CITY OF AVENAL
Pistachio Capital of the World®”
EMERGENCY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 30, 2026; 12:00 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA Minutes
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By Mayor Preciado at 12:13 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: David Reynosa, Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, M. Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado.
Mayor Pro Tem Gamez arrived at 12:17 P.M.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF: López, Velasco, Curiel.
LEGAL COUNSEL (Via Zoom): Moses Diaz. Michael Colantuono.
CITY CLERK:
Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $450.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency.
Public comment was opened by Mayor Preciado at 12:18 P.M.
Sheila Verdugo, Avenal resident, shared several questions regarding the boxing event. She asked whether the building was safely approved prior to the event. She questioned that if the fire official said the building was not safe, why the event still proceeded. She also asked who is currently providing fire services to the community and who made the decision to move forward with the event. She stated that such determinations should not come solely from the City Manager, as the City Council should provide direction. She noted that the community learned through a Facebook post that the event would still move forward, even though Kings County advised against it, and asked why the public was not notified sooner about the fire concerns. She also asked City leadership to remain professional on social media.
Teresa Piere, Avenal resident, asked the City Council to step up and do their job, stating that the City Manager is bringing the City down. She said the City Manager will tear the town apart and is not above the law. She further stated that his arrogance is affecting everyone. She said the recall is happening because of the City Manager and alleged he is running the City like a playground. She also told him to read his scripture.
Luther Wallace, Avenal resident, shared concerns about who will be taking over fire services after April 1, noting that his son has health problems. He expressed hope that there is a plan in place for when the County leaves.
Teresa Piere, Avenal resident, asked whether the City Council has the authority to suspend City Manager Antony V.
López until matters are under control.
Mayor Preciado stated that questions will be answered and that action is being planned. He also said he disagrees with many of the negative Facebook comments. He assured the community that there will not be a day without fire service and that the Council will not turn its back on the community as the County did.
Public Comment was closed by Mayor Preciado at 12:28 P.M.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned to go into Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Preciado, Hernandez, Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):
It is the intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives:
A. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES (Government Code § 54957(a)).
Consultation with: City Attorney, Michael G. Colantuono, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Assistant City Manager,
City Manager.___________
B. 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__.
City Council went into closed session at 12:30 P.M.
City Council came out of closed session at 2:19 P.M.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned authorize legal counsel to proceed with litigation. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Preciado, Hernandez, Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider declaring an emergency related to public health and safety. (Discussion/Action).
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Preciado motioned to table this item. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Preciado, Gamez, Hernandez, Reynosa, Verdugo.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
City Council meeting was adjourned at 2:21 P.M. by Mayor Preciado. /s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk