Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Selma City Council
June 17, 2025
CALL TO ORDER at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council Members Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Guerra, and Mayor Robertson
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No conflicts of interest identified AGENDA CHANGES OR DELETIONS Council Member Trujillo noted a personal matter and stated they would be stepping away at 9:30 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Moses Stites of Fresno Rural Transit provided an update on three items, including the installation of a bus bench at Walmart, the dedication of a plaque for resident Terry Serrano at a bus shelter, and an update on the Measure C maintenance facility currently under construction in the city (a $20 million facility, $10 million funded by Measure C). FCRTA offers free transportation to Selma seniors, disabled residents, and veterans, and a tour of the facility, slated for a late July or August opening, was offered to the Council.
• Joe Martinez discussed the issue of trash pickup in alleyways. • Ehab Otros spoke regarding a claim submitted on April 15, 2025, for pothole damage to a vehicle which was rejected by the insurance company and the City Manager. The City Attorney advised that the gentleman's only recourse was to file suit, likely small claims (up to $5,000).
• Yolanda Torrez thanked Council Member Trujillo for sponsoring and supporting the Minor Astros Little League team, who secured first place. Suggested combining the Parks and Pioneer Village Commissions due to a lack of volunteers for the latter. 1 - SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
1-1 Selma Police Department K9 Dog Satin and Handler Officer High High
1-2 Measure C Update by DK Associates LLC Flint
Presentation of Item 1-1: Selma Police Department K9 dog Satin and handler Officer High:
Officer Anthony High and K9 Satin, a 3-year-old Black Lab, were introduced by Commander Cannon. Satin is trained for detection of firearms/ammunition and narcotics (heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine) and is expected to serve approximately 10 years.
Presentation of Item 2-1: Robert Fipps (Executive Director, FCOG) and Kendall Flint (Consultant/Project Manager) presented on the renewal of Measure C. Measure C is a half- cent sales tax renewal, not a new tax, that funds local infrastructure, transit, and roads. This measure has generated over 2.1 billion from tax payments and $8 billion from leveraged funds), with Selma specifically benefiting from $10.5 million for street improvements (Stillman, High Street, Floral Avenue) and traffic upgrades. The renewal effort is seeking public input on funding categories (Local Streets/Roads, Regional Projects, Bike/Pedestrian, Transit), and the relevant websites are bilingual. 2 - CONSENT CALENDAR
2-1 Approval - Consideration and Resolution 2025-42R Adopting Venegas the Revised Master Salary Schedule for all City Employees Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-43R Approving Venegas Job Description and Salary Range for City Manager
Approval - Check Register Dated 05/28/2025 86905 through Moreno 87089 and Cal-Card Report Period 3/25/2025 through
4/22/2025
2-4 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-44R in Horn Acceptance of Public Street Easement from Leilani and Roberto Rodriguez for Juniper Avenue Alignment
Items 2-1 and 2-3 were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Action on Consent Calendar Items 2-2 and 2-4: A motion was made by Council Member Oceguera to approve Items 2-2 and 2-4. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra.
Ayes: Oceguera, Guerra, Avalos, Trujillo, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
Discussion on Item 2-1: Clarification was requested regarding the listing of positions like City Clerk / PIO and Community Development Director, which are currently vacant.
Administrative Services Director Venegas confirmed that positions on the master salary schedule that are not budgeted are generally eliminated if unused for three years.
Action on Consent Calendar Item 2-1: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 2-1. Motion seconded by Council Member Oceguera.
Ayes: Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo, Guerra, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
Discussion on Item 2-3: Inquiry on Check 87071 confirmed it was an annual lease payment of 193) for an unattended conference, which was too late to refund, though the registration fee was credited for future use.
Action on Consent Calendar Item 2-3: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 2-3. Motion seconded by Council Member Oceguera.
Ayes: Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo, Guerra, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
3 - DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
• Interim City Manager Kunkel: Will provide a memo regarding alley trash pickup, noting that 5-7 homes on Jackson lack direct alley access and that residents must choose between street or alley service.
• Administrative Services Director Venegas: Ethics and Brown Act training is scheduled for June 25th. Recruitment is underway for several positions, including the upcoming City Manager role, with an estimated advertising cost of around $600 for a 30-day period in major publications.
• Fire Chief Webster: Announced the retirement of Captain Deborah Row (2003- present) and reported that an engine company assisted with structure defense at the Firestone incident near Coalinga.
• Public Works Director Honn: Announced a meeting tomorrow (June 18) at Schaefer Park at 10:00 a.m. with Musco Lighting to discuss designs and quotes for the park lighting. The Downtown High Street lighting project received only one bid, which was extremely high; staff will value engineer the project and rebid, with a goal for a September/October completion. Confirmed the Salazar Center stoves are operational and that they are awaiting fire suppression modifications for the hood. • Parks & Community Services Director Fletcher: Announced the last Movie in the Park (Ratatouille) is scheduled for Friday, followed by a block party the next Friday.
The pool opened last weekend, and lifeguards are newly certified. The final draft of the Parks Master Plan will be discussed at the Recreation Commission meeting tomorrow.
Adjourned for Break 7:09 p.m.
Reconvened at 7:15 p.m.
4 - PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing Opened at 7:15 p.m.
Consideration of Resolution 2025-45R Adopting the 2025/2026 Moreno City of Selma Fiscal Year Budget and Consideration of a Resolution 2025-46R adopting the City's Annual
Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/2026, Pursuant to Article XIII B of the California Constitution.
Discussion on Item 4-1: Finance Director Moreno reported the proposed FY 2025/2026 budget totaling $62.8 million. Revisions requested by the Council (May 28th) led to a General Fund deficit of $61,367, which will be balanced using city reserves. Mayor Robertson proposed several adjustments to eliminate the deficit, including eliminating the part-time Grant Management position, pausing the Economic Development position, and eliminating the Animal Services Director position. Mayor Robertson also noted a substantial increase in the Human Resources budget from $370,000 to $626,799.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Rose Robertson emphasized the importance of educating the public that Measure C is a renewal, not an additional tax, and requested official documentation on the use of Rockwell Pond grant money for the 10-acre park.
• Stella Ramirez agreed with the Council's review of the budget, recommending cuts to salaries, overtime, and staff positions in areas like HR and animal shelter due to high costs.
• Theresa Salas requested clarification on the significant increase in Health Benefits Expense, rising from $50,000 to $115,000, attributing the change to the city becoming self-insured and noting the resulting increase in PERS and FICA contributions.
• Action on Public Hearing Item 4-1: Due to the required legal notice publication period, the matter was continued (not tabled) until Monday, June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to allow for review and proposed budget changes before the legal deadline of June 30th. Motion to continue hearing was made by Council Member Avalos. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra.
Ayes: Avalos, Guerra, Oceguera, Trujillo, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion to continue passed (5-0)
Public Hearing Closed at 7:40 p.m.
5 - REGULAR BUSINESS
5-1 Action Item - Consideration of Commission / Board Carlson Applications and Subsequent Appointments)
Action Item - Consideration of Resolution 2025-47R Approving Venegas Job Description and Salary Range for Economic Development Director/Public Information Officer
Information Only - Discussion Regarding High Street Café Lights Kunkel and Shafer Park Lights
Discussion on Action Item 5-1 (BID): City Clerk Carlson reported one vacancy on the Downtown Business Improvement District Board, otherwise known as BID and two vacancies on the Planning Commission have been recruited in compliance with the Maddy Act.
Action on Item 5-1: Motion to reappoint Ramza Coury was made by Council Member Oceguera. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra.
Ayes: Oceguera, Guerra, Avalos, Trujillo, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion to continue passed (5-0)
Additional Action on Item 5-1 (Planning Commission): The Council confirmed there were two vacancies. Following discussion, the informal rule limiting individuals to one commission was relaxed and may be revisited on a future date. Greg Garcia was reappointed to the Planning Commission by consensus. Dennis Hall was appointed to the Planning Commission by consensus, thus filling both vacancies.
Discussion on Action Item 5-2: Staff recommended a hybrid Economic Development Director/PIO role. Mayor Robertson advocated for a standalone Public Information Officer (PIO) position, citing the need for increased transparency and marketing for the city, particularly regarding the City Manager search.
Spoke: Mike Cosenza, CLOCEA Representative, speaks in opposition of the rushed recruitment and voices concern regarding the entirety of the recruitment process and new role.
Action on Item 5-2: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Resolution 2025-47R, as amended, establishing a standalone Public Information Officer position (reporting to the Council) with a salary range of $92,000 to $120,000, and directing the recruitment period to end June 30, 2025, with a review of application to be scheduled for July 1, 2025. Council Member Avalos motioned to adopt an amended Resolution 2025- 47R. Mayor Pro Tem Guerra seconded the motion.
Ayes: Avalos, Guerra, Oceguera, Robertson
Noes: Trujillo
Motion passed (4-1)
Discussion on Information Item 5-3: Public Works Director Honn reported that the Musco lighting system for Schaefer Park includes new poles, foundations, technology, and a 25- year warranty. The High Street Cafe lighting project received one high bid and will be value engineered and rebid.
6 - FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Council reached consensus on requests for the following future agenda items:
• Formalize combining the Pioneer Village and Parks & Community Services Commissions.
• Review Fresno City Council's ordinance regarding incentives/ sale requirements for vacant downtown buildings.
• Ordinance revision request regarding animal dumping.
• Report on city vehicle leases and exploring local leasing options. • Review Measure K (T.O.O.T.) allocation percentages (e.g., changing from 50/30/20 to 40/30/30) to allocate more funds to the Art Center. 7 - COUNCIL REPORTS Council Members reported on attendance at the El Toro Loco Market ribbon cutting and the Portuguese Festa celebration. Concerns were raised regarding local business landscaping, particularly at Rite Aid, the poor condition of the city-owned "Selma" sign near Cattleman's, and unkempt property near Home Depot, citing them as fire hazards and poor city images. The need to formalize a procedure for consistent commission meeting minutes and attendance records was also discussed.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Yolanda Torrez requested status updates on the empty lot/old gas station (PDQ) located on Bouter and Second Street, the maintenance of weeds along Highway 43 near the Nissan dealership, and the status of State Foods occupying the Save Mart building (noting a liquor permit application).
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Approved the 16* day of December 2025.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Scott Robertson
Mayor
Sasema
Sara M. Carlson
City Clerk