City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 3, 2024 ACTION MINUTES – These minutes are prepared to depict action taken for agenda items presented to the City Council. For detail of this meeting refer to the electronic media (CD and/or audio) kept as a permanent record. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Llanez called the City Council Meeting to order at the hour of 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Police Chief Reyna led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Members Douglas Begonia, Jr., Brett Jones, Kenneth Lambert, Deborah Lewis, Mayor Paul Llanez; ABSENT: None STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Pinheiro, City Attorney Vaughn, Police Chief Reyna, City Clerk/Human Resources Director Mallonee, Fire Chief Tualla, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Parks & Recreation Director Heim, Finance Director Portillo, Finance Consultant Kuhn, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Jones, seconded by Lambert to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PRESENTATION: CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH 2024 – JESSE CASTILLO, INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR. Mayor Llanez presented the Certificate of Recognition to Jesse Castillo, who was present to accept. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD. Mayor Llanez presented the proclamation to Xiong Thao, representing First 5 of Merced County. PUBLIC FORUM: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON ANY ITEM OF PUBLIC INTEREST THAT IS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY; INCLUDES AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS. SPEAKERS ARE LIMITED TO A FIVE (5) MINUTE PRESENTATION. DETAILED GUIDELINES ARE POSTED ON THE COUNCIL CHAMBER INFORMATIONAL TABLE. VINCE FERNANDEZ spoke about concerns with the Ag Sports Complex, how his godfather’s name is on the field and wonders why there have not been adult leagues able to play on the field. For seven years, there was no adult softball and last year was the first time adult softball came back to the complex. The first few weeks of this new softball season, the adults league has suffered retaliation from the Bases Academy or price hikes that are unnecessary from the Recreation Department. The man who runs the adult league will not come forward in fear of retaliation. There has been retaliation against those wanting to play at the complex but they are being stonewalled with Bases Academy. The man who owns the league and the kids who play for the league ruin it before we can play. Bases Academy claims they own the fields yet they have not produced proof. He nitpicks about this and that and now a Los Banos tradition will be lost in the shuffle or taken away from us. Why is this happening? The City Council should be made aware of this if they are not already; CHRISTIAN SANTOS, representing Congressman John Duarte, thanked all those for coming out to his town hall where a wide range of topics were discussed. He thanked Mike Hughes and Alan Cotta for allowing him to use the Veterans Hall for this meeting. He spoke to how a check was presented at the top of the Los Banos Reservoir Dam for $5 million to the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors for the Los Banos Creek Recovery and Recharge project. Thanked all of the stakeholders for their participation and looks forward to future working relationships to enhance water reliability in the Central Valley. Duarte’s first bill passed on the House floor for the Clean Water Permits Act which puts us one step closer to clean water; UNNAMED PERSON spoke regarding his original agreement with the City was that he was not going to get involved without any political drama however there are a lot of folks in Merced who feel as though he was involved with payouts or other things that have occurred in this City. He spoke to how he agreed to assist with getting closed session items achieved but that when there were personnel items involved, he was allowed to leave the meeting. He appreciates City officials upholding their end of the agreement. He spoke to how he enjoyed working on projects during his seven-month tenure and provided some details on some achievements he attained. He wanted to set the record straight that he had no part in the political drama; GREG HOSTETLER, stated he would like to talk about the direction the City should be going and the things the City should be doing. He believes the City should be focusing on water issues, particularly the sewer system. Future annexations should also be planned to include industrial, commercial, single family and multi-family homes in order to create jobs for those in our community. It’s been almost two decades since new annexations have been made. He spoke to how former Mayor Amabile put these types of plans in place which brought certain amenities like Walmart and Home Depot. This created many jobs for our community and generated funds that assisted with building the Police Station and we have current needs for additional projects like this, in particular a new fire station. He spoke to how he has offered free land, at no charge, for a new fire station but it has gone nowhere. In addition, he has offered to help relocate the airport as he has land that meets certain specifications necessary for an airport, but again those offers went nowhere. He additionally offered to build Pioneer Road from Mercey Springs to Ward Road at no cost to the City. Surrounding cities are all bringing in warehouse industries which are creating lots of jobs and revenue for those cities, but Los Banos is missing out when all the City needs to do is speak with the stakeholders. Instead, there are revolving positions in key City departments that are taking away from the success of the City. He suggested some folks at the dais seek legal counsel; JOHN MICHAEL ARON, resident of Los Banos, specifically on Pioneer Road, he received an “insultingly” low offer on his property as it is in the area set to be a part of the Pioneer Road Widening Project. After receiving this letter, he scheduled a meeting with City staff and had some follow up questions that were never answered despite multiple attempts, but eventually received a call back from Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson who stated at this time, the project will not be impacting his property but will in the future. Mr. Aron requested this response in writing as information constantly changes. He read minutes and other documents from prior meetings related to this project to emphasize how much the project design along with other elements have drastically changed. He provided some simple suggestions but ultimately hopes to be presented with a fair offer when the time comes around. He understands that growth happens and things are going to change, but he wants to be treated fairly; RUTH, resident of Los Banos, specifically on Pitzer Way, spoke to the homeless population that live behind her backyard fence. She thanked the City for trimming the trees back on the rail trail which prevented the homeless from congregating back there for about two months or less. She stated that the evenings were fairly quiet during the rainy season but now that it is getting darker later in the day, the sounds and activity are picking up again. She doesn’t want to take up Council’s time and stated that a phone call with information on what is going on would put her at ease. She provided two examples of times she was awakened by activity that was brought forth by the homeless population that live behind her house. She pays property taxes and those people do not. She asked her District Council Member to give her a call and Mayor Llanez asked her to leave her contact information with Police Chief Reyna; VICKY VEGA, First 5 of Merced County, thanked the Mayor for the proclamation presented earlier. She wanted to invite the public to an event being held on April 13 at Pacheco Park from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be face painting, balloon artists, activity booths and food boxes; UNNAMED PERSON, stated that the Mayor lied to the public at the last council meeting. He stated that the Mayor has never reached out to him in response to emails he sent to the him with supporting documentation. It wasn’t until the third email where a response was received however none of the issues were addressed, only ignored, then proceeded to discredit him. He claims the last email he sent to the Mayor has gone unanswered and that the Mayor withheld essential information to manipulate the public’s opinion. He stated that, yes, Crossfit Valley View is a sole proprietorship that is not in his name but that it is in his wife’s name. He claims he has Power of Attorney for the business and that the City of Los Banos is the only entity the business deals with that does not honor that power. City staff had no issues discussing matters with him until he produced documents to them that proved staff was lying to him. He further accused the Mayor of manipulating the public’s opinion by leaving out the fact that he is also a chartered Financial Analyst which he feels is relevant information especially as it pertains to his credibility relating to Finance. Instead of fixing the concerns brought forth, they were ignored. He referenced the small business grant guidelines noting the requirements for businesses to receive funding and spoke to how the first check written for this grant was to a business who did not have a proper business license until March 10 of 2023. This was in violation of the rule stating that the commercial business licenses had to have been issued and in effect since at least 2020. Multiple checks were written to businesses who did not have a commercial business license. He stated that Los Banos will be known as a “Pay-to-Play” city with corrupt leadership; RAUL GRANILLO, Pastor of the Mercey Springs Church of the Nazarene, invited the community to the immigration workshop with CIVIC on April 4, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Mercey Springs Church of the Nazarene. He further spoke to the services that would be available at the event and what documentation they should bring with them. He asked for the word to be spread in order to help those who will benefit from these services in our community. On another topic, he spoke to how people come to council meetings to speak simply to complain and that people only talk about the bad things and not the good. He appreciates how council can disagree strongly yet come together to make decisions on important things. He encouraged the council members to get to know their people; UNNAMED PERSON, spoke to the recent Measures that recently failed during the March Special Election and how the failures are basically a referendum against the Mayor and the majority of the Council. The community does not want another two years of what’s been going on in the City and they are tired of the ongoing retaliation. He spoke to various issues he sees the council has mishandled lately and further spoke to how crime rate has risen in our community and that is due to the pace of growth versus the safety personnel we have available. Our safety services are understaffed. When members of the unions come forth to speak on the issues, they are retaliated against. There are more ball parks being built and he supports that but the number one priority should be public safety and council is failing at that. He asked council to redirect their motivations claiming the public is not happy and they are paying attention; UNNAMED PERSON, she is so grateful that for the microchipping event that will be taking place this Saturday at the Community Center from 9 am – 12 pm. She thanked all the groups that came together to make this possible; MARIBEL GARCIA, Los Banos Downtown Association, spoke regarding upcoming events: Thursday, April 11 will be a Merchant Meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Los Banos Arts Council Crafts Studio on I Street, the Wine and Beer Stroll on Saturday, April 27 from 5 pm – 10 pm with tickets being priced at $40 for 10 drinks, Casino Night will be held on June 22 at the Crest Event Center at 516 I Street and tickets priced at $65 or a table for 8 for $500. She thanked council for their continued support with these events. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. Council Member Lewis stated that she would like to remove items: 7D City Council Resolution No. 6751 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Strategic Mechanical, Inc. in the Amount of $266,000.18 with a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the Amount of $26,600 for the Construction of the Northgate Sewer Lift Station Emergency Power Improvements Project & 7E City Council Resolution No. 6752 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Rolfe Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $617,715 with a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the Amount of $61,715 for the Construction of the Meadowlands Wet Well Replacement and Bypass Project for discussion. Item 7D – City Council Resolution No. 6751 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Strategic Mechanical, Inc. in the Amount of $266,000.18 with a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the Amount of $26,600 for the Construction of the Northgate Sewer Lift Station Emergency Power Improvements Project. Council Member Lewis inquired as to whether they City is replacing the lift station or if it’s a new one and would also like an explanation of the costs. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson spoke to the project and all the work that will be included for the cost. Item 7E – City Council Resolution No. 6752 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Rolfe Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $617,715 with a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the Amount of $61,715 for the Construction of the Meadowlands Wet Well Replacement and Bypass Project. Council Member Lewis inquired as to whether the City is replacing a generator or if it’s a new generator and if this project is a more extensive project than the previous item for which Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson spoke to the project and all the work that will be included in the cost and confirmed it is a much more extensive project than the lift station improvements. Council Member Lewis stated that she will be abstaining from voting on items 7F – City Council Resolution No. 6753 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of Two (2) New 2023 Chevrolet Traverses and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $81,228.74 and 7G - City Council Resolution No. 6754 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of a New 2024 Chevrolet Suburban and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $67,478.39. Motion by Jones, seconded by Begonia to approve the consent agenda as follows, minus items 7F – City Council Resolution No. 6753 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of Two (2) New 2023 Chevrolet Traverses and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $81,228.74 and 7 G - City Council Resolution No. 6754 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of a New 2024 Chevrolet Suburban and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $67,478.39: Check Register for #244248 - #244443 in the Amount of $1,750,956.53; Minutes for the February 21, 2024 City Council Meeting; Minutes for the March 6, 2024 City Council Meeting; City Council Resolution No. 6751 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Strategic Mechanical, Inc. in the Amount of $266,000.18 with a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the Amount of $26,600 for the Construction of the Northgate Sewer Lift Station Emergency Power Improvements Project; City Council Resolution No. 6752 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Rolfe Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $617,715 with a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the Amount of $61,715 for the Construction of the Meadowlands Wet Well Replacement and Bypass Project; City Council Resolution No. 6753 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of Two (2) New 2023 Chevrolet Traverses and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $81,228.74; City Council Resolution No. 6754 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of a New 2024 Chevrolet Suburban and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $67,478.39. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Jones, seconded by Lambert to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6753 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of Two (2) New 2023 Chevrolet Traverses and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $81,228.74 and City Council Resolution No. 6754 – Awarding the Bid for the Purchase of a New 2024 Chevrolet Suburban and Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Greenwood Chevrolet in the Amount of $67,478.39. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Lewis abstaining. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT OF ANNEXATION NO. 12 TO THE CITY OF LOS BANOS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 2002-01 (PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES), RELATIVE TO APPROXIMATELY 30 ACRES – A PORTION OF VILLAGES AT STONECREEK V – QUAIL MEADOWS VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP #2021-01, 271 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS; THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PORTION OF THE CITY AND IS GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF WEST PACHECO BOULEVARD, WEST OF DOCK AVENUE, AND EAST OF THE CITY LIMIT LINE; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6755 – ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF CFD NO. 2002-01 OF THE CITY OF LOS BANOS (PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES), CALLING AN ELECTION REGARDING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO CFD NO. 2002-01 OF THE CITY OF LOS BANOS (PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES) AND TO LEVY A SPECIAL TAX THEREIN TO FINANCE CERTAIN PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES FOR SUCH CFD NO. 12; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6756 – ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF CFD NO. 2002-01 OF THE CITY OF LOS BANOS (PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES) DECLARING THE RESULTS OF A SPECIAL TAX ELECTION AND ANNEXING CERTAIN TERRITORY ANNEXATION NO. 12. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Llanez opened the public hearing. City Clerk Mallonee stated that she had received zero (1) written protests. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. There was Council Member and staff discussion regarding the surrounding areas already in the district and if this land is currently being developed. SHORT RECESS TO CONDUCT ELECTION City Clerk Mallonee stated that she received thirty (30) YES votes and zero (0) NO votes. Motion by Jones, seconded by Begonia to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6755 – Acting in Its Capacity as the Legislative Body of CFD No. 2002-01 of the City of Los Banos (Public Safety Services), Calling an Election Regarding the Annexation of Certain Property to CFD No. 2002-01 of the City of Los Banos (Public Safety Services) and to Levy a Special Tax therein to Finance Certain Public Safety Services for Such CFD No. 12. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Jones, seconded by Lambert to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6756 – Acting in Its Capacity as the Legislative Body of CFD No. 2002-01 of the City of Los Banos (Public Safety Services) Declaring the Results of a Special Tax Election and Annexing Certain Territory Annexation No. 12. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6757 – AUTHORIZING AN AMENDED SPENDING PLAN FOR THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING. Finance Director Portillo presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Council Member Lewis asked for additional information on certain line items of the Proposed ARPA Spending Plan including tree trimming, animal shelter funding, professional services, and equipment replacement. Reporting deadlines and requirements were also discussed. Council Member Jones stated that staff has done a good job allocating funds in areas where the need is great. He also spoke to how information seems to be leaked by staff to a developer as certain comments seem too coincidental. Council Member Lewis spoke to public safety systems and programs that other cities are utilizing and wonders if these types of systems and programs would be beneficial for our public safety personnel. She is not against funding for parks but feels there are greater needs in other divisions. Council Member Lambert thanked the Finance Department team for their report and reminded all that some of these items were already approved in the past and that certain items are being added. He is pleased with how the money is being spent. Mayor Llanez reminded all that his job is to listen to the needs/wants of the community and what he heard was needs/wants for the animal shelter and pickleball courts. Crime cannot be predicted and we have to trust in the work of our Police Officers. Motion by Jones, seconded by Lambert to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6757 – Authorizing an Amended Spending Plan for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Lewis voting NO. ADVISEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICES. (One Report). Community & Economic Development Director Elms stated that there will be a Public Hearing at the Planning Commission Meeting on April 10, 2024 to consider a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and Cottage Food Operation #2024-01 for Chalotta Wilson at 1888 Lane Ct., more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Number: 083-480-022. CITY MANAGER REPORT. City Manager Pinheiro asked Community & Economic Development Director Elms to play a video that highlighted all of the accomplishments City staff achieved in 2023. After the video played, City Manager Pinheiro spoke in greater detail about these major accomplishments and provided some statistics on the work done. He is excited about the things that have been accomplished and looks forward to what’s upcoming. REPORT/UPDATE ON MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (MCAG), PENINSULA CLEAN ENERGY (PCE), MEASURE V COMMITTEE, AND SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT (SJVAPCD), AND LOS BANOS DOWNTOWN PROPERTY & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (LBDPBID). Council Member Lewis, on behalf of San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, spoke regarding funding still available for those who suffer from asthma and how they can obtain air filters for their home in order to have cleaner air flow. There is also filter funding available for municipalities to designate “clean air rooms” for bad air days. Another program out there is dedicating funding for firework show alternatives. There are agencies out there who are receiving funding for drone shows instead of fireworks. It would allow for a nice 4th of July program. Mayor Llanez, on behalf of MCAG, spoke to how illegal dumping is a big concern right now. There’s folks who advertise that they are haulers and that they will take trips to the dump for you but they are not and are actually dumping it on the side of the road all throughout the county or taking it to homeless encampments. They are working with the Sheriff’s Department and local resources to try and manage this situation. The highway 99 project between Atwater and Merced has been a mess for quite a while but he’s happy to say that project is nearing its completion. As far as PCE goes, they have confirmed their rates will not be going up but PG&E rates will be. The misconception on social media is that if you are a PCE customer, you are paying higher rates and that information is incorrect. Refer to your bill and do the calculations. There is going to be a hybrid-model customer rate study happening and he feels the ratio will be much more fair and will further separate customers from PG&E. PCE has many programs that customers can take advantage of. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS DEBORAH LEWIS: Council Member Lewis spoke to how this past Saturday was the 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Cardoza Park and feels the event grows each year. Everyone had a wonderful time. She thanked staff for putting the event on as it was well attended and fun for the children. KENNETH LAMBERT: Council Member Lambert thanked staff for the great meeting tonight and the great presentations. It’s going to be hard to follow the City Manager’s comments. He spoke to how he has had his business license going back to 2020 and he is unsure of where some information regarding his business license is coming from. He spoke to the RAD card program and how a former Finance Director implemented that program and he feels like he is getting picked on. People believe he gets special privileges and he doesn’t. He is just a regular guy and follows the guidelines. He is frustrated that he gets singled out because he does not get special treatment. On another topic, he spoke to how he sees a lot of stuff going on on social media and he feels our Police Officers are doing a great job. He can’t thank Police Chief Reyna enough for the job he’s doing with his department. Police and Fire had a quick response time to a shooting that occurred yesterday and he believes they’re doing a great job. As far as infrastructure goes, the City has come a long way as many parks have been done – three in his district – and a dog park in his area. We’ve been watching our spending and everything that’s been happening, and finances are still up. We will continue to keep moving forward. He invited those who question his business license to contact him so he can show them. DOUGLAS BEGONIA, JR.: Council Member Begonia stated that as a Council Member, he is a citizen just like everyone else. City Manager Pinheiro is doing an awesome job and every employee is doing fantastic things for the City. He thanked staff for all they do. He looks forward to the next year and a few more years after that. BRETT JONES: Council Member Jones spoke to how in the past twelve months there has been so much done. People are happy now that City Manager Pinheiro is back and it seems as though when he was gone, it was stressful. City Manager Pinheiro works 80 hours a week and puts time in on the holidays and weekends. He’s a business man. He spoke to comments made regarding the ARPA funding and how some feel it is a conflict of interest for a Council Member to apply for the money yet the person who graded and evaluated the applications was the most impartial person – Finance Consultant Brent Kuhn. He spoke to what conflict of interest is and how Graciano hasn’t spoken to how much he has received from the ARPA grant. During COVID, the former City Manager went around town closing businesses and he did not support that. Graciano contacted him and made comments about Strike Fitness, he belittled his staff and there’s a developer that keeps coming in with smoke and mirrors. There’s a lot of stuff going on and you won’t find any of it in the newspaper as it is more of a tabloid. What you saw in the video earlier is just a small shot of what is happening. Contact us and get the information directly from the horse’s mouth. PAUL LLANEZ: Mayor Llanez attended the Easter Egg Hunt and spoke to how great the event was. It was awesome to see all the kids and families out there. He recently attended the town hall meeting with Congressman Duarte and he thanked the Veterans Hall for sponsoring that event. He recently participated in a Masters study program where he was interviewed by students from USC regarding being a Mayor. He also participated in an interview with the Westside Express and hopes it gets published. Today he signed a letter of support for Rick Ortega with the Grasslands Water District to support a water project. He encouraged anyone with any type of resources for the community to share that information with him because he likes to share that information on social media. As far as comments go during public forum, he knew what he was signing up for when he took office and he feels as though creative discussions can be had. He spoke to how he just emailed Mr. Rubio and asked him for an in-person meeting. We will see if he responds or not. The same thing goes for Mr. Hostetler. He considers him a friend and would love to have a conversation, but he will not say yes to everything. He’s here to get things done for the benefit of the community. As far as Hostetler’s comments regarding his offers of assisting with Pioneer Road and the airport relocation, he never asked him as he would have said yes to all of these items right now. He spoke to how he walked the rail trail today and he is realizing that when he came into office he had some great ideas but because this is a statewide issue, local attempts will not create the results you want. It’s a much bigger issue. In addition, you cannot help those who do not want to help themselves. Resources can be offered but it is up to them to accept the assistance. We are not giving up and we are continuing to move forward. He spoke to Measure H and how if it would have passed, he would not have ran for Mayor again anyways as he is a not a career politician. He wanted to extend his thoughts and prayers to City of Los Banos Fire Captain, Daniel Freeman, as he is currently experiencing health issues with cancer. He also extended his thoughts and prayers to Tim Marrison and his family with his recent passing. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Jones, seconded by Lambert, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Paul Llanez_____________ Paul Llanez, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee__________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk