City Council Meeting
Regular MeetingLos Banos, CA · April 1, 2026
Minutes
CITY OF LOS BANOS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 1, 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 6:02 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, Refugio LLamas – District 2, Marcus Chavez – District 3, Deborah
Lewis – District 4, 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: Motion by Chavez, seconded by
LLamas to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action
of all Council Members present.
PRESENTATION – PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF CITY OF
LOS BANOS POLICE OFFICER MARCELINO CORTEZ. Mayor Amabile presented the
proclamation to Marcelino Cortez and Police Chief Reyna accepted on his behalf.
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. PASTOR MIKE NEU, of St. John’s Lutheran Church, spoke regarding the
celebration of the church’s 75th anniversary, noting its long history in the community, and
also highlighted the 65th year of hosting a community Easter sunrise service at the
Forebay. He shared that the service continues to be a collaborative, community-wide
event with participation from other pastors and their congregations, and invited the public
to attend. BLANCHE JORGE, a resident of the downtown area, commented on the Animal
Shelter and its personnel, noting that kitten season is underway and commending staff
for their proactive and ongoing efforts, including coordination with rescues, to manage the
situation. She referenced challenges faced by other jurisdictions experiencing higher
volumes of animals and stated that local efforts are helping mitigate similar impacts. She
emphasized the importance of continued spay and neuter programs, the need to recruit
additional veterinarians to the area, and discussed a growing trend of veterinary services
known as “MedVet,” including an example in the Bay Area, as a potential model to help
address local needs. She encouraged continued prioritization and support for animal
services. No one else came forward to speak and the public forum was closed.
City Clerk Mallonee read an email from John Spevak regarding naming the gym at the
Los Banos Community Center the Joe Sousa Gym. He noted his recent retirement from
the Commission and referenced a unanimous motion recommending the naming in honor
of Mr. Sousa. He stated that Mr. Sousa’s recognition for his years of public service as a
City employee and Council member, as well as for his efforts in securing funding and
supporting the development and completion of the Community Center, including the gym
for local youth. He requested that the City Council consider moving forward with the
Commission’s recommendation and offered his assistance.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. Mayor Amabile invited
the public to come forward to speak; no one came forward to speak.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by LLamas to approve the consent agenda items as follows:
Check Register for #256854 – #257085 in the Amount of $1,713,072.18; City Council
Meeting Minutes for March 4, 2026; City Council Resolution No. 7073 – Approving a
Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Los Banos and the County of Merced
For County Corporation Yard Parking Lot Improvements, Located at 20925 Pioneer Road,
and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement; City Council Resolution No.
7074 – Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget By Increasing Appropriations in the
Los Banos Wastewater Collections Budget in the Amount of $705,345.85 For the Early
Learning Center B Street Storm Drainage Ditch Project. The motion carried by the
affirmative action of all Council Members present.
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCIL MEMBER AND AN
ALTERNATE TO THE VALLEY-WIDE SPECIAL CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE
ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
DISTRICT (SJVAPCD). City Manager Than presented the staff report and commended
Council Member Lewis for her service on the SJVAPCD and the support they provide to
the City in grants. Council Member Lewis reported on actions taken at a meeting held the
previous day by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), where
members were reappointed and selected to serve on the Board of Directors. She
explained that the meeting involved the annual process of naming representatives from
various cities within the region to the Board. She further described the role of the
SJVAPCD Special City Selection Committee, outlining its purpose in facilitating the
nomination and selection of board members, including the use of primary representatives
and alternates. She noted that board members may serve up to two terms and that the
commitment is minimal, generally requiring attendance at one annual meeting for
appointments and reappointments.
City Manager Than stated that Council Member Lewis will continue to serve on the Valley-
Wide Special Selection Committee associated with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by Chavez to appoint Council Member LLamas as the
Alternate Member to the Valley-Wide Special Selection Committee associated with the
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The motion carried by the affirmative
action of all Council Members present.
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONS: AIRPORT
ADVISORY COMMISSION, ONE (1) TWO (2) YEAR TERM – EXPIRING DECEMBER
31, 2027; MEASURE H CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, TWO (2) TWO (2) YEAR
TERMS – EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2027, ONE (1) UNEXPIRED TERM EXPIRING.
Motion by Amabile, seconded by Perez to appoint Stephen Allen to the Airport Advisory
Commission for a two-year term expiring December 31, 2027. The motion carried by the
affirmative action of all Council Members present.
Motion by Amabile, seconded by LLamas to appoint Amy Bonillas and Stephen
Hammond to the Measure H Committee for a four-year term expiring December 31, 2027
and David Lewis for an unexpired term expiring December 31, 2026. The motion carried
by the affirmative action of all Council Members present.
Motion by Amabile, seconded by LLamas to appoint Nathan Mancebo, Richard Stewart,
and Elias Reyes Jr. to the Measure P Committee for a four-year term expiring December
31, 2027 and Rosario Aquino for an unexpired term expiring December 31, 2027. The
motion carried by the affirmative action of all Council Members present.
CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7075 –
APPROVING A POLICY REGARDING TELEPHONIC AND INTERNET DISRUPTIONS
TO ACCESS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA SENATE
BILL 707. City Attorney Lerner presented the staff report.
Mayor Amabile invited the public to come forward to speak; no one came forward to
speak.
Mayor Amabile noted that on several other boards he serves on, presentations are often
conducted via Zoom and inquired whether that option would be possible. City Attorney
Lerner confirmed yes, that it is possible.
Council Member LLamas asked about the estimated cost of approximately $358,000 and
whether there is any reimbursement from the State. City Attorney Lerner responded that
none is known, and City Manager Than added that, aside from a $150,000 grant from the
Air Board, the remaining roughly $200,000 would be funded by the city, noting that the
associated state law is an unfunded mandate.
Motion by Chavez, seconded by Perez to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7075 –
Approving A Policy Regarding Telephonic and Internet Disruptions to Access at Public
Meetings in Accordance with California Senate Bill 707. The motion carried by the
affirmative action of all Council Members present.
CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7076 –
APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE APPROVED STAFFING FOR FISCAL YEAR
2025-2026 BUDGET AND THE CITY’S SALARY SCHEDULE FOR REGULAR (FULL-
TIME) EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS TO ADD A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
CLASSIFICATION. City Manager Than presented the staff report, which included a
PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Amabile invited the public to come forward to speak. BLANCHE JORGE stated
that this position is much needed, recalling her experience being in the room next door
during September 11th, and emphasized that in critical situations, citizens are best
comforted not only by a Public Information Officer (PIO) but also by having the Mayor or
Police Chief standing nearby or close to them to provide reassurance and a sense of
calm. KATHY BALLARD inquired whether a newly hired employee could obtain the
required training and certification after being hired, suggesting that the employee could
start at the lower end of the salary schedule and progress as they complete the necessary
certifications. No one else came forward to speak.
Mayor Amabile explained that the proposed position is not intended to take the Council’s
place, but rather to enhance communication by serving as a central point of coordination.
This individual would understand and reflect the Council’s vision in public messaging
while primarily focusing on gathering and disseminating information, especially during
public safety situations. The role would involve regular coordination with department
heads, including Police and Fire, to ensure accurate and timely communication to the
public through updates, videos, and other media. Mayor Amabile emphasized that the
position would not prevent Council Members or staff from continuing their own
communications, but instead would support and streamline those efforts. The individual
would also assist by providing information for speeches and messaging, rather than
writing them. Drawing on his experience, Mayor Amabile referenced the City of Fresno,
where multiple information officers help coordinate messaging across departments and
offices. He cited upcoming events such as the State of the City, as well as the State of
the County, as examples of the level of coordination required, noting that this role would
help organize such efforts and allow department heads, the City Manager, and staff to
remain focused on their primary responsibilities. Overall, the position is intended to
improve efficiency, consistency, and public communication without diminishing the role of
the Council.
City Manager Than spoke to how the desired qualifications for the position are outlined,
and confirmed that the role includes the necessary training components to meet those
expectations. He explained that if a candidate does not already possess the required
certifications, the City will provide access to training so they can obtain them, with a typical
timeframe of 12 to 18 months to complete the certifications.
Council Member Chavez, speaking in Spanish, asked whether bilingual proficiency in
English and Spanish is a requirement for the position. He emphasized the importance of
effective communication during emergency situations, particularly in a community with a
significant Spanish-speaking population, noting that being bilingual would help ensure
information is accessible to all residents and requesting clarification on whether this is a
required qualification. Interim Director Carlos, speaking in Spanish, clarified that bilingual
proficiency in English and Spanish is not a requirement for the position, but it is a desired
qualification.
Mayor Amabile asked whether the 20% Spanish-speaking population requirement could
necessitate that this position be bilingual. City Attorney Lerner responded that it could.
Interim Director Carlos noted that bilingual proficiency was added as a desired
qualification. It was discussed that the position could potentially support compliance with
the “20% law,” which requires translation of materials such as agendas when 20% of the
population speaks a particular language.
Council Member Lewis raised a concern regarding certification for the position, noting
that if an employee is hired and given time to complete the required training, that period
would coincide with their probation. She expressed a preference for hiring someone who
is already qualified and certified so that the City would not risk employing someone who
may not complete the necessary qualifications, avoiding potential wasted salary and
unproductive time.
Council Member LLamas raised several questions and comments regarding certification
for the position. He asked whether certifications have a shelf life or require ongoing
recertification. City Manager Than clarified that the California Association of Public
Information Officials (CAPIO) certification is a desired qualification and likely includes
continuing education, while the FEMA certification is required upon hire. Council Member
LLamas emphasized the importance of clarifying these requirements for potential
applicants so they understand what is expected. He also stressed the need for hiring
someone who can perform the role immediately, rather than waiting 12–18 months to
complete training, to avoid the risk of unproductive time or unsuccessful certification
attempts. He suggested reviewing the starting salary, noting that comparisons to other
Cities may not be directly applicable due to differences in operating budgets, benefits,
and retirement packages. He reiterated that this position is critical for centralized
communication, particularly during emergencies, to provide accurate information,
coordinate with department heads and other agencies, and prevent misinformation. He
expressed support for the role but requested clear requirements and consideration of
immediate qualifications for applicants.
City Manager Than clarified that obtaining the California PIO certification typically takes
6 to 12 months to complete due to required coursework. He also noted that once certified,
individuals must complete 10 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain
the certification.
Council Member Chavez emphasized the importance of hiring someone who already
possesses the required qualifications for the position. He noted that compensation must
be carefully considered, “you get what you pay for,” highlighting that this person will
represent the public image of the City. Council Member Chavez also noted that the right
candidate could assist with grant writing, potentially generating a return on investment for
the City and helping ensure the role contributes positively to the City’s growth and
reputation.
Motion by Chavez, seconded by Lewis to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7076 –
Approving the Amendment to the Approved Staffing for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
and the City’s Salary Schedule for Regular (Full-Time) Employee Classifications to Add
a Public Information Officer Classification and making being bilingual in Spanish and
certifications required qualifications instead of desired.
Mayor Amabile agreed that perception is important, emphasizing that the City must be
perceived positively, especially externally, to reach the desired level of recognition. He
also noted that, based on his observations, he thought the proposed salary schedule for
the position was somewhat low.
City Manager Than explained the job description for the position, noting the desired
qualifications and certification expectations. He also noted that candidates typically obtain
certifications within six to twelve months of starting the position, with examples such as
the City of Gilroy, where a PIO officer became certified within a year or two and
successfully continued in their communications role. He acknowledged that requiring
certification upfront could significantly limit the candidate pool, though it is not impossible
to find qualified applicants. Interim Director Carlos expanded on this, adding that a review
of surrounding Cities’ classifications showed that certifications were generally desired,
not required, and that the current class specification reflects this.
Council Member Lewis emphasized that if information from other Cities regarding
certifications is available, it would provide a useful benchmark to guide the Council’s
decision. She noted that having this data gives the Council a reference point and
expressed concern about hiring someone who interviews well but may not be successful
in completing the required certifications, which could result in restarting the hiring process.
She stressed the importance of providing as much information as possible to allow the
Council to make a well-informed decision.
Council Member LLamas commented that this is a key decision and emphasized that the
position is unique. He stated that it is not unreasonable to include specific requirements
for the role given its importance and the fact that it is the first time the City is creating such
a position.
Council Member Chavez withdrew his motion.
Motion by Chavez, seconded by Amabile to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7076 –
Approving the Amendment to the Approved Staffing for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
and the City’s Salary Schedule for Regular (Full-Time) Employee Classifications to Add
a Public Information Officer Classification incorporating desired bilingual ability and
desired certification for the position. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all
Council Members present, Lewis voting No.
CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7077 –
REVISING THE POLICY REGARDING CITY COUNCIL MEMBER NEIGHBORHOOD
OUTREACH EVENTS. City Manager Than presented the staff report and explained the
Neighborhood Outreach Events policy, originally established by a 2019 resolution to
govern Council outreach, town halls, the State of the City address, and Parkside Chats.
He noted that the current policy limits each Council Member to one event per year, and
for Council Members running for election, events must occur before July 1st. The item
was brought forward in response to a Council Member request to discuss potentially
removing the one-event-per-year limitation to allow more frequent engagement with
constituents. A redlined version of the policy was provided for review, and the Council
was asked to consider the staff resources required to support different types of events,
noting that larger events like the State of the City address require significantly more
staffing than smaller Parkside Chats. Mayor Amabile explained that the current limitation
could restrict informal engagement events, such as Parkside Chats. He noted that while
major events could remain limited, allowing flexibility for smaller, informal events would
enable Council Members, including the Mayor at large, to engage more effectively with
constituents across all districts without overburdening staff or incurring excessive costs.
Public feedback and Council discussion were encouraged to clarify how the policy could
be adjusted while maintaining operational feasibility.
Mayor Amabile invited the public to come forward to speak. KATHY BALLRD stated that
she has attended many Parkside Chats and suggested that the City could designate the
difference between events hosted by a Council Member in their district. She
recommended limiting the amount of money and staff time for these gatherings,
emphasizing that they are primarily informal opportunities for residents to chat with
Council Members, rather than full events with refreshments or activities. No one else
came forward to speak.
Council Member Lewis stated that she pulled the original resolution from February 2019,
noting that it laid out elements such as each Council Member, including the Mayor,
holding one major outreach event per year, coordinated with the City Manager’s Office,
with each member allocated a budget of $100 per fiscal year. She highlighted that during
an election year, events must occur before July 1, the location can be determined by the
Council Member, attendance must be limited to less than a quorum, and other Council
Members must be invited by the host. Council Member Lewis reflected that the purpose
of the ordinance is community engagement, noting that early events had limited
participation and were somewhat informal. She suggested that instead of revising the
entire ordinance, a paragraph could be added to allow additional informal Parkside Chats
throughout the year. These chats could take place without requiring staff support, keeping
costs minimal while still providing Council Members, including the Mayor, the opportunity
to engage more frequently with constituents and maintain meaningful community
interaction.
Mayor Amabile stated that the plan was for him to visit each district and hold one State of
the City event each year, while allowing Council Members to host their own events if they
wish. He emphasized that it is very valuable for Council Members to go out into the
community and speak directly with residents, as it provides firsthand insight into
neighborhood issues that cannot be fully understood from outside the district. He noted
that these visits, including Parkside Chats, allow staff to take notes and gather important
information from residents, and that personal engagement helps strengthen relationships,
keeps Council Members informed, and ensures meaningful communication with the
community.
Council Member Chavez stated that it is important to keep the Parkside Chats but
emphasized that additional costs or staff time should not be incurred for extra informal
chats. He noted that with tools like Zoom, public participation is easier, and therefore
additional outreach events beyond the current Parkside Chats are not necessary.
Council Member LLamas stated that the resolution should be left as is, with the stipulation
that each Council Member may hold Parkside Chats without incurring additional
personnel costs.
Mayor Amabile stated that at least one staff member is needed at Parkside Chats to take
notes, as he and residents are busy engaging in conversation and cannot manage note-
taking themselves. He emphasized that having staff ensures all information, including
contact details, is accurately captured, noting that recording the chats was not effective.
City Manager Than clarified that the existing resolution allows each Council Member,
including the Mayor, to hold one formal outreach event per year at a location of their
choice. He recommended adding language to explicitly exclude informal events, like
Parkside Chats, so those are not limited to one per year and can occur as frequently as
each Council Member wishes. Additionally, he suggested that bullet point two note that
the use of City staff or resources during outreach events is dependent on staff and
resource availability, allowing limited support without overextending departmental
resources.
Council Member Lewis asked if the City Attorney could help draft language to clearly
distinguish Parkside Chat events from the one formal outreach event in the original
ordinance. She emphasized the importance of ensuring future Councils have a clear
interpretation of the ordinance and cannot misapply or alter its intended purpose.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by LLamas to adopt City Council Resolution No. 7077 –
Revising The Policy Regarding City Council Member Neighborhood Outreach Events to
include Parkside Chats as an exclusion from the one formal event per year and to add a
sentence stating that the use of City staff or resources during these events is dependent
on staff and resource availability. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all
Council Members present.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
Community & Economic Development. Director Souza Elms reported that the Planning
Commission will be considering a conditional use permit for Santa Fe Mercado. The
permit is for a Type 20 off-sale beer and wine alcohol license at 1209 West Pacheco
Boulevard, the former 99 Cent Store location. This would be Santa Fe Mercado’s second
location, with their downtown 6th Street location continuing to operate. The item will be
reviewed by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 8th at 6 p.m., and based on
their recommendation, it will return to City Council at a subsequent meeting.
Finance. No report.
Fire. Chief Tualla stated that they will have an after-action report on the Kagome incident
within the next week to address public questions and review the response. He noted that
the proposed PIO position would have been very helpful in managing communications
during that situation. Chief Tualla also highlighted the upcoming Annual Autism Event on
April 18th and indicated that additional updates will be provided at the next Council
meeting.
Human Resources. Interim Director Carlos stated that she is pleased to announce new
Police Officer Trainees advancing to officers, along with two new employees, two
promotions, and four level advancements. She also reported that the HR Team
participated in the West Side Hiring Event at the fairgrounds, which was a collaboration
with the Gateway Adult Education Network, Merced College, and Dos Palos Workability
Program, with hundreds of community members attending to receive employment leads,
information, and resources.
Parks & Recreation. Director Heim reported that they had a very successful Egg Hunt,
and that they are planning two volunteer days in April at Verona Park and College Greens.
He also noted that registration is open for youth summer volleyball and that t-ball
registration has just reached maximum capacity.
Police. Chief Reyna stated that they graduated four Trainees to Officers, completing a
six-month Police Academy, and shared anecdotes from their first week. He noted that,
new for 2026, the department is making a major investment in staffing for traffic
enforcement: assigning a full-time motor officer, a supervisor soon to assist, and a third
officer currently in training. Traffic is identified as one of the Community’s top complaints.
He also congratulated the new Measure H and Measure P Committee Members and
recognized Officer Cortez on his retirement.
Public Works. No report
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT. City Attorney Lerner stated that the City Attorney webpage
has been updated to provide community and legal resources for residents, including direct
links, and encouraged the Council to reach out with any questions.
CITY MANAGER REPORT. City Manager Than stated that he attended the career fair
this morning and was surprised by the large turnout, which allowed interaction with many
future candidates. He expressed appreciation for the Council’s approval of a PIO position,
noting that a Public Works video was recently released on social media and that more
informational videos will be coming soon, including one on weed abatement. He thanked
the HR staff for their efforts as the City continues to grow and noted that many capital
projects are planned for this summer. He also congratulated Measure H and Measure P
Committee Members, emphasizing that these measures are a critical component of the
City’s operations.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS:
MITZY PEREZ – DISTRICT 1: Reported that she is planning her Community outreach
event, a Parkside Chat, on April 25th at 11 a.m. at Skylark Park.
REFUGIO LLAMAS – DISTRICT 2: Congratulated the recently appointed Committee
Members and noted that last night there was a presentation on water issues by Chris
White of the San Joaquin River Exchange, along with Billy Hanson from Mid-Valley
Disposal and Public Works Director Byer, which provided a lot of good information, though
attendance was low. The discussion included proper disposal of batteries, and he asked
the Fire Chief if the department handles them. He reported that City Hall and the
Community Center do have collection containers, and the landfill also accepts larger
batteries. Council Member LLamas expressed a big thank you to Director Heim and staff
for the successful Egg Hunt, acknowledging the significant work involved in setting up
and taking down the event, and congratulated Officer Cortez on his retirement. He shared
that he had an opportunity to talk with City Manager Than regarding his vision and
initiatives and also spoke with Director Elms about her ideas and vision for the
department. He announced that his Community engagement event, a Parkside Chat, will
be held on April 11 at Snow Goose Park, providing District 2 residents an opportunity to
engage and ask questions without time limitations.
MARCUS CHAVEZ – DISTRICT 3: Reported that he attended the job event today, noting
the large turnout and the presence of Clovis and other Police Departments. He also
announced that his Community outreach event will be held on April 17 at the Community
Center, providing an opportunity for residents to ask questions, share concerns, and
engage with him directly.
DEBORAH LEWIS – DISTRICT 4: Reported that the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District will hold a free smog repair event on May 9 at the Los Banos Fairgrounds.
She highlighted the fifth annual Egg Hunt at Cardozo Park, which included five groups
this year and added a special needs group, noting she was pleased to see that addition.
She timed each group and observed that children collected all the eggs, with nothing left
behind, and staff had placed over 36,000 eggs, making it a very successful event. She
also noted that the City has been receiving grants from UC Davis for spay and neuter
programs and suggested that the Council consider establishing a low-cost spay and
neuter program to ensure continued support for the Community’s animals once those
grants expire.
MICHAEL S. AMABILE – MAYOR: Reported that he and Council Member LLamas
attended the MCOE Parents’ Leadership graduation last week, which was a great event
focused on teaching parents leadership skills in their Community and with their children.
He requested a proclamation be set up for St. John’s Lutheran Church anniversary. At
the MCAG meeting, he discussed the repaving of Highway 152 through Los Banos and
offered the City Manager’s assistance to help with property easements, noted the new
solid waste treatment plant in Merced County, and highlighted the free bus system and
YARTS service to Merced. He expressed that he is glad to see everyone hosting events
in their districts, announced the citywide State of the City event on April 14 at 6 p.m., and
wished everyone a happy Easter this coming Sunday.
ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
APPROVED:
__/s/ Michael S. Amabile________
Michael S. Amabile, Mayor
ATTEST:
__/s/ Lucille L. Mallonee___________
Lucille L. Mallonee, City Clerk
Agenda
www.losbanos.org
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
520 J Street
Los Banos, California
APRIL 1, 2026 – 6:00 PM
Live stream on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/@losbanos406
If you require special assistance or translation services to attend or participate in this meeting,
please call the City Clerk’s Office @ (209) 827-7000 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
The City of Los Banos complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Si requiere asistencia especial o asistencia de traducción para atender o participar en esta junta
por favor llame a la oficina de la secretaria de la ciudad al (209) 827-7000
a lo menos de 48 horas antes de la junta.
La Ciudad de Los Banos cumple con la ley de Estadounidenses con
Discapacidades (ADA) de 1990.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council
regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the meeting
and in the City Clerk’s office located at City Hall, 520 J Street, Los Banos, California
during normal business hours. In addition, such writings and documents may be posted
on the City’s website at www.losbanos.org.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cualquier escritura o los documentos proporcionaron a una mayoría del
Ayuntamiento respecto a cualquier artículo en este orden del día será hecho
disponible para la inspección pública en la reunión y en la oficina de la Secretaria
de la ciudad en City Hall, 520 J Street, Los Banos, California durante horas de
oficina normales. Además, tales escrituras y los documentos pueden ser anunciados
en el website de la ciudad en www.losbanos.org.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Please note: The Brown Act provides the public with an opportunity to make public
comment at any public meeting. As an alternative for in-person comments, written
public comment may be made by e-mail to cityclerk@losbanos.org or delivered to
the City Clerk at City Hall, 520 J Street. All comments received will be read by the
City Clerk during Public Forum and added to the agenda packet on the City’s
website for public review. Agenda packets can be found on the City’s website at the
following link: https://losbanos.org/category/city-council/
________________________________________________________________________
Los Banos City Council Agenda – April 1, 2026 Page 1 of 4
1. CALL TO ORDER – April 1, 2026 6:00 PM
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
3. ROLL CALL: (City Council Members)
____ Mitzy Perez – District 1 ____ Refugio LLamas – District 2
____ Marcus Chavez – District 3 ____ Deborah Lewis – District 4
____ Michael Amabile – Mayor
4. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Recommendation: Adopt the agenda as submitted.
5. PRESENTATIONS.
A. Proclamation – Recognizing the Retirement of City of Los Banos Police
Officer Marcelino Cortez.
6. 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 Council;
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.)
7. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA. (Items on the
Consent Agenda are considered to be routine and will be voted on in one motion
unless removed from the Consent Agenda by a City Council Member.)
A. Check Register for #256854 – #257085 in the Amount of $1,713,072.18.
Recommendation: Approve the check register as submitted.
B. City Council Meeting Minutes for March 4, 2026.
Recommendation: Approve the minutes as submitted.
C. City Council Resolution No. 7073 – Approving a Memorandum of
Understanding Between the City of Los Banos and the County of Merced For
County Corporation Yard Parking Lot Improvements, Located at 20925
Pioneer Road, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
Recommendation: Adopt the resolution as submitted.
D. City Council Resolution No. 7074 – Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Budget By Increasing Appropriations in the Los Banos Wastewater
Collections Budget in the Amount of $705,345.85 For the Early Learning
Center B Street Storm Drainage Ditch Project.
Recommendation: Adopt the resolution as submitted.
Los Banos City Council Agenda – April 1, 2026 Page 2 of 4
8. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCIL MEMBER AND AN
ALTERNATE TO THE VALLEY-WIDE SPECIAL CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE
ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
DISTRICT.
Recommendation: Appoint a Council Member and also an alternate.
9. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONS:
A. Airport Advisory Commission
One (1) Two (2) Year Term – Expiring December 31, 2027
B. Measure H Citizen’s Oversight Committee
Two (2) Two (2) Year Terms – Expiring December 31, 2027
One (1) Unexpired Term Expiring December 31, 2026
C. Measure P Citizens’ Oversight Committee
Three (3) Three (3) Year Terms – Expiring December 31, 2028
One (1) Unexpired Term Expiring December 31, 2027
Recommendation: Appoint commissioners to fill the vacancies.
10. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7075 –
APPROVING A POLICY REGARDING TELEPHONIC AND INTERNET
DISRUPTIONS TO ACCESS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 707.
Recommendation: Receive staff report and adopt the resolution as submitted.
11. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7076 –
APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE APPROVED STAFFING FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET AND THE CITY’S SALARY SCHEDULE FOR
REGULAR (FULL-TIME) EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS TO ADD A PUBLIC
INFORMATION OFFICER CLASSIFICATION.
Recommendation: Receive staff report and adopt the resolution as submitted.
12. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 7077 –
REVISING THE POLICY REGARDING CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH EVENTS.
Recommendation: Receive staff report and adopt the resolution as submitted.
13. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
A. Community & Economic Development
B. Finance
C. Fire
Los Banos City Council Agenda – April 1, 2026 Page 3 of 4
D. Human Resources
E. Parks & Recreation
F. Police
G. Public Works
Recommendation: Informational item only, no action to be taken.
14. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT.
Recommendation: Informational item only, no action to be taken.
15. CITY MANAGER REPORT.
Recommendation: Informational item only, no action to be taken.
16. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS.
A. Mitzy Perez – District 1
B. Refugio LLamas – District 2
C. Marcus Chavez – District 3
D. Deborah Lewis – District 4
E. Michael Amabile – Mayor
17. ADJOURNMENT.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing
agenda was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vionna Lin, Assistant City Clerk Dated this 27th day of March 2026
Los Banos City Council Agenda – April 1, 2026 Page 4 of 4
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