Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Selma City Council
August 5, 2025
CALL TO ORDER at 6:12 p.m.
ROL.I. 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 None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• City Council recognized 14-year-old student Nathan Garza for his entrepreneurial initiatives. In an effort to raise funds for school clothing and supplies, Nathan sold water bottles on the corner of McCall and Rose Avenues. His effort did not go unrewarded; he ultimately raised more than $450.00.
• Isaac Garza was recognized for his extensive history of service with "Operation Santa", which has sponsored four families annually for four years. In partnership with the Selma Fire and Police Departments, rental assistance, utility payments and holiday meals have been provided to those in need during the holiday season.
• Resident Jesse Luhan reported severe flooding on Floral Avenue, stating it is related to the Amberwood sewer line project. Mr. Lujan claimed actions by the contractor, Dawson-Mauldin, caused extensive damage to his property. Discussion occurred between City Engineering, Public Works and Council related to the matter, subsequently coming to an agreement that the claim needed to be investigated further.
1 - SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
1-1 Special Presentation - Little Miracles Christian Preschool - 31 Years of Carlson Devoted Service Proclamation
1-2 Special Presentation - Placer AI Demonstration Keene Presentation of Item 1-1: City Clerk Carlson presented Little Miracles Christian Preschool with a proclamation, declaring August 5, 2025, as a day of gratitude, honoring the establishment for 31 years of devoted service to the community.
Presentation of Item 2-1: Account Executive for Placer AI, Will Chambers, provided a demonstration of location analytic software. The software uses geo-fencing to distinguish resident vs tourist foot traffic.
This provides data back to April 2018, allowing for longitudinal growth and trend analysis. Placer AI provides rapid feedback on events, identifies low-usage park times and provides statistics needed for managed commercial and residential growth.
1 2 - CONSENT CALENDAR
2-1 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-60R approving a certified list of Moreno all parcels subject to a special tax levy pursuant to the City of Selma Community Facilities District No. 2006-1, setting the amount of the special tax to be levied on each such parcel for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and authorizing the placement of the special tax tax on the Fresno County rolls 2-2 Approval - Consideration of Approval of a Three-Year Professional Services Moreno Agreement with Price Paige & Company for Consulting Services 2-3 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-61R Setting the Tax Rate for Moreno Fiscal Year 2025-26 With Respect to General Obligation Bonds for Police Station Improvements
2-4 Approval - Consideration of Resolution No. 2025-62R Approving and Moreno Adopting the Local Transportation Purposes Certification and Claim and Authorizing its Execution for Measure C Funds
2-5 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-63R Confirming the Report of Moreno Annual Refuse Collection Charges to be added to the 2025-2026 Fresno County Property Tax Roll
2-6 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-64R Approving Notice of Horn Completion for the Valley View Storm Drain Phase 2 Project 2-7 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-65R Approving an Agreement Horr between the City of Selma and Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District for Installation of and Use of a Temporary Siphon Lateral Line 2-8 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-66R Approving an Agreement Hom between the City of Selma and Cogent Fiber, LLC (fka Sprint Communications Company LP) for Preliminary Engineering Reimbursement 2-9 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-67R Approving the City Alcaraz Manager or his Designee to Enter into a Maintenance Agreement and MOU with the Office of the Fresno County District Attorney for Electronic Laboratory Services and Access to the Fresno County Regional Electronic Laboratory (FCREL)
2-10 Approval - Consideration of Resolution 2025-68R Authorizing the City Alcaraz Manager of his Designee to Approve an Agreement with Flock Safety to Provide Automated License Plate Readers to the City of Selma to the Selma Police Department for Purposes of Enhancing Investigations. 2-11 Approval - Consideration to Approve Resolution 2025-69R Declaring Surplus Honn and Sale of City Property
2-12 Approval - Check Register Dated 7/10/2025 - Check Numbers 87278 Moreno through 87386
2-13 Approval - Consideration and Necessary Action on Resolution 2025-71R Costanzo Approving and Authorizing Execution of Chief of Police Employment Agreement
Items 2-2, 2-8, 2-10 and 2-12 were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. 2 Action on Consent Calendar Items 2-1, 2-3 through 2-7, 2-9, 2-11, and 2-13: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve items 2-1, 2-3 through 2-7, 2-9, 2-11, and 2-13. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra.
Ayes: Avalos, Guerra, Oceguera, Trujillo, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
Discussion on Item 2-2: Finance Director Moreno detailed the need for a Price Paige and Company consulting contract, for the term of three years. Director Moreno explained the increase in annual fees is due to necessary bank reconciliations and staff assistance provided during the Tyler ERP implementation.
Action on Consent Calendar Item 2-2: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 2-2. Motion seconded by Council Member Oceguera.
Ayes: Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo, Guerra, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
Discussion on Item 2-8: City Engineer David Horn detailed the necessary relocation of Sprint fiber lines in the railroad right-of-way. City Engineer Horn and Public Works Director Honn agreed the relocation must be complete to move forward with the Amberwood project. The projected expense is $38, 683.00.
Council Member Avalos requested routine updates on this project.
Action on Consent Calendar Item 2-8: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 2-8. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra.
Ayes: Avalos, Guerra, Oceguera, Trujillo, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
Discussion on Item 2-10: Police Chief Alcaraz spoke of the need for safety cameras throughout the city.
He reiterated the success of camera systems in other municipalities and noted the Flock Safety camera system would primarily be utilized on the Northeast side of the city, and in various high traffic areas throughout other portions of the city.
Action on Consent Calendar Item 2-10: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 2-10. The motion was seconded by Council Member Oceguera.
Ayes: Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo, Guerra, Robertson
Noes: None
Motion passed (5-0)
3 Discussion on Item 2-12: Various check numbers were pulled from the Check Register, including 87368, made payable to the South County Veterinarian Clinic, as pulled by Council Member Oceguera. Chief Alcaraz explained the expense was for the euthanasia of four (4) canines, due to illness / injury. Council inquired about the status of cameras at the Animal Services Shelter. Chief Alcaraz responded discussion had taken place with Human Resources; action on the part of IT is necessary for camera installation.
Check number 87319 made payable to Fresno County Treasurer was pulled by Council Member Avalos.
Public Works Department Honn explained the expense pertains to the permit needed for the Salazar Center Splash Pad. The permit is provided by the Fresno County Health Department on an annual basis.
Council also pulled check numbers 87317 (Quarterly Payments for Mad Lab, Police Department Expense), 87379 (Backflow Prevention, Public Works Expense), 87347 (Tyler Technologies, Finance software expense), 87279 (A&M Consulting, Community Services trail design expense), and 87291 (Internal Affairs Investigation expense). Discussion ensued with City Attorney Costanzo regarding the Internal Affairs Investigation. He indicated intent to investigate the issue further with the possibility of demanding the monies be returned, alluding to the transaction being unauthorized.
Action on Consent Calendar Item 2-12: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 2-12. The motion was seconded by Council Member Oceguera.
Ayes: Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo
Noes: Guerra, Robertson
Motion passed (3-2)
3- DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
• Police Department (Rudy Alcaraz): Chief Alcaraz reported a recent increase in auto theft. He reminded the public that as the school year begins, there will be increased traffic enforcement to ensure the safety of youth particularly in school zones. • Public Works (Michael Honn): Director Honn discussed the Downtown Beautification projects at length. Council reached consensus to move forward with the purchase of trees for High Street.
Mayor Robertson gave directions to purchase four (4) trees for each side of High Street. • Parks & Recreation (Liz Fletcher): Supervisor Fletcher announced open registration for the 5k Color Run. She followed by stating the Portuguese Hall is booked for the Senior Prom event, scheduled for January 2026.
• Selma Arts Center (Nicolette Andersen): Coordinator Andersen reported working with Andy Gonzalez to coordinate a Summer Arts Exhibit. She announced the closing of 'Rent', noting the show experienced a sold-out weekend that was followed by stellar reviews.
Adjourned for Break 8:33 p.m.
Reconvened at 8:42 p.m.
4 4 - PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing Opened at 8:42 p.m.
4-1 Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-08 Amending Selma Costanzo Municipal Code (SMC) § 3-1-1 Relating to the Appointing Authority for and Duties of Fire Chief
4-2 Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-09 Amending SMC § 3-2-1 Costanzo Designating the Appointing and Authority of the Chief of Police 4-3 Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-10 Repealing § 2-9-1 through Costanzo § 2-9-9 of the Selma Municipal Code creating the Pioneer Village Commission Discussion on Items 4-1 and 4-2: City Attorney Costanzo spoke to the similarities of items 4-1 and 4-2, explaining the amendments to SMC § 3-1-1 and SMC § 3-2-1 which will result in substantial amendments to both contracts (Fire Chief and Police Chief), notably changing the appointing authority. A consensus was reached to discuss and review items 4-1 and 4-2 concurrently.
Spoke:
• Council Member Trujillo questioned liability of the City, if Council chooses to move forward with adoption of the proposed amendments, stating the amendments create dual administration.
• Deputy City Manager Keene questioned City Attorney Costanzo regarding form of governments and the impacts moving forward could have, including effects on insurability. • Mayor Robertson spoke in support of the ordinances, in concurrence with statements made by City Attorney Costanzo regarding conflicting provisions, power of City Manager and powers of City Council.
Public Comment: None.
Action on Public Hearing Item 4-1 and 4-2: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Items 4-1 and 4-2. The Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra.
Ayes: Avalos, Guerra, Oceguera, Robertson
Noes: Trujillo
Motion passed (4-1)
Discussion on Item 4-3: City Attorney Costanzo spoke to the need to repeal SMC § 2-9-1 and SMC § 2- 9-9 ; he explained the Pioneer Village Commission has not been able to meet a quorum, therefore has been inactive for a lengthy period. It is the intent of City Council to give the Recreation and Community Services Commission primary oversight of Pioneer Village.
Action on Public Hearing Item 4-3: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 4-3. The motion was seconded by Council Member Oceguera.
Ayes: Avalos, Oceguera, Trujillo
Noes: None
Abstain: Guerra, Robertson
5 Motion passed (3-0-2)
Public Comment: None.
Public Hearing Closed at 9:07 p.m.
5 - REGULAR BUSINESS
5-1 Action Item - Consideration and Necessary Action on Resolution 2025-70R Costanzo Approving and Authorizing Execution of Professional Services Consulting Agreement between the City of Selma and Granted Solutions for Grant Writing and Administration Services
Action Item - Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 2025-11 Adding Costanzo Discussion on Action Item 5-1: City Attorney Costanzo offered the basis of his support for adoption of Resolution 2025-70R, citing the need for an outside Grant Consultant.
Spoke:.
• Deputy City Manager Jerome Keene rebutted and referenced the purchasing policy, State Agency contract codes, RFP processes and noted recent increases to General Fund expenditure. Discussion over compensation options followed with Deputy City Manager Keene providing insight into the compensation provided to the current part-time Grants Manager; the position is grant funded. • Sonia Hall of Granted Solutions explained compensation options should she be contracted. Option one (1) would compensate on a commission plus quarterly percentage calculation basis, with Option two (2) providing a monthly retainer of $1,000.00, regardless of success rate / grant status. • Council Member Trujillo expressed concern regarding the recent litigation involving Sonia Hall. • Community Member Theresa Salas spoke in opposition of Resolution 2025-70R, citing the cost savings associated with continuing to use the current part-time Grants Manager. She furthered her opposition by questioning the litigation involving Sonia Hall and the City of Parlier.
Action on Item 5-1: A motion was made by Council Member Avalos to approve Item 5-1. The motion was seconded by Mayor Robertson.
Ayes: Avalos, Robertson, Oceguera, Guerra
Noes: Trujillo
Motion passed (4-1)
Discussion on Action Item 5-2: City Attorney Costanzo explained the substance of the proposed Ordinance 2025-11, highlighting that Ordinance 2025-11 provides the authority to fine up to $5,000.00, prosecute as a misdemeanor and include punishment of up to six (6) month jail time. First reading of full ordinance context was waived. City Attorney further clarified that one (1) count would be charged for each animal abandoned. He confirmed his office would represent the city should a prosecution occur.
Action on Item 5-2: Consensus was reached to move forward with a Public Hearing and second reading.
Direction was given to City Clerk to publicly notice and schedule the Public Hearing for September 2, 2025.
6 - FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Council reached consensus on requests for the following future agenda items:
• Code Enforcement efforts update.
• Review of a potential breeding ordinance; request to review City of Fresno ordinance. • Discussion of feral cat mitigation measures.
• Report on City Engineer expenses; monies not being reimbursed to the city. • Formalization of reporting procedures for all City claims, including those being administered by ERMA. City Attorney to be appointed the contact and administrator of all City claims. 7 - COUNCIL REPORTS
• Council Member Oceguera announced Assemblymember Emeralda Soria will be at Maiden Voyage on August 12th. Council Member Oceguera stated his intent to meet with Soria. • Mayor Robertson invited community and staff to attend the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency Maintenance Facility Ribbon Cutting being held on August 22d.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None.
ADJOURNMENT FROM OPEN SESSION
Five-minute break announced by Mayor Robertson before resuming in Closed Session.
Open Session adjourned at 10:21 p.m.
Adjourned for Break at 10:21 p.m.
Reconvened directly into Closed Session at 10:27 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. Public Employment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title: All Positions and Departments
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT No reportable action was reported to the City Clerk.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m.
"The City Clerk was not present for the Closed Session proceedings and no audio or video recording is available. The following summary is based solely on limited notes provided after the meeting and does not constitute certification of procedural actions, attendance, or compliance with open-session requirements." (Signatures next page)
7 Approved the 17th* day of March 2026.
APPROVED
ATTEST:
Scott Robertson
Mayor
Jarama
Sara M. Carlson
City Clerk