Ripon City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 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., Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart, 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. Real Property Negotiations pursuant to Section 54956.7 of the California Government Code – APNS: 259-276-10, 259-275-06, 259-275-07
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 Mayor Barton leading in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
INVOCATION:
Pastor Glenn Gerdes gave the invocation.
City Council Page 2 August 11, 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 Trevor Quevedo, Glenn Gerdes, Roberta Alejo, Lucio Bello Jr., Jonathan Cloward, Adam Corkins, Carolyn Tr..
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Emil Guillermo, Poet Laureate said he had written a poem and proceeded to read it.
Guillermo invited the public to come to the poetry meetings held at the library.
Adam Corkins said he remained concerned that portions of the proposed ADU ordinance conflict with state law. He emphasized that ADUs provide important opportunities for multigenerational housing and can benefit the community through additional housing, property improvements, and increased tax revenue.
Corkins encouraged the City to take an incentive-based approach rather than create unnecessary barriers to ADU development. He cited Government Code Section 66316 and Bateson v. Geisse, stating that state law requires ministerial approval when applicable. He requested that the City ensure the ordinance complies with state law, obtain a written legal analysis from counsel, and not enforce restrictions that are not permitted under state law.
On behalf of the public, City Clerk Roos read the following public comment:
Carol Bauman-Gish said on behalf of "With Ripon Fire" she wanted to thank the Ripon City Council for unanimously voting yes on all City-owned property ballots to support the Ripon Consolidated Fire Suppression measure.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Ripon City Council meeting of July 14, 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 - JUL 14, 2026 6:00 PM City Council Page 3 August 11, 2026
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):
Motion to approve the agenda as posted.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, 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: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
1.1. Income
A. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Sales Tax
(July 2025 $381,013.12)
FY 2026-27 YTD: $326,927
FY 2025-26 YTD: $381,013
Highway Users Tax
(June 2025 $38,390.04)
FY 2025-26 YTD: $446,390
FY 2024-25 YTD: $452,862
SB1 Street & Road Tax
(July 2025 $36,566.50)
FY 2026-27 YTD: $37,197
FY 2025-26 YTD: $36,567
$326,926.63
$36,028.40
$37,196.53
TOTAL $400,151.56
B. CCATT HOLDINGS
Monthly Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment
August 2026 $3,500.00
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Monthly Franchise Fee Payment – June 2026 $7,182.47
D. GILTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
Quarterly Franchise Fee Payment – June 2026 $14,403.36
City Council Page 4 August 11, 2026
1.2. Bills, Invoices, Payments
A. SIEGFRIED ENGINEERING, INC.
Civil Design for the N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #52364 $4,639.00
B. ASPEN SURVEY COMPANY, INC.
State Mandated Survey Monument Evaluation
Progress Payment – Invoice #26-001-1 $1,100.00
C. CORONA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, LLC
Water Quality Consulting Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #U-9841
Progress Payment – Invoice #U-9881
$3,772.50
$1,565.00
TOTAL $5,337.50
D. FEHR AND PEERS
Traffic Engineering for N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #197489 $1,102.40
E. KNIFE RIVER CONSTRUCTION
W. Ripon Road Overlay Project
Progress Payment – Invoice #2 $238,722.65
F. ESTATE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Senior Center Rehabilitation Project
Progress Payment – Invoice #6 $122,707.11
G. SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT
Blossom Express Driver
July Invoice #AR111574 $2,738.23
H. ALLEN A. WAGGONER CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Downtown Roadway Improvement Project - Potholing
Progress Payment – Invoice #1 $34,995.00
I. PRICE PAIGE & COMPANY
Financial Audit Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #39238 $5,110.00
J. SOUTH SAN JOAQUIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
SSJGSA Administrative Expenses
2nd Quarter 2026 - Invoice #2026Q2 $5,600.03
K. LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA, JR.
General Matters
Police Department
$7,257.00
$5,373.50
TOTAL $12,630.50
City Council Page 5 August 11, 2026
L. LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE
Professional Consultation Services
Invoice # 328017 $1,497.00
M. BASECAMP ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
Environmental Review for Battery Storage Project on Fourth Street Invoice #52931
Invoice #52992
$1,523.75
$5,307.50
TOTAL $6,831.25
N. LENNAR HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, LLC
Fulton Avenue Improvements Reimbursement $768,092.00
1.3. Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-29
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER
OF CERTAIN MUNICIPAL FUNDS
Approve this resolution for the 2025-26
fiscal year that authorizes transfers from
(1) Enterprise Operating Funds to
Enterprise Capital Reserve Funds, (2)
General Fund to CNG Station Capital
Reserve Fund, (3) General Fund to
CalPERS Contingency Fund (funds
invested in a Section 115 Trust), and (4)
Street and Road Operating Fund to the
LTF Transit Fund.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 26-30
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER
OF CERTAIN MUNICIPAL FUNDS
FOR STREET MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIRS
This resolution authorizes the transfers of
certain street and road revenue sources to
(1) offset the fiscal year 2025-2026
expenses of street and road maintenance
and repairs and (2) transfer street and
road revenue to the Street and Road
Reconstruction Reserve fund.
1.4. Miscellaneous Items
A. DESIGNATION OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
Police Department and Public Works
Department
Declare the listed City equipment be
designated as surplus and authorize the
equipment to be sold utilizing a local
auction house or disposed of, in
accordance with Ripon Municipal Code
Chapter 3.32.
City Council Page 6 August 11, 2026
B. PERCOLATION POND RESTORATION CONTRACT
Triple M Enterprises, Inc. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Triple M
Enterprises, Inc. to perform restoration
work at the Waste Water Treatment
Plant disposal ponds, in the not to
exceed amount of $49,760 (funding
source: Sewer Enterprise Capital Fund).
C. ANNUAL INVESTMENT REPORT REVIEW
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 Accept the City’s annual investment report for the period ending June 30,
2026.
D. MAIN STREET & JACK TONE ROAD INTERSECTION TRAFFIC SIGNAL
POLE/ARM REPLACEMENT
St. Francis Electric, LLC Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with St. Francis
Electric, LLC to replace a traffic signal
pole and arm at the Main Street and Jack
Tone Road intersection, in the not to
exceed amount of $55,725 (funding
source: Street and Road Operating
Fund).
E. WEST RIPON ROAD OVERLAY PROJECT
Knife River Construction
Change Order No. 1
Approve Change Order No. 1 for the
West Ripon Road Overlay Project to
address asphalt quantity overages,
striping modifications, reflective
pavement markers, and curb ramp
reconstruction, in the not to exceed
amount of $58,399.04 (funding source:
Street and Road Operating Fund).
F. WIRELESS NETWORK EXPANSION
Howell Communications Inc.
Installation Contractor
Approve and authorize the Mayor to
sign the Services Agreement with
Howell Communications Inc. to
complete the labor and installation of
the wireless network equipment on the
Ripon Police Department Tower, Ripon
Communications Tower and Mistlin
Water Tower in the not to exceed
amount of $13,350.00 (funding sources:
Wireless Network Expansion Fund).
City Council Page 7 August 11, 2026
G. PROCLAMATION
Ripon Little League 10U Minors All
Stars Softball Team
Present a proclamation to Ripon Little
League 10U Minors All Stars Softball
Team recognizing its outstanding
athletic accomplishments.
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION
Mayor Barton presented a proclamation to the Ripon Little League 10U Minors All Stars Softball Team recognizing their outstanding athletic accomplishments.
2. ORDINANCES
First Reading and Introduction
A. ORDINANCE NO. 939
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AMENDS A PORTION OF CHAPTER
6.12 "ANIMAL OWNERSHIP, CARE
AND TREATMENT GENERALLY" OF
THE RIPON MUNICIPAL CODE
This ordinance adds subsection “E” to
Chapter 6.12.110 "Public Nuisance
Declared" in the Ripon Municipal Code,
declaring a public nuisance for feeding
animals on any public property.
Police Chief Sauer said this ordinance amends a portion of Chapter 6.12 to declare a public nuisance for feeding animals on any public property.
Council Member Restuccia asked whether the proposed ordinance had any enforcement provisions or penalties for violations, comparing it to running a stop sign without consequences. He asked whether the violation would be addressed under another section of the Municipal Code.
City Attorney Terpstra advised that a violation of the Municipal Code is generally a misdemeanor that may also be prosecuted as an infraction. He said the anticipated approach would be to issue an infraction citation for the prohibited conduct. Terpstra said that because the conduct is considered a nuisance, Animal Control Services would first have the ability to issue a cease-and-desist order, which would serve as a warning and educational opportunity.
He said if the conduct continued, an infraction citation could be issued, with a $100 fine for the first offense and escalating penalties for subsequent offenses.
Restuccia said he hoped the warning would be effective and acknowledged that people may feed animals because they care about them and do not realize they are creating a nuisance or problem. He thanked staff for clarifying the enforcement process.
Council Member de Graaf said he had also been curious about how the ordinance would be enforced. He noted that the issue extends beyond nuisance concerns and can affect wildlife, endangered species, and natural areas and waterways. He specifically referenced the riparian brush rabbit, noting that the presence of large numbers of feral cats along portions of the San Joaquin River could negatively affect the rabbit’s limited population.
City Council Page 8 August 11, 2026
de Graaf said that while residents may intend to help cats and other animals by feeding them, doing so can contribute to the population increasing and create a larger problem. He expressed support for taking action on the issue and said he viewed the ordinance as a good first step.
de Graaf asked Sauer whether Animal Control had an estimate of the number of feral cats in the City. Sauer said that Animal Control did not have an estimate.
Motion to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance 939 adding subsection “E” to Chapter 6.12.110 "Public Nuisance Declared" in the Ripon Municipal Code, declaring a public nuisance for feeding animals on any public property.
RESULT: FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] Next: 9/8/2026 6:00 PM MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
First Reading and Introduction
B. ORDINANCE NO. 940
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AMENDING CHAPTER 8.12
"GARBAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL" OF THE RIPON
MUNICIPAL CODE
This ordinance amends Chapter 8.12,
“Garbage Collection and Disposal” of the
Ripon Municipal Code to update multiple
sections for clarity and alignment with
current practices and operations of the City
garbage collection service.
Public Works Director Pease said the proposed ordinance update was primarily a housekeeping update to Chapter 8.12 regarding garbage collection and disposal. He said it would not create significant new requirements for residents or businesses, but would clarify existing language, update administrative procedures, and align the Municipal Code with current solid waste operations and state requirements.
Pease said Section 8.12.020 would allow permitted waste collectors to provide service to select rural residential areas within City limits when City collection is determined to be impractical. He explained that a few properties on the outskirts of the City are currently served by other providers because servicing those areas would be outside the City's normal operational routes.
Pease said Section 8.12.190 would combine existing provisions and extend the free annual brush collection period from January 7 to January 14, as previously requested by Council. He noted that Council would retain the ability to modify the collection period by resolution, particularly when additional collection time may be needed to address seasonal conditions and localized flooding.
Pease said Section 8.12.200 would codify the City's existing large-item collection program, including eligibility, scheduling requirements, service limitations, and the ability for staff to update the list of acceptable materials as needed based on available disposal locations. Pease City Council Page 9 August 11, 2026
said Section 8.12.210 would rescind the existing unacceptable materials section, as most of those provisions would be incorporated into the large-item collection program.
Pease said the remaining amendments consisted of minor formatting changes and clarification of permit fees to provide consistency with current operations. He noted that the fiscal impact of extending the annual brush collection period could increase expenditures from the Garbage Operations Fund by up to approximately $5,000.
Motion to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance 940 amending Chapter 8.12 “Garbage Collection and Disposal” of the Ripon Municipal Code to update multiple sections for clarity and alignment with current practices and operations of the City garbage collection service.
RESULT: FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] Next: 9/8/2026 6:00 PM MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
Second Reading and Adoption
C. ORDINANCE NO. 938
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
RIPON FIXING THE AMOUNT OF
MONEY TO BE RAISED BY
TAXATION AND THE RATE OR
RATES OF TAX THEREFORE
NECESSARY TO CARRY ON THE
VARIOUS FUNCTIONS AND
DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF
RIPON AND REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
THEREWITH
This ordinance sets the amount of money
raised by taxes necessary to carry on the
various functions of the City of Ripon.
(City tax rate: $0.00)
City Clerk Roos said this is an annual ordinance required to certify the 2026/2027 appropriation limits also known as the GANN limits.
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 938 setting the amount of money raised by taxes necessary to carry on the various functions of the City of Ripon.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Dean Uecker, Vice Mayor
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
City Council Page 10 August 11, 2026
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. WESTSIDE AREA PLAN
Discussion/Action Staff will provide an overview of the Westside Area Plan planning process,
schedule, and public outreach efforts.
Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign
the Professional Services Agreement with
Mintier Harnish to prepare the Westside
Area Plan (General Plan and Development
Title Amendments) in the amount of
$558,290 (funding source: Department
General Capital Fund).
Planning Director Zuidervaart said staff was recommending that the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement with Mintier Harnish to begin preparation of the Westside Area Plan, a comprehensive long-range planning effort for approximately 1,800 acres on the west side of Ripon.
Zuidervaart explained that the area is primarily outside the current City limits but within the City’s General Plan boundary and includes property identified for future growth. He said the plan would address land uses, circulation, infrastructure, public services, and economic development, with the goal of establishing a comprehensive and fiscally sustainable framework for future development.
Zuidervaart said the process would include General Plan and Development Code amendments, preparation of a Program EIR, an update to the City’s Sphere of Influence, and eventual annexation of some property through LAFCO. He emphasized that the City would not be looking to annex the entire 1,800-acre area.
Zuidervaart said public engagement would be a significant part of the process, including a dedicated project webpage, regular communications, approximately 20 interviews with property owners and potential developers, and opportunities for the Planning Commission, City Council, and community to provide input. He noted that Council would provide policy direction on the land use plan before the environmental review process begins.
Zuidervaart said the project was anticipated to take approximately 16 months, with the initial months focused on project initiation, data collection, and stakeholder outreach, followed by refinement of the land use and circulation plans, environmental review, public hearings, and the LAFCO process. He noted that the schedule was preliminary and would be refined once the consultant was under contract. He said the west side represented the City’s largest remaining opportunity for comprehensively planning future growth and economic development, particularly the property adjacent to Highway 99, and that the goal was to proactively establish the framework before individual development projects came forward.
City Council Page 11 August 11, 2026
Zuidervaart said the City had solicited proposals from three firms and selected Mintier Harnish because its proposal was considered the most responsive and provided a strong approach to public outreach. He noted that the firm was not the lowest-priced proposal but was in the middle of the three in cost and would be working with additional consultants as part of the project team.
Council Member de Graaf asked whether there were specific termination options in the agreement that would allow the City to stop the project if it did not agree with the direction or if issues arose during the process. City Attorney Terpstra said that the City retained the right to terminate the contract for convenience, without cause or written notice. de Graaf said the question was intended to ensure the City retained flexibility throughout the lengthy planning process.
Council Member Restuccia asked whether the City had previously worked with Mintier Harnish and how the firm was selected aside from price. Zuidervaart said the consultant had not previously worked directly for the City, but they have completed numerous projects throughout the Central Valley, including a major General Plan update for San Joaquin County. de Graaf noted that the project team included several other consultants with experience in local projects.
Restuccia said the City had been discussing the Westside Plan for much longer than the proposed 16-month schedule and questioned whether the process would actually be completed that quickly. He expressed support for the public outreach component and said the planning effort is necessary to establish a framework for future development, even if construction would not occur for many years. He said the plan could provide long-term opportunities for the community.
Zuidervaart explained that LAFCO would become involved with the portions of the project involving adjustments to the City’s Sphere of Influence and annexation. He said the City anticipated annexing some property south of Highway 99 and west of Jack Tone Road. He also explained that the consultant would update the City’s Municipal Services Review, which is required to demonstrate that the City can provide services to property proposed for annexation, and would assist with the LAFCO process.
Mayor Barton complimented staff on the planning effort and said the Westside Plan represented an exciting opportunity for Ripon and could become an important part of staff’s legacy. He said the plan could create opportunities for new businesses and help strengthen the City’s sales tax base. He also said the selection process for Mintier Harnish was clearly explained and appeared to demonstrate that the firm was the appropriate choice for the project.
Motion to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Mintier Harnish to prepare the Westside Area Plan.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber, de Graaf
City Council Page 12 August 11, 2026
REPORTS
Department Heads:
Police Chief Sauer said the third quarter Community Outreach Meeting will take place August 12, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the EOC at the Police Department.
Recreation Director Stevens said this weekend is opening weekend for soccer.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said the Planning Commission will be reviewing a request for variance at the upcoming August 17, 2026 Planning Commission meeting.
Public Works Director Pease reported that July water usage was down 20% compared to 2013 figures, and was within 1% of last year’s numbers.
Pease said that the large item pickup program is still underway, and residents can sign up for a one-time pickup of up to four items through September.
City Attorney Terpstra said he would be attending a City soccer program that weekend as his son was participating and expressed appreciation for the City's recreation programs.
City Council:
Council Member de Graaf said he would also be attending the soccer games as a parent and commended staff for the City's athletic programs. He said it was enjoyable to see the programs from a parent's perspective and thanked staff for their work. de Graaf thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Council Member Restuccia complimented the City's athletic programs and asked whether the soccer schedule was available online. Stevens confirmed that the schedule was posted on the City's website.
Vice Mayor Uecker shared that he had coached soccer in Ripon approximately 40 years ago and reflected on his experience with the City's youth soccer programs.
Mayor Barton expressed appreciation for the opportunity to live in the United States and said he was grateful to return home following recent international travel.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 PM. (Signed) Gary Barton
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk