Agenda — City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority, March 14, 2024

CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING
MARCH 14, 2024; 5:15 P.M.

AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA VIA ZOOM VIDEO/WEB CONFERENCING:

Web Link: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil or use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 Or by calling +1 669 900 6833 and use meeting ID 872 4344 0488 to join.

Study Session: 4:30 P.M. Review of City Council Stipend/Compensation LAST ORDINANCE: 2022-06 CITY LAST RESOLUTION: 2024-11
(SA) LAST RESOLUTION: 2023-02 PFA LAST RESOLUTION: 2023-01 AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

2. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Louis Gravelle, Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Alejandro Ramirez; Mayor Alvaro Preciado.

CITY CLERK:

Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $300.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency.

3. CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):

It is the intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on items of interest regarding Closed Session.

A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54956.8).

It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to confer with its real property negotiator(s) concerning the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for this agency as follows:

1. Property Description: APN: 040-320-009-000; & 040-320-014-000 Negotiator(s): City Manager/City Attorney.

Party with whom negotiating: CrisCom Company. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms of Payment.

2. Property Description: APN: 040-165-007 Negotiator(s): City Manager/City Attorney/CrisCom.

Party with whom negotiating: County of Kings/State of California. Instructions to negotiator concerning:

Terms.

B. Initiate Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4)).

Conference with legal counsel – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4)).

Initiation of Litigation (Paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Gov. Code § 54956.9)).

Number of potential cases is: 1.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES:

Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on any item on the agenda or on any other items of interest to the public that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council/Successor Agency. State Law prohibits any member of the Council/Agency from commenting or acting on matters not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes are allowed per person.

5. CONSENT CALENDAR:

All items listed under the consent calendar are routine and enacted by one motion: (Action).

A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for February 22, 2024.

B. Consider FY 2023/24 Local Transportation Fund Claim (LTF): Resolution 2024-12.

C. Consider Replacing the vacant Community Development position, into the Building Assistant:

Resolution 2024-13.

D. Consider One-Time Additional Premium Pay Stipend to Bargaining Unit 4 (Resolution 2024-14).

6. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:

A. Consider Approval to Officially Join the California Sustainability Coalition’s efforts to address feasibility and concerns to the State’s Sustainability Initiatives (Discussion/Action): Resolution 2024-16.

B. Consider Formal Direction on revising the City Council Compensation/Stipend (Discussion/Action).

7. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Activity Reports:

1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: Scott Davis, Public Works Supervisor.

2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Manager.

3. Recreation Department Activity Report: Sheila Verdugo, Community Activities Supervisor.

B. Special Presentations/Reports:
1) None.

8. PUBLIC HEARING(s):

A. None

9. OLD BUSINESS:

A. None.

10. NEW BUSINESS:

A. None.

11. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS:

Any Council member may request an item be placed on a future agenda, provided that a simple majority also support adding said item. Discussion or action on any item not on the current agenda is strictly prohibited. Closing comments are intended for Council members to report attendance of any special events and pertinent information back to the public.
• Upcoming/Future Agenda Items to Consider.
• Correspondence/Announcements/Information/Closing Comments.

12. ADJOURNMENT:
1) In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (559) 386-5766. Avenal Theater & Event Center, 233 East Kings Street Avenal, CA 93204. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.02.35.1044 AA Title II].
2) Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the [Council/ Authority] after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the [City Clerks] office at 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204 during normal business hours.

I certify this Agenda of the City of Avenal City Council workshop is to be posted at the following locations: 1) City Council Chambers, Avenal Theater 233 E. Kings St.; 2) City Hall 919 Skyline Blvd.; 3) Avenal Lumber, 600 Skyline Blvd.; and 4) T&T Market, 801 Skyline Blvd. Avenal CA 93204 on, March 11, 2024.
__ /s/ Maria Ortiz
Maria Ortiz, City Clerk

CIUDAD DE AVENAL
"Capital Mundial® del Pistacho"
REUNIÓN ORDINARIA DEL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL/AGENCIA
SUCESORA/PFA EL 14 DE MARZO DE 2024; 5:15 P.M.

AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA A TRAVÉS DE VIDEO/CONFERENCIA WEB DE ZOOM:

Enlace web: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil o utilizar https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 O llamando al +1 669 900 6833 y usando el ID de reunión 872 4344 0488 para unirse.

Sesión de estudio: 4:30 p.m. Revisión del estipendio/compensación del Concejo Municipal ÚLTIMA ORDENANZA: 2022-06 ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN DE LA CIUDAD:
2024-11
(SA) ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN: 2023-02 ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN DE LA PFA:
2023-01
AGENDA

1. LLAMADO AL ORDEN Y JURAMENTO A LA BANDERA:

2. PASE NOMINAL: Concejales: Louis Gravelle, Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernández, Alcalde Interino Alejandro Ramírez; Alcalde Álvaro Preciado.

SECRETARIO MUNICIPAL:

Sección 54952.3 del Código de Gobierno: Los miembros del Concejo Municipal/Agencia Sucesora tienen derecho a recibir un total de $300.00 por mes debido a ser elegidos para el Concejo Municipal. No reciben ninguna otra compensación por ser miembros de la Agencia Sucesora.

3. SESIÓN CERRADA: (Ciudad/Agencia Sucesora):

Es la intención de este órgano rector reunirse en sesión cerrada para revisar su posición e instruir a sus representantes designados: Cualquier persona puede dirigirse directamente al Consejo/Agencia en este momento sobre temas de interés relacionados con la Sesión Cerrada.

A. Conferencia con Negociador(es) de Bienes Raíces (Código de Gobierno § 54956.8).

Es la intención de este órgano rector reunirse en sesión cerrada para consultar con su(s) negociador(es) de bienes inmuebles con respecto a la compra, venta, intercambio o arrendamiento de bienes inmuebles por o para esta agencia de la siguiente manera:

1. Descripción de la propiedad: APN: 040-320-009-000; y 040-320-014-000 Negociador(es): Administrador de la Ciudad/Abogado de la Ciudad.

Parte con quien negociar: Empresa CrisCom. Instrucciones al negociador relativas a: Condiciones de pago.

2. Descripción de la propiedad: APN: 040-165-007 Negociador(es): Administrador de la Ciudad/Abogado de la Ciudad/CrisCom.

Parte con la que se negocia: Condado de Kings/Estado de California. Instrucciones al negociador relativas a:

Términos.

B. Iniciar un litigio (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(4)).

Conferencia con un asesor legal – LITIGIO ANTICIPADO (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(4)).

Inicio de un litigio (párrafo (4) de la subdivisión (d) del Código de Gobierno § 54956.9)).

El número de casos potenciales es: 1.

4. COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS/ANUNCIOS Y APARICIONES NO PROGRAMADAS:

Cualquier persona puede dirigirse directamente al Concejo/Agencia en este momento sobre cualquier tema de la agenda o sobre cualquier otro tema de interés para el público que esté dentro de la jurisdicción del Ayuntamiento/Agencia Sucesora. La ley estatal prohíbe que cualquier miembro del Consejo/Agencia comente o actúe sobre asuntos que no estén en la agenda. Se permiten tres (3) minutos por persona.

5. CALENDARIO DE CONSENTIMIENTO:

Todos los elementos enumerados en el calendario de consentimiento son rutinarios y se promulgan mediante una moción: (Acción).

A. Considere la aprobación de las minutas de la Ciudad de Avenal/Agencia Sucesora para el 22 de febrero de 2024.

B. Considere el Reclamo del Fondo de Transporte Local (LTF) para el año fiscal 2023/24: Resolución 2024-

12. C. Considere reemplazar el puesto vacante de Desarrollo Comunitario en el de Asistente de Construcción:

Resolución 2024-13.

D. Considere la posibilidad de otorgar un estipendio único de pago adicional a la unidad de negociación 4 (Resolution 2024-14).

6. ALCALDE Y CONCEJAL / AGENCIA SUCESORA / TEMAS A CONSIDERAR:

A. Considere la aprobación para unirse oficialmente a los esfuerzos de la Coalición de Sostenibilidad de California para abordar la viabilidad y las preocupaciones sobre las Iniciativas de Sostenibilidad del Estado (Discusión/Acción): Resolución 2024-16.

B. Considerar la Instrucción Formal sobre la Revisión de la Compensación/Estipendio del Concejo Municipal (Discusión/Acción).

7. INFORMES DE ACTIVIDADES/PRESENTACIONES ESPECIALES E INFORMES DE COMITÉS:

A. Informes de actividad:

1. Informe de Actividades de los Departamentos de Obras Públicas/Aplicación de Códigos/Control de Animales: Scott Davis,
Supervisor de Obras Públicas.

2. Reporte de Actividad del Departamento de TI: Humberto Bermúdez, Gerente de TI.

3. Informe de Actividades del Departamento de Recreación: Sheila Verdugo, Supervisora de Actividades Comunitarias.

B. Presentaciones/Informes Especiales:
1) Ninguno.

8. AUDIENCIA(s) PÚBLICA(s):

A. Ninguno

9. NEGOCIOS ANTIGUOS:

A. Ninguno.

10. NUEVOS NEGOCIOS:

A. Ninguno.

11. CORRESPONDENCIA/ANUNCIOS/COMENTARIOS DE CIERRE:

Cualquier miembro del Consejo podrá solicitar que un tema se incluya en un orden del día futuro, siempre que una mayoría simple apoye también la adición de dicho tema. Queda terminantemente prohibido debatir o actuar sobre cualquier tema que no figure en el orden del día actual. Los comentarios finales tienen la intención de que los miembros del Consejo informen al público sobre la asistencia a cualquier evento especial y la información pertinente. • Próximos y futuros puntos del orden del día a tener en cuenta. • Correspondencia/Anuncios/Información/Comentarios finales.

12. APLAZAMIENTO:
1) De conformidad con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades, si necesita asistencia especial para participar en esta reunión, comuníquese con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal al (559) 386-5766. Avenal Theater & Event Center, 233 East Kings Street Avenal, CA 93204. La notificación 48 horas antes de la reunión permitirá a la ciudad hacer arreglos razonables para garantizar la accesibilidad a esta reunión [28 CFR 35.02.35.1044 AA Título II].
2) Los materiales relacionados con un tema de esta Agenda presentados al [Concejo/Autoridad] después de la distribución del paquete de la agenda están disponibles para inspección pública en la oficina de [Secretarios Municipales] en 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204 durante el horario comercial normal.

Certifico que esta Agenda del taller del Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Avenal se publicará en los siguientes lugares: 1) Cámaras del Concejo Municipal, Teatro Avenal 233 E. Kings St.; 2) Ayuntamiento 919 Skyline Blvd.; 3) Avenal Lumber, 600 Skyline Blvd.; y 4) T&T Market, 801 Skyline Blvd. Avenal CA 93204 el 11 de marzo de 2024.
__ /s/ María Ortiz
María Ortiz, Secretaria Municipal
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766

STUDY SESSION
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 14, 2024
RE: Review of City Council Stipend/Compensation
INFORMATION:

This proposal offers four options for adjusting the compensation of Avenal City Council members. The aim is to better align council members' compensation with their participation in council meetings, city events, and functions, ensuring accountability and maximizing benefits to the community.

Comparative Overview
Component Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
Base Pay $300 $950 (with deductions) $450 (with deductions) Up to $950 Regular Meeting
Attendance $150/meeting
-$300 for
absence/meeting or
-$600 is only one
meeting scheduled
-$225 for
absence/meeting or
-$450 is only one
meeting scheduled N/A
Special Meeting
Attendance $100/meeting
-$100 for absence/or no
meeting
-$150 for absence if
scheduled N/A
Board/Committee
Meetings
$100/day of
meetings
-$150 for absence/nonassignment$150/month of
participation if assigned N/A
City Event
Participation
$100 (active) /
$50 (attend)
-$50/absence
max two per month
$100/must attend two
per month or no benefit,
or volunteer at one N/A
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766

STUDY SESSION
Component Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
Maximum Monthly
Compensation $950 $950 Variable Up to $950
Attendance
Verification Yes Yes Yes No requirement
Budget Allocation $57,000/year $57,000/year $57,000/year Up to
$57,000/year
Additional Notes
Unused funds
go to
Community
Grant Fund
Deductions ensure
participation | Unused
funds go to Community
Grant Fund
Reduction for missed
meetings| Unused funds
go to Community Grant
Fund
Flexible, no
direct link to
attendance
*Option 1: Performance-based Incremental Compensation
• Base Pay: $300/month.
• Additional pay for attending council and board meetings, active participating in (signing up to help at events) or simply attending city events.
• Max Compensation: $950.
*Option 2: Deduction-based Compensation
• Base Compensation: $950/month.
• Deductions applied for non-attendance at council meetings, city events, and board/committee assignments.
• Deductions:
• Regular Meeting: -$300 for absence/meeting or -$600 is only one meeting scheduled
• Special Meeting: -$100 for absence/or no meeting
• Board/Committee Meeting: -$150 for absence/or no assignment • City Event: -$50 (attend) per absence, assuming two events per month. • Budget: $57,000/year, ensuring participation through deductions.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766

STUDY SESSION
*Option 3: Base Plus Special Participation Compensation • Base Pay: $450/month, requires attendance at all council meetings. • Additional $150 for attending special committee/board assignments. • Deductions:
• Regular Meeting: -$225 for absence/meeting or -$450 is only one meeting scheduled
• Special Meeting: -$150 for absence/if scheduled
• Board/Committee Meeting: $150 if assigned per month
• City Event: $100/must attend two per month or no benefit, or volunteer at one • Budget: $57,000/year.

Option 4: Flexible Stipend Without Attendance Requirement • Council members receive up to ~$950/month at council's discretion, without specific attendance requirements.
• Budget: Up to $57,000/year.
*Attendance. In options 1-3, attendance would be verified by both the City Manager and City Clerk, a tally of attendance and present it as part of the consent calendar once per month during a council meeting.
*Community Grant Fund. Remaining funds and budget surplus can be reallocated into a special City Council - Community Grant Fund, where request can be considered by the majority of council on a case-by-case basis for ad-hoc requests by recognized and eligible groups or causes.

This fund would also be expected to have funding for regular yearly requests for establish organizations.

Conclusion
This proposal outlines four distinct options for revising the compensation structure for Avenal City Council members. Each option has been designed with the goal of incentivizing participation, ensuring accountability, and aligning compensation with community engagement.

The City Council is encouraged to review these options carefully to select the structure that best aligns with the city's goals and the council members' roles and responsibilities.

RECOMMENDATION:

Discuss and provide direction to Staff.

CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING
February 22, 2024, 5:15 P.M.

AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA VIA ZOOM VIDEO/WEB CONFERENCING:

Web Link: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil or use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 Or by calling +1 669 900 6833 and use meeting ID 872 4344 0488 to join.

MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 5:15 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Councilmen’s: Ricardo Verdugo, Mayor Pro Tem Alejandro Ramirez, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado.

ABSENT: Councilman Lou Gravelle
STAFF: Lopez, Ortiz, Price, Bermudez, Davis, Velasco.

LEGAL COUNCEL: Moses Diaz.

CITY CLERK:

The City Council went into Closed Session at 5:23 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):

It isthe intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives:

Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on items of interest regarding Closed Session.

A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54956.8).

1. Property Description: APN: 040-320-009-000; & 040-320-014-000 Negotiator(s): City Manager / City Attorney. Party with whom negotiating: CrisCom Company. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms of Payment.

2. Property Description: APN: 040-165-007 Negotiator(s): City Manager/City Attorney/CrisCom.

Party with whom negotiating: County of Kings/State of California. Instructions to negotiator concerning: Terms.

Mayor Preciado reopened meeting at 6:37 p.m. with nothing to report out of Closed Session and will continue Closed Session once the regular has concluded.

PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES:

Maria Ortiz, City Clerk announced there was no public comment cards submitted.

Chief Cecilio Velasco, introduced Jesse Herring, Senior Officer. Officer Herring has many years of experience and knowledge that he will be a good asset to the Avenal Police Department. Jesse Herring stated that is happy to be part of the police department and appreciates the opportunity.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

All items listed under the consent calendar are routine and enacted by one motion: (Action).

A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for February 8, 2024.

B. Consider Consent of Approval to Destroy Surplus Police/Public Safety Equipment.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. – A.

Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – February 22, 2024

Page 2 of 3 ends

Councilman/Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to approve Consent Calendar, second by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried.

Roll Call Vote:

AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Ramirez, Preciado.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: Gravelle.

ABSTAIN: None.

MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:

A. Special Recognition of the Avenal Pirate Cheer Group – 2024 JAMZ National Success.

Antony Lopez, City Manager state that we are going to present certificates to Avenal Pirate Cheerleaders for their hard work and deduction and placement 2024 JAMZ National.

Mayor Preciado and the City Council congratulates the Avenal Pirate Cheer Group. Mayor Preciado handed out certificates to the following: Division 8: 2nd Place- Pom and 3rd Place Hip-Hop: Aurielle Preciado, BellaRose Enriquez, Rosealyn Rocha, Daleyza Lopez, Iliana Ramirez, Kiara Alcala, Lexany Padilla, Madison Loaiza, Nevaeh Moreno, Zoey Hernandez, Head Coach: Mercedes Serrano & Assistant Coach: Stephanie Rangel and Alexandra Pardue.

Division 10: Ella Lopez, Emma Reyes, Penelope Macias, Sofía Navarro, Sophia Lopez, Yaretzi Lucero, Head Coach:

Alazaye Lucero & Assistant Coach: Lauryn Lucero and Sandy Lucero.

Division 11: Adalynn Enriquez, Alyanna Loya, Betzy Moreno, Delia Ledesma, Mary Mora, Mia'Bella Martinez, Rosemary Galvan, Star Mora, Head Coach: Bryanna Loya, Assistant Coach: Savanna Lopez & Alex Alejo.

Division 13: Amya Campos, Avery Garcia, Emily Echeverria, Evani Ledezma, Jiatzbel Zarate, Liliana Guillen, Nalani Castro, Sarai Mora, Yanida Rangel, Head Coach: Fiama Mora & Assistant Coach: Viviana Moreno.

B. Kings Behavioral Health – Presentation of Services and Updates on programs: Dr. Lisa Lewis, PhD.

After a lengthy discussion Dr. Lisa Lewis, PhD and Staff reported on Kings Behavioral Health (KCBH) as follows:
1) Updates 2023; 2) KCBH Goals & Action Items: -Services need to be accessible to community members within the City of Avenal. (Partial Completed) -KCBH & contracted providers need to have a strong physical presence at community events and build relationship with community(Completed; - Provide consistent and clear communication and market about how to access services and when and where they are available (Completed); - A large sign with information about Services partial (Completed); -Provide in Community access to crisis service-Partially (Completed); -Clarify local outreach to survivors of suicide lost services (Completed); 3) Goal 1: Access to in Person Services in Avenal-Adults; 4) Access to in Person Services in Avenal – Children and Youth; 5) Participation in Community Events; 6) Clear Communication on Accessing Services; and 7) looking for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Use Help: Kings County Crises Line Kings View – Phone: (559)528- 4484/1-800-655-255, Substance Abuse Treatment Adults Champion: (559) 583-9300/ Youth West Care – Phone (559) 584- 8100, Peer-to-Peer Non-Crisis Warm Line Phone: 1-877-308-2415, Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call & Txt 9-8-8 and Complaint Line – (559) 413-8846.

ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Antony Lopez, City Manager requested to move up the Recreation Department report. The City Council is in consensus to the request moving up the Recreation Department Report.

A. Activity Reports:
1) Police Department Activity Report: Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police reported the following: 1) Avenal Police Department announces the return of Police Explore; 2) Leadership Stability; 3) Recruit and Retain the Best; 4) International Model of Community Trust; 5) Amongst the safest cities in America; and 6) Embrace wellness amongst our employees. 2) City Engineer Activity Report: Javier Andrade, PE, QSD/Principle Civil Engineer – A&M Consulting Engineers.

Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – February 22, 2024

Page 3 of 3 ends

Javier Andrade, PE, QSD/Principle Civil Engineer – A&M Consulting Engineers reported the following:1) Current Grant Applications – Raise Grant Application Raise Grant Application- Advancing Community Connectivity with Equity, Safety, and Sustainability (ACCESS) Approx.: 17M; Active Transportation Program Grant (ATP) (Cycle 7)- Undergrounding the Camino de Arroyo (trail) Approx.: 3-5Million; Sustainable Transportation Program (Completed)- Climate Action and Adaptation Plan $350,000; Congestion Mitigation And Air Quality (CMAQ)- Quick Build South 7th Approx.: $500,000; Congestion Mitigation And Air Quality (CMAQ)- North 7th Avenue reconstruction Approx.: $2 Million; •Urban GreeningAvenal Urban Greenway $3.5M.

B. Special Presentations/Reports:
1) None.

PUBLIC HEARING(s):

A. None
OLD BUSINESS:

A. None.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. None.

CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS:

City Manager Lopez reported the following: 1) Thanked all for the support and supporting the community’s accomplishments; 2) City Coordinating Meeting updates; and 4) Avenal Cut off wear in tear with County & Caltrans.

Councilman Verdugo reported the following: 1) he would like to see the financials each month. Mayor Preciado reported the following: 1) attended many meetings and thanked all for attending.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mayor Preciado re-opened meeting at 9:52 with nothing to report and no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:53 Respectfully submitted,
Maria Ortiz, City Clerk
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. - B
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 14, 2024
RE: Consider FY 2024/25 Local Transportation Fund Claim (LTF) INFORMATION:

Staff has received notification from the Kings County Association of Governments informing the City of our apportionment of Local Transportation Fund(s) for FY 2021/22 in the amount of (est.) $566,778 or 8.8559% of the total share in Kings County. This is an increase of $17,713 from the 2022/2023 LTF Fund Claim of $549,065.

Proposed use of funds as follows:

ARTICLES:

Local Streets and Roads $ 431,948
Planning $ 17,712
Public Transit - KART $ 117,118
TOTAL (est.): $ 566,778
Staff has also included a proposed 2024/25 Street Project List for your review (Attachment A).

The project list is a continuation of 7
th Street Project, while adding Merced Street, Stanislaus Street, and South Central Avenue Projects. Local Transportation and Planning funds were reduced given there is still funding from the 2023/2024 claim that can also be rolled over and expended this year if needed.

Per KCAG, public hearings were held on the City’s behalf and no unmet transit needs were identified.

RECOMMENDATION:

By Resolution, authorize submittal of FY 2024/25 LTF Claim.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Revenue in the amount of (est.) $566,778 for Local Streets and Roads.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. - B

ATTACHMENT A
LTF FY 2024/25
Road Maintenance & Construction Project
Reconstruction/Improvements of
North 7
th Avenue, from Skyline Boulevard to San Joaquin Street “7th Avenue Street Project”
Merced, Street from San Joaquin to Second Avenue
“Merced Street Project”
Stanislaus, from San Joaquin Street to Second Avenue
“Stanislaus Street Project”
South Central Avenue, from Skyline Boulevard to
“South Central Avenue Project”
in the amount of:
$431,948
1 of 2

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL

AUTHORIZING A CLAIM TO BE

MADE FOR THE LOCAL

TRANSPORTATION FUNDS FOR THE
2024/25 FISCAL YEAR, FINDING NO

UNMET PUBLIC TRANSIT NEEDS

AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY

MANAGER TO MAKE AND AMEND
SUCH CLAIMS.

RESOLUTION 2024-__12__
WHEREAS, the County Auditor estimates that Avenal's 8.8559% share of Kings County Local Transportation Funds (LTF) will amount to $566,778, for FY 2024/25; and
WHEREAS, Avenal has until July 1, 2024 to file an LTF claim; and WHEREAS, Avenal is a member of the Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KCAPTA) in which KCAPTA has conducted public hearing(s) on our behalf for the purpose of soliciting comments on any unmet transit needs that may exist.

UPON MOTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER , SECONDED BY

COUNCIL MEMBER , THE FOLLOWING WAS PASSED, APPROVED,

AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT AN OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING HELD ON March 14, 2024, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

Alvaro Preciado, Mayor

CITY OF AVENAL
MARIA A. ORTIZ, City Clerk

CITY OF AVENAL
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2 of 2
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL Hereby:

1. Found the Recitals above are found to be true and correct.

2. Hereby authorizes the City Manager to file the FY 2024/25 LTF claim in the amount of $566,778 and to sign the necessary documents.

3. To declare the LTF claim to be categorically exempt from environmental review since LTF money will be used to maintain existing streets.

4. Finds that there are no areas within the City with unmet public transit needs which could reasonably be met by expansion of existing transportation systems or by establishing new systems;

5. Authorize the City Manager to amend all claims as necessary.

6. Authorized the City Manager and relevant City staff to carry out the terms and conditions of this resolution and to take all steps reasonably necessary, proper and/or convenient and/or incidental thereto.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5 – C
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 14, 2024
RE: Consider Replacing the vacant Community Development position, into the Building Assistant
INFORMATION:

Following the departure of the Community Development Director in December 2023, and the subsequent transition to utilizing a contracted City Planner, an evaluation of the current staffing structure within the Community Development Department has been conducted. This evaluation has revealed a significant alignment of the department's operational focus towards buildingrelated responsibilities.

Since March 15, 2022, the job description for the Community Development position has been updated to reflect a primary emphasis on building tasks, accounting for approximately 80% of the role's responsibilities. This shift has been in response to the evolving needs of the City of Avenal and has effectively been the reality of the position's function within the department.

As of November 2023, the position has remained vacant. The City has received applications for the role; however, there is a consensus among staff that the current title does not accurately reflect the primary duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

In light of these findings, it is recommended that the job title for the current Community Development position be officially changed to Building Assistant. This change aims to better align the title with the role's predominant focus on building-related tasks. It is important to note that there will be no changes to the pay scale, benefits, or fundamental job description beyond the title adjustment. The job description as updated on March 15, 2022, will remain in effect.

This title change is proposed to ensure that the role accurately represents the scope of work and responsibilities entailed. It is anticipated that this adjustment will aid in attracting candidates who are better suited to the position's current needs and expectations. Upon approval, the title change will be effective immediately. All relevant documentation, recruitment materials, and official communications will be updated to reflect this change.

This proposal seeks to align the job title with the actual duties and responsibilities of the position, thereby enhancing clarity and efficiency within the Community Development Department. Your consideration and approval of this change are requested to move forward with the recruitment process for this vital role within the City of Avenal.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends approval changing the Community Development Assistant job description title to Building Assistant, and approve Resolution 2024-12 City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
Fax: (559) 386-0629
ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A VALID CONTACT TELEPHONE.

EMPLOYEES SHALL WORK HARMONIOUSLY WITH ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.

THE CITY OF AVENAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Revised 3/14/2024

BUILDING ASSISTANT
SALARY RANGE: B.5 $3,055.87 - $3,714.43 per month
UNDER DIRECTION OF: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
GENERAL DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The City of Avenal is looking for a Building Assistant to join the Community Development team in a community with tremendous potential for growth and development. The Building Assistant will be responsible for assisting with city planning, building permits and community development functions through design, grant coordination, review process facilitation on zoning and land use and building, and preparation of reports, while providing exceptional customer service to the public on planning and building-related matters.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Duties include but are not limited to those described below. Reasonable accommodations will be made when requested and determine by the city to be appropriated under applicable laws. • Perform general and complex clerical duties to assist department Development Director/Contract Planner • Assist with issuing and processing building permits, certificate of occupancies, and any other building division related subjects i.e., code enforcement and expired voided letters • Help provide and assist contractors, developers and property owners concerning city’s plan check and building permits and inspections processes.
• Calculate plan check and permit fees for all building permits issued by the city • Received inspection requests and schedule then for the city building inspectors • Prepare reports on building permits activity and maintain building division’s computerize permit system. • Assist with daily, monthly, and yearly reports and correspondence including preparing and follow-up of notifications. • Responsible for organizing, filing and accurate up-keep of records • Research and review code amendments and/or new code regulations for other municipalities • Respond to various types of planning inquiries; interpret and explains the City codes and regulations • Collect a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates
• Assist in the administration of City Housing Programs, such as First-Time Homebuyer Program and Housing Rehabilitation Program
• Attends evening and/or weekend meetings as needed
• Assists Community Development Director/Contract Planner and in all other office functions as needed DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Especially important traits are the ability to learn quickly and use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and technology. Knowledge about the California Building Code and any local ordinances and or state regulations. Preferable the ability to be resourceful, independent, and the desire to take on new challenges are highly valued. Spanish Speaking is highly preferred but not required.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
Fax: (559) 386-0629
ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A VALID CONTACT TELEPHONE.

EMPLOYEES SHALL WORK HARMONIOUSLY WITH ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.

THE CITY OF AVENAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Revised 3/14/2024
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

EDUCATION: Completion of the twelve (12) grade or equivalent. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis)
EXPERIENCE: 1) Must have at least two (2) years of experience in clerical and administrative work; desirable including one (1) year as a building administrative assistant or permit clerk. 2) Must have computer experience working with MS Office is required. 3) Experience communicating complex and technical requirements and term to the general public. 4) Must possess excellent office and clerical skills, strong organizational skills, and experience in working with multi-tasks. 5) Bilingual preferred, but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIEMENTS: 1) Must possess and have a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License is required. 2) Must be able to complete the Building Technician Certificate from CALBO/ ICC with the 18 months of employment.

Page 1 of 2 ends

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

Amending an existing Employment
Positions within City Hall.

RESOLUTION 2024-_13_
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Avenal (“City”) desires to consider information and recommendations from the City Manager pursuant to Avenal Municipal Code § 2-4.108(d) pertaining to reorganization of employment positions; WHEREAS, City desires to amend an existing employment positions to assist with carrying out the lawful business of the City under the control, oversight and direction of the relevant department head(s), and it is in the best interest of the City to amend such employment positions; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City Council to amend the employment position and approve the job descriptions and classifications thereof.

UPON MOTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER , SECONDED BY

COUNCIL MEMBER , THE FOLLOWING WAS PASSED,

APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT AN OFFICIAL MEETING HELD ON March 14, 2024, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:
,
AVENAL
MARIA ORTIZ, City Clerk

CITY OF AVENAL
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:

Page 2 of 2 ends

1. Found that the foregoing recitals are true;

2. Approved and adopted the three job descriptions in ATTACHMENT A; to this resolution;

3. Approved the amendment of one existing employment positions and classifications within the Community Development Department which shall be governed by the job description in ATTACHMENT A for the Building Assistant position, effectively eliminating the Community Development Assistant position;

4. Unless otherwise approved or requested, the Community Development Assistant job title is being retired in lieu of that same position being retitled as Building Assistant, with no other changes being made;

5. Unless a budget amendment is necessary, in which case it shall be added to a future Council meeting agenda, the new employment positions created by this resolution shall be considered funded under the existing City budgets for the relevant departments or special budget circumstances; and

6. Authorized the City Manager, City Clerk and all relevant City staff to carry out the terms and conditions of this resolution and to take all steps reasonably necessary, proper and/or convenient and/or incidental thereto.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
Fax: (559) 386-0629
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. D
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 14, 2024
RE: Consider One-Time Additional Premium Pay Stipend to Bargaining Unit 4 INFORMATION:

Throughout 2023 and into February 2024, extensive negotiations were held with Bargaining Unit 4, which primarily consists of management personnel, regarding adjustments to the cost of living allowance (COLA) and enhancements to other benefits. These discussions were characterized by a series of back-and-forth proposals between the negotiating parties.

Due to the ongoing vacancy of two critical positions within our organization — a Police Captain and a Community Development Director — the operational burden on the remaining members of Unit 4 has significantly increased. Recognizing the increased workload and the importance of maintaining morale and operational efficiency within this key unit, a consensus was reached on February 9, 2024.

It was agreed upon that, in lieu of the initially proposed COLA increase, a one-time Premium Pay payment of $1,500 would be provided to each member of Bargaining Unit 4 up to February 9, 2024. This decision was made with the understanding that it serves as an interim measure to acknowledge the additional responsibilities shouldered by the unit's members due to the aforementioned vacancies.

Furthermore, it was mutually agreed that the positions within Unit 4 will be subject to a thorough salary comparison analysis and benefits review. The objective of this analysis is to ensure that our compensation packages remain competitive and reflective of the demands and responsibilities of each role. Any necessary adjustments to the salaries will be considered upon the completion of this analysis.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve by motion Resolution 2024-14 as presented.
1 of 1

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF AVENAL SUPPORTING

AND APPROVING OFFERS TO THE

EMPLOYEE DESIGNATED NEGOTIATING
TEAMS NO. 4 AS PER REQUESTED FOR
FY 2023/2024
RESOLUTION 2024-__14___
WHEREAS, Resolution 99-55 (Meet and Confer with City Employees) established a policy for the City Council and City Employees to meet and discuss working conditions, salaries, benefits, and other incidental matters; and
WHEREAS, the City Council and Employee Designated Negotiating Teams No. 4, have discussed said matters which relate to and affect the FY 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 City Budgets; and
WHEREAS, the City Council and Employee Designated Negotiating Teams No. 4, have agreed to the following:

A one-time premium pay payment of $1,500 to members of Unit 4 as of February 9, 2024 – the Public Works Director and the Director of Administrative Services.

UPON MOTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER , SECONDED BY COUNCIL

MEMBER , THE FOLLOWING WAS PASSED, APPROVED, AND

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT AN OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING HELD ON March 14, 2024, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

Alvaro Preciado, Mayor

CITY OF AVENAL
MARIA A. ORTIZ, City Clerk

CITY OF AVENAL
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:

1. Found the foregoing recitals to be true, correct and incorporated herein;

2. The City Council of the City of Avenal hereby authorizes the City Manager to sign and execute documents and agreements related to this action on behalf of the City of Avenal.

3. Ordered relevant City staff to carry out the terms and conditions of this resolution and to take all steps reasonably necessary, proper and/or convenient and/or incidental thereto. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
20200916 - Avenal - Resolution Appointing City Attorney-v1.doc City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
Fax: (559) 386-0629
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. A
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 14, 2024
RE: Consider One-Time Additional Premium Pay Stipend to Bargaining Unit 4 INFORMATION:

The Sustainability Coalition Letters (attached), signed by numerous mayors and city officials across California, including Mayor Preciado of Avenal, addresses significant concerns regarding the state's zero-emission policies and the ambitious 2035 deadline. The letter emphasizes the challenges these policies pose to the trucking industry, including increased operational costs and decreased delivery efficiency due to the lack of compliant vehicles. It also highlights the limitations of the current power grid and substations, which are insufficient to support the increased demand for electricity, particularly in the context of growing populations and economic activities in areas like the Central Valley.

Request for Support:

The Nisei Farmers League, an advocacy group representing farm laborers and unions, has formally requested that the City of Avenal officially support the efforts and positions outlined in the Sustainability Coalition Letter. This request aligns with Mayor Preciado's ongoing advocacy and discussions with the Governor's office, where he represents the Central Valley's interests, particularly highlighting the unique challenges faced by our local economy, infrastructure, and community due to state-wide sustainability mandates.

RECOMMENDATION:

Given the direct impact of these issues on Avenal and the Central Valley at large, coupled with Mayor Preciado's leadership in this dialogue, it is recommended that the City Council formally endorse the Sustainability Coalition Letter. This endorsement will not only reinforce our city's commitment to practical and equitable sustainability efforts but also strengthen our collective voice in seeking more feasible and supportive measures from the state government.

Approve by motion, lending official support as the City of Avenal to the Sustainability Coalition’s letters and efforts.
1 March 07, 2024
Gavin Newsom
Governor
State of California
Dear Governor:

The California Sustainability Coalition wrote to you on December 19, 2023, requesting a meeting as soon as possible. This letter renews the request and also provides you a growing list of entities, and local and county government, who are increasingly anxious to learn how you intend to help them implement your zero emission policies by 2035 deadline you have established.

To avoid redundancy, we refer you to our prior letter and add the bottom line question of whether the State have the resources now and into the future to achieve your policies, or will we be left to figure it out on our own? Our concern is based on several realities including your adjustments to the proposed State Budget and spending reductions in the current State Budget which undercut your zero emissions policies and our ability to comply.

We understand, Governor, that the State cannot spend money it does not have. We live with that as well. The difference is that your actions protect the State Budget, but they do not help us. These state mandated compliance costs mostly exceed our capabilities and the 2035 clock keeps ticking.

The following are just a few of many examples which are threatening our businesses, livelihoods and our communities.

Waterfront Labor and Preservation of Union Jobs:

Longshore union labor is one of many essential blue-collar skilled trades whose workers make up many of the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on a healthy, growing, and sustainable supply chain in California. Everyone in the supply chain relies on the fact that we will have the skilled workforce necessary at each critical node of trade to ensure the economic competitiveness of our system. For example, without the longshore labor represented by ILWU Local 10 which represents union members that work the marine terminals and vessels at the Port of Oakland, the farmworkers who harvest the state’s agricultural exports would not be working to timely and effectively load containers. And, vice versa, if farmers and farmworkers are not shipping produce to the Port and then loaded onto vessels bound for foreign destinations, then there is no additional work for longshoremen.

These jobs are symbiotic and the growth in one sector often depends on the economic health and growth of the other. Longshoremen and other maritime labor are working with California agricultural exporters to ensure that we are all working together to grow trade and to ensure that our regulations recognize the importance of jobs on the waterfront.

Tugboats and Harbor Craft:

The tugboat, towboat, and barge industry is facing real challenges with CARB rules which have proven to be unworkable in terms of its implementation timelines and new mandates that pose safety issues for their operations. California’s tugs are already the cleanest in the nation, and tug operators recently started a pilot project with the world’s first hybrid tug and the nation’s first zero-emissions ship-assist vessel. But while these untested technologies are still in their infancy, state regulations have mandated that they are enforceable now. As a result, these operators are now forced to choose between safety issues which have been identified by the United States Coast Guard and compliance with California law. If untested and dangerous technology is deployed, it not only puts vessel safety and our California waters at risk of environmental degradation, it puts our ability to facilitate global commerce and trade at risk.
2 Food processing facilities:

California’s regulatory requirements for all electric are exacerbating the State’s inadequate electric infrastructure causing significant time delays and inability to connect to the system (e.g. over 6 years to connect a simple farm shop to power; delay of over 5 years to power new processing equipment which are now operated with generators costing millions of dollars each season. Rural areas are low on the priority list for companies like PG&E.

Drayage Trucking to/from Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland, and rail terminals:

Effective January 1, 2024 only zero emission vehicles (ZEV) can be added to the drayage diesel truck fleet. The ZEV’s are 30-50% heavier which greatly reduces hauling capacity and puts 20% more trucks on already overcrowded roads. This also will supposedly connect 15,000-20,000 ZEV trucks to the power grid but the lack of technology and infrastructure will leave us stranded, looking for a tow. It’s estimated that fully charged ZEV’s can travel about 150 miles with a light load on flat ground. Add the Grapevine or Donner Pass to the haul and the distance drops to double digits. Also, how do we manage interstate commerce issues and trade agreements as our trucks cross state and international borders into California? Government needs to do a reality check.

Temperature Monitoring of Freight:

Operators of Temperature Monitoring Refrigerated Trailers Temperature data logs are required on the majority of refrigerated freight. There is usually a not-to-exceed three-degree temperature variance from loading to delivery which may occur in California or throughout the United States. Any exceedance of this variance results in rejection of the load with the cost of the loss borne by the trucker. It does not appear that CARB staff understand this and have not offered solutions including adequate recharge stations in-state and interstate.

The contemplated battery weight and its safety are critical factors as well. Substantially reducing payload to accommodate batteries brings into serious question the economic feasibility of this type of essential transport, especially for long hauls.

African American Farmers/ Asian Farmers and other cultures:

African American, Asian, East Indian, and other minority farmers are unique within California’s agricultural community. We are relatively few in number often farming small, leased acreage (sometimes just one acre) with limited resources. These challenges in themselves are difficult to overcome and a significant reason for our declining farmer numbers. So is government over-regulation. Applying zero emission requirements to our tractor and to our trucks which we use to transport our home grown vegetables to farmers markets in the Bay Area and Southern California is not remotely affordable and the equivalent of California waving NOT WELCOME signs for people like us.

Francisco: Rural Community Resident:

Three years ago, I moved back to Avenal California from the Bay Area because of how unaffordable it became. I grew up in Avenal, completed my undergraduate degree at Yale, and received my MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California.

I understand and value the importance of reducing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions to protect our environment for future generations. However, as a parent, I find myself at a crossroads, faced with a decision that will impact my family's future significantly. With one child currently navigating the financial challenges of college, and another preparing to embark on this journey in 2029, the financial strain is frightening. Tuition costs are already a significant burden compounded by additional expenses for rent, food, transportation, etc.

In light of the State’s sustainability initiatives, I'm compelled to ask how rural families like mine are expected to afford raising a family in California. As I juggle the costs of my children’s college tuition and commuting expenses, the push for electrification hits hard. Why force us to choose between our kids' futures and a pricey EV vehicle, EV chargers, and solar mandate? We need real support, not impossible choices. 3 Cities and Towns in Support of The California Sustainability Coalition:

We, the undersigned towns, and cities, representing a diverse array of communities from the San Joaquin Central Valley to the bordering cities along the Central Coast and Mojave Desert, are united in our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our coalition encompasses both rural and urban areas, each with unique challenges and perspectives on the state’s sustainability initiatives.

While we fully support the goals and objectives of the administration's policies, many of which have commenced as of January 1, 2024, we are increasingly uneasy about several critical issues that could impede the successful and complete realization of these initiatives by 2035. Our collective concerns are as follows:
• Trucking Industry Challenges: We are facing an increase in operational costs for our businesses and municipal services, coupled with a decrease in delivery efficiency due to the limited availability of compliant vehicles. • Power Grid and Substation Limitations: The existing power infrastructure is insufficient to meet the increased demand. The financial burden of equipping every household, business, and facility with necessary connections, along with the escalating electricity costs, poses a significant challenge. • Transportation and EV Infrastructure: The high cost of compliant vehicles and the lack of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, especially in rural areas, both in residences and at workplaces. • Loss of Jobs: The transition is expected to lead to a reduction in available jobs, particularly affecting the trucking sector and businesses dependent on current infrastructure capabilities.

To our dismay, there has been no engagement from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on these matters of grave importance. In light of these challenges, we respectfully request a meeting with you. Our objective is to ensure that while we stride towards sustainable goals, we also safeguard the interests of our businesses, livelihoods, and our communities.

We look forward to a constructive dialogue and thank you in advance for your consideration of this vital matter.

Sincerely,
California Sustainability Coalition
Affinity Truck Center Inland Empire Economic Partnership African American Farmers of California Insure America Project AgTC: Agriculture Transportation Coalition International Longshore & Warehouse Union AJ Farms, LLC International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 Almond Tree Hulling Co. Ishii Bros., Inc. Production Agriculture American Olive Oil Producers Association J&E Hulling
4 American Pistachio Growers JFS Enterprises, Inc.

Andersen & Sons Shelling J. G. Boswell Company
Atlas Almonds JK Farms, LLC
Baggie Farms Jose Carlos Ramirez, World Boxing Champion Bairos Farms Kern County Farm Bureau
Bay Area Council Kings County Farm Bureau
Belmont Nursery Kings River Packing
Betts Company Kingville Farms
Biz Fed Central Valley Business Federation Klassen Farms, Inc.

Biz Fed Los Angeles County Business Federation KY Farming, LLC Blessed Harvest, Inc. LA Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association Boos & Associates Leopoldo Farm Service
Booth Ranches, LLC Lone Star Dehydrator
Brandt Farms Lyons Transportation, VP
Bullseye Farms Woodland Madera County Farm Bureau
Butte Farm Bureau Manco Ag Services
Cain Trucking Inc. Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) Cal Coast Almond Processing, Inc. Marine Fireman’s Union California Agricultural Aircraft Association Mellano & Company, Inc California Apple Commission Mendocino County Farm Bureau California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers
Merced County Farm Bureau
5 California Avocado Commission Mid-Valley Cotton Growers, Inc.

California Blueberry Association Mike Jackson Farms, Inc.

California Blueberry Commission Mike Jensen Farms
California Building Industry Association Milk Producers Council California Business Poperties Association Minturn Huller Cooperative, Inc.

California Business Roundtable Minturn Nut Company, Inc.

California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association Moonlight Companies California Farm Bureau Mur5 Farms
California Fresh Fruit Association Murad Farms
California League of Food Producers Musco Family Olive Co.

California Olive Oil Council NAIOP – Commerical Real Estate Development Association
California Retailers Association Nat DiBuduo Real Estate California Tomato Growers Association National Association of Egg Farmers California Trucking Association National Association of Waterfront Employers California Truck Centers National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc.

California Women For Agriculture NCPI, LLC
California Wild Rice Advisory Board Nichols Farms
Campos Brothers Farms Nisei Farmers League
Capay Canyon Ranch North American Association of Food Equipment Manufactures Catania Worldwide Northen Merced Hulling Association
CAWA, Representing The Automotive Parts Industries Officials Coalition 6 Central California Almond Growers Association Olive Growers Council of California Central Valley Latino Mayors and Elected Opportunity Stanislaus CEO, Harbor Trucking Association Pacific Coast Producers CFS LP Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
Citri-Care, Inc. Pasatiempo Vineyards
ConAgra Peters Fruit Farms Inc.

Corto Olive Company Poindexter Nut Company
Crinklaw Farm Services Inc. P-R Farms, Inc.

Crookshanks Sales Company Primex Farms
Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of Northern California Proctor Companies
D. R. Klassen Farms, Inc. Propeller Club of Northern California D. R. Klassen Packing, Inc. Raisin Bargaining Association Dairyland Huller Ramirez Ag Labor Services
Dalena Benik & Associates Raven Farms
Dalena Farms River Oak Orchards
Daniel Salas Harvesting, Inc. RWC Almonds, LLC
Del Norte Farm Bureau San Diego Customs Brokers Association Del Rey Packing Company San Francisco Bar Pilots
Del Rio Nut Company San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation
Dreisbach San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance
El Dorado California Grown Almomds Sierra Valley Almonds 7 Enzo Olive Oil Company, Inc. Sihota Farms Inc
Family Fruit Farms Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Family Orchards, Inc. SSA Marine
Farm Bureau Monterey Stanislaus Food Products Company
Farmers Cooperative Gin, Inc. Stewart & Jasper Orchards Fresno Business Council Sun-Maid
Fresno County Farm Bureau TGS Logistics Inc.

Fresno Equipment Co. The Almond Company
Friesen Farms The Peterson Family
Fruit Harvest Family, Inc. The Propellor Club of the US Furlong Family Farms Tony Martinez Trucking Industries Inc.

Gold River Orchards Travaille and Phippen, Inc
Grapeman Labor Tulare County Farm Bureau
Grizzly Nut, LLC TVT Transportation
Grower Direct Nut Co U.S. Meat Export Federation
GSC Logistics Valley Harvest Nut Co., Inc.

GUSS Automation Valliwide Organics
Hamilton Ranches, Inc. Vann Family Orchards
Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) V.A. Rodden, Inc.

Holland Nut Company Wawona Frozen Foods
Hoff Farms Western Agricultural Processing Association
8 Horizon Nut, Inc. Western Plant Health Association
Humboldt County Farm Bureau Wiebe Farms, Inc.

IMC Young’s Inc.

Independent Oil Producers Alliance Youngstown Grape Distributors, Inc.

Ingomar Packing Company

National Association of
Waterfront Employers
J.G. Boswell Co.

Jose Carlos Ramirez
World Boxing Champion
National Truckling
Flower Growers/Marketers
9 Harbor Trucking
Association
Chipping/Griding Ag Products
Enzo Olive Oil
Company, Inc.

Trucking Co.
10 Crinklaw Farm Services
11 Independent
Oil Producers
Alliance
12 Trucking
13 Cities and Towns in Support of the California Sustainability Coalition Alvaro Preciado, Mayor
City of Avenal, California
Alma Beltrán, Mayor
City of Parlier, California
Diana Guerra, Mayor
City of Orange Cove, California
Víctor Martínez, Mayor
City of Mendota, California
Jeanette Zamora-Bragg, Mayor
City of Corcoran, California
Julie Hernandez, Mayor
City of San Joaquín, California

Matthew Serratto, Mayor
City of Merced, California
Patricia Matthews, Mayor
City of Lemoore, California
Frank Gonzalez, Mayor
City of Sanger, California
Daniel Parra, Mayor
City of Fowler, CA
Deborah Lewis, Council Member
City of Los Banos, CA
14 Counties in support of the California Sustainability Coalition Nathan Magsig, Chair
Fresno County Board of Supervisors
Larry Micari, Chair
Tulare County Board of Supervisors
Rodrigo Espinoza, Chair
Merced County Board of Supervisors

Robert Poythress, Chair
Madera County Board of Supervisors
Doug Verboon, Chair
Kings County Board of Supervisors
Miguel Villapudua, Chair
San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors

National Association of
Waterfront Employers
Harbor Trucking
Association
J.G. Boswell Co.

Chipping/Griding Ag Products
Jose Carlos Ramirez
World Boxing Champion
National Truckling

Enzo Olive Oil
Company, Inc.

Crinklaw Farm Services
Trucking Co.

December 19, 2023
Hon. Gavin Newsom
Governor
State of California
Re: Request for Meeting with Workers and Businesses to Establish State Funding and Policies That Embrace Dual and Equal Goals of Growing the Economy and Reducing Greenhouse Gasses Governor Newsom -
Independent
Oil Producers
Alliance
Our ask of you is simple. The sustainability coalition members listed below request a results-oriented conversation with you and your administration as soon as possible regarding the constraints of implementation and real-world impacts of the state’s policies of reducing pollutants and green-house gas emissions. While our Coalition understands the important goals and aims of your policies (some of which take effect as soon as January 1, 2024), we are increasingly concerned with unresolved economic feasibility, technological challenges, and lack of essential infrastructure required to make them a reality by 2035.

Fortunately, California is presently making significant progress in air quality within the limits of technology and funding (e.g. farm tractors; trucks; trains; ships and cargo equipment at Ports) but we can only go as fast as reality and feasibility allow. Utility constraints assure that California’s immediate zero-emissions deadlines are not achievable. Many potential purchasers of equipment, as well as their manufacturers and dealers agree. Under current circumstances, this will damage our supply chain.

Respectfully, we understand that aggressive deadlines energize clean air goals but our assessment is that these will eventually prove to be unrealistic unless government provides sufficient financial support and regulatory flexibility to make them happen. Successfully implemented, this will result in cleaner air and the added value of enhanced investment, successful businesses, and elimination of the present anxiety of businesses and workers who fear an uncertain future for themselves and their families.

We will ask for assurance in our meeting with you that government will allocate the financial resources required and make commitments to work collaboratively and proactively with all supply chain stakeholders to identify and respect the real-world constraints of feasibility needed to implement your air quality policies. This is necessary to reassure farmers that they will have access to affordable, next generation equipment which efficiently performs as needed; that truckers have the same access; that sea bearing ships so essential to the export of California products will be welcomed in our Ports; and that indispensable longshoremen will continue to have cargo to move.

If we can accomplish this, Governor, your constituents in urban and rural communities alike will be able to step back from the edge of the cliff and breathe a sigh of relief. The clock is ticking on the entire supply chain, making a meeting with you and the Coalition imperative as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
African American Farmers of California International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10
AgTC: Agriculture Transportation Coalition J&E Hulling
AJ Farms, LLC JFS Enterprises, Inc.

Almond Tree Hulling Co. J. G. Boswell Company
American Olive Oil Producers Association JK Farms, LLC
American Pistachio Growers Jose Carlos Ramirez, World Boxing Champion Anderson & Sons Shelling Kern County Farm Bureau
Atlas Almonds Kings County Farm Bureau
Baggie Farms Kings River Packing
Bay Area Council Kingville Farms
Belmont Nursery Klassen Farms, Inc.

Biz Fed Central Valley Business Federation KY Farming, LLC Blessed Harvest, Inc. LA Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association Boos & Associates Leopoldo Farm Service
Booth Ranches, LLC Lone Star Dehydrator
Brandt Farms Mayor Beltran of Parlier, CA
Bullseye Farms Woodland Mayor Guerra of Orange Cove, CA Butte Farm Bureau Mayor Martinez of Mendota, CA
Cal Coast Almond Processing, Inc Mayor Parra of Fowler, CA California Agricultural Aircraft Association Mayor Preciado of Avenal, CA California Apple Commission Madera County Farm Bureau
California Association of Flower Growers and
Shippers Manco Ag Services
California Avocado Commission Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) California Blueberry Association Marine Fireman’s Union California Blueberry Commission Mendocino County Farm Bureau California Building Industry Association Merced County Farm Bureau California Business Poperties Association Mid-Valley Cotton Growers, Inc.

California Business Roundtable Mike Jackson Farms, Inc.

California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association Milk Producers Council California Farm Bureau Minturn Huller Cooperative, Inc.

California Fresh Fruit Association Minturn Nut Company, Inc.

California League of Food Producers Moonlight Companies California Olive Oil Council Musco Family Olive Co
California Retailers Association NAIOP – Commerical Real Estate Development Association
California Tomato Growers Association Nat DiBuduo Real Estate California Trucking Association National Association of Egg Farmers California Wild Rice Advisory Board National Association of Waterfront Employers Campos Brothers Farms National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc.

Capay Canyon Ranch NCPI, LLC
Catania Worldwide Nichols Farms
CAWA, Representing The Automotive Parts Industries Nisei Farmers League Central California Almond Growers Association North American Association of Food Equipment Manufactures
Central Valley Latino Mayors and Elected Officials Coalition CEO, Harbor Trucking Association Olive Growers Council of California CFS LP Pacific Coast Producers
Citri-Care, Inc. Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
ConAgra Pasatiempo Vineyards
Crinklaw Farm Services Inc Peters Fruit Farms Inc.

Crookshanks Sales Company Poindexter Nut Company
Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of
Northern California P-R Farms, Inc.

D. R. Klassen Farms, Inc. Prima Wawona
D. R. Klassen Packing, Inc. Primex Farms
Dairyland Huller Proctor Companies
Dalena Benick & Associates Propeller Club of Northern California Dalena Farms Raisin Bargaining Association
Del Rey Packing Company Ramirez Ag Labor Services
Del Rio Nut Company Raven Farms
Dreisbach River Oak Orchards
El Dorado California Grown Almomds RWC Almonds, LLC
Enzo Olive Oil Company, Inc. San Diego Customs Brokers Association Family Orchards, Inc. San Francisco Bar Pilots
Farm Bureau Monterey San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation Farmers Cooperative Gin, Inc. Sierra Valley Almonds
Fresno County Farm Bureau SSA Marine
Fresno Equipment Co. Stewart & Jasper Orchards
Fruit Harvest Family, Inc. TGS Logistics Inc.

Furlong Family Farms The Almond Company
Gold River Orchards The Peterson Family
Grapeman Labor The Propellor Club of the US
Grizzly Nut, LLC Travaille and Phippen, Inc
Grower Direct Nut Co Tulare County Farm Bureau
GSC Logistics TVT Transportation
GUSS Automation U.S. Meat Export Federation
Hamilton Ranches, Inc. Valley Harvest Nut Co., Inc.

Hoff Farms Valliwide Organics
Holland Nut Company Vann Family Orchards
Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) Wawona Frozen Foods
IMC Western Agricultural Processing Association
Independent Oil Producers Alliance Western Plant Health Association Ingomar Packing Company Wiebe Farms, Inc.

Inland Empire Economic Partnership Young’s Inc.

Insure America Project Youngstown Grape Distributors, Inc.

International Longshore & Warehouse Union Youngstown Grape Distributors, Inc.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. B
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 14, 2024
RE: Review of City Council Stipend/Compensation
INFORMATION:

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. B
Component Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
Maximum Monthly
Compensation $950 $950 Variable Up to $950
Attendance
Verification Yes Yes Yes No requirement
Budget Allocation $57,000/year $57,000/year $57,000/year Up to
$57,000/year
Additional Notes
Unused funds
go to
Community
Grant Fund
Deductions ensure
participation | Unused
funds go to Community
Grant Fund
Reduction for missed
meetings| Unused funds
go to Community Grant
Fund
Flexible, no
direct link to
attendance
*Option 1: Performance-based Incremental Compensation
• Base Pay: $300/month.
• Additional pay for attending council and board meetings, active participating in (signing up to help at events) or simply attending city events.
• Max Compensation: $950.
*Option 2: Deduction-based Compensation
• Base Compensation: $950/month.
• Deductions applied for non-attendance at council meetings, city events, and board/committee assignments.
• Deductions:
• Regular Meeting: -$300 for absence/meeting or -$600 is only one meeting scheduled
• Special Meeting: -$100 for absence/or no meeting
• Board/Committee Meeting: -$150 for absence/or no assignment • City Event: -$50 (attend) per absence, assuming two events per month. • Budget: $57,000/year, ensuring participation through deductions.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. B
*Option 3: Base Plus Special Participation Compensation • Base Pay: $450/month, requires attendance at all council meetings. • Additional $150 for attending special committee/board assignments. • Deductions:
• Regular Meeting: -$225 for absence/meeting or -$450 is only one meeting scheduled
• Special Meeting: -$150 for absence/if scheduled
• Board/Committee Meeting: $150 if assigned per month
• City Event: $100/must attend two per month or no benefit, or volunteer at one • Budget: $57,000/year.

This fund would also be expected to have funding for regular yearly requests for establish organizations.

The City Council is encouraged to review these options carefully to select the structure that best aligns with the city's goals and the council members' roles and responsibilities.

RECOMMENDATION:

Discuss and provide direction to Staff.

City of Avenal
TO: Honorable Mayor & City Council
FROM: Antony V. Lopez, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Rob Williams, Public Works Director
DATE: March 8, 2024
RE: Public Works Monthly Report February 2024

INFORMATION:

7300 CODE ENFORCEMENT:

The Code Enforcement Department continues to be covered as complaints and concerns are reported, we are able to pull from Public Works and Animal Control to take care of all situations that arise. As of March 4th our Code Enforcement Officer is back to work and getting caught up on abatements and other items.

SEE ATTACHED REPORT. NO REPORT THIS MONTH
8100 PARKS & LANDSCAPE:

Staff continues to maintain Rice Park, landscaped areas on Skyline, Neighborhood Park, Skate Park, Sport Complex, the Ken Brown Public Safety Center, and Elliott Park. The well at the Sport Complex is down but we have ordered parts for getting it back on line, if needed we can water from a hydrant in the complex.

Staff finished the drinking fountains and put down the decomposed granite at the Community Garden/Skate Park as well as getting the gazebo put together and bolted down. 9000 ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT:

Staff continues to maintain the Animal Shelter. The spay/neuter program is continuing to go well there were 10 dogs for the shelter and 14 dogs and for Avenal Citizens. There are still good numbers on the amount of dogs rescued, the numbers on the report is high for dogs at the shelter but most are scheduled for rescue this month.

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
13000 STREETS:

Staff maintains city streets, signs, flags, and banners. Staff was able to get some patching done in town but have been busy with other projects as well. We are working with A&M Consulting Engineers with ideas to repair the Cutoff until we get more funding to rebuild it. The Seventh Ave. Road Project is progressing well. The contractor has completed the ADA curb ramps and the majority of the concrete work. They are working on lowering utilities to prep for grinding pavement. The City Engineer continues to work on the Community Center getting it ready to go to bid.
14100 WATER DISTRIBUTION:

The contractor for the 18” water line project has pressure tested the new pipeline and will be disinfecting next week. Everything is on schedule to have the new line in service the end of March. There were three (3) water leaks on the 18” main transmission line. Staff continues to repair and maintain the distribution system within the City.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 7. A. – 1)
15000 WASTEWATER COLLECTIONS:

Staff continues to report monthly to Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding overflows. There were four (4) calls for sewer plugs. The City Engineer has designed the bi-pass sewer line between Fifth Ave. and Seventh Ave. along SR 33 and A&M Consulting is looking for grants to do the project. Staff is continuing the enzyme treatment for grease.
18000 VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT & BUILDING MAINTENANCE:

Staff continues to maintain city-owned property, vehicles, and equipment and continues monthly/quarterly reporting to SJVAPCD. Staff submitted the yearly report to the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

To: Rob Williams, Public Works Director
From: Raul Valadez, Animal Control Department
For: February 01, 2024 to February 28, 2024
Total dogs 28
RETURNED TO OWNER 1
ADOPTED 0
DIED IN SHELTER 0
EUTHANIZED 0
ESCAPED FROM SHELTER 0
REMAINING IN SHELTER 20
DOGS RESCUED 7
DOG BITE(S) 0
CITATIONS 0
COMPLAINTS 20
DOOR HANGERS 5
CATS DETAINED 2
EUTHANIZED 1
RESCUED 1
REDEEMED 0
ADPOTDED 0
Roosters/Chickens/Owls/Turtles, etc. 0
Deceased Animals
Dogs 1
Cats 4
Other Animals Deceased 0
Animal Control Activity Report
City Of Avenal
Animal Control Activity Report
March 1, 2024
To: Rob Williams, Public Works Director
From: Raul Valadez, Animal Control Department
For: February 01, 2024 to February 28, 2024
Total Dogs 30
RETURNED TO OWNER 0
ADOPTED 0
DIED IN SHELTER 0
EUTHANIZED 0
ESCAPED FROM SHELTER 0
REMAINING IN SHELTER 22
DOGS RESCUED 8
DOG BITE(S) 1
CITATIONS 0
CATS DETAINED 0
EUTHANIZED 0
RESCUED 0
REDEEMED 0
ADPOTDED 0
Roosters/Chickens/Owls/Turtles, etc. 0
Deceased Animals
Dogs 6
Cats 10
Other Animals Deceased 0
Animal Control Activity Report
City Of Corcoran
Animal Control Activity Report
March 1, 2024
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
Fax: (559) 386-0629
“Pistachio Capital of the World”
“Oasis in the Sun – Gateway to the Coast”
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7- A.2
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Humberto Bermudez, IT Manager
DATE: March 8th, 2024
RE: Information Technology Monthly Report February 2024 CURRENT PROJECTS:

Internet:
-Weather and limited staff prevent the final antenna installation. -Cal.Net has not received a response from Hewitson’s regarding construction on or near their site.
-Staff reaches out to RSUSD IT under new leadership regarding the Recreation Center connectivity. District IT is unable to detect continuity between sites, ruling out a second broken connection and suggests re-termination of both fiber ends.

Phone System: Due to warehouse changes, CSI’s GSM devices were placed on backorder for the month of February and should be arriving in late-March for Police alarms. Verizon connects the City with a third-party agency to perform the POTS trace necessary for the outdoor dispatch phone.

Emails: BitTitan reaches out with solutions for tenant migration (Moving from Enterprise to Government, migrating avenalpd.com emails) and mailbox migration (consolidating cityofavenal.com and cityofavenal.us), all major issues covered.

Services:
-Regular Security Maintenance
-Refreshing remote access server and client access.
-Continuing reorganizing documentation of all services for future reference -Joint call with Kings County IT, Avenal Police, and the City Manager regarding the intent to become independent, listing out services provided by the County (both user systems and policing-centric services), proposing a timeline, and regularly scheduling check-in calls.

Other:
-Awaiting a response from the City Attorney regarding the MOU Kings County Behavioral Health sent.
-Continuing to assist in local events (Food distributions, Chief Swearing In Ceremony, County Coordinating Meeting)
-Assisting in onboarding our Part-Time Customer Service Representative with OpenGov. -Continues to maintain the city website and provide tech support across all facilities.

Memo
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Sheila J. Verdugo, Community Activities Supervisor cc: Antony V. Lopez, City Manager
Date: March 14th, 2024
Re: Community Activities Staff Report
Information:

Updates:
1) Community Garden –
• The Decomposed Granite is in , boxes are cleaned, water fountain in, lights up, concreate poured and pavilion up.
• In the works, benches, citrus trees, decorative gate, arched name over entrance, 4 water bibs added to the boxes that don’t have them, numbering boxes and need conduit ran for electricity at the pavilion. • Antony is also working on a plan for the restrooms.
• Avenal Assembly of God Youth and parents held a workday on March 2nd to hang greenery (it’s beautiful) and Councilmen Hernandez and some Seniors went down to pull all of the weeds out of the boxes.
2) Loteria/Movie Night
• Over 30 people played loteria and about half stayed for the movie. • Lots of prizes were given out.
• Anna got donations from a few local businesses.
• Councilmen Hernandez called the card – Antony and Humberto set up sound and tvs – AHS volunteer served food and drink and staff prepared movie meals. It was a great night of teamwork – we will be organizing another night of fun in the future.
2 In the Works:
1) Meetings with Families of Children with needs –
• Staff is working with families to come up with a 5-question survey to send to schools, churches and in water bill to determine what kind of services we can help advocate for. Many families need Individualized Therapy for their children.
• Family Inclusion Music and Paint Night is scheduled for April 26th at the Theater from 6:00 – 7:00 pm
• We will have an Inclusion Egg Hunt and activity area at the Easter Extravaganza
• Staff and Families will be scheduling a field trip in the future and utilizing vans at City Hall
2) The Amazing Race Obstacle Course- March 13th at the Bill Wooley Pocket Park – 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
• The purpose of the event is to address whole body wellness (mental, physical and emotional.
• County organizations our to promote and address these areas with activities and literature.
• The Fire Department will be donating and cooking turkey dogs and may sponsor prizes for the winners.
• We will be providing healthy waters, drinks and snacks. • Lupe will be making promotional bags for the event to give out. • AHS volunteers will be out to help run the course and keep time for all participants.
• 1
st – 3rd Place Ribbons and participation ribbons will be handed out. • Roads will be block off on 5th and Ventura and 5th and Orange Streets • Volunteers have posted door hangers on Venture/Kern/Orange streets and West View and flyers on cars around their neighborhoods. We will be posting around TES/RSMS/AES school sites.
• We have 15 participants signed up
3) Easter Extravaganza – Set for March 23rd from 11 – 2 pm. Activities included are:
• Egg Hunt for 5 different age groups (including adults) • Craft Area
• Face Painting
• Inclusion Area
• Egg Dying
• Contest through-out the day.
• Pony Rides
• Bounce Houses
• Easter themed Carnival Games
3 Working on:
• Petting Zoo
• Train Ride
4) Rentals: See Anna’s report
Collaborations:
1) Health Collaborative Outdoor Movies
2) FEC Health Fair
3) AAG Music in the Park
4) Rotary – OTD/Food Distributions
5) Paty’s Studio – Theater Classes
6) KCAO – Scholarships for Kidz Spot Summer Program
7) Valley Voices
8) County Elections 33

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance AuthorityMarch 14, 2024

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
March 14, 2024