City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2025 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 Amabile called the City Council Meeting to order at the hour of 6:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Acting Police Chief Melden led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Members Evan Sanders – District 2, Marcus Chavez – District 3, Deborah Lewis – District 4, Mayor Michael Amabile, District 1 – vacant; ABSENT: None STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Attorney Vaughn, Interim City Manager Brizzee, City Clerk/Human Resources Director Mallonee, Acting Police Chief Melden, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Parks & Recreation Director Heim, Fire Chief Tualla, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson, Financial Consultant Kuhn CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. 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. Mayor Amabile invited the public to come forward to speak. CHANDRA LEWIS, a resident of Rancho Los Banos Mobile Home Park, requested several safety measures: surveillance cameras accessible to police, designating the roadway outside the property as private, banning RV and overnight parking, building a 10-foot brick sound wall around the perimeter, and adding a chain-link fence. She also asked for an expedited eviction process, oversight of the management company by a city staff member with quarterly reports to the council, and a requirement that any changes to mitigating conditions of approval require a supermajority (4/5) council vote. She called for a clear reporting process, curfew enforcement, and code enforcement inspections twice a year. Despite these requests, she maintained her opposition to the project, expressing concerns about enduring another three and a half years of mismanagement and urging the council to protect current residents from those who disregard laws; CLAUDIA NUNES, another mobile home park resident, expressed frustration and a sense of injustice, feeling that many council members dismissed residents’ concerns. She spoke about the financial hardships faced by seniors on social security and pleaded for the council’s help, emphasizing the challenges they’ve endured and their need for support; LUBIDO MORENO, also a resident, praised the current safety and cleanliness of the mobile home park, contrasting it with past issues during the pandemic when homeless individuals were present. She shared fears about safety, theft, and potential exposure to drugs and inappropriate behavior if the homeless population returned. She described past incidents of crime and violence and urged the council to keep the park safe, emphasizing the need to preserve the peace they currently enjoy; MARC CICAIROS voiced strong opposition to the proposed tiny homes, citing their proximity to local schools and parks. He raised concerns about potential safety risks posed by homeless individuals with substance abuse or mental health issues and warned of the negative impact on property values. He called for increased police presence and strict enforcement of rules to protect the community; GREG HOSTETLER highlighted ongoing issues with the city’s planning department, including delays and misinformation. He criticized the lack of progress on annexing land for schools and accused the department of obstructing development. He expressed frustration over the city’s refusal to invest in De Anza Park and called for greater transparency and collaboration with local businesses and developers; ERASMO VIVEROS urged the city to assess its water infrastructure in light of recent wildfires. He proposed a presentation from the fire department on water storage capacity, fire hydrant maintenance, and future preparedness. He also thanked the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the opportunity to interview for the Planning Commission; SAMUEL MENDOZA described his long history of dealing with the nearby homeless encampment and criticized the lack of accountability for its residents. He noted disparities in enforcement, where local residents face penalties for minor infractions while homeless individuals often evade consequences. He called for better support for struggling families to prevent future waves of homelessness and asked what the city was doing to address the root causes of the crisis. City Clerk Mallonee read two written comments into the record: KASEY MILLER, Park Operator of Rancho Los Banos Mobilehome Park, described the severe issues residents faced when the City of Los Banos housed the homeless behind the park for three years, including crime, vandalism, violence, drugs, and fires. While she hopes the tiny home project succeeds, she’s worried the park will face similar problems again and wants the city to ensure residents’ safety, despite reaching out to city staff member Christy McCammond twice in early October with concerns, she has yet to receive a response, which she sees as a bad sign, she acknowledged a suggestion from Deborah Lewis to install a security gate but explained that the costs of installation and maintenance would lead to a rent increase. Given the community’s efforts to keep rent affordable, she fears higher costs would financially strain tenants, potentially forcing them to move, an outcome she calls unreasonable, she urged the city to provide clear plans for protecting the park and its residents and requested a prompt response; ALYSSA HOMEN, a District 2 resident living near Rancho Mobile and San Gabriel Apartments, supports the tiny home project but has concerns about safety. She asks if background checks will be conducted on tiny home residents to prevent sex offenders and those with violent criminal records from living nearby, especially given the many children in the area. She also agrees with a previous comment that Starbucks only painting part of its wall looks tacky and believes the entire wall should be painted. Additionally, she raises an issue with the bright lights Starbucks installed, which shine into the second-story windows of nearby apartments. Although light shades have been added, the lights remain too bright, and she feels the height of the lights didn’t take into account the people living on the other side of the wall. Mayor Amabile acknowledged residents’ concerns and stated that the city is constrained by state regulations, which require fairness in addressing these issues. 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 pull items 6B – City Council Resolution No 6875 – Accepting the Community Center Perimeter Fence Project as Complete and Authorizing the Filing of a Notice of Completion with the Merced County Recorder and 6F – City Council Resolution No 6879 – Adopting the Multijurisdictional Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) for questions. Item 6B – City Council Resolution No 6875 – Accepting the Community Center Perimeter Fence Project as Complete and Authorizing the Filing of a Notice of Completion with the Merced County Recorder. Council Member Lewis inquired as to why the bids were rejected the first time for which Parks & Recreation Director Heim explained it was rejected because of available funding and something they didn’t want to pursue at that time. Item 6F – City Council Resolution No 6879 – Adopting the Multijurisdictional Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). Council Member Lewis stated that this report encumbrances a lot of information with Merced County, what is in our packet is for Los Banos and she is concerned about a roundabout being proposed at Dove and we’ve only had one community meeting and would like to see some of the outreach meetings on the weekends, there was great opposition for roundabouts at Highway 165 and people were more in favor or a four-way stop sign, the proposal for in ground signalization which is quite dangerous, she is okay with roundabouts in a residential area but not on a highway it gets really difficult especially in the dark, there was supposed to be other meetings for our community but it has been quite some time and would like to see something scheduled again and the community needs to have more input on what they want, especially when it comes to roundabouts. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson spoke to the LRSP presented and that this action makes the roads eligible for funding and options to roundabouts and other improvements he would recommend that we keep all of our streets eligible for extra funds and this is not specific and commits us to any improvements, they are just suggestions. Mayor Amabile agreed that he sees a need for community meetings on this before decisions are made and the roundabout at Volta Rd being funded by Caltrans is of concern. Council Member Lewis also spoke to the costs of the projects and she would rather see the community safer not what is a cost saver, have more community meetings before decisions are made. Mayor Amabile thanked Blanche Jorge and the Elks Club for the grant funding at the Animal Shelter. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to approve the consent agenda as follows: Check Register for #249727 – #249956 in the Amount of $994,028.81; City Council Resolution No 6875 – Accepting the Community Center Perimeter Fence Project as Complete and Authorizing the Filing of a Notice of Completion with the Merced County Recorder; City Council Resolution No 6876 – Accepting the Three City-Owned Parking Lot Improvement Project as Complete and Authorizing the Filing of a Notice of Completion with the Merced County Recorder; City Council Resolution No 6877 – Accepting Grant Deed for a 10’ Public Utility Easement Dedication of Approximately 1,309 Square Feet of Land Along a Portion of Frontage for Lot #40 at the Corner of Pajaro Drive and Summit Drive in the Subdivision The Villages VII Phase 1B, Unit 1 and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Associated Documents; City Council Resolution No 6878 – Approving the Acceptance of a $3,500 Elks Lodge Gratitude Grant and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget by Increasing the Appropriation Amount for Expenditures and Revenues int eh Amount of $3,500 for the Los Banos Animal Shelter; City Council Resolution No 6879 – Adopting the Multijurisdictional Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. MID VALLEY DISPOSAL PRESENTATION & ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECYCLER OF THE YEAR. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson presented the staff report, introducing Billie Hansen, Recycling Programs Manager of Mid Valley Disposal who introduced her team with her: Jay, Rick, Marisa, Federico, Teresa other staff in attendance. She gave an update which included a PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Hansen announced that Juliana’s Bakery was named Recycler of the Year. Mayor Amabile inquired as to what is the future of containers, can they be locked and then automatically unlocked with some type of a device; Jay stated that there is locking carts that is used in bear country and they are three times the cost and 75% working mechanism, most communities manage scavenging through enforcement. Council Member Lewis stated that she is really happy about the service provided to Los Banos and how you are handling our recycling, how is Los Banos doing, for with Billie responded that Los Banos is doing really well, the city is taking an active approach to contamination, and wanting to put things in the right containers, she feels the city is doing fantastic. Ms. Lewis stated sometimes people think that animal waste is organic and it is not and wonders if we have a large problem with that for which Billie stated the top contamination is from plastic bags, extra garbage going into other cans, in the recycling bin the top contaminates are film plastic, recyclables, Styrofoam. This was an informational item only, no action taken. CONSIDERATION OF OPTIONS FOR CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LAMBERT’S RESIGNATION; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6880 – CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD BY [All Mail Ballot on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 OR Mail and In Person Ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2025] TO FILL A VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF COUNCIL MEMBER LAMBERT, AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES. City Attorney Vaughn presented the staff report. Mayor invited the public to come forward and speak. KATHY BALLARD stated that she is a major tightwad, she thought they had to be placed by certain time and she was wrong, the sooner you have a representative the better, so she would appreciate the sooner election with mail only. Mayor Amabile stated that one letter was received supporting the November date and it is posted on the City’s website. Council Member Lewis stated that some people think that people’s right to vote is being taken away be not being allowed to go to the polls, how this is going to be a rare special election and not taking away anyone’s option to vote, the August election will be all mail with drop off at city hall option, but not allow poll voting. She doesn’t really see why we need to have this extra expenditure for almost $30,000 to conduct this vote when it could cost the city less for a mail in ballot; she hopes the ballots will be turned in and is in favor of the August date and financially makes sense for our city. Council Member Chavez agree with what she is saying and he has heard from various folks about this, if we can get the seat filled sooner it will help prevent ties, we would like to keep things moving and get the seat filled sooner rather than later. Council Member Sanders feels we should go with the August date and wanted public input to see if he would change his mind. Mayor Amabile added that it is going to be a low turnout in August, not voting for a president is a lower turnout, he just likes the November date better but can’t disagree with what they are all saying. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6880 – Calling and Giving Notice of the Holding of a Special Election to be Held by All Mail Ballot on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 to Fill a Vacancy Created by the Resignation of Council Member Lambert, as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF A CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH (CCAH) AWARD AGREEMENT AND BUDGET AMENDMENT; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO 6881 – AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH AGREEMENT AND APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report, and introduced Housing Manager McCammond who spoke detail to the CCAH, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Council Member Chavez stressed the importance of finding solutions to help people feel safe, acknowledging that while nobody wants this development near them, the priority must be doing what’s right. Council Member Sanders pointed out that there is no budget allocated for services. Housing Program Manager McCammond confirmed this but added that the ERF does allow funding for certain services, asked if adding eight more beds would overburden staff, and Mc. McCammond reassured him that it would not. Mr. Chavez asked if the funds could be used to help keep other citizens safe. Ms. McCammond clarified that the ERF funds are strictly for capital costs but suggested opening up a conversation with Alliance to explore possibilities within the budget. Council Member Lewis asked whether the criteria for capital costs had been provided. Ms. McCammond said they hadn’t yet but expressed a desire to discuss what the funds could cover. Ms. Lewis raised a concern about the number of bathrooms in three-bedroom units, noting a discrepancy. Ms. McCammond confirmed there would be two bathrooms per unit. Ms. Lewis asked for clarification on the definition of a household. Ms. McCammond explained that, under HUD’s definition, households can be assembled and do not need to be related. Ms. Lewis hoped careful consideration would be given to matching households to avoid potential issues. Ms. Lewis also noted the funding sources, $11.9 million from non-Alliance funds and $1.3 million in general fund leverage. She asked whether the grant required residents to be medically eligible. Ms. McCammond clarified that this requirement only applies to the units attached to the Alliance grant and that the developer must comply with those conditions, including a veterans' preference. Mr. Chavez asked about the limits on regulating resident eligibility. Ms. McCammond explained that the criteria are modeled on Section 8 and state guidelines. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No 6881 – Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Central California Alliance for Health Agreement and Approve a Budget Amendment. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF A DISPOSITION, DEVELOPMENT, AND LOAN AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS, INCLUDING A REGULATORY AGREEMENT, WITH ANABASIS LLC FOR THE ONE TREE VILLAGE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROJECT; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6882 – AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A DISPOSITION, DEVELOPMENT, AND LOAN AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS, INCLUDING A REGULATORY AGREEMENT, WITH ANABASIS, LLC FOR THE ONE TREE VILLAGE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROJECT; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6883 – DECLARING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221 THAT REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND FOR PURPOSES STATED HEREIN, AND FINDING THAT SUCH DECLARATION IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. Housing Manager McCammond presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Adam Connor, CEO of Anabasis, discussed the mission and work of the company, particularly in managing facilities like this one. He emphasized their goal of working closely with law enforcement while maintaining some discretion regarding coordinated entry, though there are certain limitations. He also mentioned speaking with Ms. Lewis from Rancho Homes and shared that Anabasis currently has two projects underway in Merced and Atwater. While some may mistake these developments for tiny homes, they are actually apartment-style residences. Adam highlighted that the Anabasis team brings significant experience in property development. Mayor Amabile noted that the residents at Rancho Mobile Homes have been through a lot, and it’s important to ensure their well-being. Council Member Chavez asked whether support would be provided to help residents keep their Section 8 vouchers. Housing Program Manager McCammond explained that staff does what they can to assist with this. Council Member Lewis asked about funding for landscaping and supportive services, noting the $1.4 million budget, and asked how long that funding would last. Mr. Connor explained that it would cover a 36-month period and confirmed that solar panels are included in the project. Ms. Lewis also asked what long-term services would be available, and Adam replied that county services would be provided. When Lewis questioned the $473,000 contingency fund and who would be responsible if the money runs out, Mr. Connor clarified that the responsibility lies with the developer to address any shortfall. Ms. Lewis inquired about a project timeline, and Mr. Connor mentioned that it could move forward once necessary processes were completed. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms explained that it would go through the entitlement process and be treated like other multi-family developments. Mr. Connor added that there would be a landscaping service contract. Ms. Lewis asked about the construction of a masonry wall, and Mr. Connor expressed confidence that the additional walls could be built as planned. Council Member Sanders asked about security measures, and Mr. Connor said they hope to set up surveillance cameras with a direct feed to the LBPD, similar to their approach in Merced. The surveillance would cover the entire facility. Ms. Lewis brought up two property locations, 125 E 13th Street and 73 S R Street, and Mr. Connor confirmed those sites and offered to take interested parties on a tour. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis invited the public to come forward to speak. INAUDIBLE NAME, expressed concern about the high construction costs compared to alternatives like prefab homes and worried about long-term maintenance and landscaping expenses; INAUDIBLE NAME, questioned the developer’s lack of experience and noted that progress on similar projects had been slow in the Bay Area. No one else came forward to speak. Ms. Lewis asked Ms. McCammond to address security measures and project timelines for which she mentioned that good neighbor meetings were happening and that the team had visited residents, though it sounds like they may have missed some calls. Mr. Connor shared that Anabasis consists of four team members with substantial development experience. Motion by Sanders, seconded by Amabile to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6882 - 6882 – Authorizing the Execution of a Disposition, Development, and Loan Agreement and Related Instruments, Including a Regulatory Agreement, with Anabasis, LLC for the One Tree Village Permanent Supportive Housing Project. Council Member Chavez voted No and Council Member Lewis abstaining as she is not sure that this pencils out for the City and. Ms. Lewis asked whether HUD requirements differ, and Ms. McCammond explained that they are standard nationwide, for which Ms. Souza Elms noted that the prefab construction would allow the project to move quickly and stay within the grant’s timelines and constraints. Ms. Lewis raised concerns about potential financial difficulties, Mr. Connor reassured her that they had built a robust contingency and that the project costs are 30% lower than hotel conversions and 50% cheaper than tax credit projects, while still exceeding affordable housing standards. Mr. Amabile asked about the timeline for using State funds, and Ms. McCammond confirmed the deadline is June 30, 2025. Ms. Lewis expressed ongoing concerns about future residents and the impact on those currently living in Rancho Mobile Homes and asked City Attorney Vaughn about potential restrictions, for which he and Bill explained that any restrictions must not be discriminatory. Ms. Souza Elms clarified that ERF guidelines had been approved in October 2024. Mr. Vaughn confirmed that Ms. Lewis’s abstention didn’t affect the vote’s outcome, and the 2-1 vote passed. Ms. McCammond provided more detail on the Section 8 vouchers and the support available for residents. At 9:03 p.m., Mayor Amabile called for a 10-minute recess. At 9:16 p.m. the meeting reconvened. Mr. Chavez requested to change his vote after listening to the discussion and gaining a better understanding of the issues. Mr. Vaughn addressed what the City’s rules allow regarding vote changes. Ms. Lewis reiterated that her main concern is the safety of the community and the need to follow the state grant’s rules, particularly how they affect the housing element. She asked staff to clarify the type of residents who could be housed there and emphasized the importance of working closely with staff to ensure the Rancho Mobile Home community remains safe and secure without feeling pressured by the ongoing developments. She also noted that case management services would be provided in perpetuity. After hearing these assurances and having her concerns addressed, Lewis stated that she was willing to change her vote to a yes. Motion by Sanders, seconded by Amabile to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6882 – Authorizing the Execution of a Disposition, Development, and Loan Agreement and Related Instruments, Including a Regulatory Agreement, with Anabasis, LLC for the One Tree Village Permanent Supportive Housing Project. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Sanders, Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: None. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6883 – Declaring Pursuant to Government Code Section 54221 that Real Property Owned by the City is Exempt Surplus Land for Purposes Stated Herein, and Finding that Such Declaration is Exempt from Environmental Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. COLORADO BALLPARK PROJECT UPDATE; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6884 – APPROVING APPLICATION(S) FOR SPECIFIED GRANT FUNDS FROM THE BUDGET ACT OF 2024, SCHEDULE (1)(C) $1,000,000 SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE CITY OF LOS BANOS, COLORADO BALLPARK RENOVATION AND ADA UPGRADES. Parks & Recreation Director Heim presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Amabile began by asking if the skate park on the map is located where it stands today, to which Mr. Heim clarified that it is actually situated to the south of the map’s depiction. Moving on to funding, Mr. Amabile inquired if the $7 million allocated for park development comes from the General Fund or specific park funds and Financial Consultant Kuhn confirmed that these funds are dedicated entirely to park development. Council Member Sanders questioned whether the $7.5 million in the park fund is the total amount available and Mr. Heim confirmed this, noting that additional funds are collected over the years. Mr. Sanders asked how long it had taken to accumulate these funds, Mr. Heim estimated approximately 6 years. Mr. Sanders also raised the idea of spreading park investments across multiple locations rather than concentrating them all in one park, and Mr. Kuhn explained that many parks have already been integrated into existing developments. Mr. Heim requested Council input on whether all funds should be directed toward the Colorado Park. Mr. Sanders suggested that a splash pad at Pacheco Park would be more beneficial than a ballpark at Colorado, and Mr. Heim mentioned a conceptual plan for the splash pad discussed in March, with an estimated cost of $13–17 million. Mr. Kuhn added that the park development fund is particularly useful for matching funds when applying for grants. Mr. Heim confirmed that a conceptual plan is needed when applying for grants, though some flexibility exists. Council Member Lewis reminded the Council that they had previously requested a splash pad at Pacheco Park but expressed a strong preference for keeping it a baseball park. She also asked whether environmental testing was required for the project, and Mr. Heim confirmed that topographic and geotechnical tests had been completed with no issues. Mr. Heim stated that the project must go before the Merced County Airport Land Use Commission for approval. Ms. Lewis suggested reallocating leftover pickleball funds toward this project, while Mr. Kuhn reminded the Council that ARPA funds need to be spent by the end of the year and would cover the project’s initial costs. Ms. Lewis also asked whether the eliminated tennis courts would be replaced, and Mr. Heim indicated that this could be considered. Mr. Amabile inquired about the timeline for the pickleball courts’ construction, and Mr. Heim stated that the notice to proceed would be issued that week, with groundbreaking expected in a few weeks. Ms. Lewis noted that local developers had approached the Council about building a regional park and she expressed a desire to keep the park a dedicated baseball facility and replace the splash pad with additional features like a picnic area. Mr. Sanders and Ms. Lewis both emphasized the importance of a more centralized location for the splash pad rather than placing it in a remote area. Council Member Chavez asked if changing the water feature would affect funding, and Mr. Amabile recalled his involvement in creating the skate park, forming a committee for it during his previous tenure as Mayor. Mayor invited the public to come forward and speak. BLANCHE JORGE lives in the general area on West J Street, she also works with children in the area, originally when this was spoken about the skateboarders were included and there is a lot of children that don’t have a lot of access to recreational activities that live in the area of Colorado Ball Park, to have a little bit of something for the kids that don’t have much and wants to speak up for the neighborhood children, that neighborhood park has not been improved for some time, please think of the children. No one else came forward to speak. Mayor Amabile stated that when he was growing up in Los Banos we had a swimming pool, there was plans for one in back in 2006 and would like to still see that happen. Council Member Lewis asked what the next steps were and Mr. Heim stated that he will take the comments received and have community meeting to get more input before moving forward. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6884 – Approving Application(s) for Specified Grant Funds from the Budget Act of 2024, Schedule (1)(C) $1,000,000 Shall be Available for the City of Los Banos, Colorado Ballpark Renovation and ADA Upgrades. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 170-ACRES TO CONSTRUCT A BASIN FOR THE PURPOSES OF SURFACE AND STORM WATER CAPTURE AS WELL AS FOR INCIDENTAL GROUNDWATER RECHARGE. AS PART OF THE PROJECT, A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT IS PROPOSED TO CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM AGRICULTURAL/RURAL TO CIVIC/INSTITUTION TO REFLECT THE INTENDED USE OF THE SITE AS A PUBLIC WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY. ADDITIONALLY, THE PROPERTY IS PROPOSED TO BE PRE-ZONED AS PUBLIC FACILITY TO ALIGN WITH THE PLANNED USE. THE PROJECT SITE IS LOCATED ON MERCED COUNTY ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER(S): 082-020- 024, 424-010-004, AND 073-220-014; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6885 – APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 170-ACRES AND A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FROM AGRICULTURAL/RURAL TO CIVIC INSTITUTIONAL FOR THE OLD SANTA FE GRADE BASIN PROJECT; ORDINANCE NO. 1207 – AMENDING THE ZONING MAP TO PRE-ZONE APPROXIMATELY 170 ACRES LOCATED BETWEEN THE SAN LUIS CANAL AND THE SANTA FE CANAL, MERCED COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, FROM COUNTY GENERAL AGRICULTURAL (A- 1) TO PUBLIC FACILITY (PF) TO BE ANNEXED INTO THE CITY OF LOS BANOS. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Council Member Lewis inquired if the MOU with Grasslands Water District is for division of water and does this include any costs for us to develop this, for which Mr. Bergson responded yes, it does involve Grasslands and there is a draft MOU that is being brought to Council next month for consideration. Ms. Lewis asked if we will share the cost of the application water fee, for which Ms. Souza Elms responded no that is the City’s cost. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. BLANCHE JORGE stated that you need to bring back Wild on the Wetlands again; INAUDIBLE NAME asked what is the purpose of this, is it for the city to have more water. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Mr. Bergson explained the need for water and how the basin gives us more flexibility. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6885 – Approving the Annexation of Approximately 170-Acres and a General Plan Amendment from Agricultural/Rural to Civic Institutional for the Old Santa Fe Grade Basin Project. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 1207 – Amending the Zoning Map to Pre-Zone Approximately 170 Acres Located between the San Luis Canal and the Santa Fe Canal, Merced County, California, From County General Agricultural (A-1) to Public Facility (PF) to be Annexed into the City of Los Banos. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to introduce Ordinance No. 1207 – Amending the Zoning Map to Pre-Zone Approximately 170 Acres Located between the San Luis Canal and the Santa Fe Canal, Merced County, California, From County General Agricultural (A-1) to Public Facility (PF) to be Annexed into the City of Los Banos. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Sanders, Mayor Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: None. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT (TA) / MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS BANOS AND THE LOS BANOS POLICE MIDDLE MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION (LBPMMA); CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6887 – APPROVING A TA / MOU BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS BANOS AND THE LBPMMA FOR THE TIME PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 16, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2027; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6888 – AMENDING DIVISION 4, SALARY SCHEDULE – EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS RELATING TO CHANGES TO SECTION G – POLICE. Interim City Manager Brizzee presented the staff report and gave an oral report for executive compensation making note that this new LBPMMA MOU contain the changes to compensation for the Police Commanders, effective February 16, 2025, as follows: the salary schedule for Police Commanders will be increased by a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of one-quarter percent (0.25%) and an equity adjustment of 6.2%, Incumbents will be placed in the adjusted salary step that is the closest step to their salary step prior to application of the equity adjustment, which does not represent a reduction in pay, such adjustment may result in employees being placed in a lower salary step, but shall not result in a reduction in pay; Police Commanders will receive a lump sum payment of $3,050 as non- discretionary incentive to ratify the agreement; Effective July 1, 2025, the salary schedules for job classifications represented by the bargaining unit will be increased by a COLA of 3%; effective July 1, 2026, the salary schedules for job classifications represented by the bargaining unit will be increased by a COLA of 3%; Effective February 16, 2025, certificate pay for Commanders who possess a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Advanced Certificate will increase from $225 per month to $400 per month, and for who possess a POST Supervisory Certificate will increase from $275 per month to $500 per month; effective in 2025, employees may make a written, irrevocable election in December to cash out vacation to be accrued the following calendar year of up to one hundred twenty (120) hours, and effective February 16, 2025, management leave for Police Commanders will increase from 40 hours per year to 48 hours per year. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6887 – Approving a TA / MOU by and between the City of Los Banos and the LBPMMA for the Time Period of February 16, 2025 – June 30, 2027. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6888 – Amending Division 4, Salary Schedule – Employee Classifications Relating to Changes to Section G – Police. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT (TA) / MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS BANOS AND THE LOS BANOS POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (LBPOA); CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6889 – APPROVING A TA / MOU BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS BANOS AND THE LBPOA FOR THE TIME PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2027; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6890 – AMENDING DIVISION 4, SALARY SCHEDULE – EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS RELATING TO CHANGES TO SECTION G – POLICE. Interim City Manager Brizzee presented the staff report. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6889 – Approving a TA / MOU by and between the City of Los Banos and the LBPOA for the Time Period of July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Sanders, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6890 – Amending Division 4, Salary Schedule – Employee Classifications Relating to Changes to Section G – Police. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6891 – AMENDING DIVISION 4, SALARY SCHEDULE – EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS RELATING TO CHANGES TO SECTION A – ADMINISTRATION, SECTION B – FINANCE, SECTION C – COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SECTION D – PUBLIC WORKS, SECTION E – PARKS & RECREATION, SECTION F – FIRE & BUILDING, AND SECTION G – POLICE FOR UNREPRESENTED MISCELLANEOUS EMPLOYEES. Interim City Manager Brizzee presented the staff report and gave an oral report for executive compensation making note that this item includes changes to compensation for the Assistant Fire Chief, Assistant Public Works Director, and Human Resources Director, effective February 16, 2025, as follows: the salary schedule will be increased by a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of one-quarter percent (0.25%) and an equity adjustment of 8.95% for Assistant Fire Chief, 7.5% for Assistant Public Works Director, and 15.23% for Human Resources Director, Incumbents will be placed in the adjusted salary step that is the closest step to their salary step prior to application of the equity adjustment, which does not represent a reduction in pay, such adjustment may result in employees being placed in a lower salary step, but shall not result in a reduction in pay. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6891 – Amending Division 4, Salary Schedule – Employee Classifications Relating to Changes to Section A – Administration, Section B – Finance, Section C – Community & Economic Development, Section D – Public Works, Section E – Parks & Recreation, Section F – Fire & Building, and Section G – Police for Unrepresented Miscellaneous Employees. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1206 – AMENDING SECTION 2-3.126 OF ARTICLE 1 CHAPTER 3 TO TITLE 2 OF THE LOS BANOS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CITY MANAGER (SECOND READING & ADOPTION). City Attorney Vaughn presented the staff report. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to waive the second reading of Ordinance No. 1206 – Amending Section 2-3.123 of Article 1 Chapter 3 to Title 2 of the Los Banos Municipal Code Relating to City Manager. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt Ordinance No. 1206 – Amending Section 2-3.123 of Article 1 Chapter 3 to Title 2 of the Los Banos Municipal Code Relating to City Manager. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Sanders, Mayor Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: None. APPOINTMENT OF A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE LOS BANOS DOWNTOWN PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD (LBDPBID); CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6892 – APPOINTING [TO BE NAMED] TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF LOS BANOS ON THE LOS BANOS DOWNTOWN PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report. Motion by Amabile, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6892 – Appointing Council Member Deborah Lewis to Represent the City of Los Banos on the Los Banos Downtown Property and Business Improvement District Board. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONS: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, TWO (2) TWO (2) YEAR TERMS – EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2026; PLANNING COMMISSION, ONE (1) UNEXPIRED TERM IN DISTRICT 3 – EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2026; PLANNING COMMISSION, ONE (1) TWO (2) YEAR AT-LARGE – EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2026. Motion by Amabile, second by Sanders to appoint Sybil Halloran and Brad Gargano to the Parks & Recreation Commission to a Two (2) Year Terms – Expiring December 31, 2026. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Amabile, seconded by Chavez, to appoint Steven Nunes to the Planning Commission to an Unexpired Term in District 3 – Expiring December 31, 2026. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Amabile, seconded by Lewis, to appoint William McBride to the Planning Commission to Two (2) Year At-Large Term – Expiring December 31, 2026. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. ADVISEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICES. (No Report). CITY MANAGER REPORT; REPORT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(C)(3) EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: FIRE CHIEF. Interim City Manager Brizzee thanked Council for letting him serve as Interim City Manager, spoke to how tonight’s meeting was a great example of how we get business done here at the City, we have a large list of #1 priorities, appreciates all the department heads for the support and they are part of the reason why he was excited to take this job, how the homeless encampment is a priority that staff is focused on, there was a cleanup today and changes happening out at the encampment commending all the work and effort by city staff, how tonight’s ERF project was a great example of the hard work that our homeless team is doing, how back in 2023 when the homeless division was created we stole Ms. McCammond from her prior employer to come work for us, she is a great addition to the management team, the modernizing rehabilitation of city hall project, creating a path forward for the portables and the annex across the street from city hall, the animal shelter upgrades, street paving improvements, focus on staff recruitment and retention, how all city staff do fun and exciting things every day and he is proud to be part of the team and can’t thank you enough for the opportunity. Interim City Manager Brizzee reported that on February 14, 2025, based upon an annual performance review by the Interim City Manager, the Fire Chief’s salary will be increased to $16,719 monthly ($200,628 annually) effective November 1, 2023. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: EVAN SANDERS – DISTRICT 2: Spoke to how he asked at the last council meeting about the traffic issues on DeAnza, appreciate staff getting back to me and answering all my emails, happy to close the loop on all the Police Department negotiations, we want to retain people from leaving the city, and his concerns with the homeless encampment situation and appreciates the City putting a focus on this. MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: Thanked to Gary Brizzee for helping us out as Interim City Manager and Lucy Mallonee and all the staff for helping me out, glad we were able to work things out and get employee’s pay settled, almost done and is glad to get it all done. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Thanked her colleagues for nominating her to the downtown committee, give a great shout out to Lucy Mallonee, Human Resources Director and our negotiating attorney Kelly Tuffo for all their work in getting agreements with the various unions, apologized to our employees for it taking so long, appreciates Interim City Manager Brizzee and the work he is doing and making it all happen, spoke to homeless encampment concerns and structures being built out there by the homeless, would it require a city ordinance to limit what comes into those encampments, she really appreciates all the work all employees are doing. DISTRICT 1: Vacant MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Stated that tomorrow is the next MCAG meeting and will discuss what is going on with that when he comes back, he thanked staff for all their work, this time around its a lot more work with a lot of new requirements of the state, appreciate all of staff and Interim City Manager Brizzee for all that he is doing, how he will be on vacation for the next meeting, it’s been a long night and appreciative to what got done tonight. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 10.54 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk