[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6319642,"mediaKeyId","2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248","parentId",2360557,"title","Council approves committee slate, merges finance and investment review and adjusts school-liaison schedule","audioSeconds",1788,"startMs",7954000,"endMs",9742000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248&start=7954&end=9742","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248/thumbnail_7954000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6319642/Tracy/San-Joaquin-County/California/Council-approves-committee-slate-merges-finance-and-investment-review-and-adjusts-school-liaison-schedule","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319642-d2f1a1c5267072bad299bca7e52af9c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175252&Signature=Oz7Qb4bNfC8oX3dOX56sHUClVCYk823YCqqO8CUq05LvpZc9yoGZJfPc2-glEC2Y90qAp5aKuED0rM9Kx2sWytQsJcnOZpK7etoA6JZP2gkaoU-DZjarrCypVeyvLOIrZrz4nJ-NgYK0qNzNvYk1uoFx4pjQ~ZEjIEgh31D3ij~VFc3jDGyPF6Evg9IkXwwGKDzqwXtdOu8HYNVfQkK9cqUWJQ~MomGMs5AUZuoGd4zOOJICvsSwqB4IhXE72trKZZKZIjTqxjsko2fSvOoDyh7CXViJu9-7UN0PioqpYjoza9BWsEN0E0EPLJBFhawA9eeQHECaWdSsKqk56KHmyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","cityoftracy","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Tracy City Council on Jan. 7 approved its slate of council representatives to city committees and outside agencies and made two procedural changes: (1) the council directed staff to combine the Finance Committee and the Investment Review Committee for regular meetings (with provisions for more frequent finance-focused meetings during budget cycles), and (2) the City Schools Liaison Committee was changed from monthly to quarterly meetings.

Appointments and adjustments: Mayor Amir Areola presented a proposed slate and amended it to add incoming Councilmember Mateo Badoya to several roles (alternate for AVA Community Energy Authority and the Valley Link representative alternate; member of the Tracy Homelessness Advisory Committee). The council discussed continuity for certain public-safety roles and voted to appoint the membership list as amended. The full motion to adopt the slate, as amended, passed by unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: Committee and board assignments determine which council members represent the city at regional meetings and where councilmembers will concentrate subject-matter oversight. The combined Finance/Investment approach is intended to reduce meeting frequency while preserving statutory reporting (the treasurer’s report must remain publicly available and reported to council). Staff said the ordinance/bylaw changes needed to formalize the merger can be prepared and the treasurer will continue to provide required reports.

Specific adjustments noted in discussion:
- Finance/Investment: Councilmembers discussed reducing meeting frequency to ease staff workload; staff indicated the legal requirement is to publish and report the treasurer’s reports and that reporting to two council members satisfies that requirement. The council asked staff to return with ordinance/bylaw language to formalize the change and proposed a quarterly cadence outside of budget season.
- City Schools Liaison: The council kept the liaison group but changed it to quarterly meetings and appointed Councilmembers Dan Evans and Steve Abercrombie with Mayor Areola as alternate (and added procedural language to formalize who runs meetings).
- South San Joaquin County Fire Authority: The council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Abercrombie and Councilmember Dottie Nygaard (after discussion about continuity and subject-matter expertise).

What the council directed next: Staff will prepare the necessary ordinance/bylaw amendments to formalize the consolidated Finance/Investment meeting structure and return with proposed language. The City Clerk will publicize the appointments and meeting schedules.

No budget or policy changes were approved that night; the council’s actions set membership and meeting cadence pending any required ordinance updates or further council direction.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 7, 2025 - Tracy City Council Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","The Tracy City Council reviewed and approved its 2025 slate of council representatives to committees and regional boards, agreed to combine the Finance and Investment Review committees for most of the year and changed the City Schools liaison committee to a quarterly schedule.","taxTitle","Tracy, San Joaquin County, California","taxId",3940,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319648,"Tracy council unanimously adds 1.08-hour holiday to employee accruals for Carter day of mourning",25,1774000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248&start=1774&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248/thumbnail_1774000.jpg","/articles/6319648/Tracy/San-Joaquin-County/California/Tracy-council-unanimously-adds-108-hour-holiday-to-employee-accruals-for-Carter-day-of-mourning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319648-5fa411d141a8e20e257207fc69fac8b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175252&Signature=GbvWKF49KsuUT7VuSXZinWO-cZcbnS7ol9WOf8JfAA6GAXzxBh5hDJYLAp2VQFEaE9ObEobJo2yosCEYrdu2qZQ9ndoPTAiMS~3zKXN~Hu0r7NLxlJodNJeac33tzBcTD8Z~J5N1Hs0gfYLD8Dtxc32lt7gxTf532PKMBOkMnSlJZsz~nS-cNaEMbmQ9NYnJeaqWfWuXkR1l6QO1MJTIf5OROAjOSXaKN8urE1NL6swYXAbVx-OE1yzaZJzWNHz1HkpcDplDBJ4gQLloBb1Q8QE~Eo9I-4ek2ze3APqcGMXNaWq2AD9J8BJEhl9AGVMzHogzz7mq4f9Xn0NAlVt5bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a closed-session conference with labor negotiators on Jan. 7, the Tracy City Council reported a public action: the council unanimously authorized adding the equivalent of a 1.08-hour holiday to each city employee’s accrued leave bank in observance of a day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.

Interim City Attorney Andrew Shen read the reportable action out to the public, stating the council “has unanimously authorized a contribution of an equivalent of 1.08-hour holiday to each employee's accrued bank to be used on a future date deemed operationally feasible.” Shen added that “All City operations will otherwise remain open and operational this coming January 9.”

Why it matters: The contribution is an administrative personnel action affecting pay- and-time-off records for city employees. Council described the measure as a limited, one-time addition to leave accruals tied to a day of mourning; the council indicated normal city services would remain operational.

Votes and procedure: The closed-session authorization was reported as unanimous; no separate public motion or roll-call vote was recorded in open session for that item beyond the reportable action. The council then returned to open session and proceeded with the evening agenda.

What the council did not do: The council did not close city operations for the day nor adopt a paid holiday calendar change beyond adding the stated accrual. Staff will implement the accrual addition and record it in employee payroll/timekeeping.","After a closed-session labor conference, the council authorized a paid-time contribution — the equivalent of a 1.08-hour holiday — to each employee's accrual bank in observance of a day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319652,"Residents press council for bigger animal-shelter capacity, low-cost veterinary care and stronger enforcement",185,3587000,3772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248&start=3587&end=3772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248/thumbnail_3587000.jpg","/articles/6319652/Tracy/San-Joaquin-County/California/Residents-press-council-for-bigger-animal-shelter-capacity-low-cost-veterinary-care-and-stronger-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319652-1cfdc58fbe00c03c1298fb9461ec20ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175252&Signature=A72DeseBdCpsCH6F2GazsOsLIGfylJSFPhcHxrBOI9fqWHRgvAEbkAx~gwh4W7jzecF~3YEG5M3QYZXRsHkEX3D6SZUTvC9mELXcYoXL82sHhPBSSzYQuzTSR0sm57cIx94dyNFt1RKGX7SPAU9yRHxMhps5frsQjC-wt8shiXrDxFpg9pCZfWQ0-utNF10ztwBvjv~gIY4HSiRdaiKWVJSrGgILvPqVCuEF9Chr5Sw39rT2DrCm1GTlbNj6Y2vOPdaK2F~T5Dxpcsk3rOilXeSyqDTFYzxQEKVqN9Rz2ez59YZafbg0NoSbhrhZ~nzNXtPfAvGRAk0goOUDGkS2lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents at the Jan. 7 Tracy City Council special meeting urged the city to address a perceived gap in animal services: limited shelter capacity, insufficient low-cost spay/neuter availability and weak enforcement against roaming or breeding that leaves animals at risk.

Speakers included rescue volunteers who described nightly work trapping, sterilizing and rehoming animals, frequent recoveries of the same dogs and cats, and an increase in pet ownership since 2020. Christina Darling of Tracy Dog Girls Rescue said her group reunited roughly 75% of about 250 dogs it handled in its first year and argued the city needs more kennel space and staff. “We need a kennel. We need kennel spaces and staff to support that to support our growing city,” Darling said.

Several speakers, including Kelly Moran of Saving Ferals and Danielle (identified in comments), pressed for expanded low-cost spay/neuter services closer to Tracy. Moran said the nearby clinic in Stockton currently offers only two appointments per month for feral-cat surgeries, a capacity she called inadequate for demand. Residents reported that advice from shelter staff to “stop feeding” colonies sometimes led to worse animal welfare outcomes.

Concerns about public-safety risks and animal welfare were also raised. Resident Ramsey Abushi described the loss of his dog to fireworks and urged more dog-friendly public facilities and emergency veterinary options. Bernell Scholl and others said rescuers are stretched thin and requested that staff identify potential funding or program options to help volunteers and rescues.

Staff follow-up: The mayor asked staff to meet with speakers who requested follow-up. Several residents provided or were asked to provide contact information so staff and animal-control personnel can coordinate next steps.

What was not decided: Council did not vote on any new spending, code changes, or shelter expansions during the meeting. Multiple speakers asked the council to explore options including a second shelter, expanded shelter capacity, a low-cost veterinary clinic or mobile spay/neuter programming and stronger enforcement for repeat loose-animal offenders.

Why it matters: Multiple speakers said the number of roaming animals has risen with recent population growth and that current shelter capacity and low-cost veterinary options do not meet demand. Volunteers said the status quo results in repeated returns of the same animals to the streets and increased risks to public safety and animal welfare.

Next steps suggested: Staff was asked to meet with rescues and report back on options; several speakers urged the council to evaluate funding allocations (grants, county programs, or regional partners) that could expand sterilization and shelter capacity.","Multiple residents and rescue volunteers urged the city to expand shelter capacity, increase affordable spay/neuter access and improve enforcement against roaming and breeding, saying rescues are overwhelmed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319657,"Tracy council keeps vacancy rule, unanimously appoints third-place finisher Mateo Badoya",6071,3819000,9890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248&start=3819&end=9890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360557-34dedb4133e5ada76482c078e3a0f248/thumbnail_3819000.jpg","/articles/6319657/Tracy/San-Joaquin-County/California/Tracy-council-keeps-vacancy-rule-unanimously-appoints-third-place-finisher-Mateo-Badoya","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319657-8225f5da70d9c4fce555d03ddaa7744d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175252&Signature=MM6AThWKmdr6nFuQV5Kj8cjpUxheNJM8D4QTs-hxJQZbxKsFoLulKNQsjLq3PzEADovq96uii7X63lRSh~I3Ay6851Dkz7Zk0eOgpLncAR3Q3Hj631rLdJmqUaG8n8v5g37pT8yZ1TTIsKbNR6dHD~ZTOKzA8jB87ZEiSilH8cX9q8JJKXFDGVoMpDQAZ9Bn1KlRg-tcFi4mvprJqLYJkuBybZpRv-k5Ja9vrrb4f2ekENVuIuBPWIzXTL9SNvN3f9Fb7wZmE82HC9HCJqzkpPI3w~46uesJV~9QiyaJ77adqwhVqN0mrlQPj3H82A~gYhl0jLnCtQor0Yl012AeiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tracy City Council on Jan. 7 voted to keep its current policy on filling council vacancies and then unanimously appointed Mateo Badoya to the remaining term ending December 2026.

The council first voted 3-1 to maintain the existing policy (Option 1), which directs the council to appoint the next-highest vote recipient from the most recent general municipal election. Councilmember Dan Evans moved the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Abercrombie seconded. The roll call on that motion was Evans: yes; Abercrombie: yes; Councilmember Dottie Nygaard: no; Mayor Amir Areola: yes. After adopting the policy, the council voted 4-0 to implement it and appoint Badoya.

Why it matters: The decision resolved a dispute that drew large public turnout, dozens of written comments and hours of testimony. Residents and organizations urged both sides: many speakers said the earlier, unanimous Oct. 15 policy change required appointing the third-highest vote getter; others urged the council to adopt a different process that would exclude incumbents or open vacancies to an application and interview process.

Staff summary and legal background: Interim City Attorney Andrew Shen reviewed state law and city practice in opening remarks, citing Government Code section 36512 as the state default that allows a council to either appoint someone to a vacancy or call a special election, but leaves the appointment process to the local policy of the city. Acting City Manager Arturo Sanchez told the council the city’s current policy — adopted by the prior council on Oct. 15, 2024 — calls for the next-highest vote recipient to fill vacancies and allows appointment by simple majority by resolution.

Public comment: Dozens of residents spoke during two public-comment periods. Supporters of Badoya said the Oct. 15 policy was in place before the election and therefore voters cast their ballots knowing that a vacancy would go to the next-highest vote getter. “The policy was in place when the election took place. We know what we were voting for,” attorney and longtime resident Steve Nicolau told the council. Other speakers urged a different approach, arguing that returning an incumbent who failed to win election undermines the voters who chose new council members.

Council discussion and outcome: Councilmembers debated several staff-drafted options — keeping the current policy, excluding unsuccessful incumbents, sequentially considering subsequent vote-getters, or opening the seat to applications and interviews. After the initial policy vote, Councilmember Evans moved the implementing motion to appoint Mateo Badoya; the council approved that motion unanimously by roll call (Evans, Abercrombie, Nygaard, Areola all voted yes). Badoya was then sworn in at the meeting.

Process note: Council and staff flagged that if an appointment had failed to obtain a majority, state law allows for a special election; councilmembers said they preferred to avoid that expense if possible. Interim City Attorney Shen said the city does not face a substantial risk of successful litigation from amending policy, but councilmembers repeatedly emphasized the need for transparency and for policies that garner public trust.

What the council directed next: With the vote, the council implemented the Oct. 15 policy for this vacancy and completed the appointment. Several council members and members of the public said they want the council to review the vacancy policy prospectively and consider whether changes are needed for future vacancies.","After weeks of public comment and debate, the Tracy City Council voted to keep its existing vacancy policy and then by separate motion appointed Mateo Badoya to a council seat through December 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves committee slate, merges finance and investment review and adjusts school-liaison schedule

Tracy council unanimously adds 1.08-hour holiday to employee accruals for Carter day of mourning

Residents press council for bigger animal-shelter capacity, low-cost veterinary care and stronger enforcement

Tracy council keeps vacancy rule, unanimously appoints third-place finisher Mateo Badoya