City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING April 10, 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 Prior to start of the meeting we had a study session regarding a discussion on open hours for the Senior Program at Veteran’s Memorial Hall which began at 4:25 P.M. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 5:33 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, 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 on or acting on matters not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes are allowed per person. Kelly Guzman, representing the Special Needs Support Squad, shared that the past year has been incredibly positive for their organization, noting that they have been warmly received by the community. She highlighted several events hosted over the past year, including Friendsgiving, Halloween festivities, and their annual Christmas program. Mayor Preciado inquired whether the group had received the invitation for the upcoming Sensory Avenal Kids Pocket Park event, to which Ms. Guzman confirmed they had. Veronica Aguirre expressed her appreciation to City Manager Antony López for taking the time to meet and discuss recent updates from the Department of Toxic Substances Enforcement (DTSE) and the Board of Environmental Services regarding regulations that may impact municipal landfills. She also shared a video link and additional information outlining the proposed changes. Ruben Rodriguez, co-founder of HEAL, echoed Ms. Aguirre’s concerns and emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding the potential for new types of debris being delivered to the Avenal Regional Landfill. City Clerk Maria Ortiz asked Mr. Rodriguez for the organization’s official address, to which he responded “Central Valley.” Ms. Aguirre then clarified that HEAL is registered at 420 N A Avenue, Avenal, CA. Volunteer Recognition – Avenal Speaks Survey City Manager Antony López recognized local high school students and community volunteers for their participation in the Avenal Speaks door-to-door city-wide survey conducted throughout the month of March. In appreciation of their service, volunteers were presented with Certificates of Recognition and gift bags. Mayor Preciado shared a some words at the end, expressing the importance of listening to the opinions of our residents. Public comment closed at 5:59pm 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 March 27, 2025. B. Consider Final Acceptance of Work for the Community Garden Restroom Project. C. Consider Cash and Financial Statements, Check Register (February 2025). D. Consider Entering into a Comprehensive M.O.U. with Avenal Rotary Club for Use of City Facilities and Resources. Council Member Verdugo tabled Item D, suggesting all Rotary Club Members read over the MOU. Item D was moved to New Business by Mayor Preciado. RESOLUTION 2025-27: THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING THE FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY GARDEN AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARK RESTROOMS PROJECT COMPLETED BY A-Z HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Item A, B, and C seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. Proclamation - Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month 2025 City Manager Antony López presented a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month in the City of Avenal. Lucy Gonzalez, founder of the Special Needs Support Squad, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and shared the continued success and positive impact of the organization within the community. Councilmember Verdugo shared that he heard news from the Department of Health about a possible finding of the cause for Autism coming soon. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa motioned to accept the Proclamation by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Proclamation – Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025 Representatives from Líderes Campesinas provided an overview of their organization’s efforts to raise awareness and educate the community on critical issues impacting farmworker women and families. They also expressed their appreciation to the City of Avenal for recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and supporting their advocacy work. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verudgo motioned to accept the Proclamation by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: Scott Davis, Public Works Director. Public Works Director Scott Davis presented his report as submitted. Councilmember Reynosa noted that during the recent Mexican Consulate event, some attendees raised concerns about the condition of the restrooms near Floyd Rice Park. Mr. Davis responded that the flooring is in poor condition and in need of maintenance. The Public Works Department is currently evaluating more durable materials for replacement. Councilmember Verdugo thanked Mr. Davis for addressing the recent tree cleanup efforts. Mayor Preciado inquired about public use of the restrooms located behind the Community Garden and Skate Park. Mr. Davis clarified that the restrooms are not yet open to the public, as they are awaiting the arrival of toilet paper dispensers. In response to a follow-up question regarding operational hours, Mr. Davis stated the restrooms will only be accessible during regular business hours once open. City Manager Antony López asked about the sandbags currently at the Avenal Hospital parking area. Mr. Davis explained that the sandbags would be relocated the following day to be used for securing bounce houses during the Avenal Kids Pocket Park Grand Opening. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers Javier Andrade presented his report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about potential grant funding for installing timer locks to automate the opening and closing of park gates. Mr. Andrade responded that the City is currently awaiting notification from the State regarding the availability of park bond funding, which could be used to support such projects. Mayor Preciado asked on two major grant applications the City did not receive and inquired about the next steps. Mr. Andrade stated that the City plans to take a more competitive approach in future applications to improve its chances of success. Mayor Preciado also asked if there are any grant opportunities available for the Arroyo Project. Mr. Andrade confirmed he will research available options and follow up. 2. IT Department Activity Report: Noah Naranjo, IT Manager/Communications Coordinator. IT Manager Humberto Lopez presented his report as submitted. Mayor Preciado thanked Humberto for his work. 3. Recreation Department Activity Report: Sheila Verdugo, Community Activities Supervisor. Sheila Verdugo presented her report as submitted. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez shared that she had been approached by two teachers regarding a pending request to use the theatre for a field trip, noting that the request had not been addressed. Ms. Verdugo responded that she was initially unaware of the issue but later attempted to contact the teachers. She acknowledged that there was an error in the email address entered, which may have prevented communication. She also mentioned that rentals are typically managed by Anna, who may have experienced personal matters that affected follow-up. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez recommended establishing a more efficient process for managing rental requests. Mayor Preciado extended his best wishes to Ms. Verdugo in light of her upcoming retirement. B. Presentations/Reports: 1) None. PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. Second Reading: General Plan Amendment 2024-01 and Rezone 2024-01 (GPA and RZ) Application and related Environment Finding for two adjoining parcels totaling ±3.05 acres of property located north of Highway 33 and S Seventh Avenue intersection. a. Staff Report City Manager Antony López noted this public hearing was a continuance from the previous Council meeting and opened the floor for any questions from the Council or public. Legal Counsel Moses Diaz added that the resolution had been revised for clarity, with improvements made to the wording. b. Public Hearing Public hearing is declared continued at 7:06pm by Mayor Preciado and was closed at 7:07pm. c. Action/Resolution RESOLUTION 2025-28: APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.2025-01 AND ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-01, UPDATING ZONING FOR APNS: 040-320-009 AND 040-320-014 Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve resolution 2025-28 Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. OLD BUSINESS: A. SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Discussion/Action). City Manager Antony López reported that he is still awaiting a response regarding the potential for a joint meeting between the City Council and the School Board. He also noted that there will be an appointment process to fill a current vacancy on the School Board. Additionally, he acknowledged Superintendent Ruiz for his support in helping disseminate information and providing space for Old Timers Day activities. NEW BUSINESS: A. Consider Entering into a Comprehensive M.O.U. with Avenal Rotary Club for Use of City Facilities and Resources. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez recommended tabling the item to allow all Rotary Club members additional time to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). City Manager Antony López agreed that there is no immediate urgency to approve the MOU, though he noted that Rotary leadership is aware of the City’s ongoing efforts to establish a more formal agreement for collaboration on events. Legal Counsel Moses Diaz added that an alternative option would be to approve the MOU and authorize the City Manager to sign and make minor revisions as needed. Councilmember Gamez motioned Table this item and was seconded by Councilmember Verdugo and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: 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. City Manager Antony López invited the community to attend the upcoming Easter Event on April 12th and the Grand Opening of the new park on April 16th. He also provided an update on the Avenal Speaks community survey, noting that initial responses indicate residents would like to be more involved in city matters. Staff anticipates having the survey results ready for presentation in the coming Council meetings. Mayor Preciado suggested announcing the Ambulance Substation Opening in Huron on April 17th, as well as the upcoming event with the Special Needs Support Squad. He also recommended hosting a Town Hall to share the community survey results with the public. Additionally, he extended his thanks to the City Engineer for his continued efforts in preparing and submitting grant applications. In his report, Mayor Preciado shared his participation in several regional meetings, including the San Joaquin Valley Council to discuss homelessness and transportation issues, and the Nisei League of Farmers, where transportation liability and the importance of record-keeping were discussed. He also spoke about a school trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where he had the opportunity to connect with students and emphasized the need for more volunteers to ensure student safety and support teacher engagement. Police Chief Velasco reported that the Victim’s Crime Awareness Event was well-received, according to feedback from attending officers. Councilmember Verdugo shared his attendance at a Board of Supervisors event and reported that the Board signed a letter in opposition to Assembly Bill 470, encouraging the community to stay informed on the matter. He also invited the public to a youth football fundraiser fish fry taking place this Friday. Councilmember Hernandez congratulated Sheila Verdugo on her retirement and requested that staff revisit the issue of Veterans Hall usage after hours. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez also congratulated Sheila Verdugo, expressing her appreciation for Sheila’s dedication and contributions to the City. Mayor Preciado echoed the congratulations, thanking Sheila for her vision, creativity, and commitment to getting things done. He ended by stating that residents should not be worried about toxic waste coming into our local landfill as it is not meant for that as it is a level 3. A recess was called at 7:41PM. The meeting reconvened at 7:55PM and went into closed session. 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. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed-session concerning: Conference with legal counsel – Deciding whether or not basis exists for closed- session for anticipated litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(3)). Number of potential cases is: __1__. Council came out of Closed Session at 9:49 PM with nothing to report and meeting was adjourned. 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, March 24, 2025. __ /s/ Karla Curiel Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk