CITY OF AVENAL
Pistachio Capital of the World®”
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PF
A MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 2026; 5:15 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA Study Session: 4:30pm - Review Final Agreement with Optimized Investment Partners, LLC Review 2026 Avenal Speak Community Climate Survey
Study session began at 4:36 P.M. and ended at 5:10 P.M.
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Preciado 5:28 P.M.
Mayor Preciado called for a moment of silence for the passing of Coach Wilbert Reed & Teacher Victoria “Vicky” Taylor.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, M. Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynosa.
STAFF: Price, Velasco, Curiel, Ortiz, Bermudez, López.
LEGAL COUNSEL: Moses Diaz.
CITY CLERK:
Government Code Section 54952.3: Members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $450.00 per month due to their serving on the City Council. They receive no other compensation for serving as members of the Successor Agency.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned add Emergency Items 5B and 5C to the agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Preciado, Gamez, Verdugo, Hernandez.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
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 Recognitions: Alicia Garcia; Amelia Solorio Castañeda; Leticia Alcala Luna; Lucia (Bibi) Ornelas; Rosalva (Rosalie) Enriquez.– Volunteerism at Food Distributions & Contributions to Senior Nutrition Program Mayor Preciado presented Certificates of Recognition to the volunteers previously mentioned.
Renee Missakian, COO and Executive Vice President of The CrisCom Company, reported that a $4 million funding request was awarded for a new water tank for the City of Avenal, with assistance from Congressman Valadao. She stated that The CrisCom Company continues to work with the City on additional projects.
Frank Lopez, Avenal resident, commented on Rotary Club food distribution activities. He also announced a meeting regarding the upcoming Old Timers Day scheduled for February 4 at 5:45 p.m. at the Avenal Museum. He stated that the Old Timers Day event will include Lucha Libre and live music, expressed hope for participation from Avenal High School students, and noted that he will be organizing a high school alumni reunion.
Antony V. Lopez, City Manager and Avenal resident, commented on an increase in Public Records Act (PRA) requests submitted to City Hall by an individual, Sheila Verdugo. He stated that the City and City Council are committed to transparency but that the volume of requests requires significant staff time and impacts other priority projects. He stated that the City has transparency which contrasts with recallers having secret meetings at councilmembers Verdugo’s house. He added that the City remains open regarding its ongoing efforts.
He also stated that the City is accepting applications for the Reimagining Kings Street Committee following the award of funding, announced that the Community Climate Survey will be released soon, and noted that work continues on the Community Center project.
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 January 21, 2016 Special Meeting; January 22, 2026 Regular Meeting & January 8, 2026 Corrected Minutes.
B. Consider Authorization to Sign the Certificate of Acceptance and Recordation of the Quitclaim Deed related to City-owned property identified as APN: 040-301- 028-000.
C. Consider Approving Regular City Council/Successor Agency/PFA Meetings Schedule for 2026- 2027.
D. Consider Approval of Patrol Vehicle Upfitting, Equipment Installation, Graphics, and Budget Modification.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to move Consent Calendar Item D to New Business and approve Items A, B, & C. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Preciado, Hernandez.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
ABSTAIN: None.
MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
A. Consider Approving Offering a Discount for Utility Customers who Participate in 2026 Community Climate Survey (Discussion/Action).
City Manager, Antony V. López, presented report as submitted. Mayor Preciado stated there is low civic participation at meetings so the survey will be useful data gathered. Assistant City Manager/Deputy City Karla Curiel, added that A&M Engineering has been using previous survey data for grant writing.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2026-07. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
ABSTAIN: None.
B. Consider accepting the construction of the Solar Photovoltaic project at the WWTF and authorizing the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion with the Kings County Recorder’s Office (Discussion/Action).
Alfonso Manrique, PE Principal, A&M Consulting Engineers, presented report as submitted.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2026-08. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
ABSTAIN: None.
C. Consider Resolution Expressing Support for The Dignidad (Dignity) Act Act, H.R. 4393 (Discussion/Action).
Luis Ramirez, Nissei Famers League Representative, gave a brief summary on the Dignity Act. Mayor Preciado also shared additional information of other agencies’ support towards the Dignity Act.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2026-09. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
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, Public Works Director, presented report as submitted. Scott also expanded on beneficial reasons for looking into digital meters for the entire City and it remains to be a hopeful project pending the search for funding. Scott also shared that the speed signs coming into town that blocked the LED sign have been moved. Councilmember Verdugo brought up a citizen concern regarding not seeing the animal control vehicle around town. He also stated that the City needs to get more vehicle abatements done as the issue is growing. Scott added that more patrolling would be done and that there have been discussions to address the abandoned vehicle issues.
a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers
Javier Andrade, City Engineer, presented report as submitted.
2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director.
Humberto Bermudez, IT Director, presented report as submitted.
PUBLIC HEARING(s):
Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority:
A. Consider the Close Out Report on the 2021-CDBG Homebuyer & Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (21-CDBG-000010 and 21-CDBG-HA-00011)
a. Staff Report
b. Public Hearing
Public hearing was opened by Mayor Preciado at 7:30 P.M. Public hearing was closed by Mayor Preciado at 7:31 P.M. c. Approval of Resolution (Discussion/Action)
Maria “Angie” Ortiz, City Clerk, presented report as submitted.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Close Out Report on the 2021- CDBG Homebuyer & Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (21-CDBG-000010 and 21-CDBG-HA-00011).
The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
ABSTAIN: None.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. None.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider Amending the IT Manager/Communications Coordinator Job Description, (Discussion/Action).
Mayor Preciado inquired on the new CompTIA A+ certification requirement. Humberto responded that the certification in his experience takes 1-2 months.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez motioned to approve Resolution 2026-10. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Gamez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
ABSTAIN: None.
B. Consider Establishing One Additional Part-Time Employment within City Hall, Administrative Intern, to assist with the Avenal Speaks Community Climate Survey, (Discussion/Action).
City Manager, Antony López, presented report as submitted.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2026-11. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
ABSTAIN: None.
C. Consider Approval of Patrol Vehicle Upfitting, Equipment Installation, Graphics, and Budget Modification.
Councilmember Verdugo inquired whether Chief Velasco anticipates exceeding the modified budget. Chief Velasco responded that he aims to remain under budget and plans accordingly for potential influxes, stating he does not anticipate exceeding the budget. Councilmember Verdugo also asked whether he conducts due diligence by seeking the best pricing and obtaining multiple quotes. Chief Velasco confirmed that he does.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned to approve Resolution 2026-12. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gamez, Preciado, Hernandez, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Reynosa.
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 Manager, Antony V. Lopez, stated he looks forward to all upcoming projects. Councilmember Hernandez invited to community to participate at food distributions. Mayor Preciado stated he has been representing the City of Avenal at many meetings. He also shared that he attended a memorial for Veteran Covarrubias. He also stated that Councilmembers have a difficult time as not everyone approves of all decisions, but they are working in the best interest of the city to build sustainability.
Lastly, Preciado shared about possible landfill projects coming up CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):
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 – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)). Significant exposure to litigation (Government Code §
54956.9(d)(2)). Number of potential cases is: 1.
Facts and circumstances clearly known to potential plaintiff (if any) that might result in litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(e)(2)):
a. City of Avenal v. Lupe Villa, County of Kings, et al., County’s attempted to usurp and/or impersonate City Elections Official; Lupe Villa, County Elections Official confirmed at the 1/8/2026 Council meeting that no agreement exists for the County to provide any municipal recall election services on behalf of the City, stating he acted under prior City elections resolutions in handling municipal recall petitions.
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: County of Kings DA, v. City of Avenal (Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 25CU0549)
City Council went into closed session at 8:09 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT:
City Council came out of Closed Session at 8:39 P.M. with nothing to report and meeting was adjourned. /s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk