooters on grass areas or non-designated areas within City parks.
City Council Page 6 April 14, 2026
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 935 amending Chapter 9.23 "General Rules for City Parks" to clarify the process for obtaining a park use permit, specify when violations of park rules constitute an infraction or misdemeanor, and establish protections for open space areas controlled or operated by the City for park, recreation, or open space purposes.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. RIPON GOLF CLUB CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REIMBURSEMENT
Discussion/Action Approve the Sierra Golf Management
request to fund various improvements at
the Ripon Golf Club in the amount of
$83,245.93 (funding source: Golf Course
Capital Improvement Account Fund).
Recreation Director Stevens said Sierra Golf Management submitted a request to use long-term capital improvement funds for several facility upgrades and the committee conducted a site tour to review the proposals. He noted that the first three items, including the maintenance shed, trees and fencing were recommended for approval. He explained that items four through seven had fallen into disrepair over time, and the Committee supported a one-time approval to bring the course up to acceptable standards.
Stevens said that the Committee is recommending approval of 50% of the total request, amounting to $83,245.93.
Mayor Barton asked for Steven’s impression of the Golf Course after several months of new management. Stevens said staff is impressed with the improvements made and that the owners seem very interested in improving the course.
Council Member de Graaf said he sees a vast difference in the way the course looks and it has vastly improved.
Barton asked if Sierra Golf Management is satisfied with the amount of customers.
Stevens confirmed.
Council Member Zuber said he noticed there are some really positive comments on social media regarding the golf course.
City Council Page 7 April 14, 2026
Approve the Sierra Golf Management request to fund various improvements at the Ripon Golf Club in the amount of $83,245.93.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
B. SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
Discussion/Action Approve the 2026 Short-Range Transit
Plan that evaluates the transit demand in
Ripon and provides recommended changes
to Ripon transit services designed to
improve mobility and/or cost efficiency
over the next 10 years.
City Administrator Werner stated that the City’s consultant prepared a Short-Range Transit Plan (Plan) for City Council consideration which is intended to serve as a comprehensive 10-year roadmap for transit service operations in Ripon. He said the Plan was developed through a combination of demographic analysis, review of current and regional transit services, projected revenue and funding capacity, and extensive public and stakeholder outreach.
Werner explained that the planning process included an online public survey, on-board rider outreach, stakeholder meetings with major users of the system, such as Bethany Home and other service partners, and a public workshop held with the Council and community to identify transit needs. He said that Ripon’s transit needs differ significantly from other communities due to its demographics and service patterns.
Werner said that the Plan recommends continuing the existing Blossom Express fixedroute service operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, which provides access to key destinations within Ripon as well as regional destinations in Modesto, Stanislaus County, such as Kaiser medical facilities and Target. He said the Plan also includes a recommendation to retain the service initially and re-evaluate expansion or reduction based on performance data collected after implementation of other service changes.
Werner stated that the Plan also recommends expanding the City’s dial-a-ride program, which is currently operated using volunteer drivers but has experienced reliability challenges, by hiring a part-time driver to provide service Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. He said the dial-a-ride service would offer trips anywhere within Ripon and Stanislaus County, with proposed fares of $15 per one-way trip for the public and $5 per one-way trip for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Werner said that the dial-a-ride service boundary is intentionally limited to Stanislaus County to avoid duplication with the existing San Joaquin Regional Transit District VanGo! on-demand service, which already provides regional coverage including Ripon and San Joaquin County destinations through advance reservation.
City Council Page 8 April 14, 2026
Werner said the Plan recommends expanding VanGo! service availability for Ripon residents through a City contract with SJRTD to provide additional evening service on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM year-round. He said the Plan also recommends a dedicated seasonal service to support access to the Ripon Farmers Market operating Thursdays from May through September, providing round-trip access for residents during market hours.
Werner concluded that the Plan is funded through existing restricted transit revenue sources, including Measure K renewal funds, Local Transportation Funds (LTF), and Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 rural transit funds, which have recently become available for operating use following the most recent census designation change.
He noted that the proposal includes dedicating 100 percent of Measure K and Section 5311 funds to transit operations. He said that the Plan includes a phased approach to Local Transportation Funds, increasing the share dedicated to transit from approximately 25 percent up to as much as 85 percent over time. He emphasized that the Plan is intended to serve as a flexible framework and will be adjusted based on future ridership data, funding availability and evolving community needs.
Council Member Restuccia said he feels this service is needed in the City.
Mayor Barton said the study was well done and at a considerable cost and questioned where the funds came from. Werner said the study was funded by LTF funds that had been set aside for this purpose.
Approve the 2026 Short-Range Transit Plan that evaluates the transit demand in Ripon and provides recommended changes to Ripon transit services designed to improve mobility and/or cost efficiency over the next 10 years.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
REPORTS
Department Heads:
Police Chief Sauer said the second quarter Community Meeting will be held on May 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the EOC at the Police Department. He said the focus will be on E-bike and motorized scooters safety and rules.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said there is a Planning Commission meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026. He said the Planning Commission will be reviewing a draft update to the accessory dwelling unit ordinance.
Public Works Director Pease reported that March water usage was down 11% compared to 2013 figures, but up 40% from last year.
Pease said that the large item pickup program has begun, and residents can sign up for a one-time pickup of up to four items through September.
City Council Page 9 April 14, 2026
City Council:
Council Member de Graaf thanked everyone for attending and wished his wife a happy anniversary.
Council Member Restuccia thanked those who attended the First Responder Appreciation Day held the previous Saturday, saying that approximately 150 people were in attendance, He said all funds raised went entirely to first responders. He added that Pastor Brett Dood led the event and expressed hope for increased attendance and donations in future years to further support first responders.
Council Member Uecker congratulated de Graaf on his anniversary.
Mayor Barton said First Responder Day was well attended. He recognized the significant time and effort contributed by Mike and Mona Restuccia in organizing the event, noting that it is a valuable community tradition. He added that he was appreciative that the community hosts such an event, emphasizing that supporting police and fire services is a fundamental responsibility of government.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 PM. (Signed) Gary Barton
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk