(13) Landscape screening of above-ground equipment. An average three (3') foot high continuous screen shall be provided for all above-ground equipment and utilities greater than two (2') feet in height. (14) Model homes. For all single-family residential developments, fro nt yard landscaping shall be installed by the developer in all model homes. To promote landscape water conservation through education, the front yard landscaping shall consist entirely of water conservation landscaping and irrigation meeting the following requirements:
(i) Plant materials. Each model home to be landscaped shall contain exclusively at least seventy-five (75%) percent low water use plant materials.
(ii) Irrigation system. Each model home shall contain exclusively an irrigation system that provides a high efficienc y in water application according to site conditions.
(iii) Signs. Each development with model homes shall provide the following information to potential buyers:
(aa) Front yard sign. A four (4) square foot sign shall be located in the front yard of each model home such that it is clearly visible to buyers. The sign shall indicate that the model h ome features a water conservation landscape and irrigation desig n and shall comply with the State of California Model Water Eff icient Landscape Ordinance.
(ab) Interior display. A drawing, or combination of drawings, shall be displayed inside each model home or the sa les office which provides a schematic of the landscape. These drawings shall include a key identifying the common name of the plants used in the model home yards. A brochure with the s ame information shall be distributed with the sales inf ormation to potential buyers to satisfy this requirement.
(iv) Literature. Additional literature describing water conservation landscaping and irrigation shall also be made avail able to the potential buyer and displayed. The literature shall include information about designing, installing, managing a nd
maintaining water conservation landscapes.
(15) Landscaping along Highway 99. Wherever property abuts Highway 99, a minimum ten (10') foot deep landscaped bed shall be installed. In cases where the property is part of an approved master or specific plan, the plan document takes precedence over the standards c ontained in this landscape ordinance. In all cases, the landscaped b ed shall include a combination of trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
Trees shall be spaced
at least every thirty (30’) lineal feet of Highway 99 frontage.
SECTION 4. AMENDMENT: Title 9, Chapter 9-2, Article 2 shall hereby be amended to read as follows:
Article 2
Off-street Parking And Loading Regulations
§ 9-2-216. Parking lot landscaping.
Parking lots and parking structures shall have interior and perimeter landscaping areas as prescribed by the following:
(a) Parking lots or parking structures adjoining st reet property lines or public streets shall have a perimeter landscape buffer with a minimum width as follows:
(1) If abutting an expressway: twenty (20') feet.
(2) If abutting an arterial: fifteen (15') feet.
(3) If abutting a collector: fifteen (15') feet.
(4) If abutting a local street: five (5') feet.
(b) Vehicle overhangs may encroach a maximum of two (2') feet into landscape areas which are a minimum of ten (10') feet wide.
(c) An average three (3') foot high (minimum of two and one-half (2-1/2') feet and maximum of three and one-half (3-1/2') feet) contin uous screen shall be installed between all parking areas and public streets. A scr een shall consist of one (1) or any combination of the following:
(1) Walls. A wall shall consist of concrete, concrete block, s tone, brick, tile, or similar type of solid masonry material.
(2) Solid fences. A solid fence shall be constructed of wood, or other materials. (3) Plant materials. Vegetation, consisting of trees or shrubs. (d) Interior landscaped areas shall be a minimum of five (5') feet in width and length (minimum of twenty-five (25) square feet for tree wells), exclusive of curbs. (e) The end of each row of parking stalls shall be separated from drive aisles by a landscaped planter or sidewalk.
(f) In all parking lots with a capacity of five (5) parking spaces or more, a minimum of one (1)
twenty-four (24”) box size shade tree for every five (5) spaces shall be provided in landscape islands within the parking lot. Tree spacing shall be such that every designated parking space is within thirty (30') feet of the trunk of a tree.
Parking lot trees shall provide a shade canopy cove ring fifty (50%) percent of the parking spaces within fifteen (15) years. All trees planted closer than 10’ to a paved surface, curb, or building shall be planted using root barriers in accordance with the adopted City of Turlock Standard Specifications and Drawings.
(g) All planting areas within or abutting a parking lot shall be protected with raised concrete curbs. Openings shall be allowed in the curbing to allow storm water runoff to enter the planting areas.
SECTION 5. VALIDITY: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, word, or phrase of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or ot herwise invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of t his ordinance. The Turlock City Council hereby declares that they would have passed this ordinance , and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, word, or phrase thereof, irrespective of th e fact that one or more section, subsection, sentence, clause, word, or phrase be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the Ci ty of Turlock this 12
th day of May, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ABSENT:
Signed and approved this 26
th day of May, 2026.
SIGNED:
____________________________
Amy Bublak, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Nichole Fiez, City Clerk,
City of Turlock, County of Stanislaus,
State of California APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Katie O. Lucchesi, City Attorney
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026
From: Isaac Moreno, Finance Director
Prepared by: Isaac Moreno, Finance Director
Agendized by: Gary Hampton, Interim City Manager
1. ACTION RECOMMENDED:
Resolution: Approving revised Measure A Expenditure Policy to establish guidelines on the allocation of three-quarter (3/4) cent transactions and use (sales) tax commencing Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Resolution: Approving the Amendment to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budgeted Full-time Employee allocation by the addition of three Firefighters
2. NARRATIVE:
At the March 24, 2026 council meeting, council authorized the purchase of a Pierce 107" Velocity Tractor Drawn Aerial with pump and tank from Golden State Fire Apparatus. This purchase will help strengthen the Fire Department's commitment to serving our community and improve operational flexibility. The current estimated delivery of the apparatus is 44–47 months. Although this period of time seems substantial, staff recommends the City start the planning for implementation of this vehicle by developing a staffing plan. Attached is the proposed staffing strategy by Deputy Fire Chief Jelinek that outlines how the City can accomplish this. Per the memo, three additional Firefighter positions are needed to create an incremental fiscal approach that steadily builds toward full operational readiness of the twelve positions requested to support the apparatus.
Staff is requesting to implement this strategy starting Fiscal Year 2025-2026 by authorizing the hiring of three full-time Firefighters. Getting approval for these positions now allows staff to start the hiring process sooner to achieve implementation of the proposed staffing strategy. Also, with the addition of one Firefighter per shift, it will reduce the overtime cost and help insure appropriate minimum staffing levels at all fire stations.
To financially accomplish this, staff is requesting an amendment to our Measure A Policy.
The proposed amendment will shift 3% of the Measure A Roads allocation to Measure A General (see attached policy amendment). This allocation is estimated at $457,394 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Although three entry-level Firefighter positions are estimated at $339,836, the remaining balance will insure overtime and future Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) is covered. This allocation change will not impact the Roads Program. This policy change will be effective July 1, 2026 to insure no fiscal impact to the current fiscal year budget.
3. FISCAL IMPACT / BUDGET AMENDMENT:
Given the hiring of the three Firefighters will not take effect until Fiscal Year 2026-2027, there is no financial impact to Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 cost is estimated at $339,836 for three full-time Firefighters. The estimated shifting of Measure A funds from Roads to General, based on 1% to 4%, is as follows:
Agenda Staff Report
5/12/2026
1.0% $ 152,465
2.0% $ 304,929
3.0% $ 457,394
4.0% $ 609,859
Appropriate funds will be budgeted during the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget process.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This action is not subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA guidelines. This action consists of “organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment” and therefore is not considered a project.
5. ALTERNATIVES:
1. City Council could allocate a different percentage of Measure A funds. Although a lesser amount could result in the need to utilize Measure A General reserves and a higher percentage is not needed at this time to achieve the strategic staffing plan.
2. City Council could direct staff to locate an alternate funding source for one or all requested positions.
6. ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution Measure A Expenditure Policy Amendment
2. Draft Resolution Budget Amendment
3. Measure A Expenditure Policy revised 5/12/2026
4. Proposed Ladder Truck Staffing Strategy Memo
BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TURLOCK
APPROVE REVISED MEASURE A } RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
EXPENDITURE POLICY TO ESTABLISH }
GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF THREE- }
QUARTER (3/4) CENT TRANSACTIONS AND }
USE (SALES) TAX COMMENCING FISCAL }
YEAR 2026-2027 }
}
WHEREAS, during Fiscal Year 2024-2025, a Measure A Policy was adopted; and
WHEREAS, Council directed staff to reallocate 3% of revenue that was previously allocated to Fund 115 “Measure A Roads” to Fund 118 “Measure A General”; and
WHEREAS, this allocation amendment will create an allocation split of 52% to Measure A Roads Fund 115 and 48% to Measure A General Fund 118, commencing Fiscal Year 2026-2027; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Turlock does hereby approve the revised Measure A Expenditure Policy to establish guidelines on the use of three-quarter (3/4) cent transactions and use (sales) tax commencing Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Turlock this 12th day of May, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
__________________________
Nichole Fiez, City Clerk,
City of Turlock, County of Stanislaus,
State of California
BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TURLOCK
WHEREAS, at the March 24, 2026 council meeting, council authorized the purchase of a Pierce 107” Velocity Tractor Drawn Aerial with pump and tank from Golden State Fire Apparatus to help strengthen the Fire Department’s commitment to serving our community and improve operational flexibility; and
WHEREAS, a proposed staffing strategy was developed by Deputy Fire Chief Jelinek to create an incremental fiscal approach that steadily builds toward full operational readiness of the twelve positions requested to support the apparatus; and
WHEREAS, in order to implement the staffing strategy, the hiring of three additional Firefighters is needed; and
WHEREAS, starting the hiring process in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 will allow implementation of the proposed staffing strategy and reduce the overtime cost and help insure appropriate minimum staffing levels at all fire stations; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Turlock does hereby approve the amendment to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budgeted full-time employee allocation by the addition of three Firefighters.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Turlock this 12th day of May, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: ( )
NOES: ( )
NOT PARTICIPATING: ( )
ABSENT: ( )
ATTEST:
___________________________
Nichole Fiez, City Clerk,
City of Turlock, County of Stanislaus,
State of California
}
}
}
}
}
}
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXXIN THE MATTER OF APPROVING THE
AMENDMENT TO FISCAL YEAR 2025-
2026 BUDGETED FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
ALLOCATION BY THE ADDITION OF
THREE FIREFIGHERS
___________________________________
__
CITY OF TURLOCK
POLICY ON USE OF MEASURE A DERIVED REVENUES
A. Purpose
On July 6, 2020, City Council approved Ordinance 1281-CS amending the Turlock Municipal Code which established a ballot measure for a Three-Quarter (3/4) cent transactions and use (sales) tax. This ballot measure was identified as Measure A. On November 3, 2020 general municipal election, the City voters approved Measure A and as a result the City adopted the ordinance.
During the 2024-2025 budget process, Staff was directed to develop a policy that defines how these revenues will be utilized and to gather feedback from the Measure A Oversight Committee.
B. Policy
It is City Policy that the transactions and use (sales) tax derived from Measure A be allocated for the Roads Program, Public Safety (Police and Fire), and Parks. The allocation of these funds will be as follows:
a. Roads Program (Fund 115) – 525%
b. Public Safety and Parks (Fund 118) – 485%
C. Expenses
These three programs may utilize these funds for staffing, capital projects, debt obligations, and any other expenditure that may assist with the Roads Program, Public Safety (Police and Fire), and Parks.
a. Roads program – 525% of all Measure A funds will be used as follows, but not limited to:
i. Staffing
ii. Capital expenditures
iii. Professional Services – such as Engineering, Construction Management, Etc. iv. Debt Obligations
v. General Fund – Up to 5% of revenues may be utilized to assist the General Fund reserve, but only if it drops below 15% and with Council authorization. b. Public Safety and Parks – 485% of all Measure A funds will be used as follows, but not limited to:
i. Staffing
ii. Capital expenditures
iii. Professional Services
iv. Debt Obligations
v. Equipment
vi. Vehicles
vii. General Fund – Up to 5% of revenues may be utilized to assist the General Fund reserve, but only if it drops below 15% and with Council authorization.
D. Reserves
Measure A funds are allocated between two separate funds so each program does not impact the other. Each fund reserve can be used as follows:
a. Fund 115 – Roads Program may be for cashflow and any other obligation for managing the program.
b. Fund 118 – General Measure A may be used as follows:
i. Capital expenditures such as equipment, repairs and maintenance of facilities, and other one-time costs.
OFFICE OF
INTERIM
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
CHRIS JELINEK
[email protected]
244 NORTH BROADWAY | TURLOCK, CALIFORNIA 95380 | 209 668-5580 “PROUDLY SERVING, PROTECTING, AND PARTNERING FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY” Modesto | Ceres | Oakdale | Knights Ferry | Valley Home | Riverbank | Empire | Waterford | La Grange | Turlock | Salida
To: City Manager Gary Hampton and Finance Director Isaac Moreno From: Deputy Fire Chief Chris Jelinek
Subject: Proposed staffing strategy for deployment of a Turlock Fire Department ladder truck
Date: May 7, 2026
Mr. Hampton and Mr. Moreno,
The Turlock Fire Department is proposing a phased staffing plan to support the deployment of a ladder truck company and ensure it is placed in service as a fully capable, operational resource.
The proposed model establishes a four-person truck company staffed with one Captain, one Engineer, and two Firefighters. This configuration aligns with national best practices and provides the staffing necessary to perform simultaneous fireground functions including forcible entry, ventilation, aerial ladder deployment, and search and rescue operations.
To responsibly scale staffing, the Department will request three additional positions (one per shift) annually over the next 3–4 years. This incremental approach distributes fiscal impact while steadily building toward full operational readiness. Upon full implementation, this will result in a total of 12 new positions (four per shift) to support a fully staffed truck company.
Upon full implementation, constant daily staffing will increase from 13 to 17 personnel per shift. This enhanced model strengthens system capacity, improves response effectiveness, and better aligns service delivery with community risk.
This phased approach balances operational readiness with fiscal responsibility and ensures the ladder truck is deployed as a fully functional and effective resource for the Turlock community.