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Chowchilla council adopts fee changes, several zoning measures and a weed‑abatement resolution; allocates funds for fireworks
Summary
The Chowchilla City Council on June 23 adopted amendments to the Master Fee Schedule, overruled protests for the annual weed‑abatement program, approved multiple zoning ordinances and authorized a contingency allocation for a July 5 fireworks event; Council Member John Chavez was absent for votes.
The Chowchilla City Council on June 23, 2026, adopted a package of routine and policy items that included amending the Master Fee Schedule, approving zoning and code amendments, adopting the annual weed‑abatement resolution and authorizing contingency funding for a community fireworks event.
At a public hearing on the Master Fee Schedule, which drew no public testimony, Mayor Kelly Smith closed the hearing and the Council adopted Resolution No. 38‑26 as amended. The Council removed a proposed increase to water turn‑on fees and retained the $25 charge for turn‑on services. Council Member Waseem Ahmed made the motion to adopt the consent items that contained the fee changes; Mayor Pro Tem Ray Barragan seconded and the motion passed by roll call with Council Member John Chavez absent.
The meeting’s consent calendar included several zoning map and ordinance actions. The Council completed second‑reading procedures and adopted multiple zoning amendments and a change to Chapter 15.12 of the Chowchilla Municipal Code related to fire prevention. Staff described the items as conforming to previously published staff reports and hearings; no public opposition was recorded at the meeting.
On the annual weed‑abatement program, the Council opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers and then adopted Resolution No. 39‑26 to overrule protests of affected property owners and authorize the City Administrator to execute required documents. Fire Chief Fred Gaumnitz had earlier emphasized the need for year‑round vegetation management because of increased fire risk. A member of the public, Judy Wallace, had asked earlier about an administrative citation; Gaumnitz said staff would review that individual matter under the agenda item.
The Council also waived the first reading and introduced an ordinance amending Municipal Code Section 18.60.030 on Accessory Dwelling Units to comply with state ADU law and address findings from the California Department of Housing and Community Development; that motion was moved by Council Member Ahmed and seconded by Council Member Jeff Troost.
In new business the Council adopted a resolution declaring its intention to levy and collect the annual assessment for Landscape Maintenance and Lighting District No. 90‑1 (Resolution No. 40‑26). The body also approved Resolution No. 41‑26, authorizing an allocation from the Council contingency fund to support the Lions Club's 'Chowchilla Freedom Celebration' fireworks event scheduled for July 5. Both motions passed with Council Member Chavez absent.
Procedural notes: several items were passed by roll call votes with no recorded public opposition; the meeting’s formal actions were routine and primarily administrative. The Council adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
