City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING MARCH 13, 2025, 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 pm ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro, Tem M. Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado. ABSENT: None STAFF: López, Ortiz, Price, Curiel, Bermudez, Verdugo, Andrade, Williams, Davis, Velasco. LEGAL COUNSEL: Moses Diaz. CITY CLERK: Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $450.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on any item on the agenda or on any other items of interest to the public that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council/Successor Agency. State Law prohibits any member of the Council/Agency from commenting or acting on matters not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes are allowed per person. Public Comment was opened at 5:22pm and closed at 5:24 pm by Mayor Preciado. CONSENT CALENDAR: All items listed under the consent calendar are routine or for approval only and are enacted by one motion: (Action). A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for February 27, 2025. B. Consider FY 2025/26 Local Transportation Fund Claim (LTF): Resolution 2025-21. Resolution 2025-21: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING A CLAIM TO BE MADE FOR THE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS FOR THE 2025/26 FISCAL YEAR, FINDING NO UNMET PUBLIC TRANSIT NEEDS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE AND AMEND SUCH CLAIMS. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Consent Calendar seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. None ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: Scott Davis, Public Works Supervisor. Public Works Director Scott Davis presented his report as submitted. The City Manager shared photos of the new playground, and Scott stated that it would be a great addition to the community. Councilman Verdugo inquired about the status of a property on Mariposa Street, asking when it is scheduled for demolition. Scott responded that he had spoken with Lupe regarding the matter and that the abatement process is progressing within the established timeframe. When asked for further clarification, Angie stated that the property owner had been given a deadline, and if they fail to comply, the City will proceed with necessary actions. Mayor Preciado asked whether supervision would be provided at the new park, noting concerns about children not always being respectful. Scott stated that parental supervision would be expected, as the City does not have sufficient staff to monitor the park. He added that in addition to the Police Department, Public Works staff would respond to any issues. He also emphasized the importance of community education regarding disabilities. Mayor Preciado inquired whether Public Works has adequate equipment to address washout areas and whether the CRC had reached out for assistance. Scott confirmed that Public Works has sufficient resources to manage washouts and ensure that areas are backfilled and stabilized. The Mayor also inquired about the utilization of the green waste disposal site, noting that it appeared to be full. Scott confirmed that the program has been working effectively. The City Manager stated that they may explore potential assistance from Mid Valley Disposal. The City Manager announced that Rob, the City's longest-serving employee, will be retiring, and a celebration will be held on Monday, the 17th. He also announced the appointment of Scott Davis as the new Public Works Director, expressing confidence that Public Works would be in capable hands. Scott stated that he is committed to continuing to serve the City. Mayor Preciado noted that Scott has a strong working relationship with Caltrans which will be helpful. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers 2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director. IT Director Bermudez presented his report as submitted and noted that, in the future, the City should consider acquiring a folding machine for utility billing. Councilmember Gamez stated that there are three signs obstructing the LED sign at the entrance to town and suggested that this issue be addressed. Mayor Preciado inquired about who is responsible for the wording on the signs and whether the IT department will be working with the school to input their messages. Councilmember Verdugo asked why the recreation center has been without a phone for the past year. IT Director Bermudez explained that there is a system issue but noted that staff can utilize One Talk Verizon through their cellphones or laptops while in the building. 3. Recreation Department Activity Report: Sheila Verdugo, Community Activities Supervisor. Sheila presented her report as submitted. Councilmember Reynosa inquired about Old Timers Day, to which Sheila responded that there is still time to plan for the event, as it is scheduled for May. Audience member Rosa Sierra asked whether the recreation center is open to the community and what youth activities are currently available for children. She also inquired about Sheila’s responsibilities when she is not assisting with recreation activities. Sheila stated that she takes direction from staff on various tasks as needed. The City Manager recognized Sheila for her recent acknowledgment by the Kings County Board of Supervisors in honor of Women’s History Month and presented her with flowers on behalf of the City. Mayor Preciado asked whether any recreation staff members have city-provided cellphones. Sheila stated that the recreation department opted out of using city-issued phones. B. Special Presentations/Reports: 1) California Health Collaborative – Celeste Ramos, Program Manager, Kings County Tobacco Control Program Celeste presented on new tobacco laws, as well as educational materials on policies and prevention measures. Mayor Preciado inquired whether the new entities authorized to seize tobacco products operate within Kings County. Celeste explained that while the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is not local, it has the authority to take action, along with the local police department. Councilmember Gamez thanked Celeste for attending the Council Meet & Greet. Mayor Preciado asked about distributing educational materials to the community, and Celeste stated that they could schedule an educational session in the spring. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the availability of posters outlining the new laws, and Celeste confirmed that they are in the process of developing them. Mayor Preciado extended an invitation to the upcoming Confía event, noting that many community members would be in attendance and that it would be beneficial to have tobacco education materials available there. PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. None OLD BUSINESS: A. SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Discussion/Action). The City Manager stated that there were no new updates and confirmed that the School Resource Officer (SRO) continues to serve the middle school. He also noted that the school district will be assisting with the Confía event on March 26th. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the City and the school district, mentioning that the high school auditorium has been designated as a home base for volunteers conducting the community survey. NEW BUSINESS: A. None CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS: Any Council member may request an item be placed on a future agenda, provided that a simple majority also support adding said item. Discussion or action on any item not on the current agenda is strictly prohibited. Closing comments are intended for Council members to report attendance of any special events and pertinent information back to the public.  Upcoming/Future Agenda Items to Consider.  Correspondence/Announcements/Information/Closing Comments. The City Clerk reminded the Council that Form 700 submissions are due before April. The City Manager announced that a pop- up vaccination clinic will be held at the recreation center tomorrow, alongside a food distribution event organized by Valley Voices. He also provided an update on upcoming City events, including a town hall on March 18th featuring the City Engineer, as well as a designated station for conducting the Community Survey. He noted that the City is still seeking volunteers and has received positive feedback on the survey. The City Manager also shared that today marked his eight-year anniversary working for the City and reflected on his journey to becoming City Manager. Councilmember Reynosa suggested informing Galley that the Meet & Greet with Confía has been rescheduled to Monday. Mayor Preciado reported that he attended several conferences over the past week, where he participated in discussions on key topics such as transportation and housing. The City Council went into Closed Session at 7:08 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. Personnel (Government Code §54957(b)).  Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of: • City Manager B. Conference with Real Property Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54956.8). It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to confer with its real property negotiator(s) concerning the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for this agency as follows: 1. Property Description: APN: 040-320-009-000; & 040-320-014-000 Negotiator(s): City Manager/City Attorney. Party with whom negotiating: CrisCom Company. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms of Payment. Council came out of Closed Session at 8:29 p.m. Mayor Preciado motioned to begin the performance evaluation process of the City Manager seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Preciado, Hernandez, Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Having no other business, Mayor Preciado adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: 1. In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (559) 386-5766. Avenal Theater & Event Center, 233 East Kings Street Avenal, CA 93204. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.02.35.1044 AA Title II]. 2. Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the [Council/ Authority] after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the [City Clerks] office at 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204 during normal business hours. I certify this Agenda of the City of Avenal City Council workshop is to be posted at the following locations: 1) City Council Chambers, Avenal Theater 233 E. Kings St.; 2) City Hall 919 Skyline Blvd.; 3) Avenal Lumber, 600 Skyline Blvd.; and 4) T&T Market, 801 Skyline Blvd. Avenal CA 93204 on, January 20, 2025. __ /s/ Karla Curiel Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk