City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING September 11, 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 5:32 PM. ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Mayor Pro Tem Gamez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado. ABSENT: Hernandez (arrived at 7:00 PM during closed session). STAFF: López, Price, Curiel, Ortiz, Bermudez, Davis, Velasco, Lara. 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. *Emergency Item: Consider Proclamation Declaring September Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Anna Lara, Recreation Supervisor presented the proclamation. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal Resident, shared kind words on suicide prevention awareness walk and importance of recognizing it. Council Member/Successor Agency Preciado motioned to approve Resolution 2025-48, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Verdugo, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Preciado, Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa. NOES: None. ABSENT: Hernandez. ABSTAIN: None. RESOLUTION 2025-48: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AND RECOVERY MONTH. 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 5:42P.M. William Vallem, Avenal Resident, expressed his support for creating a local fire department managed by the City of Avenal. Dalilah Barajas, Avenal Resident, stated city leaders are not working in the best interest of the community and gave reasoning for starting a recall. She also inquired on dates for discussions about starting a fire department and City audits. Ginger Wallis, Avenal Resident, stated that the concern of residents is the short amount of time given to start a new Fire Department and therefore should sign the updated contract from Kings County. Rita Wallis, Avenal Resident, shared that the City should sign the contract with Kings County and work towards their own department afterward. She also requested an itemized statement for financial operations. Ted Woelk, Avenal Resident, stated there is a discrepancy between discussions at town halls and current resolutions on the expenditures related to the Fire Department. Frank Lopez, Avenal Resident, expressed support for creating a local fire department and that it would be a positive investment. Felix Heredia, Avenal Resident, stated the city could be successful in making their own fire department. Vicky Tippins, Avenal Resident, inquired why the contract for Kings County Fire has not been signed yet and on the basis for changes and additions to personnel/staff. She also inquired on why there is a recall for Councilman Verdugo. Jeanne Tillotson, Avenal Resident, stated City leaders have disregarded resident’s feedback about starting a local Fire Department. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal Resident, shared that she filed grievances against City Manager and other City Staff and has not yet received a resolution yet. She requested City act on coming to a solution on these types of grievances. Rosa Camacho, Avenal Resident, expressed support for the city starting its own fire department. Gloria Preciado, Avenal Resident, stated she has been harassed by community members in the meeting and on social media. She also shared support for the creation of a local fire department. John Chamberlain, Kings County Fire Chief, requested that City Manager be more responsive to inquiries on the Fire Department. He also stated the contract needs to be signed Maria Reynosa, Avenal Resident, expressed concern over starting a local fire department due to her family’s health and stated Kings County Fire Department has always been reliable. Rosa Moreno, Avenal Resident, shared a personal experience with a home burning down and stated it is now time for Avenal to become more independent and start its own Fire Department. Teresa Piere, Avenal Resident, stated she would like a response to community questions and to bring forward the contract from Kings County. Anthony Martinez, Avenal Resident, stated he agrees with starting a local fire department and investing in Avenal. Veronica Aguirre, Avenal Resident and policy advocate, stated local landfill is in violation of federal regulations and Waste Connections must notify its community and share temperature monitoring results. She also urged the City to withdrawal the landfill’s conditional use permit if they do not comply. Jennifer Elkins, Val Verde Civic Association Representative, warned community about elevated heat temperatures at local landfill which can cause health issues. Carlos Saldana, Avenal Resident, stated he is disappointed in City leaders and asked them to step down. He also expressed opposition to starting a local fire department and shared that his comments have been censored on social media. Kelly Guzman, Avenal Resident, shared that the recall is necessary and is not in favor for the local Fire Department. Public comment closed at 6:46 P.M. by Mayor Preciado. City Council went into Closed Session at 6:46 P.M. Councilman Hernandez arrived and joined closed session at 7 P.M. CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency): 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 City Council came out of closed session at 9:10 P.M. with no reportable action. 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 August 14, 2025, Regular Meeting. Council Member/Successor Agency 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 Director. Scott Davis presented as submitted. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers Javier Andrade presented as submitted. 2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director. Humberto Bermudez presented as submitted. 3. Recreation Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, Community Activities Senior Leader. Anna Lara presented as submitted. B. Presentations/Reports: 2. Avenal Landfill Quarterly Report: Site Manager, George Anderson – WasteConnections. George Anderson was unable to attend the council meeting. 3. Underage Tobacco Sales & Local Policy Solutions, California Health Collaborative, Celeste Ramos - Program Manager, Kings County Tobacco Control Program Celeste presented as submitted. Mayor Preciado asked if the retail stores that sold to minors were reprimanded. Celeste responded that their work is for educational purposes only and no action against them was taken. PUBLIC HEARING(s): Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority: A. None OLD BUSINESS: A. None. NEW BUSINESS: A. Consider Entering an Agreement with Cal.Net for Construction and Contracting of Internet Services: Resolution 2025-42; (Discussion/Action). City Council discussed logistics on the towers and antennas with Cal.Net. Legal Counsel Moses Diaz stated there is still some revisions to be done to the agreements with Cal.Net. Council Member/Successor Agency Verdugo motioned to approve Resolution 2025-42, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Gamez, Preciado, Hernandez. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. RESOLUTION 2025-42: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MNAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CAL.NET FOR INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES, ANTENNA INSTALATION AND LEASING, AND PUBLIC WI-FI INSTALLATION. B. Consider Approval of Task Order for the City of Avenal Climate Action and Adaptation Plan: Resolution 2025-43; (Discussion/Action). City Engineer, Javier Andrade, presented report on this action. Council Member/Successor Agency Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2025-43, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. RESOLUTION 2025-43: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A TASK ORDER TO INITIATE THE PREPARATION OF THE CITY OF AVENAL CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN. C. Consider Approval of the 2024 Avenal Road Maintenance Project Bid from VSS International, Inc.: Resolution 2025-44; (Discussion/Action). City Engineer, Javier Andrade, presented staff report on this project. Council Member/Successor Agency Reynosa motioned to approve Resolution 2025-44, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. RESOLUTION 2025-44: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AWARDING THE 2024 AVENAL ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO VSS INTERNATIONAL, INC. D. Consider Approval of Staffing Adjustments, Reclassifications, Updated Job Descriptions, Updated Management Salary Schedule for FY 2025–26. Resolution 2025-45; (Discussion/Action). City Council had a discussion on who the new job positions would be open for. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal Resident, expressed concern on significant pay increases for some City staff. Council Member/Successor Agency Hernandez motioned to approve Resolution 2025-45, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Hernandez, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: Verdugo. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Councilman Verdugo motioned to approve only certain items within the Resolution 2025-45 and motion failed for lack of second. RESOLUTION 2025-45: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING THE CREATION, MODIFICATION, AND FUNDING OF CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR FY 2025-26. E. Consider Ordinance 2025-02 Amending Section 6-4.20 of the Avenal Municipal Code - Cross- Connection Control Policy Update and Waive First Reading. Resolution 2025-46; (Discussion/Action). Joseph San Nicolas, Utilities Operator, presented this report. City Council discussed impact to residents and business owners given the passage of this ordinance. Council Member/Successor Agency Verdugo motioned to approve Resolution 2025-46, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. RESOLUTION 2025-46: ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2025-02 AMENDING SECTION 6-4.20 OF TITLE 6 OF THE AVENAL MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CONTROL OF BACKFLOW AND CROSS-CONNECTIONS TO COMPLY WITH THE UPDATED CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY HANDBOOK ADOPTED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD. F. Consider Ordinance 2025-03 Adding Chapter 12 to Title 4 of the Avenal Municipal Code – Establishing the Avenal Fire Department and Fire Protection Regulations and Waive First Reading. Resolution 2025-47; (Discussion/Action). City Manager, Antony López, presented report as submitted. He also added additional information from former City Manager Melissa Whitten about previous discussions, studies, and plans on starting a local Fire Department. Rita Wallis, Avenal Resident, inquired on the population of Avenal and had concerns over a volunteer fire department. John Chamberlain, Kings County Fire Chief, stated he does not yet have the amended contract signed and requests clarification in order to manage the current fire department. Teresa Piere, Avenal Resident, expressed that Kings County amended contract needs to be signed. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal Resident, expressed concern on expenditures, amended contract, and proper postings of council decisions related to the Fire Department. Francisco Lopez, Avenal Resident, shared that the City should request the exit clause be amended. Paul Cobine, Avenal Resident, shared information about a discussion with Harlin Casida and stated a local Fire Department was not feasible. Steve Hembree, Avenal Resident, requested Council to read Ordinance 2025-02. Veronica Aguirre, Avenal Resident, on behalf of another Avenal resident, expressed that City Mayor does not have permission to share her family’s story related to a fire incident. Carlos Saldana, Avenal Resident, shared that it was inconsiderate of Council to keep the community waiting and demanded a financial audit. Council Member Verdugo requested an itemized statement on Fire Department related expenditures. City Manager, Antony López, read Ordinance 2025-03 in its entirety. Council Member/Successor Agency Preciado motioned to approve Resolution 2025-47 and amend to not waive first reading, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Preciado, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez. NOES: Verdugo. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Councilman Verdugo motioned to table Resolution 2025-47 and motion failed for lack of second. RESOLUTION 2025-47: AUTHORIZATION TO PRE-PAY COUNTY OF KINGS FOR FIRE SERVICES; AUTHORIZATION OF EXPENDITURES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT; RATIFICATION OF ALL PRIOR EXPENDITURES AND CONTRACTS FOR FIRE CONSULTANT SERVICES AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH FIRE DEPARTMENT. 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 shared legal counsel is reviewing a request to amend previous meeting minutes and agenda language. He also expressed he looks forward to Avenal growing in a positive direction. Councilman Verdugo shared it was great to see community at the Suicide Awareness Walk. He also requested that Council consider a $5,000 donation request from Commission on Aging. ADJOURNMENT: City Council meeting was adjourned at 1:18 A.M. __ /s/ Karla Curiel Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk