Agenda — City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority, March 26, 2026

CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING
MARCH 26, 2026; 5:15 P.M.

AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA Study Session: 4:15PM: Discuss Proposed Sublease for Nodal Power at the Avenal Regional Landfill 5:00PM: Meet & Greet Jose Verduzco, PG&E Local Government Affairs Representative LAST ORDINANCE: 2025-03 CITY LAST RESOLUTION: 2026-18
(SA) LAST RESOLUTION: 2026-01 PFA LAST RESOLUTION: 2024-03 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: 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.

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 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: Felix Herreria & Trino Aranda - Volunteerism at Food Distributions & Contributions to Senior Nutrition Program
Parent University, Digital Literacy Course: Antonia Herrera; Pablo Herrera; Mauricio Paniagua; Rosa Herrera; Gloria Pulido; Silvia Castaneda; Adriana Raya Medina; Victor Gervacio; Carmen Laguna; Victor Jose Pariona; Petra Almanza; Silvina Estrada; Miryam Pamela Arce Gutierrez; Paola Medina New Staff Presentation: Administrative Interns: Bailey Martinez, Natalee Lomeli Officer Francisco Martinez - Courage to Lead Award, presented by Chief Velasco

4. 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 March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting.

B. Consider FY 2026/27 Local Transportation Fund Claim (LTF): Resolution 2025-19.

C. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinances: Resolution 2025-20 a. Ordinance No. 2026-01 – Finance Code Amendment (Depositories and Signatories) b. Ordinance No. 2026-02 – Planning Cost-Recovery and Indemnification c. Ordinance No. 2026-03 – City Manager Contract Signing Authority d. Ordinance No. 2026-04 – Filling of Vacant Council Seats by Special Election e. Ordinance No. 2026-05 – Determination of Qualifications and Vacancies for City Council Seats

5. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:

A. Presentation on Disaster Preparedness by Jose Verduzco, PG&E Local Government Affairs Representative (Information).

6. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Activity Reports:

1. None.

7. PUBLIC HEARING(s): Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority:

A. None

8. OLD BUSINESS:

A. None.

CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING
MARCH 26, 2026; 5:15 P.M.

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:

3. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES:

Special Recognitions: Felix Herreria & Trino Aranda - Volunteerism at Food Distributions & Contributions to Senior Nutrition Program
Officer Francisco Martinez - Courage to Lead Award, presented by Chief Velasco

4. 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 March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting.

B. Consider FY 2026/27 Local Transportation Fund Claim (LTF): Resolution 2025-19.

5. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:

A. Presentation on Disaster Preparedness by Jose Verduzco, PG&E Local Government Affairs Representative (Information).

B. Consider (Discussion/Action).

6. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Activity Reports:

1. None.

7. PUBLIC HEARING(s): Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority:

A. None

8. OLD BUSINESS:

A. None.

9. CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):

A. 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., 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 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)
C. 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__.

D. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR(S) (Government Code § 54957.6).

It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Designated representatives- Police Chief

10. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Approval of Chief of Police Employment Agreement, Amendment #1 (Discussion/Action).

B. Consider Approval of Clarification of Differential Pay Incentives for Bargaining Unit 4 (Management) (Discussion/Action).

11. 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.

12. 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) Aftermath Gym, 600 Skyline Blvd.; and 4) T&T Market, 801 Skyline Blvd. Avenal CA 93204 on, March 23, 2026.
__ /s/ Maria Ortiz
Maria Ortiz, City Clerk

CIUDAD DE AVENAL
"Capital® Mundial del Pistacho"
REUNIÓN REGULAR DEL AYUNTAMIENTO/AGENCIA
SUCESORA/PFA 26 DE MARZO DE 2026; 17:15
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA Sesión de estudio: 4:15pm: Informe sobre la propuesta de energía nodal en el vertedero regional de Avenal 5:00pm: Encuentro y saludo a José Verduzco, representante de Asuntos del Gobierno Local de PG& E ÚLTIMA ORDENANZA: 2025-03. ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN DE LA CIUDAD: 2026-18 (SA) ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN: 2026-01 ÚLTIMA RESOLUCIÓN DE PFA: 2024-03 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 debido a su servicio en el Ayuntamiento. No reciben ninguna otra compensación por servir como 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 estén o no en la agenda y que estén dentro de la jurisdicción del Ayuntamiento/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 respetuosos. Se aceptan críticas, preocupaciones o apoyo, siempre que se expresen con la cortesía adecuada. Cada ponente tendrá tres minutos. Un temporizador te notificará cuando tu tiempo haya expirado. Por favor, comiencen sus comentarios indicando su nombre y lugar de residencia.

Reconocimientos especiales: Felix Herreria y Trino Aranda - Voluntariado en Distribución de Alimentos y Contribuciones al Programa de Nutrición para Mayores
Oficial Francisco Martínez - Premio al Valor para Liderar, presentado por el jefe Velasco

4. CALENDARIO DE CONSENTIMIENTO:

Todos los ítems listados en el calendario de consentimiento son rutinarios o solo para aprobación y se promulgan mediante una sola moción: (Acción).

A. Considere la aprobación de las actas de la Ciudad de Avenal/Agencia Sucesora para la reunión ordinaria del 12 de marzo de 2026.

B. Consideremos la Reclamación del Fondo Local de Transporte (LTF) del año fiscal 2026/27: Resolución 2025-19.

C. Renunciar a la Segunda Lectura y Adoptar Ordenanzas: Resolución 2025-20 a. Ordenanza nº 2026-01 – Enmienda del Código de Finanzas (Depositarios y Firmantes) b. Ordenanza nº 2026-02 – Planificación de Costes de Recuperación e Indemnización c. Ordenanza nº 2026-03 – Autoridad para la firma de contratos del Gerente Municipal d. Ordenanza nº 2026-04 – Ocupación de los escaños vacantes en el consejo mediante elección especial
e. Ordenanza nº 2026-05 – Determinación de las cualificaciones y vacantes para los escaños en el Ayuntamiento

5. ALCALDE Y CONCEJAL/ AGENCIA SUCESORA/ PUNTOS A CONSIDERAR:

A. Presentación sobre la Preparación ante Desastres por José Verduzco, Representante de Asuntos de Gobierno Local de PG&E (Información).

B. Considera (Discusión/Acción).

6. INFORMES DE ACTIVIDADES/PRESENTACIONES ESPECIALES E INFORMES DE COMITÉS:

A. Informes de actividad:

1. Ninguna.

7. AUDIENCIA(ES) PÚBLICA(s): Audiencia conjunta del Fondo de Obligaciones Fiduciarias de la RDA/Autoridad de Finanzas Públicas de la Agencia Sucesora de la Ciudad de Avenal:

A. Ninguno

8. ASUNTOS ANTIGUOS:

A. Ninguna.

9. SESIÓN CERRADA: (Ciudad/Agencia Sucesora):

A. 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: 1. Hechos y circunstancias claramente conocidos por el posible demandante (si los hay) que podrían dar lugar a litigios (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(e)(2)):
a. Ciudad de Avenal contra Lupe Villa, Condado de Kings, y otros, B. LITIGIO PENDIENTE (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9). La intención de este órgano de gobierno es reunirse en sesión cerrada en relación a: Reunión con el asesor legal LITIGIO EXISTENTE (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(1)).

Partes, caso/reclamación nº: County of Kings DA, v. City of Avenal (Tribunal Superior del Condado de Kings, Caso Nº 25CU0549) C. INICIAR LITIGIOS (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(4)).

Conferencia con asesores legales - LITIGIO ANTICIPADO (Código de Gobierno § 54956.9(d)(4)).

Inicio de litigio (párrafo (4) de la subdivisión (d) del Código del Gobierno § 54956.9).

El número de casos potenciales es: __1__.

D. CONFERENCIA CON NEGOCIADORES(ES) LABORALES (Código de Gobierno § 54957.6).

La intención de este órgano de gobierno es reunirse en sesión cerrada para revisar su posición e instruir a sus representantes designados: Representantes designados - Jefe de Policía

10. NUEVOS NEGOCIOS:

A. Considere la aprobación del Acuerdo de Empleo del Jefe de Policía, Enmienda #1 (Discusión/Acción).

B. Considere la aprobación de la aclaración de los incentivos salariales diferenciales para la Unidad de Negociación 4 (Gestión) (discusión/acción).

11. CORRESPONDENCIA/ANUNCIOS/COMENTARIOS FINALES:

Cualquier miembro del Consejo puede solicitar que un punto se incluya en una agenda futura, siempre que una mayoría simple también apoye la inclusión de dicho punto. Está estrictamente prohibida la discusión o acción sobre cualquier punto que no esté en la agenda actual. Los comentarios finales están destinados a que los miembros del Consejo informen al público sobre la asistencia a cualquier evento especial y la información pertinente. • Asuntos próximos o futuros a tener en cuenta.
• Correspondencia/Anuncios/Información/Comentarios finales.

12. LEVANTAMIENTO:
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) Gimnasio Aftermath, 600 Skyline Blvd.; y 4) T&T Market, 801 Skyline Blvd. Avenal CA 93204, el 23 de marzo de 2026.
__ /s/ Maria Ortiz
Maria Ortiz, secretaria municipal
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 – B
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager, by
Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police
DATE: March 26, 2026
RE: Consider Recognizing Detective Francisco Martinez as the Recipient of the 2025 Avenal Police Department Courage to Lead Award
INFORMATION:

The Avenal Police Department is proud to recognize Detective Francisco Martinez as the recipient of the 2025 Avenal Police Department Courage to Lead Award. This prestigious award, first established on November 12, 2010, honors individuals who exemplify courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the Avenal community.

Detective Martinez has demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and initiative throughout 2025. Notably, he made 16 DUI arrests within the City of Avenal, reflecting a high level of proactive enforcement and a strong commitment to public safety. His efforts have directly contributed to reducing impaired driving and enhancing roadway safety within our community.

Beyond his enforcement activity, Detective Martinez has consistently exhibited strong case management skills, diligence, and tenacity in his work. His attention to detail, persistence in follow-through, and ability to effectively manage investigations set him apart among his peers.

These qualities not only improved case outcomes but also reinforced the department’s standards of professionalism and accountability.

His work ethic and performance did not go unnoticed, ultimately leading to his selection for the special assignment of Detective, where he continues to serve with distinction. Detective Martinez embodies the core values of the Avenal Police Department through his commitment to excellence, leadership through action, and dedication to protecting the community.

This recognition highlights Detective Martinez’s contributions and reaffirms the department’s commitment to honoring those who demonstrate outstanding service, initiative, and leadership.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Avenal City Council recognize Detective Francisco Martinez as the recipient of the 2025 Avenal Police Department Courage to Lead Award, honoring his exemplary service and dedication to the residents of Avenal.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None.

CITY OF AVENAL
Pistachio Capital of the World®”

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PF
A MEETING MARCH 12, 2026; 5:15 P.M.

AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA Study Session: 4:30pm - Meet & Greet with Jacob McAfee, Fire Chief Candidate Study session began at 4:48 P.M. and ended at 5:17 P.M.

Minutes
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Preciado 5:37 P.M.

ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: David Reynosa, Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, M. Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado.

ABSENT: None.

STAFF: Arellano, Lara, Reyes, Velasco, Curiel, Ortiz, Bermudez, López.

LEGAL COUNSEL: Moses Diaz.

CITY CLERK:

PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES:

Please begin your comments by stating your name and place of residence.

Special Recognitions: Andrea López – Owner of La Carreta for 20+ years of service to Avenal League of Mexican American Women, presenting to: Mayor Alvaro Preciado for participating in a Bi-National Conference on Youth, Sports, and Fentanyl Prevention.

Angie Ortiz, City Clerk, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Andrea Lopez, owner of the local restaurant La Carreta. Antony V. Lopez, City Manager, also thanked Andrea and her family for their contributions.

John Wilson, Kings County Fire Marshal, formally introduced himself and stated he looks forward to working with the City and the community. He also gave a brief report on the two recent fires in the City. Both fires are still under investigation. He ended his comments with a safety message on fire prevention.

Antony V. López, City Manager, requested City Council to consider an emergency item.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned add Emergency THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES (Government Code § 54957(a)). - Consultation with Police Chief, Director of Public Safety and/or City Attorney to Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Preciado, Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

Public comment was closed at 5:48 P.M. by Mayor Preciado.

Public comment was re-opened at 6:30 P.M. by Mayor Preciado.

Martha Elizabeth, representing the Mexican American Ladies Society, presented a recognition to Mayor Preciado for his active contributions to organizations such as la Secretaria de Educación and others. Various certificates were also presented from the Cámara de Diputados, Mexico. Mayor Preciado spoke about the importance of international collaboration, noting that many people in our community are from other countries, including himself as a Mexican American.

Public comment was closed at 6:46 P.M. by Mayor Preciado.

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 February 12, 2026 Regular Meeting.

B. Consider Ratifying Continued Temporary Construction Easement to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) at City Corporal Yard for Gas Pipeline Replacement Project.

C. Consider Re-appointment of Planning Commissioners Sergio Ramirez (Mayor Preciado) and Amado Cervantez (Councilman Hernandez).

D. Ratify acceptance of 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.

E. Ratify Resolution 2026-09 Expressing Support for The Dignidad (Dignity) Act, H.R. 4393.

Councilmember Verdugo suggested to revise February 12, 2026, minutes to reflect the full public statement made by City Manager Antony V. López during the previous meeting regarding him.

He also inquired on why Dignity Act Resolution needs ratification. Antony V. López clarified the procedure.

Staff reviewed and amended minutes during New Business.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned approve Item B, C, D, & E agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado, Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:

A. Consider Approving Employee Agreement, with Jacob S. McAfee for position of Fire Chief (Discussion/Action).

City Manager, Antony V. López, gave an overview of the hiring process for Fire Chief. Councilmember Verdugo commented that he does not support the approval of this agreement since he was not interviewed by a panel with people who have qualified fire service experience. He stated he does not believe the hiring process was properly done. City Manager, Antony V. López, commented on the Police Department’s hiring of a chief when it first began as a department. He stated that Jacobs’ resume is lengthy, shows his level of experience, and that he is qualified.

Mayor Preciado stated he also reviewed Jacobs’ resume and feels comfortable with this decision. He also stated that City staff should not be micromanaged, as they are making decisions in the best interest of the community.

Councilmember Verdugo stated that the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and no one else on the panel has professional fire service experience, and therefore the interview panel lacked fire service qualifications. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez added that Councilmember Verdugo cannot say the candidates have not been properly vetted, as staff has been diligent about hiring and establishing the Fire Department since last year.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned approve Resolution 2026-14. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Preciado, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez.

NOES: Verdugo.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION 2026-14: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH JACOB S. MCAFEE FOR THE POSITION OF “FIRE CHIEF” FOR THE CITY OF AVENAL.

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 report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo stated there has been work on Corcoran. Scott responded that there was an issue during a leak on Kern St. Mayor Preciado acknowledged the Animal Shelter doing a good job and having them reach out to organizations for help. He also inquired on vehicle abatement program reimbursement. Scott explained the lengthy process of vehicle abatement and the department with more assistance, will be able to do more vehicle abatements. Councilmember Verdugo asked about a grant for animal control transportation vehicle. Scott explained the department did acquire a van and are working on getting it ready for use. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers
Diego, A&M Senior Engineer, presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo asked about the $300,000 grant. Diego explained the grant is for beautification in the community. Mayor Preciado inquired if the $4 million for the water tank is sufficient or if additional funding will be needed. Mayor Preciado also congratulated A&M for their grant work. City Manager, Antony V. López, shared information about an outreach event to be hosted by A&M Engineering at the Community Center on Friday, March 28th, from 4–6 PM.

2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director.

Humberto Bermudez presented report as submitted. Mayor Preciado asked if there is a possibility for a kiosk in the lobby of city hall during lunch hour. Humberto stated he already began on that project.

3. PARCS Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, PARCS Director, Anna Lara.

Anna Lara presented report as submitted. Mayor Preciado acknowledged Anna’s commitment to the community and stated City will continue with collaboration with agencies that bring additional resources to residents.

4. Police Department Activity Report: Cecilio Velasco, Chief of Police.

Chief Velasco presented report as submitted. Mayor Preciado congratulated Detective Ramos on becoming Corporal. Chief Velasco says he has great qualities and does a good job. Councilmember Hernandez inquired on influx of electric scooters. Chief Velasco stated they have pushed information out to the community on electric scooter safety.

5. Community Development Activity Report: Joshua McDonnell, Contract City Planner, 4Creeks.

Teslla Ramirez, 4Creeks Representative, presented report as submitted.

6. Economic Development & Grant Writing Report: Emily Engelsgaard, Grants Manager, the CrisCom Company.

John Basmajian, The CrisCom Company representative, presented the report as submitted. Mayor Preciado spoke about his trip to Sacramento and meeting with officials to discuss public transportation solutions in rural communities.

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 Approval of Police Officer Trainee Sponsorship for Alexi Reyes and Budget Allocation (Discussion/Action).

Chief Velasco presented the staff report as submitted. City Manager, Antony V. López, spoke about the previously sponsored cadet and stated Alexi Reyes is someone who will be committed to the community. Chief Velasco spoke on Alexi’s character and how he will be an asset to the department. Assistant City Manager / Deputy City Clerk, Karla Curiel, also shared a few words regarding Alexi’s promising commitment to the community. Community member Ginger Wallis stated she has seen Alexi interacting with the community and supports this sponsorship.

Councilmember Verdugo stated he would like to see the agreement extended to five years for retention purposes.

Chief Velasco and City Manager Antony V. López expressed that five years may be excessive. After approval, Alexi Reyes expressed his appreciation and commitment to the community.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned approve Resolution 2026-15 and Resolution 2026-16. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Preciado, Verdugo, Reynosa.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION 2026-15:A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL

REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF A POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE AGREEMENT FOR ALEXI REYES.

RESOLUTION 2026-16: APPROVAL OF POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE SPONSORSHIP FOR ALEXI REYES AND RELATED AGREEMENTS.

B. Consider adopting the latest revision to the City of Avenal Investment Policy (Discussion/Action).

Brian Arellano, Finance Manager, presented staff report as submitted. City Manager, Antony V. Lopez, expanded on the need to update the policy and who is authorized to make decisions.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned approve Resolution 2026-17. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Verdugo.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION 2026-17: ADOPTING THE LATEST REVISION TO THE CITY OF AVENAL

INVESTMENT POLICY
C. Introduction and First Reading of Multiple Ordinances Amending the Avenal Municipal Code (Discussion/Action).

City Manager Antony V. López, presented staff report as submitted. Mayor Pro Tem Gamez inquired on Ordinance 2026-01, if only City Manager is a signatory. López clarified that there is also a designee that can sign. Mayor Preciado added that it will be beneficial saving staff time by having ordinances updated. Councilmember Verdugo suggested more time to read through all ordinances.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned approve Resolution 2026-18. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Preciado, Reynosa.

NOES: Verdugo.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION 2026-18: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL

WAIVING THE FULL READING OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES INTRODUCED AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2026.

D. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for February 12, 2026 Regular Meeting.

Staff was able to review the audio recording from the February 12th, 2026 Council Meeting and amend minutes as requested by Councilmember Verdugo. Assistant City Manager/Deputy City Clerk, Karla Curiel, clarified that minutes are not verbatim but rather summary minutes then read off the amended minutes.

Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez motioned approve amended minutes. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo and motion carried.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Gamez, Verdugo, Hernandez, Preciado, Reynosa.

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.

Assistant City Manager/Deputy City Clerk, Karla Curiel, shared information about the survey training next Thursday, March 19, 2026. City Manager, Antony V. López, shared information about multiple events on Friday the 13th. He also stated he will be attending an informational booth regarding recall efforts on Saturday. Mayor Preciado shared information about meetings with the California League of Cities. He also attended Judge Orndoff’s memorial and the Valley Voices immigration workshop. He attended County meetings regarding efforts to make transportation safer, including Highway 269. He also shared information about his two-day trip to Sacramento and the resources available to assist rural communities.

City Council went into closed session at 9:34 P.M.

CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):

A. 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.

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 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)
C. 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__.

ADJOURNMENT:

City Council came out of Closed Session at 10:54 P.M. with nothing to report and meeting was adjourned. /s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. - B
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 26, 2026
RE: Consider FY 2026/27 Local Transportation Fund Claim (LTF) INFORMATION:

Staff has received notification from the Kings County Association of Governments informing the City of our apportionment of Local Transportation Fund(s) for FY 2026/27 in the amount of (est.) $553,299 or 8.6453% of the total share in Kings County. This is a decrease of $14,633 from the FY 2025/26 allocation of $567,932, or 2.58% decrease from last year.

Proposed use of funds as follows:

ARTICLES:

Local Streets and Roads $ 349,365
Planning $ 52,304
Public Transit - KART $ 151,630
TOTAL (est.): $ 553,299
Staff has also included a proposed 2026/27 Street Project List for your review (Attachment A).

The project list is a continuation of 7th Street Project, while adding other improvements to San Joaquin and Kings Streets.

Per KCAG, public hearings were held on the City’s behalf and no unmet transit needs were identified.

RECOMMENDATION:

By Resolution, authorize submittal of FY 2026/27 LTF Claim.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Revenue in the amount of (est.) $553,299 for Local Streets and Roads.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. - B

ATTACHMENT A
LTF FY 2025/26
Road Maintenance & Construction Project
Reconstruction/Improvements of
North 7th Avenue, from Skyline Boulevard to San Joaquin Street “7th Avenue Street Project”
San Joaquin, from Park Avenue to SR 269 (Skyline Blvd)
“San Joaquin Street Project”
in the amount of:
$349,365
1 of 2

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL

AUTHORIZING A CLAIM TO BE

MADE FOR THE LOCAL

TRANSPORTATION FUNDS FOR THE
2026/27 FISCAL YEAR, FINDING NO

UNMET PUBLIC TRANSIT NEEDS

AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY

MANAGER TO MAKE AND AMEND
SUCH CLAIMS.

RESOLUTION 2026-__19__
WHEREAS, the County Auditor estimates that Avenal's 8.6453% share of Kings County Local Transportation Funds (LTF) will amount to $553,299, for FY 2026/27; and
WHEREAS, Avenal has until July 1, 2026 to file an LTF claim; and WHEREAS, Avenal is a member of the Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KCAPTA) in which KCAPTA has conducted public hearing(s) on our behalf for the purpose of soliciting comments on any unmet transit needs that may exist.

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 March 26, 2026, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

Alvaro Preciado, Mayor

CITY OF AVENAL
MARIA A. ORTIZ, City Clerk

CITY OF AVENAL
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2 of 2
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL Hereby:

1. Found the Recitals above are found to be true and correct.

2. Hereby authorizes the City Manager to file the FY 2026/27 LTF claim in the amount of $$553,299 and to sign the necessary documents.

3. To declare the LTF claim to be categorically exempt from environmental review since LTF money will be used to maintain existing streets.

4. Finds that there are no areas within the City with unmet public transit needs which could reasonably be met by expansion of existing transportation systems or by establishing new systems;

5. Authorize the City Manager to amend all claims as necessary.

6. Authorized the City Manager and 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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
H:\RTPA\LTF\FY2026-27\Cover Letter Article 3-8.docx
March 2, 2026
Antony Lopez
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Subject: FY 2026-27 Transportation Development Act Fund Claims Dear Antony:

This letter is to advise claimants of Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds of their area apportionments of the Local Transportation Fund (LTF) for FY 2026-27. The estimate of LTF funds is provided by the Kings County Auditor, and KCAG provides the apportionments based on population percentages of each jurisdiction with the most current Department of Finance population estimate.

Attached is a summary of the “Estimated FY 2026-27 Transportation Development Act Shares”.

Please note that the population percentages will be adjusted when the Department of Finance estimates are released on May 1st. Minor adjustments are also expected as the final budgets for KCAG and Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KCAPTA) are adopted.

Provided are claim forms for Article 3 and Article 8 funds. Required attachments (signed resolution with County stamped environmental document for street projects, project budgets) must be submitted with your claims to KCAG. Please note the requirement to conduct a public hearing for the purpose of soliciting comments on any unmet transit needs that may exist within your jurisdiction (Corcoran only). KCAPTA will conduct public hearings on member agencies’ behalf on February 25 and March 25, 2026. Each KCAPTA member agency must conduct a public meeting in order to approve their TDA claims. Please refer any public transit requests to KCAPTA and/or KCAG following your public meeting. KCAG will hold public hearings for unmet transit needs on April 22 and May 27, 2026. For information, please see attached KCAG Resolution No. 224 for the procedure for the submission of claims and KCAG Resolution No. 99-06 describing the definitions of “unmet transit needs” and “reasonable to meet”.

Please mail or email your original signed and completed claim forms no later than April 1, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. to KCAG or electronically to [email protected]. State law requires that the claims be filed with the RTPA before that deadline.

If you have any questions or need assistance in this matter, please call me at your convenience at (559) 852-2657.

Sincerely,

KINGS COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Terri King, Executive Director
Teresa Nickell
Teresa Nickell, Regional Planner
ESTIMATED FY 2025-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT SHARES FY 2026-27 LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUND SHARES AMOUNT CLAIMED AMOUNT REMAINING

1. Estimate of LTF for Fiscal Year 2026-27 by Kings $6,400,000 County Auditor pursuant to Section 6620 of the
California Administrative Code:

2. Article 3, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities: $128,000 $6,400,000 (amount available)
AMOUNT
Claimed to date $0

3. Shares of remaining LTF based on the Department of $6,400,000 Finance population estimate as of May 1, 2025:

AGENCY POPULATION* PERCENTAGE SHARE
Avenal 13,315 8.6453% $553,299
Corcoran 21,612 14.0324% $898,074
Hanford 61,238 39.7611% $2,544,710
Lemoore 27,692 17.9800% $1,150,720
Kings Co. 30,158 19.5812% $1,253,197
TOTAL 154,015 100.0000% $6,400,000

4. LTF Administration and Article 8 Transportation $605,000 $5,795,000 Planning cost for KCAG:

AGENCY PERCENTAGE SHARE
Avenal 8.6453% $52,304
Corcoran 14.0324% $84,896
Hanford 39.7611% $240,555
Lemoore 17.9800% $108,779
Kings Co. 19.5812% $118,466
TOTAL 100.0000% $605,000

5. Article 4, Public Transit, KART (Not Shared by Corcoran): $2,500,000 $3,295,000

AGENCY PERCENTAGE SHARE
(Based on Pop. & Hrs. of Service)
Avenal 6.0652% $151,630
Corcoran 0.0000% $0
Hanford 58.5661% $1,464,153
Lemoore 21.0912% $527,280
Kings Co. 14.2775% $356,937
TOTAL 100.0000% $2,500,000

6. Article 4, Public Transit, Corcoran Dial-A-Ride: $718,178 $2,576,822 (From Corcoran's Share)

AGENCY SHARE
Corcoran $718,178

7. Article 8, Transportation Services: $95,000 $2,481,822 (From Corcoran's Share)

AGENCY SHARE
Corcoran KART tickets $0
Corcoran Amtrak tickets $95,000

8. Remaining Article 8 shares for streets and roads.
(By population % shown in item #3 above): $2,481,822 $0

AGENCY SHARE
Avenal $349,365
Corcoran $0
Hanford $840,002
Lemoore $514,661
Kings Co. $777,794
TOTAL $2,481,822
Estimated FY 2026-27 LTF: $6,400,000
* Based on 2025 Department of Finance estimates released on May 1, 2025 3/2/2026 TDA FY 26-27
ESTIMATED FY 2025-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT SHARES FY 2026-27 STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUND SHARES AMOUNT CLAIMED AMOUNT REMAINING

1. Estimate of State Transit Assistance (STA) for $1,455,715 Fiscal Year 2026-27 by State Controller pursuant to
Section 99312.7 and Section 99314.8 of the Public Utilities Code:

2. Article 6.5 Allocation:

By Population (PUC 99313):* $1,399,923 $55,792

AGENCY POPULATION PERCENTAGE SHARE
KCAPTA 132,403 85.9676% $1,203,480
Corcoran 21,612 14.0324% $196,443
TOTAL 154,015 100.0000% $1,399,923
By Revenue (PUC 99314): $55,792 $0

AGENCY SHARE
KCAPTA $48,066
Corcoran $7,726
TOTAL $55,792
Estimated FY 2026-27 STA: $1,455,715
* Based on 2025 Department of Finance estimates released on May 1, 2025 Note - SB 1 STA funds included
TDA FY 26-27

CLAIM FOR TDA FUND

OTHER CLAIMS
ARTICLE 8

1. Claimant: City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204

2. Claim for FY 2026-27

3. Amount of Apportionment (estimate): 8.6453% $ 553,299

4. Purpose for which claimed funds will be used:

Article 8, Section 99400(a), Local Street and Roads and projects which are provided for use by pedestrians and bicycles. $ 349,365 Article 8, Section 99400(b), Passenger Rail Service Operations and Capital Improvements (including Article 3, Section 99234.9, Rail Passenger Service Projects). $ 0

Article 8, Section 99400(c), Contracted Transportation Services. $ 0 Article 8, Section 99400(d), Contracted Transportation Services Administrative and Planning. $ 0
Article 8, Section 99402, Transportation Planning Process (including Article 3, Section 99233.1, RTPA Administration). $ 52,304

5. NOTE: KCAPTA will Claim $ 151,630 through Article 4.

6. Has your governing body conducted a public hearing for the purpose of soliciting comments on the unmet transit needs that may exist within your jurisdiction? NO YES

7. Has your governing body passed a resolution in which the finding was made that there are no areas within your jurisdiction with unmet public transit needs which could reasonably be met by expansion of existing transportation systems or by establishing a new system? NO YES
Include a copy of that resolution and documentation of the finding, including evidence and information that provides the basis for the finding, and designate it as "Attachment B".

Page 1 of 2 ends

H:\RTPA\LTF\FY2026-27\Article 8 Form.docx
REV 01_2024

8. Has your governing body passed a resolution authoring the person whose signature appears below to submit this claim?
NO YES

9. Proposed road maintenance and construction budget for the fiscal year of this claim:
$
Include a list of road maintenance and construction projects for which the funds are requested and designate it as "Attachment C".

10. Has your governing body certified environmental documents for projects to be funded by this claim?
NO YES

11. Signature and Title Date
Payment for projects approved by KCAG will be made to Claimant as money is available for distribution in Claimant's account.

Page 2 of 2 ends

REQUEST FOR TDA FUNDS

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 3
FISCAL YEAR: 2026-27
TO: Kings County Association of Governments
FROM CLAIMANT: City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
These funds are designated for the development of facilities for the exclusive use of pedestrians and bicyclists. They are allocated without respect to the apportionment of Article 4 or Article 8 funds. The amount of funds estimated to be available for this purpose is $ 128,000.

I. SUMMARY OF PROJECT:

Briefly describe how you intend to use the requested funds and include an explanation of how this project will enhance commuting and/or recreational needs. How many people will benefit? Include a map if appropriate. Is this a new project or is it upgrading existing facilities?

II. BUDGET INFORMATION:

Funding
TDA: .............................................................................................................. $ Local funds committed, if any ........................................................................ $ Federal Funds: ................................................................................................ $ State Funds: .................................................................................................... $ Other: ...................................................................................... $ Total cost of project: ....................................................................................... $ Expenditures to date: ..................................................................................... $

Page 1 of 2 ends

III. What steps have been taken to ensure that this project will continue to be funded and/or maintained after it has been implemented?

IV. Describe your efforts to coordinate this project with other community agencies, citizens, etc. (Is this project included as a portion of a plan?)

V. Explain what previous steps have been taken to promote the public's awareness of the benefits of non-motorized methods of transportation such as education programs or emphasis on safety requirements?

VI. What is the time schedule for project completion?
VII. Additional comments?
VIII. Attach a signed resolution or minute order from your City Council or Board of Supervisors authorizing this request as Attachment "A".

Signature and Title Date

Page 2 of 2 ends

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. C
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 26, 2026
RE: Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinances: 2026-01; 2026-02; 2026-03; 2026-04; 2026-05.

INFORMATION:

At the March 12, 2026 City Council meeting, the Council introduced and waived the first reading of the following ordinances:
• Ordinance No. 2026-01 – Finance Code Amendment (Depositories and Signatories) • Ordinance No. 2026-02 – Planning Cost-Recovery and Indemnification • Ordinance No. 2026-03 – City Manager Contract Signing Authority • Ordinance No. 2026-04 – Filling of Vacant Council Seats by Special Election • Ordinance No. 2026-05 – Determination of Qualifications and Vacancies for City Council Seats
Staff is bringing these ordinances back for second reading and adoption.

Upon waiving the second reading and adopting the ordinances, they will take effect thirty (30) days thereafter, or April 25, 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council take the following actions:

1. Waive the second reading of Ordinance Nos. 2026-01 through 2026-05; and

2. Adopt the ordinances; and

3. Approve Resolution No. 2026-20 waiving the full reading of the ordinances.

Page 1 of 4 ends

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AMENDING
TITLE 3 CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE 1 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. PURPOSE: This ordinance is intended to amend Title 3 Chapter 2 Article 1 of the Municipal Code, an outdated and no longer feasible article.

Section 2. CODE REPEAL: Each and any existing provision(s) of any prior ordinance of the City Council which is inconsistent with any provision(s) of this ordinance is hereby repealed only to the extent of such inconsistency(ies).

Section 3. ADOPTION OF CODE: Chapter 2 Article 1 of Title 3 of the Municipal Code is hereby amended, to read in its entirety as specified within ATTACHMENT 1 hereto, which is hereby incorporated into this ordinance as if fully set forth herein, verbatim.

Section 4. CEQA REVIEW: The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) [the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment] and 15061(b)(3) [there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment]. The City Manager is hereby directed to ensure that they or their designee file a Notice of Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15062 [14 C.C.R. § 15062].

Section 5. NO LIABILITY: The provisions of this ordinance shall not in any way be construed as imposing any duty of care, liability or responsibility for damage to person or property upon the City of Avenal, or any official, employee or agent thereof.

Page 2 of 4 ends

Section 6. PENDING ACTIONS: Nothing in this ordinance or in the codes hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending or impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance or code repealed by this ordinance, nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.

Section 7. SEVERABILITY: If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Avenal hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

Section 8. CONSTRUCTION: The City Council intends this ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. To the extent the provisions of the Avenal Municipal Code as amended by this ordinance are substantially the same as provisions in the Avenal Municipal Code existing prior to the effectiveness of this ordinance, then those amended provisions shall be construed as continuations of the earlier provisions and not as new enactments.

Section 9. EFFECTIVE DATE: The foregoing ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of the passage hereof. In the event there is no newspaper of general circulation published and circulated within the City, then prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the passage hereof a certified copy of this full ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk pursuant to Government Code section 36933(a) and in two

Page 3 of 4 ends

additional public locations within the City of Avenal, State of California, together with the names of the Council members voting for and against the same.

Alternatively, the City Clerk shall publish a summary of this ordinance, prepared by the City Attorney, and shall post a certified copy of the full text of this ordinance in the office of the City Clerk at least five (5) days prior to the City Council meeting at which this ordinance is adopted; Then within 15 days after adoption of this ordinance, the City Clerk shall again publish the summary with the names of those City Council members voting for and against this ordinance, and shall have a certified copy of the full text of the adopted ordinance posted within the office of the City Clerk, along with the names of those City Council members voting for and against the ordinance.

THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Avenal, State of California, on , 2026 at a regular meeting of said Council duly and regularly convened on said day by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Alvaro Preciado, Mayor
ATTEST:

Maria Ortiz, City Clerk
MD/20250808 - Avenal - DRAFT Fire Department Ordinance 2025-XX-1.docx

Page 4 of 4 ends

ATTACHMENT 1
Avenal Municipal Code
TITLE 3. Finance
Chapter 2 Funds
Article 1. Depositories and Signatories
3-2.101 Designated
3-2.101 Designated
All moneys belonging to or received for the use of the City by any officer or employee shall be promptly deposited by the City Manager, or their designee, in accordance with established administrative procedures. Such moneys shall be deposited in one or more banks or credit unions authorized to do business in the State of California, as selected by the City Manager or their designee. Withdrawal of City funds may be made by the City Manager or their designee, in accordance with applicable law and City administrative procedures.

Page 1 of 7 ends

ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENAL ENACTING COSTRECOVERY AND INDEMNIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR

LAND-USE PERMIT, SUBDIVISION AND OTHER PLANNING
APPLICANTS.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. PURPOSE. This ordinance is necessary to preserve the financial health and wellbeing of the City of Avenal from potential risks which can arise from processing and approving private projects in the City of Avenal, and to equitably shift such risks to the applicants and developers.

Section 2. CODE ADOPTION. Section 9.70.025 is hereby added to Chapter

9.70 of Title 9 of the Avenal Municipal Code, to read in its entirety as follows:

9.70.025 Fees For All Applications Under Title 9:

A. Notwithstanding any other provision within this Title 9 of the Avenal Municipal Code, each application submitted pursuant to any chapter within this Title 9 must be accompanied by all applicable fees set by resolution of the City Council, which may include an advance deposit of fees to reimburse the City for all further costs incurred or to be incurred by the City in processing, considering, deciding and (if approved) implementing the City’s decision on the application, including but not limited to all ordinary and extraordinary costs for staff time, notices, publication(s), environmental review, consultant expenses, overhead and litigation expenses (collectively “City costs”).

B. The application must be accompanied by a duly executed written agreement, on a form approved by City, requiring the owner of the real property encompassing the project to fully reimburse the City for each and all City costs incurred in any way relating to the project and its related application, and to fully indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its public bodies, officers, employees, and consultants as to each and all litigation expenses, judgments and costs which the same incur in any way whatsoever relating to the application or the project to which it relates, including but not limited to the City’s approval or denial of the application or related project elements. Any application which fails to fully satisfy the requirements of this section shall be deemed incomplete.

Page 2 of 7 ends

C. In lieu of a separate agreement, a City application form may include an agreement of the owner which satisfies the requirements of this section, though in such case the City Manager or his/her designee shall be authorized to also require a separate written agreement from the applicant in order to deem their application complete.

D. The City Manager or his/her designee are hereby authorized to sign the indemnification and cost recovery agreement required by this section when it is in a form approved by the City Council, and approved as to form by the City Attorney.

Section 3. CODE ADOPTION. Section 9.80.030 of Chapter 9.80 of Title 9 of the Avenal Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Applications for a conditional use permit shall be filed and processed pursuant to the applicable sections of Chapter 9.70.

B. The application for a use permit must be accompanied by all applicable fees set by resolution of the City Council and an indemnification and cost recovery agreement duly executed by the owner of the project, on a form approved by City. Otherwise, the application shall be deemed incomplete and therefore will not be processed and presented for consideration.

Section 4. CODE ADOPTION. Section 9.82.040 of Chapter 9.82 of Title 9 of the Avenal Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

9.82.040 Application Procedure:

A. Applications for a variance or minor deviation shall be filed and processed pursuant to the applicable sections of Chapter 9.70.

B. The application for a variance must be accompanied by all applicable fees set by resolution of the City Council and an indemnification and cost recovery agreement duly executed by the owner of the project, on a form approved by City. Otherwise, the application shall be deemed incomplete and therefore will not be processed and presented for consideration.

Section 5. CODE AMENDMENT. Section 9.84.020 of Chapter 9.84 of Title 9 of the Avenal Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

Page 3 of 7 ends

9.84.020 Application Procedure:

A. Applications for amendment to this Title, and applications under Subsection B, must be filed and processed pursuant to the applicable sections of Chapter 9.70.

B. An application for amendment or change to the boundaries of a zone district on the Zoning Map or the incorporation of a site into an Overlay zone (zone change) may only be filed by a property owner or authorized agent of land which is the subject of the proposed amendment, or by the Director, City Council, or Planning Commission. If the subject property for which the amendment is proposed involves more than one property owner, all property owners of record or their authorized agents must jointly file the application.

C. Each application under Subsection A or B above must be accompanied by all applicable fees set by resolution of the City Council and an indemnification and cost recovery agreement duly executed by the owner of the project, on a form approved by City. Otherwise, the application shall be deemed incomplete and therefore will not be processed and presented for consideration.

D. An amendment to or change in the text of this title (text amendment) may only be initiated by the Director, City Council, or the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may initiate such an amendment or change upon a written request to the Director, with an application fee by an interested person.

Section 6. CODE AMENDMENT. Section 9.86.020 of Chapter 9.86 of Title 9 of the Avenal Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

9.86.020 Application Procedure:

A. Applications for a general plan or specific plan amendment shall be filed and processed pursuant to the applicable sections of Chapter 9.70. Such applications must be accompanied by all applicable fees set by resolution of the City Council and an indemnification and cost recovery agreement duly executed by the owner of the project, on a form approved by City. Otherwise, the application shall be deemed incomplete and therefore will not be processed and presented for consideration.

B. A general plan amendment affecting the General Plan Land Use Map or other map in the General Plan may be filed by the record owner or authorized agent of the record owner of real property which would be affected by the proposed amendment.

Page 4 of 7 ends

C. A specific plan amendment may be filed by the record owner or authorized agent of the record owner of real property which would be affected by the proposed amendment.

D. A general plan or specific plan amendment may be initiated by the City Council or the Planning Commission. Either authority may initiate such an amendment upon a written request by the Director or upon a written request with an application fee by an interested person.

Section 7. CODE ADOPTION. Subsection A of Section 10.04.040 of Chapter 10.04 of Title 10 of the Avenal Municipal Code, is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

10.04.040 Application Processing:

A. Application, Fees and Costs:

Applications for subdivision permits and decisions must be made to the City on a form provided by the City and accompanied by all of those materials specified within this chapter, including any additional item(s) otherwise required by the City.

1. Timing of Deposit: All persons submitting an application for a map and/or other decision or approval under Title 10 of the Avenal Municipal Code must pay, at the time of application, all fees and/or other deposits as currently approved in the City's fee resolution and the provisions set forth therein.

2. Cost-Recovery By City: Notwithstanding any other provision within this Title 10 of the Avenal Municipal Code, each application submitted pursuant to any chapter within this Title 10 must be accompanied by all applicable fees set by resolution of the City Council, which may include an advance deposit of fees to reimburse the City for all further costs incurred or to be incurred by the City in processing, considering, deciding and (if approved) implementing the City’s decision on the application, including but not limited to all ordinary and extraordinary costs for staff time, notices, publication(s), environmental review, consultant expenses, overhead and those litigation expenses authorized by law (collectively “City costs”).

3. The application must be accompanied by a duly executed written agreement, on a form approved by City, requiring the owner of the real property encompassing the project to fully reimburse the

Page 5 of 7 ends

City for each and all City costs incurred in any way relating to the project and its related application, and to fully indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City or its agents, officers and employees from any claim, action or proceeding against the City or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void or annul, an approval of the City, or any advisory agency, appeal board or legislative body thereof, concerning a subdivision. Any application which fails to fully satisfy the requirements of this section shall be, and is hereby deemed to be, incomplete.

4. In lieu of a separate agreement, a City application form may include an agreement of the owner which satisfies the requirements of this section, though in such case the City Manager or his/her designee shall be authorized to also require a separate written agreement from the applicant in order to deem their application complete.

5. The City Manager or his/her designee shall be authorized to sign the indemnification and cost recovery agreement required by this section when it is in a form approved by the City Council, and approved as to form by the City Attorney.

Section 8. CEQA REVIEW. The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) [the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment] and 15061(b)(3) [there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment]. In addition to the foregoing general exemptions, the City Council further finds that the ordinance is categorically exempt from review under CEQA under the Class 8 categorical exemption [regulatory activity to assure the protection of the environment]. The City Manager is hereby directed to ensure that a Notice of Exemption is filed pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15062 [14 C.C.R. § 15062].

Section 9. NO LIABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance shall not in any way be construed as imposing any duty of care, liability or responsibility for damage to person or property upon the City of Avenal, or any official, employee or agent thereof.

Page 6 of 7 ends

Section 10. PENDING ACTIONS. Nothing in this ordinance or in the codes hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending or impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance or code repealed by this ordinance, nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.

Section 11. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Avenal hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

Section 12. CONSTRUCTION. The City Council intends this ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. To the extent the provisions of the Avenal Municipal Code as amended by this ordinance are substantially the same as provisions in the Avenal Municipal Code existing prior to the effectiveness of this ordinance, then those amended provisions shall be construed as continuations of the earlier provisions and not as new enactments.

Section 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. The foregoing ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of the passage hereof. Prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the passage hereof a certified copy of this ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk pursuant to Government Code § 36933(c)(1) and a summary shall be published once in the Avenal Journal a newspaper printed and published in the City of Avenal, State of California, together with the names of the Council members voting for and against the same.

Page 7 of 7 ends

THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Avenal, State of California, on , 2025 at a regular meeting of said Council duly and regularly convened on said day by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ALVARO PRECIADO
Mayor, City of Avenal
ATTEST:

MARIA A. ORTIZ
City Clerk, City of Avenal
MD/20260129 - Avenal - DRAFT Ordinance re Planning Cost-Recovery Indemnity-3.docx

Page 1 of 3 ends

ORDINANCE NO. ______

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENAL AUTHORIZING

THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF
CITY WHEN SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. PURPOSE. This ordinance is necessary to improve the administrative efficiency of the City of Avenal whenever the City Council authorizes the signing of an agreement, including grant agreements and amendments thereto.

Section 2. CODE ADOPTION. Section 2-4.114 is hereby added to Chapter 4 of Title 2 of the Avenal Municipal Code, to read in its entirety as follows:
2-4.114 Authorization to Sign City Agreements:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision within any other section of the Avenal Municipal Code, the City Manager is hereby authorized to sign any written agreement on behalf of the City whenever the City Council by resolution delegates and authorizes the City Manager to sign a particular agreement specified in the resolution.
(b) The authority delegated under this section may include the signing of:
(1) An agreement already in existence;
(2) A specifically anticipated agreement; and
(3) One or more existing or future amendments to an agreement, whenever the authorizing resolution so specifies.
(c) The authority delegated under this section is contingent upon a review, and approval as to form by the City Attorney, of the signed agreement and/or amendment.

Page 2 of 3 ends

ordinance is categorically exempt from review under CEQA under the Class 8 categorical exemption [regulatory activity to assure the protection of the environment]. The City Manager is hereby directed to ensure that a Notice of Exemption is filed pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15062 [14 C.C.R. § 15062].

Section 4. NO LIABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance shall not in any way be construed as imposing any duty of care, liability or responsibility for damage to person or property upon the City of Avenal, or any official, employee or agent thereof.

Section 5. PENDING ACTIONS. Nothing in this ordinance or in the codes hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending or impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance or code repealed by this ordinance, nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.

Section 6. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Avenal hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

Section 7. CONSTRUCTION. The City Council intends this ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. To the extent the provisions of the Avenal Municipal Code as amended by this ordinance are substantially the same as provisions in the Avenal Municipal Code existing prior to the effectiveness of this ordinance, then those amended provisions shall be construed as continuations of the earlier provisions and not as new enactments.

Page 3 of 3 ends

Section 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. The foregoing ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of the passage hereof. Prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the passage hereof a certified copy of this ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk pursuant to Government Code § 36933(c)(1) and a summary shall be published once in the Avenal Journal a newspaper printed and published in the City of Avenal, State of California, together with the names of the Council members voting for and against the same.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ALVARO PRECIADO
Mayor, City of Avenal
ATTEST:

MARIA A. ORTIZ
City Clerk, City of Avenal
MD/20260207 - Avenal - DRAFT Ordinance re Contract Signing Authority-1.docx

Page 1 of 4 ends

ORDINANCE NO. ______

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENAL PROVIDING FOR

THE MANNER IN WHICH SEATS ON THE CITY COUNCIL
SHALL BE FILLED UPON EACH VACANCY.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. PURPOSE. This ordinance is necessary to ensure that all seats on the legislative body of the City of Avenal are filled only by the residents of the City of Avenal.

Section 2. CODE ADOPTION. Section 2-5.05 is hereby added to Chapter 5 of Title 2 of the Avenal Municipal Code, to read in its entirety as follows:
2-5.05 Filling of Vacant Seats on City Council:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision within any other section of the Avenal Municipal Code, and pursuant to Government Code § 36512(c)(1), all vacancies as to any seat on the City Council shall and must be filled by a special election.
(b) Immediately upon the existence of each and any vacancy as to any seat on the City Council, an election is hereby deemed to be called to fill such vacancy, on the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the date of such vacancy, contingent upon the issuance of a signed election order by the City. The City’s Elections Official is hereby authorized to sign an election order for said election, provided that it includes, but is not limited to, the following parameters:
(1) The date of the election, which shall be on the next regularly established election under Election Code § 1000, provided that such date must not be less than 114 days from the date of the vacancy; (2) Separate identification of each vacant seat, including the starting and end dates of its existing term, specified by month and year, and that each seat is elected at-large;
(3) A statement that the City’s boundaries have not changed since the last statewide general election, or otherwise announcing a change in the City’s boundaries and attaching an updated map of the City’s boundaries; and
(4) A request for and consent to the consolidation of the election with other elections which may be held in whole or in part of the territory of the City, as provided in Elections Code § 10402.5. (c) Vacancies on the City Council shall not be filled by appointment until

Page 2 of 4 ends

this ordinance is repealed. This section of the Avenal Municipal Code shall remain in effect until January 31, 2027, unless extended by the City Council.

Section 3. CEQA REVIEW. The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) [the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment] and 15061(b)(3) [there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment]. In addition to the foregoing general exemptions, the City Council further finds that the ordinance is categorically exempt from review under CEQA under the Class 8 categorical exemption [regulatory activity to assure the protection of the environment]. The City Manager is hereby directed to ensure that a Notice of Exemption is filed pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15062 [14 C.C.R. § 15062].

Page 3 of 4 ends

other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ALVARO PRECIADO
Mayor, City of Avenal
ATTEST:

MARIA A. ORTIZ
City Clerk, City of Avenal

Page 4 of 4 ends

MD/20260207 - Avenal - DRAFT Ordinance re Contract Signing Authority-1.docx

Page 1 of 3 ends

ORDINANCE NO. ______

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENAL PROVIDING FOR

THE MANNER IN WHICH SEATS ON THE CITY COUNCIL MAY
BE DECLARED VACANT.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. PURPOSE. This ordinance is necessary to ensure that all seats on the legislative body of the City of Avenal are filled only by the residents who act in the best interest of the City of Avenal.

Section 2. CODE ADOPTION. Section 2-1.205 is hereby added into Chapter 1 of Title 2 of the Avenal Municipal Code, to read in its entirety as follows:
2-1.205 Vacant Seat(s) on City Council:
(a) The City Council may at any regular or special meeting declare vacant the seat of any council member upon the happening of any of the events listed in Government Code § 1770, and/or where the incumbent for any reason no longer qualifies to hold a seat on the City Council.
(b) Pursuant to Government Code § 36812, the City Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of its members, and shall make such decision excluding the vote of the incumbent or purported incumbent whose seat is at issue.
(c) Any person who within the past six (6) years has been found, by the City Council and/or any court of competent jurisdiction, to have engaged in any malfeasance in office, including but not limited to any breach of any fiduciary duty owed to any California local government agency, is disqualified from holding a seat on the City Council.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision within any other section of the Avenal Municipal Code, a seat on the City Council may be declared vacant if the City Council finds that the incumbent willfully breached any fiduciary duty owed to the City, including without limitation an unauthorized disclosure of confidential information in violation of Government Code § 54963, or engaged in any other act of malfeasance of office. (e) City Manager and/or City Clerk are authorized to cause notice of the ground(s) for vacancy to be provided pursuant to Government Code § 1771.

Page 2 of 3 ends

Page 3 of 3 ends

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ALVARO PRECIADO
Mayor, City of Avenal
ATTEST:

MARIA A. ORTIZ
City Clerk, City of Avenal
MD/20260310 - Avenal - DRAFT Ordinance re Qualifications for Council Seats-1.docx

Page 1 of 2 ends

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL

WAIVING THE SECOND READING OF

CERTAIN ORDINANCES

INTRODUCED AT THE REGULAR
MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2026; AND

APPROVING THEIR ADOPTION
RESOLUTION 2026-_20__
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 36934 requires that ordinances be read prior to adoption; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 36934 further provides that the reading of an ordinance in full may be waived by a majority vote of the City Council when the ordinance is introduced and the title is read; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Avenal has introduced several ordinances amending the Avenal Municipal Code to improve administrative procedures, strengthen governance practices, and ensure the efficient operation of City government; and
WHEREAS, the City Council introduced and waived the first reading of the following ordinances at its regular meeting of March 12, 2026; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to waive the second full reading of these ordinances and instead read the ordinances by title only.

UPON MOTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER , SECONDED BY

COUNCIL MEMBER , THE FOLLOWING WAS PASSED,

APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT AN OFFICIAL MEETING HELD ON March 26, 2026, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

Alvaro Preciado, Mayor

CITY OF AVENAL
MARIA A. ORTIZ, City Clerk

CITY OF AVENAL

Page 2 of 2 ends

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:

1. Found that the foregoing recitals are true;

2. The City Council hereby waives the full second reading of the following ordinances introduced at the regular meeting of March 26, 2026, and directs that the ordinances be read by title only:
(a) Ordinance No. 2026-01 – Amending Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Avenal Municipal Code relating to City Finance and Depositories. (b) Ordinance No. 2026-02 – Enacting Cost-Recovery and Indemnification Requirements for Land-Use Permit, Subdivision, and Other Planning Applications.
(c) Ordinance No. 2026-03 – Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Agreements on Behalf of the City when Specifically Authorized by Resolution of the City Council.
(d) Ordinance No. 2026-04 – Providing for the Manner in Which Vacant Seats on the City Council Shall Be Filled.
(e) Ordinance No. 2026-05 – Establishing Procedures for Determining Qualifications and Vacancies for City Council Seats.

3. Adopt Ordinance Nos. 2026-01 through 2026-05.

4. Direct that the ordinances shall take effect thirty (30) days after adoption.

5. Authorized the City Manager, City Clerk and 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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
City of Avenal
March 26, 2026
Safety
Prepare for Natural
Disasters or
Emergencies
Build a disaster supply kit for you,
your family or your business.

Include food, water, medication,
flashlights, first aid kits, and a list
of emergency contacts.

Visit safetyactioncenter.pge.com
to help prepare for an emergency.
3 Agenda
1 Identifying and Reducing Wildfire Risk
2 Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)
3 Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
4 Undergrounding and Wildfire Safety System Upgrades
5 Vegetation Management
6 Advocacy Priorities
7 Financial Assistance Programs and Customer Resources
8 Open Discussion
Jose
Verduzco
Local Government
Affairs Representative
Identifying and Reducing
Wildfire Risk
5 Resiliency Work
Situational Awareness
Operational Mitigations
New Tools and Technology: Installing over 2,000 weather stations and high-definition cameras to better predict and respond to wildfires and severe weather.

A
Layers of Wildfire Protection
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings: Detecting hazards on powerlines and shut off power quickly to prevent an ignition.

C
D Public Safety Power Shutoff: Turning off power for safety as a last resort during severe weather.

New, Strengthened Equipment: Installing strengthened poles and covered powerlines on 1,900+ miles of overhead powerlines. E Undergrounding Powerlines: Completing thousands of miles of undergrounding in the highest wildfire risk areas. F
Vegetation Management: Trimming or removing 1.5 million+ trees to keep them away from powerlines and prevent wildfires. G Reducing Wildfire Risk in Your Community
B C
E
F
Safety and Infrastructure Protection Teams: Deploying trained response professionals to increase safety and enhance community recovery.

B G
For illustrative purposes only. Not to scale.

A
D
6 Systemwide Complete
Program To-Date
Undergrounding Our Powerlines
Burying powerlines to reduce wildfire risk
1,211
miles
System Upgrades*
Installing strengthened power poles and covered powerlines 1,568
miles
Managing Vegetation Around Powerlines
Trimming or removing trees to reduce risk of outages/ignitions

13.6M**
trees
Clearing Vegetation Around Poles and Towers
Removing vegetation at the base of structures to reduce risk 666K**
structures
Weather Stations
Better predicting and responding to severe weather threats 1,620
stations
High-Definition Cameras
Monitoring and responding to wildfires through increased visibility 698
cameras
Sectionalizing Devices
Separating the grid into sections and reducing outage scope 1,688
devices
Systemwide Safety Progress Update
Our ongoing safety work includes several layers
of protection to reduce wildfire risk.

Data as of 12/31/2025.
*Includes line removal.
**Approximate veg. powerline program to-date data from 2017 to 10/13/2025; approximate veg. poles and towers program to-date data from 2019 to 10/13/2025 7 Live camera feed image near the City of Avenal
Advanced Situational Awareness Tools
High-definition cameras and weather
stations installed near your community
allow us to better predict and respond to
wildfire risk and severe weather.

City of Avenal
View camera outputs and locations: ops.alertcalifornia.org View our interactive weather map: pge.com/weather
High Fire-Risk Area
City of Avenal
Weather Station
High-Definition Camera
Weather stations and high-definition cameras
adjacent to the City of Avenal support weather
monitoring capabilities.
8 Safety and Infrastructure Protection Team (SIPT)
Our SIPT’s protect our
system equipment
through hazard mitigation
and emergency response.

SIPT Engine Locations
Data as of March 2025.

We have
48 staffed by former firefighters and
equipped with wildland firefighting
tools and equipment.

SIPT teams
The engines:
• Protect infrastructure, enhancing
safety and reducing costs
• Provide wildfire mitigation around
electric assets/job sites
• Coordinate with authority-having
jurisdictions (AHJs) during wildfire
response
Enhanced Powerline
Safety Settings (EPSS)
10 To learn more about Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, visit pge.com/epss.

Settings
detect a
wildfire hazard
Power shuts
off quickly to
prevent
an ignition
Crews patrol,
repair damage
and restore
power
We identify
improvements to
prevent similar
wildfire hazards
1 2 3 4
For illustrative purposes only.
*Based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of EPSS under conditions of elevated likelihood of destructive fire outcomes (R3 Fire Potential Index rating).

Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)
11 Outage Communications
Outage Cause
and Reliability
Improvements Update* Initial
Notification
Estimated
Restoration
Time
Restoration
Timing Updates
Power
Restored
Notification and
Outage Cause
Update
Outage Occurs Access Powerlines
and Equipment
(when safe)
Assess
and Repair
Damage
Power Restored
We reach out to customers through text, email and/or automated calls during and after an outage.

Outage Analysis
*If applicable
Notifications
12 9%
Equipment
Issues
9%
Unidentified
18%
Weather
46%
Animal
18%
Third Party
Incidents
We Are Reducing EPSS Impacts in Kings County
2025 Outage Causes* We are taking action to improve your reliability.
*Data as of 2/23/2026 and from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2025.

Last year we:

Reviewed or updated 18 pieces of software
that detect harder-to-see hazards on the
powerline.

Repaired four pieces of equipment.

Public Safety Power
Shutoffs (PSPS)
14 PSPS As A Tool For Safety
High winds can cause tree branches and debris to contact energized electric lines, damage our equipment and cause a wildfire. To prevent wildfires, we may need to turn off power as a last resort.

Low humidity
levels of
30% and below
A Red Flag
Warning issued
by the National
Weather Service
Forecasted high
winds above
19 mph with gusts
above 25-40 mph
Condition
of dry material on
the ground and low
moisture content of
vegetation
On-the-ground,
real-time
observations
Conditions that may lead to a Public Safety Power Shutoff 15 WATCH

WARNING
How We Notify Customers and Public Safety Partners
We reach out to customers
and Public Safety Partners
through automated calls,
texts and emails to provide
information and updates.

Information is also
provided on pge.com, social
media, through our PSPS
Portal and shared with local
news outlets.

Customers can sign up for address
alerts to receive PSPS notifications for
any location: pge.com/addressalerts
72-48 hours before power is turned off
48-24 hours before power is turned off
4-1 hours before power is turned off
When power is turned off
Public Safety Partners receive notifications in lieu of live calls from Agency Representatives
After severe weather has passed
If estimated restoration time changes
Daily until power has been restored
Once power is restored
Public Safety Partners receive notifications once their jurisdiction reaches 100% restoration.

When We Share Notifications
*Estimated Time of Restoration is also provided to customers throughout the notification process Note: Annual registration is required. Notifications to customers are available in 16 languages. 16 PSPS continues to be a tool of last resort to keep customers safe. We are doing more to help customers and communities by limiting impacts and providing resources.

Systemwide PSPS Year-Over-Year Impacts and Resources Provided 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Event Overview
Total PSPS Events 8 6 5 0 2 6 4
Customers De-Energized 2,014,000 653,000 80,400 - 5,099 50,476 17,972 Average Outage Restoration Time (hours) 17 10 12 - 5 7 5 Customer Support and Resources
CRCs Opened 182 245 92 - 17 156 23
CRC Visitors 58,752 49,998 11,690 - 1,724 9,950 15,310
Portable Batteries Provided and Utilized* - 3,458 817 - 1,490 4,339 1,425 Food and Fuel Vouchers, Hotel
Accommodations and Transportation Provided* - 1,625 558 - 65 1,413 332 Customer and Community Mitigations
Potential Acres Burned if PSPS was not
Executed** 3,500,000 912,000 691,000 - 28,251 95,692 146,539 Customers Removed from De-Energization
due to System Improvements 681,000 719,450 415,100 - 21,872 393,654 62,933 *Customers must request, via PG&E or third-party partnerships applications, to receive program benefits (portable batteries, food and fuel vouchers, hotel accommodations and transportation). Visit PG&E’s PSPS Outage Resources webpage for more information.
**Estimates based on weather forecasting models from Technosylva, an external expert in the wildfire modeling field to test and deploy cloud-based wildfire spread model capabilities. These models provide fire simulations that represent the potential effects that could occur if PG&E did not initiate a PSPS. Note these metrics do not account for fire suppression. 17 Improving PSPS to Reduce Customer and Agency Impacts In 2025, we continued to improve our PSPS program to reduce customer and external partners impacts by enhancing event planning and preparation. • Aligned with other IOUs on best
practices for residential customer
support during PSPS.
• Worked with Public Safety Partners to
improve the deployment and
distribution of CRCs.
• Expanded the number and type of
resources offered at CRCs.

Customer Support
Enhancements
Operational
Improvements
• Continuously revisited system
architecture when implementing
changes to ensure there are no
adverse impacts.
• Updated Transmission and
Distribution scoping processes and
tools for teams to quickly identify and
act on event or scope changes.
• Upgraded scoping tools to streamline
outage tracking and reduce the
length and impact of outages.
• Enhanced key tools for a clearer
process that led to faster and more
precise execution of notifications.
• Automated notifications to ensure
more timely and precise
communications.
• Created tools to identify potential
notification issues early and improve
delivery performance, enhancing the
overall communication experience.

Communication
Improvements
18 Customer Resources and Support During Outages
Food Assistance: Access food options
during and after a PSPS through our
partnerships with local organizations.

Hotel Accommodations and Discounts:

Qualify for discounts or free hotel
accommodations if eligible.

Transportation: Receive rides to and
from Community Resource Centers with our
county partners.

Community Resource Centers: Access
necessities such as charging stations, ADA
accessible bathrooms, water, snacks and more
in a safe location.

California 211 and Disability
Disaster Access and Resources
(DDAR): Contact 211 or DDAR to receive
information and help accessing
transportation, food or hotel support.

Backup Power Programs: Explore the
different backup power options we offer to
help reduce the impact of power outages.

In-Language Media: Receive
awareness of program offerings and PSPS
information through radio broadcasting and
direct to customer outreach.

Undergrounding and Wildfire
Safety System Upgrades
20 Strengthening California’s Next Generation Electric Grid These programs:

Reduce wildfire risk Enhance long-term safety
We are strengthening our electric
system by upgrading powerlines.

This includes moving powerlines underground
and installing strengthened poles and covered
powerlines.
21 Prioritizing Undergrounding to Have
the Greatest Impact on Reducing Wildfire Risk
To accomplish this, we:

Use a wildfire safety risk model and partner
with wildfire analysis providers.

This modeling considers historic
ignitions and other factors, such as:
• Vegetation
• Topography
• Condition of the electrical equipment
We also consider the:
• Probability of an ignition
• Consequences if a wildfire were to start in a
specific location
High Fire-Risk Area (HFRA)
PG&E Service Area
PG&E High
Fire-Risk
Map
22 Customers can learn more
about our efforts by:

Visiting pge.com/undergrounding
Calling 1-877-265-1399
Emailing [email protected]
Learn More
Vegetation Management
24 Keeping Trees Away from Powerlines
Inspect
~100,000 miles of
powerlines
Trim or remove
~1.5 million
trees to prevent
wildfires and help
ensure reliable power
And perform additional inspections
in areas with increased wildfire risk.

Including addressing dead, dying or
hazardous trees.

When trees are too close to electric
equipment, they can cause a power
outage or a wildfire.

That’s why each year we:
25 Vegetation Management Work in Kings County
2026 Work Planned
Kings County
Data as of 2/19/2026. Locations are approximate and may overlap. Local work plans are subject to change due to weather, access or other schedule constraints. *Includes miles in areas with increased wildfire risk that will be inspected multiple times. 2026
Planned
miles
to inspect*
~1,460
2025
Completed
miles
inspected*
~1,470
Customers can visit pge.com/trees to learn more.

Trees trimmed
or removed
~5,150
26 What Customers Can Expect During This Work
Attempt to contact customers if their
property will be impacted
Inspect powerlines for potential
vegetation safety concerns
Trim or remove trees as needed
for safety or reliability
Chip and haul away small debris where
possible, and place larger wood in a safe
location on site
Conduct safety and quality checks
through follow-up inspections
PG&E will:
27 Customers can learn more
about our efforts to keep trees
away from powerlines by:

Visiting pge.com/trees
Calling 1-800-564-5080
Emailing [email protected]
Vegetation Management Community Resources
Encourage community members to report non-emergency safety concerns via the “PG&E Report It” app. Download the safety app: pge.com/reportit Advocacy Priorities
29 2026 Advocacy Priorities
CA Wildfire
Fund 2.0
• SB 254 strengthens the
state’s Wildfire Fund to
protect wildfire victims,
without raising customer
costs
• We are working with
policymakers and
stakeholders to develop
solutions to protect victims
and deliver energy
affordability
Extension of the
Diablo Canyon
Power Plant
• Diablo Canyon Power Plant
(DCPP) generates nearly
20% of CA’s clean energy
• Governor Newsom signed
SB 846 extending DCPP
operations through 2030
• 20-year license renewal
application has been
submitted to the NRC to
provide flexibility beyond
2030
Affordability
• Electric rates are 11% lower
than Jan. 2024
• Customers will see an
additional bill reduction in
March
• Upcoming GRC will include
the smallest percentage
increase of electric rates in a
decade
Financial Assistance Programs
and Customer Resources
31 Savings Programs for Income-Qualified Customers
We are working hard to lower our prices and provide our customers with safe, reliable, clean and affordable energy.

Discount and savings programs are available to help incomequalified customers pay their energy bills.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE):

Provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity.

Relief for Energy Assistance Through Community Help (REACH):

Provides up to a $800 bill credit to help income-eligible customers with past due balances.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA):

Provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity only.

PG&E Match My Payment Program:

Offers a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $1,000 for customers to pay past-due bills. pge.com/CARE
pge.com/reach
pge.com/FERA
pge.com/matchmypayment
32 Savings Support for All Residential Customers
We also offer a number of resources and
support programs designed to help lower energy
costs, ensure bill stability and understand the rate
plan that makes most sense for them.

Learn more ways to save energy:
pge.com/energysavingtips
Home Energy Checkup
Helps customers assess their energy use and gives customized savings tips.
pge.com/homecheckup
GoGreen Home Energy Financing
Helps finance energy saving improvements to make customers’ homes more comfortable and efficient.
gogreenfinancing.com
Budget Billing
Offsets high winter heating peak bills by averaging energy costs to determine a more predictable monthly payment amount. pge.com/budgetbilling
33 Programs for Customers with Access and Functional Needs Medical Baseline Program
• A monthly discount or additional monthly allotment of power based on rates. • Additional notifications ahead of Public Safety Power Shutoffs. • Participants qualify through medical device or medical condition needs. • Potential to qualify for additional resources including the generator rebate, portable battery or a Backup Power Transfer Meter.

Customers can apply: pge.com/medbaseline
Self-Identified Vulnerable Program
• Various financial support programs available for customers who have fallen behind on bills or additional programs to help customers save. • Additional notifications ahead of Public Safety Power Shutoffs. • Service disconnection notifications 48 hours prior or at the time of disconnection due to nonpayment.
• Potential to qualify for additional resources, including portable batteries Customers can self-certify: pge.com/siv
We provide support options for customers with Access and Functional Needs, through our Medical Baseline and Self-Identified Vulnerable programs. 34 Customer Resources and Support for Outages
Portable Battery Program
Supporting eligible customers with fully subsidized portable battery solutions Generator and Battery Rebate Program
Rebates for eligible customers to purchase a qualified generator or battery Backup Power Transfer Meter Program
Provides a free transfer meter to help connect to backup power during an outage Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Program
Offers rebates for the installation of a permanent battery storage system Residential Storage Initiative
Permanent, long-term backup power solutions for the most impacted customers
211 California
Dial 2-1-1, text ‘PREPARE’ to 211-211 or visit the website during an outage to connect to local resources
In-Language Support and California Relay Service
For translation support, or to request print materials in Braille, large print or audio, call 1-800-743-5000. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or need extra support, contact the California Relay Service at 7-1-1
pge.com/backuppower
pge.com/rsi
211.org
pge.com/accessibility
pge.com/portablebattery
pge.com/gbrp
pge.com/permanentbatterystorage
35 The Wildfire Safety Progress Map is a comprehensive, interactive map of PG&E’s wildfire safety work and progress.

Wildfire Safety Progress Map Overview
Today, the map shows:

System Upgrades
• Installing Strong Poles and Covered Powerlines
• Undergrounding
• Line Removal
• Traffic Alerts
• Road Restoration Status
Sectionalizing Devices
Temporary Microgrids
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
High Fire-Risk Area (HFRA)
Customer Assistance Programs
• Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
• Permanent Battery Storage Rebate (PBSR)
• Portable Battery Program (PBP)
Visit pge.com/progressmap to learn more.
36 Additional Customer Resources
Dedicated wildfire safety contacts: Hotline: 1-866-743-6589 | Email: [email protected] Wildfire Safety
Information on
wildfire prevention efforts
pge.com/wildfiresafety
Report It App
Submit photos of nonemergency
potential safety concerns
pge.com/reportit
Safety Action Center
Create an emergency safety plan
to keep you and your family safe
safetyactioncenter.pge.com
Thank You
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. B
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 26, 2026
RE: Consider filling One (1) Vacant Planning Commission Seats INFORMATION:

As of January 22, 2026, the Planning Commission has one vacancy.

Per the rotation, Councilmembers Reynosa has the next opportunities to appoint a commissioner.

Per Council’s direction, Staff advertised the vacancies and encouraged the community to apply.

As of March 23, 2026, after submitting an application, Councilman Reynosa has made the following selection:
• Erika Bonilla
RECOMMENDATION:

Discussion/Direction on appointing new individuals to serve on the Avenal Planning Commission.

Staff recommends that Councilmember Reynosa appoint Erika Bonilla to the Planning Commission.

City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10. A
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 26, 2026
RE: Consider Approval of Chief of Police Employment Agreement, Amendment #1 INFORMATION:

Chief Cecilio Velasco was appointed and started as Chief of Police on February 12, 2024. Over the past two years, he has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear ability to advance and stabilize operations within the department.

During this time, the department has seen measurable progress, including the successful recruitment and onboarding of multiple new officers, the establishment of a Detective Unit, and improved investigative outcomes, including the timely resolution of serious cases. These efforts have contributed to strengthening public safety services and organizational capacity.

In addition to his leadership of the department, Chief Velasco has continued to invest in his own professional development, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree and completing the POST Executive Certificate Program.

Following a successful two-year performance evaluation, it is recommended that the City Council consider amending the Chief’s employment agreement to reflect his performance and continued leadership. The proposed amendment includes an adjustment to base salary up to $175,000 annually.

Additionally, the amendment includes provisions intended to promote organizational stability and continuity of leadership, including revisions to employment protections and an extension of the agreement term from 2029 to 2031.

The proposed amendment has been prepared in coordination with the City Attorney and is presented for City Council consideration.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve by resolution an amendment to the Chief of Police Employment Agreement reflecting updated compensation and revised terms, and authorize the Mayor to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
1 of 5

POLICE CHIEF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO. 1
This Amendment is made and entered into and is effective as of April 1, 2026, between the City of Avenal (“CITY”) and Cecilio Velasco (“EMPLOYEE”), both of whom understand and agree as follows:

WHEREAS, the CITY and EMPLOYEE entered into an employment agreement which became effective on or about January 26, 2024 (“Agreement”), and which was set to expire on or about February 28, 2029;
WHEREAS, EMPLOYEE recently received a favorable annual employment evaluation and CITY desires to continue to employ the services of EMPLOYEE as Chief of Police; WHEREAS, EMPLOYEE recently received an offer from another California municipality to become its Chief of Police, and declined said offer of employment in order to enter into this Amendment to the Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”); and WHEREAS, in light of a recent recall effort, the CITY desires to assure EMPLOYEE’s continued service to the CITY and its residents, and thereby promote stability in public safety services to the public, by entering into this Amendment No. 1 to extend and amend the Agreement only as to those terms provided for herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

1. Section 2, subsection (A) shall be replaced with the following:

Section 2: Term of Agreement.

A. This Agreement shall be effective commencing on February 12, 2024, and the term of this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the calendar day (11:59:59 P.M. local time) on February 28, 2031. If a new Chief of Police is not yet selected or sworn in, the CITY shall have the option to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional two (2) years, provided that written notice of the extension is provided to EMPLOYEE no later than sixty (60) days before end of the term or extended term.

2. Section 3, subsection (A) shall be replaced with the following:

Section 3: Compensation and Benefits.

A. CITY agrees to pay EMPLOYEE, for his/her services rendered under this Agreement, a gross annual base salary of one hundred seventy-five thousand U.S. dollars ($175,000 USD) per year. Salary shall be earned and payable on a pro rata basis at the close of each pay period, and paid to EMPLOYEE at the same times, and in the same manner, as full-time salaried 2 of 5
employees of the CITY are paid, and shall be subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings, which may include without limitation Social Security, FICA and employee contributions for the Public Employee Retirement System (“PERS”). In addition to salary, EMPLOYEE shall be eligible to qualify for all of CITY’s differential pay incentives, including but not limited to Bilingual Skills Differential pay.

3. Section 4, subsection (C) shall be replaced with the following:

Section 4: At-Will Employment.
…
C. Termination Without Cause:
(i) The CITY may without cause terminate EMPLOYEE upon thirty (30) days written notice. At the end of said thirty (30) day period, EMPLOYEE’s service to the CITY shall automatically terminate. EMPLOYEE shall be allowed to use accrued vacation, not to exceed ten (10) working days, during said thirty (30) calendar day notification period. If separation hereunder occurs within the first six (6) months of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall thereupon be entitled to receive a lump sum severance pay equal to six (6) months salary only (i.e. without any benefits), plus any salary earned as of the final date of employment, and accrued vacation leave. After the first six (6) months of service but before a full twelve (12) months of service, EMPLOYEE shall thereupon be entitled to receive a lump sum severance pay equal to ten (10) months salary only (i.e. without any benefits), plus any salary earned as of the final date of employment, and accrued vacation leave.

If separation hereunder occurs any time after the first twelve (12) months of this Agreement severance pay shall be the same, except that the base salary component shall instead be twelve (12) months. Upon payment of said lump sum, all other obligations of both CITY and EMPLOYEE under this Agreement shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limits of Government Code § 53260(a) shall be complied with to the extent applicable. (ii) This subdivision (C)(ii) shall be in effect for two (2) years commencing from the signing of this Amendment No. 1 by both parties, notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement. In order to be terminated by CITY either with or without cause, three (3) or more Council members (regardless of the number of Council members participating in the vote and regardless of whether or not any vacancies on the Council exist at the time of the vote) must affirmatively vote in favor of consenting to EMPLOYEE’s termination at a regular and duly noticed City Council meeting. Unless otherwise required by law, and notwithstanding any other provision within this Agreement, the parties agree that EMPLOYEE shall not be terminated without cause within twelve (12) months after two or more new members are sworn-in and seated on the City Council, whether by election, 3 of 5
appointment or otherwise, except upon a Council vote of at least four-fifths (4/5) in favor of consenting to termination. It is agreed that the vote of any abstaining Council member shall not count as an affirmative vote for termination even if counted toward a quorum.
(iii) This subdivision (C)(iii) shall be in effect for two (2) years commencing from the signing of this Amendment No. 1 by both parties.

Notwithstanding any other provision within this Agreement, the parties agree that if, within twelve (12) months after two or more new members are swornin and seated on the City Council, whether by election, appointment or otherwise, the City Council decides to terminate EMPLOYEE without cause, then EMPLOYEE shall upon the effective date of such termination be entitled to severance pay of sixteen (16) months of salary only (i.e. without any benefits), subject to the terms and limits established under Government Code § 53260, plus any salary earned as of the final date of employment, and accrued vacation leave.

4. Section 7 shall be replaced with the following:

Section 7: Notice.

A. Except as may be otherwise required by law, any notice to be given shall be written and shall be either personally delivered, sent by facsimile transmission or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, with either return-receipt requested or delivery confirmation, and addressed as follows:

CITY: With A Copy To:

Mayor and City Clerk

CITY OF AVENAL
919 Skyline Boulevard
Avenal, California 93204
559-386-5766
559-386-0629 (fax)
Moses Diaz, City Attorney

PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FIRM
A Professional Corporation
2924 West Main Street
Visalia, California 93291
559-900-3500
559-900-3555 – Fax
EMPLOYEE:

Cecilio Velasco
(Address provided by employee is on file)
B. Notice personally delivered is effective when delivered. Notice sent by facsimile transmission is deemed to be received upon successful transmission.

Notice sent by first class mail shall be deemed received on the fifth (5th) day after the date of mailing. Either party may change the above address by giving written notice pursuant to this paragraph.
4 of 5

5. Except for the foregoing amended Section(s) of said Agreement, all other terms and conditions of said Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City Council of the City of Avenal has authorized its Mayor to sign and execute this Agreement on behalf of the CITY, as set forth below, and EMPLOYEE has signed and executed this Agreement. The signatures of the parties below indicate that each has read and understood the Agreement and will abide by the terms stated herein.
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
5 of 5
Date:

Alvaro Preciado, Mayor
Date:

Cecilio Velasco
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Moses Diaz, City Attorney
1 of 2

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

Authorization to Execute Amendment No.
1 to Police Chief employment agreement.

RESOLUTION 2026-_21_
WHEREAS, on or about January 25, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the signing of a five-year employment agreement (the “Agreement”) for Cecilio Valasco (“EMPLOYEE”) to serve as the Chief of Police, which was signed and entered into on January 26, 2024;
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that in addition to salary, EMPLOYEE shall be eligible to qualify for all of CITY’s differential pay incentives, including but not limited to Bilingual Skills Differential pay, and that in regard to increases above base salary, special consideration shall be given should the EMPLOYEE receive his Executive P.O.S.T.

Certificate and a Bachelor’s degree within the first twenty-four (24) months of service to the CITY;
WHEREAS, EMPLOYEE is bilingual and has earned a Bachelor’s degree and an Executive P.O.S.T. Certificate within the first 24 months of service to the CITY; and WHEREAS, following a recent successful performance evaluation of the EMPLOYEE, and in light of EMPLOYEE’s professional achievements, the CITY and EMPLOYEE now desire to enter into an Amendment to the Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), to extend the term of the employment Agreement, to increase the EMPLOYEE’s compensation, and to otherwise enter into and agree to terms which will assure the continuation of public service from the EMPLOYEE to the CITY, its residents and the public at large, thereby bringing stability to the public safety needs of the City of Avenal for the foreseeable future.

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 March 26, 2026, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
2 of 2
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. Commended Cecilio Velasco for earning his Bachelor’s degree and Executive P.O.S.T. Certificate;

3. Found that Cecilio Velasco has demonstrated to the City Council that he satisfied the qualifications for continuing to hold the public office of the Police Chief of the City of Avenal;

4. Approved, ratified and authorized the Mayor to sign, on behalf of the City, an amendment to the employment Agreement with Cecilio Velasco, with a new base salary of one hundred seventy-five thousand U.S. dollars ($175,000.00 USD) per year, and those other revisions which are specified in the final draft of Amendment No. 1, as presented to the Council at the aforementioned regular meeting;

5. Authorized and approved payment to Cecilio Velasco of each and all of the following differential incentive pay categories, in accordance with the terms of the employment Agreement: Five Hundred U.S. dollars ($500.00) annually for maintaining Executive P.O.S.T. Certificate, Bachelor Degree Differential Pay of three-percent (3%) of base salary, as well as other qualifying incentives provided by City policy such as language, educational, and professional certification incentives; and

6. Ordered and authorized the Mayor, City Manager and all other relevant City staff and consultants 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
20260323 - Avenal - Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Police Chief Employment K-v1.doc City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.

Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10. A
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: March 26, 2026
RE: Consider Approval of Clarification of Differential Pay Incentives for Bargaining Unit 4
INFORMATION:

The City of Avenal currently provides certain differential pay incentives to employees, including but not limited to bilingual pay, educational attainment incentives, and compensation for professional certifications. These incentives are administered at the discretion of the City Manager, based on organizational needs and employee qualifications.

Historically, such incentives have been applied across various employee groups. However, prior Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and employment frameworks do not clearly or consistently articulate their applicability to employees in Bargaining Unit 4 (Management).

This item is being brought forward to clarify and formalize that these differential pay incentives may be applied to Management employees, consistent with how they are administered to other City staff. This clarification ensures internal consistency, promotes transparency, and aligns current administrative practices with City policy.

Approval of this item does not create new categories of compensation but affirms the City Manager’s existing authority to administer such incentives on a discretionary basis.

DISCUSSION:

Providing clarity regarding compensation practices is important to ensure equitable treatment across employee groups and to maintain a competitive and transparent organizational structure.

Management employees often possess specialized skills, certifications, and qualifications that align with the intent of existing incentive programs. Clarifying eligibility for these incentives supports recruitment, retention, and organizational effectiveness.

This action also reduces ambiguity in the City’s compensation framework and aligns Management practices with those already applied to other bargaining units.

RECOMMENDATION:

By resolution, approve clarification that differential pay incentives, including bilingual pay, educational incentives, and certification pay, may be applied to employees in Bargaining Unit 4 (Management) at the discretion of the City Manager.
1 of 2

BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF AVENAL CLARIFYING

THE APPLICATION OF DIFFERENTIAL

PAY INCENTIVES TO BARGAINING
UNIT 4 (MANAGEMENT)
RESOLUTION 2026-__22__
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, the City of Avenal provides certain differential pay incentives, including bilingual pay, educational attainment incentives, and professional certification pay; and
WHEREAS, such incentives are intended to recognize additional skills, qualifications, and contributions that support the effective delivery of City services; and WHEREAS, these incentives have historically been administered at the discretion of the City Manager; and
WHEREAS, prior Memoranda of Understanding and employment frameworks do not clearly specify the applicability of these incentives to employees in Bargaining Unit 4 (Management); and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to clarify and ensure consistent application of these incentives across employee groups.

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 March 26, 2026, 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 Hereby:

1. Found the Recitals above are found to be true and correct.

2. Clarify that differential pay incentives, including but not limited to bilingual pay, educational attainment incentives, and professional certification pay, may be applied to employees in Bargaining Unit 4 (Management).

3. Affirm that such incentives shall be administered at the discretion of the City Manager, subject to applicable budget authority and organizational needs.

4. Clarify that such differential pay incentives may also be applied, at the discretion of the City Manager or as approved by the City Council, to contract employees, including but not limited to the City Manager and Department Heads (e.g., Fire Chief), where consistent with the terms of their employment agreements.

5. Confirm that this action is intended to clarify existing practices and does not create new categories of compensation or entitlement.

6. Authorize the City Manager and appropriate staff to implement this clarification and take all actions necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution.

7. Authorized the City Manager and 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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance AuthorityMarch 26, 2026

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
March 26, 2026