AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.
– A.
CITY OF AVENAL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 22, 2025; 2:30 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Preciado at 2:37 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem M. Leticia Gamez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado.
ABSENT: Councilmember: David Reynosa.
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.
STAFF PRESENT: Lopez, Price, Ortiz, Arellano.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES: 2:45 p.m.
Dalia Barrajas Avenal resident concurs cautious excitement about a particular budget item as follows: 1) Longevity Bonuses Policy Impacts: A breakdown of which employees are receiving incentives and how these were calculated; 2) Committee Purpose: A clear definition of the committee’s focus and intent; 3) Police Department spending - Continued high spending, especially large purchases with little detail and request for a list of grants received, their purposes, and how the funds are being used and whether cost-benefit analysis is done prior to purchases; 4) Fund Transfers concern about a $338K offset that isn't clearly reflected in a separate fund and questions where that money is being transferred and how it's being used; 5) she has strong desire for transparency in funding sources, expenditures, and decision making, especially concerning grants, police spending, and city contributions.
Teresa Pierce commented on the following: 1) Questioned why Leticia and Tony picked up a recall petition against Councilmember Verdugo, and requested to see the stated reasons; 2) Expressed concern that the recall may be politically motivated against a councilmember who listens to the community; 3) Asked if the City Manager took personal leave when accompanying Leticia, citing the requirement for neutrality during recall efforts; 4) Criticized recall supporters for not addressing fire department issues, which she believes are central to the current situation; and 5) Community misinformation expressed concern over inflammatory comments from an individual posting as “Josh Bryan” on the “City of Avenal Citizens” Facebook page. Urged the City to take any available action to reduce is information and online hostility.
Frank Lopez commented and noted that one of the city's largest expenses will be operating the gym. While he hasn’t reviewed the budget in detail, he suggested exploring a small membership fee to help offset costs. Although such fees may not fully balance the budget, he believes community members would value access to the gym. Mr. Lopez recommended setting up a donation fund and offering incentives such as program tie-ins with Kids Spot or other yearround activities to encourage gym use and participation.
Kelly Guzman expressed concern about the ongoing issue of stray dogs in the community and asked if anyone could provide an update. Regarding the budget, she highlighted that many residents feel funds spent on the recall effort could be better used to support children, gardens, and other community groups. Mrs. Guzman also, criticized the high fees charged to children ($140) for programs during a time when families are facing job insecurity, layoffs, and immigration related fears. And lastly Mrs. Guzman voiced her opinion that the recall of Councilmember Ricardo Verdugo appeared retaliatory, especially given his quiet and non-confrontational approach.
Kevin Jenkins, spoke passionately about collaboration between the city and local schools to support youth development and workforce readiness. Drawing from his experience as a longtime Kings County school board member and law enforcement officer, he emphasized how partnerships like those between Hanford schools, public works, and law enforcement provided students with hands on job skills and mentoring. He encouraged Avenal to adopt similar Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency
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efforts, especially to reopen the pool, expand youth employment, and grow programs like Explorers and School Resource Officers (SROs). He praised the city’s community spirit, its impressive facilities, and offered his full support in building stronger connections between the city and school district for the benefit of local youth.
Mayor Preciado closed public comments at 3:00 p.m.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
A. CHP Age Well, Drive Smart, Senior Driver Education Class: Kevin Jenkins & Fred Crumrine - CHP.
Kevin Jekins proposed bringing the CHP “Drive Smart” senior driver safety course to Avenal in partnership with the Avenal Police Department. The free 2-hour program would be held at the Senior Center and target residents aged 65 and older (or 55+, depending on local interest). The course covers topics such as:
Updated traffic laws (e.g., cellphone restrictions),
Medication impacts on driving,
Awareness of alternatives to driving (like CART transit), And general safe driving practices for aging adults.
Participants receive a certificate, which may help reduce their car insurance premiums with certain providers.
City Manager Lopez emphasized the need for bilingual materials and instruction, due to the large number of Spanish-speaking seniors in Avenal.
Mr. Jenkins mentioned that it can be in Spanish explained that the program is funded by a federal grant and typically led by a CHP public information officer, with assistance from volunteers like himself and his partner. Mr. Jenkins noted his desire to promote positive programs in Avenal and reduce traffic accidents, especially among seniors. He also expressed interest in implementing a similar program for high school students through the local SRO program.
B. Upcoming Events: Summer Interns.
Antony Lopez, City Manager mentioned that Summer Interns would like to continue improving their public speaking skills. And contributing to several city events.
Paul Marino and Damien Blanco reported the following: 1) Civic Engagement a call to encourage youth to use their voices and participate in democracy and register to vote; 2) Upcoming Events: Family Night at the Theater July 24, 2025, Thursday at 6:00-9:00p.m. arts, crafts, painting, bracelet-making. And two movie options one English-Soul, and one Spanish Sherk2; 3) Community Movie Nights effort to bring popular movies to town promotes family bonding through film; 4) Fitness & Inclusion Torch Run Event: Raises funds and awareness for people with special needs. Federal and local collaboration. Symbolic run led by a torch-bearing leader open to community participation; 5) Beautification Projects Interns collaborating with Wonderful Company organizations to: Add decorative lighting downtown, clean the Arroyo area revamps the Veterans Hall fix windows, paint, clean up and encourage high school students to volunteer for service hours; and 6) Community involvement is key. Contact the City Clerk for more info or to volunteer.
STUDY SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):
A. Review FY 2025/2026 Budget Revenues and Expenditures Request.
City Manager Lopez, Griselda Price, Director of Administrative Services and Brian Arrellano, Finance Manager went over the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and expenditure request with the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Maria Ortiz, City Clerk