Ripon City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 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, Michael Restuccia, Vice Mayor Dean Uecker, Mayor Gary Barton. Absent: Council Member Leo Zuber.
OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra Jr., City Clerk Lisa Roos, Alan Jeppson.
IN THE MATTER OF:
1. Personnel Negotiations Pursuant to Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code - Bohannon Insurance Group: 2027 Health and Welfare Renewals 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 Mark Van Dyke 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 Absent
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, Mark Nicholson, Kelly Donohue, Mark Van Dyke, Kevin Terry, City Council Page 2 September 8, 2026
Tina Von Stade, Joel Ortiz, Cat Mendiola, Janet Robinson, Luz Guzman, Oscar Guzman, Lisa Weinstein, Dana Leamer, Tetyana Chavez, Athena Bartels, Melissa Bissell, Aneda Michelle, Adam Corkins, Alan Bartels, Theresa DeHart, Eric Terry.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Emil Guillermo, Ripon Poet Laureate, said he had written a short poem about Ripon and proceeded to read it.
Guillermo encouraged residents to attend Wordstock at the Ripon Library on September 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm and September 30 at 4:00 pm.
Ron Niewald said he wanted to update the Council on the Sons of the American Revolution Liberty Tree Project and provide a park improvement application for the proposed tree and commemorative plaque. He said that he was working with the American Legion to secure a location and requested guidance regarding any City permit requirements and assistance with the concrete base for the plaque.
Niewald said that the plaque would include a QR code linking to a webpage with statements from the City, American Legion, and Sons of the American Revolution, as well as information about community events. He proposed potential dedication dates of October 12 or October 24 and stated that he was flexible on the timing to ensure the tree could be planted under favorable conditions. He thanked the Council and requested any additional information regarding the application and project requirements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Ripon City Council meeting of August 11, 2026 and the Special City Council Meeting of August 19, 2026.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
1. CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING - AUG 11, 2026 6:00 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING - AUG 19, 2026 2:00 PM APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):
Council Member Restuccia requested Item 1.2I be pulled from the Consent Calendar and expressed that he is a paid elected director for the Bank of Stockton.
Mayor Barton requested Item 1.4B be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
City Council Page 3 September 8, 2026
Motion to approve the agenda as amended.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
1.1. Income
A. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Sales Tax
(August 2025 $430,635.04)
FY 2026-27 YTD: $1,040,042
FY 2025-26 YTD: $811,648
Highway Users Tax
(July 2025 $41,127.25)
FY 2027-27 YTD: $43,580
FY 2025-26 YTD: $41,127
SB1 Street & Road Tax
(August 2025 $40,318.20)
FY 2026-27 YTD: $77,826
FY 2025-26 YTD: $76,885
$713,115.75
$43,580.30
$40,629.09
TOTAL $797,325.14
B. CCATT HOLDINGS
Monthly Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment
September 2026 $3,500.00
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Monthly Franchise Fee Payment – July 2026 $5,660.09
D. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
Quarterly Franchise Fee Payment – June 2026 $17,845.69
City Council Page 4 September 8, 2026
1.2. Bills, Invoices, Payments
A. LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA, JR.
General Matters
Police Department
$15,694.00
$9,503.50
TOTAL $25,197.50
B. US BANK
California Statewide Community Development Authority
Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds Series 2006C $442,950.00 C. US BANK
California Statewide Community Development Authority
Water Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2012 $268,696.88
D. PADILLA & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Reporting Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #23-111-05 $825.00
E. SIEGFRIED ENGINEERING, INC.
Civil Design for the N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #52589 $2,110.00
F. FEHR AND PEERS
Traffic Engineering for N. Ripon Rd./River Rd. Intersection Project Progress Payment – Invoice #197886 $811.20
G. KNIFE RIVER CONSTRUCTION
W. Ripon Road Overlay Project
Progress Payment – Invoice #3 $55,479.09
H. RIPON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Pool Heater Replacement
Invoice #341424 $33,525.02
I. ITEM I WAS MOVED TO ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
J. PRICE PAIGE & COMPANY
Financial Audit Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #39453 $7,670.00
K. CALIFORNIA CAD SOLUTIONS, INC.
GIS Support and System Maintenance
Invoice #701963 $1,837.50
City Council Page 5 September 8, 2026
1.3. Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-32
A RESOLUTION OF THE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIPON APPROVING THE FORM OF
AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF A
MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING AND
AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION
IN THE SPECIAL DISTRICT RISK
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY’S
HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM
This resolution approves the updated
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the Special District Risk
Management Authority (SDRMA) who
provides the Blue Shield health coverage
option for City employees. This MOU
better aligns with the pool participants,
the SDRMA provider of health and
employee benefit programs, and industry
norms and authorizes continued
participation in the SDRMA’s Health
Benefits Program.
1.4. Miscellaneous Items
A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Environmental Management Solutions,
LLC
Approve and authorize the Mayor to
sign the Professional Services
Agreement with Environmental
Management Solutions, 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. ITEM B WAS MOVED TO ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
C. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Westwood Professional Service, Inc Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services
Agreement with Westwood Professional
Services, Inc. to prepare the design
plans and specification associated with
the Phase 1 ACE Station project located
on Industrial Avenue in the not to
exceed amount of $125,000 (funding
source: REAP grant).
City Council Page 6 September 8, 2026
D. MEASURE K COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (C-22-028 A2) SECOND
AMENDMENT
San Joaquin Council of Governments Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Second Amendment to Measure
K Renewal Cooperative Agreement No.
C-22-028 A2 with San Joaquin Council
of Governments, extending the
agreement term through June 30, 2027,
for the Measure K Renewal Smart
Growth Incentive Program grant
reimbursement awarded for the Ripon
Safe Routes to School Improvements
Project.
E. DRONE REPLACEMENT
DSLR Pros Intelligent Drone Solutions Approve and authorize the purchase of a Matrice 4T Urban Scout Package Drone
for Police Department use in the not to
exceed amount of $9,785.88 (funding
source: General Capital Fund).
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
1.2I : BANK OF STOCKTON
Semi-Annual Retirement Account Administration
Fees for non-PERS employees $75,205.79
Council Member Restuccia wished to recuse himself from the vote because he is a paid elected director for the Bank of Stockton.
Restuccia left the meeting.
Motion to approve Item 1.2I Bank of Stockton Invoice.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [3 TO 0]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Dean Uecker, Vice Mayor
AYES: Barton, Uecker, de Graaf
ABSTAIN: Restuccia
ABSENT: Zuber
Restuccia returned to the meeting.
City Council Page 7 September 8, 2026
1.4B : PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Keesey Design - Design and Illustration Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with
Keesey Design to prepare revised site
development and architectural concepts for
three detached single-family affordable
housing units at 122 N. Elm Avenue in the
not to exceed amount of $9,250 (funding
source: City's Affordable Housing Fund).
Planning Director Zuidervaart provided an update on the City's conceptual townhouse/triplex project near the Ripon Library. He said that after working with Keesey Design, the City encountered challenges with developing attached units for individual sale, including increased liability, engineering and design costs, and the need for permanent CC&Rs and an HOA. He said that staff is exploring a revised concept featuring detached units on individual lots that could potentially be sold as affordable housing.
Council Member de Graaf asked whether the revised detached units would maintain the architectural style of the previous concept. Zuidervaart said that the City intended to retain the Craftsman-style architecture while separating the units into individual lots. de Graaf asked about the required separation between units, and Zuidervaart said that the spacing would be determined through the site plan and applicable R4 zoning requirements. He noted that comparable subdivision developments currently have approximately eight feet between units.
Mayor Barton expressed support for continuing to explore the revised design but raised concerns about the cost to the City and the funding source. Zuidervaart said that previous design proposals for the attached units were significantly more expensive and that the revised concept was intended to reduce costs. He noted that any decision to proceed would return to the Council and that the current concept would involve affordable units with an anticipated subsidy, which the Council would need to consider.
Motion to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Keesey Design to prepare revised site development and architectural concepts for three detached single-family affordable housing units at 122 N. Elm Avenue in the not to exceed amount of $9,250.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Dean Uecker, Vice Mayor
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
2. RESOLUTIONS
City Council Page 8 September 8, 2026
A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-33
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
ADOPTING A DISRUPTION OF
MEETINGS POLICY
This resolution adopts the City of Ripon’s
Disruption of Meetings Policy to comply
with applicable State laws.
City Clerk Roos said that Senate Bill 707, adopted in 2025, establishes new requirements for remote public access and participation in City Council meetings under the Brown Act. She explained that the City Council is the only Ripon legislative body subject to these requirements and that live streaming alone does not satisfy the law. To comply, the City will resume using Zoom, allowing members of the public to participate remotely by video or telephone while continuing to accept in-person and written public comments. She outlined the process for remote speakers to request to speak and receive the same opportunity and time allotment as in-person speakers.
Roos also presented a proposed policy addressing disruptions to telephone or internet services that affect remote participation, as well as procedures for disruptive conduct during meetings. She stated that adoption of the policy in open session is required by SB 707 and recommended that the Council adopt the resolution approving the policy to ensure compliance with state law.
Council Member Restuccia said he supported the proposed policy but expressed concern about requiring a one-hour recess when a service disruption, such as an internet provider outage, is beyond the City's control. Roos explained that the City would use the one-hour recess to attempt to restore service, after which the Council could decide whether to continue or adjourn the meeting.
Council Member de Graaf asked whether the provisions addressing service disruptions were required by law and clarified whether the policy applied to individual participants experiencing internet issues. Roos explained that the requirement applies to disruptions to the City's internet or telephone services.
de Graaf asked whether the City was required to use Zoom for remote participation. Roos said that the City may use any platform that allows the public to participate by telephone and access the live meeting, and that Zoom was selected as the preferred option at this time. de Graaf asked whether the City already had a paid Zoom account and whether the upcoming Microsoft 365 migration would make it more cost-effective to use Microsoft Teams instead.
Information Systems Technician Farnam explained that the Council Chambers are currently configured for Zoom, making it the quickest option for complying with the new legal requirements, but stated that the City could evaluate transitioning to Teams in the future. de Graaf said he had no objection to using Zoom in the interim but encouraged the City to avoid paying for duplicate services if Teams could meet the City's needs.
City Council Page 9 September 8, 2026
Motion to adopt Resolution 26-33 adopting the City of Ripon’s Disruption of Meetings Policy to comply with applicable State laws.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council will take action on the following items at the conclusion of each Public Hearing.
A. TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP (S26-60)
Kaizen River
Commercial Condo Project
Should the City Council agree with the
Planning Commission and staff’s
recommendation, the following motion
would be appropriate:
“The City Council approves the
Tentative Subdivision Map (S26-60),
subject to the conditions of approval
contained in this staff report.”
Planning Director Zuidervaart presented the Kaizen River commercial condominium tentative subdivision map for the approximately 4.8-acre property at 507 and 707 Doak Boulevard. He stated that the site currently contains four industrial buildings and the proposal would divide the existing development into 22 commercial condominium units, with no new construction or increase in development intensity. The Planning Commission reviewed the project on July 20, 2026, and recommended approval, with no public opposition.
Zuidervaart explained that the conditions of approval, CC&Rs, and commercial HOA would establish requirements for ongoing maintenance and management of the shared areas and help prevent future ownership and maintenance issues. He stated that the project would continue to function as it does currently while providing individual ownership opportunities and greater oversight. He outlined the remaining approval process, including completion of required improvements and conditions, formation of the HOA, recordation of governing documents, and eventual City approval of the final map.
Council Member de Graaf asked whether dividing the property into 22 units would result in reassessment or affect property values and City finances. Zuidervaart stated that the project would likely increase property values and would not negatively impact City finances. He said that the project would provide small business owners an opportunity to own their commercial space without developing an entire site.
City Council Page 10 September 8, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
No one from the public wished to speak at this time.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Council Member Restuccia said he thinks this is a great opportunity for small businesses.
Motion to approve the Tentative Subdivision Map (S26-60), subject to the conditions of approval contained in this staff report.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
4. ORDINANCES
Second Reading and Adoption
A. 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 this is the second reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 8.12 of the Municipal Code related to the garbage collection and disposal. He said the amendments clarify and update the City's existing solid waste regulations and the current collection processes.
Pease said there are three main changes including provisions for providing service to rural residential areas. He said there is also an extension of our annual brush pickup period through January 14th, which was previously January 7th. Pease said the final section that was amended codifies our large item pickup program to match current practices.
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt 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: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
SECONDER: Dean Uecker, Vice Mayor
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
City Council Page 11 September 8, 2026
Second Reading and Adoption
B. 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 amends Chapter 6.12
"Animal Ownership, Care and Treatment
Generally" in the Ripon Municipal Code
declaring a public nuisance for feeding
animals on any public property.
Police Chief Sauer said this is the second reading of Ordinance 939 and said he had a presentation.
Sauer said that the cat population at Stouffer Park has increased due to animal abandonment, lack of spaying and neutering, and residents leaving food for the cats. He outlined concerns related to public health, including potential disease and parasite transmission, exposure of park users to stray animals and animal waste, damage to public facilities and landscaping, and nuisance conditions caused by food, litter, odors, and waste. He also noted that the City's animal shelter has limited capacity, with four cages designated for feral cats that are frequently full.
Sauer reviewed the proposed Municipal Code amendments prohibiting the feeding of stray or abandoned cats in public areas, with enforcement consisting of a warning for the first offense, a $100 fine for the second offense, and a $200 fine for the third offense. He clarified that the prohibition would not preclude feeding associated with a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.
Sauer emphasized that the feeding restriction would be one component of a broader strategy that includes enforcing existing laws against animal abandonment, partnering with rescue organizations on population management, monitoring the Stouffer Park colony, educating residents about the illegality of abandonment and available alternatives, encouraging residents to report animal abandonment to the Police Department, and continuing enforcement.
Council Member Restuccia said he supported developing a humane TNR program for the existing community cat population and confirmed with Sauer that Animal Services was working with rescue organizations to establish such a program. He said that outside animal organizations he had consulted viewed the City's approach favorably and emphasized that the cats should be treated humanely.
Restuccia also stressed that addressing the existing cat population must be accompanied by stronger enforcement against animal abandonment. He suggested considering increased penalties for individuals who abandon animals, including potential fees to discourage the practice. He stated that the City's approach should address both managing the existing population through TNR and preventing additional animals from being abandoned.
City Council Page 12 September 8, 2026
Council Member de Graaf said he wished to echo Restuccia’s comments. He said that the discussion originated from concerns regarding the abandonment of dogs and cats in the community and emphasized that the intent of the Ordinance was not to harm animals. He acknowledged that feeding is often well-intentioned but said that food and containers are sometimes left in public parks, creating additional cleanup concerns, and that feeding in residential areas can result in cats entering neighboring properties. de Graaf said the Ordinance was one component of a broader approach to discourage animal abandonment and encourage responsible management of community animals while minimizing impacts on public facilities and neighboring properties. He also noted that media coverage had focused heavily on wildlife protection, particularly the riparian brush rabbit, and said the issue was broader than that single concern.
Mayor Barton outlined the process for public comment.
Athena Bartels said she has been involved in animal rescue and TNR since 2016, and is opposed to Ordinance 939 and said a feeding ban would not address the root of the community cat issue. She said that stopping food sources would not cause established cats to leave and could increase hunting of wildlife. She referenced successful TNR and managed colony programs, including the Waterbury Regional Animal Control TNR Project, and said responsible colony management includes sterilization, monitoring, controlled feeding, and removal of food after feeding.
Bartels also suggested addressing animal-resistant trash receptacles and litter from picnickers, noting that existing ordinances already address litter and waste. She questioned how fines collected under the Ordinance would be used and suggested directing funds toward spay/neuter and TNR programs. She said that local volunteers and rescues are already performing TNR, fostering, adoption, and shelter support, often at their own expense, and offered to work with Animal Control on a comprehensive TNR solution.
Adam Corkins said that he supported the City's goal of prohibiting intentional feeding of feral or unowned animals on public property but expressed concern that the Ordinance's broad reference to “any animal” could prohibit ordinary activities involving pets, service animals, working animals, and authorized events. He emphasized the need to avoid unintended conflicts with service-animal protections under the ADA.
Corkins also raised concerns regarding the Ordinance's penalty provisions, noting that violations could become separate offenses for each day and potentially escalate from infractions to misdemeanors. He recommended narrowing the prohibition to intentional feeding of stray, feral, unowned, or wild animals while expressly exempting owned pets, service and working animals, official animal care, authorized events, and authorized trapping or TNR activities. He said that he would provide the City Clerk with proposed language and referenced the process for substantive amendments under Government Code Section 36934.
Kevin Terry thanked the Council for allowing discussion and said that studies show feeding bans are ineffective and can cause cats to expand their hunting and scavenging areas, potentially increasing impacts on wildlife and garbage. He referenced research regarding the “vacuum effect,” stating that removing food sources or cats creates an opportunity for other cats to enter the area.
City Council Page 13 September 8, 2026
Terry recommended amending Ordinance 939 to address the breeding cycle through TNR, which he said has been shown to reduce free-roaming and shelter cat populations in other communities. He said that supporting TNR could reduce the burden on the City's animal shelter and save taxpayer and staff resources. He also noted that TNR is often funded by volunteers who may face criticism despite addressing abandoned and unowned animals.
Terry concluded that feeding bans can interfere with TNR efforts and urged the City to support TNR advocates rather than criminalize their activities. He said that an amendment supporting TNR could accomplish the City's goals under Ordinance 939.
Melissa Bissell said that she opposed Ordinance 939 and supported humane treatment of animals. She acknowledged the City's concern about protecting the riparian brush rabbit but said wildlife protection should not require community cats to suffer. She said that the cats did not choose to be abandoned or live outdoors and questioned whether residents should face citations for feeding hungry animals.
Bissell said that the Ordinance would not eliminate community cats, prevent abandonment or reproduction, and could cause cats to roam farther or hunt wildlife. She noted that consistent feeding locations are also important for trapping and sterilizing cats through TNR. She asked what would happen to cats already living in the community if feeding is prohibited and recommended addressing reproduction through spay/neuter and TNR, while separately enforcing laws against dumping and littering.
Bissell urged the Council to consider the example being set for children and said that the community could protect wildlife while treating community cats humanely. She requested that the Council vote against Ordinance 939.
Paul Paden said that he has lived in Ripon for 35 years and regularly bicycles along the river to Stouffer Park, where he has observed the community cats. He said that the original cats at Stouffer Park were trapped, neutered and returned and became friendly, but additional intact cats were later abandoned, resulting in more kittens. He said that after feeding stopped, he observed the cats watching squirrels and attempting to hunt for food.
Paden also noted that garbage and other debris left by people along the river trail creates a greater nuisance than the cats. He said that the City already has a potential solution through local Alley Cat volunteers who are willing to partner with the Police Chief on a TNR program.
Tina Von Stade asked the Council not to adopt Ordinance 939 as written. She acknowledged concerns regarding food, trash, rodents, and unsanitary feeding areas but said that banning feeding on public property would not resolve the community cat population and would hinder TNR efforts.
Von Stade explained that controlled feeding is an important part of TNR because it allows caregivers to monitor colonies, identify new or sick cats, and establish predictable schedules for trapping and sterilization. She said that without controlled feeding, cats would continue searching for food in garbage, businesses, neighborhoods, and private property, while becoming more difficult to trap.
City Council Page 14 September 8, 2026
Von Stade recommended regulating responsible feeding instead, including designated feeding times, removal of food after feeding, and maintaining clean feeding areas. She questioned the City's plan for cats after feeding is prohibited, including who would trap and sterilize them and how the Ordinance would reduce reproduction. She said that TNR volunteers are already contributing their own time and money to reduce the number of cats born outdoors and urged the City to work with them.
Von Stade requested that the Council reject or postpone Ordinance 939 or amend it to allow responsible, managed feeding associated with TNR while addressing legitimate nuisance concerns.
Manuela said that prohibiting feeding would not address the community cat population or the issue of abandoned animals. As a member of an animal rescue organization, she emphasized the importance of TNR and said responsible feeding helps maintain healthy, monitored colonies and supports trapping efforts. She suggested using designated feeding times, signage, and appropriate trash receptacles to address nuisance concerns.
Manuela said that local rescue volunteers spend significant personal time and money on spaying and neutering cats and should be supported rather than penalized. She also questioned whether the Ordinance was sufficiently developed, noting comments that additional details would be addressed later. She recommended that the City work directly with local animal rescues and TNR volunteers to develop a comprehensive solution.
Tatyana Chavez said that she has conducted TNR for approximately 14 months, and trapped 145 cats in her Modesto neighborhood. She said TNR helps address reproduction and disease concerns because cats are spayed or neutered and vaccinated before being returned. She referenced TNR efforts in Stockton and Stanislaus County and questioned how many cats the City of Ripon had trapped, neutered, and returned.
Chavez described the significant time and personal expense involved in TNR, including trapping, transporting, recovering, and returning cats, and said volunteers are sometimes harassed or blamed for the presence of community cats. She said that her colony is approximately 98% sterilized and no longer producing kittens, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained TNR and monitoring.
Chavez recommended targeted spay/neuter programs and said TNR volunteers should be viewed as a community resource and provided support and protection. She expressed concern that Ordinance 939 would discourage volunteers from continuing their work due to fear of penalties and urged the Council not to adopt the Ordinance.
Regina said Ordinance 939 would not address the root of the community cat issue and that a City-supported TNR program should be established before the Ordinance is adopted. She said fear of fines could discourage volunteers from helping and emphasized that established feeding schedules were essential to successfully trapping cats for TNR.
Regina referenced her TNR experience with the cats at Stouffer Park and said the cats remained in the area, were no longer reproducing, and had become friendly. She recommended that the City coordinate with local animal organizations and veterinary City Council Page 15 September 8, 2026
providers to expand TNR and include vaccinations and parasite treatments. She also emphasized that TNR cats should be returned to their original territory and noted the potential for a “vacuum effect” if cats are removed.
Diana said she proposes a community cat management and TNR initiative focused on establishing certified community cat caregivers, dedicated funding for TNR, and assistance for local pet owners. She recommended requiring caregivers to complete TNR training and monitor colony health, maintain clean feeding areas, and track population data.
Diana proposed allocating funds for TNR training, humane traps, and veterinary costs for spaying, neutering, and vaccinating community cats. She also recommended subsidizing spay/neuter services for privately owned cats, particularly for low-income residents, to reduce reproduction and potential abandonment. She said that the initiative would help stabilize the cat population, reduce nuisances, and improve community and animal welfare.
Angela suggested that the City's surveillance cameras and license plate readers could be used to identify individuals who abandon animals. She recommended increased signage warning against animal dumping and stronger enforcement, stating that penalties may not deter those responsible.
Angela said that she previously believed cats would leave if they were not fed but now understands that they will instead hunt or starve. She thanked the Council for holding the discussion and expressed concern that the issue has divided the community. She said that the City should have addressed the problem sooner and encouraged officials to work with the residents and volunteers willing to help develop a solution, including alternatives to the feeding ban.
City Clerk Roos said the thirty-minute public comment period had concluded, but she had several public comments that had been received online and she would give them to the Council.
Restuccia thanked everyone for coming out and said he learned a lot of new things he did not know previously.
de Graaf said the language in the Ordinance may not be worded perfectly, but the intent is for the feeding to be done as part of a program, working with the Police. He reiterated that the Ordinance as worded does not stop the City from working with organizations to conduct TNR or other programs to feed the cats. It is aimed at people who are irresponsibly dumping food in the parks and public places where it is a nuisance.
Vice Mayor Uecker said that after listening to the comments, he believes there are changes to be made and he is willing to relook at the Ordinance.
Restuccia said he also believes there are several changes to be made and he is not ready to vote on the Ordinance at this time.
City Attorney Terpstra outlined the process for making changes and bringing the Ordinance back for approval.
City Council Page 16 September 8, 2026
Barton said he understands the sentiment of the commenters, appreciated people coming to the meeting, and said this is how good government works.
Barton said that the Ordinance would be brought back in a revised form and encouraged TNR organizations to coordinate with City staff to establish an organized program and schedule. He acknowledged concerns regarding sanitation and said that a revised Ordinance should balance those concerns with community values and the well-being of residents. He thanked the public for their comments and proposed tabling the Ordinance for 30 days.
Motion to have staff bring back a revision to Ordinance 939 amending Chapter 6.12 "Animal Ownership, Care and Treatment Generally" in the Ripon Municipal Code declaring a public nuisance for feeding animals on any public property at a subsequent meeting.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Daniel de Graaf, Council Member
AYES: Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, de Graaf
ABSENT: Zuber
REPORTS
Department Heads:
Planning Director Zuidervaart there will be a Planning Commission meeting in September.
Ripon Grace Church wants to resurface the back parking lot into a sports court that will double as a parking lot when not in use.
Public Works Director Pease reported that August water usage was down 13% compared to 2013 figures, and were within 1% of last year’s number.
Pease said that the large item pickup program is still going, and residents can sign up for a onetime pickup of up to four items through the end of the month.
City Council:
Council Member de Graaf thanked residents who attended the meeting and participated in public comment. He stated that good governance depends on communication between the City and its residents and acknowledged that addressing the Council from the podium can be uncomfortable.
He thanked residents for sharing their views and expressed hope that the dialogue would support partnership and informed decision-making.
Council Member Restuccia said that he has a stray cat that is vaccinated and doing well.
Vice Mayor Uecker complimented attendees on their cat-ear headbands and thanked them for their participation.
City Council Page 17 September 8, 2026
Mayor Barton said he wanted to recognize the upcoming 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and reflected on the extraordinary heroism demonstrated during the tragedy, particularly the actions of those who attempted to prevent the hijacked plane from reaching its intended destination. He encouraged residents to pause and remember those who lost their lives and the lasting impact of the events. He concluded by expressing pride in being an American and a Riponite and appreciation for the community.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM. (Signed) Gary Barton
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk