City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. – A. CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING JUNE 9, 2022; 5:15 P.M. AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA VIA ZOOM VIDEO/WEB CONFERENCING: Web Link: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil or use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 Or by calling +1 669 900 6833 and use meeting ID 872 4344 0488 to join. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 5:21 p.m. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Louis Gravelle, Pablo Hernandez, Luis Gravelle, and joined meeting via zoom Ricardo Verdugo, Mayor Pro Tem Alejandro Ramirez. ABSENT: None. STAFF: Lopez, Ortiz, Bermudez, Davis, Lara-Nieto, Price. LEGAL COUNCEL: Moses Diaz. CITY CLERK: Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $300.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency. The City Council went into Closed Session at 5:29 p.m. CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency): It is the intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on items of interest regarding Closed Session. A. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). Conference with legal counsel – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)). Significant exposure to litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2)). Number of potential cases is: 1 B. PERSONNEL (Government Code § 54957(b)). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed session to: 1. Hear Complaints or Charges Against a Public Employee. 2. Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of:  City Manager Mayor Preciado re-opened City Council meeting at 6:34 p.m. with nothing to report out of Closed Session. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPERANCES ITEMS: George Anderson, Site Manager Landfill reported the following: 1) Fresno Trees received 55-trees called apollo pine trees. Also, blessed with volunteers that helped plant trees and California Department of Forestry provided fertilizer. He personally thanked members of HEAL organization for volunteering and all others. Jack Amoroso former Chief of Police reported that he had privilege of addressing the council over 100 times. He has many concerns regarding the integrity of the Police Department, recruitment for captains which he feels was not qualified, public safety, excessive overtime, hiring practices, training new Police Officers and Police Officers leaving to other agencies. He gave an example of the tragedy that occurred in Texas within 48 hours it was determined that one bad decision cost probably 9 more lives, because someone made a bad decision the Chief of Police made a bad decision. The Council has a responsibility to put people in charge that will make good decisions. The City Council has no business telling the Police Department how to be run all promotion should be internal on Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 2 of 8 merit. In concluding two things start writing checks because you will get sued and have Sheriff Robinson number on speed dial. Also, 2010 this city took a big step they had the courage to start their own Police Department during a difficult financial time that Council and City Manager have spent about $25 million on this Police Department and now that's going to go away because of bad decisions. He suggests that the City Council think hard and get somebody that knows about law enforcement and directs the City Council on how to get this Police Department rebuilt. Mr. Amoroso built it in 2010 with Russell Stivers, Kevin Carr, DJ Vargas, Alise Ortega committed dedicated officers that cared and left. Now it up to the City Council to figure out if public safety is the number one priority. Veronica Aguirre reported the following: 1) she would of like to address Mr. Amoroso but has left; 2) Also, what is concerning regarding the Police Department that things need to put in place. So, she is confused why somebody would retire and not have the proper channels taken care of which obviously leaves our community with issues; 2) understanding some of the people that may have left are probably some that caused fear within our community running around two years ago prior to COVID going to all the schools there be saying that if we close the landfill then there would be no JSO officer. So, if that's the type of public safety. then we should reconsider some of the comments that are being said and we all look too public safety that’s a given but who jumped ship; 3) the City Council makes decisions for this community. We don't need people outside of this community putting our leaders in a corner and making them feel any otherwise because that weakens the community; 4) We are not about that new realm everybody gets in here we are about trying to build our community to what we need. If people can't be a part of it, then best of luck; 5) we need public safety yes, but do not need people to disrespect us; and 6) Also, one more thing she when people that have behind the scenes start putting things on Facebook trying to steal our community putting innuendos sometimes encrypted messages about a certain date things are going to be changed unless it's positive if there's nothing positive then leave it off your page leave it don't put it on the community page. We need to empower the community not scare them. Mayor Preciado stated that they cannot comment by law to public comment. He assured the community that they were working on those false accusations and the City Attorney will help respond to these issues. The City Council takes their positions very seriously and our public safety is our number one priority. Mr. Lopez mentioned to quickly clarify their personal matters that happen and unfortunately, they are not able to be discussed and public safety is our priority. CONSENT CALENDAR: All items listed under the consent calendar are routine and enacted by one motion: (Action). A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for May 26, 2022. A. Consider Approval for Out of State Travel Requests to California Rural Water Association Expo, and Tri-State Seminar. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo made a motion to approve Consent Calendar as presented, seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Ramirez, Gravelle, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. Consider Dates for FY 2022-2023 Budget Hearings: Mr. Lopez reported that he will be quick. So, as council is aware and has been brought up a few times that the fiscal year is upon us, and we will need to adopt a new budget for the next fiscal year by the end of this month. The fiscal year runs from June 1st to July 31st Staffs was to have the budget or have a budget to present to council by the June 23rd council meeting, but we are running a little behind given that some admin staff has been sick this week. He mentioned the council earlier we had five staff members who were out today so I'm not COVID at least not yet but there seems to be a bug going around so it's disrupted our workload a little bit but so far discussing with the finance department the plan is next week working with each department to discuss their budget hearing as follows: Jun current expenses are as up to date as possible. He would propose the following dates:  Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - 4:30 p.m. – Avenal City Hall, 919 Skyline Blvd.  Thursday, June 23,2022 – 4:30 p.m. - Avenal Theater & Event Center (Study Session)  Wednesday, June 29,2022 – 4:30 p.m. – Avenal City Hall, 919 Skyline Blvd. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 3 of 8  Thursday, June 30, 2022- 4:30 p.m. – Avenal City Hall, 919 Skyline Blvd. Hopefully, budget can be adopted by the 29th but we will keep the 30th noticed just in case compared. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: Rob Williams, Public Works Director/Scott Davis Public Works Supervisor. Scott Davis, Public Works Supervisor, reported on the following: 1) Code Enforcement; 2) Park & Landscaping; 3) Streets; 4) Water Distribution; 5) Wastewater Collection; and 6) Vehicle, Equipment. A. Special Presentations/Reports: 1. None. PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. Public Hearing for: 2022 Community Development Block Grant Application; Approval of The Economic Development Business Assistance and Microenterprise Guidelines; and Closeout of 20-CDBG-CV1-0055 Grant.  Staff Report  Public Hearing  Adopt Resolution Mr. Lopez summarizing Hearing for approval and submitting the Grant. Also, to approve the Grant Guidelines and there are two resolutions that are being considered. Also, closing out CV1 provided funds for utility assistance that doesn't mean the programs is gone there are still funds in the program to continue under CV2 and CV3. He handed it over to Self Help Enterprises to add anything. Susan Long, Program Director Partner Service Self-Help Enterprises reported that CDBG Program regulations require that the City conduct a public hearing on all CDBG- related matters to provide for and encourage citizen participation, particularly by low- and moderate-income persons who reside in areas in which CDBG funds are used. Therefore, when the public hearing is opened, the public will be invited to comment on the City’s proposed resubmittal of a 2022 CDBG Grant application, CDBG Program Income, and to make their comments known on the proposed activities. A public notice was published in the May 20,2022, issue of the Hanford Sentinel notifying the public of this public hearing. HCD released a NOFA announcing the availability of CDBG Program funds in April 2022. The City is preparing to apply and submit an application for Economic Development and Planning & Technical Assistance. Eligible activities available in the 2022 NOFA must benefit low- and moderate-income Californians and include: Housing Assistance Programs (Single-Family Homeownership Assistance, and Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation); Public Service programs, Planning Studies, Economic Development Business Assistance and Microenterprise activities. The City may apply for a maximum of $1,500,000 for a maximum of three activities. Closeout of 20-CDBG-CV1-00055 The City was awarded $87,639 in CDBG-CV1 funds in May 2021 in response to the pandemic to aid City of Avenal residents affect by Covid-19 in the form of subsistence payments for utility payments. Permission to incur cost and begin accepting applications was received on December 10, 2020. The program provided income eligible households with up to $1,000 in assistance to cover past due and/or currently due utility expenses for up to 3 consecutive months as grants with no repayment obligation. Applications Received 169 Households Assisted 79 Applications Denied 90 Households Assisted had Incomes as follows: Very-low income Low income Moderate income Total Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 4 of 8 Household Demographics: White 2 Asian 1 Multi-Race 1 Hispanic 72 Unknown 3 Total 79 Female Head of Household 37 Senior Citizens 10 Disabled 0 Budget Total Expenses Disencumbered Funds Total Admin: $14,899 $14,899 $0 Total Implementation: $72,740 $72,740 $0 The grant expired on May 4, 2022, upon approval the City will submit the final closeout documents to HCD, completing all obligations under the grant. There will be no disencumbering of funds since all funds under this grant were expended. Economic Development Business Assistance and Microenterprise Program Guidelines to establish a Business Assistance and Microenterprise Loan/Grant Program for local small businesses within the City of Avenal. As a part of this program the City must establish program guidelines outlining the program, eligibility requirements, eligible uses, maximum assistance, and terms of the funding, as well as the approval process, and repayment requirements. The City proposes to apply for CDBG funds for Economic Development and Planning and Technical Assistance. Economic Development funds will be utilized to provide local businesses with low-interest, no-interest, or forgivable loans and infrastructure in support of businesses. Planning and Technical assistance funding will be utilized to develop the Environmental Justice Element of the City’s General Plan and to complete predevelopment work associated with a future Sewer/Water/Storm Drainage project. Economic Development –Business Assistance & Microenterprises $ 750,000 Planning & Technical Assistance – Environmental Justice Element for the City’s General Plan $ 125,000 Planning & Technical Assistance – Predevelopment work for the City’s Sewer/Water/Strom Drain$ 125,000 $1,000,000 When the Public Hearing is opened, citizens are encouraged to ask questions and/or comment on the proposed activities/applications, closeout of the 20-CDBG-CV1-00055 grant, Business Assistance/Microenterprises Guidelines, or any aspect of the CDBG Program. Citizens are also invited to submit written comments to the City or to review information on the City’s CDBG Program at Avenal Theater, 233 E. Kings Street, Avenal, CA 93204. Write or contact Maria “Angie” Ortiz, City Clerk, at the same address. Open the public hearing to accept comments on the City’s proposed submittal of an application to apply for the 2022 State Community Development Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), and to so solicit citizen input. Approve Resolution 2022-35 approving the submittal of the applications. Approve the 20-CDBG-CV1-00055 grant closed out report and authorize its submittal to the CA Department of Housing and Community Development, Community Development Block Grant Program. Approve Resolution 2022-36approving the Program guidelines. The cost for preparation of the CDBG applications by Self-Help Enterprises is $4,500.00. Mayor Preciado opens Public Hearing at 8:39p.m. Maria Morales asked if they’re going to make water park and if the High School pool will be open Mr. Lopez stated yes, it is in the plans, but applied through a different grant and the pool will be opened. Mayor Preciado Closes Public Hearing at 8:41p.m. After a brief, discussion the following action was taken. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 5 of 8 RESOLUTION NO. 2022-35: A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING AND THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO FROM THE 2022 FUNDING YEAR OF THE STATE CDBG PROGRAM. Councilman Verdugo made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-36: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE CDBG BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND MICROENTERPRISE GUIDELINES. Councilman Verdugo made motion to approve, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Gravelle, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. OLD BUSINESS: A. Consider Extending Local Emergency Declared on March 24, 2020: Mr. Lopez reported that the On March 24, 2020, the Avenal City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020-14 declaring a Local Emergency due to the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency: COVID 19 pandemic. The declaration is required to be reviewed to consider the following action: 1) reaffirm that a local emergency continues to exist; or, 2) make a finding that a local emergency no longer exists. On October 28, 2021, the Avenal City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-48 to satisfy AB 361 to continue Teleconferenced Meetings. AB 361 provides that, if the state of emergency remains active for more than 30 days, a local agency must make the following findings by majority vote every 30 days to continue using the bill’s exemption to the Brown Act teleconferencing rules:  The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the emergency; and  Either of the following circumstances exist: The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of members to meet safely in person, or State or local officials continue to impose or recommend social distancing measures. Staff is recommending the City Council consider the following action by motion: Approve and support the ongoing local emergency Resolution, and specifically, move to renew the emergency Resolution by sixty (60) days, unless a Councilmember or member of the public request that the Council convene to consider the ongoing emergency Resolution, at which time a special meeting would be scheduled. Additionally, that the Council find that a state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of members to meet safely in person, and that State and local officials continue to impose or recommend social distancing measures. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve as recommended, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Gravelle, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. A. Consider Extending Local Emergency Declared on May 27, 2021: Mr. Lopez reported that on May 27, 2021, the Avenal City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-23 declaring a Local Emergency due to the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency: Severe Water Shortage. The declaration is required to be reviewed to consider the following action: 1) reaffirm that a local emergency continues to exist; or, 2) make a finding that a local emergency no longer exists. Staff is recommending the City Council consider the following action by motion: Approve and support the ongoing local emergency Resolution, and specifically, move to renew the emergency Resolution by sixty (60) days, unless a Councilmember or member of the public request that the Council convene to consider the ongoing emergency Resolution, at which time a special meeting would be scheduled. After a brief discussion the following action was taken. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve as recommended, seconded by Councilman Hernandez, and carried. Roll Call Vote: Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 6 of 8 AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Gravelle, Ramirez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. Presentation to Identify New Revenue Sources: City Manager/City Attorney. Mr. Lopez reported that as a continuation on staff and legal counsel’s presentation in August of 2021, staff is returning with topic of discussing the idea of supporting ordinances to place a ballot measure to the voters regarding a dedicated general tax on sales revenue for the City, and another for taxing the sale of cannabis. While the City continues to manage with the funding that it has, general fund revenue growth has not kept pace with the increasing costs of providing services to a growing population and inflated prices. The City’s main sources of revenue are property taxes, sales taxes, DMV fees, and any building and services fees. The City has the lowest per capita revenue in the County, has a little less than half the national average of police officers per capita for a City our size (18 full time positions to 34 national average), is amongst the lowest paying City employer in the County for most positions (and as such has difficulties retaining employees), and has infrastructure concerns for its buildings, park, roads, sidewalks and public facilities. There are new services that community members expect, that the City does not and cannot provide. The City is fiscally challenged. There is still a window of opportunity for the City to consider supporting a resolution and ordinance to place a local sales tax measure and/or cannabis sales tax measure on the November 2022 ballot. He continues that some general rules are that the ballot measures for sales tax must be conducted when a council seat is up for election. There can be exemptions of placing it on the ballot at a different time for a fiscal emergency with a 4/5 or unanimous decision. Council’s role is to support taking the decision to the voters, not necessarily approving the tax itself, but the process of having it on the ballot in November and agreeing to spend resources to prepare the ballot and reimburse the County for the having it on the ballot. Voter Threshold: All Local Government Taxes Fall in One of Three Categories. New local government taxes generally can be placed into one of three categories: (1) property taxes to finance debt, (2) general taxes, and (3) special taxes. Each of these categories has different rules regarding voter approval. Simple Majority Approval Is Required for General Taxes. A general tax requires approval by a simple majority of voters. (A simple majority is 50 percent of voters plus one additional voter.) A general tax is a tax (1) levied by a general-purpose government—city or county— and (2) expended, at the discretion of the local government’s governing body, on any programs or services. All non–property taxes which cities and counties are authorized to levy may be imposed as general taxes. Two–Thirds of Voters Are Required to Approve Special Taxes. Special taxes require approval from two–thirds of local voters. A special tax is a tax that meets one of the following conditions:  Special–Purpose District Tax. All taxes—other than property taxes for infrastructure bonds—levied by special districts, school districts, and community college districts are special taxes.  Tax Dedicated to a Specific Purpose. A city or county tax dedicated to a specific purpose or specific purposes—including a tax for a specific purpose deposited to the agency’s general fund—is a special tax. All non–property taxes that cities and counties are authorized to levy may be raised as special taxes.  Tax Levied on Property. All taxes levied on property other than the property tax— typically parcel taxes—are special taxes. Staff would recommend focusing on a general tax that could be used for a multitude of City services and would be more likely to be passed by the voters. Currently sales tax in the City is at 7.25%. While the state takes a large chunk of any sales tax, there is a small room for the City to include a tax. Any tax must be increments of 1/8 of a penny. When speaking of the tax, it would not be in percentages but in pennies to make it easier to understand. At this time Staff has not determined what would be a reasonable amount to request until given direction. Currently sales tax revenue from the previous three fiscal years has hovered between $309,000 to $352,000, from 2019 to Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 7 of 8 present. Staff is working with County finance officials to better understand what the total percentage the City receives and what any increase could potentially yield. In practice, the Council can place controls on the taxes, such as suspending it if not needed. Council can agree in the resolution, that any tax will be phased in, for example over a year or two years. Ease the burden, and also allow the tax to be suspended all together if enough revenues are coming in and not needed. That can ease taxpayer anxiety, that the tax is not forever, and can be shut on and off as needed. Likewise, whatever amount of tax is determined, would be the threshold of either utilizing the full extent, or even half or less as determined by the Council. He further continues that Cannabis Sales Tax discussions have gravitated towards a tax on dispensaries and not the community. Examples of how other cities have adopted is a tax the vendors will have to pay, and in turn they can pass the tax down to the customers – like how the liquor stores function. Staff understand that the topic of cannabis is controversial. The City at this time does not allow the sale of cannabis/dispensaries, or cultivation which are items that that would need to be addressed separately. Most arguments in favor of a cannabis tax and sale of cannabis are that it is already in the community and regulating it would bring revenues as opposed to expense to patrol its use. There are impacts and costs to dealing with cannabis dealing, the City could generate revenues to help fund emergency response, and services to the entire community. For residents that oppose it, they would not be charged, it would be a charge to the dispensaries and any customers. As stated, depending on the direction of Council, if a tax were put on the ballot and approved by the voters, Staff will still need to work out the zoning, fees, and other land use policies that need to be created. The City’s legal counsel has more experience on this topic and can elaborate more on how other Central Valley cities have adopted similar ordinances on cannabis. Timeline: If the majority of Council is in favor of either a general sales tax, cannabis tax, or both, staff needs direction to work on the details of the financial information and arguments. Legal counsel would play a large part in drafting the ordinances and resolutions. While some cities hire consultants to work on the financial information, most cities in the Central Valley have been able to do the work in-house, and City Staff feels comfortable taking the challenge. The deadline to approve a tax ordinance will be by the July 14, 2022, regular City Council meeting, with noticing by July 8. Afterwards, Staff will need to publish a synopsis of the ballot measure and ordinance, with all documentation submitted to the Kings County Elections Office by August 9, 2022. August 11, 2022, will be the legal deadline for the Council to approve Order of Election, followed by request for alphabetical letter measure designation, and arguments. The election date is November 11, 2022. Moses Diaz, City Attorney stated that the biggest thing right now is the timeline it is tough time frame. The process for approving local tax is goes through voters is it a bit complex. The first big step is for the Council to agree on an ordinance to limit the tax and that's just basically requires a 2/3 approval of the council to approve the ordinance. The ordinance even though it's approved by Council does not make it effective only by the voters. So, really what you're doing is you're giving them the option to put in their heads do you want these taxes in effect or not. Once the city goes through that process you get voter opinion on November 8th. He thinks it is a tight time frame. The City Council must have the ordinances approved and resolutions approved to request the Election from the County and provide services and that resolution is called in order of election. Then there's other documents that argument documents which the Council would approve or delegate to either the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign. Staff always want to make sure that we have these documents prepared ahead of time. If the Council was interested in putting this issue to the voters and let them decide. Staff probably want to have the documents ready by the next council meeting or the latest everything submitted to the county by early August. Also, have a little bit of a window to give it to accommodate any issues with accounting may want to address. So, that's basically in terms of the sales tax he did a little research and looks like Kings County the base rate right now everyone in the county has the state minimum sales tax except for City Corcoran they a one penny tax that was approved back in 2017. Also, recommends broad commercial cannabis activity whether it's cultivation dispensary that way we do not have to come back later. Also, keeping in mind that land use and zoning would have to authorize type of use activity. After a lengthy discussion, Councilman Verdugo likes sale taxes and not cannabis tax, Councilman Hernandez moves forward with both sales tax and broad cannabis, Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez pursue both general sales tax and broad cannabis tax and Mayor Preciado pursue both general taxes and broad cannabis with cultivation as recommend by Moses Diaz, City Attorney. Staff has it direction. Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – June 9, 2022 Page 8 of 8 CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS: Antony Lopez, City Manager reported the following: 1) Joint meeting with the School District moved to August 25 th; 2) the empty lot by Subway creating a pop park. Rotary received a grant and purchasing synthetic grass, picnic tables, shade canopies and if possible electrical outlet for lights. The idea is to have a courtyard park that could be open for the public. Hoping to do a grand opening and invite everyone. Also, towards the back doing a wall with laddus and fake ivy to take pictures working with side property owner to see if they will paint their wall. It will be open from dawn to dust and if they find a power source installing camera; 3) Dollar General has been doing crack sealing at City Hall behind the parking lot. So, parking lots been unavailable today and tomorrow; 4) Community Activities summer staff has started we have three new part timers that we hope to introduce at the next meeting. Also, have a new Police Officer and hope to introduce them at the next meeting; 5) he shared Flyers that the Kings County Commission on Aging is hosting a picnic next Wednesday transportation is available. So, trying to help push that out they'll be leaving from Avenal at 8:30 and be back by 3:30. He is inviting any community members or especially our senior citizens that would like to go; 6) vaccination tomorrow at the rec center through Valley Voices. Mayor Preciado reported the following: 1) Toyota is looking at a pilot program on the westside, which will be Coalinga, Huron, Avenal. They want Avenal to be part of the program. They are looking giving away 27 hydro cell cars hoping the community can qualify for those cars. He was contacted yesterday and today for press release. They are looking at placing hydro cell charging station; and 2) attended many meetings. Mr. Lopez, forgot to mention gave copies to City Counsel. The City of Avenal was awarded that grant for the internship program $5000 from the California City Managers Foundation. The City Council went into Closed Session. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor reopened meeting at 11:30 with nothing to report. There being no further business the City Council meeting was adjourned at 11:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Maria Ortiz, City Clerk