Three members of the Ceres City Council decided on Monday that the city will not consider a moratorium on new gas stations or car washes.

A majority consensus of Mayor Javier Lopez, Vice Mayor Daniel Martinez and Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra were in opposition to the desires of Councilmembers James Casey and Cerina Otero to send the issue of a moratorium back to the Planning Commission. Otero felt a formal referral should have first been considered and formally acted on by the Ceres Planning Commission.

Economic Development Manager Julian Aguirre said that the council was being consulted before significant staff time was required to produce a staff report. The commission was prepared to deliberate over a moratorium but wanted to get a pulse of the council’s stance.

In June Aguirre noted that Ceres has approximately eight car washes which he said is “about average” for a city of 49,000 like Ceres. He also counted 17 gas stations with additional projects in the works, including the proposed Maverik fueling station project for Mitchell Road. The project has been delayed by legal protests from a competing gas station owner.

Ceres resident Galen Guzman spoke and said he is supportive of a moratorium and recalled Aguirre telling the commission last month that Ceres has four potential gas station projects in the planning process.

“We already have an excessive amount of gas stations – we do not need four more,” Guzman told the council.

Resident John Warren noted that having the council discuss it before the commission could is like putting the “cart before the horse.” He went on to suggest the city didn’t even need a Planning Commission.

Shirley Rogers suggested a temporary moratorium on gas stations, but “leave it open for them to add the electric chargers that the gas stations that are here might need, because there’s going to be more electric cars.”

Councilwoman Cerina Otero desired the commission to formally study the issue and also wanted the city to reach out to other cities which enacted moratoriums on fueling stations.

“I’m just concerned why we would discuss this today if Planning Commission hasn’t made the official recommendation,” said Otero.

Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra expressed concern that a moratorium would deny the portion of her district west of the freeway from getting more than a single car wash.

“I only have one car wash; there’s always a line there,” Vierra said. “We’re looking at additional homes, apartments and other stuff in my district that’s already in the process or in development in a discussion.”

Vierra also expressed concerns that “putting these limitations in while these developments are in the process” will limit what can develop, especially at Crows Landing Road and Whitmore Avenue.

Vierra said the city relies on gas tax revenues from gas stations.

Mayor Javier Lopez read a prepared statement of opposition to a moratorium, saying” “Ceres cannot claim to be open for business while you’re telling a lawful business, ‘We’re open, but just not for you.’ If a project complies with our general plan, zoning code, safety standards, and required findings, it deserves a fair opportunity to compete.

“These projects create jobs, construction activity, property tax, growth, site and improvements, ongoing revenue for the city of Ceres. The Quick Quack project alone represents more than 15 potential jobs, along with construction investments and additional property tax revenue.

”The Maverick is another example where projecting annual sales could be up to $600,000. Every revenue can help relieve pressure on our city budget. This would not create an economic diversity. It would limit competition and give existing businesses a government created advantage. I am pro-business and I will not participate in creating a protected market or a monopoly that benefits one business or a select group. My direction is not to take any further action.”

At the June Planning Commission meeting, member Bob Gobble called the saturation of car washes and gas stations in Ceres “a little ridiculous” and said the city is “going in the wrong direction.”

Commissioner Dorie Perez questioned whether a moratorium is within the commission’s purview and argued that perhaps ”if you want to build a new gas station in the city of Ceres, maybe 30 percent of your pumps need to be for EV charging or something like that … without really limiting development into itself.

Commissioner Francisco Mireles also feels Ceres is oversaturated with gas stations and car washes.

Commission Chairman Gary Condit has pushed for a temporary moratorium through a zoning code amendment, conditional use permit requirement or a general plan amendment.

“I think it’s time that we listen to the community on this topic,” said Condit in June, who also suggested then city post a survey on its website.