January 13, 2026
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Kuldip Thusu COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Linda Launer
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Avila, Chastain, Hurtado, Iriarte, James, Lew, Montejano, Patlan, Solis, Watts
1. CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 P.M.
1.1. Conference with Labor Negotiators (MA)
Pursuant to GC Subdivision 54957.6: Agency designated representatives:
Maria Alaniz, Karina Solis, Daniel James, Luis Patlan
Employee Organization: Police Officers' Association
No reportable action.
2. OPENING CEREMONIES - 6:30 P.M.
2.1. Welcome and Call to Order
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2.2. Invocation
The Invocation was led by Chaplain Garcia.
2.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Thusu.
3. AGENDA CHANGES OR DELETIONS
To better accommodate members of the public or convenience in the order of presentation, items on the agenda may not be presented or acted upon in the order listed. Additions to Agenda may be added only pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.2(b).
None.
4. REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
This portion of the meeting is reserved for any person who would like to address the Council on any item that is not on the agenda. Please be advised that State law does not allow the City Council to discuss or take any action on any issue not on the agenda. The City Council may direct staff to follow up on such item(s).
Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. If there is any person wishing to address the City Council at this time please approach the podium and state your name and nature of the request.
Roxanne Serna, Interim District Director for Senator Hurtado, approached the podium to update the council on the Senator's committees and shared that she is available in Senator Hurtado's Tulare office for any assistance. Serna shared that Senator Hurtado would be attending the City of Farmerville Fire Engine Ceremony.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, a member of the audience or a Council Member may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and it will be considered separately.
5.1. SUBJECT
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes (MA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the City Council meeting of December 9, 2025, as presented.
5.2. SUBJECT
Request for Excused Absence Council Member Kuldip Thusu (MA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to excuse the absence of Council Member Kuldip Thusu from the City Council meeting of December 9, 2025.
5.3. SUBJECT
Authorization to execute an agreement between the City of Dinuba and Dr. Thomas J. O' Laughlin, M.D. to serve as the Medical/Lab Director for the Dinuba Fire Department (GC)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Dinuba and Dr. Thomas J. O' Laughlin, M.D. to serve as the Medical/Lab Director for the Dinuba Fire Department
5.4. SUBJECT
Third Amendment to Health Management Associates Services Agreement and Cooperative Agreement (GC)
RECOMMENDATION
Council approve the third amendment to the agreement between the cities of Dinuba, Kingsburg, Coalinga, Sanger, Selma and Health Management Associates regarding consulting services for the Voluntary Rate Range Program and the Public Provider Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Intergovernmental Transfer programs; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
5.5. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-01 Amending and Adopting the Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual (KS)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to adopt the amended Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual to help comply with the post-consumer recycled content paper product requirements required by SB 1383.
5.6. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-04 Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Salary Schedule to Reflect Minimum Wage Adjustments (MA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-04 amending the FY 2025-26 Salary Schedule to reflect an increase in the minimum wage as required by law.
5.7. SUBJECT
Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for the Rose View Estates Subdivision (JW)
RECOMMENDATION
Council, by one motion and one vote, take the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-03 approving the Final Map for the Rose View Phase 1 Subdivision consisting of 27 residential lots, Phase 2 consisting of 44 residential lots, and authorizing City staff to record said map; and,
2. Approve the Subdivision Development Agreement for Rose View Estates Phase 1 & 2 and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
5.8. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-05 approving minor amendments and adoption of the 2023-2031 Dinuba Housing Element (KSch)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to adopt Resolution No. 2026-05 approving a minor technical amendment to the resolution adopting the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
5.9. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-06 Industrial Disability Retirement of Timothy Miller (MA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06 allowing Timothy Miller to be placed on industrial disability retirement.
5.10. SUBJECT
Appointment to Planning Commission (MA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council appoint Scott Harness (District 3) to the Planning Commission.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Prado, seconded by Council Member Reynosa, to approve items 5.1-5.9 under the Consent Calendar.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Kuldip Thusu
Absent: Linda Launer
Council Member Reynosa requested to pull Item 5.10 from the Consent Calendar to discuss the Planning Commission appointment of Scott Harness. Reynosa asked the City Attorney Lew if there would be a conflict of interest if the city had any active business with Scott Harness. City Attorney Lew advised that if appointed, Harness would be required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Vice Mayor Prado asked City Attorney Lew if there would be a conflict if he worked with Harness in any capacity. Lew advised Prado to excuse himself from any discussion related to Harness.
After the discussion, Scott Harness approached the podium and pulled his Planning Commission application. No action was taken on this item.
6. WARRANT REGISTER
6.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register December 12, 19, 2025, and January 2, 9, 2026 (KS)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the Warrant Register as presented.
A motion was made by Council Member Reynosa, seconded by Council Member Thusu, to approve the Warrant Registers.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Kuldip Thusu
Absent: Linda Launer
7. PUBLIC HEARING
7.1. SUBJECT
Public Hearing Accepting Close-out of 2021 CDBG Homebuyer Assistance (21-CDBG-HA-00007) and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (21- CDBG-HA-00006) (GA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to conduct a public hearing and accept the following close-out reports by one motion:
1. Community Development Block Grant Homebuyer Assistance (21- CDBG-HA-00007), and;
2. Community Development Block Grant Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (21-CDBG-HA-00006).
Public Works Director Avila presented the closeout report of the CDBG Homebuyers Assistance Grant.
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero opened the public hearing
Wyatt Thomason approached the podium to ask about unused funds, clarification of the program's income requirements, and if there was assistance for any multifamily homes.
Avila shared that funds are reimbursed to the city; any unused funds are never claimed, and the city contracts with Self-Help Enterprises for income guideline requirements.
Avila reported that no funds were used for multifamily partnerships, but they have in previous funding.
Thomason asked about program guidelines. Avila shared that HUDD guidelines were established by the federal government.
Mayor Nerio Guerrero closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, seconded by Vice Mayor Prado, to approve the Community Development Block Grant Homebuyer Assistance (21-CDBGHA-00007) and the Community Development Block Grant Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (21-CDBG-HA-00006).
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Kuldip Thusu
Absent: Linda Launer
7.2. SUBJECT
Public hearing for General Plan Amendment and Zone Change for 1023 N. Euclid (Findley) (KSch)
RECOMMENDATION
Council conduct a hearing to receive testimony concerning Application No. 2025-05, close the hearing and take the following action by one motion:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-02 amending the General Plan Land Use Map for the parcel at 1023 N. Euclid Avenue from "Medium-Low Density Residential" to "Medium Density Residential"
2. Introduce and conduct the first reading, waive reading in full, of the Ordinance No. 2026-01 amending the City of Dinuba Zoning Map from "RA" (Residential Acreage) to "R-1-6" (Single Family Residential (6,000 square foot minimum lot size).
City Planner Schoettler reported on an application to amend the General Plan Use Map and rezone 1023 N Euclid into four (4) parcels of single-family residential sites.
Schoettler shared that the item was approved by the Planning Commission at the last meeting, contingent on the Council's approval.
Council Member Thusu asked about safety in the future rezoning of similar lots.
Schoettler reported that all rezoning is reviewed by Police and Fire for safety.
Council Member Reynosa inquired about previous approved rezones.
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero opened the public hearing.
No comments were received.
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, seconded by Vice Mayor Prado, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-02 amending the General Plan Land Use Map for the parcel at 1023 N. Euclid Avenue from "Medium-Low Density Residential" to "Medium Density Residential", and introduce and conduct the first reading, waive reading in full, of the Ordinance No. 2026-01 amending the City of Dinuba Zoning Mao from "RA" (Residential Acreage) to "R-1-6" (Single Family Residential (6,000 square foot minimum lot size.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Kuldip Thusu
Absent: Linda Launer
8. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
8.1. SUBJECT
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 (KS)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive and accept the City of Dinuba's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ACFR for the year ended June 30, 2025.
Administrative Services Director Solis introduced Ahmed Badawi, President of Badawi and Associates, who presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ACFR for the year ending June 30, 2025, via Zoom.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, seconded by Council Member Reynosa, to accept the City of Dinuba's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ACFR for the year ended June 30, 2025.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Kuldip Thusu
Absent: Linda Launer
8.2. SUBJECT
City of Dinuba & DYBA/Cal Ripken Baseball Collaboration (SH)
RECOMMENDATION
Parks and Community Services Director Hurtado reported that the City of Dinuba and DYBA/Cal Ripken Baseball are collaborating on an expanded baseball program.
Hurtado shared that the collaboration would enhance the City's recreation baseball and softball programs. In addition to the City's regular baseball and softball programs, DYBA/Cal Ripken will operate an All-Star travel league once the recreation season ends. Hurtado shared that an estimated 188 participants are expected, and a new Tiny Tots program will be offered. Registration will open online on January 19th and inperson on January 20th.
Michael Jimenez with DYBA approached the podium to thank the Council for their support.
9. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
The Council shared about the community events they attended.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICAT IONS
City Manager Patlan shared his excitement about the upcoming year's major capital projects and roadway projects. That includes the Entertainment Plaza and State Parks Grant for Delgado Park, and a Community Resilience Grant for the Sportsplex. Patlan assured that staff would work hard to obtain the next round of Community Block Grants.
11. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant City Manager James thanked staff for their work on the audit.
City Attorney Lew reported working with city staff on ongoing items and will continue to monitor new laws for implementation and exemptions.
Administrative Services Director Solis shared that she will present the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) to the Successor Agency and that she will be in Sacramento next Thursday for the Revenue Taxation Committee.
Fire Chief Chastain provided an update on his department's staffing and on the Firehouse remodel project.
Police Chief Iriarte shared an update on staffing in his department, including a new motor officer.
Parks and Community Services Director Hurtado shared that staff are looking forward to new grant opportunities and provided a staffing update.
Engineer Watts gave an update on ongoing projects.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
[MIN_SIGNATURES]