Ceres public meetings in 2025

City Council

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025, has been cancelled. No items will be decided or discussed.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss a zoning ordinance amendment regarding cannabis conditional use permits. The body will also consider a site plan for a duplex and ADU project on East Whitmore Avenue.

• Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment adding Chapter 18.43, Cannabis Conditional Use Permits
• Site Plan Approval for East Whitmore Avenue Duplex & ADU at 2436 E. Whitmore Avenue
• Approval of minutes for August 18, 2025, and November 17, 2025, meetings

The commission approved four consent‑calendar items, including clerk reports and minutes from August and November 2025 (vote 4‑0‑0‑0). A resolution on a cannabis conditional‑use zoning amendment was postponed to the February 2, 2026 meeting (vote 4‑0‑0‑0). The commission also approved the site‑plan for a duplex and accessory dwelling unit at 2436 E. Whitmore Avenue, finding it categorically exempt under CEQA (vote 4‑0‑0‑0).

• Approved clerks report of posting (vote 4‑0‑0‑0)
• Waived readings of ordinances and resolutions (vote 4‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved minutes for August 18, 2025 meeting (vote 4‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved minutes for November 17, 2025 meeting (vote 4‑0‑0‑0)
• Continued cannabis conditional‑use zoning amendment to Feb 2 2026 (vote 4‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved site‑plan for East Whitmore Avenue duplex & ADU, finding CEQA categorical exemption (vote 4‑0‑0‑0)

City Council

The Ceres City Council will vote on a $1,739,534 contract for the Hatch Road 18" Water Transmission Main Phase 3 project, several tree‑purchase and urban‑forestry agreements totaling over $500,000, and a new hourly pay rate schedule for part‑time employees effective Dec 21 2025. Additional items include a $1,084,600 budget amendment for a state forestry grant and authorization to seek a bullet‑proof vest grant for the police department.

• Approve Construction Contract for Hatch Road 18" Water Transmission Main Phase 3 to Rolfe Construction, Inc. – $1,449,612 plus 10% contingency ($144,961) and 10% construction support funds ($144,961) for a total of $1,739,534 (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).
• Approve tree purchase agreements: West Coast Arborists, Inc. – $89,275; California Landscape Supply – $96,995.64; Westside Landscape & Concrete, Inc. – $174,598; West Coast Arborists, Inc. urban forestry plan – $217,000 (Resolutions No. 2025‑XXX).
• Approve hourly pay rate schedule for part‑time (non‑regular) employees effective the pay period beginning Dec 21 2025 (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).
• Approve FY 2025‑2026 budget amendment to appropriate $1,084,600 for the Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).
• Authorize staff to submit an application for the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant to reimburse up to 50% of ballistic vest costs for the police department (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).

The council waived the second reading of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda. It approved several contracts and agreements, including a $1,739,534 Hatch Road 18‑inch water transmission main Phase 3 contract and a $1,084,600 budget amendment for the Urban and Community Forestry Grant. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑1094 updating bicycle operation regulations, and ratified the appointment of Vanessa Portillo as Finance Director. Additionally, the council accepted Councilmember Cerina Otero’s appointment to the League of California Cities’ Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations Policy Committee.

• Waived second reading of all ordinances and resolutions (5/0/0/0)
• Approved Hatch Road 18" Water Transmission Main Phase 3 contract for $1,739,534 (5/0/0/0)
• Approved $1,084,600 budget amendment for Urban and Community Forestry Grant (5/0/0/0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑1094 adding bicycle operation definitions and penalties (5/0/0/0)
• Ratified appointment of Vanessa Portillo as Finance Director (4/0/0/1)
• Accepted Councilmember Cerina Otero’s appointment to LC Cities Governance Committee (5/0/0/0)
• Approved $89,275 tree purchase agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (5/0/0/0)
• Approved $96,995.64 tree purchase agreement with California Landscape Supply (5/0/0/0)

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting on December 1, 2025. The meeting was to be held at the Ceres Community Center.

• Meeting cancelled
• No items on agenda
• Meeting location: Ceres Community Center

City Council

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for November 24, 2025, has been cancelled.

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission will adopt resolutions to find the Golden Valley Engineering & Surveying subdivision at 2830 Morgan Road exempt from CEQA and grant a two‑year time extension for its Tentative Parcel Map. It will also find the Ceres Self Storage project at 3418 Mitchell Road exempt from CEQA and approve a two‑year extension for its conditional use permit. Additionally, the commission will find a recycling center at 1821 Mitchell Road exempt from CEQA and approve an administrative use permit for up to 500 square feet. Routine items include approval of September 15, 2025 minutes, waiver of readings, and consent‑calendar actions.

• CEQA exemption and two‑year extension for 2830 Morgan Road subdivision (35,716 sq ft parcel into three lots)
• CEQA exemption and two‑year extension for 3418 Mitchell Road self‑storage facility (92,248 sq ft)
• CEQA exemption and administrative use permit for recycling center up to 500 sq ft at 1821 Mitchell Road
• Approval of minutes for the September 15, 2025 Planning Commission meeting
• Waiver of readings for all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda

The commission adopted two-year extensions for a subdivision at 2830 Morgan Road and a self‑storage facility at 3418 Mitchell Road, both found CEQA exempt. It also approved an administrative use permit for a 500‑sq‑ft recycling center at 1821 Mitchell Road. All three actions were approved by a 3‑yes, 0‑no, 1‑abstain vote.

• Approved two‑year extension for 2830 Morgan Road subdivision (Resolution 25‑18) – vote 3‑0‑1
• Approved two‑year extension for 3418 Mitchell Road self‑storage project (Resolution 25‑19) – vote 3‑0‑1
• Approved administrative use permit for recycling center at 1821 Mitchell Road (Resolution 25‑20) – vote 3‑0‑1

City Council

The council will waive readings and approve minutes before voting on several resolutions. It will adopt three-year agreements allowing Stanislaus County District Attorney, Probation, Sheriff’s Department and Valley Defense Consulting to use the police department range, and will fund a Cal‑OES 911 award project to upgrade the police dispatch center with a FY 2025‑26 budget amendment. Additional actions include confirming completion of the Morgan Road storm‑drain improvements, adopting a bicycle‑operation ordinance amendment, and amending the Advanced Metering Infrastructure agreement with Sensus USA.

• Approve three-year agreements with Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Valley Defense Consulting for use of the police department range (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).
• Approve Cal‑OES 911 Award Money Project List to upgrade the Ceres Police Department 911 Dispatch Center and a FY 2025‑26 budget amendment for reimbursable purchases (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).
• Accept the Morgan Road Storm Drain Improvements Project as complete, approve the balancing contract change order, and release the remaining retention to the contractor (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).
• Adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑XXXX adding definitions, bicycle‑operation regulations, and organized street‑take‑over provisions to the municipal code (Public Hearing).
• Approve amendment to the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Agreement with Sensus USA and a purchase from Aqua‑Metric Sales Company for a VertexOne Customer Water Portal (Resolution No. 2025‑XXX).

The council approved Ordinance No. 2025‑XXXX adding new bicycle operation rules, passing 5‑0‑0‑0. It also appointed Francisco Mireles to the Planning Commission (3‑2‑0‑0) and authorized interviews to fill the vacant seat (4‑1‑0‑0). Additional actions included approving budget‑related items (5‑0‑0‑0), adopting police range agreements (5‑0‑0‑0), and designating the City Manager as the authorized signer (5‑0‑0‑0).

• Approved Ordinance No. 2025‑XXXX on bicycle operation (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Appointed Francisco Mireles to Planning Commission (3‑2‑0‑0)
• Approved interviews to fill Planning Commission vacancy (4‑1‑0‑0)
• Approved items 1‑3, 6‑9, and 11 on consent calendar (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved item 4 (Register of Audited Demands) (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved items 5a‑5d (three‑year police range agreements) (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved item 10 designating City Manager as authorized signer (5‑0‑0‑0)

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for November 3, 2025, has been cancelled.

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval for the Warehouse 18 and 19 project. The body will also vote on several infrastructure contracts and a new Council Donation Policy.

• Public hearing to deny appeal for Warehouse 18 and 19 project at 3807 Crows Landing Road
• Construction contract for Hatch Road 18” Water Transmission Main Phase 3 with Rolfe Construction, Inc. totaling $1,739,534.00
• Agreement with BSK Associates for water main services at Parkside Estates, Woodacres, and 6th Street for $36,777.00
• Agreement with Lew Edwards Group for Quality-of-Life Vision services for $115,500
• Adoption of the Council Donation Policy

The City Council voted 5‑0‑0‑0 to deny the appeal of the Planning Commission’s site‑plan approval for the warehouse at 3807 Crows Landing Road. The council also approved a donation‑policy amendment allocating $25,000 to council members, and approved the Lew Edwards Group consulting agreement and related budget amendment. Additional items approved included the open‑meeting interview process for commission appointments and several budget and audit resolutions.

• Approved open‑meeting interview process for Planning Commission appointments (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑125 for consultant services on water main project (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑126 for Stanislaus County Replacement Benefits Plan MOU (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Denied median installation funding (item 5) (3‑2‑0‑0)
• Approved item 8 (downtown business data report) (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Lew Edwards Group consulting agreement and $115,500 budget amendment (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Denied the Planning Commission’s appeal for the 3807 Crows Landing Road warehouse project (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved 2022‑2023 audited financial statements (4‑1‑0‑0)

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for October 20, 2025, has been cancelled.

City Council

The Ceres City Council will vote on several routine items, including waiving readings of ordinances and adopting the 2025 California Fire Code amendment. It will also approve multiple contracts: a $99,210 striping project on Crows Landing and Morgan Road, an $82,735 pest‑control agreement, and a $115,500 budget amendment for Quality‑of‑Life Vision services. Additional actions include adopting a water connection fee amendment and establishing a downtown business assessment levy for FY 2025‑2026.

• Approve General Services Agreement for Crows Landing and Morgan Road Striping Project – $99,210 plus $10,000 contingency (total $109,210).
• Adopt Ordinance amending Title 15 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code.
• Adopt Ordinance amending the Water Connection Fee in Title 13, Chapter 3, Section 030.
• Approve $82,735 annual pest‑control services contract with Animal Damage Management, Inc.
• Approve $115,500 budget amendment for Quality‑of‑Life Vision planning, communication and engagement services.

The council approved Ordinance No. 2025-1092 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code. It also voted to cancel the regularly scheduled meeting on December 22, 2025. Additional approvals included a pest‑control contract for $82,735 and the Register of Audited Demand for September 10‑24, 2025. A proposal to levy an assessment on downtown businesses failed.

• Approved adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-1092 (2025 California Fire Code) (4-0-1-0)
• Approved cancellation of the Dec 22, 2025 regular council meeting (3-1-1-0)
• Approved Animal Damage Management pest‑control agreement for $82,735.00 (4-0-1-0)
• Approved Register of Audited Demand for Sep 10‑24, 2025 (4-0-1-0)
• Approved consent‑calendar items 1‑4, 6, 8, 10‑11 (4-0-1-0)
• Failed to approve Annual Assessment Levy for downtown businesses (2-2-1-0)

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. has been cancelled. The cancellation notice cites California Government Code §54954.2(a). No agenda items will be considered at this time.

City Council

The City Council will consider several resolutions and ordinances, including the approval of professional services agreements and the amendment of the water connection fee. Items on the consent calendar include accepting completion of the Lucchesi Lane Sewer Rehabilitation Project and Ochoa Park Phase II improvements, and ratifying grant applications for congestion mitigation and surface transportation. The council will also adopt the 2025 California Fire Code and proclaim National Fire Prevention Week.

• Resolution No. 2025-XXX: Accept Lucchesi Lane Sewer Rehabilitation Project as complete and release remaining retention to the contractor.
• Resolution No. 2025-XXX: Accept Ochoa Park Phase II improvements as complete, approve balancing contract change order, and release remaining retention.
• Resolution No. 2025-XXX: Ratify applications for Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Grant and Surface Transportation Block Grant to reimburse up to 80% of design and construction for eight projects.
• Resolution No. 2025-XXX: Approve a three‑year professional services agreement with MuniService LLC for $9,825.00 for sales, use and transaction tax audit services.
• Ordinance No. 2025-XXXX: Amend the Water Connection Fee in Title 13 of the Ceres Municipal Code.

The council approved the 2025 California Fire Code with a unanimous vote. It also approved a staffing change adding a Planning Technician and eliminating a vacant Administrative Secretary position. Professional services agreements with MuniService LLC ($9,825) and Gouveia Engineering ($35,000) were authorized. The appeal of a conditional use permit for a truck stop and an amendment to the water connection fee were both approved.

• Adopted 2025 California Fire Code (5-0-0-0)
• Approved staffing change: add 1 Planning Technician, eliminate 1 vacant Administrative Secretary (4-1-0-0)
• Approved MuniService LLC three‑year audit services agreement, $9,825 (4-1-0-0)
• Approved Gouveia Engineering principal planner services agreement, $35,000 (5-0-0-0)
• Approved appeal of Planning Commission conditional use permit for truck stop at 1379 E. Whitmore Ave (4-0-0-1)
• Amended Water Connection Fee ordinance (4-1-0-0)

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission met on September 15, 2025 to consider several agenda items. It approved a Conditional Use Permit for the Nava Hair Salon at 991 Premier Drive, adopted a permit for the Sanghera Grub Hub at 3125 E. Service Road, approved a Conditional Use Permit for a Truck Stop Grub Hub and outdoor music venue at 1379 E. Whitmore Avenue with a security condition if an alcohol license is granted, and approved a Site Plan Approval for a multi‑family development at 3443 10th Street. The Truck Stop Grub Hub vote recorded one “No” vote (Commissioner Johnson) while all other actions passed unanimously.

• Conditional Use Permit for Nava Hair Salon, 0.66‑acre lot at 991 Premier Drive (Resolution 25‑17)
• Conditional Use Permit for Sanghera Grub Hub, 1.36‑acre lot at 3125 E. Service Road (Resolution 25‑12)
• Conditional Use Permit for Truck Stop Grub Hub and Outdoor Music Venue, 2.94‑acre lot at 1379 E. Whitmore Avenue (conditioned on security for alcohol service)
• Site Plan Approval for multi‑family development, 0.67‑acre parcel at 3443 10th Street

The commission approved the minutes from the July 21, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0‑1‑0 vote. It also adopted PC Resolution 25‑17, granting a Conditional Use Permit to Nava Hair Salon on the 0.66‑acre lot at 991 Premier Drive, also by a 4‑0‑1‑0 vote. No other business was acted upon.

• Approved July 21, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-1-0)
• Adopted PC Resolution 25-17, granting CUP to Nava Hair Salon at 991 Premier Drive (4-0-1-0)

City Council

The Ceres City Council will meet to decide on contracts, ordinances, and proclamations. Key votes include security camera installation at the wastewater plant, road pothole repairs, and a tobacco smoke shop ordinance. The Council will also hear appeals on a truck-stop permit and set a future hearing for downtown revitalization funding.

• $257,121 security camera system purchase for Wastewater Treatment Plant (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• $62,976 Crows Landing Road pothole repairs with $14,760 contingency (Taylor Backhoe Services Inc.)
• Deny appeal of Conditional Use Permit for Truck Stop Grub Hub at 1379 E. Whitmore Avenue
• Adopt new Tobacco and Smoke Shop Restrictions ordinance (Chapter 10, Title 6)
• $69,364 annual custodial services contract for Ceres Community Center (Environment Control)

The Ceres City Council approved several resolutions authorizing consultant, custodial, police, traffic signal, pothole, and security camera contracts, each passing unanimously (5-0-0-0). The council also approved the appeal of the Planning Commission’s conditional use permit for the Truck Stop Grub Hub and outdoor music venue at 1379 E. Whitmore Ave, with a 4-0-1-0 vote. All actions were recorded in the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved Resolution 2025-104 for Kleinfelder consultant services ($30,954.80 + $10,000 contingency) – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2025-105 for Environment Control custodial services ($69,364) – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2025-107 for Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments agreement with Police Dept – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2025-108 to purchase new traffic signal controllers – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2025-109 to purchase new traffic signal switches – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2025-111 for Crows Landing Road pothole services ($77,736 total) – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2025-106 for Motorola security camera system at wastewater plant ($257,121) – vote 5-0-0-0
• Approved appeal of Planning Commission’s CUP 24-45 for Truck Stop Grub Hub at 1379 E. Whitmore Ave – vote 4-0-1-0

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission has canceled its regular meeting scheduled for September 1, 2025. No decisions or discussions will take place at this time. The cancellation was posted in compliance with California state law.

City Council

The Ceres City Council will meet to decide on a new tobacco and smoke shop ordinance and approve a $750,108 budget amendment for fire department medical benefits. They will also consider a $31,701 consulting contract for the Hatch Road transmission line project and a DOJ grant application.

• Ordinance adding Chapter 10, Tobacco and Smoke Shop Restrictions, to Title 6 of the Ceres Municipal Code
• Resolution approving $750,108.30 budget amendment for Fire Risk Management Services Medical Benefits Coverage Special Assessment
• Resolution approving $31,701.06 contract with Kleinfelder, Inc. for Hatch Road 18” Transmission Line Ph2 project
• Resolution authorizing application for 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
• Waiver of ordinance readings and approval of minutes from August 11 meeting

The council approved the consent calendar items, including waiving readings and several resolutions. It adopted an ordinance adding tobacco and smoke‑shop restrictions to the municipal code. It also approved a budget amendment allocating $750,108.30 for FY 2025/26 (and $600,086.68 for FY 2026/27) for fire‑risk‑management medical benefits. A closed‑session labor‑negotiations item was cancelled.

• Approved consent calendar items (4‑0‑1)
• Approved Ordinance adding Chapter 10 Tobacco and Smoke Shop Restrictions (3‑1‑1)
• Approved $750,108.30 FY 2025/26 and $600,086.68 FY 2026/27 budget amendment for Fire Risk Management Services (4‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution authorizing DOJ grant application (4‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution for Kleinfelder, Inc. construction observation contract $31,701.06 (4‑0‑1)
• Cancelled closed‑session labor‑negotiations item #11 (no vote)
• Waived all readings of ordinances and resolutions (4‑0‑1)
• Approved registration of audited demand for July 30‑August 6, 2025 (4‑0‑1)

Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee

The Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee will hear a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Measure H Fund budget, which is balanced with anticipated revenue of $4,829,000 and expenditures of $4,777,887.75. The committee will also consider a resolution to change its regular meeting start time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and receive verbal reports from the police and fire chiefs.

• FY 2025-26 Measure H budget: $4,829,000 revenue, $4,777,887.75 expenditures
• Police Measure H allocation: $2,846,287.75 (personnel $2,421,643, operations $424,645)
• Fire Measure H allocation: $1,931,600 (contract services $1,911,600, capital $20,000)
• Resolution 2025-XXX to change meeting start time to 5:30 p.m.
• Appointment of committee chair

The Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee appointed Josh Steeley as chair, with the motion passing unanimously and one member absent. The committee also approved three consent‑calendar items: posting the agenda, approving May minutes, and setting 2026 meeting dates. A proposal to change the meeting start time was deferred to the next meeting for further review.

• Appointed Josh Steeley as Chair (4-0-1-0)
• Approved consent‑calendar items 1‑3 (posting, minutes, 2026 dates) (4-0-1-0)
• Deferred amendment of meeting start time to next meeting (4-0-1-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a site plan and tentative parcel map for the Warehouse 18 and 19 project. The body will also review financial reports for the Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area Board.

• Public hearing for Warehouse 18 and 19 project at 3807 Crows Landing Road (APN: 056-055-014)
• Proposed adoption of PC Resolution 25-16
• Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area (CDRAB) FY2024-2025 4th Quarter Report
• Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area Board (CDRAB) FY2025-2026 Annual Report

The commission adopted PC Resolution 25-16 to move forward with the site‑plan review and tentative parcel map for the Warehouse 18 and 19 project at 3807 Crows Landing Road, voting 3‑yes, 1‑no, 1‑absent, 0‑abstain. It also approved the Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area Board FY2025‑2026 levy, with a recommendation to discuss contract services, voting 4‑yes, 0‑no, 1‑absent, 0‑abstain. Earlier, the consent calendar items 1 and 2 were approved unanimously.

• Approved PC Resolution 25-16 for 3807 Crows Landing Road site‑plan and parcel map (vote 3‑1‑1‑0)
• Approved CDRAB FY2025‑2026 levy with discussion recommendation (vote 4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved consent calendar items 1–2 (vote 4‑0‑1‑0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several infrastructure contracts, including a water transmission main and field lighting. The body will also hold public hearings regarding a fueling station appeal and municipal code amendments.

• Construction contract with DSS Company for Hatch Road 18” Water Transmission Main totaling $2,274,900.00
• Agreement with Access Electric for George Costa Fields Lighting in the amount of $178,708.00
• Acceptance of a $69,546.00 George Costa Fields Lighting Grant from Turlock Irrigation District
• Public hearing to deny appeal of a Conditional Use Permit for a Maverik Fueling Station at Mitchell Road and Rohde Road
• Budget amendment of $50,000.00 for CML-5241(074) Bike Lane Corridors – Class II

The council denied the Planning Commission’s appeal for a Maverik fueling station at Mitchell and Rohde Roads. It approved several infrastructure and funding items, including a $1.9 M water transmission main contract, a $50 K bike‑lane budget amendment, a $69 K lighting grant, and special‑tax levies for two community facilities districts. The council also adopted an ordinance updating bingo‑hall regulations.

• Denied appeal of Maverik fueling station (Resolution 2025-100) – vote 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Abstain
• Approved Construction Contract with DSS Company for Hatch Road water main – $1,895,750 (total $2,274,900) – vote 5 Yes
• Approved amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority – vote 5 Yes
• Approved $50,000 budget amendment for bike lane corridors – vote 5 Yes
• Accepted $69,546 lighting grant from Turlock Irrigation District – vote 5 Yes
• Approved agreement with Access Electric for George Costa Fields Lighting – $178,708 – vote 5 Yes
• Approved levy and collection of special taxes for Community Facilities District No. 1 – vote 5 Yes
• Approved levy and collection of special taxes for Community Facilities District No. 2 – vote 5 Yes

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for August 4, 2025, has been cancelled.

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on new ordinances regarding tobacco and smoke shop restrictions and bingo operation rules. The body is also deciding on several park use agreements and infrastructure contracts.

• Ordinance adding Chapter 10, Tobacco and Smoke Shop Restrictions, to the Municipal Code
• Ordinance amending bingo definitions, eligibility, and enforcement rules
• Acceptance of a $1,084,600 Urban and Community Forestry Grant from CAL FIRE
• Agreement with Advanced Mobility Group for a city-wide speed study totaling $52,900 plus a $12,100 contingency
• Construction contract with D.A. Wood Construction, Inc. for water main replacement at Parkside Estates, Woodacres, and 6th Street

The council approved the acceptance of a $1,084,600 urban and community forestry grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It also approved several other resolutions, including a construction contract for water main replacement, a recertified sewer system management plan, a free water fill station at River Bluff Regional Park, an accounting consulting agreement, and a city‑wide speed study, while rejecting the purchase of an electric step van. All consent‑calendar items were waived and approved. Vote tallies were recorded for each action.

• Approved Consent Calendar items 1‑3, 5‑10, 15 (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑082 construction contract for Parkside Estates water main (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑084 recertification of 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑085 licensing agreement for free water fill station at River Bluff Regional Park (4‑1‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑087 agreement with Eide Bailly for accounting consulting services (4‑1‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑088 city‑wide speed study project ($52,900) (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑089 acceptance of $1,084,600 urban forestry grant (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Motion to approve purchase of electric step van (Resolution 2025‑083) failed (5‑0‑0‑0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two conditional use permits for food truck hubs and one site plan for a multi-family development. The body will also consider a recommendation to the City Council regarding the total number of mobile food vendor parks allowed in the city.

• Conditional Use Permit for Sanghera Grub Hub at 3125 E. Service Road
• Conditional Use Permit for Truck Stop Grub Hub and Outdoor Music Venue at 1379 E. Whitmore Avenue
• Site Plan Approval for multi-family development at 3443 10th Street
• Recommendation to City Council to review the number of mobile food vendor parks in the City

The commission approved the June 16, 2025 meeting minutes and the posting of the agenda. It granted Conditional Use Permits for the Sanghera Grub Hub (24‑24) and the Truck Stop Grub Hub with an outdoor music venue (24‑45), the latter with a security condition if alcohol is served. It also approved a Site Plan for a multifamily development at 3443 10th Street (24‑33).

• Approved Consent Calendar items (agenda posting and June 16 minutes) – vote 4‑0
• Approved Conditional Use Permit 24‑24 for Sanghera Grub Hub – vote 4‑0
• Approved Conditional Use Permit 24‑45 for Truck Stop Grub Hub & music venue, with security condition if alcohol served – vote 3‑1
• Approved Site Plan Approval 24‑33 for multifamily development at 3443 10th St – vote 3‑1

City Council

The City Council will consider updates to the municipal building code and the city's public facilities impact fee schedules. The meeting also includes a large consent calendar of service agreements, infrastructure projects, and labor contract ratifications.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 2025-XXXX regarding public improvements and new construction definitions in the Municipal Code
• Public hearing on updating the Public Facilities Fee Nexus Study and adopting impact fee schedules
• Agreement with Precision Concrete Cutting, Inc. for various subdivisions not to exceed $86,636.55
• Construction agreement for the 2024 Pavement Preservation Rebid (Project No. 2512, 2513, and 2514) with Consolidated Engineering, Inc.
• Ratification of Memorandums of Understanding with LiUNA!, Mid Managers Bargaining Group, and First Line Supervisor Group

The Ceres City Council appointed three members to the Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee and approved a review of the open‑meeting interview process. It also approved a large consent‑calendar package covering police counseling, traffic engineering, pavement preservation and other service contracts, and took action on several individual items including a safety plan and a fire‑training facility completion.

• Appointed Vincent Truffa, Randy Cerny, and Noah Wells to Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee (5-0-0-0)
• Approved reevaluation of the open‑meeting interview process (5-0-0-0)
• Approved consent‑calendar items 1‑3, 11, 14‑16, 19, and 22‑28, including multiple service agreements (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Register of Audited Demands item (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Five‑Year Officer Safety Plan with Axon Enterprise (5-0-0-0)
• Rejected levy proposals for Community Facilities District 1 (1-4-0-0) and District 2 (1-4-0-0)
• Approved Geotechnical Engineering Master Service Agreements (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Fire Training Facility Phase 3 Tactical Tower completion (4-1-0-0)

Planning Commission

The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 7, 2025, has been cancelled. No items will be decided or discussed.

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to adopt the annual budget and appropriations limitations for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also consider the appointment of a new Chief of Police and several service agreements.

• Adoption of the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
• Ratification of Trenton Johnson as Chief of Police and his employment agreement
• Addendum #1 to the School Resource Officer Services Agreement
• Amendment #1 for Building Inspection and Plan Check Services with Stanislaus County
• Regional Solid Waste Disposal Plan MOU between the City of Ceres and Stanislaus County

The Ceres City Council approved a series of resolutions, including the appointment of Trenton Johnson as Police Chief, the adoption of the 2026 annual budget and appropriations limitations, and several memoranda of understanding with Stanislaus County and city employee groups. The council also approved an amendment to building inspection services and a solid‑waste disposal plan. All motions were carried with the recorded vote totals.

• Approved appointment of Police Chief Trenton Johnson (5-0-0-0)
• Adopted FY 2026 Annual Budget and Appropriations Limitations (3-2-0-0)
• Approved Amendment #1 for Building Inspection and Plan Check Services (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Regional Solid Waste Disposal Plan MOU with Stanislaus County (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Addendum #1 to School Resource Officer Services Agreement (5-0-0-0)
• Ratified MOU with Ceres Public Safety Mid Managers Association (4-1-0-0)
• Ratified MOU with Ceres Police Officers’ Association (5-0-0-0)
• Waived readings of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda (5-0-0-0)

Planning Commission

The commission approved all items on the consent calendar, including a two‑year time extension for the Whitmore Ranch Phase 1 tentative subdivision map. Two conditional‑use permit applications for a Sanghera Grub Hub and a Truck Stop Grub Hub were each postponed to a future meeting. No decision was recorded for the Service Road and Morgan Residential and Commercial Development proposal.

• Approved Consent Calendar items 1‑4, including posting, minutes, and time extension (4‑0)
• Approved two‑year time extension for Whitmore Ranch Phase 1 subdivision map (4‑0)
• Continued Sanghera Grub Hub conditional‑use permit to a later meeting (4‑0)
• Continued Truck Stop Grub Hub conditional‑use permit to a later meeting (4‑0)

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget and hold a public hearing regarding city workforce recruitment and retention. The body is also considering several maintenance and intergovernmental agreements.

• Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. for tree maintenance and removal
• Landscape and maintenance agreement with BrightView Landscape Services, Inc. for Smyrna Park, River Bluff Park, and City Right-of-Ways
• Three-year agreements with Stanislaus County for CDBG and HOME Investment Partnership programs (2026-2029)
• Amendment #6 to the Whitmore Mansion Foundation Agreement
• Public hearing on city workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts

The council approved five resolutions covering tree maintenance, landscape services, and two multi‑year intergovernmental grant agreements. A motion to approve all consent‑calendar items passed unanimously (5‑0‑0‑0). A separate motion to review the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency budget and reduce costs passed (4‑1‑0‑0), while a proposal to shift professional‑development and medical funds to police training failed (2‑3‑0‑0). The public hearing on the impact‑fee study was continued to the July 14 meeting.

• Approved Resolution 2025-042 for tree maintenance agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-043 for landscape services with BrightView Landscape Services, Inc. (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-044 for three‑year CDBG consortium with Stanislaus County (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-045 for three‑year HOME Investment Partnership consortium with Stanislaus County (5-0-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-046 amendment to Whitmore Mansion Foundation agreement (5-0-0-0)
• Motion to approve items 1‑10 (consent calendar) carried (5-0-0-0)
• Motion to review Stanislaus Animal Services Agency budget and reduce cost carried (4-1-0-0)
• Motion to move professional‑development and medical insurance funds to police training failed (2-3-0-0)

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for June 2, 2025, has been cancelled.

City Council

The City Council will review and discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on the General Fund. The city is currently facing a $1,961,097 budget deficit following the exhaustion of federal relief funding and reserves. No formal action will be taken at this meeting; final approval is scheduled for June 23, 2025.

• Discussion of $1,961,097 budget deficit
• Review of General Fund for public safety, parks, and street maintenance
• Closed session regarding labor negotiations with Ceres Police Officers’ Association, LiUNA!, and other bargaining groups
• Review of total debt obligations totaling $28,497,000 (FY 24-25 balance)

The June 2, 2025 special meeting was convened as a budget workshop. Council members and the public discussed the city’s fiscal status, downtown revitalization, public‑safety staffing, animal‑control services, and other budget items. No motions were voted on, and the closed‑session labor negotiation discussion resulted in no reportable action. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

City Council

The City Council will meet for a special session to approve a register of audited demands for obligations paid between April 30 and May 7, 2025. The council will also hold a closed session to meet with labor negotiators from several employee organizations.

• Approval of audited demands totaling $2,041,596.46
• Closed session with Ceres Police Officers’ Association, LiUNA!, and other bargaining groups
• Payment of $227,378.50 to Precision Emprise LLC for concrete cutting at Eastgate Sidewalk @ Westpointe 4
• Payment of $62,427.63 to EMTS, Inc. for landscape and janitorial maintenance for parks
• Payment of $24,019.75 to Conco West Inc. for Well 22 GAC treatment project

Councilmember Vierra moved, and Councilmember Otero seconded, approval of items 1‑6 on the consent calendar. The motion passed with a 4‑0‑1‑0 vote. The approved items covered agenda posting, waiver of readings, audited demand register, two prior meeting minutes, and a public‑works monthly report.

• Approved Clerk's Report of Posting the agenda (Item 1)
• Approved waiver of readings for all ordinances and resolutions (Item 2)
• Approved Register of Audited Demands dated April 30‑May 7, 2025 (Item 3)
• Approved minutes for the April 28, 2025 regular council meeting (Item 4)
• Approved minutes for the May 12, 2025 regular council meeting (Item 5)
• Approved general correspondence – Public Works Monthly Report for April 2025 (Item 6)

City Council

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, May 26, 2025, has been cancelled.

Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee

The Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee will meet to accept the Fiscal Year 2024-25 mid-year budget report. The committee will also appoint a Vice Chair and receive verbal reports from police and fire leadership.

• Appointment of Vice Chair
• Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Report
• Verbal report from Interim Chief of Police Trenton Johnson
• Verbal report from Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Hunter
• Approval of October 23, 2024, Special Meeting minutes

The Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee appointed Vincent Truffa as Vice Chair. The committee also approved the agenda posting, the October 23, 2024 special meeting minutes, and the FY 2024‑25 mid‑year budget report. Both actions passed with a 4‑0‑1‑0 vote. The next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2025.

• Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee appointed Vincent Truffa as Vice Chair (vote 4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved Clerk's report of agenda posting (vote 4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved minutes of the October 23, 2024 special meeting (vote 4‑0‑1‑0)
• Accepted the FY 2024‑25 mid‑year budget report (vote 4‑0‑1‑0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the annual review of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (2026-2031) and determine whether individual projects are consistent with the City of Ceres 2035 General Plan. They will vote on Resolution 25-10 to recommend to the City Council. The consent calendar includes three quarterly financial reports from the Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area Board for FY2024-25, which are informational only.

• Public hearing on annual review of Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (2026-2031) and General Plan consistency determination
• Three quarterly reports (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area Board FY2024-25 (consent calendar, information only)
• 1st quarter report notes that City Council rejected the downtown assessment on August 26, 2024, and suspended collection for FY2024-25
• No other public hearings or new business items on the agenda

The commission did not have a quorum, so every agenda item was moved to the next meeting on June 16, 2025. No other actions or votes were recorded.

City Council

The City Council will discuss adopting a new Housing Element for the General Plan and a zoning change for a 2.1-acre site. The body is also reviewing several professional service agreements and budget amendments for legal services.

• Rezone of a 2.1-acre site from Administrative Professional (AP) to Multi-Family Residential (R-5)
• Adoption of the 2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan
• Professional Services Agreement with RH Borden and Company LLC for sewer line and inflow/infiltration assessment
• Three-year agreement with Ceres Youth Baseball for use of Costa Fields Baseball Complex
• Budget amendment to allocate additional General Fund Reserves for legal services

The City Council approved the revised 2023‑2031 Housing Element, updating the General Plan. It also adopted the list of SB 1 road‑repair projects for FY 2025‑2026. Council denied the request to cancel the May 26 regular meeting and scheduled a special meeting for May 27. Additional approvals included a youth‑baseball field agreement, master surveyor service contracts, and an open‑meeting process for the Measure H oversight committee.

• Approved Revised Resolution No. 2025‑027 adopting 2023‑2031 Housing Element (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025‑036 adopting SB 1 funded road‑repair project list (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Denied cancellation of May 26 regular council meeting; scheduled special meeting for May 27 (4‑1‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025‑038 master service agreements for city surveyor (5‑0‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025‑041 three‑year agreement with Ceres Youth Baseball for Costa Fields (4‑1‑0‑0)
• Approved Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee appointment process as open‑meeting interview (5‑0‑0‑0)

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for May 5, 2025, has been cancelled. No items will be decided or discussed.

City Council

The Ceres City Council is holding a special meeting solely to discuss a closed session item concerning anticipated litigation under California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). No public actions or votes are scheduled; the only agenda item is a conference with legal counsel on one potential case.

• Closed session: Conference with Legal Counsel regarding anticipated litigation (1 potential case)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a zoning change and site plan for a senior living facility and evaluate a cannabis business pilot program. The body will also consider accepting donated funds for a Police K9 unit vehicle.

• Proposed rezone of a 2.1-acre site from Administrative Professional to R-5 Multi-Family Residential
• Site plan application for an 81-unit senior living facility at 1748 Evans Road
• Resolution to accept donated funds for a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for the Police K9 Unit
• Evaluation of the Cannabis Business Pilot Program
• Continued public hearing for energy services contract with Alliance Building Solutions, LLC

The council approved the amended City Council Rules and Procedures Handbook, a donation to purchase a Chevrolet Tahoe for the Police K9 unit, and a rezoning of a 2.1‑acre site to R‑5 Multi‑Family Residential. It also approved the site‑plan application for an 81‑unit senior living facility at 1748 Evans Road and supported the Stanislaus Urban County Consolidated Plan. All approvals passed with a 4‑yes, 0‑no, 1‑abstain, 0‑absent vote.

• Approved consent calendar items 1‑3 and 5 (4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved Register of Audited Demands (item 4) (4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved donation for Police K9 unit vehicle (Resolution 2025‑032) (4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved amended City Council Rules and Procedures Handbook (Resolution 2025‑033) (4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved rezoning to R‑5 Multi‑Family Residential for 2.1‑acre site (Ordinance 2025‑XXXX) (4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved site‑plan for 81‑unit senior living facility at 1748 Evans Road (Resolution 2025‑034) (4‑0‑1‑0)
• Approved support for Consolidated Plan FY 2025‑2029 (Resolution 2025‑035) (4‑0‑1‑0)

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for April 21, 2025, has been cancelled.

City Council

The Council will hold a public hearing to decide on an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit for a Maverik fueling station at the southeast corner of Mitchell and Rohde Roads. The consent calendar includes adoption of an ordinance adding a Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District (RHNAOD) to the municipal code, a professional services agreement for the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan update, and a construction contract for repainting Blaker Water Reservoir Tanks. Discussion items cover direction on advertising for public hearings and joining Sister City International, while a closed session is scheduled for anticipated litigation.

• Public hearing: Resolution to deny appeal of Conditional Use Permit for a Maverik fueling station at Mitchell and Rohde Roads
• Ordinance adopting Chapter 43 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District (RHNAOD) to Title 18
• Professional Services Agreement with Blackwater Consulting Engineers for Urban Water Management Plan update
• Construction contract with West Painting for repainting Blaker Water Reservoir Tanks
• Sponsorship of the Annual Ceres Street Faire

The council waived second readings and adopted Ordinance No. 2025-1087, adding a Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District to the municipal code. It also approved a professional services agreement for the urban water management plan, a contract to repaint reservoir tanks, and sponsorship of the annual Ceres Street Faire. The Urban and Community Forestry Grant was accepted, and the council reached consensus on researching public‑hearing notifications, forming a sister‑city committee, and creating public‑safety forums.

• Approved Ordinance No. 2025-1087 adding RHNA overlay district (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-028 professional services agreement with Blackwater Consulting Engineers (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-029 construction contract with West Painting for reservoir tanks (5-0)
• Approved sponsorship of the Annual Ceres Street Faire (Resolution No. 2025-030) (5-0)
• Approved acceptance of Urban and Community Forestry Grant (Resolution No. 2025-031) (4-1)
• Consensus to research public‑hearing notification methods (5-0)
• Consensus to form Sister City International committee (3-2)
• Consensus to develop public‑safety forums (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two projects: a rezone and site plan approval for an 81-unit senior living facility at 1748 Evans Road, and a conditional use permit amendment and tentative parcel map for a commercial park at Mitchell and Roeding Roads. Staff recommends approval of both projects with CEQA exemptions. The commission will also act on the consent calendar and hear citizen communications.

• Rezone (25-04) from AP Administrative Professional to R-5 High Density Multiple-Family Residential and Site Plan Approval (25-05) for Evanshire Gardens Senior Living Center, 1748 Evans Road – four-story, 81-unit senior facility, invoking state density bonus and height waiver
• Conditional Use Permit Amendment (24-48) and Tentative Parcel Map (24-06) for Mitchell and Roeding Commercial Park, northwest corner of Mitchell Road and Roeding Road
• Both projects found exempt from CEQA under Section 15332 (In-fill Development)
• Consent calendar includes clerk’s report of posting (agenda posted April 2, 2025)
• Appeals of commission decisions must be filed by April 17, 2025, with a $630 fee

The Commission approved the Consent Calendar with a unanimous vote. It then approved PC Resolution 25-08, adding a gate on Stone Haven Way for the Evanshire Gardens Senior Living Center (4-0, one absent). Finally, the Commission approved Conditional Use Permit Amendment 24-48 and Tentative Parcel Map 24-06 for the Mitchell and Roeding Commercial Park (3-0, one absent).

• Approved Consent Calendar (4-0, Commissioner Perez absent)
• Approved PC Resolution 25-08 with gate addition for Evanshire Gardens Senior Living Center (4-0, Commissioner Johnson absent)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit Amendment 24-48 and Tentative Parcel Map 24-06 for Mitchell & Roeding Commercial Park (3-0, Commissioner Perez absent, Chairperson Condit recused)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings to adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan and add a Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District to the municipal code. The consent calendar includes routine items such as appointing the interim chief of police to a JPA oversight committee, accepting a police canine donation, approving a storm drain repair contract, and finalizing the Whitmore Avenue Retail Subdivision map. The council will also discuss the appointment process for the Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee.

• Public hearing: Resolution adopting 2023-2031 Housing Element (repealing 2015-2023)
• Ordinance adding Chapter 43 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District
• Resolution approving construction contract for Third Street Storm Drain Repair Project with United Pavement Maintenance, Inc.
• Resolution approving Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Whitmore Avenue Retail Subdivision
• Resolution accepting donation of a police canine from Ceres Police Canine Association

The council approved the initial study and the amendment adopting the 2023‑2031 Housing Element to the General Plan, each passing 4‑1. It also approved several infrastructure contracts and a public‑records software agreement, while tabling a police‑range contract and denying a proposed investment with US Bank.

• Approved Third Street Storm Drain Repair contract with United Pavement Maintenance, Inc. (5‑0)
• Approved Whitmore Avenue Retail Subdivision Improvement Agreement (5‑0)
• Approved completion of the Richland Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project (5‑0)
• Approved CivicPlus NextRequest public‑records software agreement (5‑0)
• Tabled Department of California Highway Patrol police‑range use contract (4‑1)
• Approved continuation of Ceres Youth Baseball contract at Costa Fields (3‑2)
• Denied US Bank investment resolution (4‑1)
• Adopted 2023‑2031 Housing Element initial study (4‑1) and amendment (4‑1)

City Council

The City of Ceres and Ceres Unified School District are holding an annual joint meeting of elected bodies. The session focuses on status presentations and updates regarding city and school operations.

• State of the City of Ceres presentation by Doug Dunford
• State of the District presentation by Amy Peterman
• School Resource Officer update by Doug Dunford and Amy Peterman
• Approval of February 29, 2024 minutes

Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee

The Measure H Citizens' Oversight Committee meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025, has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this time. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled; no business conducted

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a General Plan Amendment to repeal the 2015-2023 Housing Element and adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element, and a zoning ordinance adding a Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay chapter to the municipal code. Both items are recommendations to the City Council. The consent calendar includes approval of December 16, 2024, and February 18, 2025, meeting minutes.

• Public hearing to recommend adopting the 2023-2031 Housing Element (Resolution 25-05, 25-06)
• Public hearing to recommend adding Chapter 43 (Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay) to Title 18 Zoning (Resolution 25-07)
• Consent calendar: approval of December 16, 2024, and February 18, 2025, meeting minutes

The Ceres Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element, repealing the 2015-2023 version, and to approve a zoning ordinance adding Chapter 43 for Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) overlap. Both items passed 4-0 with Commissioner Johnson absent. The commission also approved the consent calendar, including minutes from December 16, 2024, and February 18, 2025.

• Approved consent calendar including minutes from Dec 16, 2024 and Feb 18, 2025 (4-0)
• Recommended adoption of 2023-2031 Housing Element via PC Resolutions 25-05 and 25-06 (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Zoning Ordinance adding Chapter 43 RHNA Overlap via PC Resolution 25-07 (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss routine consent items and review requests for future agenda items. The body is considering a five-year agreement for electronic filing of campaign and ethics statements and the acceptance of a donated Chrysler van for police operations.

• Five-year agreement with NetFile, Inc. for electronic filing of campaign statements and ethics training
• Acceptance of a donated Chrysler Van from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for Police Department operations
• Request to create a committee to review the Modesto Fire Contract
• Request for a Strategic Plan Update
• Closed session regarding anticipated litigation and labor negotiations with five employee organizations

The Ceres City Council approved the consent calendar, including minutes and a van donation, and separately approved the audited demands. It tabled a five-year NetFile agreement for electronic filing and ethics training. The council also gave consensus to hold a workshop on renewing the Modesto Fire contract and to bring back items on a strategic plan update and a flag salute program.

• Approved consent calendar items 1-4, 6, 8 (5-0)
• Approved audited demands for Jan 15-22, 2025 (5-0)
• Tabled NetFile agreement for electronic filing and ethics training (5-0)
• Consensus to hold a workshop on renewing the Modesto Fire contract (4-1, Martinez no)
• Consensus to bring back strategic plan update item (5-0)
• Consensus to bring back flag salute program item (4-1, Martinez no)

Planning Commission

This agenda is solely a notice of cancellation; no regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission will be held on March 3, 2025. No items will be discussed or decided.

City Council

The February 24, 2025 regular meeting of the Ceres City Council has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided. The agenda notice was posted as required by law.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will administer oaths of office to three new commissioners and elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The body will also consider time extensions for two development projects and a permit for a monument sign.

• Oath of office for new Commissioners Ishwar Gill, Ruldip Jammu, and Dorie Perez
• Two-year time extension for a development plan at 2800-2808 Blaker Road (seven duplexes, one four-plex, and two single family units)
• Two-year time extension for Dhillon Villas at 3106 Mitchell Road (two commercial buildings and a 145-unit apartment complex)
• Public hearing for an 18-foot monument sign at 3505 Mitchell Road

The Ceres Planning Commission approved two-year time extensions for two previously approved housing developments: the Cherry Hollow Planned Community Development at 2800-2808 Blaker Road and the Dhillon Villas Tentative Map and Conditional Use Permit at 3106 Mitchell Road. Both motions passed unanimously (4-0, with one commissioner absent). The commission also appointed Commissioner Condit as Chairperson and Commissioner Jammu as Vice Chairperson, and approved the consent calendar item for the Clerk's Report of Posting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved PC Resolution 25-01: two-year time extension for Cherry Hollow PCDP at 2800-2808 Blaker Road (4-0)
• Approved PC Resolution 25-02: two-year time extension for Dhillon Villas tentative map and CUP at 3106 Mitchell Road (4-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Condit as Chairperson and Commissioner Jammu as Vice Chairperson (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar Item 1: Clerk's Report of Posting (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for February 17, 2025. No business will be conducted, and no agenda items are presented. The next meeting will occur according to the regular schedule unless otherwise noticed.

• Meeting cancelled; no regular session on February 17, 2025

City Council

The Ceres City Council will hold a regular meeting on February 10, 2025, with a consent calendar including resolutions to authorize street reconstruction projects, grant applications, and a water/wastewater rate study contract. The council will also hear a Black History Month proclamation, consider appointments to the Planning Commission, and enter closed session to discuss litigation, an interim police chief, and multiple real property negotiations. Additionally, two council referrals will be discussed: public hearing communication outreach and volunteers for code enforcement.

• Resolution to approve a professional services agreement with Willdan Financial Services for a Water and Wastewater Rate Study Update, with a 10% contingency
• Resolutions authorizing North Central Avenue, Central Avenue, and Richland Avenue Reconstruction Projects, each with up to $50,000 for consultant agreements
• Resolution to submit an application for a Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety
• Resolution to accept the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and amend the budget
• Closed session negotiations for multiple properties on Arthur Way, Grayson Road, Blaker Road, and Central Avenue

The Ceres City Council approved the consent calendar (items 1-4, 6, 8-11) and separately approved items 5, 7, and 12, including resolutions for a traffic enforcement grant, an accounting consulting agreement, and a water/wastewater rate study. The council also gave consensus to bring back items on public hearing communication outreach and code enforcement volunteers. No substantive decisions were made on unfinished business, public hearings, or new business.

• Approved consent calendar items 1-4, 6, 8-11 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-10 for STEP Grant application (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-12 with Eide Bailly for audit services (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-17 for water/wastewater rate study (4-1, Casey no)
• Consensus to explore public hearing communication options (5-0)
• Consensus to explore code enforcement volunteers (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025. No items were considered or discussed.

City Council

The Ceres City Council will receive the 2024 Redevelopment & Economic Development Annual Report and discuss proposed changes to setback and accessory building regulations for carports. The consent calendar includes contract amendments for SCADA system integration and Well 22 treatment vessels. A closed session is scheduled for anticipated litigation and the city manager's performance evaluation.

• Redevelopment & Economic Development Annual Report for 2024
• Resolution approving Amendment No.1 with SNS Automation for SCADA systems integration
• Resolution approving Amendment No.2 with Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group for Well 22 granular activated carbon treatment vessels
• Discussion on setback and accessory building/structure regulations related to carports
• Closed session: Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (2 cases) and Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Manager

The Ceres City Council approved all consent calendar items, including contracts and a budget amendment, in a 5-0 vote. The council also held a discussion on setback and accessory building regulations related to carports, hearing public comments and staff input, but took no formal action. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved consent calendar items 1-7 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-08, amendment with SNS Automation for SCADA systems integration
• Approved Resolution 2025-09, amendment with Provost and Pritchard for Well 22 GAC treatment vessels, with budget allocation
• Discussed carport regulations; no action taken

Planning Commission

The Ceres Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for January 20, 2025, has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

City Council

The Ceres City Council will appoint a Vice Mayor for a two-year term and confirm Mayor Lopez's 2025 appointments to boards and commissions. The council will also consider removing the fishing restriction at the River Bluff Regional Park lower terrace retention pond. Consent calendar items include contracts for security improvements, police K9 donation, traffic safety grant, booster pump repairs, and construction of the wastewater treatment plant admin building upgrade.

• Appointment of a Vice Mayor for two-year term (Item C)
• Confirmation of 2025 mayoral appointments to boards and commissions (Item D)
• Contract with Artisan Design Group for security improvements at City facilities (Consent Item 6)
• Construction contract with Paradigm Construction for Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Building Upgrade, with 20% contingency (Consent Item 14)
• Discussion on removing fishing restriction at River Bluff Regional Park Lower Terrace Retention Pond (Item 15)

The Ceres City Council appointed Councilmember Daniel A. Martinez to a two-year term as Vice Mayor on a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Casey voting no. The council also confirmed the 2025 City Council Committee Appointments with changes, including removing Councilmember Otero from the Surface Water Joint Powers Authority Board and adding Councilmember Casey, among other adjustments. All consent calendar items were approved 5-0, including resolutions for a security improvements contract, a traffic enforcement grant, and emergency booster pump repairs. Two items removed from the consent calendar—a youth basketball agreement and a wastewater treatment plant administration building upgrade contract—were also approved 5-0.

• Appointed Councilmember Martinez as Vice Mayor for two-year term (4-1)
• Confirmed 2025 City Council Committee Appointments with changes (5-0)
• Approved consent items 1-6 and 8-12, including Resolution 2025-01 for security improvements contract (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-06 for youth basketball agreement with Turlock Youth Sports Foundation (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07 for wastewater treatment plant admin building upgrade contract with Paradigm Construction (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-02 accepting STEP grant and budget amendment (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-03 for emergency booster pump repairs at Blaker Reservoir (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-05 for adult basketball agreement with Turlock Youth Sports Foundation (5-0)

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Ceres Planning Commission scheduled for January 6, 2025, has been cancelled.