City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 18, 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 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, Parks & Recreation Director Heim, Fire Chief Tualla, Finance Director Moreno CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Amabile stated that staff is requesting that item 6D – City Council Resolution No. 6944 – Authorizing Entering into a Lease Agreement Between the City of Los Banos and Fernando Escobedo BBA Escobedo and Sons, for the Purpose of Leasing Pasture Laned Located at the City of Los Banos Wastewater Treatment Facility for a Period of Five (5) Years in the Amount of $145,192.72 be removed from the consent agenda. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to approve the agenda as amended with the removal of 6D – City Council Resolution No. 6944 – Authorizing Entering into a Lease Agreement Between the City of Los Banos and Fernando Escobedo BBA Escobedo and Sons, for the Purpose of Leasing Pasture Laned Located at the City of Los Banos Wastewater Treatment Facility for a Period of Five (5) Years in the Amount of $145,192.72. 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. REFUGIO LLAMAS & MARIA PHILLIPS, addressed the Council regarding a community event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Llamas introduced Ms. Phillips and expressed his pride in partnering with her and supporting the American Hero Initiative, a nonprofit that provides grants to disabled veterans for critical home and auto repairs. He shared a historical overview of the Marine Corps’ contributions in various conflicts, including WWII, the Korean War, and beyond, noting that Marines have always been ready to serve wherever the President sends them. Ms. Phillips thanked the Council for their support and announced a Marine Corps birthday dinner and dance to be held on November 8 at M&M Restaurant, which will include traditional ceremonial elements and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Hero Initiative. She shared that the cause is very close to her heart, as both her husband and father are veterans. IVANI MOLE spoke to raise awareness about global humanitarian concerns and to criticize ongoing support for military action in Palestine. She expressed disappointment in the current leadership and claimed California is attempting to restrict freedom of speech regarding support for Palestine. She discussed systemic oppression and human rights violations, arguing that taxes are being used to fund acts of genocide. Mole called for peace, encouraged the Los Banos community to boycott and divest from complicit institutions, and asked residents to fact-check and stay informed. She cited statistics regarding casualties and damage and urged everyone to take action to end the suffering. MARIA PHILLIPS commented on California Assembly Bill 84, expressing concern over its impact on homeschool families and small businesses. She explained that AB 84 would eliminate access to extracurricular services—such as arts and sports— funded through charter schools. She described how this would harm tutors, dance studios, and other service providers, using Tracy as an example. Ms. Phillips noted that Los Banos Unified School District does not currently allow homeschool students to participate in public school sports or arts programs, limiting opportunities even further. She shared a personal story about homeschooling her daughter due to a serious autoimmune condition. Ms. Phillips announced that she will be meeting with Senator Caballero’s office on June 23 to advocate against the bill and highlight its impact on the community. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. Council Member Lewis requested that items 6C – City Council Resolution No. 6943 – Authorizing Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Associated with the Pioneer Road Widening Project in the Amount of $202,602, Police Department Vehicle Purchases in the Amount of $184,366, Landscape & Lighting District 11 in the Amount of $225,000, and General Update Grant Reconciliation in the Amount of $12,000 and 6F – City Council Resolution No. 6946 – Accepting Public Improvements for Center Avenue (Pioneer Development Company, Inc.) be pulled from the agenda for discussion and separate vote. 6C – City Council Resolution No. 6943 – Authorizing Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Associated with the Pioneer Road Widening Project in the Amount of $202,602, Police Department Vehicle Purchases in the Amount of $184,366, Landscape & Lighting District 11 in the Amount of $225,000, and General Update Grant Reconciliation in the Amount of $12,000. Councilmember Lewis raised questions about Landscape Lighting District (LLD) 11, noting efforts to backfill the district to prevent it from consistently running in the red. She asked why, in fiscal year 2022-23, a budget request for full reconciliation did not fully proceed and only a portion of funds was applied. Financial Consultant Kuhn explained that as some LLDs began to improve financially, the city paused full transfers to avoid overburdening the general fund. Instead, partial funding was budgeted the following year to move closer to normalizing the district’s finances. Currently, additional funds are needed to bring the district’s balance back to zero, but overall this approach is saving the general fund money. Moving forward, the city plans to evaluate all LLDs based on levels of service to ensure spending aligns with available funding and avoid overspending. Parks & Recreation Director Heim added that while most districts are healthy, District 11 has been a challenge for years. Although revenues are trending upward due to increased tax income and development, they are still not sufficient to fully cover expenditures or address the longstanding deficit. Councilmember Lewis also shared her past work with the previous Public Works Director exploring amenities like aeration equipment to reduce heat and conserve water in parks. She suggested considering switching decorative electric lighting to solar power as a cost- saving measure. She emphasized the importance of finding innovative ways to reduce operational costs in high-expense districts like LLD 11. Overall, the district is trending toward financial stability, but the city will continue closely monitoring expenditures and pursuing cost-saving strategies to maintain sustainable service levels without further strain on the general fund. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6943 – Authorizing Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Associated with the Pioneer Road Widening Project in the Amount of $202,602, Police Department Vehicle Purchases in the Amount of $184,366, Landscape & Lighting District 11 in the Amount of $225,000, and General Update Grant Reconciliation in the Amount of $12,000. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. 6F – City Council Resolution No. 6946 – Accepting Public Improvements for Center Avenue (Pioneer Development Company, Inc.). Council Member Lewis noted a discrepancy on the map shown on page 152. The map indicates that the entire section of Center Avenue, from Cardoza to the north and Pioneer to the south, has been repaved. However, the member clarified for the record that a portion adjacent to a farming area southeast of the property has not been repaved. Interim City Manager Brizzee explained that the map actually depicts the public improvements related to the Center Avenue development, including landscaping, walls, and relocated PG&E poles, rather than full road repaving. The red outline on the map highlights these public improvements, which extend beyond the immediate development area. Ms. Lewis emphasized the need to note this in the record to avoid confusion or issues later, clarifying that the map does not represent the full repaving of the road but only the improvements associated with the development. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6946 – Accepting Public Improvements for Center Avenue (Pioneer Development Company, Inc.). The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to approve the consent agenda, as amended, as follows: Check Register for #252010 – #252183 in the Amount of $2,673,771.22; 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. 6943 – Authorizing Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Associated with the Pioneer Road Widening Project in the Amount of $202,602, Police Department Vehicle Purchases in the Amount of $184,366, Landscape & Lighting District 11 in the Amount of $225,000, and General Update Grant Reconciliation in the Amount of $12,000 (voted on separately); City Council Resolution No. 6944 – Authorizing Entering into a Lease Agreement Between the City of Los Banos and Fernando Escobedo BBA Escobedo and Sons, for the Purpose of Leasing Pasture Laned Located at the City of Los Banos Wastewater Treatment Facility for a Period of Five (5) Years in the Amount of $145,192.72 (removed from agenda); City Council Resolution No. 6945 – Accepting Grant Deed for a Variable-Width Water Line Easement Dedication of Approximately 9,064 Square Feet on Site at the Los Banos Unified School District Early Education Center and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute All Required Documents for this Dedication; City Council Resolution No. 6946 – Accepting Public Improvements for Center Avenue (Pioneer Development Company, Inc.) (voted on separately). The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. 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. (SECOND READING & ADOPTION). Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to waive the second 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 adopt 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 2025/2026 APPROPRIATION LIMITATION; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6947 – SETTING THE TAX RELATED APPROPRIATION LIMIT IN COMPLIANCE WITH PROPOSITION 4 AND PROPOSITION 111 FOR THE FY 2025/2026. Finance Director Moreno presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6947 – Setting the Tax Related Appropriation Limit in Compliance with Proposition 4 and Proposition 111 for the FY 2025/2026. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET. Finance Director Moreno presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation, emphasizing that the municipal budget serves as both a financial blueprint and a policy document. It guides how the city funds public services while aligning with community goals and ensuring transparency and accountability. Since the last update on June 4, general fund revenue projections increased by $252,001, mainly due to an updated property tax estimate, which rose by 6.07%—the second highest increase in the county after the City of Merced. Total projected revenues now stand at approximately $27.54 million. On the expenditure side, estimated costs increased by $264,478, bringing total expenditures to about $27.52 million. Notable budget changes include personnel adjustments, increased funding for spay and neuter programs, code enforcement, homeless outreach, and contingency funds. The operating budget maintains a small surplus of around $15,143 and includes $822,000 in one-time expenditures. The city projects an unallocated general fund balance of $10.95 million by June 30, 2026, with assigned reserves representing roughly 30% ($8.17 million) of the budget. The plan supports 18 of 19 authorized new positions, reinforcing staffing in police, community development, public works, and facilities, with one position reclassified within public works. Minor adjustments were made to Measure H, Measure P, enterprise funds, internal service, and capital items, but no changes were made to capital projects beyond funding sources. The budget allocates nearly $2 million for public safety and homeless initiatives, $1.09 million for parks, and over $14 million for infrastructure improvements. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Lewis questioning the salary schedule related to the Public Works Director/City Engineer (PWD/CE) and City Engineer (CE) positions, noting the original intention to separate these roles. Interim City Manager Brizzee explained the reasoning behind keeping flexible options to attract qualified candidates with engineering licenses. Human Resources Director Mallonee and Parks & Recreation Director Heim contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the need for multiple engineers to manage the city’s growing workload and to reduce costs by limiting outside consultant use. Ms. Lewis shared her experience representing the city in Washington, D.C., where she was assigned public safety matters related to police and fire departments. She highlighted challenges the city faces in securing grants, especially compared to smaller cities elsewhere in the country. She noted the Fire Department must adhere to NFPA 1710 standards, which limit how residential structure fires are handled. Ms. Lewis expressed concern that while three battalion chiefs are allocated, only two are funded, and frequently sees the Fire Chief actively fighting fires, which she feels detracts from administrative duties. She urged the council to reconsider funding the additional battalion chief position at midyear, especially with a new fire station opening soon. Ms. Lewis also addressed the Assistant City Manager (ACM) position, which is currently unfunded but still listed as approved for hiring. She expressed caution, recalling past issues where the position appeared on the budget without council discussion or justification. She requested that the ACM be removed from the approval list unless the City Manager returns with a clear rationale for the need. Councilmember Marcus asked if funding the ACM would require council approval, to which the Mayor confirmed. Deborah supported removing the ACM from the books and requiring justification before hiring, noting that in some cities ACMs oversee departments or projects, but that Los Banos is not currently at that stage. The Mayor then introduced City Treasurer Lucy Lawrence, who praised the proposed budget and congratulated the finance department for their work. The Mayor shared that this was his 25th government budget experience and called it the best budget he has ever approved. He highlighted its fiscal responsibility, strong reserves, investments in public safety and infrastructure, and commitment to transparency. He thanked city staff and residents for their support and emphasized that the budget positions Los Banos well for current and future needs. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Sanders to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6948 – Approving the 2025/2026 FY Budget, Including Updates to Division 4, Salary Schedule, Division – 13, Business and Travel Expenses of the Los Banos Policy & Procedures Manual. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT PROPOSED PROJECT LIST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 6949 – ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017. Parks & Recreation Director Heim presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation, and was an extensive update on the city’s street maintenance and rehabilitation efforts, focusing on the annual Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funded by SB1 and Measure V programs. He thanked Martha Brazil for her assistance in preparing the data. Joe explained that this year the city secured $1.3 million from SB1 and $2.7 million from Measure V, with an additional $300,000 allocated from Measure V Alternative Transportation funds, mainly used for sidewalks and ADA-compliant corners. He highlighted key statistics: the city maintains 136 miles of streets, 5 miles of alleys, 272 miles of curb and gutter, and 262 miles of sidewalks. He reviewed past accomplishments, noting that internal staff primarily handles overlay work on cul-de-sacs and smaller street sections, while contracted work addressed larger street overlays last year totaling over $1.4 million. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2025-26, Mr. Heim outlined plans for $1.6 million in street overlays on six streets, with design work ongoing and construction expected in the fall. Phase two, involving about $2.2 million for additional streets, is set to begin design soon, with construction anticipated in spring 2026. He emphasized the importance of the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), noting the citywide average is 48, considered below ideal, compared to a similar city average of 76, signaling significant infrastructure needs. He presented projections showing that fully addressing all poor- condition streets (PCI 24 and below) would cost approximately $23.4 million, highlighting the financial challenge ahead. He noted that while current funding and reserves allow for continued investment, about $4 million planned this year, this level is not sustainable long- term without additional funding sources or grants, which the department is beginning to pursue. Additional topics included crack sealing, planned in phases and coordinated with weather and staff availability, and downtown alley repaving projects scheduled for bidding this winter and construction in spring. Mr. Heim also mentioned signage requirements related to Measure V and SB1 funding, noting MCAG provides signage to inform the public of tax dollar use on projects, with the recent Dos Palos bridge featuring a Measure V stamp. There was Council Member and staff discussion regarding crack sealing versus chip sealing and sustainability of funding levels. Mr. Heim acknowledged that while maintenance efforts extend road life, ongoing expansion of the city and limited funding sources mean challenges remain. The Mayor noted the city has allocated significant funds for streets in the current and upcoming budget cycles in response to community priorities. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 6949 – Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATION TO MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (MCAG) MEASURE V CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE – Blanche Jorge. Motion by Amabile, seconded by Chavez to nominate Blanche Jorge to the MCAG Measure V Citizens Oversight Committee. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. REPORT ON LEGAL AND ILLEGAL FIREWORKS REQUIREMENTS AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS UNDER THE FIREWORKS ORDINANCE. Fire Chief Tualla presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. The city allows the sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks only, which are non-aerial and must bear the State Fire Marshal’s logo. These fireworks are sold at nine designated booths from June 28 through July 4, with sales restricted to adults aged 18 and over. Safe and sane fireworks may be discharged only on private property between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from July 1 to July 4, and minors must be supervised by adults. Illegal fireworks, including aerial and commercial types without the proper seal, are prohibited, as is the discharge of any fireworks outside the allowed dates or in public areas without permits. Police Chief Reyna explained that enforcement will be zero tolerance with increased staffing, but drones will not be used due to FAA regulations and operational risks. Administrative fines, rather than criminal charges, are typically issued with a maximum fine of $1,250 per violation, which is a city ordinance violation. Council Member Sanders asked about issuing citations based on video evidence; Police Chief Reyna clarified that citations require officers to witness the violation firsthand. Reporting is best done through the city’s dispatch center rather than social media or online tips because staff cannot monitor those in real time or ask follow-up questions, although having an online reporting system with good publicity would be helpful. Councilmember Lewis inquired about enforcement challenges, including how police identify offenders when residents stop fireworks use upon police arrival; Chief Reyna noted that police presence itself can deter violations, and follow-up enforcement is possible if sufficient information is available. Regarding situations where offenders are renters, Chief Reyna confirmed that enforcement targets the individuals responsible for the violation, although property owners can sometimes be held accountable under certain codes. Fire safety education continues through social media and pamphlets at fireworks booths to promote safe use and proper disposal. The report was informational only, with no action requested. This was an information item only, not action taken. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS. PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR HEIM reported that Shaughnessy Park is progressing with concrete forms in place, and the agricultural sports complex continues to advance with new sod on both fields. Work is also underway on pickleball courts. Heim noted they expect to bring the Colorado Ballpark project to the council on July 16. He reminded everyone that the Fourth of July event is scheduled for June 28. Mr. Heim also highlighted that Public Works is continuously busy with new projects, including work related to the homeless encampment and updates on lift stations. He thanked both Public Works and Parks & Recreation staff for their ongoing efforts. FIRE CHIEF TUALLA expressed gratitude for the council’s support and emphasized the need to fund a third battalion chief position due to ongoing staffing challenges. He shared a recent example of a fire resulting in the loss of a home because of insufficient personnel and noted the department is dealing with overlapping calls, sometimes receiving multiple calls while still responding to existing emergencies. FINANCE DIRECTOR MORENO informed the public that City Hall will close early for staff training on June 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. She also reminded residents about the “Shop Smart, Shop Local” campaign aimed at keeping sales tax dollars within Los Banos to support local services and fund city projects. POLICE CHIEF REYNA reported on a vendor meeting held several weeks ago in response to community concerns about illegal vending activities near Los Banos in Merced County. He confirmed that Merced County enforcement is actively addressing those violations. Chief Reyna thanked the council for approving the budget, including extra staffing, which is greatly appreciated, and acknowledged Brent Kuhn for his valuable partnership with the department. CITY MANAGER REPORT. Thanked the Mayor and Council for their support in passing the budget, emphasizing the goal of efficiently and effectively executing it in the new fiscal year. He acknowledged the months of work by staff, including Rosemarie Souto and Sarah Orozco, in preparing the budget. He highlighted an increase in the spay and neuter program funding from $8,000 to $50,000, aiming to better manage the city’s pet population. He also provided an update on the animal shelter project, noting that the installation of a transformer and power upgrade is scheduled for June 30, which has been delayed but will allow progress on gate motors, fencing, and landscaping. The shelter now features taller fences, three fenced play areas with new landscaping and sprinklers, enhancing safety and appearance with room for future expansion. He thanked Police Chief Reyna and staff for their contributions to the project and concluded with a lighthearted remark about hoping the council focuses on setting vision while staff executes the budget. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: EVAN SANDERS – DISTRICT 2: Expressed appreciation for the budget, noting it’s his first but feels it sets a high standard for future years. He praised the improvements in the homeless encampment, highlighting that it looks much better than expected even weeks after setup and commended the city’s communication regarding street repairs, appreciating the detailed report and responsiveness to public concerns. Congratulations were given to Bradley Roland and Alex Valdez for graduating from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Core Academy, with a personal note about Bradley being his stepson. He requested a follow-up discussion after the Fourth of July to review fireworks enforcement and consider improvements for next year, expressing a personal view that all fireworks should be illegal in town and closed by thanking city staff for their ongoing hard work. MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: Thanked Chiefs Reyna and Tualla, Interim City Manager Brizzee and Mr. Heim from Public Works and others involved with recent encampment efforts. He acknowledged that while these actions are not a complete solution, they represent progress, particularly in redirecting water away from the rail trail to improve that area. On the topic of the city budget, he expressed appreciation for everyone involved and emphasized the importance of continued work on road maintenance, agreeing with other councilmembers on its priority. He also discussed the need to plan for future growth, referencing a recent meeting with Chief Tualla and others. He highlighted the potential for implementing inspection fees, noting that many services are currently provided at no cost. Mr. Chavez stressed the importance of preparing now to support city growth, including the eventual addition of a third battalion chief, as mentioned by Ms. Lewis. He expressed enthusiasm about the progress on the Deborah Lewis parking lot, thanking Mr. Brizzee for his work. He then shifted focus to recurring community complaints about loud music. He noted that since joining the council, residents have approached him about ongoing disturbances and questioned whether current ordinances are effective. He proposed exploring stronger deterrents to avoid wasting police resources on repeat calls. In response, the Police Chief confirmed that the city has a noise ordinance allowing citations after repeated responses, including the next day. However, he explained that staffing limitations, especially on weekend, can affect response times, as higher-priority calls take precedence. Mr. Chavez concluded by suggesting the city revisit existing noise policies to determine if they are strong enough to reduce unnecessary strain on public safety resources. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Expressed gratitude to Mayor and Councilmember Chavez for naming the new parking lot after her. She shared her appreciation upon seeing the completed lot and thanked city staff and the Interim City manager for making it happen. She noted that the new lot would improve safety and accessibility for both residents and city staff. She reported on the upcoming Air Board meeting and previewed a state-funded program administered through Valley CAN that provides financial assistance for vehicle repairs, smog checks, or purchasing new or used vehicles. She noted that low-income residents are eligible for greater assistance, including support for electric or hybrid vehicle purchases. The program is receiving $9 million in funding this year, and she encouraged the public to visit valleyair.org for more information. Regarding the animal shelter, Councilmember Lewis suggested implementing a reminder system, potentially supported by volunteers, to notify pet owners when it's time to renew their animal licenses. She highlighted this as a way to maintain better tracking and compliance, particularly concerning required rabies vaccinations. She also thanked city staff for their clear and helpful budget presentation and mentioned how responsive staff were in addressing her follow-up questions, particularly around road funding. She emphasized that street conditions are a common complaint across cities and expressed satisfaction that the city is making progress in addressing road maintenance issues. She addressed illegal fireworks, noting that the city should consider increasing its fines, as the statewide maximum is currently around $2,300. She hopes that by next year, the city will be better positioned to enforce and collect higher penalties for violations. DISTRICT 1: Vacant MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Reported on a recent MCAG meeting, where homelessness across Merced County was discussed. They highlighted a positive trend, noting a 28% decline in homelessness in Los Banos and praised ongoing efforts, including the upcoming One Tree Project. He also mentioned their role on the board of Peninsula Clean Energy, the energy provider for Los Banos. Currently, the generation portion of residents' electricity bills is 10% lower than PG&E rates, and that discount is expected to continue into the next year. He noted a national 35% drop in the cost of generating power, which is helping maintain lower rates. However, PG&E plans to raise rates despite this decline. He shared that Peninsula Clean Energy will soon undergo a rebranding to adopt a more inclusive name, reflecting its expansion beyond the Peninsula to other parts of Northern California, including Los Banos. He expressed appreciation for the community’s positive feedback regarding recent progress at the encampment site. Acknowledging the collaborative work involved, they emphasized that more improvements are forthcoming, with council and staff expected to take further action in the coming months to continue addressing the issue with compassion. He concluded by reminding the public that the next council meeting is scheduled for July 16th, due to the July 4th holiday, and expressed appreciation to those attending both in person and online. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk