City Council Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 18, 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 Pro Tem Lewis 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 Mitzy Perez – District 1, Marcus Chavez – District 3, Deborah Lewis – District 4, District 2 – vacant; ABSENT: Mayor Michael Amabile STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Than, City Attorney Lerner, City Clerk Mallonee, City Treasurer Lawrence, Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms, Police Chief Reyna, Public Works Director Via, Fire Chief Tualla, Finance Director Moreno, Parks & Recreation Director Heim, Interim Human Resources Director Carlos CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Pro Tem Lewis stated that per staff’s request Item 17 – Closed Session – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code (deciding whether to initiate litigation): Two Cases is being pulled from the agenda and will be scheduled at a later date. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Perez to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Amabile absent. PRESENTATIONS. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – EMPLOYEE FO THE MONTH FOR JANUARY 2026 – JOSHAWA SOOCH, POLICE OFFICER, POLICE DEPARTMENT. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis presented the certificate to Joshawa Sooch who was in attendance to accept. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – FINANCE DEPARTMENT 11TH YEAR – GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION’S CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis presented the certificate to Finance Director Moreno and the Finance staff who were in attendance to accept. NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS. City Manager Than presented the staff report, asking each department head to introduce their new employees. Police Chief Reyna introduced Community Services Officers Lourdes Vega and Jonathan Montes, who were both present at the meeting. Public Works Director Via introduced Carlos Garcia Utilities Maintenance Worker I, Carlos Fernandez, Maintenance Mechanic I, and promotions to Admin Coordinator for Jenell Kirschman and Adrianna Vierra (Carlos Fernandez and Adrianna Vierra were both present at the meeting). MERCED COLLEGE SEMICONDUCTOR GRANT PRESENTATION – BY DR. CHRIS VITELLI, MERCED COLLEGE PRESIDENT. Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report, introducing Chris Vitelli, Merced College President, who spoke in more detail to the Semiconductor “Idea Phase” Grant, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis stated that she is very happy to hear about this, as it helps bring Los Banos into the 21st century and bring livable wage jobs into our community. MID VALLEY DISPOSAL PRESENTATION & ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECYCLER OF THE YEAR. Public Works Director Via presented the staff report, introducing Billie Hansen, Recycling Programs Manager of Mid Valley Disposal who introduced Marissa Corralejo who is the new Recycling Program Specialist and will be giving the presentation tonight and updates throughout the year. Marissa Corralejo introduced the other Mid Valley staff members in attendance: Teresa Orozco, Rick Rye and Federico Villagomez. She then spoke in more detail to the services Mid Valley provides, which included a PowerPoint presentation. Rick Rye, Operations Manager, spoke to the annual events they provide, Federico Villagomez spoke to the total trash for all events. Marissa Corralejo announced that Italia Coffee & Bistro was named Recycler of the Year. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis stated that she is happy to see that a Los Banos business has been chosen as Recycler of the Year. She then confirmed for the four extra garbage pickups, that the resident needs to contact Mid Valley to schedule the pickup. Council Member Chavez thanked Rick Rye and his crew for the job they do with recycling events and inquired as to the 38 contaminated containers and what contaminates regular trash. Marissa spoke to what that was, stating that sometimes there are food scraps, yard waste or cardboard in a trash bin that would otherwise go into a separate stream. Council Member Perez confirmed that if someone wants more than the four pickups, they could schedule that but they would need to pay for it personally. 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 Pro Tem Lewis opened the public forum. KARTHIK PARSAD, representing Congressman Adam Gray, spoke about the millions of dollars Congressman Adam Gray has obtained for the district through federal appropriations. He noted that the next opportunity to apply for funding will be in the spring and stated that their office would be happy to help the City of Los Banos secure funding. He briefly referenced efforts related to water issues, SNAP benefits, H.R. 2598 (IDEA Full Funding Act), and the Farm and Family Relief Act, among other legislative priorities. JAVIER POWELL, representing the Milliken Museum Society, announced an upcoming event featuring a Wine & Cheese Reception and presentations by Paul Leffler and Mike Hughes, among others, to be held at the Ted Falasco Arts Center. BLANCHE JORGE, who lives in the downtown area, stated that as the City grows, she would like the Council to keep in mind the importance of maintaining green corridors for wildlife to allow animals safe access as they migrate back and forth. She spoke about current funding discussions and encouraged allocating any amount possible to support Code Enforcement Officers, recognizing the work they do for the community and in support of the Animal Shelter. She also addressed concerns about residents who are unable to properly socialize their dogs, sharing an example of an individual who was ill and unable to take their dog out of the backyard for five years. She expressed support for developing another dog park to help residents socialize their dogs and provide educational opportunities for responsible pet ownership. City Clerk Mallonee stated that she received no public comments. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. City Manager Than spoke in more detail to items 10 I – City Council Resolution No. 7051 – Approving the Agreement with Nossaman LLP for California State Advocacy Services and Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute All Necessary Documents Regarding the Same and 10 J – City Council Resolution No. 7052 – Approving the Agreement with Nossaman LLP to Address Compliance with the Chromium 6 Maximum Contaminant Level (CR6 MCL) and Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute All Necessary Documents Regarding the Same. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Perez to approve the consent agenda items as follows: Check Register for #256051 – #256246 in the Amount of $1,890,015.26; Minutes for the January 21, 2026 City Council Meeting & Los Banos Successor Agency Meeting; City Council Meeting Minutes for February 4, 2026; City Council Resolution No. 7046 – Authorizing the Los Banos Fire Department to Apply for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Emergency Vehicle Replacement Grant Program for the Replacement of a Non-Carb Compliant Type-1 Fire Engine; City Council Resolution No. 7047 – Accepting the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds Financial Statement for the Years Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 as Prepared by Price Paige & Company, Merced County Associations of Governments’ (MCAG) Auditors; City Council Resolution No. 7048 – Accepting the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds Financial Statement for the Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 as Prepared by Price Paige & Company, Merced County Associations of Governments’ (MCAG) Auditors; City Council Resolution No. 7049 – Terminating the Construction Contract with TBS Contractors for the Construction of the Flowmeter Replacement Project; City Council Resolution No. 7050 – Accepting Public Improvements for Southpointe at Regency Park Phase 11A (Stonefield Homes, Inc.); City Council Resolution No. 7051 – Approving the Agreement with Nossaman LLP for California State Advocacy Services and Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute All Necessary Documents Regarding the Same; City Council Resolution No. 7052 – Approving the Agreement with Nossaman LLP to Address Compliance with the Chromium 6 Maximum Contaminant Level (CR6 MCL) and Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute All Necessary Documents Regarding the Same. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Amabile absent. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1214 – APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS VILLAGES VI (ROSALYN M. SIMON REVOCABLE TRUST UTD) (SECOND READING & ADOPTION). Community & Economic Development Director Souza Elms presented the staff report. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Perez to waive the second 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, Amabile absent. Motion by Chavez, seconded by Perez to adopt Ordinance No. 1214 – Approving a Development Agreement Relative to the Development Known as Villages VI (Rosalyn M. Simon Revocable Trust UTD). AYES: Chavez, Lewis, Perez; NOES: None; ABSENT: Amabile. MID-YEAR 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET REVIEW; City Council Resolution No. 7053 – ADOPTING A REVISED BUDGET FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR AS IT PERTAINS TO EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES. Finance Director Moreno presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation, highlighting an in-depth review of the City’s financial condition at the halfway point of the fiscal year. The review evaluated the City’s current financial status, updated economic assumptions used to project the General Fund year-end position, and outlined proposed budget adjustments across all funds as detailed in Exhibit A of the staff report. She reported that General Fund revenues are trending higher than originally budgeted, with an anticipated increase of approximately $1.33 million. The largest contributors include property tax ($640,000), sales tax ($345,000), and property tax in lieu of Vehicle License Fees ($188,000), along with moderate increases in charges for services and other revenues. On the expenditure side, updated forecasts and insurance adjustments resulted in a net decrease of $276,849, with most departments trending below budget. Police and Code Enforcement reflected an increase due to operational needs. Combining increased revenues and expenditure savings, the General Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with an operating surplus of approximately $804,000, compared to the previously projected deficit of $807,000 that had been allocated for one-time projects. She also summarized adjustments in other funds. Measure H reflects a net positive impact of $885,000 due to increased revenues and reduced appropriations for the solar lighting project. Measure P shows an increase of $306,000, reflecting higher revenues and funding for vehicle cameras. Park Development Impact Fees increased by $1.27 million due to updated revenue forecasts and reduced project appropriations. The Water Fund increased by $2.3 million with adjustments related to the Water Master Plan, Chrome 6 compliance, and meter change-out projects. The Solid Waste Fund reflects a $6.6 million reduction in appropriations. Staff conducted a comprehensive review with departments to ensure projects could be delivered and executed within the fiscal year, removing appropriations for projects that could not be completed and planning to re-appropriate them in the following year. Overall, the combined impact of increased revenues and reduced appropriations totals approximately $17 million. Staff recommended that the Council adopt the resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget as presented. City Manager Than thanked the Finance staff and Department Heads for the intensive work they performed in thoroughly reviewing the budget, fine-tuning the numbers, and bringing forward the proposed adjustments as part of the mid-year budget review. He noted that the process involved a detailed evaluation of every project budgeted for the current fiscal year to assess deliverability and ensure accuracy in forecasting. He explained that projects removed from the current budget are not being eliminated but rescheduled to align with realistic timelines so they do not tie up expenditures or impact projections for the next fiscal year. Projects are being placed on appropriate schedules based on environmental review, design requirements, and overall readiness to proceed, ensuring they are “shovel ready” before funds are reprogrammed. He highlighted one of the largest reductions, approximately $6 million in the Solid Waste Fund related to the landfill project, clarifying that the project is continuing to move forward. However, construction has been shifted into the next fiscal year due to required approvals from regulatory agencies, including the Water Board and CalRecycle, prior to breaking ground. He noted that while many agencies are experiencing declines in sales tax and property tax revenues, the City is seeing modest increases in both categories. He attributed this in part to collaborative community initiatives such as shop local efforts and thanked the community for its continued trust and support, reaffirming the City’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and delivering projects and services back to taxpayers. Council Member Chavez expressed appreciation for the clarification, noting the importance of ensuring the public understands that projects being removed from the current budget are not being canceled. He reiterated that the projects will still be completed but are being reappropriated and scheduled appropriately for a future fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis reiterated that projects not being completed within the current fiscal year are being appropriated to the next fiscal year to ensure they can move forward on a realistic timeline. She noted that Finance Director Moreno made this process clear and emphasized that this approach prevents funds from sitting idle. Drawing on past experience, she referenced the “use it or lose it” principle and stated that it is good to see staff working more efficiently to ensure that budgeted funds are aligned with projects that can be completed within the fiscal year. Motion by Perez, seconded by Chavez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7053 – Adopting a Revised Budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year as it Pertains to Expenditures and Revenues. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present, Amabile absent. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS. Community & Economic Development. Director Souza Elms stated that the Planning Commission and staff will be attending the Planning Commission Academy in March, hosted by the League of California Cities. This annual training, supported by the Council’s direction, provides ongoing education for the Commission. The three-day academy will cover topics including new housing laws, planning fundamentals, and CEQA, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and success of the Planning Commission. Finance. Director Moreno stated that they are in the process of scheduling the PBID kickoff meeting and will be bringing the specialized audit to the Council at the next meeting. She also reminded customers that the City has begun water shutoffs under SB998 and emphasized that staff is continuing to work with customers to pay their bills. She noted that staff is assisting residents in setting up payment arrangements, particularly for those experiencing hardships or medical issues, and encouraged customers to engage with staff prior to shutoffs to establish plans. Fire. Chief Tualla spoke to the upcoming event regarding fire alarms, “Sound the Alarm,” scheduled for March 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He noted that the annual event promotes fire safety and expects a larger turnout this year, with the event occurring slightly earlier than in previous years. Human Resources. Interim Director Carlos reported that it has been business as usual in the HR Department. She stated that the department is currently working on 13 recruitments to fill 17 vacancies and has been visiting with various departments to learn more about their operations and determine how she can best meet their personnel and risk management needs. Parks & Recreation. Director Heim reported that they are currently judging awards for the upcoming Arbor Day celebration, which will be held on March 6th at 4:00 p.m. at Citrus 2 Park, located at 415 2nd Street. He also noted that registration is open for programs including T-Ball, which typically fills quickly, as well as indoor soccer and other activities. Additionally, park staff have been installing solar lights near playgrounds at several parks, including Vineyard B and Citrus 2. Police. Chief Reyna stated that police vehicles take a long time to arrive, and the patrol vehicles ordered last year just came in this week; they are currently being decaled and sent to the upfitter before being deployed. He noted that the department has one potential Maintenance I hire in background review and seven Police Trainees currently in the academy, with the first group scheduled to graduate on March 27th. Chief Reyna also gave a shout-out to Dispatcher ELIZABETH MARTINEZ, who will be graduating from the CORE Corrections Academy tomorrow. He added that the department continues to work with organizations such as SNPBUS to help reduce the number of unwanted cats and animals entering the community. Public Works. Director Via stated that the department was making really good progress on projects, including the Basin project, pickleball courts, and Pioneer Road, but recent rain has caused delays. He thanked Mid Valley Disposal for their presence at the meeting and highlighted how they involve their employees in community efforts. He also reminded the community that there are eight annual opportunities to dispose of unwanted items, including four quarterly cleanup events and four curbside pickups, encouraging residents to take advantage of these services instead of illegally dumping garbage. Council Member Chavez asked about the department’s plans for road repairs given the current weather conditions. Via responded that crews have been addressing potholes, noting that the material used can be applied in light rain as long as areas are not flooded. He stated that minor pavement repairs are planned throughout the City once the weather improves, including repaving the Canal Trail. Additionally, crews are performing ongoing concrete work on sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and driveway approaches on a weekly basis to maintain City infrastructure. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT. City Attorney Lerner stated that she will be at the PARMA conference next week but will be available remotely by email and phone. CITY MANAGER REPORT. City Manager Than stated that he attended the Technical Review Board (TRB) meeting with MCAG today and reminded the Council that tomorrow’s MCAG Governing Board meeting includes Measure V on the agenda. He noted that the agenda includes a request for an additional $1.6 million in funding for the 165 and Vineyards Roundabout project, which would bring the City’s total Measure V contribution for the project to over $3.5 million, supplemented by developer contributions and impact fees to support construction and completion. He also stated that he and Director Via will provide a presentation to the Governing Board on the Pioneer Road project, similar to the update previously given to Council, highlighting progress, ongoing work, and the City’s commitment to timely delivery. He added that the Ortigalita and Pioneer segment is nearly complete, funded through federal earmarked funds, while Measure V regional funds are being reserved for components not eligible for federal funding, and expressed appreciation for the team’s efforts in planning and implementing these projects. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: Welcomed Parks & Recreation Director Heim back and how he’s heard that they will be judging over 1000 drawings for Arbor Day, thanked Finance Director Moreno for her budget update and is happy to see sales tax is up, and welcomed City Clerk Mallonee back. MITZY PEREZ – DISTRICT 1: Thanked staff for the great work they do and having the patience when explaining things to her, and the great job they do in keeping the community well informed. DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Reported that on February 20, 2026 there will be a ribbon cutting for the new Sutter Health Clinic opening up on L Street across the street from DMV and congratulated them on the much needed medical services; Announced that the Boys and Girls Club will host an open house at the College Greens Building on the 28th from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., inviting the public to attend and learn about the organization, with the hope of establishing a future Boys and Girls Club in Los Banos. She reported plans to attend the MCAG meeting on behalf of the Mayor and the Air Board meeting in Fresno. She shared that a presentation was given at the recent school board meeting regarding the 2027 Kids Calendar contest sponsored by the Air District, encouraging Los Banos students (K–12) to submit artwork focused on air pollution and improving air quality in the San Joaquin Valley. She noted that flyers in English and Spanish may be distributed at the community center to expand participation and that calendars and applications will be provided to department heads. Highlighted student incentives, including a $500 award for the calendar cover and $100 for each selected monthly drawing, and emphasized the importance of promoting participation among Los Banos youth. DISTRICT 2: Vacant MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Absent CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (4) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF SECTION 54956.9 OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE (DECIDING WHETHER TO INITIATE LITIGATION): TWO CASES. This item was removed from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. APPROVED: __/s/ Michael S. Amabile________ Michael S. Amabile, Mayor ATTEST: __/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________ Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk