CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING
May 8, 2025, 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 5:21 PM.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro, Tem M.
Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado.
ABSENT: None
STAFF: López, Price, Curiel, Bermudez, Lara, Davis, Rij.
LEGAL COUNSEL: Moses Diaz.
CITY CLERK:
Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $450.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency.
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 on or acting on matters not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes are allowed per person.
Bob Ramos, a resident of Hanford, referenced the LED sign at the entrance to Avenal and suggested that his city consider installi ng a similar sign to increase community awareness. He emphasized the challenges in encouraging public participation in local go vernment and expressed hope that such signage could be an effective tool in improving engagement.
Veronica Aguirre, a representative of the HEAL organization, revisited a concern raised at a previous council meeting regarding t he proposed hazardous waste facility scheduled for approval in July. She expressed that the project could significantly impact loc al constituents and conveyed disappointment that some government officials appear to be approaching the issue with insufficient seriousness.
Public comment was closed by Mayor Preciado at 5:29 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
All items listed under the consent calendar are routine or for approval only and are enacted by one motion: (Action).
A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for April 10, 2025.
B. Consider Entering into a Comprehensive M.O.U. with Avenal Rotary Club for Use of City Facilities and Resources.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Consent Calendar and was seconded by Councilmember/Successor Agency Member Reynosa.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado.
NOES: Verdugo.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
A. Special Recognition: Mark Owen, Operations Supervisor at California Resources Corporation City Manager López presented a recognition to Mark Owen, acknowledging his significant contributions to the City’s major even ts and his efforts in providing educational content during these occasions. Mayor Preciado also expressed gratitude for Mr.
Owen’s involvement, particularly highlighting his participation in the Derrick Tree Lighting, which is deeply appreciated by the c ommunity. In response, Mr. Owen shared that he holds a deep fondness for the Avenal community.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve recognition to Mark Owen and Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo seconded.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Activity Reports:
1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: Scott Davis, Public Works Director.
Scott Davis presented his report as submitted.
Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the inclusion of Corcoran’s animal control reports. Mr. Davis explained that he included the data to inform the Council of the number of animals, particularly dogs, being received from Corcoran.
Councilmember Verdugo also asked for clarification regarding the vehicle abatement report and when the last abatement took place. Mr. Davis responded that vehicles located on public streets fall under the jurisdiction of the Police Department for enforcement. Mayor Preciado requested an update on Caltrans activities. Mr. Davis reported that Caltrans has begun work on the Skyline project. City Manager Antony López added that Caltrans had mistakenly removed paint from an electrical box, and they are currently working to determine how best to address and correct the issue. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers Javier Andrade was unable to present at the meeting. In his absence, Scott Davis informed the Council that staff is actively working on securing new grant opportunities. Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the timeline for repairs to Cutoff Road.
City Manager López responded that the delay was due to weather conditions, as work was scheduled to begin once temperatures increased. Mr. Davis added that he would follow up with Mr. Andrade for further details.
2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director.
Humberto Bermudez presented his report as submitted.
City Manager López requested that Mr. Bermudez elaborate on the potential cost savings associated with transitioning away from county services to fully in-house operations. Mr. Bermudez stated that the City could save approximately $6,500 per month by making the switch. Mayor Preciado thanked Mr. Bermudez for his continued efforts in navigating this challenging process.
3.Recreation Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, Community Activities Senior Leader.
Anna Lara presented her report as submitted.
Mayor Pro Tem Gamez noted that there had been a mistake in the names listed on last year’s military slideshow. Ms. Lara clarified that the slideshow is coordinated by City Manager López. Councilmember Reynosa expressed support for continuing the slideshow tradition, noting it would be meaningful for local military families. Ms. Lara shared that a flyer will be distributed next week with details about the upcoming event. Mayor Preciado thanked Ms. Lara for organizing another successful event. City Manager López announced that Family Night will take place next Friday in collaboration with the Family Engagement Center.
Francisco López, a member of the Avenal Rotary Club, informed the Council of an upcoming Teacher Appreciation Dinner scheduled for May 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
B. Presentations/Reports:
1) None.
PUBLIC HEARING(s):
A. None
OLD BUSINESS:
A. SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Discussion/Action).
City Manager López extended his gratitude to Superintendent Ruiz for the School District’s assistance during the Old Timers Day event. He noted that there have been no recent discussions between the School District and the City regarding the School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement but mentioned that a collaborative meeting is scheduled for the upcoming Monday.
Councilmember Verdugo inquired about the enclosure of the new LED sign. City Manager López responded that the sign will be enclosed as soon as it is fully secured and any additional materials are obtained.
Mayor Preciado commented on the positive impact of the new signs installed at schools in Avenal and Kettleman City, stating that they enhance visibility and help share important information with the community.
Kevin Scott, a member of the Grand Jury, suggested that the LED signs also be used to announce upcoming school board meetin gs to encourage greater public participation. He also commended the City for its ongoing efforts to engage and inform the community.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. None
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.
City Manager López thanked the City Council for accommodating his schedule following recent community events. He also announced an upcoming senior picnic to be held in Visalia.
Councilmember Reynosa expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the Old Timers Day event, noting the positive feedback received from the community.
Councilmember Verdugo remarked on the lower attendance at the alumni reunion dinner compared to previous years and expressed hope for increased participation at future events. He also suggested organizing more community gatherings, such as Fish Fry dinners, to enhance local engagement.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked Mayor Pro Tem Gamez for providing food tickets to the Senior Center during the event.
Mayor Pro Tem Gamez stated that the Old Timers Day celebration was a great success and thanked all who helped make it possible. Mayor Preciado shared that he recently attended an event in the City of Fresno, noting that they have around 37,000 volunteers. He noted that Fresno has seen a reduction in crime rates and that the experience provided valuable insight into effective strategies used in larger cities.
A recess was called at 6:47pm
The meeting reconvened at 7:01pm and went into closed session.
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. Personnel (Government Code §54957(b)).
Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of:
• City Manager
B. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed-session concerning: Conference with legal counsel – Deciding whether or not basis exists for closedsession for anticipated litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(3)).
Number of potential cases is: __1__.
Council came out of Closed Session at 10:51pm with nothing to report and meeting was adjourned.
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 24, 2025. __ /s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk