City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 4, 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: Police Sergeant Gonzales 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, Police Chief Reyna, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Parks & Recreation Director Heim, Fire Chief Tualla, Finance Director Moreno 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. PRESENTATIONS: PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE LOS BANOS HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND & GUARD; CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MAY 2025 – SALVADOR CASTANEDA, COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER, POLICE DEPARTMENT. Mayor Amabile presented the Proclamation to Danielle Cavazos, Director of Bands who was in attendance to accept and presented the certificate to Salvador Castaneda who was present to accept. 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. DOMINGO SANDOVAL, a local business owner, thanked the council for recognizing the van. He acknowledged MRS. CAVASOS for mentoring youth, including his son, and for representing Los Banos proudly in Washington, D.C.; DJ BARCELLOS, speaking on behalf of the Los Banos Elks Lodge, announced a blood drive on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 565 East Street. He emphasized the importance of blood donations during summer months and encouraged public participation; CASSANDRA MEDINA TORRES, representing the DR. Jennifer M. Jones Foundation, proposed a cleanup event at the H Street encampment. The event would include food, music, and community outreach to support homeless individuals. She offered to coordinate with city staff and left contact information; JOHN FULTON, a Los Banos resident, thanked the city for quickly addressing hazardous storm drains. He discussed recent updates to California vehicle codes regarding bike lanes and recommended shifting from bike lanes to bike routes due to space and safety limitations. He also emphasized the need for proper signage and two-way infrastructure for bicycles; KHALED SANCHEZ introduced himself as a candidate for City Council District 1 and encouraged residents to vote in the special election by mail on August 26; UNNAMED REPRESENTATIVE from a local construction and home-building business addressed delays in entitlement and plan approvals, citing staffing issues in Public Works and the Engineering Department. He emphasized the urgent need to move forward with infill housing and school construction projects. He expressed support for the current council and staff while urging faster progress; BLANCHE JORGE, a downtown resident and Elks Lodge member, highlighted the Flag Day celebration on Saturday during the blood drive. She encouraged families to attend and learn about American flag history. She also asked the council to improve public communication about July 4th fireworks procedures to protect veterans and animals; ANTONIO GRIMALDO asked the council to investigate a community program he believed was unfairly targeting individuals. He claimed harassment and requested accountability for those allegedly abusing the program. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. Interim City Manager Brizzee stated that staff would lie to removed Item 7F – City Council Resolution No. 6938 – Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Los Banos and CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP to Perform Professional Auditing Services for a Term of Three (3) Years with the Right to Extend for Two (2) Additional Years in the Amounts not to Exceed Year 1 $73,555, Year 2 $79,950, Year 3 $76,350, Year 4 $77,750, Year 5 $79,250 from the consent agenda. Council Member Lewis stated that she would like to pull item 7D – City Council Resolution No. 6936 – Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget by Increasing Appropriations in the Community Center Fee Fund Account 244-410-100-720 for Expenditures in the Amount of $6,130 for Civil Engineering and Administrative Services for the Construction of the Community Center Fence for discussion. Item 7D – City Council Resolution No. 6936 – Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget by Increasing Appropriations in the Community Center Fee Fund Account 244- 410-100-720 for Expenditures in the Amount of $6,130 for Civil Engineering and Administrative Services for the Construction of the Community Center Fence. Council Member Lewis inquired as to A $6,130 cost overrun was discussed regarding a task order with Precision Engineering for a community center project. Parks & Recreation Director Heim responded that Precision was assigned as one of the city’s on-call engineers to complete the design portion of the project. Although their total task order was not to exceed $17,000, a late invoice for $6,130 was submitted months after project completion, causing budgeting issues. The delay prevented the cost from being accounted for during the normal fiscal process. The expense will be paid from the Community Center Fee Fund, which had reached its limit. Mr. Heim acknowledged the delay and expressed the need for clearer billing deadlines in future contracts. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to approve the consent agenda, with the removal of Item 7F – City Council Resolution No. 6938 – Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Los Banos and CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP to Perform Professional Auditing Services for a Term of Three (3) Years with the Right to Extend for Two (2) Additional Years in the Amounts not to Exceed Year 1 $73,555, Year 2 $79,950, Year 3 $76,350, Year 4 $77,750, Year 5 $79,250, as follows: Check Register for #251794 – #252009 in the Amount of $1,175,590.82; Measure P Oversight Committee Financial Report; Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee Financial Report; City Council Resolution No. 6936 – Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget by Increasing Appropriations in the Community Center Fee Fund Account 244-410-100-720 for Expenditures in the Amount of $6,130 for Civil Engineering and Administrative Services for the Construction of the Community Center Fence; City Council Resolution No. 6937 – Awarding Contract for Publication of Legal Notices/Legal Advertisements for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026 and Authorizing and Directing the Interim City Manager to Execute Agreement with The Westside Express; City Council Resolution No. 6938 – Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Los Banos and CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP to Perform Professional Auditing Services for a Term of Three (3) Years with the Right to Extend for Two (2) Additional Years in the Amounts not to Exceed Year 1 $73,555, Year 2 $79,950, Year 3 $76,350, Year 4 $77,750, Year 5 $79,250; City Council Resolution No. 6939 – Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Los Banos and Harshwal & Company, LLP to Perform Specialized Auditing Services of Capital Projects in the Amount Not to Exceed $45,000; City Council Resolution No. 6940 – Approving and Adopting Final Tract Map No. 2016-01 East Center, Phase 3B and Accompanying Subdivision Improvement Agreement (Pioneer Development Company, Inc.). The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. MOBILE FOOD VENDOR ORDINANCE UPDATE. Community & Economic Development Director Elms presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Amabile invited the public to come forward and speak. UNNAMED PERSON requested an emergency change to allow for temporary shade structures due to extreme heat, noting temperatures reached 106-107°F last weekend. Although their food truck was repositioned for some shade, customers are still exposed to direct sun for over three hours. The speaker emphasized that the shade setup would not be permanent and urged for expedited approval, as a formal ordinance change could take over a month. Ms. Souza Elms asked for feedback on if staff should proceed with: Flexibility in allowing minor adjustments, Re-evaluation of permit fees, Enhanced signage regulations to allow A-Frame signs, Consideration of a “food truck park” or designated vending hubs There was Council and staff discussion regarding concerns about excessive heat and the need for shade structures at mobile food vendor locations. Staff confirmed that only temporary structures (e.g., pop-up tents with sandbags) are allowed without a building permit. Permanent shade structures would require building permits, owner approval, and would need to meet wind and safety standards. Council emphasized maintaining the "mobile" nature of food vendors. Staff explained that an emergency ordinance for shade due to heat could be legally justified for public health reasons, but it would only last 45 days and require a unanimous vote. Council agreed this route is complex and may not be necessary. Instead, Council supported a temporary solution: staff will immediately work with vendors to allow minimal, non-permanent shade (such as umbrellas, pop-up tents, and a few chairs/tables) that must be taken down daily. This allows relief from heat while staff continues developing long-term updates to the mobile food vending ordinance. Council clarified that these temporary allowances do not constitute approval for permanent structures. Council also asked staff to bring the existing mobile food vending ordinance to a future meeting for review and comparison. They agreed that any permanent changes must involve input from vendors and uphold city aesthetics and safety standards. Direction to staff was to begin working immediately with vendors to implement temporary shade solutions, prepare current ordinance materials for council review at a future meeting, continue stakeholder engagement as updates to the ordinance are developed. No action taken, direction and guidance given to staff. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF EXTENDING THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE VILLAGES AT STONECREEK IV SUBDIVISION (ARTHUR W. AND ANNE L. DUNKLEY MARITAL PROPERTY TRUST UTD AND ROSALYN M. SIMON REVOCABLE TRUST UTD); ORDINANCE NO. 1208 – (1) APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS “VILLAGES AT STONECREEK IV”, (2) MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS RELATED THERETO, AND (3) AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AMENDMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. (FIRST READING & INTRODUCTION). Community & Economic Development Director Elms presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. KATHY BALLARD asked about the development fees applicable in 2035, noting that the tentative map dates back to 2005 and the build-out has not yet occurred. She inquired whether fees would be based on 2005 rates or updated fees in 2035. The response was deferred until after the public hearing. TINO GOMES, a resident of the Ortigalita area for approximately 100 years and owner of 11 acres affected by the current construction, expressed serious concerns about the impact of the development. He reported that about 600 feet of his property and infrastructure have been damaged due to construction activities. He explained that construction crews are not landscapers and do not take responsibility for property care. He also highlighted safety issues on Ortigalita Road, which is officially closed but lacks police patrol. Signs and cones have been repeatedly knocked down, dust is pervasive, and residents face hostile behavior when enforcing the closure. Mr. Gomes stressed that many innocent residents are negatively affected without protection, property damage is ongoing, and there appears to be a lack of control over construction impacts, including signage placed on private property and landscaping damage. He called for increased law enforcement presence and enforcement. No one else came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Amabile acknowledged the concerns raised regarding Ortigalita Road. Staff clarified that the fees associated with the development are not based on the original 2005 schedule but will be the fees in effect at the time each building permit is applied for, even if that is in 2035. This is a key benefit of the development agreement, which is typically structured to protect both the city and the developer, especially for large projects. It was also noted that the current issues on Ortigalita Road are related to intersection improvements rather than the development agreement extension itself. Public Works will investigate the concerns, and efforts will be made to address dust control and damaged signs. Councilmember Lewis asked if there is a legal limit to how many times a developer can request extensions of a development agreement. City Attorney Vaughn responded that there is no such limit under state law. He explained the advantages of development agreements, including keeping large projects consistent and avoiding a restart of the approval process that could result in a substantially different development with new fees. Typically, these agreements last about 20 years, depending on the pace of development. For this particular project, the development includes 309 lots. Ms. Lewis also inquired about land shown outside the development area on the tentative map. Staff confirmed that this land is covered by a separate tentative map and is also approved for residential development. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 1208 – (1) Approving Second Amendment to Development Agreement Relative to the Development Known as “Villages at Stonecreek IV”, (2) Making Certain Findings Related Thereto, and (3) Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Said Amendment on Behalf of the City. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to introduce Ordinance No. 1208 – (1) Approving Second Amendment to Development Agreement Relative to the Development Known as “Villages at Stonecreek IV”, (2) Making Certain Findings Related Thereto, and (3) Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Said Amendment on Behalf of the City. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Sanders, Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: None. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF THE LEVY OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR FOR LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NOS. 1-7 AND 9-19; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6941 – CONFIRMING DIAGRAM, ASSESSMENT AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NOS. 1-7 AND 9-19 FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Parks & Recreation Director Heim presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. CAMI AVILAR, a resident of District 4, asked about planned restroom improvements listed for the 2028–2030 period, noting the existing restroom at the College Greens utility building. She wanted clarification on what the new restrooms are and whether the maintenance and costs for the rentable building come from the District 4 assessment or another source, and if rental revenue covers those costs. JOHN FULTON raised a concern about the Vineyard B park at Ranchwood, pointing out there are no bike racks despite plans to expand parking. He questioned the cost comparison between installing bike racks for 20 bicycles versus creating parking spaces for cars, noting the limited parking available at the new junior high school relative to student population. Mayor Amabile acknowledged these questions and said they would be addressed after the public hearing. No one else came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Mr. Heim responded to public hearing questions. Regarding Cami Avilar’s inquiries about District 4 and College Greens, Joe explained the five-year capital plan includes a planned publicly accessible restroom at College Greens Park. The $30,000 in 2028-29 is design funding, with construction planned the following year. Restrooms are costly, with past projects exceeding $350,000 due to factors like sewer, water connections, and ADA compliance. The existing rentable building’s maintenance and costs are covered by the city’s general fund, not the district assessment, since rental income is variable. In response to Mr. Fulton’s parking and bike rack questions for Vineyard B Park, Mr. Heim noted parking expansion is driven by high park activity and limited parking along Vineyard Drive. He agreed bicycle locking systems are a viable, simple solution to help mitigate traffic and congestion, and the city plans to explore this further. Councilmember Lewis asked about districts with multiple assessments due to different development phases, questioning how residents will know which district or assessment they fall under on their tax bill. Finance Director Moreno explained that this information can be found in the recorded property documents. Councilmember Sanders asked about the financial status of District 11, which Joe then addressed in detail. Regarding assessment increases, Mr. Heim detailed that districts vary in characteristics, amenities, and size, which affect costs. Typical increases range from about $14 to $47 per year depending on district and type of assessment (residential or commercial). He clarified that tax bills indicate the assessment district, and some districts have multiple assessments (A, B, C, etc.) based on different developments or commercial rates. Property records also show district information. For District 11, which has a 5% maximum annual increase, Joe explained it faces challenges due to an initially low assessment rate and large park maintenance needs, including decorative lighting, playgrounds, and restroom upkeep. Though it’s working toward financial stability, it will take years and careful budgeting. Other districts have a 10% cap on increases and vary in financial status. Overall, Mr. Heim emphasized the need for conservative and strategic management of district funds to maintain park and lighting services. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6941 – Confirming Diagram, Assessment and Levying Assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District Nos. 1-7 and 9-19 for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARING – TO EVALUATE THE CONTINUATION OR REPEAL OF THE MEASURE P SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS (SALES) AND USE TAX IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDINANCE NO. 1020 (CHAPTER 12, SECTION 3-12.1.24 OF THE LOS BANOS MUNICIPAL CODE); CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6942 – APPROVING THE CONTINUATION OF THE “MEASURE P” LOS BANOS POLICE, FIRE, PUBIC SAFETY/911 SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS (SALES) AND USE TAX. Finance Director Moreno presented the staff report. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. There was Council and staff discussion regarding the funding for a Battalion Chief, with Councilmember Chavez confirming that 70% of the cost would be covered, for which Ms. Moreno clarified that 70% of the budget comes from Measure P and 30% from the general fund. Mayor Amabile noted that Measure P has been a huge benefit to the city, supporting the new Los Banos Police Department and the construction of the new Fire Station Number Four. Councilmember Lewis added that since the measure became permanent, it has significantly helped the city hire police officers and firefighters and acquire necessary equipment. He emphasized that Measure P was created by the community to support the growth of public safety services in line with the city’s expansion. The council expressed unanimous support for continuing this funding to sustain public safety improvements. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6942 – Approving the Continuation of the “Measure P” Los Banos Police, Fire, Pubic Safety/911 Special Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CITY BUDGET AND THE 2025-2026 APPROPRIATION LIMITATION. Finance Director Moreno presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation and a detailed report of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City Budget and Appropriation Limitation. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing and invited residents watching online to submit questions if anything was unclear, acknowledging that budget discussions can be complex. He emphasized that public safety remains the city’s top priority and that the budget is designed to provide necessary services efficiently without holding funds unnecessarily. He expressed satisfaction with the budget’s reserve and surplus. BLANCHE JORGE noted an increase in funding for pet spaying and neutering, recognizing it as an important community concern. CAMI AVILAR, inquired about Colorado Ballpark, noting that it was not prominently featured in the capital projects or recreation budget. The Mayor acknowledged the question as valid and said it would be addressed shortly. No one else came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. There was Council Member and staff discussion regarding Colorado Ballpark, with Mr. Heim noting that the project is included in the Park Fund budget with $500,000 allocated for design and engineering this fiscal year, with further funding to be brought to council as needed. Gary explained that some PowerPoint slides were lost during a power outage but were recovered and further detailed by Ms. Moreno. Interim City Manager Brizzee highlighted the addition of 18 new employee positions, emphasizing that current staff are “lean and mean,” and these extra positions will help advance projects and improve efficiency. Ms. Moreno thanked Sarah Orozco, Rosemarie Souto, and Brent Kuhn for their assistance in preparing the budget. Mayor Amabile expressed strong support, emphasizing that public safety is the city’s top priority, praising the budget’s reserves, surplus, and the increase in the spay and neuter program and called it a very good budget. Council Member Lewis echoed this appreciation, commending the Interim City Manager and staff for providing vital community services and the addition of staff. She was pleased the budget is a living document that can be amended, but suggested more Code Enforcement Officers are needed. She also inquired about MCAG funding for a specific project, and expressed relief that the city is financially healthy, contrasting it with other California cities facing deficits. Council Member Chavez thanked staff and emphasized the importance of smart spending to provide services, agreeing with the mayor’s earlier statement about having the money and needing to use it wisely. Council Member Sanders thanked the team, expressing excitement about being on a council with a financially stable city, transparency, and the ability to spend on community needs. An overview of the city’s fund balance and fiscal sustainability was provided, showing a healthy unallocated fund balance projected at $11.8 million by June 2025 and a balanced operating budget with a slight surplus for fiscal year 2025-26. Interim City Manager Brizzee recommended designating portions of funds for economic development, streets, homelessness, parks, and CalPERS, with council approval required for appropriations. Council was updated on staffing priorities, including the splitting of the Public Works Director and City Engineer roles to increase departmental efficiency. The budget was praised for transparency, fiscal health, and alignment with community service priorities. This item will return for a formal vote at the next Council Meeting on June 18th, with another public hearing. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS. FIRE CHIEF TUALLA thanked the City Council and Interim City Manager for their support and dialogue regarding the Fire Department’s budget needs. He expressed appreciation for the positions included in the new budget. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SOUZA ELMS reported that the modular unit is scheduled for removal between June 16–20, 2025, after which the parking lot will be restored to its original condition by Public Works. She announced the Downtown Association’s Fourth of July celebration will be held on June 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and that weekly farmers markets have started and will continue through October. She also noted an upcoming Community Workshop on homelessness, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Los Banos Police Department and shared that the draft 2025 Point-in-Time Count was released by the Merced County and City Continuum of Care, showing Los Banos' unsheltered population at 86 people, down from 121 in 2024— a 28.9% decrease. This was largely attributed to the Housing Division’s efforts in permanently housing 20 individuals. She highlighted the outstanding work by Housing Program Manager Christy McCammond and Homeless Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Loa. FINANCE DIRECTOR MORENO discussed a new campaign encouraging the community to “Buy Local” and “Buy Online” (with local delivery), in order to retain tax revenue in Los Banos. She stated that approximately 70% of potential sales tax is currently lost to outside spending. The campaign will include videos featuring community leaders to promote keeping tax dollars in town. PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR HEIM, currently assisting with Public Works, thanked staff and department heads for their support during the transition. He acknowledged the past struggles in Public Works and emphasized the goal of handing off a strong department to future leadership. HEIM provided updates on park projects including concrete work at Shaughnessy Park, and progress on the sports complex and pickleball courts. He gave special thanks to all staff involved in cleaning up the homeless encampment, recognizing the hard work and teamwork displayed. He also mentioned that installation of solar lighting along the canal trail is expected by early winter. POLICE CHIEF REYNA provided an update on the G Street homeless encampment cleanup. Approximately 60 tons of debris were removed, the site was cleaned, and replaced with new tents. The cleanup involved coordinated efforts from Public Works, Police, Code Enforcement, and the Fire Department. The project is ongoing, with more work scheduled in the coming days. Chief Reyna emphasized the importance of enforcing site rules, residents must keep all belongings inside their tents, similar to property maintenance expected of housed residents. The new staffing included in the upcoming budget will greatly assist in maintaining enforcement and supporting these efforts long term. Mayor Amabile commented on the complexity of HUD vouchers and the challenges that come with shifting state-level expectations without regulatory changes. He emphasized the importance of rules, order, and cleanliness at the encampment site. He noted that transitional housing is essential as a bridge between encampments and permanent housing, and he expressed appreciation for the progress being made. CITY MANAGER REPORT. Interim City Manager Brizzee extended his appreciation to the Finance Department, Public Works, and all city staff involved in the recent cleanup of the G Street encampment. He acknowledged the difficult conditions staff worked under, including high temperatures, and expressed gratitude for their compassion and professionalism while addressing the needs of the unhoused community. He noted that while the city had planned this cleanup effort in advance, it was temporarily paused following an incident where a young woman was injured on-site and it was shared that she is now out of the hospital and recovering at home in Merced. He emphasized that he and Chief Reyna understand the responsibility of ensuring the cleanup efforts are sustained and effective. He also praised Interim Public Works Director Heim for stepping up during the transition period and staying dedicated to projects, even during off-hours. He highlighted two significant projects expected to come before the Council in July. The first is the long-planned closure of the old landfill near the sports complex, often referred to as the "bottle dump." The city is weighing two options: a cap closure estimated a $6 million or a clean closure, which would remove contaminated dirt and cost approximately $15 million. The clean closure is preferred, as it allows for more flexible land use in the future. Staff will return with a financing plan and a recommendation at the second meeting in July. The second project involves the Civic Center Master Plan and a potential solution for creating a mobile vending area downtown. The proposal includes repurposing the old police department facility and adjacent buildings to create a park-like space with green areas and parking that could accommodate vendors. Staff plans to hold a public workshop to gather community input before returning to Council with recommendations. He concluded by reiterating the city's commitment to long-term planning and community improvement. Mayor Amabile added that the bottle dump site is approximately 55 acres and is similar to another contaminated area that was addressed decades ago. He explained that the cost estimates reflect the scale of the property and the complexity of the remediation needed, but emphasized the importance of finally addressing the issue and putting the land to productive use. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: DISTRICT 1: Vacant EVAN SANDERS – DISTRICT 2: Addressed concerns about widespread misinformation circulating online regarding the homeless encampment, particularly on platforms like Facebook. He encouraged the public to attend the upcoming community workshop on homelessness to get accurate, firsthand information, as the meeting will not be broadcast online. He noted the significant improvements made at the encampment in the past week, thanks to efforts by Chief Reyna, Public Works, and other staff, but emphasized the importance of understanding the long-term path toward the opening of One Tree, which is still years away. He praised the evening's meeting as a strong example of transparent, community-driven local government and highlighted discussions around food vendor policies, neighborhood maintenance funding, and public safety, stating that the budget reflects the Council’s values and commitment to providing vital services. He expressed pride in being part of a Council that puts residents first. MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: He began by apologizing for missing the previous council meeting due to prior commitments and reaffirmed his dedication to his role. He commended the extensive work being done at the homeless encampment, noting he visited the site both days and was impressed by the rapid progress. He gave special recognition to Chief Reyna, Officer Mendes, Officer Hogan, Commander Drum, Commander Melden, and the Public Works staff for their hard work, describing the scene as a coordinated and effective effort that garnered positive public feedback. He acknowledged the difficulty of the task and praised city leadership for making meaningful improvements. He also addressed ongoing discussions about food vendors, expressing support for temporary solutions while emphasizing the need for action over prolonged discussion. Lastly, he commended Council Member Lewis for her passionate advocacy during the One Voice trip to Washington, D.C., where she strongly pushed for public safety funding. Mr. Chavez noted he was on a different team focused on securing funding for the airport and rural roads, emphasizing how those efforts benefit the broader local economy. He concluded by encouraging continued progress. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Began by recognizing and praising the Los Banos High School Marching Band and Guard, as well as the Creekside Junior High School band, for their continued excellence in the arts. She shared her personal connection to performing arts from her time in high school and expressed pride in the youth of Los Banos for keeping music and the arts alive. She also publicly congratulated Superintendent Dr. Mark Marshall on his new position with Central Unified School District in Fresno, commending his accomplishments in Los Banos and wishing him success. Council Member Lewis addressed resident concerns about bike lanes, particularly along Pacheco Boulevard, and noted the recent correction of road grates. She explained that Caltrans will be repaving Pacheco from near the city entrance to Volta Road and encouraged residents to attend public meetings to voice their input, as Caltrans has jurisdiction over the state highway. She also mentioned future city plans for circulation and bike routes, though not every street will be included. Regarding the homeless encampment, Lewis expressed appreciation for the tremendous work of city staff and noted the visible improvement since the cleanup began. She recounted visiting the site on day one and observed how quickly news spread throughout the community, resulting in many residents driving by to see the progress. She commended the efforts to not only provide shelter but also enforce standards for those living in the encampment, emphasizing the importance of dignity and accountability. She concluded by thanking the city manager and all staff involved in the project for their dedication and professionalism. MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Shared that the election is scheduled for August 26th, and the City will be working to coordinate a candidate forum for the two candidates, both of whom are young women, something he sees as a positive sign of youth engagement in local government. He provided an update from the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), noting a $20 million project to repave Highways 165 and 152 through the City, which is much needed. He also mentioned that Caltrans plans to install a roundabout at Volta Road. Mayor Amabile gave a special thank you to Brent Kuhn for his efforts in keeping the City afloat over the past couple of years, particularly with his work on the Designated Land Authority. He closed by encouraging residents to get involved in City commissions, noting that four commission seats remain open and that community voices, whether in agreement or disagreement, are essential to improving city operations. He thanked staff and the public for their continued involvement and support. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 9.24 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk