MEETING MINUTES
The City Council/Successor Agency of the City of Firebaugh Vol. No. 26-03-16
Location of Meeting: Andrew Firebaugh Community Center
1655 13th Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622
Date/Time: March 16, 2026/5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order by Mayor Valdez at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL Mayor Freddy Valdez
Mayor Pro Temp Silvia Renteria
Council Member Brady Jenkins
Council Member Felipe Perez
Planning Commissioner Denis Vasquez
Dillion Knight
ABSENT Council Member Elsa Lopez, Planning Commissioners Molina, Garcia, Ozburn, and Sanchez OTHERS: City Attorney Megan Crouch; City Manager, Ben Gallegos; Deputy City Clerk, Rita Lozano; Finance Director, Pio Martin; Magda Martinez, Interim Police Chief; Battalion Chief, Hector Marin; City Engineer, Mario Gouviea; Jarrett Martin, Chris Gutierrez, & others.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Valdez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion to approve the agenda by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
PRESENTATION
• Billie Hansen, Recycling Programs Manager of Mid Valley Disposal, provided an annual update and presented the Recycler of the Year award to the recipient, Dollar General. • Tony Boren provided a presentation on The 2026 Fix Our Roads Citizens’ Initiative.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Twilia Gonzalez spoke on behalf of a nonprofit organization seeking to develop tiny homes for individuals experiencing homelessness. She stated that the organization is currently working with the City and is in the process of securing land for the project.
Stephanie Gonzales reported that the Women Helping Women organization will host its 3rd Annual Fishing Derby at Knight Ponds on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. She noted that the local Fire Department will provide food for children, and the event will include raffles and prizes.
Ms. Gonzales also requested that the City Council strengthen communication and public awareness regarding Chapter
16.5 (Nuisance Abatement). She recommended providing clear notices, establishing a fee schedule, creating a compliance checklist, reporting on the use of collected fees, and conducting outreach to ensure strong communication about the ordinance.
Livingston Council Member Japjeet Singh Uppal introduced himself and announced he is running for the California State Assembly, District 27, in the 2026 Primary Election for the Democratic Party. Some of Mr. Uppal's Policy Platforms are Healthcare for all, Attacking Monopolies/Corporate Power. Protecting Privacy from government agencies like ICE that have partnered with Bif Teck and weaponized the use of personal data to prey on people, Home Reform (Ban institutional investors and private equity firms from buying up housing and inflating cost), and cracking down on waste and fraud by cleaning up the misspending of taxpayers' funding.
City Council Minutes
March 16, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting Minutes from March 2, 2026.
2. WARRANT REGISTER – Period starting February 1, 2026, and ending February 31, 2026.
February 2026 General Warrants #49000 - #49143 $ 1,607,896.64 Payroll Warrants #72757 - #72785 $ 268,460.88
Total Warrants $1,876,357.52
3. RESOLUTION NO. 26-06 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH
DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 IN THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH WORKSHOP PRESENTATION FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA PRO-HOUSING DESIGNATION PROGRAM.
Public Hearing open at 6:22 p.m.- No comment was given. – Hearing closed at 6:23 p.m.
Informational only.
NEW BUSINESS
5. RESOLUTION NO. 26-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH IN SUPPORT OF THE BETTER ROADS, SAFE STREETS TRANSPORTATION MEASURE.
Motion to approve Res. No. 26-07 by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
STAFF REPORTS
Interim Police Chief, Magda Martinez – Reported on training info and their requirements, update on a DUI enforcement of 300 vehicles, 19 of them held for a second screening due to driver's license violations, and kids' restraint issues. Two patrol officers attended St. Joseph’s Kermes event, and two other officers will be assisting on the 19th with another event. Our department worked with the Dos Palos Police Department to retrieve evidence on a case. Battalion Chief, Hector Marin – One of the cadets passed on the first try, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (Paramedic level) test, which is one of the most difficult tests to pass. I started weed abatement, working with some residents on extensions, but it’s beneficial to start early to avoid fires. City Engineer, Mario Gouveia – Test Well 18 is done, the last test was taken today, should be receiving the results soon. Q St & 15th St concrete is complete, will be doing the final walk-through. The TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) grant was submitted, the city submitted two applications, and they received only four applications.
Working with Make Sigala on a grant with the possible funding of $6 to $8 million for access and transportation. Deputy City Clerk, Rita Lozano – Nothing to report.
Finance Director, Pio Martin – Nothing to report.
City Manager Ben Gallegos – Some grinding work was paid for by the insurance. City Attorney, Amanda Crouch – Nothing to report.
Council Member, Perez – Nothing to report.
City Council Minutes
March 16, 2026
Council Member, Jenkins – Nothing to report.
Council Member, Renteria – inquired about an update on the survey for the Fire Department tax. City Manager reported that a company will be hired for the outreach and direct what the next steps will be with this process, which will be promoted by volunteers. Stated items for the upcoming budget: Air pollution grant for two new vehicles, a salary rate study for employees, and a new position of Human Resources Personnel. Requested that a flyer be created and distributed to support community outreach efforts regarding weed abatement. Council Member Valdez – Nothing to report.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AGENDA ITEMS
• How the city will allocate the funds received from the property owners.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY
Motion to enter closed session at 6:54 pm by Council Member Jenkins and seconded by Council Member Perez.
Motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
CLOSED SESSION
6. Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: City Engineer.
7. Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: City Finance Director.
Motion to enter open session at 9:43 pm by Council Member Jenkins and seconded by Council Member Perez.
Motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER CLOSED SESSION
Nothing to report
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 9:44 pm by Council Member Jenkins and seconded by Council Member Perez. Motion passed by a 4-0 vote.