City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING July 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 CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 5:27 PM. ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Mayor Pro Tem Gamez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado. ABSENT: Councilman Hernandez. STAFF: López, Price, Curiel, Ortiz, 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: This time is reserved for members of the audience to address the City Council on items of interest that are not on the Agenda and are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council/Successor Agency. State Law prohibits any member of the Council from commenting or acting on matters not on the agenda. The Council asks that you keep your comments concise and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and providing your place of residence. Public comment was opened at 5:30 P.M. Dalilah Barajas, Avenal resident, noted that the initial recall effort did not proceed and proceeded to re-serve recall forms to members of the City Council by handing the forms to the City Clerk. Rita Wallis, Avenal resident, inquired about several matters, including whether the City is receiving additional funding from the landfill, the current status of the Sports Complex rehabilitation, and if the City collects any revenue from the EZ Trip gas station. Ted Woelk, Avenal resident, expressed concern regarding the delayed start times of recent City Council meetings and the absence of the fire services contract on the meeting agenda. Vicky Tippins, Avenal resident, reported the use of fireworks both before and after the July 4th holiday and requested assistance from Avenal Animal Control to address the issue of stray dogs in the community. Steve Hembree, Avenal resident, echoed concerns regarding the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks in the City. Kelly Guzman, Avenal resident, shared that she is disheartened by the division within the community following the recall petition. Daniel Verduzco, Avenal resident, addressed the audience and asked for suggestions on how to effectively address the firework issue. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal resident, requested that the City formally recognize the recent passing of Harlan Casida. Veronica Aguirre, Avenal resident, speaking via Zoom, noted that neighboring cities are also experiencing issues with fireworks and recommended the creation of a task force. She also emphasized the importance of transparency regarding the City’s revenue sources. Public comment closed 5:54 P.M. 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 June 26, 2025 Regular Meeting. Council Member/Successor Agency Gamez motioned to approve Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Hernandez. 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 Director. Scott Davis, Public Works Director, presented the report as submitted. Mayor Preciado inquired about the direction in which watermelons are being moved near Plymouth and the Avenal Cutoff. Mr. Davis responded that he was not certain. Mayor Preciado also asked about recent sewer plug incidents and whether experiencing six in the summer is typical. Mr. Davis confirmed that this is normal and primarily attributed the issue to the use of flushable wipes. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers Javier Andrade, City Engineer, presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the timeline for the complete reconstruction of the water plant. Mr. Andrade responded that the project is expected to take approximately five years. Mayor Preciado asked about the potential location for a new plant. Mr. Andrade stated that there is property currently for sale and that discussions regarding its acquisition are underway. 2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director. Humberto Bermudez, IT Director, presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about a connectivity issue at the Veteran’s Hall. Mr. Bermudez responded that the issue has been resolved and added that he will explore options for single-day high-speed service for specific events. 3. Recreation Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, Community Activities Senior Leader. Anna Lara, Community Activities Senior Leader, presented the report as submitted. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal resident, asked whether the City is moving away from traditional elements of the Fourth of July fireworks event. She also requested that the slideshow presentation remain consistent with previous years. B. Presentations/Reports:  1. Presentation of Current City Services, (Summer 2025 Interns). Interns presented on City services as submitted. Continued PUBLIC HEARING(s): Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority: A. Consider Proposed City of Avenal Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/2026 City Budget /Fees & Charges:  Staff Report  Public Hearing  Discussion/Action: Approval by Resolution (including Fees & Charges). B. Consider Proposed Avenal Successor Agency/RDA Debt Obligation Fund (FY) 2025/2026 Budget:  Staff Report  Public Hearing  Discussion/Action: Approval by Resolution. C. Consider Proposed Finance Authority Public Finance Authority (PFA) Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget:  Staff Report  Public Hearing  Discussion/Action: Approval by Resolution. Council Member/Successor Agency Gamez motioned continue Public Hearing, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Hernandez. ABSTAIN: None. OLD BUSINESS: A. SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Discussion/Action). City Manager Antony López shared that discussions have taken place regarding the costs associated with opening the Avenal High School pool to the community; however, scheduling a meeting has been delayed. Mayor Preciado emphasized the importance of collaboration on the matter. NEW BUSINESS: A. Consider Authorizing Acceptance of FY25/26 CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Award for DUI Enforcement and Education, (Resolution 2025-35). Chief Velasco presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo requested clarification regarding reimbursement. Chief Velasco provided an overview of the grant process and how reimbursements are handled. Mayor Preciado inquired about the tools used to detect cannabis or other drugs. Chief Velasco explained that officers utilize swabs and receive specialized training for substance detection. Council Member/Successor Agency Verdugo motioned to approve Resolution 2025-35, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Hernandez. ABSTAIN: None. B. Authorize the Submittal of Funding Application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) (Resolution 2025-36). Javier Andrade, City Engineer, presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the intended use of funds referenced in the application. Mr. Andrade explained that the funds would be allocated toward improving connectivity within the City. Councilmember Reynosa asked where the proposed trail for the Community Center would begin. Mr. Andrade clarified that the trail would run from Skyline Boulevard to the Community Center. Council Member/Successor Agency Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2025-36, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Hernandez. ABSTAIN: None. C. Consider Approval of Task Order for the City of Avenal Water Master Plan (Resolution 2025- 37). Javier Andrade, City Engineer, presented as submitted. Council Member/Successor Agency Verdugo motioned to approve Resolution 2025-37, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: Hernandez. 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 soccer clinic on July 12th. Councilmember Verdugo announced that Harlan Casida’s funeral will take place on August 2nd at the Baptist Church. He also extended an invitation to Alicia Ramirez’s swearing-in ceremony with the City of Shafter as an employee. Mayor Preciado reported that he represented the City of Avenal in recent meetings concerning hydrogen plant development. He also announced an upcoming food distribution event organized by KCAO and shared information regarding attendance at the soccer clinic. City Council went into a recess at 7:29 pm. 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. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR(S) (Government Code § 54957.6). It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Designated representatives: APOA; Bargaining Units 1-5 B. PERSONNEL (Government Code §54957(b)). Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of:  City Manager 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__. INITIATE LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4)). Conference with legal counsel - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4)). Initiation of Litigation (Paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Gov. Code § 54956.9)). Number of potential cases is: __1__. EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)). 1. Parties, case/claim no: Jesus A. Mendez, v. City of Avenal (Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 24CU0108) 2. Parties, case/claim no: Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. United States Bureau of Reclamation, et al. (United States District Court, Case No. 1:20 -cv-007606-JLT EPG). 3. Parties, case/claim no: Alba Luz Calderon De Cerda et al. v. Corteva Inc. et al. (Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 20C-0250). City Council went into Closed Session at 7:47pm. ADJOURNMENT: City Council came out of closed session at 10:12pm, with nothing to report, the meeting was adjourned at the same time. __ /s/ Karla Curiel Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk