Ripon City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, JUNE 09, 2026 – 6:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
CLOSED SESSION AT 5:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION: The closed session meeting was called to order at 5:00 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
2. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Labor negotiations pursuant to Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code. a. City Designated Representative: Kevin Werner
b. Unrepresented Employees
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 Police Chief Sauer leading in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
INVOCATION:
Pastor Chris Williams gave the invocation.
City Council Page 2 June 9, 2026
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
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, Information Systems Technician Trevor Quevedo, Kelly Donohue, Andrew McClure, Ron Niewald, M S..te, Heather McClure.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Emil Guillermo, Ripon Poet Laureate, said he had written a poem commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and proceeded to read it.
Guillermo said he will be at the Farmers’ Market and will be providing poetry on demand.
Andrew McClure, President of the Delta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, introduced himself as a descendant of an American Revolutionary War patriot. He provided an overview of the organization's mission, which focuses on preserving American history and honoring those who serve their communities.
McClure stated that the organization began holding meetings in Ripon in January 2025 and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome members have received from the community. He remarked on the City's strong display of patriotism and presented America 250 commemorative lapel pins to Council Members in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
McClure provided informational materials about the organization and said that the Delta Chapter meets at the Ripon Library on the third Saturday of each month. He said that the organization would welcome opportunities to recognize Ripon police officers, firefighters, and other public servants for their contributions to the community. He also highlighted the group's participation in local events, including the Almond Blossom Festival and Main Street Day, and offered the services of the organization's color guard for future community events.
Ron Niewald, a member of the Delta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, addressed the Council regarding a proposed America 250 commemorative project. Niewald said that the organization is exploring the possibility of planting a Liberty Tree in Ripon as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration and said they would like to work with the City to identify a suitable location.
City Council Page 3 June 9, 2026
Niewald said that similar projects have been completed by other chapters and that funding is available through grants and organizational endowment programs. He said that the chapter is also interested in partnering with local veterans organizations, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), to support the effort.
Niewald requested information regarding potential City contacts and the process for evaluating possible locations for the project. He said that a formal request and additional information regarding the proposed Liberty Tree project would likely be submitted for consideration in the coming months as part of the America 250 celebration.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Ripon City Council meeting of May 12, 2026 and the Special City Council Meeting of June 3, 2026.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
1. CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING - MAY 12, 2026 6:00 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING - JUN 3, 2026 10:00 AM APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):
Motion to approve the agenda as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
City Council Page 4 June 9, 2026
1.1. Income
A. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Sales Tax
(May 2025 $442,432.97)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $3,912,292
FY 2024-25 YTD: $3,982,529
Highway Users Tax
(April 2025 $21,288.91)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $366,452
FY 2024-25 YTD: $375,095
SB1 Street & Road Tax
(May 2025 $33,926.13)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $406,156
FY 2024-25 YTD: $393,900
$516,164.78
$34,003.98
$40,533.40
TOTAL $590,702.16
B. CCATT HOLDINGS
Monthly Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment
June 2026 $3,500.00
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Monthly Franchise Fee Payment – April 2026 $4,304.86
D. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
Quarterly Franchise Fee Payment – March 2026 17,952.77
1.2. Bills, Invoices, Payments
A. DIBUDUO & DEFENDIS INSURANCE BROKERS
Employment Practices Liability Insurance Renewal
Effective 07/01/2026 – 07/01/2027 $18,348.72
B. FEHR AND PEERS
Traffic Engineering for N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #195441 $6,204.22
C. SIEGFRIED ENGINEERING, INC.
Civil Design for the N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #52024 $1,645.00
D. SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT
Blossom Express Driver
May 2026 Invoice #AR111465 $2,265.81
City Council Page 5 June 9, 2026
E. LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA, JR.
General Matters
Police Department
$5,782.00
$17,881.35
TOTAL $23,663.35
F. CORONA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, LLC
General Water System Consulting Services/2025
Consumer Confidence Report Assistance
Progress Payment – Invoice #U-9694
Progress Payment – Invoice #U-9748
$630.00
$4,765.00
TOTAL $5,395.00
G. CALIFORNIA CAD SOLUTIONS, INC.
GIS Subscription FY 2026-2027
Invoice #701942 $5,940.00
H. BASECAMP ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
Environmental Review for River Road Intersection
Progress Payment – Invoice #53038 $1,498.75
1.3. Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING THE DIVISION OF
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 250
DOAK BOULEVARD (APN 259-330-
15)
This resolution divides the City owned
property located at Doak Boulevard into
three parcels for purposes of gas utility
connections.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 26-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AMENDING IT'S CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE
This resolution amends the City of
Ripon’s Conflict of Interest Code to
remove the Deputy City Attorney
position as a designated filer.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 26-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING THE ANNUAL
TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT ACT CLAIM AND
AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION TO
THE SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR
OF THE CITY OF RIPON
This resolution approves the City of
Ripon Annual Transportation
Development Act Claim and authorizes
submission to the San Joaquin County
Council of Governments for the 2025-
2026 Fiscal Year.
City Council Page 6 June 9, 2026
D. RESOLUTION NO. 26-20
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING THE CITY
ENGINEER'S PRELIMINARY
REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-
2027 PERTAINING TO THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
CITY OF RIPON'S TEN
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICTS LOCATED IN THE
COUNTY OF SAN JOAQUIN,
CALIFORNIA; DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND
COLLECT ANNUAL
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL AS A PART OF THE
FORMATION OF SAID
ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS; AND
SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR
A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON
This resolution approves the City
Engineer's preliminary annual report for
the City of Ripon’s ten Landscape
Maintenance Assessment Districts and
sets the time and place of the public
hearing for July 14, 2026 in the City of
Ripon City Council Chambers.
City Council Page 7 June 9, 2026
E. RESOLUTION NO. 26-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING THE CITY
ENGINEER’S PRELIMINARY
REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-
2027 PERTAINING TO THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 05-1,
CITY OF RIPON, COUNTY OF SAN
JOAQUIN, CALIFORNIA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE
CITY OF RIPON LIGHTING
DISTRICT; DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND
COLLECT ANNUAL
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL AS PART OF THE
FORMATION OF SAID
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT; AND
SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR
A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON
This resolution approves the City
Engineer's preliminary annual report for
the City of Ripon Lighting District and
sets the time and place of the public
hearing for July 14, 2026 in the City of
Ripon City Council Chambers.
City Council Page 8 June 9, 2026
F. RESOLUTION NO. 26-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON,
CALIFORNIA CALLING AND
GIVING NOTICE OF THE
HOLDING OF A GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER
3, 2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF
CERTAIN OFFICERS OF THE CITY;
REQUESTING THE SAN JOAQUIN
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO
CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE
STATEWIDE GENERAL
ELECTION; ADOPTING
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO
CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS;
DETERMINING THAT NO FILING
FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE
PROCESSING OF NOMINATION
PAPERS; REQUESTING THE SAN
JOAQUIN COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS TO RENDER
SPECIFIED SERVICES RELATING
TO THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION; ADOPTING A
PROCEDURE FOR THE
RESOLUTION OF A TIE VOTE;
AND PROVIDING FOR THE
APPOINTMENT TO THE OFFICES
OF THIS CITY THAT WERE TO BE
ELECTED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER
3, 2026 OF THE PERSONS WHO
HAVE BEEN NOMINATED IF
THERE ARE NOT MORE
CANDIDATES THAN OFFICES TO
BE ELECTED AS REQUIRED BY
THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
RELATING TO GENERAL LAW
CITIES
This resolution gives notice that the
General Municipal Election will be held
on November 3, 2026 for two City
Council seats with four-year terms. All
persons interested in running for City
Council should contact the City Clerk by
the close of business on August 6, 2026.
City Council Page 9 June 9, 2026
1.4. Miscellaneous Items
A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WaterSolve LLC Approve and authorize the Mayor to
sign the Professional Services
Agreement with WaterSolve LLC to
survey the Wastewater Treatment Ponds
for sludge content and provide a report
of findings in the not to exceed amount
of $19,600 (funding source: Sewer
Enterprise Capital Fund).
B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT - AMENDMENT NO. 1
J D E Engineering, Inc. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 1 to the
Professional Services Agreement with J
D E Engineering, Inc. to provide
construction management and
inspection services for various projects
in a not to exceed amount of $20,000
(funding source: varies by construction
project).
C. 2026 LOCAL AGENCY BIENNIAL NOTICE
Conflict of Interest Code Approve the 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice confirming the City’s
Conflict of Interest Code and authorize
the Mayor to execute the document in
accordance with the Political Reform
Act.
D. SERVICE AGREEMENT
Jocelyn E. Roland, Ph.D Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the annual agreement with Jocelyn
E. Roland, Ph.D. that makes available
counseling services to the Police
Department employees in the amount of
$7,500 (funding source: General Fund).
E. POET LAUREATE PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING REQUEST
Ripon Arts League Approve and authorize staff to distribute the third and final installment of Poet
Laureate grant funding in the amount of
$5,000 to the Ripon Arts League, in
accordance with the Memorandum of
Understanding (funding source: Library
& Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin
County Poet Laureate Program Grant).
City Council Page 10 June 9, 2026
F. MEADOWOOD SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
Lennar Homes of California LLC Accept the Meadowood Subdivision Improvements completed in the public
right-of-way by Lennar Homes of
California LLC.
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
2. ORDINANCES
Second Reading and Adoption
A. ORDINANCE NO. 936
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING THE DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO
BETWEEN THE CITY OF RIPON AND
IONNA, LLC. ("DEVELOPER") OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY IN THE
CITY OF RIPON.
This Ordinance approves the Development
Agreement entered into between the City of
Ripon and Ionna, LLC. (“Developer”) of
certain real property in the City of Ripon to
allow the development of an unmanned
electric vehicle charging station at 1504 W.
Colony Road.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said there were no changes from the first reading to the second reading.
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 936 approving the Development Agreement entered into between the City of Ripon and Ionna, LLC. ("Developer") of certain real property in the City of Ripon.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
Second Reading and Adoption
B. ORDINANCE NO. 937
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AMENDING TITLE 16, CHAPTER 16.86
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO
BE COMPLIANT WITH RECENT
CHANGES IN STATE LAW
This Ordinance amends Title 16, Chapter
16.86 “Accessory Dwelling Units” in order
to bring it into compliance with recent
changes in State law.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said there were no changes from the first reading to the second reading.
City Council Page 11 June 9, 2026
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 937 amending Title 16, Chapter 16.86 “Accessory Dwelling Units” to be compliant with recent changes in state law.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. 2026-2027 BUDGET
Discussion/No Action Staff to present the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Budget.
City Administrator Werner presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget. He said the budget process began with a strategic planning session focused on current and future priorities and identifying opportunities to proactively address emerging issues.
Werner reviewed the current FY 2025-26 General Fund budget performance, comparing monthly revenues, expenditures, and fund balances to both prior-year actuals and currentyear budget projections. He reported that overall General Fund revenues were projected to finish approximately 10% higher than the previous year. Excluding developmentrelated revenues, recurring revenues were projected to increase by approximately 4.1%.
He said General Fund expenditures were projected to finish approximately 5% higher than the prior year. He noted that the City's actual fund balance was expected to finish closer to the prior year's ending balance than originally budgeted.
Werner provided background on General Fund operations, noting that the fund supports Police, Parks Maintenance, Library, Senior Center, Animal Control, Engineering, and Planning services. He said that the City continues to provide a high level of service without a local sales tax measure, attributing that success in part to long-standing fiscal policies adopted by previous Councils.
Werner highlighted the City's police staffing ratio of approximately 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents and discussed the City's efforts to limit unfunded pension liabilities through the use of defined contribution retirement plans for non-public safety employees. He also identified rising operating costs and challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff as ongoing concerns.
Werner said recurring revenues, excluding development-related revenues, were projected to increase approximately 4.5%, while expenditures were budgeted to increase approximately 6.2%. He said that expenditures continue to grow at a faster rate than revenues, creating long-term budgetary challenges. Werner said the budget includes a project to pursue the annexation of additional non-residential land to support economic development efforts to help expand future revenue opportunities.
City Council Page 12 June 9, 2026
Werner said that the proposed FY 2026-27 budget was balanced and reviewed the Council policy directing 33% of any General Fund surplus to be transferred to the Street and Road Fund.
Werner reviewed City staffing levels dating back to 2008, noting that staffing has remained relatively stable since the recession, with the most significant increase occurring in FY 2022-23 when additional dispatchers were hired to support the dispatch contract with Lathrop. He said that the proposed budget includes one staffing request to add a part-time Police Department Secretary at an annual cost of approximately $35,000.
The position would provide coverage during employee absences and help maintain continuity of services to the public.
Werner reviewed employee retirement obligations and long-term pension costs. He explained that all non-public safety employees participate in a defined contribution retirement program rather than the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). He reported that the City's annual retirement cost for public safety employees is approximately $50,000 per employee, with a significant portion attributable to unfunded pension liabilities. He said the City contributes between 15 and 18.3% of salary for approximately 67 employees participating in the defined contribution plan, averaging approximately $15,600 per employee.
Werner reviewed historical and projected increases in CalPERS costs, noting that annual retirement expenses have increased by an average of approximately $530,000 per year and are projected to continue increasing through FY 2034-35. He said that these rising costs reduce the City's ability to provide additional services and staffing.
Werner discussed measures implemented by the City to address pension liabilities, including the establishment of a Section 115 Pension Trust. He explained that the trust is intended to generate investment returns greater than traditional government investment vehicles and provide a reserve to offset future CalPERS obligations during economic downturns. He reported that the City's current unfunded pension liability is approximately $7.1 million and reviewed projections showing a declining liability balance over time alongside continued growth of the Section 115 Trust, assuming a 6% annual rate of return.
Werner also reviewed employee health and welfare costs, noting that healthcare expenses have increased approximately 10% annually over the past two years following an 8% increase the year before. He reported that employees currently contribute toward those costs, offsetting City expenditures by approximately $153,000 annually.
Werner reviewed General Fund revenue sources and explained that taxes comprise the majority of General Fund revenues, with sales tax, property tax, motor vehicle in-lieu revenues, recreation fees, and development-related revenues representing the largest revenue categories. He reported that most revenue sources have remained relatively stable over time, with sales tax showing the greatest fluctuation.
Werner said property tax revenue is budgeted to increase by approximately 1.2% in FY 2026-27, compared to recent annual increases of approximately 4%, due to the expiration of benefits associated with a prior redevelopment bond refinancing. He reported projected City Council Page 13 June 9, 2026
increases of approximately 5% in motor vehicle in-lieu revenues and 2.3% in recreation revenues. He said development-related revenues are budgeted at approximately $396,000, reflecting a conservative estimate based on long-term historical averages.
Werner provided a detailed review of sales tax trends by industry sector, including fuel sales, manufacturing, commercial activity, and restaurants. He reported that commercial sales declined approximately 14%, while manufacturing sales increased approximately 22% and restaurant sales increased approximately 7%. He said fuel sales have remained relatively stable over time despite ongoing monitoring of potential impacts associated with increased electric vehicle adoption.
Werner reviewed the City's capital replacement funding strategy, explaining that staff maintains a comprehensive inventory of assets requiring periodic replacement, including vehicles, technology equipment, building systems, and facility improvements. He said the proposed budget includes transfers of approximately $475,000 to the Department Capital Fund, $130,000 to the Parks Capital Fund, and approximately $23,000 to the Fueling Station Fund. He said that the Department Capital Fund currently maintains an estimated balance of $1.5 million and that the proposed budget includes funding for several replacement projects. Werner said among those projects is the Westside Master Plan, a planning document necessary to support future annexation discussions through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), with an estimated cost of approximately $500,000.
Werner said the Parks Capital Fund is projected to begin FY 2026-27 with an estimated balance of approximately $2.5 million. He reported that improvements to the Community Center baseball fields and parking lot project were currently out to bid, with costs estimated at approximately $2 million. He also highlighted several planned improvements at the Community Center, including exterior and interior painting and replacement of the small hall roof. He said the front gazebo at Stouffer Park will also be repainted.
Werner reviewed the Street and Road Fund, noting that the City has been able to invest additional resources into street maintenance and rehabilitation projects in recent years through Council policies, dedicated funding allocations, and external funding sources. He reported that the City retained a significant portion of its Local Transportation Fund (LTF) revenues and continues to benefit from increasing State transportation funding allocations.
Werner reviewed the Street and Road Fund budget and noted an increase in operating expenditures, primarily due to Public Works staff performing more maintenance activities in-house, including crack sealing, asphalt repairs associated with utility work, and sidewalk repairs. He also explained that approximately $100,000 is budgeted to support landscape maintenance districts operating at a deficit, with those costs now being funded through the Street and Road Fund rather than the General Fund.
Werner provided updates on major roadway projects, including the planned River Road Overlay Project and the West Ripon Road Overlay Project, which had recently begun construction. He also discussed the planned Area 3 Street Reconstruction Project, noting that preliminary engineering work has been completed. He said staff plans to conduct a City Council Page 14 June 9, 2026
Council workshop to discuss project scope, funding levels, and potential phasing options, with construction anticipated during FY 2027-28.
Werner provided an overview of the Enterprise Funds, including water, sewer, and solid waste operations. He noted that new utility rates were recently adopted for the period of 2026 through 2030 and stated that compliance with increasingly complex State regulations continues to be the greatest challenge for utility operations, particularly within the solid waste program. He said that the proposed budget includes one additional Maintenance Worker position in the Water Department to assist with regulatory requirements and the operation of new wellhead treatment facilities.
Werner reviewed proposed Water and Sewer Capital Fund projects totaling approximately $657,000. Werner said major projects include two wellhead treatment improvements, estimated at approximately $200,000 each, and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade, estimated at approximately $250,000 and shared between the water and sewer enterprise funds. He also reported that staff is evaluating repairs to the Mistlin Sports Park water tower graphics, with costs estimated between $100,000 and $400,000 depending on whether the issue involves the graphics or underlying paint. He said additional sewer capital projects include sludge removal improvements identified through the City's wastewater treatment plant facility planning process.
Werner reviewed the City's restricted funds, including landscape maintenance and lighting districts. He explained that several older assessment districts do not contain annual inflationary adjustments, creating ongoing funding challenges and necessitating transfers from other City funds to maintain service levels. He said for landscape maintenance districts with indexing authority, staff recommends annual assessment increases of 5% for the Carolinas and Cornerstone districts and 1.5% for the Alexandra district.
Werner also reviewed the Lighting District Fund, noting that the annual assessment has remained unchanged since 2007. He reported that fund balances are projected to continue declining despite ongoing efforts to reduce operating costs through conversion to LED lighting. He said Public Works staff have continued replacing aging lighting infrastructure with newer, more efficient technology to reduce maintenance and energy costs. He advised that future Council discussions may be necessary to evaluate long-term funding options and address the district's structural funding deficit, including future vehicle and equipment replacement needs.
Concluding the budget presentation, Werner highlighted several funding sources for capital projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year, including the River Road and North Ripon Road traffic signal project, replacement of compressed natural gas (CNG) compressors at the fueling station, improvements to the Stanislaus River bike trail utilizing grant funding, and the Second Street Improvement Project, which was identified in the Downtown Circulation Study and is largely grant-funded. Design work for several of these projects is currently underway.
City Council Page 15 June 9, 2026
REPORTS
Department Heads:
Police Chief Sauer said Officer Prather began his full-time assignment as Motor Traffic Officer on June 3, 2026 and it is going well.
Recreation Director Stevens said Movies in the Park is back and this year the movie will be Hoppers and will show on June 19 at 8:30 pm at Mistlin Park.
Planning Director Zuidervaart there will be not be a Planning Commission meeting in June.
Public Works Director Pease reported that May water usage was down 23% compared to 2013 figures, and down 4% from last year.
City Council:
Council Member de Graaf thanked those who attended the meeting. He wished everyone a happy 4th of July and congratulated the United States on 250 years of greatness.
Council Member Zuber said there has been a lot of talk of e-bikes and bans and he appreciates the Ripon Police Department is being proactive. He said he hopes it continues because he still sees the e-bikes moving pretty quick on the sidewalks.
Council Member Restuccia commented on the current City newsletter, saying it was the best one yet.
Restuccia said he wanted to recognize Detective Perry's retirement and said he will miss him but wishes him the best in retirement.
Restuccia said he also wanted to recognize staff for the excellent work they do keeping Mistlin Park so nice and clean.
Restuccia said he wanted to highlight Mayor Barton’s speech on Memorial Day.
Vice Mayor Uecker echoed Restuccia’s sentiments regarding Barton’s Memorial Day speech.
Mayor Barton expressed appreciation for the organizations and community members who participated in the recent patriotic event, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Fire Department personnel who assisted with the flag display. He remarked on the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to preserve the freedoms enjoyed by Americans and reflected on the service and sacrifice of former Planning Commissioner J.J. West.
Barton also expressed appreciation for the City's department heads and administrative staff, commending their responsible stewardship of public funds and commitment to providing quality services to the community. He noted that effective financial management has positioned the City favorably compared to many other municipalities throughout the state.
Barton recognized Public Works staff for expanding in-house maintenance capabilities and reducing the need for contracted services, commending the department's efforts and accomplishments.
City Council Page 16 June 9, 2026
Barton echoed de Graaf's enthusiasm for the upcoming 250th celebration. He said that he was excited to celebrate 250 years of what he considers to be the greatest nation on earth and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live in America. Barton wished everyone a wonderful Independence Day.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:54 PM. (Signed) Gary Barton
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk