CITY OF AVENAL
Pistachio Capital of the World®”
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PF
A MEETING APRIL 9, 2026; 5:15 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA Study Session 4:15PM: Question and Answer (Q&A) with Fire Chief, Jacob S. McAfee Study session began at 4:34 P.M. and ended at 5:17 P.M.
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado 5:29 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: David Reynosa, Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado.
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Gamez.
STAFF: McAfee, Davis, Celis, Martinez, Gracida, Guerra, Reyes, Velasco, Curiel, Martinez, Lomeli, Ortiz, López.
LEGAL COUNSEL: Moses Diaz.
CITY CLERK:
Government Code Section 54952.3: Members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $450.00 per month due to their serving on the City Council. They receive no other compensation for serving as members of the Successor Agency.
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.
Mayor Preciado opened public comment at 5:53 P.M.
Frank Lopez, Avenal Resident – began by apologizing for parking in a handicap spot and stated he would pay the citation. He expressed that he does not believe the Kings County assessment regarding the Community Center boxing event was fair. He also stated that Fire Chief John Chamberlain failed to communicate with the community at the last council meeting regarding the two most recent house fires. He also shared event information for Old Timer's Day, noting there will be multiple Lucha Libre matches.
Robert Campos, Avenal Resident – directed a question to City Manager López regarding when his claim would be resolved. He expressed hope that City leadership leads the City well, and asked why the City Manager's salary is as high as it is and why it was approved.
James Horn, Coalinga Resident – suggested the City Council consider replacing legal counsel, stating they were illadvised on matters regarding the recall and fire incidents, and recommended addressing the conflict of interest. He also alleged that Avenal's legal counsel works for the County, which he believes creates a conflict of interest.
Chief Velasco, Avenal Police Department – provided an update regarding the Zoom incident from a previous City Council meeting. He noted that they coordinated with law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, which experienced similar incidents. They will continue to monitor the matter with the assistance of aiding agencies. The recommendation going forward is to restrict presentation sharing and to monitor participants during future online meetings.
Chief McAfee, Avenal Fire Department – clarified that the sprinkler system at the Community Center met code, but the hydrant did not. He noted that at the time of the boxing event, he was unaware of this as he was working on planning the life safety plan. He shared that he will be launching a community program to provide smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to residents who do not have them, as part of a risk reduction initiative. He also noted he will be initiating the job posting process and recruitment for fire department positions.
Mayor Preciado closed public comment at 6:08 P.M.
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items listed under the consent calendar are routine or for approval only and are enacted by one motion: (Action).
A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for March 26, 2026 Regular Meeting, & March 30th Emergency Meeting B. Consider filling One (1) Vacant Planning Commission Seat, Erika Bonilla- Councilmember Reynosa
C. Consider Agreement with The SpyGlass Group, LLC for Cost Recovery Services.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa motioned approve Item A & B agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Gamez.
ABSTAIN: None.
Item 4C was moved to New Business Item 9B.
MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
A. Proclamation - Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month 2026 City Manager, Antony V. López, presented the report as submitted. He also shared that the Autism Support Squad has acquired their 501©3 status. City Clerk, Angie Ortiz, read off the proclamation. Lucy Gonzalez, Founder of Autism Support Squad, gave an appreciation speech. Dominick, Autism Support Squad Representative, also shared appreciation for the organization.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to approve Autism Awareness Proclamation.
The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Gamez.
ABSTAIN: None.
B. Proclamation – Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026
City Manager, Antony V. López, presented report as submitted. He read off the proclamation and shared it will be at City Hall.
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa motioned approve Sexual Assault Awareness Proclamation. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Gamez.
ABSTAIN: None.
City Council went into Closed Session at 6:34 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 EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)).
Parties, case/claim no: City of Avenal v. Lupe Villa, County of Kings, et al., (Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 26CU0106)
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. 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: City of Avenal v. County of Kings, John Chamberlin, et al., (Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 26CU0138)
D. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9). It is the intention of this governing body to meet in closed-session concerning: Conference with legal counsel EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)). Parties, case/claim no: Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. United States Bureau of Reclamation, et al. (United States District Court, Case No. 1:20-cv-007606-DAD-EPG).
City Council came out of Closed Session at 7:15 P.M. with nothing to report and returned to regular session at 7:21 P.M. after a recess.
ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Activity Reports:
1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report:
Scott Davis, Public Works Director.
Scott Davis, Public Works Director, presented the report as submitted. Councilmember Hernandez asked if all the leaks in the past month were on the joints or along the pipe. Scott responded that 5 out of 6 leaks were on the joints and 1 was able to be repaired with clamps. Councilmember Reynosa inquired on behalf of residents whether there is a number they can call if there are dogs out in the street. He also asked if the shades at the Neighborhood Kids Park could be larger because they don't cover anything, and also asked if the fences can be closed while kids are inside the park. Scott responded that after work hours, they can only come out for a vicious dog by calling the City Hall number. As for shades, City Manager Antony V. Lopez stated he would work with City Engineers to determine what would be best for all park shading. Mayor Preciado inquired about the amount of water lost. Scott responded that 50,000–60,000 gallons were lost but that he does not have an exact number at this time. The Mayor also asked, regarding weed abatement, why people have to contract out for cleanup. Scott responded that the City would need a general contractor to do the work.
City Manager Antony V. Lopez also shared that there are some issues with the parks being addressed, including water fountains and lighting.
a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers
Javier Andrade, City Engineer, presented the report as submitted. He shared information on the Community Center and clarified that the sprinkler system at the Community Center did pass requirements. He also said there might have been some confusion, as what is inaccurate is actually the fire hydrant outside, but there may be a mitigation to that.
Scott Davis, Public Works Director, shared that he was present during the hydrant testing and that there was a variation with the tools used by Kings County Fire (2½ in. vs. 4½ in. nozzle requirements). Mayor Preciado asked if Scott Davis had asked the Fire Marshal why they used different size nozzles. Scott stated that is what the Fire Marshal recommended at the time. He shared that social media has not been accurate, as some posts claim the sprinkler system doesn't work. City Manager Antony V. Lopez asked how long Scott had been a building official.
Scott responded approximately 14 years. Mayor Preciado stated that the misinformation needs to be corrected. Fire Chief McAfee briefly explained the pressure requirements. Legal Counsel Moses Diaz inquired on whether different size nozzles would make a large difference. Fire Chief McAfee chose not to comment. Javier Andrade, City Engineer, shared that he also offered a courtesy inspection and that Kings County Fire has been very professional.
Moses Diaz, Legal Counsel, explained building official authority and the Temporary Use of Occupancy framework.
Diego, City Engineer, finished presenting on the Community Center.
Councilmember Verdugo shared that he has a concern with the windows inside the Community Center. Javier shared that there will be protection for the windows. The Council also asked about the basketball court. Javier responded that they are still searching for the best solution for the basketball court windows. Anna Lara, PARCS Director, shared a possible solution similar to that of Avenal High School. Mayor Preciado asked for an update on the PG&E transformer. Javier stated it is still a waiting period. He also ended by sharing information on upcoming community outreach events.
2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director.
City Manager Antony V. López presented the report on behalf of the IT Director as submitted. Mayor Preciado inquired about a utility bill kiosk outside City Hall. López shared the difficulties with having an outside kiosk at the moment.
3. PARCS Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, PARCS Director, Anna Lara.
Anna Lara, PARCS Director, presented report as submitted.
PUBLIC HEARING(s):
Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority:
A. None
OLD BUSINESS:
A. None.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider Workplace Solutions Agreement with Cintas for Uniforms (Discussion/Action).
City Manager, Antony V. López, recommended City Council to table the item and item was tabled.
Councilmember Verdugo and Reynosa requested there be more bids for uniforms.
B. Consider Agreement with The SpyGlass Group, LLC for Cost Recovery Services.
City Manager, Antony V. López,
Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned approve Resolution 2026-23. The motion was seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa and motion carried.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Gamez.
ABSTAIN: None.
RESOLUTION 2026-23: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF THE AVENAL AUTHORZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SPYGLASS GROUP, LLC FOR COST RECOVERY AND EXPENSE AUDIT SERVICES.
CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS:
Any Council member may request an item be placed on a future agenda, provided that a simple majority also support adding said item.
Discussion or action on any item not on the current agenda is strictly prohibited. Closing comments are intended for Council members to report attendance of any special events and pertinent information back to the public. Upcoming/Future Agenda Items to Consider.
Correspondence/Announcements/Information/Closing Comments.
City Manager Antony V. López shared that the next City Council meeting might have a time change.
Councilmember Reynosa thanked all the presenters. Councilmember Verdugo requested that Chief McAfee provide an expenditure report and projected budget at the next meeting. He also restated that he has asked for a budget report from the Finance Department and has yet to receive it. He also added that he wants council packets submitted sooner. Councilmember Hernandez congratulated everyone who was recognized tonight. Mayor Preciado stated that he enjoys seeing many events where the community shows up. He shared that the Avenal Police Department has been doing a good job with the community. He also expressed hope that the City will find better transportation resources for the community. He also shared some resources the City offers, such as potable water, and commended the community, urging everyone to stay informed.
ADJOURNMENT:
City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
/s/ Karla Curiel
Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk