City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING May 22, 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 5:28 PM. ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor, Alvaro Preciado. ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Gamez STAFF: López, Price, Curiel, Bermudez, Davis, Drake, Rij, 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. Introduce New Employee: Officer Christopher Drake Chief Velasco introduced new officer Christopher Drake. Veronica Aguirre, member of HEAL, expressed concern over city staff salary adjustments. She stated we should focus on other public safety issues and on bringing new business. Public comment was closed at 5:37pm by Mayor Preciado. Public comment was re-opened at 6:22pm by Mayor Preciado. Kyria Martinez (Kings County): Expressed concern regarding the City’s potential transition toward a volunteer fire department model. Dolly Justine Silveira: Stated that her concern is not about the contract itself but rather about public safety. She also noted that the City's cost calculations may have been inaccurate. Teresa M. Piere (Avenal Resident): Raised several questions regarding the challenges of recruiting volunteers, the impact on homeowners insurance, and other related issues. Ted Waelk (Avenal Resident): Shared that becoming a firefighter is a rigorous process and expressed concern that a volunteer-based model may present significant challenges. Hanne Tilloxson (Avenal Resident): Stated that residents were informed of the proposed changes with very short notice. Ed Rhyman (Kings County Fire Representative): Commented that a volunteer fire department may not be an efficient solution for the City. Ron Moran (Avenal Resident): Thanked Kings County Fire for their prompt emergency responses and voiced deep concerns about the proposed transition to a volunteer department. Vicky Tippins (Avenal Resident): Stated that there are ongoing issues with code enforcement and advocated for Kings County Fire to remain in service. Veronica Bustamante and Rae Gholson: Both expressed strong support for the current fire department, stating it has performed well and there is no need for change. Elias Cabrera (Avenal Resident): Stated that there does not appear to be a justifiable reason to switch to a volunteer fire department model. David Price (School Nurse): Emphasized that the City should not take risks with public health and safety. Pricella B. Lopez (Avenal Resident): Expressed concern about the proposed fire department transition. Kevin Garcia (Kings County Firefighter): Described the emotional toll of losing a fellow firefighter this year. He explained the differences between instant and mutual aid and inquired whether City employees volunteering for fire service would receive equitable retirement and worker’s compensation benefits. Francisco Lopez (Avenal Resident): Shared that he has signed up to volunteer and is hopeful about the future of the program. Emily Piere (Avenal Resident): Strongly opposed the idea of a volunteer fire department, citing concerns for the safety of her young children. Doug Verboon (Kings County Representative): Commented that establishing a new fire department is a complex and difficult undertaking. Kimber Regan (Hanford Resident): Stated that transitioning to a volunteer fire department could negatively impact homeowners insurance. Richard Valle (Kings County Supervisor): Expressed concern about being notified at the last minute regarding the City's intent to pursue a volunteer fire department. Veronica Aguirre (HEAL Representative): Criticized the City for failing to provide proper translation services during the council meeting. She also referenced her organization’s successful advocacy against hazardous waste near local landfills. Paul Cobine (Avenal Resident): Stated that the community was notified of the proposed changes at the last minute. Kings County Fire Representative: Inquired about who would handle dispatch services under a volunteer fire department model. Maria Pizano (Avenal Resident): Voiced concern about initiating a volunteer fire department in the City. Carolyn Simms (Avenal Resident): Asserted that Kings County Fire Department is essential and should remain in Avenal. Public comment was closed at 7:30pm 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 May 8, 2025. B. Consider Approval of Staffing Adjustments, Reclassifications, Updated Job Descriptions, Updated Salary Schedule for FY 2024–25 (Resolution 2025-30). C. Consider Cash and Financial Statements, Check Register (March-April 2025). Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned to table item 4B to the next meeting and move up and re- label item 9A as item 5C and was seconded by Councilmember/Successor Agency Member Reynosa and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Preciado, Reynosa, Verdugo, Hernandez. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gamez. ABSTAIN: None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. Westlands Water District, AHS Scholarship Check Presentation. Jason Mendez from Westlands Water District recognized Avenal High School Student, Melissa Hurtado, with a scholarship. B. Special Recognitions: Girls RSMS Softball Team; RSMS Cross Country – 13–14 Boys Team; RSMS Track & Field – 13–14 Boys Team; Liga de Fútbol Amateus City Manager Antony López presented special recognition to RSMS athletic teams and community soccer league for their recent victories. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to approve Consent Calendar as amended and approve Item 4A and 4C Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez seconded, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gamez. ABSTAIN: None. C. Authorize the City Manager to Initiate Steps Toward the Formation of a City-Operated Volunteer Fire Department (Resolution 2025-31). City Manager Antony López gave a brief overview of the volunteer fire department through a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Preciado announced that a townhall would be held the coming Tuesday for this matter. Councilmember Verdugo motioned to remove the item from the agenda pending further discussion with the community and input from Kings County, was seconded by Councilmember Reynosa and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gamez. ABSTAIN: None. A recess was called at 7:37pm. Meeting reconvened at 8:02pm. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1. Police Department Activity Report: Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police. Chief Velasco presented report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the duration of officer training prior to independent duty. Chief Velasco responded that training lasts a minimum of 10 weeks and must also meet POST requirements. Councilmember Reynosa asked about the eligible age range for the Police Explorers Program, to which Chief Velasco replied that participants may be up to 21 years old. Mayor Preciado requested information on the cost of the police academy. Chief Velasco explained that costs vary depending on financial aid eligibility, with some cadets paying up to $7,000. 2. Community Development Activity Report: Joshua McDonnell, Contract City Planner, 4Creeks. Joshua McDonnell, Director of Planning for 4Creeks, presented as submitted. Mayor Preciado asked Joshua to include current projects and any new ordinances for future staff reports. 3. Economic Development & Grant Writing Report: Emily Engelsgaard, Grants Manager, the CrisCom Company. Emily Engelsgaard presented the report as submitted. Mayor Preciado inquired about efforts to bring a water park or recreational facility to Avenal. Ms. Engelsgaard responded that such a project is on their radar. Councilmember Verdugo asked what steps are needed to pursue grants for historical buildings. Ms. Engelsgaard recommended making necessary updates to the building and seeking funding opportunities prior to applying for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. B. Presentations/Reports: 1. None. PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. None OLD BUSINESS: A. SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Discussion/Action). City Manager Antony López expressed optimism regarding continued positive relations with the school district and noted that progress is being made on youth-focused projects. He also reported that the district has pledged its support to the Volunteer Fire Department. NEW BUSINESS: A. Authorize the City Manager to Initiate Steps Toward the Formation of a City-Operated Volunteer Fire Department (Resolution 2025-31). This item was moved to 5C. B. Consider Approval of Agreement with City of Lemoore for Animal Shelter Services (Resolution 2025-30). City Manager Antony López presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired whether there is a limit to the number of animals accepted from the City of Lemoore into the animal shelter. The City Manager confirmed that such information is outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Councilmember Verdugo expressed concern about potentially overburdening the existing shelter facilities. RESOLUTION 2025-30: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF LEMOORE FOR ANIMAL SHELTER SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa motioned to approve Resolution 2025-30 and Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo seconded and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Reynosa, Verdugo, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gamez. ABSTAIN: None. C. Consider Concrete Work, Drain Line and Awning Cover for Animal Control Expansion. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to approve this Item and Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez seconded and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Gamez. 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 stated that the Council will take all public comments and concerns into consideration. Councilmember Reynosa thanked the public for their participation and invited them to the upcoming Town Hall meeting scheduled for next Tuesday evening at the Veterans Hall. Councilmember Verdugo congratulated Councilmember Reynosa on his championship win in his soccer league and also thanked the public for their input on the Volunteer Fire Department item, affirming the Council’s commitment to doing the right thing. Mayor Preciado reported that he has been attending meetings and collaborating with other city officials and expressed hope for continued partnership with the school district. He also announced an upcoming meeting with the Department of Homeland Security to discuss immigration matters and shared that he had been invited to a breakfast with a councilmember from Puerto Vallarta, who maintains strong relations with the City of Fresno. Council meeting went into closed session at 8:56pm. 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 11:35 pm with nothing to report and meeting was adjourned by Mayor Preciado. 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