City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 2, 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 6:01 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Police Chief Reyna 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, City Treasurer Lawrence, Police Chief Reyna, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Parks & Recreation Director Heim, Fire Chief Tualla, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson, Finance Consultant Kuhn CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Amabile stated that Item 8 – Consideration of Approval of City Council Resolution No. 6912 – Authorizing Award of Construction Contract to Rolfe Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $4,432,440 with a 15% Contingency of $664,866 for the Construction of the Final Kilometer Sewer Trunk Line Replacement Project and Item 9 – Construction of Approval of City Council Resolution No. 6913 – Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Purchase Order with Agee Construction Corporation in the Amount of $175,269 for the Procurement of Reinforced Concrete Pipe Pursuant to Section 3-10.250(M) of the City Municipal Code are being removed from the agenda. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to approve the agenda as submitted with the removal of Items 8 and 9 as stated above. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PRESENTATIONS – CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH 2025 – MARIAH MARTINEZ, RECREATION COORDINATOR I, PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT; INTRODUCTION OF THE SEVEN (7) NEW POLICE OFFICERS: RAFAEL GONZALEZ, RAYSHAWN OWENS, MAX PUGH, JOSHUA TOVAR, MARCO ALVARADO, BENJAMIN SILVA, KRISTIAN ROCHA. Mayor Amabile presented the certificate of recognition to Mariah Martinez who was in attendance to accept. Police Chief Reyna introduced the latest new Police Officers that recently graduated from the Fresno Police Academy, who were present to be recognized. 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. GREG HOSTETLER, expressed concern about the lack of communication from the Public Works department regarding a sewer extension project. Although there were indications the project might move forward, no plans have been shared, and no meetings have been scheduled with landowners or the trust. His team had previously requested drawings and noted the absence of an easement for the proposed trunk line. No formal requests have been made, despite the project's significant impact on actively farmed property. He emphasized that a meeting months ago could have helped address these issues. He also noted the need for insurance and a project schedule from the city. Additionally, he mentioned being previously prohibited from bidding on the project by the former city manager but thanked current staff, council, and the city manager for addressing a similar past situation (Shaunessey Park), where he felt wrongly blamed.; HIDO PEREZ, speaking on behalf of the food vendors, they’re requesting a change in the current rules to allow tables and canopies as many customers prefer having a place to sit and eat, so allowing this would improve their experience; ERICA HOUDESS, President of Los Banos Friends of the Library, highlighted the services they offer, along with the activities and programs they organize, and encouraged others to get involved by becoming members and supporters.; UNNAMED PERSON, spoke about their ongoing efforts to care for cats without anyone looking after them and shared that she recently completed her second year of conducting a feral cat count in the city, which she is currently reviewing for accuracy. She discussed the need for future funding and mentioned that the animal shelter has 18,000 followers. With staff already stretched thin, they’re hoping to add another team member and establish a hotline for reporting animal abuse or violations. She also emphasized the high number of pregnant cats coming through the shelter and their commitment to finding homes for them. There are 11 registered 501(c)(3) rescues in the area, all of which are being utilized, and even out-of-state organizations in two other states are requesting animals. Overall, she highlighted the urgent need for more funding and resources at the shelter. Mayor Amabile spoke to confusion with letters being submitted to the city council being read or not read, and how he can understand how it cannot be clear and now all letters will be read moving forward and asked the City Clerk to read the letter received last week that was not read. The City clerk read a letter from JULIE CREIGHTON requested follow-up on a matter discussed at a recent community meeting regarding potential relocation plans for unhoused individuals currently residing at the G Street encampment, how she understands there may be efforts to move individuals to a shelter facility outside of Los Banos, which could help address the current lack of local shelter resources, and is requesting clarification on whether this has occurred or is still planned. 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 item to pull items 7B – City Council Resolution No. 6907 – Accepting Public Improvements for Quail Meadows, The Villages V Phase 2, Unit 2 (Lodi Development, Inc.) and 7C - City Council Resolution No. 6908 – Accepting Public Improvements for Dove Hollow, The Villages VII Phase 3 (Lodi Development, Inc.) for discussion prior to approval. 7B – City Council Resolution No. 6907 – Accepting Public Improvements for Quail Meadows, The Villages V Phase 2, Unit 2 (Lodi Development, Inc.) and 7C - City Council Resolution No. 6908 – Accepting Public Improvements for Dove Hollow, The Villages VII Phase 3 (Lodi Development, Inc.) Council Member Lewis inquired as to this cost/expenditure for speed humps—are our staff working with the developer to address areas with problem streets or dispersed traffic issues for which Public Works Director/City Engineer Bergson responded that the locations for the speed humps have already been identified. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to approve the consent agenda as follows: Check Register for #250582 – #250817 in the Amount of $1,661,441.51; City Council Resolution No. 6907 – Accepting Public Improvements for Quail Meadows, The Villages V Phase 2, Unit 2 (Lodi Development, Inc.); City Council Resolution No. 6908 – Accepting Public Improvements for Dove Hollow, The Villages VII Phase 3 (Lodi Development, Inc.);City Council Resolution No. 6909 – Ratifying the City Manager’s Approval of the Employment Agreement with the Finance Director Minerva Moreno; City Council Resolution No. 6910 – Approving a Side Letter Agreement / Memorandum of Understanding By and Between the City of Los Banos and the Los Banos Police Dispatchers / Community Services Officers Association Regarding COLA Salary Increase for Public Safety Dispatchers; City Council Resolution No. 6911 – Amending Division 4, Salary Schedule – Employee Classifications Relating to Changes to Section G – Police, Public Safety Dispatchers. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6912 – AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ROLFE CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,432,440 WITH A 15% CONTINGENCY OF $664,866 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FINAL KILOMETER SEWER TRUNK LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT. Removed at the beginning of the meeting with the approval of the agenda. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6913 – AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH AGEE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $175,269 FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE PURSUANT TO SECTION 3-10.250(M) OF THE CITY MUNICIPAL CODE. Removed at the beginning of the meeting with the approval of the agenda. MID-YEAR 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET REVIEW; City Council Resolution No. 6914 – ADOPTING A REVISED BUDGET FOR THE 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR AS IT PERTAINS TO EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES. Finance Consultant Kuhn presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Council Member Lewis inquired as to the funds for elections, will the upcoming election be included in the budget for the next cycle for which Financial Consultant Kuhn responded yes and he spoke to the reclassification of line items and bringing it to Council for approval. Ms. Lewis inquired as to the special programs funds, Cal Wellness Grant and Mr. Kuhn responded We received the grant upfront and deferred both the expenditure and the need for appropriation for the state grant for the Police Department. Mayor Amabile stated This is our midyear budget review, and we are making adjustments to ensure everything is in line, including increasing the police and fire budgets to the appropriate levels. We will also be reviewing next year's budget in upcoming public meetings. A big thanks to the staff for their work on the midyear budget update. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6914 – Adopting a Revised Budget for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year as it Pertains to Expenditures and Revenues. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCIL MEMBER AND AN ALTERNATE TO THE VALLEY-WIDE SPECIAL CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT. Council Member Lewis explained the SJVAPCD Special City Selection Committee and the purpose and how members and board members are selected. Motion by Amabile, seconded by Council Member Chavez appointed Council Member Lewis to the Valley-Wide Special Selection Committee associated with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to appoint Council Member Sanders as the Alternate Member to the Valley-Wide Special Selection Committee associated with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. ADVISEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICES. (No Report). CITY MANAGER REPORT. Interim City Manager Brizzee introduced the new Finance Director, Minerva “Minnie” Moreno, who was in attendance, and read her biography, and then Ms. Moreno spoke briefly to the council thanking them for the opportunity. Mr. Brizzee provided an update on the animal shelter, mentioning delays caused by PG&E due to unavailable equipment. The plan includes adding kennels and increasing capacity for both cats and dogs, with hopes for a June completion. Congratulations were extended to the seven new police officers, who are a great addition to the team, as well as to two officers promoted through their jiu-jitsu achievements. There will be an upcoming ribbon- cutting for Pollo Loco and a welcome sign, along with updates on Shaunessy Park, where some progress may be made this month. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: DISTRICT 1: Vacant EVAN SANDERS – DISTRICT 2: Congratulations to Chief Reyna on graduating from the FBI Academy. Welcome to Minnie, and with Brent’s presentation, it's clear we are in a strong financial position; thanks to him for his transparency. Appreciation also goes to Council Member Lewis for nominating an alternate board member to the APCD. Lastly, it was noted that the homeless encampment looks much better than it has in the past. MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: Welcomed Ms. Moreno, it's great to have you on board, and I look forward to visiting and asking questions. Congratulations to Chief Reyna on graduating from the FBI Academy, and it's wonderful to see the seven new police officers. There's a lot of great work being done at the Fire Department. I had the chance to meet with Public Works employees last week at a luncheon, and I mentioned a pothole that was fixed right away. There are concerns about Highway 152, but since that’s a Caltrans issue, they will attend a future council meeting to update us on what's happening in Los Banos. The Camarena Health ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased a very nice facility. The homeless encampment is looking much better, and we’re working on building strong relationships with our government officials. Amabile shared concerns about the roundabout, particularly with trucks, and is looking forward to seeing the video and hearing the presentation. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Congratulated Ms. Moreno and she looks forward to finally being able to connect with someone and will be meeting with you soon, welcome aboard. Asked Police Chief Reyna if the FBI Academy was more challenging than the Police Officer Academy and he responded yes. She stated that he is very proud of the seven men who graduated from the Police Academy, and as first responders, they are especially close to my heart. It's great that we’ve been able to make our departments whole and correct the budgeting and overtime issues, thanks to the Finance Department for their hard work. There’s a grand opening for Rare Earth Coffee, a new coffee shop, and Oliveira Park was painted during a volunteer event. At the Valley Air meeting, we approved $20 million for clean vehicles, and sign-ups will be available for those interested in vehicle replacements. Merced County won’t be participating until May, but I encourage everyone to visit the Valley Cam website for vehicle replacement details. On April 8, there will be sign-ups in Madera, and on April 10 in Modesto. The ribbon-cutting for El Pollo Loco is this Friday, and on April 12, we’ll have our 4th Annual Egg Hunt at Oliveira Park with plenty of fun activities. MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Inquired as to how many chiefs have graduated from the FBI Academy for which Interim City Manager stated: Police Chiefs Broderick, Brizzee, Reyna and Police Commander Hedden. On April 16, Caltrans will present before the council. He mentioned Julie Creighton’s letter regarding the unhoused population in town and highlighted that meetings are held weekly, with staff working daily on the issue. It’s a top priority, and we are collaborating with three companies to find solutions. We’re also seeking funding and financing options to prevent this from becoming a burden on the city, working quickly on grant funding before it expires. Last week, we had our LAFCO meeting, which focuses on budgets. The MCAG meeting also discussed budgets and transportation issues. The PCE ribbon-cutting for the new solar system at the Community Center was a success. He also spoke about solar projects statewide and how between 11 am and 2 pm, the California grid can’t accept additional power, which is why many are turning to battery projects to store energy. Discussions are ongoing with the school district to restart the 2x3 meetings, involving two council members and three school board members, which have been well received. We’re also evaluating all of our commissions and shared his experience as an airport commissioner, expressing interest in making all commissions equally important by possibly holding joint meetings. Additionally, he suggested the high school could elect council members to participate in mock meetings. He mentioned several commissions with vacancies, including Measure H, Measure P, Measure V, Planning Commission, and Tree Commission, with applications due this Friday. He encouraged everyone to apply and get involved. Finally, it was nice to see the budget in order and to welcome the meeting. CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(B): (ONE POTENTIAL CASE). Mayor Amabile stated that direction was given to staff. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk