CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 29, 2025, 4:00 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 4:07 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, M. Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF: López, Curiel, Ortiz, Bermudez, Velasco
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.
Mayor Preciado began with a statement sharing information from the Kings County Board of Supervisors regarding their decision to end fire services in Avenal. He also addressed the community, encouraging residents to reach out to him directly or to City staff with any concerns or questions related to the recall or the audio that was inadvertently broadcast during the previous Council meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES:
This time is reserved for members of the audience to address the City Council on items of interest that are both on the Agenda or not on the Agenda, and are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council/Successor Agency. State Law prohibits any member of the Council from commenting or acting on matters not on the agenda. The Council asks that you keep your comments concise and respectful. Criticism, concerns, or support are welcome, provided they are expressed with appropriate courtesy.
Each speaker will be allowed three minutes. A timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating your name and place of residence.
Public comment was opened at 4:20 p.m.
Ted Woelk, Avenal Resident, shared that the community is not the priority of City Council and the main responsibility of the City is to keep the community safe.
Sheila Verdugo, Avenal Resident, shared events from the Kings County Board of Supervisors meeting this morning and reiterated that there should be a contract in place while looking for other alternatives for the sake of public safety.
Ron Moran, Avenal Resident, expressed that there are now two options to consider which are to sign a contract with Kings County Fire or hire a private organization.
Ginger Wallis, Avenal Resident, shared that she wishes Council would resign their positions today. She also shared that signing a contract is necessary while building a local department.
Julie Moran, Avenal Resident, shared information from today’s meeting with the Kings County Board of Supervisors and how badly it went for the City from an issue with a letter, audits, and fire services. She also shared that there are many rules to a fire department and still many questions unanswered for example on dispatch services. She urged council to sign a contract.
John Chamberlain, Kings County Fire Chief, shared there needs to be an understanding as to why Kings County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on pulling fire services. He also encouraged them to sign a contract with Kings County Fire.
Luther Wallis, Avenal Resident, expressed that he is very disappointed in this City Council and they are putting his son at risk due to his health. He also shared that council needs common sense.
Rita Wallis, Avenal Resident, inquired on who is in charge, City Council or City Manager. She also shared after City Manager did not submit a contract to Kings County and he should have been dismissed.
Gloria Preciado, Avenal Resident, shared that her comments on Facebook are being removed and therefore, violating her First Amendment Rights.
Kelly Guzman, Avenal Resident via Zoom, shared she is very upset as she has also been censored on Facebook. She is also concerned about medical calls being responded to properly. She urged Council to sign a contract while exploring options for a local department.
Carlos Saldana, Avenal Resident, introduced himself as a journalist and creator of Avenal Press. He expressed worry for his community and also stated Council does not behave professionally.
Public comment was closed at 4:46 P.M.
Council went into closed session at 4:47 P.M.
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. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES (Government Code § 54957(a)).
Consultation with: Avenal Police Department, Chief of Police; City Manager.
Council came out of closed session at 7:02pm with nothing to report and resumed with the meeting at 7:07 pm.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider contracting with outside public or private agency for Fire Protection Services:
(Discussion/Action)
City Manager Antony López recommended that the City proceed with signing the 18-month termination clause fire services contract as presented by Kings County, following the recent decision by the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Mayor Preciado added that the City will continue working toward establishing a local fire department and emphasized that Avenal will not go a single day without professional fire services. He also shared that every city has different needs and would like to provide our community with adequate needs.
Council Member/Successor Agency Preciado motioned to approve an 18-month termination clause contract with Kings County Fire seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Preciado, Hernandez, Reynosa, Gamez, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
City Council special meeting was adjourned at 7:21 P.M. /s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk