MEETING MINUTES
The City Council/Successor Agency of the City of Firebaugh Vol. No. 26-05-04
Location of Meeting: Andrew Firebaugh Community Center
1655 13th Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622
Date/Time: May 4, 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
Council Member Elsa Lopez
ABSENT
OTHERS: City Attorney, Chritina Smith; City Manager, Ben Gallegos; Deputy City Clerk, Rita Lozano; Finance Director, Pio Martin; Public Works Director Michael Molina; Battalion Chief, Hector Marin; Jeniffer Fraser, & 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 5-0 vote.
PRESENTATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Fraser expressed concerns regarding three residential structures adjacent to his property, which he stated are hazardous and unsafe for occupancy. He noted that one structure has been condemned; however, tenants are still residing in another structure. Mr. Fraser also reported incidents of crime that have taken place at the location, stolen property, and drug sale activities. Mr. Fraser requested assistance from the City in addressing these issues and making the property owner accountable for his activities. Mr. Fraser stated he and his wife have helped the community with fundraising events for the football team, and they have been activists for this farming community Israel stated that he previously performed HVAC work for the Frasers, who later asked him to visit 9722 N. Dos Palos to provide a quote for potential repairs at the property. During his visit, he observed black mold in the home and stated that the residence was occupied by tenants at the time.
Raquel Tabares, 429 Rabe Street, stated she wanted to address the process for hiring the Police Chief and expressed her appreciation for each Council member, acknowledging that their responsibilities are not easy and do not go unnoticed.
Ms. Tabares stated she was disappointed with the interview process, noting that only three Council members were present. She commented that, because the Municipal Code was amended to place the hiring authority of the Police Chief with the Council, it is the Council’s responsibility to be fully present and engaged in the decision-making process. Ms.
Tabares stated that limited participation by some members raises concerns regarding fairness and transparency.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting Minutes from April 20, 2026.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Special Meeting Minutes from April 27, 2026.
City Council Minutes
May 4, 2026
3. RESOLUTION NO. 26-21 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBUAGH
CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN
OFFICERS OF SAID CITY AND REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF
FRESNO TO CONSOLIDATE AND CANVASS THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026 WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10400 ET SEQ.; TO PERMIT THE
COUNTY CLERK/REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OF THE COUNTY OF FRESNO TO RENDER SPECIFIED
SERVICES TO THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10002; AND AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS TO PAY FOR SAID SERVICES.
4. CITY OF FIREBAUGH PROCLAMATION – 57TH ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK – MAY 3 – 9, 2026
5. ORD. NO. 26-01 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH AMENDING CHAPTER 8 OF THE FIREBAUGH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE BUILDING AND HOUSING CODES – SECOND READING.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 26-24 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH
OF INTENT TO LEVY AND COLLECT THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING - (Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972).
Motion to approve Consent Calendar by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
7. ORDINANCE NO. 26-02 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH APPROVING PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. PDP2025-01 TO ESTABLISH SITE-SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 199 N STREET (APNs 007-050-15 AND 007-050-16) – FIRST READING.
Hearing opened at 5:49 pm – no comment was given – Close Hearing at 5:49 pm.
Motion to waive the first reading by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 26-20 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH APPROVING VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 6535 FOR A 13-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION AND STORMWATER BASIN LOCATED AT 199 N STREET (APNs 007- 050-15 AND 007-050-16).
Motion to approve Res. No. 26-20 by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 4-1 vote. Lopez – Abstain.
NEW BUSINESS
9. RESOLUTION NO. 26-22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING EXTENSION OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH AND ELEMENT 7 FIREBAUGH LLC.
Motion to approve Res. No. 26-22 by Council Member Lopez, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 4-1 vote. Jenkins – no.
City Council Minutes
May 4, 2026
10. RESOLUTION NO. 26-23 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH ADOPTING THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH INVESTMENT POLICY.
Motion to approve Res. No. 26-23 by Council Member Jenkins, seconded by Council Member Perez, motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
11. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW PRELIMINARY SALARY AND BENEFITS BUDGET REPORT.
Informational item only. Council Members requested consideration of additional staffing positions, including a parttime Parks and Recreation employee, a full-time Human Resources employee, a City Manager Assistant, and additional Police Officers.
12. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW PUBLIC NUISANCE VACANT LOT FEE OPTIONS.
City Council suggested that individuals who own more than one lot should have the fees reflect $75 for the first lot and $50 for each additional lot. Council also discussed allocating the revenue collected, with approximately 25% designated for educational efforts, including promoting cleanup days and issuing warnings for corrective action, and the remaining 75% reserved for grant opportunities to encourage development on vacant lots and assist with permit fees. Mayor Pro Tem Renteria suggested setting aside a portion of the funds to assist seniors with repairs or maintenance of their lots.
The City Attorney recommended that the City create an application process for individuals seeking grant assistance.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW THE INFORMATION REPORT REGARDING CONSOLIDATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES.
Informational Item only.
STAFF REPORTS
Interim Police Chief, Magda Martinez – Reported that the department served two warrants at the Housing Authority area as part of an investigation.
Battalion Chief, Hector Marin – reported that the Department was invited to and participated in the Autism Walk; it was a great event.
City Manager Ben Gallegos – reported the AHSC downtown application was submitted today. Also, he attended the City Manager’s luncheon in Merced.
Deputy City Clerk, Rita Lozano – Nothing to report.
City Attorney, Christina D. Smith – Nothing to report. Finance Director, Pio Martin – reported that the audit will be presented on May 18th or June 1st, as the City Manager, Council Member Renteria, and Perez will be attending the ICSC and won’t be attending the May 18th meeting. Council Member, Elsa Lopez – Asked the Interim Police Chief to contact Fresno County or the State regarding an inspection related to the concerns raised during public comment at 9720 N Dos Palos and asked the Interim Police Chief for an update on the K-9 program.
Council Member Perez – Asked the Finance Director to place a bigger sign at the entrance of the community center.
Reported that a senior citizen had fallen because the sidewalk was uneven, and asked staff to check into it. Council Member, Jenkins – Nothing to report
Council Member, Renteria – apologized to the Interim Police Chief on how she found out about the select Police Chief candidate. We don’t have a process for us on how to let people know about their jobs, which is unfortunate for us. Will work with the staff and council to create a process, when hiring and firing from the council.
City Council Minutes
May 4, 2026
Council Member Valdez – thanked Chief Martinez for cooking the hot dogs and Hector with the Fire Department for attending the Autism walk. It’s really good for the community to see the public agencies come together for community events and participate with the community. Happy to report and thank Mario and Ben for going after the connectivity revitalization study, which was about $29,000, as well as the Del Rio Bus Stop and Sidewalk funding for approximately $120,000. Also want to report $1.14733 million from Reap 2.0 to assist with the downtown revitalization project. I agree with Mayor Pro Temp on creating a hiring and firing process for the council.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AGENDA ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY – No comment given Motion to enter closed session at 6:49 pm by Council Member Jenkins and seconded by Council Member Perez.
Motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
CLOSED SESSION
13. Government Code Section 54956.9
POTENTIAL LITIGATION – ONE (1) CASE
14. Government Code Section 54957.6
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS/EVALUATION: FINANCE DIRECTOR Motion to enter open session at 7:39 pm by Council Member Jenkins and seconded by Council Member Perez.
Motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER CLOSED SESSION
Nothing to report
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 7:39 pm by Council Member Jenkins and seconded by Council Member Perez. Motion passed by a 5-0 vote.