Mendota planning commission recommends termination of Odyssey development agreement after worker-rights complaints

The Mendota Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council terminate a Development Agreement with Odyssey Agricultural Development, LLC; Odyssey Agricultural Holdings, LLC; and Valley Agricultural Holdings, LLC after a public hearing that included worker-rights complaints and a city report on outstanding public-benefit fees.

Assistant City Attorney Hunter Castro summarized the staff report and said the commission had received correspondence from Alex Freedman on behalf of Odyssey outlining a payment plan intended to satisfy the outstanding fees. Commissioners discussed whether public-benefit fees paid by Odyssey could be redirected to assist workers if the Agreement were terminated and reviewed possible consequences of termination.

Public commenters alleged workplace abuses. Amalia Bernardo told the commission that “Odyssey and Boca Del Rio Farms have violated workers’ rights.” Fritz Conle referenced ongoing lawsuits against Odyssey, and Rogaceano Vega Galvez said workers were “not provided bathrooms, drinking water or water to wash their hands.” Commissioners clarified that lawsuits referenced by commenters were filed against Odyssey entities, not the City of Mendota.

After public comment, Commissioner Moses Macias moved to recommend termination of the Development Agreement; Alternate Commissioner Jessica Sanchez seconded. Chairperson Albert Escobedo offered a competing motion to renegotiate the Agreement, but that motion failed for lack of a second. On the roll-call vote on the termination recommendation, Chairperson Albert Escobedo abstained; Commissioners Alicia Escobedo, Alex Garcia and Moses Macias voted yes; Alternate Commissioner Jessica Sanchez voted yes; Commissioner Veronica Gill was absent. The motion passed with four ayes and one abstention.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration. The commission did not adopt any immediate changes to the Agreement at the meeting; the Council will review the recommendation and any legal or financial implications, including whether outstanding public-benefit fees would still be owed if the Agreement is terminated.