[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_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",6119528,"mediaKeyId","2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb","parentId",2711725,"title","Council discusses Measure L oversight committee and a city traffic commission; asks staff to return applications and structure options","audioSeconds",1118,"startMs",9571000,"endMs",10689000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb&start=9571&end=10689","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb/thumbnail_9571000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6119528/Livingston-City/Merced-County/California/Council-discusses-Measure-L-oversight-committee-and-a-city-traffic-commission-asks-staff-to-return-applications-and-structure-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119528-6fbd47fefdc627f3897649fcdcdda079/orig.mp4?Expires=1774965404&Signature=XLPxyitV97qLGpdYcZxvQYVQ~BB5D4-DLL0hswsrvVLOtpkizwl~7EABijpPiL-3DNx733rEsd4j598wm1tNOgjqrP3RfyAGHgPKNRtucVBdzSuPO2Z6whSh5~0nVJTEmRqiz5jOX8SAmWVyP9mz7124HvcnZghAB6LVnuc-sEGmMmEkSWJ1wleYmpk3g0ra8qbr8GDVnxaXVIM0~YjDfwcZZ81pRMa4LR12c0wyqsbopQ6L-0Z-wOvW2aximcVjEZ7tDJO35YURdsExBcCO8XkceXx71CxoS4hU1EFpgyfxugN5rApfCu0u3OBl7pxw0JTxXghbZp3z7TQheuTwfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Livingston, CA","date","2025-03-19T17:14:38Z","article","The Livingston City Council discussed formation of a Measure L oversight committee and re-establishing a traffic commission at its March 18 meeting, providing broad direction to staff and asking for a draft application and membership template to return to the dais.

City staff proposed a standing Measure L oversight committee with seven to nine members drawn from a mix of community stakeholders, such as business representatives, neighborhood residents, and public‑safety stakeholders. Staff noted some cities use names such as “tax transparency commission” instead of “oversight committee” and recommended a cross‑section of stakeholders with alternates to preserve quorum and continuity. Council members favored a 7–9 member panel with two alternates, suggested limiting council member participation to one liaison (rather than voting seats) to avoid a majority of the council sitting on the committee, and asked staff to return with a nomination/application template that disaggregates applicants by category (e.g., business, resident, public safety, nonprofit).

On traffic issues, staff presented a living traffic‑commission document that includes a community petition mechanism, traffic‑calming measures, and a structure to handle citizen requests. Council members said recent vehicle and pedestrian concerns justify creating or reactivating the commission. Staff and the city attorney advised that a standing commission, rather than an ad hoc body, is appropriate for ongoing traffic responsibilities and that appointments should come back to council so appointees have clear authority under the city ordinance. Council asked staff to contact previously engaged community members and bring a proposed committee structure, application and appointment timeline back for council action.

No appointments or binding policy changes were made at the March 18 meeting. Staff will return the proposed Measure L oversight committee template and the traffic commission appointment materials to the council for formalization and eventual recruitment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Livingston City Council Meeting March - 18 - 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council directed staff to prepare a framework for a Measure L citizen oversight committee (7–9 members recommended) and reviewed a traffic commission outline; no formal appointments were made but staff will return with templates and application procedures.","taxTitle","Livingston City, Merced County, California","taxId",72037,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":44,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119532,"Council opens applications to fill vacant elected city clerk seat; appointment deadline set for April 1",741,8830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb&start=8830&end=9571","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb/thumbnail_8830000.jpg","/articles/6119532/Livingston-City/Merced-County/California/Council-opens-applications-to-fill-vacant-elected-city-clerk-seat-appointment-deadline-set-for-April-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119532-4b4431fc6135ba16b654e4e7f6460659/orig.mp4?Expires=1774965404&Signature=mp6NNoJJUaWRAMVVdihPxzLQX1UPDlrU~gHsylAhzbeHx8ft9xJUaPsEbPRnpivmSm1JhE~z7T1-5XTQk6~VG4E7IwXdemQDm4TYksS587PxXs-selrr1MT7sW5DwQqbWOYxvSOeNNpovWrxLmLaq5e8dPPnfgce44yCPH-XkPJAYyici7Vt61mOCoSqMRT4m5rGbHPzNVb99HYR7M83whK3AmKsSr5CwmLTyiQ1KCMz1bKKTap7U0eWym~oyjBvZBRE~mH4~nOHubsrfiLDt~l5zFrpubZUdPbXkRmq0pW9esX7mxnEXZaVq3ulf2GscZmXynhu0UhWnL0Xj-N-7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Livingston City Council directed staff to open applications to fill the vacant elected position of city clerk and to bring candidate materials back for council consideration at the April 1 meeting.

Council staff explained that the elected city clerk resigned on Feb. 4, creating a vacancy. Under California Government Code procedures for elective office vacancies, the council has 60 days to appoint a replacement or call a special election. Staff recommended opening an applications window and returning to the council with candidates before the 60‑day deadline.

Council agreed to open the application period beginning March 19 and continue accepting applications through April 1, 2025. The council approved language making any appointment conditional on verification that the selected candidate meets the municipal code requirements to hold the elected office, such as residency and registered‑voter status. City staff said the council could appoint a qualified resident to fill the remainder of the term; an appointment would run until the next regular election (2026). The council voted 5–0 to open the application process and agendize the appointment for April 1.

The council asked staff to publicize the opening widely and to return candidate materials for council review. Staff also advised that if no qualified applicants come forward, the council remains authorized to make an appointment but must verify statutory and municipal eligibility before finalizing any appointment.","After the elected city clerk resigned, the council directed staff to open applications for the vacancy and agreed to consider appointment at the council's April 1 meeting; council said any conditional appointment must meet municipal residency and voter-registration requirements.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119538,"Council grants 12-month extension for 480-unit ‘Villages at Main’ project after heated water-capacity debate",3803,4989000,8792000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb&start=4989&end=8792","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb/thumbnail_4989000.jpg","/articles/6119538/Livingston-City/Merced-County/California/Council-grants-12-month-extension-for-480-unit-Villages-at-Main-project-after-heated-water-capacity-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119538-945761164539db3edfb0551be50d835b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774965404&Signature=IwHHzowRs493WVJUOze2ssYKkq7aGP~9L6YRIUNVn79ZEBUMD8MsE4ceDDsEC-gwZ7O1efNd9dw8IPn6-Op5AU1Udge2VdRjFfpSzlKMTSIwmsDHuPfPq5OgH5owt8jUBqtaVJLAa6n-U9SXFQ7BPjg-oneBUHbi0vp8X3SmDJkLWvBoEee-Q0OvWctMuAQH-et7RfdyhE8w8gYSiu3oBuo0RMTtbzQjoUykIqviYv9XwjXPIqd2SKf8bg1uXfrONtWYHNZ04SMLkaey5vQFJbGRwiMI9-5RfYohlDfN2cbc9DwQBvsX4GaPLlTRyEhEnQ-5VuZ3r43TR4EbclTVWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Livingston City Council narrowly approved a 12-month time extension for Conditional Use Permit 2019-03 and Site Plan Design Review 2019-04 for the Villages at Main, a proposed 480-unit apartment community, voting 4–1 on March 18 after more than an hour of public comment and council discussion focused on water capacity.

The project site covers about 17.3 acres east of Main Street and south of Peach Avenue. City planner Miguel Galvez summarized the application history: the project received council approvals in October 2021; a 12-month extension was granted in September 2023; the applicant had requested additional time but had not submitted evidence documenting substantial progress by October. The Planning Commission recommended a 16-month extension by a 4–0 vote; staff initially recommended a 12-month extension and later revised that recommendation amid concerns about summer water shortfalls.

At the council meeting, the attorney advised the council that Government Code Section 65914.4 applies to entitlement extensions for housing projects that were approved before January 1, 2024. The city attorney recommended granting the extension; he said the statute supports an extension for qualifying housing projects that predate the 2024 cutoff.

Members of the public and some council members urged caution. Resident Lane Yaghi told the council: “I can't I don't understand why we continue to give these applicants extensions. They're using up all our water capacity... We've extended it since 02/2021. Now, when is it going to ever end?” Other residents raised concerns about city water quality and infrastructure and urged the council to prioritize projects that can proceed immediately.

Representatives for the project said contractors were in place, that work to underground an irrigation lateral (the Arena Canal) had been contracted to a Ceres contractor, and that materials and scheduling were constraints tied to irrigation season timing. The applicant’s representative said a contractor for the canal work was engaged and that undergrounding was planned during the irrigation off-season; the applicant said they hoped to break ground on undergrounding in October when irrigation ends and estimated phase timing in 2026 for occupancy if construction proceeds.

Council members debated competing priorities: the city seeks housing to meet regional housing needs but has limited water supply and aging infrastructure. One council member moved to deny the extension; that motion failed for lack of a second. Council member O'Paul moved to grant a 12-month extension, and Mayor Pro Tem Samra seconded; the roll call vote was 4–1 in favor (Council member Wallace voted no). The council’s motion sets the extension to run from the council’s approval date; staff noted that a building or grading permit taken during the extension period would keep the entitlement active.

City staff and legal advisers told the council the project’s water demand has been accounted for on the city’s capacity table in phased allocations, and the city continues to pursue additional water infrastructure projects. The council also heard requests from developers and residents for clearer prioritization of water capacity and faster infrastructure improvements.

The council’s action preserves the project’s entitlement for one year; if the applicant takes substantial action (for example, files for and receives a building or grading permit) during the extension, the entitlement remains active. The vote closes the item for now but leaves water-capacity and infrastructure planning as continuing council priorities.","After lengthy debate about the city’s limited water capacity, the Livingston City Council approved a 12-month extension (4–1) for the conditional use permit and site plan approval for the 480-unit Villages at Main apartment project; opponents urged denial, and staff and the city attorney cited state law supporting an extension.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119543,"Council approves general plan amendment and rezoning for Moonglow development to allow truck stop and highway commercial uses",977,3977000,4954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb&start=3977&end=4954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb/thumbnail_3977000.jpg","/articles/6119543/Livingston-City/Merced-County/California/Council-approves-general-plan-amendment-and-rezoning-for-Moonglow-development-to-allow-truck-stop-and-highway-commercial-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119543-9bce9be82627a93450b0f059a40b7ead/orig.mp4?Expires=1774965404&Signature=EI0RG0Fu9Xuy2ZaHM7HEJW7PPuh5QKFc32~mqdR8PD3J0F1lxFdImvXMncQgXdtOJfpj-nHEUZ~D0l8Pzf3wCqwT-x~NsFOsfx5w8584TQkPvlwsGkhZ59j81bO1jQ7hhBHCqG0g59gVS-BucpPKDk0zIvyT~bs-LN7Sd5XAke8ACP~CCqopK1-UePBzWM2Oua4QuBbS1DkGNErYhlK02cR8hMlu9c-o0ZUa7j8DZn~~Lbm3spQBGpi8MZofueKrm7x-1rZ2jW~SPM0uhRoCHiVJlM65kd5Aihqf~JugbLzbyAbGiHlXElKzD5UpuEv-Jk~wOlP-frR1pu1mJ4uyAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Livingston City Council voted 5-0 on March 18 to approve General Plan Amendment 2023-01 and introduce an ordinance to rezone a site on the south side of Campbell Boulevard at Hammitt Avenue from public/quasi-public facilities to Highway Commercial (C-3) to accommodate phase 2 of the Moonglow development project.

Miguel Galvez, the city’s contract planner, told the council the site had been designated for stormwater and public uses in the General Plan, which prevented commercial development. The developer’s request updates the General Plan land-use diagram and the official zoning map so the previously approved site plan, use permit and design review can move forward for retail and service uses, including a convenience store, two quick-service restaurants with drive-throughs and a truck stop with truck wash, RV dump and tire service.

Galvez said the property currently serves as a stormwater basin and that the project’s plans relocate that basin to the southeast portion of the site as part of phase 1. The project previously underwent environmental review: an initial study/mitigated negative declaration was prepared and adopted by the council in 2022, and staff said no new significant impacts were identified that would require further environmental analysis for the rezoning.

Galvez summarized traffic mitigation requirements from the earlier review, including intersection improvements at Hammitt and Campbell and a developer fair-share contribution for the traffic signal. City engineering staff confirmed the planned signal at that intersection would be synchronized with the signal at Walnut but said the city project schedule for the signal is separate from the developer’s construction schedule.

Applicant representative Goldie told the council the developer has submitted building permits and a grading permit application and was awaiting a grading permit and “will serve” letters; she said phase 1 work could start quickly if those permits are issued. “Phase 1, we already paid the building fees and she's waiting for you guys to give me a better, will serve letter. So once, Noe Martinez gives me a grading permit, I can pay that in the morning... I can start next month,” Goldie said. She estimated completion of the full Phase 1 build-out “summer next year.”

Council discussion focused on project timing, the relocation of the stormwater basin, traffic and coordination with the city’s planned signal work. No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing; the Planning Commission had recommended approval by a 4-0 vote. After the vote the council directed staff and the applicant to continue coordination on permit issuance and the identified mitigation measures.

The council’s action amended the General Plan land-use designation to Highway Commercial and introduced the ordinance rezoning the subject parcels to C-3; the ordinance requires a subsequent second reading for adoption.","The council approved a General Plan amendment and ordinance rezoning to Highway Commercial (C-3) for the Moonglow development site on Campbell Boulevard, clearing the way for phase 2 commercial uses including a convenience store, drive-through restaurants and a truck stop; the developer said phase 1 could begin as soon as permits are issued.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119548,"Livingston reports settlement and administers oath to new city manager Jose Antonio Ramirez",437,1178000,1615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb&start=1178&end=1615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2711725-5984d6ca59a74096b8e03cd3005fbfbb/thumbnail_1178000.jpg","/articles/6119548/Livingston-City/Merced-County/California/Livingston-reports-settlement-and-administers-oath-to-new-city-manager-Jose-Antonio-Ramirez","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119548-c44c6b547517fe4d24004207913797fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1774965404&Signature=LahMObVgcdbEq9FGP-ZHnaw8WIChwqwVcpjBQaKxT2xuAAjkp5ir0HGYFrYnDdScnn73~2De49UTlDZ0jPavrXnr69J4hhh59Zc2n83vVkSil~meQK429RSCuHJ-umtSPl-vHZNm3u6eR-EAS3W-3yx8KVYqAu0m721HtDLQdFS1onr0R9bdj~dvxJOIebIVw2y~jd9oPPrTOLeOwIJ8MhIZLbYc3o27sUJP3D~qAhh0ancVXWlEFpLB0parruZHzAS6Dq~gxij~cca0IyXRSttKOs1s8sdUsvuFScdOAIV5cXrYv6YuqSbFupdVnBaElZxmjmv4Wb~GOhbdkPzUbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Livingston City Council announced a closed-session settlement in Madera County Superior Court case number 22CV00826 and administered the oath of office to Jose Antonio Ramirez as city manager during the council’s March 18 meeting.

Council staff reported that the settlement was approved by a majority vote of the council, 4 to 1. According to the public report, the agreement includes a $350,000 payment to plaintiffs for attorneys’ fees and related costs, a three-year employment contract for Jose Antonio Ramirez with a base salary of $190,000, and a nine-month severance provision. The settlement also calls for dismissal of the pending litigation in case number 22CV00826. A copy of the settlement agreement and employment agreement was made available upon request at the city clerk’s office, the council was told.

The council then proceeded to the public portion of the meeting, and the deputy city clerk administered the oath of office to Jose Antonio Ramirez. After taking the oath, Ramirez thanked the community and named family members, local leaders and colleagues in brief remarks: “My job fills me with great enthusiasm and joy. I'm deeply grateful and humbled by the opportunity,” he said.

The settlement terms were reported out as part of the closed-session summary; the council did not read the full contract on the record. City staff said copies of the settlement and employment agreements are available through the city clerk’s office. Council members did not identify individual yes/no voters when the closed-session vote was reported.

The council did not take additional public action tied to the closed-session report during the March 18 meeting. Ramirez’s oath and introductory remarks followed the closed-session announcement and were part of the evening’s public record.","City officials reported a closed-session settlement in a lawsuit against the city and administered the oath of office to Jose Antonio Ramirez, who also received a three-year employment contract as part of the settlement terms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses Measure L oversight committee and a city traffic commission; asks staff to return applications and structure options

Council opens applications to fill vacant elected city clerk seat; appointment deadline set for April 1

Council grants 12-month extension for 480-unit ‘Villages at Main’ project after heated water-capacity debate

Council approves general plan amendment and rezoning for Moonglow development to allow truck stop and highway commercial uses

Livingston reports settlement and administers oath to new city manager Jose Antonio Ramirez