July 14, 2026
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Linda Launer COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Kuldip Thusu
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Avila, Chastain, Iriarte, Hurtado, James, Lew, Montejano, Patlan, Solis
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1. Welcome and Call to Order
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
1.2. Invocation
The Invocation was led by Chaplain Garcia.
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Nerio-Guerrero.
2. 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).
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero requested that Public Hearing item 6.2 be presented before item
6.1. 3. 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.
Javier Garcia approached the podium regarding ongoing sidewalk improvement projects.
4. 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.
4.1. SUBJECT
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes (MA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the City Council meeting of June 23, 2026, as presented.
4.2. SUBJECT
Approval of Lease Agreement with OPAL Fuels Station Services LLC for the City's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Facility and Authorization to Surplus CNG Equipment (GA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council by one motion:
1. Approve a Lease Agreement between the City of Dinuba and OPAL Fuels Station Services LLC, and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the subject Lease Agreement and any related documents, and
3. Authorize the surplus of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling equipment that has become obsolete and past its useful life.
4.3. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-43 Approving Findley Parcel Map (JW)
RECOMMENDATION
Council, by one motion and one vote, take the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-43 approving the Findley Parcel Map creating four (4) parcels and one remainder parcel for the Findley Subdivision; and,
2. Authorize the City Engineer and City staff to record the Parcel Map with the Tulare County Recorder.
4.4. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-45 Authorization to sell property for Residential Development and Public Right of Way Dedication (JW)
RECOMMENDATION
Council, by one motion and one vote:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-45 authorizing the sale of seven (7) Cityowned subdivision lots to Joe Crown Homes.
2. Accept the dedication of the public right-of-way created through the approved Lot Line Adjustment.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to complete the property transfer and record all associated documents.
4.5. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2026-44 Approving the Acquisition of Property in Fee for the El Monte/Road 56 Roundabout (JW)
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-44 by one motion approving:
1. Right of Way Agreement with Joseph G. Warkentin, Trustee of the Dennis and Elizabeth Warkentin Living Trust.
2. Right of Way Agreement with Airport Ranch Co., L.P., et al.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreements.
4. Accept the Grant Deed for public street purposes
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Prado, seconded by Council Member Launer, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Linda Launer
Absent: Kuldip Thusu
5. WARRANT REGISTER
5.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register June 26, 2026, July 2, & 10, 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 Launer, to approve the Warrant Register as presented.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Linda Launer
Absent: Kuldip Thusu
6. PUBLIC HEARING
6.1. SUBJECT
Public Hearing to Accept and Approve Closeout Report on the 2021 Sewer Lateral Program (21-CDBG-PI-00011) and Senior Meal Program (22-CDBG-NH-0003) Grants (GA)
RECOMMENDATION
Council conduct the required public hearing to receive public comments regarding the closeout of the City's 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Sewer Lateral Program (21-CDBG-PI-00011) and 2022 Senior Meal Program (22-CDBG-NH-00003). Following the public hearing, authorize staff to submit the required grant closeout documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Item 6.1 was presented after Item 6.2.
Public Works Director Avila presented the Closeout Report on the 2021 Sewer Lateral Program (21-CDBG-PI-00011) and Senior Meal Program (22-CDBG-NH-0003) Grants.
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero opened the Public Hearing.
Javier Garcia approached the podium to express support for the Senior Meal Program.
Garcia supports the Sewer Lateral Program and requested that the income requirements be removed to encourage participation.
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero closed the Public Hearing.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Prado, seconded by Council Member Launer, to close out the City's 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Sewer Lateral Program (21-CDBG-PI-00011) and 2022 Senior Meal Program (22-CDBG-NH-00003), and authorize staff to submit the required grant closeout documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Linda Launer
Absent: Kuldip Thusu
6.2. SUBJECT
Public hearing to consider an appeal of Planning Commission’s approval of an application for a Conditional Use Permit for the construction and operation of a gas station at the existing Walmart store, located on the east side of Monte Vista Drive, south of El Monte Way.
RECOMMENDATION
Council to conduct the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2026-47, denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit Application No. 2026-03, including the determination that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects).
Item 6.2 was presented before item 6.1.
City Planner Bonique Emmerson asked the Council to deny the appeal and affirm the Planning Commission's approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the construction and operation of a gas station at the current Walmart Store. Emerson reported that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects).
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero opened the Public Hearing.
A local businessperson approached the podium with concern about the project and the negative impact it will have on small businesses.
A businessperson approached the podium regarding the negative impact the Walmart Gas station will have on his business. The businessperson asked the Council to consider small businesses.
Francisco Franco, Engineering Consultant for the Walmart Legal team, approached the podium to give a statement from Walmart. Franco requested that the Council uphold the approval by the Planning Commission.
Mayor Nerio-Guerrero closed the Public Hearing.
The Council expressed words of support for the community's small businesses.
A motion was made by Council Member Reynosa, seconded by Council Member Launer, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-47, denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit Application No. 2026-03.
Ayes: Rachel Nerio-Guerrero, Maribel Reynosa, Benjamin Prado, Linda Launer
Absent: Kuldip Thusu
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
7.1. SUBJECT
2025-26 Year-End Review (LP)
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive the annual Year-End Review.
City Manager Patlan presented the annual Year-End Review along with a video highlighting the year's successes. Patlan thanked city staff and the Council for their support and gave an update on ongoing projects.
City Council Member Reynosa asked for the consideration of sidewalks in the area of Jefferson School.
The Council shared words of support and thanked city staff.
8. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
The Council shared the meetings and community events they attended.
9. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICAT IONS
City Manager Patlan shared that he received positive feedback on the Fourth of July Celebration. Patlan shared that the event was the most attended so far. Patlan thanked staff for working closely with Ridge Creek staff for a successful event.
10. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant City Manager James advised that he will be out of the office from Thursday to Wednesday. James will be sharing pictures of events that took place in July.
Administrative Services Director Solis reported that the Fiscal Year 25/26 audit has been completed. The Council can expect to receive a DocuSign email from the auditors for their signatures soon.
Fire Chief Chastain provided an update on the Fourth of July illegal fireworks patrol, including that 27 citations were issued and 84 pounds of illegal fireworks were collected.
Police Chief Iriarte shared a staffing update.
Parks and Community Services Director Hurtado thanked the Council for their positive feedback regarding the Fourth of July Celebration and the Senior Center.
Public Works Director Avila gave an update on ongoing projects.
City Clerk/Human Resources Director Alaniz updated the Council on the status of their insurance cards.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
[MIN_SIGNATURES]