Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Clovis City Council Meeting – October 5, 2026

City Council — Monday, October 5, 2026

BodyClovis, California

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, October 5, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

23:29

Andy.

23:30

Good.

Speaker 2

23:30

Brianna.

23:31

Okay.

23:32

Good evening, everybody.

23:34

We're going to go ahead and call the Clovis City Council meeting to order for October 5th, 2026.

23:41

And tonight we have special guests from Troop Three Zero One.

23:46

And we're going to have the young boys here working on their merit badge to come and if you can come to the podium over here.

23:56

So you guys know how to do that.

23:57

We'll follow your lead, okay?

23:59

And if you can all rise if you're able to for the flag salute.

25:01

This is Councilman Besser would like to give you.

Unassigned speaker

25:04

So please shake our hands and we'll give you a question.

Speaker 3

25:11

Thank you.

25:12

Good job.

25:17

Thank you.

25:19

Thank you.

25:22

Thank you for being here.

25:25

Thanks for being here.

Speaker 2

25:28

Okay.

Speaker 3

25:39

Take a picture of them taking a picture.

Speaker 1

25:41

They all go in unison.

Speaker 3

25:50

Thanks for being here.

Speaker 2

25:55

And thank you to all the scout masters and scout leaders for bringing uh the boys here to civic engagement.

26:06

This time, if our city clerk para can call the rule.

Speaker 3

26:09

Yes.

26:09

Councilmember Ashbeck.

26:10

Councilmember Baspel?

26:12

Councilmember Bessinger.

26:13

Here.

26:14

Mayor Pro Tem Pierce.

26:15

Here.

26:15

And Mayor Moantua.

Speaker 2

26:17

Here.

26:18

This time we have a presentation of a proclamation declaring October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month.

26:27

And reading this proclamation will be Councilmember Lynn Ashbeck.

26:32

And if we can have the folks from Marjorie Mason Center of any other organizations as well, if you guys can come up and then Lynn will read the proclamation, then you can share with us what's going on this month.

Speaker 4

26:45

Hello, friends.

26:46

It's my uh honor to read this proclamation to you, proclaiming October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month.

26:53

Whereas domestic violence impacts countless individuals without regard to age, race, religion, or economic status.

27:01

As victims suffer at the hands of a spouse or partner, it affects their children, families, and entire communities.

27:07

Domestic violence is widespread and affects over 12 million men and women in the United States each year, and at its most tragic level, kills an average of three women every day.

27:20

And whereas 678 domestic violence reports were filed by the City of Clovis law enforcement last year, and as Fresno County's only dedicated provider of domestic violence, safe housing and comprehensive support services, Marjorie Mason Center served over 7,656 adults and children impacted by domestic violence last year, including over 76,000 nights of safe shelter.

Unassigned speaker

27:47

And

Speaker 4

27:47

whereas Marjorie Mason Center has operated a safe house for survivors of domestic violence in the city of Clovis as transitional housing for the last 13 years.

27:56

Marjorie Mason Center actively partners with the City of Clovis, Clovis Police Department, and other community partners to ensure survivors have access to safe housing, case management, counseling support with restraining orders and other services.

28:10

And whereas each October, the formal recognition of domestic violence awareness month allows the community to acknowledge and show their support for survivors and advocates to end the cycle of abuse through education.

28:23

And whereas Purple Thursday, October 15, 2026, provides a national opportunity to remember victims and survivors of domestic violence.

28:31

Stand in solidarity with those impacted by abuse and raise awareness of local resources available to individuals and families seeking safety and support.

28:40

And whereas a partnership of organizations has emerged to directly confront this crisis and are achieving success.

28:48

The Marjorie Mason Center, along with law enforcement, health care providers, clergy, and concerned citizens are helping in the effort to end domestic violence.

Unassigned speaker

29:05

Now,

Speaker 4

29:06

therefore, it be resolved that the Clover City Council on behalf of the citizens of Clovis does hereby proclaim the month of October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month and urge all citizens to work together to end the cycle of violence in our community.

29:21

It is signed today by our mayor von Wanatua.

29:24

So thank you, friends, for being

Unassigned speaker

29:26

here.

Speaker 2

29:31

And before we hear from you, I also wanted to point it out that our very own Miss Clovis Haley Kane.

29:37

This is her platform and her initiative, and so we we appreciate her advocating for that with her her title and her crown this past year.

29:47

And so we want to thank her for that as well.

29:49

Tiffany, you go ahead, please.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Community Engagement██████████████████████████26%

Historic Preservation██████████████████18%

Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████16%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Procedural█████████9%

Public Safety████████8%

Arts And Culture█████5%

Homelessness██2%

Economic Development██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Clovis City Council Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Clovis City Council met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, approval of a new honoree policy for Peg Bos Plaza, and a discussion on a decorative feature for State Route 168 overpass. The council also acted on a 17-item consent calendar and received public comments.

Presentations/Proclamations

Proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was read by Councilmember Lynn Ashbeck. Councilmembers and guests highlighted statistics: over 12 million men and women affected annually in the U.S., an average of three women killed every day; 678 domestic violence reports filed in Clovis last year; the Marjorie Mason Center served 7,656 adults and children and provided over 76,000 nights of safe shelter in the past year. The center has operated a transitional safe house in Clovis for 13 years. Purple Thursday, October 15, 2026, was noted as a day of remembrance. Miss Clovis 2026, Haley Kane, shared her personal experience as a survivor and her work at the center. Councilmembers praised the center's advocates and the partnership with the Clovis Police Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

Edward Stark (Clovis resident) requested installation of a pedestrian crosswalk light or street light in Old Town Clovis between 4th and 5th Streets, in memory of a friend. The council indicated they would look into it.
Two members of the public spoke on Item 19 (Peg Bos Plaza policy):
- Brian Wilson asked whether a formal nomination form would be created; staff confirmed yes.
- Mike Brandini supported having the full city council approve honorees rather than the mayor alone.
- Steve Trevino suggested there are many deserving individuals and recommended a broader historical committee.
- Kathy Reinhardt also advocated for two council members instead of one to approve honorees.
On Item 20 (SR 168 overpass feature), Steve Trevino opposed spending on decorations given current economic conditions (high gasoline and diesel prices, homelessness).

Consent Calendar

Items 2 through 18 were approved unanimously in a single motion. These routine items included:
- Approval of September 14, 2026 meeting minutes.
- Response to Fresno County Civil Grand Jury regarding police record fees.
- Resolution of intention to annex territory to CFD 2004-1 (Annexation #78).
- Classification and compensation plan amendments (e.g., Public Utilities Finance Manager, Animal Services Manager, revisions to Accounting Systems Technician and Principal Account Clerk classifications).
- Position allocation plan adjustments.
- Final acceptance and notice of completion for several capital improvement projects (Teague Avenue Street Improvements, Osmun Senior Apartments Sidewalk Project, Rubberized Cape Seal 2026).
- Bid award for Minnewawa Avenue FID Improvements ($393,420).
- Grant submittal for CalRecycle Rubberized Pavement Grant.
- Contract change order for Reservoir 4 Tank Liner Project ($310,557).
- Software renewal agreement with OpenGov ($246,404.54).
- Water rights agreement for Eastside Creeks and installation of flow monitoring stations ($250,000).
- Purchase of one Tymco Model 600 street sweeper ($544,211.34).

Discussion Items

Item 19: Approval of Peg Bos Plaza Honoree Policy – Assistant City Manager Paul Armendariz presented the draft policy. Key points: the plaza was dedicated in November 2024 to former mayor Peg Bos; the policy establishes nomination and selection criteria for future honorees described as "Clovis Trailblazers" – individuals whose volunteer, elected, or employed service has materially contributed to the city. Eligibility requires a history of community impact, service to Clovis (as city employee, volunteer, or appointed/elected official), and completion of service (except volunteers). A Trailblazer Review Committee (3–5 Clovis residents) would evaluate nominations submitted between July and December, then recommend one honoree per year to the mayor for final selection. Council discussion centered on whether the mayor should have sole approval or share it with another councilmember. Councilmember Drew expressed concern about eligibility being too narrow regarding volunteers, but clarified after staff said individuals like Dave McDonald would qualify under "volunteer acting in service of the city." Councilmember Pierce favored full council approval; Mayor Mantua argued that committee + mayor avoids public 3–2 votes on individuals. Councilmember Bessinger supported keeping mayor as sole approver. After a failed motion (2–3) to approve as written, a revised motion passed 3–2 to approve the policy with two amendments: (1) language clarifying that "individual acting in a volunteer capacity" includes those serving the community in a voluntary manner; (2) adding a second council member (the mayor pro tem) to the mayor for final approval.
Item 20: Direction on State Route 168 Decorative Overpass Feature – Management Analyst Tatiana Partain presented research on adding decorative metal elements to the Bullard Avenue overpass over SR 168. Two paths from Caltrans: (A) Caltrans-led design and construction, estimated ~$5 million and 18 months; (B) city-led design with Caltrans encroachment permits, likely cheaper but uncertain cost. Both options require a city-funded maintenance agreement on any feature and fence. No state or federal grants are available. Council discussion showed split views: Councilmember Bessinger and Mayor Mantua favored exploring the idea long-term; Councilmember Vasquez and Councilmember Pierce opposed current spending; Councilmember Ashbeck suggested a hybrid of studying cost without full commitment. Public comment from Steve Trevino opposed spending. The council reached consensus to direct staff to include an initial exploration of options (conceptual design, cost estimates, alternative locations like interchanges or roundabouts) in the next budget cycle (CIP) as a general fund item, to be considered during the FY 2027-2028 budget process. The exploration would also be tied to the city's wayfinding and branding plan.

Key Outcomes

Consent Calendar (Items 2–18): Approved unanimously.
Item 19 (Peg Bos Plaza Honoree Policy): Approved by a 3-2 vote with amendments: (1) clarified volunteer eligibility; (2) final approval given by mayor and mayor pro tem jointly.
Item 20 (SR 168 Decorative Overpass): Council directed staff to bring a CIP proposal during the FY 2027-2028 budget process to explore the feasibility, cost, and options for a decorative overpass feature, including alternative locations and connection to the city's wayfinding project. No immediate spending authorized.
Closed Session: The council convened in closed session for two litigation matters (Workers' Compensation case Christopher Taliaferro; Desiree Martinez v. City of Clovis, Case No. 19CECG03855). No action was reported upon reconvening.

City Manager & Council Comments

City Manager Andy Commons announced upcoming community events: Pumpkin Patch at Miss Winkles, car show at Clovis Senior Activity Center (October 10), and "Sweetbread with a Cop" at Bayerta Market (October 10).
Councilmember Bessinger thanked staff for Clovis Night Out, attended Pink Patch Project kickoff, and noted the opening of Eastbound Shepherd from Fowler.
Councilmember Bessinger reported on Cal Cities conference sessions on e-bike legislation and adaptive reuse of malls for housing.
Councilmember Ashbeck recognized Westcare Wings of Hope Advocacy Gala, and noted the passing of community icons Cora Shipley (candlelight vigil held) and Mary Rigsby (105 years old, born and died in Clovis).
Mayor Pro Tem Pierce echoed the loss of Cora Shipley, announced a celebration of life at Clovis Veterans Memorial District, and praised the Letterman Trail ribbon cutting, urging that future amenities include interpretive signage about honorees.
Mayor Mantua reported on the COG meeting (Director Robert Phipps resigned, Paul Herman as interim; expansion of One Voice trip issues beyond transportation). She also attended multiple events: California Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists conference (wants to return), Valley Caregiver fundraiser, Indian Nurses Association, Four Creeks Engineering ribbon cutting, superintendent's breakfast, BAPS temple 25th anniversary, Boys & Girls Club fundraiser, Fresno Metro Black Chamber (focused on young black men mentorship). She noted that the Letterman Trail project was improved with CDBG funds and partnerships with FID.

Meeting Transcript

Andy. Good. Brianna. Okay. Good evening, everybody. We're going to go ahead and call the Clovis City Council meeting to order for October 5th, 2026. And tonight we have special guests from Troop Three Zero One. And we're going to have the young boys here working on their merit badge to come and if you can come to the podium over here. So you guys know how to do that. We'll follow your lead, okay? And if you can all rise if you're able to for the flag salute. This is Councilman Besser would like to give you. So please shake our hands and we'll give you a question. Thank you. Good job. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Thanks for being here. Okay. Take a picture of them taking a picture. They all go in unison. Thanks for being here. And thank you to all the scout masters and scout leaders for bringing uh the boys here to civic engagement. This time, if our city clerk para can call the rule. Yes. Councilmember Ashbeck. Councilmember Baspel? Councilmember Bessinger. Here. Mayor Pro Tem Pierce. Here. And Mayor Moantua. Here. This time we have a presentation of a proclamation declaring October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month. And reading this proclamation will be Councilmember Lynn Ashbeck. And if we can have the folks from Marjorie Mason Center of any other organizations as well, if you guys can come up and then Lynn will read the proclamation, then you can share with us what's going on this month. Hello, friends. It's my uh honor to read this proclamation to you, proclaiming October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month. Whereas domestic violence impacts countless individuals without regard to age, race, religion, or economic status. As victims suffer at the hands of a spouse or partner, it affects their children, families, and entire communities. Domestic violence is widespread and affects over 12 million men and women in the United States each year, and at its most tragic level, kills an average of three women every day. And whereas 678 domestic violence reports were filed by the City of Clovis law enforcement last year, and as Fresno County's only dedicated provider of domestic violence, safe housing and comprehensive support services, Marjorie Mason Center served over 7,656 adults and children impacted by domestic violence last year, including over 76,000 nights of safe shelter. And whereas Marjorie Mason Center has operated a safe house for survivors of domestic violence in the city of Clovis as transitional housing for the last 13 years. Marjorie Mason Center actively partners with the City of Clovis, Clovis Police Department, and other community partners to ensure survivors have access to safe housing, case management, counseling support with restraining orders and other services. And whereas each October, the formal recognition of domestic violence awareness month allows the community to acknowledge and show their support for survivors and advocates to end the cycle of abuse through education. And whereas Purple Thursday, October 15, 2026, provides a national opportunity to remember victims and survivors of domestic violence. Stand in solidarity with those impacted by abuse and raise awareness of local resources available to individuals and families seeking safety and support. And whereas a partnership of organizations has emerged to directly confront this crisis and are achieving success.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com

Clovis City Council Meeting – October 5, 2026

Presentations/Proclamations

Proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was read by Councilmember Lynn Ashbeck. Councilmembers and guests highlighted statistics: over 12 million men and women affected annually in the U.S., an average of three women killed every day; 678 domestic violence reports filed in Clovis last year; the Marjorie Mason Center served 7,656 adults and children and provided over 76,000 nights of safe shelter in the past year. The center has operated a transitional safe house in Clovis for 13 years. Purple Thursday, October 15, 2026, was noted as a day of remembrance. Miss Clovis 2026, Haley Kane, shared her personal experience as a survivor and her work at the center. Councilmembers praised the center's advocates and the partnership with the Clovis Police Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

Edward Stark (Clovis resident) requested installation of a pedestrian crosswalk light or street light in Old Town Clovis between 4th and 5th Streets, in memory of a friend. The council indicated they would look into it.

Two members of the public spoke on Item 19 (Peg Bos Plaza policy):

Brian Wilson asked whether a formal nomination form would be created; staff confirmed yes.
Mike Brandini supported having the full city council approve honorees rather than the mayor alone.
Steve Trevino suggested there are many deserving individuals and recommended a broader historical committee.
Kathy Reinhardt also advocated for two council members instead of one to approve honorees.

On Item 20 (SR 168 overpass feature), Steve Trevino opposed spending on decorations given current economic conditions (high gasoline and diesel prices, homelessness).

Consent Calendar

Items 2 through 18 were approved unanimously in a single motion. These routine items included:

Approval of September 14, 2026 meeting minutes.
Response to Fresno County Civil Grand Jury regarding police record fees.
Resolution of intention to annex territory to CFD 2004-1 (Annexation #78).
Classification and compensation plan amendments (e.g., Public Utilities Finance Manager, Animal Services Manager, revisions to Accounting Systems Technician and Principal Account Clerk classifications).
Position allocation plan adjustments.
Final acceptance and notice of completion for several capital improvement projects (Teague Avenue Street Improvements, Osmun Senior Apartments Sidewalk Project, Rubberized Cape Seal 2026).
Bid award for Minnewawa Avenue FID Improvements ($393,420).
Grant submittal for CalRecycle Rubberized Pavement Grant.
Contract change order for Reservoir 4 Tank Liner Project ($310,557).
Software renewal agreement with OpenGov ($246,404.54).
Water rights agreement for Eastside Creeks and installation of flow monitoring stations ($250,000).
Purchase of one Tymco Model 600 street sweeper ($544,211.34).

Discussion Items

Item 19: Approval of Peg Bos Plaza Honoree Policy – Assistant City Manager Paul Armendariz presented the draft policy. Key points: the plaza was dedicated in November 2024 to former mayor Peg Bos; the policy establishes nomination and selection criteria for future honorees described as "Clovis Trailblazers" – individuals whose volunteer, elected, or employed service has materially contributed to the city. Eligibility requires a history of community impact, service to Clovis (as city employee, volunteer, or appointed/elected official), and completion of service (except volunteers). A Trailblazer Review Committee (3–5 Clovis residents) would evaluate nominations submitted between July and December, then recommend one honoree per year to the mayor for final selection. Council discussion centered on whether the mayor should have sole approval or share it with another councilmember. Councilmember Drew expressed concern about eligibility being too narrow regarding volunteers, but clarified after staff said individuals like Dave McDonald would qualify under "volunteer acting in service of the city." Councilmember Pierce favored full council approval; Mayor Mantua argued that committee + mayor avoids public 3–2 votes on individuals. Councilmember Bessinger supported keeping mayor as sole approver. After a failed motion (2–3) to approve as written, a revised motion passed 3–2 to approve the policy with two amendments: (1) language clarifying that "individual acting in a volunteer capacity" includes those serving the community in a voluntary manner; (2) adding a second council member (the mayor pro tem) to the mayor for final approval.

Item 20: Direction on State Route 168 Decorative Overpass Feature – Management Analyst Tatiana Partain presented research on adding decorative metal elements to the Bullard Avenue overpass over SR 168. Two paths from Caltrans: (A) Caltrans-led design and construction, estimated ~$5 million and 18 months; (B) city-led design with Caltrans encroachment permits, likely cheaper but uncertain cost. Both options require a city-funded maintenance agreement on any feature and fence. No state or federal grants are available. Council discussion showed split views: Councilmember Bessinger and Mayor Mantua favored exploring the idea long-term; Councilmember Vasquez and Councilmember Pierce opposed current spending; Councilmember Ashbeck suggested a hybrid of studying cost without full commitment. Public comment from Steve Trevino opposed spending. The council reached consensus to direct staff to include an initial exploration of options (conceptual design, cost estimates, alternative locations like interchanges or roundabouts) in the next budget cycle (CIP) as a general fund item, to be considered during the FY 2027-2028 budget process. The exploration would also be tied to the city's wayfinding and branding plan.

Key Outcomes

Consent Calendar (Items 2–18): Approved unanimously.

Item 19 (Peg Bos Plaza Honoree Policy): Approved by a 3-2 vote with amendments: (1) clarified volunteer eligibility; (2) final approval given by mayor and mayor pro tem jointly.

Item 20 (SR 168 Decorative Overpass): Council directed staff to bring a CIP proposal during the FY 2027-2028 budget process to explore the feasibility, cost, and options for a decorative overpass feature, including alternative locations and connection to the city's wayfinding project. No immediate spending authorized.

Closed Session: The council convened in closed session for two litigation matters (Workers' Compensation case Christopher Taliaferro; Desiree Martinez v. City of Clovis, Case No. 19CECG03855). No action was reported upon reconvening.

City Manager & Council Comments

City Manager Andy Commons announced upcoming community events: Pumpkin Patch at Miss Winkles, car show at Clovis Senior Activity Center (October 10), and "Sweetbread with a Cop" at Bayerta Market (October 10).

Councilmember Bessinger thanked staff for Clovis Night Out, attended Pink Patch Project kickoff, and noted the opening of Eastbound Shepherd from Fowler.

Councilmember Bessinger reported on Cal Cities conference sessions on e-bike legislation and adaptive reuse of malls for housing.

Councilmember Ashbeck recognized Westcare Wings of Hope Advocacy Gala, and noted the passing of community icons Cora Shipley (candlelight vigil held) and Mary Rigsby (105 years old, born and died in Clovis).

Mayor Pro Tem Pierce echoed the loss of Cora Shipley, announced a celebration of life at Clovis Veterans Memorial District, and praised the Letterman Trail ribbon cutting, urging that future amenities include interpretive signage about honorees.

Mayor Mantua reported on the COG meeting (Director Robert Phipps resigned, Paul Herman as interim; expansion of One Voice trip issues beyond transportation). She also attended multiple events: California Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists conference (wants to return), Valley Caregiver fundraiser, Indian Nurses Association, Four Creeks Engineering ribbon cutting, superintendent's breakfast, BAPS temple 25th anniversary, Boys & Girls Club fundraiser, Fresno Metro Black Chamber (focused on young black men mentorship). She noted that the Letterman Trail project was improved with CDBG funds and partnerships with FID.

Meeting Transcript