City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND LOS BANOS SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES February 4, 2026 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 6:01 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Police Commander Melden led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Members Mitzy Perez – District 1, Marcus Chavez – District 3, Deborah Lewis – District 4, Mayor Michael Amabile, District 2 – vacant STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Than, City Attorney Lerner, Assistant City Clerk Lin, Deputy City Clerk Blevins, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Police Commander Melden, Public Works Director Via, Fire Chief Tualla, Finance Director Moreno, Interim Human Resources Director Carlos 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 STUART MCCULLOUGH. Mayor Amabile presented proclamation to Stuart McCullough, who was present to accept. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY. Mayor Amabile presented the proclamation. Members from the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) were 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 opened the public forum. VANESSA BARRAZA, field representative for Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, introduced herself and described her role serving Los Banos and surrounding communities as a liaison between residents and the Assemblywoman’s office. She provided an overview of the legislative session timeline and highlighted recent state efforts addressing housing affordability, energy cost relief, and regulatory reforms. She summarized several bills authored or supported by Assemblywoman Soria benefiting rural housing access, farmworker housing approvals, agricultural infrastructure, and healthcare safety. She also noted recent regional funding investments and community partnerships supporting local programs. Ms. Barraza offered to coordinate monthly mobile office hours at City Hall to improve constituent access to state services. AN UNAMED PERSON spoke in appreciation of City staff, police leadership, and animal control personnel for their continued work supporting animal welfare programs, particularly feral animal management efforts. The speaker emphasized the importance of compassion toward animals, encouraged continued progress, and expressed community support for these initiatives. SYBIL HALLORAN presented a letter signed by local residents expressing concern about the impacts of federal immigration enforcement on the community. She requested that the City ensure compliance with California sanctuary laws, provide staff training on constitutional and immigrant rights, establish clear internal procedures regarding federal immigration inquiries, and publish accessible public guidance outlining residents’ rights and available resources. TONY WHITEHURST addressed the Council on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, discussing financial challenges related to expiring contracts and emphasizing the Chamber’s long history of volunteer-driven service supporting community events, economic vitality, and civic pride. He encouraged continued collaboration and support to sustain the Chamber’s role in strengthening the local business environment and community activities. JAVIER POWELL, representing the Milliken Museum, announced the museum’s 2026 membership drive and explained that the organization operates solely through memberships and donations. He outlined recent operational improvements, upcoming educational and fundraising events, and efforts to preserve local history. He also shared a historical newspaper clipping documenting the City’s incorporation, emphasizing the museum’s role in maintaining community heritage. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed. Mayor Amabile acknowledged and thanked public speakers, stating that the Council listens to and values community input. It was emphasized that resident safety remains the City’s top priority. He noted recent meetings with the City Manager regarding safety concerns related to events at the high school and ongoing community matters. He then turned over to the City Manager for further remarks. City Manager Than introduced Interim Human Resources Director Isabel Carlos, who joined the City on January 26, 2026 to fill the vacancy left by the former Human Resources Director. He summarized her more than 20 years of municipal management experience, including executive-level leadership roles in human resources and risk management with the cities of Perris and Millbrae. Her background includes overseeing multiple departments and implementing employee development and community-focused programs. Her educational credentials were noted, and the City Council welcomed her to the City team. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to approve the consent agenda items as follows: Check Register for #255813 – #256050 in the Amount of $1,401,744.65; City Council Resolution No. 7043 – Designating Thirty (30) Taser x26 Units as Surplus Equipment. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2025-03 TO ALLOW THE ON-SALE OF ALCOHOL (TYPE 41 ABC LICENSE – BEER AND WINE) AT D PHO, INC., LOCATED AT 2160 E. PACHECO BOULEVARD, SUITES D & E. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation; regarding a Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-03 for an existing Vietnamese restaurant located at 2160 East Pacheco Boulevard, Suites D and E, within the College Plaza Shopping Center. The request would authorize the on-site sale of beer and wine under a Type 41 ABC license, with alcohol service limited to consumption with meals and no proposed expansion or increase in operational intensity. The restaurant’s hours of operation would be 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA as an existing facility with no physical expansion. Staff reviewed the required use permit and alcohol license findings and noted that public hearing notices were properly published and mailed, with no public comments received. She stated staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 7044 finding the project exempt from CEQA and approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-03, subject to the conditions outlined in the staff report. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. KATHY BALLARD inquired whether exterior security cameras would be required in addition to the interior cameras shown. Ms. Souza Elms noted that Condition of Approval No. 16 requires the applicant to maintain monitoring cameras on both the exterior and interior of the restaurant at all times, subject to the satisfaction and approval of the Police Chief. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Perez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7044 – Finding Conditional Use Permit #2025-3 Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Approving Conditional Use Permit #2025-03 to Allow the On-Sale of Beer and Wine (Type 41 ABC License) at D Pho, Inc., Located at 2160 East Pacheco Boulevard, Suites D and E. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN #2024-01 AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE VILLAGES VI SUBDIVISION; CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7045 – APPROVING FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN #2024-01 FOR THE VILLAGES VI SUBDIVISION; ORDINANCE NO. 1214 – APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS VILLAGES VI (ROSALYN M. SIMON REVOCABLE TRUST UTD). Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation, providing background on the Stone Creek Area Plan, noting that the Planning Commission recommended approval in November 2003 and the City Council approved the plan in April 2004, facilitating the annexation of over 400 acres into the City of Los Banos. The Villages VI project proposes 30 single-family detached residential units on approximately 8.2 acres, representing about 2% of the overall area plan. The project includes varied lot sizes, a mix of single-story and two-story production homes with five architectural styles, and a neighborhood park, designed to complement existing neighborhoods and the surrounding community. Circulation improvements include access via Mariposa Drive and Cardoza Road, with streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, medians, landscaping, and utilities designed in accordance with city standards and master plans. The project is within the scope of the original Stone Creek Area Plan Environmental Impact Report, which anticipated a total build-out of over 1,800 residential units; with the addition of Villages VI, the cumulative total remains within the previously analyzed threshold. The Development Agreement provides vested rights for the developer, ensuring conditions and standards remain consistent throughout construction, while also securing public benefits, including contributions to community facilities and inclusion in landscape and lighting districts. Public hearing notices were published and mailed to property owners within 300 feet. A letter from Maria Fatima Sequeira from the Central California Irrigation District was ready by Ms. Souza Elms requesting that existing irrigation and drainage facilities be identified and protected during construction. Staff recommended that the City Council approve the Final Development Plan and Development Agreement consistent with the original Stone Creek Area Plan and its established vision for the community. Mayor Amabile opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. City Manager Than noted minor corrections to the Development Agreement for Villages VI. He identified typo errors in the exhibits and referenced: page 91 should refer to Vesting Tentative Map 2024-02, page 93 should reference Exhibit F instead of Exhibit E under Section 1.1, and page 103 should reference Exhibit G instead of Exhibit F. The corrections were acknowledged and will be incorporated into the final document. Mayor Amabile made a comment and reflected on the history of the Stone Creek Area Plan, noting that the original 400-acre annexation occurred during their previous term as Mayor. The annexation included significant negotiations with developers to incorporate commercial developments such as Target, Walmart, and Lowe’s, as well as land for Oliveira Park, a church, and Merced College. He emphasized that the City’s policy has consistently required new development to provide benefits beyond housing, enhancing the quality of life for existing residents. He acknowledged the long timeline of the project, noting that market conditions, including economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to delays, but expressed satisfaction that the development continues to move forward. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Perez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7045 – Approving Final Development Plan #2024-01 for the Villages VI Subdivision. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Perez to waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 1214 – Approving a Development Agreement Relative to the Development Known as Villages VI (Rosalyn M. Simon Revocable Trust UTD). The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present. Motion by Lewis, seconded by Perez to introduce Ordinance No. 1214 – Approving a Development Agreement Relative to the Development Known as Villages VI (Rosalyn M. Simon Revocable Trust UTD). The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Perez, Amabile; NOES: None; ABSENT: None. PIONEER ROAD PROJECT UPDATES. Public Works Director Via presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. He provided an update on the Pioneer Complete Streets Project, a long-term, multi-phase initiative designed to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity throughout the city. The project extends from just east of the college, connecting State Route 152 to Pioneer Road, and continues eastward toward Ward Road and Pacheco Boulevard, incorporating two-lane and four-lane sections, center medians, and a 10-foot shared-use path. He explained that without these improvements, multiple intersections would fall to a level of service F, resulting in severe congestion, and the project aims to close gaps in the existing pedestrian and bicycle network while providing alternate east-west routes to reduce traffic on Pacheco Boulevard. Phase one, including Pioneer Road and Ortigalita signalization, is nearly complete, with final completion anticipated in March 2026. The overall project is divided into six long-range segments, with completion projected around 2045, and includes coordination with Caltrans and the Central California Irrigation District for right- of-way and infrastructure improvements. Segment sequencing was revised to prioritize congestion relief and environmental compliance, including federal and state air quality standards. A public meeting was held on September 9, 2025, with approximately 30 residents providing feedback on traffic safety, median design, road conditions, and impacts to nearby homes. Next steps include completing environmental and technical studies and securing funding through state and federal grants, regional transportation funds, and local resources. He emphasized that the project will not only improve traffic flow and safety but also enhance air quality and connectivity, supporting both existing and future residential development. City Manager Than spoke to the clarification of the project. He explained that the Pioneer Complete Streets Project is a very large, complex initiative with a projected total cost of approximately $150 million and a completion timeline extending to 2045. The project involves multiple funding sources, including local, state, and federal grants, as well as right-of-way acquisitions coordinated with new developments and future annexations. He noted that environmental reviews, including air quality and conformity standards, caused delays over the past two years, prompting a reprioritization of segments to focus first on the east-of-Creek alignment to relieve congestion more quickly. Segment one is largely annexed and secured under the existing area plan, allowing faster project delivery. He emphasized that this realignment will help alleviate bottlenecks, particularly at Highway 152 and State Route 165, and noted that $8.6 million in Measure V funds have been allocated to support timely completion of this initial phase. Mayor Amabile commented that Segments One and Two of the Pioneer Complete Streets Project will provide the greatest traffic relief for residents, with projected completion between 2030 and 2033, potentially sooner. He noted that even the two-lane sections are being designed to accommodate future expansion, ensuring the project can meet long- term traffic needs. Director Via added that multiple sections of the Pioneer Complete Streets Project will be worked on simultaneously, with some segments in construction while others are in various stages of design, allowing progress across the project without waiting for one section to be completed before starting another. Council Member Lewis expressed appreciation that a portion of the Pioneer Complete Streets Project in District 4 has been completed. She noted that Segment 1, reaching 152 and Merced, is expected by 2030 and Segment 2 by 2033, while later phases, including Phase 6 projected for 2045, may be beyond her personal use. She emphasized that the project is much needed for the community and suggested that future phases could include a northern route to complete a loop connecting the east and west sides of Los Banos. Mayor Amabile invited the public to speak and no one came forward to speak. No formal action was taken. DE ANZA WAY AND MERCEY SPRINGS ROAD (SR165) INTERSECTION PROJECT UPDATES. Public Works Director Via presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation. He provided an update on the DeAnza Way and Mercy Springs Road/Highway 165 intersection project. He explained that the project aims to reopen the DeAnza connection to improve access and emergency response for the Shaughnessy Village subdivision. A task order with Mark Thomas Consultants was initiated in June 2025 to design a safe right-in, right-out entrance with a pork chop island, curb, and sidewalk along the east side. The design has been coordinated with Caltrans, and a geotechnical report has been received to determine pavement requirements. The project will proceed through an encroachment permit with Caltrans to expedite construction. Once approved, the project will be released for bid, awarded, and constructed, with the goal of completion within the current calendar year. City Manager Than clarified that while the City has been working on the DeAnza Way/Mercy Springs Road intersection since 2019 and understands community frustration over delays, a plan is in place. He noted that Caltrans, as the agency controlling the state highway right-of-way, dictates the timing of approvals. The City’s consultant has been instructed to complete a full 100% design and bid package by the end of March, after which it will be submitted to Caltrans for review and approval. Council Member Chavez asked whether emergency personnel would be able to access that right turn for emergencies. Council Member Lewis added about the proper use of the right turn only and asked whether the proposed “pork chop” at the DeAnza Way and Highway 165 intersection is already in place or still needs to be constructed, noting concerns about existing pork chop designs on Highway 152 that do not allow safe left turns onto Pacheco Boulevard. She expressed concern that the current pork chop designs in the community are too small, making it easy for drivers to bypass them. She emphasized the need for the new pork chop to be designed with adequate flare to prevent violations while still allowing emergency vehicles to access the intersection safely. Mayor Amabile invited the public to speak and no one came forward to speak. No formal action was taken. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS. Community & Economic Development. Director Souza Elms had no report and mentioned that there will be no Planning Commission Meeting on February 11, 2026. Finance. No report. Fire. No report. Human Resources. Interim Director Carlos provided an update on Human Resources activities, noting that the department managed 13 vacancies during this period, including advertising, proctoring exams, facilitating interviews, and onboarding. She announced four new hires: Community Service Officers Lourdes Vega and Jonathan Montes, Legal Assistant Alex Torres, and Maintenance Mechanic Carlos Fernandez. She also reported three internal promotions: Shawn Carter (part-time Maintenance Worker to Custodian), Jenell Kirschman (Administrative Assistant to Administrative Coordinator for Utilities), and Adrianna Vierra (Administrative Clerk to Administrative Coordinator for Streets). Parks & Recreation. City Manager Than reported on behalf of Parks & Recreation Director Heim the success of the Community Blood Drive and thanked community members for participating. The next event, Save a Heart, is scheduled for Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the community center. Additionally, a Basics of Starting a Business workshop will be held at the Community Center on February 21, 2026. Police. Commander Melden provided a brief report, noting that PAL opening ceremonies will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Pacheco High School, with several hundred youth starting their softball season, followed by games at Noah Jones Park. He also mentioned that the department’s Lexical Policy Section 412 is posted online, in full compliance with the California Values Act, and well known to staff. Public Works. No report. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT. City Attorney Lerner reported that a successful Brown Act training was held for the Planning Commission last Wednesday. She noted she will be attending the PARMA Conference (Public Agency Risk Management Association) from February 24–27, 2026 but will remain available for emails, phone calls, and any staff or Council needs during that time. CITY MANAGER REPORT. City Manager Than reported that, aside from Parks & Recreation funding, all City departments are operating at full capacity, with significant focus on internal onboarding, training, and revising the City’s customer service vision. He thanked Mayor Pro Tem Lewis for participating in a tour of the San Joaquin Valley Air Board to learn about operations and interactions, which will inform SB 707 implementation and the City’s IT Council Chamber upgrades. A contract amendment for the IT project is anticipated on the March 4, 2026 agenda with implementation expected before July 1, 2026. Additionally, staff is working on AB 339 compliance, developing internal policies for contract solicitations in alignment with bargaining groups and job classifications. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: MITZY PEREZ – DISTRICT 1: She welcomed Interim Human Resources Director Carlos. DISTRICT 2: Vacant MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: He welcomed Interim Human Resources Director Carlos and expressed appreciation to City staff for their hard work. He also thanked Assistant City Clerk Lin and Deputy City Clerk Blevins for their assistance during the meeting. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: She welcomed Interim Human Resources Director Carlos and expressed thanks for her work so far and noted the value of the recent visit to the San Joaquin Valley Air Board in understanding SB 707 requirements and Council Chamber upgrades. She also thanked the City Manager for support and highlighted new equipment, including a new clock, to help staff operations. MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: He thanked Interim Human Resources Director Carlos for being here and staff for their ongoing support and noted daily interactions with Ms. Lin and Ms. Blevins. He highlighted recent events, including the City-County Dinner Meeting on January 22, 2026 featuring a speaker on AI in Government, and mentioned he will be speaking tomorrow to the Merced County Office of Education Parent Leadership Institute about local government. He emphasized ongoing city priorities, including homelessness, encampments, job creation, and affordable housing, stressing coordination with outside partners. He raised a concern about a past ordinance requiring a specific plan prior to annexation, noting that it could delay business opportunities like a business park. He suggested reviewing this requirement to allow more flexibility while maintaining city control, proposing it as a future discussion item for staff and City Council. CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (D)(1), NAME OF CASE: LOS BANOS ENTERPRISE, LLC V. CITY OF LOS BANOS, MERCED SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. 24CV-03797. Mayor Amabile stated that there was no report. CLOSED SESSION – PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMATIVE EVALUATION, TITLE: CITY MANAGER, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(B). Mayor Amabile stated that there was no report. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk