MINUTES
CITY OF DELANO
CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING
September 8, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz called the meeting to order at 5:16 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1015 – 11th Avenue.
INVOCATION
Pastor David Vivas offered the invocation.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Salvador Solorio-Ruiz, Mario Nunez, Liz Morris Council members absent: Joe Alindajao, Bryan Osorio
OFFICIALS PRESENT
City Manager Reyna, City Clerk Chavez, City Attorney Hensley, Finance Director Rios, Human Resources Director Zamudio, City Engineer Rodriguez, Transit Manager Alapisco, Economic Development Specialist Flores, Fire Chief Crist and Commander Nino
PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
• Mayor Solorio-Ruiz presented a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month to CAPK Food Bank.
• Mayor Solorio-Ruiz presented a proclamation for Harvest Holidays Week to Harvest Holidays Association and presented to proclamations to the following: Harvest Holidays Grand Marshals: Agriculture: Sterling & Janie Cole, Education: Sergio Fernandez, Community: Jimmy Sevier, Jr, Business: GMC Buick of Delano; Harvest Holidays Queen & King Show Court; and Harvest Holidays Tiny Tots Show Court.
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC
1. Patricia Guzman – “I live here in Delano, 1823 Blossom Avenue. I am here on behalf of our local bootcamp exercise group. For approximately 10 years, our group has exercised regularly at Cecil Park. We have about 15 to 20 members, Delano community members, who meet throughout the week to participate in bootcamp workouts. This group gives residents a safe and positive way to exercise, improve their health, reduce stress, and support one another. Because of the new construction going on at Cecil Park, the area where normally we exercise is no longer available.
We understand that construction and park improvements are important, and we appreciate the work you guys have done. However, our group is now struggling to find a safe space large enough for everyone to continue exercise together. We are respectfully asking the city of Delano to help us find a solution. We would appreciate either a temporary location during construction or a designated exercise area at Cecil Park where 15 to 20 Members can safely work out. We are not asking for an expensive building or special equipment. We mainly need a level, open, and safe area where we can use our own dumbbells and exercise equipment without interfering with other park activities. Our group has been committed to staying active and promoting healthy habits in Delano for many years. We will be grateful for the opportunity to work with the park and recreation department or another city representative to identify an appropriate space. Thank you for listening.”
2. Marcela Martinez – “Good evening, mayor, members of the city council. My name is Marcela Martinez. I'm at 1845 Terrace Drive. I'm a parent and educator, and I'm here tonight because I believe our community deserves proactive leadership. Pedestrian safety around our schools, during the construction near my child's school, families were navigating the area during drop-off and dismissal while construction affected the normal pedestrian route. School began on July 27th, but the alternative cross route wasn't put into place until September 3rd. I'm glad a safer alternative route was eventually provided, but it raises a simple question. When we know a construction project is going to affect how our children and families get to school, shouldn't the safety plan be in place before it begins? Also, electric scooter safety. I appreciate that the city and police department have already communicated with the community about helmet safety, but I'm still seeing children riding scooters without helmets, riding on grass where other children are playing, and riding on sidewalks during school drop-off while families are getting out of their vehicles. I'm not against children riding scooters. I want our kids to be active and enjoy our parks, but we need to ask whether our current rules, education enforcement and infrastructure are adequately protecting pedestrians and children sharing these spaces. Finally, I attended a Civic Park Plaza committee meeting because the city's invitation told residents that our ideas and feedback would help shape the future design. The city presented a very developed concept, including a detailed site plan and renderings. There was only one opportunity for community input, and I left wondering how the feedback provided that evening would actually influence a proposal. I want to be clear, I support investment in our parks and public spaces. My concern is whether residents are being given a meaningful opportunity to shape public projects. If we're asking people to give their time and their ideas, I believe they deserve to know what happened to that input, what feedback was received, what recommendations were accepted or rejected, and will the community have another opportunity to review the proposal before it moves forward? These three issues may seem unrelated, but to me they have something very important in common, being proactive. We shouldn't have to wait for a child to get hurt before we address a foreseeable safety concern. We shouldn't have to wait for repeated problems before asking whether our policies and enforcements are working. And we shouldn't invite residents to participate without showing them how their participation mattered. I believe Delano can do better, not by pointing fingers, but by planning ahead, communicating clearly, and creating processes that residents have a meaningful seat at the table. Thank you.”
3. Roberto Ibarra – “Yes, good evening. Roberto Ibarra from Delano resident. I have three or four. I have the elections are coming up and I see posters. I only see Mr. Nunez poster, a nice poster, and his picture is on that. That's good. His knowledge who is running and able to identify. So, I want to see if the rest of the running candidates will put their faces on the pictures, on the posters. So, it'd be nice. And I just saw the new kids of high school, nice, but I mean, we have a future for them, jobs where they can develop their things because we have no job whatsoever. So, we got to have them interested in developing their lives, their future, not on buying drugs from the drug store. So, the cigarette stores and stuff like that. We got to protect those kids. That's what I think we should do. Instead of letting stores like those, we should get jobs so they can develop their skills, their abilities in life. And another thing is on Cecil Avenue; we don't have any bike lanes. I mean, cars travel fast and it's dangerous. And a lot of kids like to ride their scooters and fast too, and they're not careful on where they travel and the cars are running fast. So it's dangerous. And me on the bike, there's people on bikes and so we have to get protection having bike lanes. And so that's my main inquiries.”
4. Maria Martinez (via interpreter) – “Good evening, my name is Maria Martinez. My Address is 1215 Lexington. I want to tell you that I'm really thankful for the lights. At first, it looked like a circus because they were all on red, but someone fixed them already. I walk around the cemetery in everyday. I feel that ee need another light in Albany and 11th it took me five minutes in order to cross to the left. There was a lot of traffic and people don't respect the pedestrians. They go back and forth and I just want to let you know that, that we need another light in there. Thank you.”
5. Anthony Cortez – “Good evening, Mayor, City Council. I know you can't answer any of my questions, but I just want to put this out there. Anthony Cortez, 282 Shell Beach Court. In April, April 6th, I believe the meeting was when the council approved approximately $210,000 for environmental work on the High Street flyover project. I spoke in support of that project. I've continued to follow that project because I believe this flyover could be very important in relieving east-west traffic congestion. So, I have three questions. First, KernCOG’s Council of Government 2026 Regional Transportation Plan currently lists the High Street Route 99 overpass at an estimate $50 million and identifies it as a next inline unconstrained project. Has the city identified a funding plan for that $50 million and how much of that funding, if any, has actually been secured? Second, has the city applied for any state or federal grants specifically for the High Street flyover? If so, what grants have been applied for, how much was requested, and have any of those funds actually been awarded? Third, in April, like I said, you approved approximately $210,000 for environmental work and Caltran's approval process. Where does that work stand today? Has QK begun or completed the environmental studies and what is the next major milestone and an estimated timeline before this project can move into engineering, design, and eventually construction? Like I said, I support this project. I think it's important for Delano's future, particularly as our community continues to grow. I would just like the council and the public to have a clear understanding of where we are, where the money is going to come from, and what has to happen next to get this fly over built. Thank you.”
CONSENT AGENDA
1) Authorization to waive the reading of any ordinance in its entirety and consenting to the reading of such ordinances by title only
2) Warrant Register in the amount of $3,433,570.46
3) Minutes of regular Council meeting of August 17, 2026 4) Adopt resolution declaring the undeveloped 0.39-acre parcel at 1721 11th Avenue (APN 423-040-17) to be “exempt surplus land” pursuant to Government Code Section 54221(f)(1)(B), and finding the same to be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Resolution No. 2026-56)
5) Adopt a Resolution approving the Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for Tract 7449, Phase 2B, with SJV Horizontal, LLC, located south of Avenida Castro, between Hiett Avenue and Albany Street, and authorizing the City Manager to sign the agreement and the City Clerk to file the Final Map with the County Recorder (Resolution No. 2026-57) (Agreement No. 2026-56)
6) Award of contract for the “Cecil Avenue and Vassar Street Traffic Signal Improvements Project” to Loop Electric Inc. in the amount of $672,780.00 and authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to sign any documents needed to complete the project (Agreement No. 2026-57)
7) Acceptance of the 10th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project and authorizing the filing of the Notice of Completion
8) Acceptance of the Public Improvements for Tract No. 7404, Phase I, located adjacent to and south of Matthews Avenue, between Melcher Road and Timmons Avenue Motion was made by: Nunez to approved items 1-8 on consent items; 2nd by: Morris
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Solorio-Ruiz/Nunez/ Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Alindajao/Osorio
Abstentions: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9) Adopt a Resolution approving the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) FiveYear Plan, authorizing submission of an application for PLHA funding, and authorizing execution of related documents (Resolution No. 2026-58) Mayor Solorio-Ruiz declared the public hearing open.
Economic Development Specialist Flores provided the staff report.
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz opened public comment.
No public comments.
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz closed public comment.
Motion for approval was made by: Nunez;
2nd by: Morris
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Solorio-Ruiz/Nunez/ Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Alindajao/Osorio
Abstentions: None
10) Public hearing to obtain public comments for the proposed transit projects for Section 5311 for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz declared the public hearing open.
Transit Manager Alapisco provided the staff report.
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz opened public comment.
Anthony Cortez – “Anthony Cortez, 282 Shell Beach Court. I believe you answered part of my question. 2013, you said that bus is old? How old the bus is?
Transit Manager Alapisco – “Yes.”
Anthony Cortez – “Yeah, so that was my first question. What year and mileage is that vehicle that this $373,000 cutaway is replacing and what condition is that vehicle currently in? Is it being replaced because it has reached its federal recommended useful lifetime or because maintenance and reliability issues? It's probably both of those. Second, once the vehicle is replaced, what happens to the old bus? Will it be sold, auctioned, retained as a backup vehicle or disposed of? And if it's sold, where does that money go? So just a couple of questions. Thank you.”
Transit Manager Alapisco – “Yes, the vehicle is a 2013 F-550 Global vehicle and it has passed its useful life of more than 200,000 miles, and I believe it has 243,000 approximately. Any funds that are… We do a disposal and then we surplus the vehicle, we put it on auction, and any money goes back into the transit fund towards a fair box recovery or to add any items that may need to go into the bus such as cameras, graphics, or anything. I think the vehicle is. I think that was all the questions, correct? Anthony Cortez – “So $330,000 is federal funds and 42,000 approximately is LTF funds, which is Local Transit Funds. Am I correct? I believe I'm correct. If I'm not, correct me. Looking beyond this one bus, how many other DART buses or vehicles are expected to need to be replaced over the next three to five years, and does the city have a replacement schedule and funding plan for those vehicles? Transit Manager Alapisco – “Yes, we actually do have a replace schedule. We have a TAM plan, a Transit Asset Management Plan, which tells us a lot of our replacement vehicles and how long some of our smaller vehicles are actually being replaced currently. We did bring it to council. They did approve three dollar rides and an expansion vehicle for our Saturday routes. We are in last 25, 26, because it's funding for 26, 27, we are actually replacing two of our vehicles and ones that are bigger ones. So we always do have a plan in place because we are required, which is our Transit Asset Management Plan.
And then usually most of our vehicles, our smaller vehicles are a hundred thousand or four years, and our bigger vehicles are 200,000 or seven years because the more we keep them out there, the longer it's going to cost more to repair and it's going to take more money out of our pocket to replace. It costs money to fix them, and we usually have them replace them.” City Manager Reyna – “And Honorable Council, the Federal Transit Asset Plan is not only required by the federal government, but it also needs to be approved by the federal government.” Transit Manager Alapisco – “And by council. It is on the KernCOG Council of Government's website, and we have a federal review every three years, so they actually review it to see that we have everything in place.”
Roberto Ibarra – “Just an inquiry question. Is this transit buses that you have, are they being used to transfer from Bakersfield to Delano, back and forth? They're not. Because I was on the set, I mean ” Mayor Solorio-Ruiz – “Delano.”
Roberto Ibarra – “Only in Delano. Okay, because I'm in for having the commuter train to Bakersfield and Delano, so that's my aim.”
City Manager Reyna – “Honorable Mayor and Council, since COVID, transit has been free to all residents. And so, since that time, we have actually seen quite a bit of increase in our ridership. So those are all local miles. Those are just stop and go miles throughout the city. So yeah, they get a lot of use now.”
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz closed public comment.
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz – “All I got to say is absolutely right. Public transit is so important, and I think we should all absolutely support it and uplift it. I think I was talking to you previously about how you mentioned the bus drivers know those who ride, well, in this case, the vans, the buses, whatever it may be, and I think that's important that they know these people, this community, and so I appreciate the work that you do in your department.”
Council Member Morris – “Mayor, let me just add too. I'm thinking you probably get more ridership now because the gas prices are probably cheaper to ride the bus than it is to drive your car around town.” Transit Manager Alapisco – “We do get a lot of students. We do have a bus stop at every school, high school, elementary, middle school, so it makes it easier for the parents to know that we're driving a safe.
We want to get them to their destination safely, and that's our number one goal, is to get to our next stop safely.
Motion for approval was made by: Nunez;
2nd by: Morris
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Solorio-Ruiz/Nunez/Alindajao/Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Osorio
Abstentions: None
REGULAR AGENDA
11) Discussion and appointment of primary representative and/or alternate representative to represent the City of Delano at the Kern Council of Governments (KernCOG) City Manager Reyna provided the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Nunez – “I'll take it.”
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz opened public comment.
No public comments.
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz closed public comment.
Mayor Solorio-Ruiz – “Vice Mayor. You said you'll take it.
Mayor Pro Tem Nunez – “I'll take it.”
Motion appoint Mario Nunez as primary appointment to KernCOG was made by: Morris; 2nd by: Solorio-Ruiz
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Solorio-Ruiz/Nunez/ Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Alindajao/Osorio
Abstentions: None
City Manager Reyna – “It's not up, but is it the council's desire then to retain the alternate?” Mayor Solorio-Ruiz – “Well, if it's Councilmember Alindajao, keep…” Mayor Pro Tem Nunez – “I'd say we just leave it how we have it.” Mayor Solorio-Ruiz – “Yeah, leave it out. Unless something changes.”
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
No items.
COUNCIL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Bryan Osorio – Absent.
Council Member Alindajao – Absent.
Council Member Morris – “I really don't have anything other than Harvest is coming up, and I think we went through all the details of what Harvest events are taking place. So, we would invite all of you to participate in Harvest because it's been an 81-year tradition in our community. And so come out and support all the young people, all the people that are going to be in the band, at the parade, and the grand marshals that are coming up. And so, a lot of festivities that are happening this month, and not only that, next month for the festivities. So, keep in mind, October is filled with all kinds of activities all month long.
So, keep that in mind because these are events that happen because these organizations in our community care about what happens in this town. If it wasn't for them, none of these things would happen in our community that we can all enjoy these festivities in our town to come together, to reunite ourselves together, to be a community where we can socialize and have fun. And so you come out and support all those things that will come up. I'm sure next month you'll receive a barrage of things that are happening in October because a lot has happened. And so with that, I'll leave that.” Mayor Pro-Tem Nunez – “I just wanted to hear recently, our state just finished up the budget. Our federal government's still working on a budget, and without some specifics, I want to be thankful to Dr.
Baines. Dr. Baines came through again for the City Delano and was able to fund several of our projects.
Senator Melissa Hurtado also came through with multiple projects for Delano and around our Delano area that'll affect Delano. And again, David, our Congressman David Valadao, again, he's already gotten us 14 million and he's pushing for another 6.7 million, so it's looking really, really good, and that money goes to our water. So again, I'd like to thank them for not forgetting about Delano, fighting for Delano, and they're making a big effort, and they pushed really hard here within the past… I think I can say since the time I've been on council, they've been working hard and here recently, the past year, they've come on really, really strong, so appreciate them, everything they do for us, and that's all I have.” Mayor Solorio-Ruiz – “Thank you. Thank you both. And I echo similar sentiments for both in regards to our events that are coming up of harvest, and also, of course, the funds that we receive. Grateful for those legislators. I also, of course, want to recognize, I know it is going to be Jenny's Cafe's 50th anniversary as they were here. They were just here and they ran out, but I wanted to honor them and just thank them for their work in community, and please go support them. I believe they're going to have some type of event this upcoming Saturday. I also have. Let me see. I also have something for staff. I'd like to request that staff bring back a future agendized item regarding commercial properties along our Main Street corridor that have active or longstanding property maintenance, any nuisance, building, or other code related issues. I'd like that report to identify the properties involved, the general nature of those violations, how long those issues have been outstanding, the current compliance or enforcement status, and what steps the city has already taken to work with the property owners. I'd also like the review to include some of our larger vacant properties, including the former theaters. We know that we are consistently being asked about this, and we should provide a space for both the council, staff, and community members to vocalize any concerns and solutions. I want us to understand what the current situation is, what tools staff is already using, and what is pretty much at our disposal. I'd like the report to also include options for what the council could consider in the future to strengthen compliance or enforcement, looking at cities like the city of Visalia, Bakersfield, Fresno, who, based on research that I have done, have some strict guidelines on keeping downtown businesses clean and safe and upkeep.
Ultimately, I want us to be proactive about protecting and revitalizing Main Street while making sure we have a clear understanding of the problem before deciding any additional necessary steps that we need to do. And so, of course, on time of staff, it's not urgent, but whenever staff is ready. Other than that, that's all I have on my end.”
Motion to go into closed session at 6:16PM by: Morris
2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Solorio-Ruiz/Nunez/ Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Alindajao/Osorio
Abstentions: None
The City Clerk was excused. City Manager was appointed as Acting City Clerk. City Manager Reyna, City Engineer Rodriguez and City Attorney Hensley were present.
CLOSED SESSION
12) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNCIL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: 1 case
Direction given. No reportable action.
Motion to go into open session at 6:24PM by: Solorio-Ruiz 2nd by: Morris
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Solorio-Ruiz/Nunez/ Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Alindajao/Osorio
Abstentions: None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Solorio-Ruiz seconded by Morris and unanimously carried 3-0 to adjourn the meeting at 6:25pm.
_____________________________________________
Ricardo G. Chavez, City Clerk