CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 01, 2025; 4:00 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST.,
AVENAL, CA
LAST ORDINANCE: 2025-04 CITY LAST RESOLUTION: 2025-58
(SA) LAST RESOLUTION: 2025-02 PFA LAST RESOLUTION: 2025-03 AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
2. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, M.
Leticia Gamez; 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 $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.
3. 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 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 positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and providing your place of residence.
4. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Ratification of 2025 Labor Agreements: APOA Temporary MOU and MOU for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, & 5 (Discussion/Action).
5. 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:
A. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closedsession concerning: Conference with legal counsel – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)).
Initiation of litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4)). Number of potential cases is: Two.
B. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closedsession 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: One.
Facts and circumstances clearly known to potential plaintiff (if any) that might result in litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(e)(2)): Threat letter from Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker demands that City of Avenal cease and desist from establishing its own municipal fire department, and alleges non-compliance with Brown Act.
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.: Ross Family Properties LLC v. City of Avenal (Kings County Superior Court Case No. 24CU0071)
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 November 30, 2025.
/s/ Maria Ortiz
Maria Ortiz, City Clerk
CIUDAD DE AVENAL
"Capital Mundial del Pistacho®"
REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL
AYUNTAMIENTO 01 DE
DICIEMBRE DE 2025; 16:00 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST.,
AVENAL, CA
ÚLTIMA ORDENANZA: 2025-04 ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN DE LA CIUDAD: 2025-58 (SA) ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN: 2025-02 ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN DE PFA: 2025-03 AGENDA
1. LLAMADA AL ORDEN Y COMPROMISO DE LEIDAD:
2. LISTA: Concejales: Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernández, Alcalde Interino, M. Leticia Gamez; Alcalde, Álvaro Preciado.
SECRETARIO MUNICIPAL:
Código de Gobierno Sección 54952.3: Los miembros del Ayuntamiento/Agencia Sucesora tienen derecho a recibir un total de 450,00 dólares al mes por ser elegidos para el Ayuntamiento. No reciben ninguna otra compensación por ser miembros de la Agencia Sucesora.
3. COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS/ANUNCIOS Y APARICIONES NO PROGRAMADAS:
Este tiempo está reservado para que los miembros del público se dirijan al Ayuntamiento sobre asuntos de interés que no estén en la agenda y que estén dentro de la jurisdicción del Ayuntamiento o Agencia Sucesora. La ley estatal prohíbe que cualquier miembro del Consejo comente o actúe sobre asuntos que no estén en el orden del día. El Consejo pide que mantengas tus comentarios concisos y positivos. La crítica creativa, presentada con la cortesía adecuada, es bienvenida. Cada ponente tendrá tres minutos y un temporizador te notificará cuando tu tiempo haya expirado. Por favor, comiencen sus comentarios indicando y proporcionando su lugar de residencia.
4. NUEVOS NEGOCIOS:
A. Ratificación de los Acuerdos Laborales de 2025: Memorando de Entendimiento Temporal de la APOA y para las Unidades de Negociación 1, 2, 3 y 5 (Discusión/Acción).
5. SESIÓN CERRADA: (Ciudad/Agencia Sucesora):
La intención de este órgano de gobierno es reunirse en sesión cerrada para revisar su posición e instruir a sus representantes designados:
Un. LITIGIO PENDIENTE (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9). La intención de este órgano de gobierno es reunirse en sesión cerrada respecto a: Conferencia con asesores legales – LITIGIO ANTICIPADO (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)). Inicio de litigios (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(4)). El número de casos potenciales es: dos.
B. LITIGIO PENDIENTE (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9). La intención de este órgano de gobierno es reunirse en sesión cerrada respecto a: Conferencia con asesores legales – LITIGIO ANTICIPADO (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)). Exposición significativa a litigios (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(2)). El número de casos potenciales es: Uno.
Hechos y circunstancias claramente conocidos por el posible demandante (si los hay) que puedan dar lugar a litigios (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(e)(2)): Carta de amenaza de la fiscal del condado de Kings, Sarah Hacker, exige que la ciudad de Avenal cese y desista de establecer su propio departamento municipal de bomberos, y alega incumplimiento de la Ley Brown.
C. LITIGIO PENDIENTE (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9). La intención de este órgano de gobierno es reunirse en sesión cerrada respecto a: Conferencia con un abogado – LITIGIO EXISTENTE (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(1)). Partes, caso/reclamación nº: Ross Family Properties LLC contra Ciudad de Avenal (Caso del Tribunal Superior del Condado de Kings nº 24CU0071)
APLAZAMIENTO:
1) En cumplimiento con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidad, si necesita asistencia especial para participar en esta reunión, por favor contacte con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal (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 tomar medidas razonables para garantizar la accesibilidad a esta reunión [28 CFR 35.02.35.1044 AA Título II]. 2) Los materiales relacionados con un punto de esta agenda enviados al [Consejo/Autoridad] tras la distribución del paquete de la agenda están disponibles para su inspección pública en la oficina de [Secretarios Municipales] en 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204 durante el horario laboral normal.
Certifico que esta agenda del taller del Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de Avenal se publicará en los siguientes lugares: 1) Sala del Ayuntamiento, 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 30 de noviembre de 2025.
/s/ Maria Ortiz
Maria Ortiz, secretaria municipal
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.
Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. A
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: December 1, 2025
RE: Ratification of 2025 Labor Agreements: APOA Temporary MOU and MOU for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, & 5
INFORMATION:
Staff is requesting formal ratification of agreements (MOUs) with the APOA and Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, & 5 regarding benefits and changes starting FY 2025 as already discussed and approved with each party.
Attached is the resolution which ratifies the City Manager signing and executing said agreements with each party for their negotiated benefits. A full resolution is being presented today in open session to ratify and approve all the negotiated changes.
AGREEMENTS:
APOA Negotiations
City staff and APOA have completed meet-and-confer discussions related to the FY 2025 negotiation cycle. The resulting Temporary MOU documents the agreed-upon changes to the existing 2023–2025 MOU. The Temporary MOU includes:
• 4% COLA for FY 2025–26; 3% COLA for FY 2026–27 and 2027–28; • Uniform allowance increase from $1,000 to $1,200;
• Implementation of City-issued communication/ smart devices; • 5% FTO incentive pay to now include all Officers, Corporals, and Sergeants while training a trainee.
These provisions are included in the Temporary MOU (Attachment A) and will later be incorporated into a full MOU update, which will also be presented to Council once finalized.
Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3 & 5 Negotiations
City staff and the employee groups representing Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, & 5 concluded their FY 2025–26 negotiations and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Major items include:
• 4% COLA effective July 1, 2025;
• $1,000 one-time non-PERSable payment for employees employed as of October 1, 2025; • Holiday time-off provisions on a one-year trial basis; • Increase to boot allowance ($125 → $200);
• Annual performance evaluation commitment;
• Salary study commitment during FY 2025–26.
A signed MOU with all changed for units 1, 2, 3 & 5 is attached (Attachment B).
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.
Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated fiscal impact had been included within the FY 2025–2026 budget. Adjustments are still consistent with anticipated revenues and expenditure projections for this fiscal year.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve by motion Resolution 2025-58 as presented.
1 of 2
BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF AVENAL RATIFYING
THE 2025 LABOR AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF AVENAL
AND THE AVENAL POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION (APOA), AND
BARGAINING UNITS 1, 2, 3 & 5
RESOLUTION 2025-__58__
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, a Resolution to Meet and Confer with the Avenal Police Officer’s Association (APOA) was adopted in 2011 to meet and discuss working conditions, salaries, benefits, and other incidental matters; and
WHEREAS, the City Council and Employee Designated Negotiating Teams No. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, and the APOA have discussed said matters which relate to and affect the FY 2025/2026 City Budgets; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has completed negotiations with the Avenal Police Officers Association (APOA) resulting in a Temporary Memorandum of Understanding for FY 2025, documenting mutually agreed-upon changes to the existing MOU; and WHEREAS, the employee representatives for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3 & 5 have concluded negotiations and executed a 2025–2026 Memorandum of Understanding; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve and ratify these agreements so that the compensation adjustments and benefits can be implemented prior to the 2025 holiday period.
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 DECEMBER 1, 2025, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
2 of 2
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. Approves and ratifies the 2025 Temporary MOU between the City and the Avenal Police Officers Association (APOA), attached hereto as Attachment A.
3. Approves and ratifies the 2025–2026 MOU for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3 & 5, attached hereto as Attachment B.
4. That such applicable benefits are effective as of July 1, 2025.
5. That all existing benefits shall be retained.
6. The City Council of the City of Avenal hereby authorizes the Mayor or City Manager to sign and execute documents and agreements related to this action on behalf of the City of Avenal.
7. 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
and the
Avenal Police Officers Association Date: ___________
2025 CBA Negotiations
Temporary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
1 | Page
This Temporary Memorandum of Understanding documents the negotiated terms mutually agreed to by the City of Avenal and the Avenal Police Officers Association for FY 2025. The provisions listed below amend the current MOU (FY 2023–2025) and shall be incorporated into the next full MOU revision once drafted and adopted. All other terms and conditions of the existing MOU, including side letters approved since 2023, shall remain in full force and effect.
Both parties acknowledge and accept these terms as written.
1. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
Article 17 – Pay Practices
Section 17.1 General Pay
Effective on the dates listed below, salary ranges for all classifications represented by the APOA shall be increased as follows:
• Effective July 1, 2025:
A four percent (4%) Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
• Effective July 1, 2026:
A three percent (3%) COLA.
• Effective July 1, 2027:
A three percent (3%) COLA.
These increases shall be applied to all classifications within the bargaining unit.
2. Uniform Allowance Adjustment
Article 23 – General Provisions
Section 23.1 – Uniform Allowance
The annual uniform allowance for all APOA-represented employees shall be increased as follows:
• Uniform allowance increased from one thousand dollars ($1,000) to one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) per fiscal year.
This adjustment shall take effect beginning FY 2025.
3. Department-Issued Cell Phones / Smart Devices
New Section – Department-Issued Communication Devices
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
between
City of Avenal
and
City of Avenal Employees in Groups 1,2,3 and 5
With the conclusion of negotiations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the City of Avenal and its Council and the Avenal City Employees in Groups 1,2,3 & 5, agree to the following:
• Compensation: Effective on July 1, 2025, the City and Bargaining Units agree to a four percent ( 4 % ) COLA for all employees in Groups 1, 2, 3, & 5. • One-Time Payment: A One thousand dollar ($1,000) one-time, non-PERSable payment will be provided to all unit employees employed as of October 1st 2025. • Holiday Time Off Provision: While already having comparable holidays and personal days compared to neighboring cities, the City wishes to support worklife balance while maintaining operational needs. Thus, on a one-year trial basis (limited to the 2025-2026 holiday season), the City Manager will workwith the department heads to implement the following while maintaining the efficiencies of their departments. Results will be reviewed and reconsidered in subsequent negotiations.
• City operations will close at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the workdays preceding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, contingent on no emergent work obligations.
• • Employees may leave for the day but shall remain available through the end of their regular work hours if needed for any urgent matter. • If, for some emergency reason, the employee is not permitted to leave at noon on the designated days, that employee shall be granted those same hours off at another time to be agreed upon between the employee and their supervisor. • Uniform Allowance: The City reaffirms its commitment to increase the annual boot allowance from $125 to $200, contingent upon submission of a valid receipt.
City of Avenal "Oasis in the Sun - Gateway to the Coast" 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204 Phone: (559) 386-5766 Fax: (559) 386-0629 5. • Performance Evaluations: The City will ensure that all employees are evaluated annually by their immediate supervisors in a fair, consistent and timely manner. • Salary Study Commitment: The City commits to conducting a comprehensive salary comparison study during FY 2025-26 to evaluate compensation levels across comparable peer cities. Upon completion of the study, the City will review the results with the bargaining unit and may consider future position salary adjustments as necessary to maintain competitiveness and ensure fair market alignment across all classifications. The City and the Bargaining Unit will collaborate on the implementation process and timelines in order to ensure fiscal solvency for the City and equity of considerations across all groups.
This MOU has been reviewed by both parties and is submitted for final approval to the City Council of the City of Avenal. The City agrees to implement the salary adjustments in a timely manner to be issued no later than the last payroll in November.
FOR THE CITY
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