City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2025 ACTION MINUTES – These minutes are prepared to depict action taken for agenda items presented to the City Council. For a detailed account of this meeting, refer to the video recording available on YouTube, which serves as a permanent record. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Amabile called the City Council Meeting to order at the hour of 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Police Chief Reyna led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Members Council Member Mitzy Perez – District 1, Marcus Chavez – District 3, Deborah Lewis – District 4, Mayor Michael Amabile; ABSENT: Evan Sanders – District 2 STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Than, City Attorney Lerner, City Clerk/Human Resources Director Mallonee, City Treasurer Lawrence, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Police Chief Reyna, Public Works Director Via, 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, Sanders absent. PRESENTATION BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF MERCED COUNTY REGARDING THE SENIOR TINY HOMES DEVELOPMENT IN LOS BANOS. Rosa Vasquez, Executive Director of the Merced County Housing Authority, presented the staff report and introduced the Housing Authority employees who were also in attendance. She provided an overview of the agency’s work and then turned the presentation over to a colleague, who spoke in more detail while referencing the PowerPoint slides. The presentation highlighted the progress of the senior tiny home developments in Los Banos and the services provided by the Housing Authority throughout the county. Developer Vernell Hill addressed the Council and stated that this was his first time working in Los Banos. He noted that every city is different in terms of process, but praised Los Banos staff for doing a great job assisting with the project. He referenced the email blasts sent out regarding the tiny homes and reported that construction is moving forward, with the homes expected to be ready in approximately two months. Mr. Hill emphasized that these units are high-quality, stick-built homes designed to last up to 100 years, making them a far better option than fabricated structures. He added that this type of development should be used as a model for the state of California moving forward. Ms. Vasquez spoke again and commented positively on the experience of working with City staff, expressing appreciation for both Stacy Souza Elms and Christy McCammond and for the responsiveness and support provided throughout the project. Council Member Lewis asked whether the new units would be designated for older adult housing and inquired about the minimum age. Ms. Vasquez confirmed that the housing is intended for adults aged 62 and older or for individuals with disabilities, with no age requirement for disabled applicants. Council Member Lewis also asked about individuals currently staying in hotels or motels on temporary vouchers. Ms. Vasquez explained that HSA provides those motel vouchers for a limited period, and once they expire, families are at risk of becoming homeless. At that point, they may be referred to the Housing Authority to determine eligibility for permanent housing assistance. 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 opened the public forum. BLANCHE JORGE expressed appreciation for the recent tiny homes presentation and discussed the potential development of a program for service dogs in need of homes. She emphasized continuing efforts to make Los Banos a pet-friendly city, including maintaining green spaces for pets, encouraging developers to plan for pets in new projects, and exploring the possibility of a city fee to support pet-related services. She also highlighted issues with residents feeding outdoor animals, encouraged spay and neuter practices, and noted veterinarian services available in the community, offering to provide names to Ivan Mendez. Additionally, she suggested placing signs promoting the city as pet-friendly and providing stickers for pet-friendly businesses. UNNAMED SPEAKER addressed concerns about the limited scope of the PBID audit, noting public uncertainty and the importance of a complete audit. They also raised questions about the city’s infrastructure and water capacity to support proposed housing developments, while acknowledging efforts to mitigate these concerns in the future. The speaker highlighted the recent celebration of the Marine Corps anniversary at M&M Restaurant, thanking all involved, including Esmeralda Soria, and noting funds raised for veterans through a silent auction. MIGUEL ALEJANDRE spoke regarding infrastructure capacity, citing concerns with fire staffing, hospital and EMT/ambulance access, road congestion, and water and wastewater limits. He urged the council to take steps to ensure infrastructure growth keeps pace with population growth and read a letter from a resident regarding the Los Banos School Board. The letter raised concerns about a parent-led organization whose bank account containing $6,700 was reportedly closed and deposited to the school, leaving the club without a president and proper leadership. A letter from ERASMO VIVEIROS was read into the record by City Clerk Mallonee, expressing concern about the growing number of e-bikes being operated throughout Los Banos on sidewalks, city roadways, and along the rail trail. He highlighted personal safety incidents on the rail trail and requested that the City Council coordinate with the Police Department and the Los Banos Unified School District to engage the community in drafting an e-bike ordinance. The letter suggested promoting safe outdoor activity, reinstating dashed lane lines on the rail trail, and including provisions in the ordinance regarding speed limits, direction of travel, right-of-way requirements, open space restrictions, and modification bans. The Council thanked and acknowledged all participants in the public forum. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to approve the consent agenda items as follows: Check Register for #254495 – #254914 in the Amount of $1,379,596.63; City Council Meeting Minutes for October 1, 2025; City Council Meeting Minutes for October 15, 2025; City Council Meeting Minutes for November 5, 2025; City Council Resolution No. 7017 – Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF); City Council Resolution No. 7018 – Accepting the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds Financial Statement for the Years Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 as Prepared by Price Paige & Company, Merced County Associations of Governments’ (MCAG) Auditors; City Council Resolution No. 7019 – Authorizing the Submittal of an Application, Acceptance of an Allocation of Funds, and Execution of a Grant Agreement with the California Department of Transportation for an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Matching Grant, Increasing the Amount by $3,515.00 and Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget; City Council Resolution No. 7020 – Acting as the City of Los Banos Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), Approving the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Domestic Well Mitigation Policy; City Council Resolution No. 7021 – Acting as the City of Los Banos Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Revised Delta-Mendota Subbasin Memorandum of Agreement; City Council Resolution No. 7022 – Amending Division 4, Salary Schedule – Employee Classifications Relating to Changes to Section A – Administration – Adding Legal Assistant and Amending the FY 2025-2026 Budget by Approximately $63,753 as it Pertains to Salary and Benefits. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Sanders absent. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE STANDARDS CODE, LOCAL CITY OF LOS BANOS AMENDMENTS TO THE CODES, AND JUSTIFICATION OF LOCAL CONDITIONS; ORDINANCE NO. 1211 – ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE BY AMENDMENT TO TITLE 4 CHAPTER 3 OF THE LOS BANOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTION OF LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO (SECOND READING & ADOPTION). Fire Chief Tualla presented the staff report. 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 waive the second reading of Ordinance No. 1211 – Ordinance No. 1211 – Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code by Amendment to Title 4 Chapter 3 of the Los Banos Municipal Code and Adoption of Local Amendments Thereto. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Sanders absent. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt Ordinance No. 1211 – Ordinance No. 1211 – Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code by Amendment to Title 4 Chapter 3 of the Los Banos Municipal Code and Adoption of Local Amendments Thereto: AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Perez, Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: Sanders. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, LOCAL CITY OF LOS BANOS AMENDMENTS TO THE CODES, AND JUSTIFICATION OF LOCAL CONDITIONS; ORDINANCE NO. 1212 – ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARD CODES BY AMENDMENT TO TITLE 8 CHAPTER 1 OF THE LOS BANOS MUNICIPAL CODE (SECOND READING & ADOPTION). Fire Chief Tualla presented the staff report. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to waive the second reading of Ordinance No. 1212 – Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standard Codes by Amendment to Title 8 Chapter 1 of the Los Banos Municipal Code. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Sanders absent. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to adopt Ordinance No. 1212 – Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standard Codes by Amendment to Title 8 Chapter 1 of the Los Banos Municipal Code. AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Perez, Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: Sanders. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1213 – ADDING ARTICLE 49 TO TITLE 9, CHAPTER 3 OF THE LOS BANOS MUNICIPAL CODE – REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT (RHNA) OVERLAY DISTRICT TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HOUSING ELEMENT (SECOND READING & ADOPTION). Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to waive the second reading of Ordinance No. 1213 – Adding Article 49 to Title 9, Chapter 3 of the Los Banos Municipal Code – Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Overlay District to Facilitate Implementation of the Housing Element. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Sanders absent. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to adopt Ordinance No. 1213 – Adding Article 49 to Title 9, Chapter 3 of the Los Banos Municipal Code – Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Overlay District to Facilitate Implementation of the Housing Element. AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Perez, Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: Sanders. CONSIDERATION OF POLICY PRIORITY AND APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE TO ATTEND THE 2026 MCAG ONE VOICE PROGRAM. City Manager Than presented the staff report, making note that the annual MCAG One Voice Program allows regional cities and the county to coordinate on policy priorities and advocate in Washington, D.C. Mr. Than volunteered to serve as a staff delegate for the program. Council discussion focused on selecting policy priorities for Los Banos. Mayor Amabile emphasized Chromium 6 water infrastructure as the top priority, along with police and fire needs and roads. Council Member Chavez agreed that Chromium 6 and public safety should be priorities, adding transportation as a top-three priority. Council Member Perez highlighted water infrastructure. Council Member Lewis noted that water and Chromium 6 remain priorities and stressed the ongoing importance of public safety, drawing from her experience representing the city last year. She also discussed how federal representatives view small cities and noted that, despite a population of 50,000, Los Banos may not be considered small in federal funding considerations. The Council discussed potential funding opportunities for transportation projects such as the Pioneer Complete Street Project and noted challenges related to California’s standing with the current administration and prior discussions of high-speed rail, which could affect funding. Mr. Than explained that high- speed rail is a priority for the east side of the county but not for Los Banos, and that the city has the opportunity to provide input and approval for regional priorities. Discussion then turned to delegate appointments. Council Member Lewis noted the importance of continuity in representation to advance city priorities and recommended that an alternate delegate be involved to learn the process. Mayor Amabile volunteered to serve as the delegate, and Council Member Perez volunteered to serve as the alternate delegate. The Council confirmed the selected policy priorities for the program would be water infrastructure and public safety, with staff preparing detailed materials for coordination with the regional One Voice group. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS. Community & Economic Development. Director Souza Elms provided updates to the Council. She reported that the next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 26th, would be canceled due to the Thanksgiving holiday. ELMS also announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the One Tree Project, a permanent supportive housing development with 58 units for unhoused residents, scheduled for Friday, November 21st at 11 a.m., and encouraged Council and community participation. Regarding local businesses, ELMS provided an update on ONO HAWAIIAN BARBECUE, noting that they are completing final inspections and a grand opening will be announced soon. She also highlighted Small Business Saturday on November 29th, emphasizing the “Shop Smart, Support Local” initiative, which includes promotions such as LB Bucks and giveaways for participating small businesses. Additionally, ELMS reported on a recent Chick-fil-A mobile food truck event, noting strong community turnout and interest from the Chick-fil-A franchisee in the area, and indicated that future visits are being planned. Finance. Director Moreno provided updates to the Council. He emphasized the “Shop Smart, Support Local” campaign, encouraging residents to purchase locally in order to retain sales tax revenue within the City of Los Banos and reduce the current 70% revenue leakage. She highlighted the impact this revenue has on funding city services such as police, fire, and recreation. He also provided an update on water service accounts, noting that with AB 998 policy now in place, water service shut-offs will begin in January for customers with high balances. She encouraged residents to contact the City to make payment arrangements to avoid service interruptions. Notices regarding the upcoming shut-offs have been issued over the past four years, and additional outreach will include social media campaigns and inserts in utility bills to ensure residents are informed. Fire. Fire Chief Tualla provided a brief update to the Council, beginning by thanking the City for the adoption of updated codes, noting their importance in keeping the community safe. He reported on a couple of fires that occurred that day, highlighting that prior issues at one location were mitigated thanks to fire prevention measures and coordination with Code Enforcement, which helped prevent a more serious incident. The Chief also mentioned an upcoming December movie night and reminded the community to exercise caution during the holidays, including safe practices for deep-frying turkeys. He indicated that a fire safety campaign would be promoted to ensure public awareness. Human Resources. Director Mallonee provided an update to the Council that since the last meeting, three new employees have joined the City: Marizol Romero as the new Homeless Outreach Coordinator in the Community & Economic Development Department, Monica Heguy as an Account Clerk I in the Finance Department, and Mary Lerner as the new City Attorney. She added the City is actively recruiting for at least 12 additional positions across various departments, including lateral police officer, public safety dispatcher, community services officer, custodian, and volunteer firefighter. Residents interested in current job openings were encouraged to visit the City’s website or contact Human Resources at City Hall. Ms. Mallonee also announced that the City Council will host its 29th annual Holiday Open House at the December 17th council meeting, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and continuing until the start of the meeting at 6:00 p.m., and invited the public to attend. Parks & Recreation. Director Heim announced upcoming public meetings regarding the Vineyard Park expansion, including a proposed parking lot and Westside Dog Park, scheduled for the following evening at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Miller and Lux, and on Saturday at noon and 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center, with comments also being accepted via email. Mr. Heim provided updates on South Point Basin Park and Pump Track, noting that public feedback is still being accepted. Regarding Shaunessey Village, the shade structure has begun installation, and concrete work will follow; the playground area is near completion, with plans to open the top area soon while allowing the basin area’s grass to establish before a spring opening. He also reminded residents that tickets are available for the Breakfast with Santa event on December 13th and highlighted other holiday activities, including movie night, the Christmas parade on December 6th, Cocoa with the Popo at the plaza, and the lighting of the 29-foot Christmas tree at the plaza. Police. Chief Reyna reported that last week, the Police Department, Code Enforcement, and Public Works coordinated with Housing staff to secure tarps on tents in preparation for incoming rain, ensuring a swift and effective response. He reminded the community that the annual canned food drive is ongoing through December 10th and noted a recent collaboration with Charleston to collect additional donations. Chief Reyna announced that a new police officer will begin on December 1st, with a formal swearing-in ceremony to be scheduled. He highlighted the upcoming Hot Cocoa with a Po-Po community event at the Plaza, featuring holiday activities and prizes. The Chief also provided a staffing update, noting four officers currently in the Academy, four candidates undergoing background checks for the January Academy, and several other candidates in process for open positions. He welcomed new City Attorney Mary Lerner and offered to answer any questions from the Council. Public Works. Director Via noted that recent rain had slowed some ongoing projects. He reported that the department has made offers to a couple of potential employees, with updates expected at the next Council meeting. Mr. Via also provided an update on a recent meeting with Caltrans regarding De Anza, which the City Manager attended; the consultant is continuing to develop the project based on guidance received from Caltrans. Additionally, he reported that staff began internal replacement of water valves and endpoints last week, addressing issues with zero-read meters to ensure accurate billing. A more detailed update on this project is expected at the next Council Meeting. CITY MANAGER REPORT. Mr. Than provided updates to the Council, highlighting the ongoing work related to the city’s Housing Element, noting that the 500-page document is now public and that the city is seeking compliance certification from HCD. He thanked staff and Council for their review and comments to ensure the document meets the specific needs of Los Banos. He also discussed partnerships with the Housing Authority, the County, and other grant programs to support vulnerable populations at risk of homelessness. Mr. Than announced a public meeting on November 25th for community input on the Community Development Block Grant, which provides $27 million statewide, with up to $3.6 million per jurisdiction for infrastructure improvements. He reminded the Council of the upcoming groundbreaking for the One Tree permanent supportive housing project and noted that further housing updates will be provided at the December Council Meeting. Regarding water and sewer, he highlighted progress on groundwater recharge basins in partnership with the Grassland Water District and the re-initiation of the city’s water and sewer master plan update. He thanked the new Public Works Director for his immediate contributions to the De Anza project and emphasized ongoing collaboration with Caltrans to advance this priority. He concluded by expressing appreciation to city staff for their hard work and reminded residents not to dispose of cooking oil or grease into the sewer system, especially as colder temperatures approach. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: EVAN SANDERS – DISTRICT 2: Absent. MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: Thanked staff for their hard work on the budget books, noting the effort put into compiling them and recognizing the value of the information contained within. He welcomed Mary Lerner to her first Council meeting, appreciating her calm and efficient presence. He concluded by wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving and encouraging residents to cherish time with their families while also expressing gratitude to city staff for their ongoing dedication and service. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Expressed excitement about ONO Hawaiian Barbecue opening soon and hoped that Dutch Brothers would follow in the area. She welcomed Mary Lerner to her new position, noting it would be a “breath of fresh air” to work with her. Ms. Lewis also raised a concern regarding proper disposal of cooking oils and other contaminants, suggesting that MCAG consider establishing drop-off locations on both the east and west sides of the county to prevent residents from pouring oils down drains. She concluded by thanking everyone in attendance and wishing all a safe and happy Thanksgiving. MITZY PEREZ – DISTRICT 1: Reported that she was pleased to attend Esmeralda Soria’s turkey giveaway last Saturday, noting the large turnout and the joy it brought to participants. She encouraged residents to watch for other upcoming turkey giveaways and community events. She also shared that she has been door-knocking in his district to inform residents about the open Planning Commission position and encouraged everyone to spread the word. MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Mayor Amabile highlighted the importance of long- term planning and growth management for the city. He referenced the growth management system he established in 1999, which set a 3–5% growth rate, and suggested that staff begin reviewing and updating the system to guide future housing development. He emphasized the need for public meetings to discuss housing preferences, including the potential for smaller, more affordable two- and three-bedroom homes, and to ensure a balanced mix of senior, low-income, and multifamily housing. He also discussed collaboration with the school district, noting the return of the two-by-three meetings with city and school board representatives to plan for school sites, capacity, and infrastructure impacts. Mr. Amabile highlighted the importance of coordinated planning to avoid issues with roads, traffic, and public services and shared a historical example of developer agreements that supported school funding. Finally, he addressed water and infrastructure planning, including chromium six mitigation, groundwater recharge, and potential surface water solutions, stressing the need for sustainable, cost-effective approaches. He thanked staff and residents for their engagement and participation, welcomed City Attorney Mary Lerner, and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk