Jose Alonso

The regular City Council meeting covered several significant discussions and actions. Key agenda items included proclaiming February 2026 as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month" and presenting a proclamation to the Marjaree Mason Center, with comments provided by high school leadership regarding the impact of the kNOw More program. Council Members and the Mayor provided reports covering upcoming community events, status updates on welcome sign improvements, the Community Center Project, and the Divisadero Street Reconstruction project bid opening. Public comment was heard from candidates for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and representatives from a non-profit organization. The Council approved the minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting. Under the Consent Calendar, the Council approved warrant lists, authorized final payment retention for a park expansion project, and ratified a letter of support for a grant proposal. The main business item involved discussion and consideration of updating the City's Facility Use Policy, directing staff to return with additional information. Department reports addressed a recent juvenile burglary increase, which prompted discussion on educational collaboration with the school district and zero tolerance for loud exhausts. Additionally, the Council entered into Executive Session to discuss real property negotiations regarding price and terms of payment with Westlands Water District and Central Cali Health and Fitness. Staff also presented proposals for adopting resolutions to approve the Fourth Amendment to the Lease Agreement with BB Limited, LP, extending a water extraction lease, and approving the Clean California Local Grant Program Restricted Grant Agreement with CALTRANS for the Mendota Graffiti & Litter Abatement Project.

The City Council meeting addressed several items, including finalizing the agenda, which involved tabling one business item to a future date. Council Members and the Mayor provided reports covering topics such as the immigration protest by high school students, road and sidewalk conditions, the Pool Park Rehabilitation Project, upcoming community events like the Charitable Golf Tournament, and updates on various street reconstruction projects. During Public Comment, a resident inquired about accessing soccer fields for practice and received feedback on the fields' condition. The Council approved the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting and approved items on the Consent Calendar, including warrant lists and amendments to the Translation and Interpretation Services Agreement. The main business item involved the discussion and subsequent approval of naming a park in honor of Mr. Jesse A. Gil. A second business item regarding updates to the City of Mendota's Facility Use Policy was tabled. Department reports included updates from the City Engineer on construction projects and housing developments, and the City Manager provided further comment on the community center project and student performance.

The City Council meeting included the official recognition of the Marjaree Mason Center and the proclamation of October 2025 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Council members provided updates on various local topics, including the Derrick and Oller Roundabout construction, the Community Center Project, road repair efforts, and upcoming community events such as Trunk or Treat and the Christmas Parade. Public comments addressed concerns regarding speeding on 8th Street and Black Avenue, loud vehicle sound systems, the use of the new soccer field while under construction, and a proposal to partner with a non-profit organization to provide tiny homes for the unhoused population. Key actions included approving warrant lists, adopting resolutions for accepting bids on surplus property and purchasing new equipment (a lawnmower and vehicles) for the Public Works Department, authorizing final payment for a soccer field fencing project, and approving the purchase of police department vehicles. Additionally, the Council ratified several letters of support for grant applications related to behavioral health infrastructure projects and voted to cancel the December 2025 and January 2026 regular meetings.

The regular City Council meeting included finalizing the agenda, where one business item was tabled. The Council honored and recognized Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc. and proclaimed January 2026 as "Human Trafficking Prevention Month." Council Members and the Mayor provided reports covering community improvements, ongoing and new projects (including the Divisadero Street Reconstruction Project, 7th Street Rehabilitation Project, and a new housing development), and historical funding allocations like Measure C. Public comments addressed requests regarding Element 7 fees, speeding near 8th Street and Quince Street, concerns about the Animal Control Department's holding facility, and issues with city response to planning projects. During business, the Council discussed naming a facility/park after Jesse A. Gil (tabled), discussed Measure C, and directed staff to prioritize funding requests for projects like the Animal Control facility, Community Center, and infrastructure improvements based on a report from Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. The Council adopted a resolution designating participation at external events. Department reports covered updates from Animal Control, Police Department (including DUI checkpoint and statistics), City Engineer (updating on street reconstruction projects and the Wastewater Treatment Plant), City Attorney (noting new Ralph M. Brown Act provisions), and City Manager (updating on the Community Center Project). A closed session was held to discuss real property negotiations concerning land parcels and price/terms of payment with Westlands Water District.

The meeting addressed multiple agenda items, including the consideration and adoption of Resolution No. 25-58 regarding the acceptance of bids for surplus property valued over $100.00, specifically a 2016 Ford Fusion, and authorizing the City Manager to dispose of remaining surplus items. The Council also discussed and approved Resolution No. 25-56 concerning Local Transportation Purpose Funds (Measure "C" Extension Funds) and Resolution No. 25-57 establishing a policy for commemorating individuals on dedication plaques. A public hearing was held to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-03, which amends the municipal code to increase the number of permitted garage and yard sales. Department reports included updates on Police Department activities, noting a DUI checkpoint, the promotion of a police officer, and the upcoming retirement of the Chief of Police. The Council reviewed and approved warrants for the period of August 27, 2025, through September 5, 2025. Furthermore, the City Council entered into a closed session to discuss real property negotiations with Verizon and two anticipated litigation matters. Finally, the Council adopted Resolution No. 25-59 to cancel the December 2, 2025, and January 6, 2026, regular City Council meetings and authorized the City Manager to execute necessary warrants during that period.