CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
November 13, 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 5:25 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Gamez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF: López, Curiel, Ortiz, Lara, 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.
City Manager López respectfully requested that the City Council add the following Emergency Items: an additional Closed Session item under Item D (Case 3), an additional Closed Session Item E, and a new Item C under New Business.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned to approve the addition of Emergency Items 4.D-c, 4.E, and 10.C. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and the motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Verdugo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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.
Special Recognition to: Hector de Dios Deniz
New Staff Introductions: Samuel Montes & José Soto, PW Landscaper; Samantha Brigham, Part-Time Kennel Technician; Esmeralda López, Part-Time Custodian; Emma Silva, PARCS Youth Programing Coordinator.
Special Recognition for Hector de Dios Deniz was moved to the next Council meeting. Introduction of new staff was also continued to the next Council meeting. Anna Lara introduced the new PARCS Youth Programming Coordinator, Emma Silva.
Public Comment was opened by Mayor Preciado at 5:32 p.m.
Dalilah Barajas, Avenal Resident, stated that recall signatures have been submitted to Kings County and thanked those who assisted with the efforts. She stated she will keep the community updated and reminded residents of the reasons that initiated the recall, which she described as poor decisions by the City Council. She further added that if a second round of signatures is required, she will be prepared.
Ginger Wallis, Avenal Resident, addressed City Manager Antony López regarding the recall. She expressed concern about the job requirements for the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief positions, stating that certifications and experience should be required rather than listed as “highly desirable.” She further stated that, in her view, the current job descriptions appear tailored to match the qualifications of the City’s fire consultant and another individual from the state prison.
Frank Lopez, Avenal Resident, provided information on upcoming Avenal Rotary Club food distributions and updated dates. He congratulated those involved in the recall effort, noting that the community has learned a lot. He stated that the recall will not stop progress on establishing the local Avenal Fire Department and added that developing leadership will take time.
The City Council Zoom meeting experienced an interruption at approximately 5:39 p.m. and resumed at 5:43 p.m.
Mayor Preciado stated that the Zoom bombing incident was very disrespectful and that the City will be seeking to press charges against those responsible.
Gloria Preciado, Avenal Resident, stated she does not support the recall efforts and expressed her appreciation for the hard work of the Council members. She added that building the Avenal Fire Department will create good opportunities for students.
Veronica Aguirre, Avenal Resident (via Zoom), reported an incident with a family member at the entrance/exit of EZ Trip and stated she submitted tickets to Caltrans but has not received a response. She described the area as chaotic and a traffic safety hazard. She also shared that CARB will hold a public meeting on November 20th at 9:00 a.m. and that a bus is being organized to take community members to Sacramento. The meeting will also be accessible online.
City Manager Antony López reminded the public that anyone participating via Zoom must display their first and last name or they will be removed from the meeting.
Public Comment was closed by Mayor Preciado at 5:53 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 October 23, 2025, Regular Meeting.
B. Waive Second Reading of Avenal Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy, Ordinance 2025-04, Amendment of the 2022 Ordinance, and Acceptance of Retroactive Annual Reports (AB 481 Compliance).
C. Consider Approving Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority.
Council Member/Successor Agency Reynosa motioned to approve Item A &B in Consent Calendar and move Item C to New Business, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Preciado, Hernandez, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
A. 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 the report as submitted.
Councilmember Reynosa inquired about Police Department vehicle maintenance. Scott stated that two vehicles are currently ready for APD to have upfitted. Mayor Preciado requested an update regarding the spill near Highway 33 and 7th Avenue. Scott reported that the cleanup was successful and that the contaminated soil may be tested. Mayor Preciado also asked where recent graffiti vandalism had occurred. Scott responded that incidents have decreased but primarily occur in alleyways. Mayor Preciado inquired about a fenced area and whether it is City or District property. Scott clarified that it is District property and that graffiti on that site is the District’s responsibility. Mayor Preciado further inquired about a reported illegal occupancy. Scott stated he would need to revisit the matter to provide additional details. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers
Javier Andrade presented the report as submitted. Mayor Preciado noted that the City will continue efforts toward preventative street rehabilitation throughout the community. He also provided an update regarding the new Community Center, noting that the project plans have changed.
2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director.
City Manager Antony López presented the report on behalf of IT Director Humberto Bermudez.
Councilmember Verdugo suggested allowing flyers displayed on the LED sign to remain visible for a longer duration. Mayor Preciado inquired whether the clock tower would be completed by December. López responded that several projects will be completed prior to finalizing the clock tower.
3. PARCS Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, PARCS Director, Anna Lara.
City Manager Antony López introduced Anna Lara as the Director of PARCS and explained the development of the department as part of the City’s effort to expand community services.
Anna Lara presented the report as submitted. City Manager López also added information regarding the upcoming 5K Turkey Trot scheduled for November 26.
PUBLIC HEARING(s):
Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority:
A. None
OLD BUSINESS:
A. None.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider Adoption of Job Descriptions for Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief Positions (Discussion/Action).
City Manager Antony López presented the report as submitted.
Councilmember Verdugo stated that he has not yet seen an action plan for building a local fire department and expressed that he does not believe it is advisable to adopt the proposed job descriptions at this time. Mayor Preciado stated that the City Council is working toward creating a self-sufficient city and should continue efforts to establish a local fire department. He added that while individuals may have differing opinions, he believes the department is a positive step forward. City Manager López stated that the fire department model has been shared with the community through town halls and that leadership is now needed to implement that vision. He noted that a plan was provided at the previous Council meeting and that the scope of work assigned to Fire Consultant Ruben Veliz focuses on planning and developing the framework for the department. Fire Consultant Ruben Veliz reported that he has been gathering information and familiarizing himself with the community, and that he will prepare an action plan in response to Councilmember Verdugo’s request. He acknowledged that establishing the department will be challenging but expressed confidence that it is achievable. He stated that securing a physical space for the department is a current priority and suggested that the west wing of the Ken Brown Safety Center could potentially be remodeled for this purpose. He added that additional staffing support for the project would be beneficial and expressed interest in having local high school students design the Avenal Fire Department logo. Councilmember Hernandez stated that the Council should continue moving forward to make the fire department a reality. Mayor Preciado added that the proposed salaries for the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief positions are on the lower end of the scale and will result in cost savings.
Councilmember Verdugo motioned to pull the item; the motion died for lack of a second.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2025-54, seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado, and the motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez
NOES: Verdugo.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
B. Consider Adoption of Job Description for Public Works Landscape/Park Maintainer Leader Position (Discussion/Action).
City Manager Antony López presented report as submitted. Mayor Preciado stated Public Works has many responsibilities and these staff changes will improve efficiency.
Council Member/Successor Agency Reynosa motioned to approve Resolution 2025-55, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
C. Emergency Item: Consider Approval to Purchase and Upfit a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility under the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant (Discussion/Action).
Chief Velasco presented the report as submitted. He added that this item required timely approval and, given that there will not be another Council meeting until December, it needed to be brought forward at today’s meeting.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa motioned to approve Resolution 2025-56, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
D. Consider Approving Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority.
Legal Counsel, Moses Diaz, gave a brief explanation of the purpose of a Joint Powers Agreement with Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority and stated this is just to have the agreement up to date.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to approve Resolution 2025-57, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: 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 Clerks provided congratulations to the new employees joining the City. Councilmember Reynosa congratulated Anna, the new PARCS Director, and commended Chief Velasco for his work on grant applications. He apologized for the Zoom bombing incident and stated that the City will work to address the issue. Councilmember Verdugo also congratulated staff and encouraged the community to visit the 5 Pillars of Freedom in Corcoran. He reported attending a parade in Lemoore and shared that the local football team will be playing in six playoff games on Saturday. Councilmember Hernandez noted that it is the month of thanks and wished the community a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez shared her thoughts on the recall efforts, stating that she felt some of the approaches taken have been negative and that individuals were harassed to sign recall forms.
Mayor Preciado congratulated staff on their ongoing projects and provided updates on community beautification efforts. He also reported on recent meetings regarding water agency boards. Additionally, he shared information about available City services, including three free landfill trips and a no-cost green waste disposal area. Mayor Preciado invited the community to support the local track team on Thursday, the 20th, in Woodlake. He also spoke on progress related to compensation for sitting City Council members and encouraged greater community involvement in City matters.
CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):
A. Personnel (Government Code §54957(b)).
Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of: City Manager C. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed-session concerning: Conference with legal counsel – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)). Parties, case/claim no. Mendez v. City of Avenal, Kings County Superior Court Case No. 24CU0108
D. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed-session concerning: Conference with legal counsel – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)). Parties, case/claim no. Ross Family Properties v. City of Avenal, Kings County Superior Court Case No. 204CU0071
E. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed-session concerning: Conference with legal counsel – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)). Significant exposure to litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2)). Number of potential cases is: 2 3 (one additional potential case).
Facts and circumstances clearly known to potential plaintiff (if any) that might result in litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(e)(2)):
A. Case 1, Settlement of Claim from The Kaplan Group, Inc.; and B. Case 2, Government Claim received by Sheila Verdugo; and C. Case 3, Cease and Desist Letter received by Kings County District Attorney.
F. 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__.
Council Member/Successor Agency Verdugo motioned to move Closed Session to the end of the meeting, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Reynosa, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Mayor Preciado added that moving closed session to the end of the meeting would also be a conflict but they will be having a study session soon to discuss the best options. 10-minute recess at 5:58 P.M. by Mayor Preciado. City Council meeting resumed at 6:08P.M.
City Council went into a recess at 9:16 P.M. City Council went into Closed Session at 9:35 P.M.
For Item 4 C., Council Member/Successor Agency Reynosa motioned to authorize to retain outside counsel, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Gamez, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
For Item 4 A., Council Member/Successor Agency Gamez motioned to approve payment on the Kaplan group claim and details will be public once finalized, seconded by Councilman/Successor Agency Member Preciado, and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
City Council came out of closed session at 1:18 P.M.
For Item 4 D. b., City Council voted 4-0: To Return or reject the claim.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: Verdugo.
ADJOURNMENT:
City Council meeting was adjourned 1:18 A.M.
__ /s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk