City Council - Regular Meeting

We are going to call this meeting to order. Vice Mayor Stand and remain standing. Let's pray. Father, Lord, we're just so grateful and thankful for this city of Riverbank. Father, we thank you for our mayor, this great council that's before us, and the city staff. Lord, we thank you for the residents that are represented here tonight and also the ones that are able to be here tonight. Lord, I just pray that we're asking for help tonight as we walk through the presentations. Lord, as we do business together, we're asking for wisdom, Lord. All of us in this place, our heart's desire is to make Riverbank better, and we do that together. So, I'm just asking that you have your way in Jesus name. Amen.

Roll call, please. Council member Odiva here. Council member FSY here. Council member Call here. Vice Mayor Pimentel here. Mayor Hernandez

here. Um, all right. There are no scheduled agenda changes. any council authority member who has a direct conflict of interest on any scheduled agenda item to be considered is to declare their conflict at this time. Pursuant to government code section 84308 Lavine Act, any council authority member who has received a contribution of $500 or more within the preceding 12 months from a party, participant or their agent related to an item on the agenda must disclose that contribution on the record prior to participation in the discussion or decision on the item and may be required to recuse themselves as applicable. Any conflicts? All right, we have our presentations. Uh for first, could we have our sister city committee come up to present the Is that how we are doing it? To present our scholarships or the scholarships. Uh, good evening, mayor, members of the council, and city staff. My name is Elizabeth Yuribe, and I am honored to stand before you alongside Bianca Garcia and Max Stock representing the Riverbank Sister Cities Committee. Last September, our community came together for our first annual Mexican Independence Day celebration. Because of the incredible generosity of our local businesses and residents dur during that event, we raised the funds necessary to invest directly back into our city's greatest asset, our youth. Tonight, we are proud to present the 2026 student support funds. After a rigorous selection process involving essays, academic reviews, and community service evaluations, our committee has chosen five graduating seniors who embody the spirit of Riverbank. Each student will

receive a $500 support fund. We intentionally designed this as a flexible resource to help them jumpst start the next chapter of their of their of their lives. Whether these funds go toward college tuition, professional tools, transportation, or essential bills, our goal is to is to provide a head start as they navigate their unique paths after graduation. After I call each student's name, I invite them to come forward to receive their certificate of achievement in their support stu and their support fund check. Our first recipient is Enrique Adulo Masias Mendula. Enrique defines what it means to be a hardworking and determined leader. Inspired by his parents' hard work and sacrifices after moving to the US from Mexico, he has mastered a new language and overcome every obstacle with determination. At Riverbank High, he is a vital voice for his peers, serving as one of only three student representatives for the ELAC district meetings where he advocates for improvements in the English learner department. He is also a proud member of the Hispanic Youth Leadership Club, helping bring our downtown diadeos muertos celebration to life and the fast club where he promotes health and wellness to his fellow students. He plans to pursue a career as a Spanish teacher to support and empower students who share similar cultural journeys. Enrique plans to use this fund to jumpstart his future by purchasing a computer and essential supplies for his upcoming studies. We are honored to support his goal of being the first in his family to attend college and for being such an incredible role model for his younger siblings. Congratulations, Enrique.

Um, our second recipient is Payton Elizabeth Jane Shrider. So, I believe she is going to be a little bit late, but I still want to read a little bit about her. So, um, she is the definition of a high achiever and a true global citizen. A Riverbank High School senior who is already a sophomore at Modesto Junior College, Payton has balanced a rigorous academic schedule with four different sports and multiple leadershipmies. Beyond the classroom and the field, she is deeply rooted in the community, volunteering her time with the Riverbank Library, the li the Riverbank Federated Women's Club, and Moand. With a curious mind and a heart for her cultural exchange, Payton traveled to Peru to immerse herself in Native history. And this summer, she will represent our region in the UK, France, and Japan. Payton plans to use this fund to help jumpstart her university career. We are proud to support a young leader who so clearly embodies Riverbank's values of hard work, community service, and cultural bridge building. Um, our third recipient is Alexia Jazelle Ruiz. Alexia is a student at Enoch High School who has spent her high school career merging the worlds of leadership and healthcare. As the digital publicity director for her school's leadership program, Alexia successfully increased student outreach by over 50%, showing her unique ability to connect and engage with those around her. Alexia is also a dedicated member of the medical biotech academy. Her passion for serving others led her to an internship at Setter Health where she shadowed nurses and urgent care, an experience that solidified her dream of becoming a nurse. Outside of academics, she has

spent nearly a decade training at 5678 dance studio and serves as a devoted volunteer at her church, working closely with youth programs. She plans to use the student support fund to jumpst start her journey into nursing school, specifically focusing on pediatrics or the NICU. Having grown up making memories at Silva Park, Alexia hopes to one day return the investment this community has made in her by providing compassionate care to local families. We are honored to support her as she works to make a difference in the lives of others. Congratulations, Elixia. Our fourth recipient is Valeria Aguilar Vil. Valeria is a first generation senior who has turned life's challenges into a source of personal strength and academic excellence. A proud bilingual leader, Valyria sh serves as a section leader at Riverbank High School's marching band and is currently in her second year as a varsity tennis player. As a member of the National Honor Society, Valeria is deeply committed to service, frequently volunteering at local community events like diadeos muertos. Academically, she has pushed herself through a rigorous schedule of AP and honor classes, maintaining top marks through sheer diligence and a desire to make her family proud. Valeria plans to use the student fund, student support fund to help cover tuition and textbooks, providing essential financial independence as she begins her college journey. She sees Riverbank as a vibrant yet serene home, and we are honored to invest in a student who possesses such clear determination to thrive regardless of the barriers she may encounter. Congratulations.

Our fir our fifth and final recipient is Kana Chavis. Kiana is a senior at Enoch High School who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of others. An exceptional scholar, Kiana is a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation and has already completed an incredible 28 units of college credit through Modesto Junior College. A recipient of the Eagle Award and a candidate for the seal of biiteracy, Kiana has spent the last two years serving as a teaching assistant, a role, a role that has prepared her for her ultimate dream, becoming an English teacher. Her goal is to return to this very community community to educate and inspire the next generation of students in Riverbank and the surrounding area. Kiana plans to use the student support fund to help manage the expenses of her university education. She views Riverbank as a city with a big heart and a proud history. And we are honored to invest in a future educator who is so deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped her. Congratulations, Kiana. real quick. Could we do any of the students want to share anything with us? You have an engaged audience.

Payton's here. All right. No pressure. Yes. If we could have all the Sorry.

Um, so we have Payton, Elizabeth, Jane, Shrider, Okay, I mean yeah and then council, do you guys want to stay standing and I'll have you guys go behind the table Smart people. All right. One, two, three. Okay, so finally to our recipients, we are incredibly proud of your hard work and your heart for this community. To our donors, thank you for making this investment in our future possible. We look forward to seeing everyone again on September 25th for our second annual celebration. Thank you everybody.

All right. Congratulations to all the students and thank you sister city committee. Uh so last year we the city officially qualified as an uh what is the formal title? A tree city. Yes. And so year after year we'll be celebrating this and thank you to our parks and rec team for um making this happen. So tonight we're proud to recognize Arbor Day. I don't have the proclamation.

Tonight we're proud to recognize Arbor Day and celebrate that the city of Riverbank has been named a tree city by the Arbor Day Foundation federally. This designation refle reflects our commitment to maintaining a healthy, vibrant urban forest that enhances the beauty and quality of life in our community. I also want to recognize our parks and recck department whose hard work made this achievement possible. Um, we encourage everyone to care help care for and appreciate trees that make Riverb such a great place to live. And uh, we have a proclamation that we're waiting for. And we just we learned a fun fact that even trees that are on private property are part of this celebration. No, they're not. Okay. Well, if you want it to be, it can be. All trees are celebrated. We do not discriminate. We're waiting for a proclamation. Yeah. Vice Mayor, do you have any jokes? No.

Okay. Oh, there you go. Thank you.

All right. Oh, thank you. Um, so this is our formal proclamation for National Arbor Day. Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for planting trees. Whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. Whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. Whereas trees can be a solution to combating climate change by reduction by reducing the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. Whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other products. Whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Whereas trees wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now therefore, the city of Riverbank hereby proclaims April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the city of Riverbank and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day to support efforts protecting our trees and woodlands. Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. All right. Next we have our National Library Week. I would love to invite the friends of the library to come up. Okay.

Yeah, if we can fit everybody. That'd be great.

All right. Yay. Here we can come over here in the middle so you can be front and center. All right. So, we have an amazing library community. Um, and there's been a lot of changes in this last year. So, I'll let uh them talk about it a little bit, including the new uh group that's formed. And so, today we're proclaiming National Library Week in honor of the friends of the Stansel Library. So, I'll read the proclamation first. Whereas libraries provide the opportunity for everyone to pursue their passions and engage in lifelong learning, allowing them to live their best life. Whereas libraries have long served as trusted institutions for all members of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, creatability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and so socioeconomic status. Whereas libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve and ensure equity of access for all. Whereas libraries adapt to the everchanging needs of their communities, continually expanding their collections, services, and partnerships. Whereas libraries play a critical role in the economic vitality of communities pro by providing internet and technology access, literacy, skills, and support for job seekers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Whereas libraries are accessible and inclusive places that promote a sense of local connection, advancing understanding, civic engagement, and shared community goals. whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the nation to celebrate National Library Week. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city council of the city of Riverbank proclaim National Library Week April 19th to 25th during this week, I encourage all residents to visit their library to explore the wealth of resources available. And so, congratulations. This week is in honor of you all. And I would love um our

honore Mark to come and say a few words about the club.

We want to thank the city council, the mayor, city staff for the honor and recognition of the friends of the library and library week. We have a large variety of people from lifelong learners to someone hopefully learning to read in the near future. Um, we want to also thank we've restarted the friends. There was a a very active friends group with a great legacy doing many wonderful things. The friends of the library supports and promotes the library. And if you're unaware, the Riverbank Library, well, there was one built in 1921 and then another one built to replace that in 1978. And it was just extensively remodeled and reopened in January of this year. And part of that process was restarting the Friends group. And the previous groups had left a great legacy of things they had done. and we're just hoping to restore that to support uh the library and the value of reading in our community and how important it is not only for reading but all the community events that go on. And if you're interested in being part of the friends of the library and helping to support, we're going to be meeting every second Wednesday of the month at 5:30 in the library. And one of the things we're doing very soon is with the Love Riverbank is supporting and guiding us in planting some flowers to beautify the patio outside the library up in the upcoming Love Riverbank event. And we've had lots of great interaction with people who were members before, lots of new people who want to be members in the future. We just encourage you if you're interested to support and we're trying

to get the whole social media out there so that people have a way to reach out, understand and know what's going on. So we thank everyone again for the recognition.

We'll take a group photo. Yes. And the basket is for you all as well from the city. One, two, three. All right, we are going to move on to public comment. At this time, members of the public may comment on any item not appearing on the agenda and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the city council L board. Individual comments will be limited to maximum of three minutes and time cannot be yielded to another person under state law. Matters presented during public comment cannot be discussed or acted upon. Olivia Good evening everyone. I'm Olivia Rambula, broken owner of Timeless Real Estate, but tonight I'm here for the Riverbank Chamber. Um, I wanted to share some upcoming events that we have going on and first thank everyone who came out to our Easter egg hunt that we partnered with Parks and Racks that day to help um, put on for our city, for our different uh, businesses also that

attended. just thank everyone that came out. Uh we actually passed out or the kids hunted more than 10,000 Easter eggs. So, um thank you for all of the sponsors and everyone who took part in that and came out. We hope to have, you know, do it again. That was our second year, so we're going for year three with Chamber. And then we have a few other events coming up. Um first off, we do have an event tomorrow. We have a lunch and learn here at Pizza Plus from 12:00 to 1 that is being hosted and taught by Ashen Fortuna with Valley Tech Logic. He is going to teach you how to use AI to grow your business. So come on out. That's from 12 to 1 and here at Pizza Plus in town. And then we have um the multi-chamber mixer that's coming up. We are actually the host as your Riverbank Chamber of Commerce. And so we try to go to different members and the member that we're going to host with this time is our Santaas um veterans foundation. We're going to host it at the Veterans Center that is on Coffee Road and Silven right there. So we have a lot of room. So come on out to that. Uh that will be from 5:30 p.m. to 1 sorry 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 7th. It's a Thursday. So save the date for that and please all come. And then also we have our next uh chamber meeting which will be the day before on Wednesday May 6. That's from 12 to 1. We host those currently at the um the Riverbank Industrial Complex from 12 to1 there. So please come on out. If you're a business, please join come see us if you have any questions on how to do that. And then we are hosting a Red Robin fundraising event for the chamber. So you can come any time of day all day. It's May 9th. It's a Saturday. And that money we're using to go to different things like the scholarships that we are passing out to the youth of the year that are coming up, different things that help us with like the eggs for the Easter egg hunt and all those different kind of things that we give out. So um

please come out to that. And we do have on the 14th a um tax workshop. It's going to be from 5:30 to 7:30 here. It's going to be taxes for businesses and nonprofits. So uh you learn how to do that. Uh, for me, I'd have to learn how to make sure I get more experience with that because they are the experts. So, come on out. We hope to see you guys all there soon. If you have any questions about joining our Riverbank Chamber of Commerce or coming to any of our events, I am here and I'll hope to see you at all these. Thank you,

Mr. Michael Christie. Good evening, Mayor Hernandez, council, and staff. Hope you guys are doing well. Um tonight I came to um discuss the uh reszoning that was approved two weeks ago by the planning commission. Um several parcels along Rosel and uh Ro Avenue were approved to be reszoned for residential. Um about 20 of us residents were at the meeting, 20 to 25 of us and we are objecting to the approval of the corner pasture horse pasture on the corner of Rosel and Glow. We're not asking the planning commission or the city to make any changes to the what was approved at the prior meeting. I believe this is coming up on your agenda maybe April 28th or sometime in May. But what we're what we're asking is that you omit that corner of Roso and Glow. Um you know families really enjoy going there seeing the horses. Um, you know, it's it's it's there's already a lot of traffic on Rosel and Glow and to put 50 or 60 houses in that one corner parcel, we just the neighbors there just can't um, you know, justify that. For for me, I did forget to mention earlier, I do live at the other end of Crossroads up closer to um, the old Kinderare and Cadent, but u, I do I do agree with this group of residents that we should support them and maybe look for another location. I'm not asking the planning commission or the city to entirely scrap the whole project. I'm just, you know, maybe a different location. Um we and we do have over 400 signatures online of residents who are opposing what I'm talking about. Um last thing is is um I want to talk about Silva Park for a little bit. Um in 2005 the park opened up at 5800 Antique Roseway. Um 2007 I moved into moved from me Modesto Riverbank and director parks and rec

director Fitzpatrick back then. um went over the master plan with several of us and um and phase two was going to be the restrooms, the ping the patio cover and the ping pong tables which came along in that was uh 201 I would say 15 because at 2013 I came to that actual council meeting in December of 2013 where all council members um voted five to zero to approve phase two and phase three. And phase three is the water splash pad that hasn't been built or talked about. And that would be adjacent to the restrooms if you're facing the restrooms, the left side of the restrooms. Um, you know, I I mean, I'd love to see something like that for the families, you know, crossroads families, you know, provide a lot of tax revenues and support the city. And I've, you know, I've seen the recent upgrades to Castleberg Park. I've seen, you know, other parks in the works, but I'd love to city um council on parks and recck to look into what's going to happen with um phase three, you know, get that, you know, get that going again.

Um so that's about that's about it. I see my time is about out, but uh again, um we hope on April 28th that, uh we can figure out something for the the horse pasture on Glow and Rosel, a different location. Thank you very much. Mayor, that is all we have for public comment cards and there is no one on Zoom. All right. Is there anyone here? Yes, please just say your name when you come up, please.

Uh, good evening, mayor and members of city council. My name is Jordan Davidson. I am a Riverbank resident living directly adjacent to the horse pasture parcel 3 at the corner of Rosel and Glow Road which is being considered for reszoning from civic use to highdensity housing. I spoke at the planning commission meeting that uh Michael mentioned u but I wanted to briefly raise this issue again here since not all members were present at that meeting. Uh my concern is uh whether the site truly meets the state's requirements of being realistically available and suitable for development. Based on the city's own responses, the property is expected to remain in agric agricultural use with no defined timeline for sale or development. Without a clear timeline, it is difficult to see how the site can be considered realistically available during this current planning period. In addition, the parcel is constrained heavily by the HCHE rightaway, utility corridors, and outside of agency requirements. Yet, there has been no clear public analysis showing what portion of this land is actually buildable. We are relying on an envir we're also relying on an environmental analysis from 1997 prepared for a completely different land use. And beyond that technical concern, this land is not is not just a parcel. It is a home to Bod the horse that many people in this community know. Families walk by, kids stop to see him and all the cattle, and it has become part of many family's daily routine. For many families, this is something their kids look forward to and losing it would change the character of this neighborhood in a really in a very real way. For uh this this concern is not isolated. It is shared by hundreds of residents as reflected in our community petition. The count or this council serves its residents and that responsibility includes re recognizing or responding to the concerns raised by the community. I respectfully ask that you take a closer look at whether this parcel truly meets the standard of being available and suitable as this move forward and that this parcel remains zoned for civic use. Thank you guys for

your time and your consideration. If you could come up and uh just say your name. Uh Roosevelt Brown. And to all the council members, hello. How are you?

Well, you know, the gentleman brought up a great point. I've been here about 26 years in Riverbank and so my concern is that seems like we're really really growing and uh with all the new businesses that's coming in. My concern is and the development because it certainly isn't the community that's building these building, it's corporations that are building these buildings and you know the new housing that's coming in. So, I don't know. But I hear some other cities going to have moratoriums on how many houses they can build. I don't know. But uh with all these new businesses coming in, taking our resources, you know, sewage, water, garbage, all those things, I'm just concerned that we're just developing too fast now. And I know I'm not sure if it's Oakgdale, Ripen, um, Escalon have moratoriums on building houses and developing too fast. And what is the community getting out of it? Because I feel, and they brought up a good point. Don't know what you think about the point they brought up about taking some of the special areas away that the community loves as opposed to having businesses come in and buy tons of property and buying houses to where we just don't get that little community feel if that makes sense. Just thought I'd say that just being a resident here. So I am concerned about developing too fast, taking out some of the personal things like you know what they mentioned there because I drive by all the time and so my concern is we want to make sure we take care of Riverbank first not big business corporations or any of those things. I think they if any business comes into Riverbank, it should be on the city's terms. It should be on the residents terms because we all pay

the taxes that pay for all these resources. And I think if the council takes that under consideration, uh I think the community of Riverbank would just appreciate it. That's all I got to say.

Thank you very much. Is there anyone else in council chambers that would like to speak? Yes. You can come up. Just say your name when you come up, please. What's your name? Hi, I'm Don't take my toy. He um so this is my son Bucky and he is really fond of the cows and the horses and he goes by every day and he sees them and he loves them. So thanks honey. You can go sit down. Um sorry this is my first time. I'm Molly Hoy and I am also passionate about this resoning. Um so I'm a resident of this beautiful city of Riverbank and I am wanting to express my song my strong opposition to um propose this reszoning of this pasture located on Rosal and Glow. Our family lives six houses away and um this land is not only served as an important part of our community providing open space supporting local agricultural and contri contributing to the environmental health of the area. reszoning it for

developmental um highdensity housing um would result in the loss of these benefits and could negatively impact traffic and overall character of our community. Um, so I am a local teacher here at Riverbank and um, I teach kindergarten and we teach about agricultural all the time and I know how important it is to teach them and I love the fact that I can show them, hey, there's a pasture right down glow and Roselle. If you walk by, you can see those cows and see those horses every day. And they love it. They come up to me and Mrs. Wake, guess what? they went to go over there and I'd see it. And I love that they get to see that every day. You take this away. They're no longer going to be able to see those. So, I urge you council and mayor to just think about it. It's these children. I love them so much. And I love that they get to see these beautiful tiny agricultural part. And we're turning this beautiful rural count into this bigger city. And I and I and I see it and I understand it's growing, but the love of these tiny small pieces of agricultural, we need this in our small town, this beautiful town of Riverbank. So, thank you so much for your time. You Is there anyone else in council chambers for public comment?

All right. And none online, right? No one online. Mayor, are you coming up, Eddie? Do you have a public comment? Okay, come on up.

I guess everybody knows my name's Edward Jones. That's a joke. That's past Eddie. Anyhow, I'd like to wish the president and the city council a good evening, a nice day. also the vice mayor. Also, uh I turned on my computer Thursday. Uh that's I spend a lot of time on the computer, but yeah, I turned on the computer and what did I see? Somebody photographed me being with the mayor. mayor was tell I I had a pulpit. The mayor was telling me something and I'm standing there like an idiot, but somebody took a picture and they put it on the computer. So, I punched it and it's all active. So, I just want to say I I don't act like that anymore. And I'm a year older. So, God bless everybody. Okay. It's a pleasure being here and living in Riverbank. I live in that mobile home park which is great. You guys are terrific. What you're doing to my estimation, maybe some other people here, but what you're doing out in the city limits and outside, I think it's out of sight. You guys are doing a fine job improving Riverbend. That's what we need. And there was a a mention about businesses. I agree. Get all the

businesses together and let the people wander around at ballparks and stuff. Let any That's all I have to say. Sorry to take up your time. Thank you very much. Okay. Did you say there was There is no one on Zoom wishing to speak.

All right. We are going to move on to the consent calendar. All items listed on the consent calendar to be acted upon by single action. I don't know why I'm reading it. I'm on autopilot. Um we have items 9.1 to 9.6. Is there any consideration or discussion? I'll make a motion to approve the consent calendar as is. I second. Roll call, please. Council member Odbe. Yes. Council member FSY. Yes. Council member Call. Yes. Vice Mayor Pimementel? Yes. Mayor Hernandez? Yes.

Motion passes 50. Thank you. Item 10.1, a resolution ratifying the Santa House Consolidated Fire Protection District Ordinance Number 2026-16 adopted on February 11, 2026 as required under Health and Safety Code section 13869.7. Thank you, Josh.

Good evening, mayor, members of the city council. Um, as the mayor stated, tonight we have a resolution which is uh a resolution to ratify the consolidated fire district ordinance number 2026-16 and just kind of get into a few things. So why is the council being asked to do this? Um, so ultimately um, the city is not necessarily adopting a separate fire code text. We're basically ratifying the fire district's ordinance which was adopted back in February. Um so part of the action tonight will be to adopt the resolution uh ratifying the ordinance. We'll also find that this action is exempt from SQA and then direct staff to take all necessary um steps to implement the council's action. Um also wanted just to go over real quickly what is this ordinance and what does it cover. So it mainly covers three sections of fire and life safety. Um so one of those sections it kind of groups together is uh fire vehicle access and water supplies. So this hits on again fire access hydrants and then identification of properties. The other section it hits on is building safety systems. So this is like your fire protection alarms um stuff like that as well as plan review and um inspections in the field. And then last uh hits on operations and hazards. So this um is generally has to do with hazardous waste material. Then we get into vegetation abatement which is like for fire risks um fireworks and then permits and then enforcement. Um just real briefly I wanted to go over how this ratification will work. So like I mentioned the um consolidated fire district adopted the 2025 um fire code with local amendment ordinance back in February. This this is now um at the council for

ratification. Again, the council's action is required for this ordinance to become effective within the city limits. And then the third step would be after ratification, the standards apply in Riverbank. This allows the fire district to administer the updated code um again within the city limits of Riverbank. And then lastly, I'll just mention there is ongoing coordination. This happens every day um through plan reviews, permit inspections and then enforcement um of any fire codes. Um ultimately the results a consistent regulatory framework uh for fire code plan review, inspections, operational permits and enforcement within the city. Um in terms of environmental review, um this this project or this action is considered exempt under SQUA. um section 15321. This is considered or commonly referred to as the common sense exemption. Um I wanted to hit also on the strategic plan. So this action also would support the city's goals related to public safety, effective governance and delivery of highquality municipal services. And then lastly, just want to hit on the um fiscal impact or financial impact. Um just to identify there's no immediate general fund impact beyond normal staff time to implement this um ratified ordinance. Um as such staff's recommendation tonight is that the city council pass a resolution ratifying the consolidated fire protection district ordinance number 2026-16 adopting the 2025 fire code with local amendments to be applicable within the city of Riverbank. Now, there is a member of the fire district available for any questions, and I'm also available for any questions you may have. Thank you.

Thank you. Are there any comments or questions from council? Just real quick, if so, if this were to pass tonight, um, does it impact ongoing process with businesses currently? Not necessarily. This this is just to identify if you remember a few meetings ago we adopted the updated uh building codes. This is just a component of that you know 2025 update. Thank you. Um we will go to public comment. Is there any public comment in person or online? Mayor we did not receive any comment cards on this item nor written nor on Zoom

twice. All right. I'll bring it back to council for more comments or consideration. I'll make a motion to approve item 10.1. I second. Roll call, please. Council member Odiva, yes. Council member FSY, yes. Council member Call, yes. Vice Mayor Pimementel, yes. Mayor Hernandez, yes.

Motion passes 5. Thank you, Josh. We are at 11.1 America's 250th anniversary. Mayor and Council, uh, Council Member Call has requested an opportunity um to have council consider a future agenda item with regards to America's 250th anniversary. As a reminder for council referrals there, this is not a discussion item. Um, this is simply seeking council feedback on whether to place it on a future agenda. So, council member call has a presentation that she will be Hello everyone. So, I have been talking with a few community members um as well as council member Aribe and we have had a couple of meetings and we would like to have council uh look over our idea of an America's 250th anniversary celebration for the 4th of July. Um, I want to be very clear when we came together for this event, the one thing we didn't want to do was interfere with an existing event going on on 4th of July, which is the morning of the bike parade. So, this event would not conflict with that uh particular event. Um, so just a brief overview, July 4th, 2026, we're hoping to utilize the Riverbank Community Park and Center, which you will see later. We are um asking for a a partnership with the Riverbank Parks and Recck Department approximately 400 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The goal is to get families together around sunset because there is a proposed drone show um within the presentation. Uh a family-friendly community celebration. Um so we are requesting this item to be placed for discussion on a future

agenda. Uh so live music and entertainment there are some uh bands that we are proposing or uh hoping to speak with and entertainment could uh fall under DJs as well. Familyfriendly activities. This is where parks and recreation will be uh crucial because of the activities that they uh already have. and then adding things like a dunk tank um cornhole tournament and then uh community partners for food sales, patriotic programming that more aligns with uh the 250th anniversary as well as it being the 4th of July. We have some preliminary coordination and sponsorship interest identified the drone light show as mentioned before and then there will be some volunteer signups for community involvement. the partnership with parks and recreation. We share a community mission enga and engagement. We are looking for a $7,500 financial commitment uh facility and park access. So that would be the park and community center. Uh there would be some fundraising on a unofficial but we could put together uh a committee for it. Uh we've been speaking with former mayor O'Brien on the uh particular event, Olivia and then also Karen. Um there will be recognition for those who do uh donate and partnership visibility. I already said fundraising. Okay. Um and then so that we estimate the event overall. So live music, some of the activities that parks and wreck is unable to provide would cost approximately $20,000. Then the parks and wreck contribution of $7,500 leaves $12,500 for community sponsorships. I put 10 to 12 because I'm

hoping to come in under $20,000. Um, and then local business and partner support. And then we are also requesting the city have an established dedicated ledger or account for transparency. So any fundraising activity that is done goes straight into that account. Um and then so I am requesting that we approve to move forward with the event planning. Uh, a lot of the discussion has been very premature just because we don't want to put too much into it if it isn't something that is approved through council. Um, confirming the parks and recck partnership, authorizing the $7,500 um, investment on parks and reccks part, establish the dedicated event account, and then um, authorize the pursuit of sponsorships. But really uh the majority of this is just getting it onto the agenda so that we can discuss those items in detail.

Thank you. Um okay. So we'll just discuss. Does anyone a reminder? No discussion. You're simply providing me with a yes or no on whether to place it on a future agenda. Yeah, I do have a few questions, but go for it. Um, no. Did you want to fill any any info in?

No, no. Since we really can't discuss go into details, we can't really discuss the request or direction. Uh, we're just simply looking for can't, you know, bring it back to city council, put it on the agenda so we can have further discussion, have get some feedback from the residents. Is it something the residents would like to see or not? Um, so I would like to strongly support moving this item forward for future discussion. This is to move it forward to discuss. I'll second.

Um, real quick, I How does this work? So, I have a few questions before.

So, we will have a formal item that has all of this information listed on there so that council can actually discuss the particulars and ask questions. At that point in time, um the city staff would then also provide information with regards to city cost etc. You would then discuss whether it makes sense to move forward and then there would be a third meeting that we would actually bring back a formal resolution if at that point in time council has decided that they do want to move forward.

All right. Um so we have a motion. I would just like to mention that this is by no means uh for me it's a question of uh logistics and feasibility with the timeline um and some of the real costs that I have um questions about because I would love for this to be as successful as possible um and so I I will will take the motion and that's that's my reasoning. Mayor, there is no motion. I thought she already has three. Yeah, direct. Yeah, she's directing. Yes. Okay.

So, each of you can give me a yes or a no. There's two. Yeses. Well, technically technically there's three. So, just generally I I'm going to abstain from this because um I have concerns about logistics. Do you want to add anything, Cindy?

All right. We have direction. Um, we are going to move on to staff reports. Item 12.1. Mayor and council, just a couple of comments for tonight. Um, the city's flag design contest is still accepting designs until this Thursday, April 16th at 5:30 p.m. The application and design guidelines are available on the city's website. uh from the city clerk. The city is currently acce accepting applications for the second cohort of the Riverbank Youth Council. There is anformational night being held on Monday, April 20th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. That'll be here in the city council chambers. And the applications are available online and at the um city hall north in the admin department. Those are due on Thursday, May 14th at 5:30m. And last comment, the city's notice of funding availability for affordable housing developments is still open and accepting proposals until Monday, May 4th at 5:00 p.m. There's currently $1.5 million available for projects. And that is all from staff tonight.

Thank you, Vice Mayor. Good evening everyone. It's nice to be back. Um, having spent 21 days in the Philippines, I learned why we have our laws and rules and regulations about vendors. You know, when I first came to council, I was like, they're just trying to earn a living out there. We're kind of hard on them. But that's not the case. The reason why we have everything in place is because in the Philippines, it's out of control. And here in Riverbank, it is in control and there's a reason for everything. The health department in the Philippines, they can just set up in the streets, interrupt the traffic, and the police look the other direction. They look away. So, I have a lot of respect for Riverbank and why we do what we do. I just wanted to say that. And also, um, on 4:30, I will be attending the state of the city with the mayor and all the council. We hope you can come out. And also um May 13th I will be attending the Stannis Law Homeless Alliance meeting. It's very important that we educate on the homeless alliance and it's something that I'm passionate about and I hope to learn from it and um that's all I have. If you have books and want to donate them for the the local books, please contact me and I'll take them to the right places. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Member.

Thank you, mayor. Uh so as mentioned by Marisella, the flag design ends uh April 16th at 5:30. So once you submit your designs, come on down to council. Um so Sister Cities is going to be holding their first ever uh Tamasula night. It's going to be here in the chambers 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Uh it's it's an invitation to all residents uh who call Tamasula home. Uh we want you to bring your stories, your memories, traditions, come share those firsthands with the committee. Um so our community can kind of celebrate together. Uh on Monday 4:20, uh I will be presenting to a primarily Spanish- speaking group uh who is highly engaged in our community about the status of the blue zone project. Uh the status of the heel ordinance that this that the previous councils had passed. um they're very excited about the about the information. They they meet consistently. So, there's a lot of aspects about that group that align kind of with the blue zone project. So, we kind want to loop them in uh and just kind of build on that. Uh also on 420, uh I'll be meeting with uh our uh council member Cindy FSY here for the wastewater treatment expansion feasibility project. Uh so we'll be re reviewing those alternatives uh evaluation and ranking metrics confirming alignment on preferred alternatives as we move this uh to the next phase. Uh so following this staff will prepare it and bring it to council for uh for the evaluation. Uh and that is all I have. Thank you.

You council member FSY. Thank you. April 21st women's group will be meeting at Morris Nursery. you can go and go shopping for plants and they give us a little discount and they um offer a help on how to plant and what dirt you need and everything. So, that's pretty cool. Excuse me. Last Wednesday, I went to the Stannis Los Housing Alliance meeting uh downtown Modesto. Um, Modesto, the city of Modesto presented their annual action plan which talks about the monies that they'll have available for homelessness and and building facilities which was pretty interesting. Um, shelter updates for us. Oh, what's it called?

House.

Thank you. Sierra House. Okay, I'm old. I forget things. Um, sorry. Just so you know, there was 232 showers given last month. 150 of them were women, 111 were men, 111 were women, and there was 13 213 meals given out. Um on 420, as Louise said, we will be attending a presentation on the feasibility study. I'm very excited that this is u moving forward um as I brought it forward. So, I'm really excited to see and work with Blackwater on what different um availability they see for our wastewater treatment plant and what's the best route to go and then looking forward to being able to present it to our citizens. Thank you,

mayor, if you don't mind. One more thing. Yeah, sorry. So, that's what happens when I kind of go out of order. So, they I might be able to. Uh so, April 25th, of course, uh Love River Bank is happening. uh com and after th those events uh make sure that you come out to the community center. Um also downtown here the Somar Music Festival will be happening from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as well. So come on out. That's all I have.

That's what I recall. A few weeks ago, I attended Project Resolve and it was my second favorite one probably because we got to tour the uh Juvenile Hall Center on and it was really interesting to see. One, I can happily say that the facility is not full. So, that was nice to see. We were actually able to tour some of the rooms and uh classrooms and they were not full. Uh, so we're not at capacity, which is great for our youth. Uh, the kind of red flags to me, and maybe not red flags, but things that kind of make your head spin is that they're housing 12y olds to 25 year olds together. That's the age uh age range. There you go. Um, but currently there are around 70 uh juveniles in the center and less than 10 of them are women. And in some of the conversations they had talked about the female presence being much higher historically. So um women are not in juvenile hall as frequently and I I feel like that's a positive. Um but also it kind of makes you wonder what shift happened. Um so for me that was just interesting data that they shared with us. But it was really cool to see it. I've always wanted to see it. I don't know why. Um, so it was it was a fun walk through and then uh Marisella hit on it, but the youth council info info night is here in council chambers uh next Monday the 20th at 400 p.m. And then right after I'll be doing my office hours at the Riverbank Industrial Complex Building 18 at 6:00 p.m. Um, not only will it be my office hours, but I will have Amber Collins, the um, executive director from S Santa Council of Governments, uh, Stanco, and she will

be doing a brief, uh, overview on housing. So, I'm calling it housing 101. So, I encourage, uh, Riverbank community members, especially those, uh, with questions regarding the resoning uh, process that's currently going on to, uh, come here, listen, see the process of housing in California. So that's it. Uh I attended my first and RTA board meeting um which is our public transit system, the bus system um where the system is facing some uh potential large budget cuts and um that will likely result in route cuts um should we not um address the the budget as a whole. And so that is kind of looming over the board at the time right now. Um and there's more to come around that. Um and I just want to welcome Kinfolks and also uh which is right here corner to us and Kosina Deina which is um in the River Heights Shopping Center that has had their soft opening as well. So if you want to check out new restaurants, there are a couple um that really complement our city. So um that is it for me. We are going to move on to close session. Item 13.1 liability claims pursuant to government government code 54961 claimment uh Rodrik Ariano Carpenter and Zuckerman claim agency claimed against city riverbank. And then item 13.2 conference with real property negotiators pursuant to government code 54956.8 8. Property 3,300 Achesen Road, APN132009069. Agency negotiator Marisella H. Garcia, city manager, property negotiator, then Del Rio, City Center LLC, under negotiation, price, terms of payment, or

both? Is there any public comment on the two items or online? Mayor, there is no one online wishing to speak. All right, we're going to adjourn a close session.

messing around with it. All right, we are returning from close session. Uh item 14.1, report from close session. Item 13.1, uh the claim was denied unanimously. Item 14.2, report from close session. Item 13.2, direction has been given to staff. The next regular city council meeting will be on Tuesday, April 28th at 6 p.m. This meeting is adjourned.