Kingsburg City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2026
Invocation was given by Pastor Mark Thompson, First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Staci Smith.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Smith called the regular meeting of the Kingsburg City Council to order at 6:01pm.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: David Silva, Vince Palomar, Laura North, Brandon Pursell and Mayor Staci Smith.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
APPROVE AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Pursell, seconded by Council Member Palomar, to approve the agenda, as published. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT CALENDAR –
Council Member Silva pulled item #3 from the consent calendar.
1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Approve the minutes from the February 4, 2026 Regular Council Meeting as prepared by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
2. Ratify/approve payment of bills listed on the check register for the period January 27, 2026, through February 9, 2026, as prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Rachelle Resendez.
Sponsor: Finance Department
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Palomar, to approve the items #1 & #2 as appearing on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
PULLED ITEM:
3. Authorize the purchase and install a CJIS-compliant door access control system for the Police Department facility; utilize General Fund expenditure account 001-3400-539-5701 for the purchase; process a budget amendment to reflect the expenditure and offset using HSGP reimbursement revenue funds; approve KBMF as a sole-source vendor for system installation, integration, and ongoing support. – Staff Report by Police Chief Shaun Stephens Sponsor: Police Department
Council Member Silva asked whether the proposed door access control system would make the Police Department safer and why the project was not put out to bid.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
February 18, 2026
Chief Stephens explained that the current system dates back to 2002, when the building was originally constructed. As a result, there are still areas of the Police Department that can be accessed by individuals walking through the building. He noted that this creates a concern with Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) requirements, as sensitive information must remain secure. Chief Stephens stated that he has been in communication with the Kingsburg Media Foundation, which has the ability to assist with the system. He added that seeking bids from other businesses would require additional time to obtain proposals, confirm system compatibility, and ensure workers are properly cleared to work inside the Police Department, which could ultimately increase costs in the future.
A motion was made by Council Member Silva, seconded by Council Member Pursell, to approve the item #3 as appearing on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
REGULAR CALENDAR
Kingsburg TNR Program - Staff Report by Community Services Director Adam Castenada Sponsor: Community Services Department
In 2024, the Kingsburg Trap Neuter Release (TNR) volunteer program was revitalized by April Johnson, Kim Eskew and Dovey Plain, three Kingsburg residents passionate about animal welfare and community service. Under their leadership, the newly formed Kingsburg TNR volunteer group has reestablished a structured, proactive approach to addressing feral and community cat colonies throughout the city. Current efforts focus on colonies located in public and high-visibility areas, including business parking lots, vacant lots, apartment complexes, and, in some severe cases, residential neighborhoods experiencing severe overpopulation. Within the past year alone, Kingsburg TNR volunteers have successfully trapped more than 185 cats, significantly reducing uncontrolled breeding and improving overall community conditions.
Since 2024- the Kingsburg TNR volunteer group has spayed and neutered over 200 feral cats in over populated areas. They were able to have 40 cats rescued, as they do not usually do not rehome. They stretch the funds of 20,000 that council has gave them as far as possible.
Population control is not a one-time fix, it is an ongoing process.
Council Member Palomar asked about high impact areas. The volunteers said commercial and senior living areas.
Council thanked the volunteers.
Micro-Grant Application Consideration – Kingsburg Athletic Foundation - Staff Report by City Manager Alexander Henderson
Sponsor: City Manager’s Office
Assistant City Manager Windover reported that staff has received an application for matching funds that would be used to help purchase and replace the scoreboard at the Crandell Swim Complex. The applicant is seeking $25,000 in matching funds; however, grant guidelines limit the funding to $15,000. The project, as described by the applicant, is to purchase and install a LED video scoreboard, and to move the location of the scoreboard from the west side of the pool to the north side of the pool. While the Athletic Foundation is requesting the change on behalf of Kingsburg City Council Minutes
February 18, 2026
High School aquatics, the new scoring system will benefit all aquatics programs including Seawolves, Tule Nation Tritons (TNT), and the Kingsburg Water Polo Club.
Adam Hughes presented for Kingsburg Aquatic club.
Council Member Silva inquired about potential amperage, voltage, or Pacific Gas and Electric Company service issues, referencing prior problems with the City’s solar system. Mr. Hughes reported that Silverfox Electric confirmed adequate power is available. Council Member Silva expressed concern that City funds should primarily support general municipal operations and stated caution regarding funding requests that may not broadly benefit the community.
Council Member Pursell voiced support for the item as a micro-grant. He noted the matter relates to the joint powers agreement with the high school and that funding responsibility is unclear. He stated the project could bring visitors to Kingsburg through meets and tournaments but expressed frustration with the condition of the pool facility and indicated a desire to revisit the joint powers agreement in the future.
Council Member North supported the micro-grant, citing youth use of the pool, but expressed concern regarding prior City funding of a high school marquee that required replacement after six years. She emphasized the importance of fiscal stewardship.
Council Member Palomar stated his support for the grant, noting changes in technology since the previous marquee installation.
Mayor Smith supported the program and asked about budget impacts. Assistant City Manager Windover stated that funding is available through reallocation and that additional micro-grant funding should remain available if needed.
Chris Peterson, resident, stated the high school marquee is now used internally for student notifications and expressed support for the grant.
Council Member Pursell motioned, seconded by Council Member Palomar, to approve the micro-grant up to $15,000 to support the purchase and installation of a new LED scoreboard, inclusive of miscellaneous costs, and any engineering and plan check fees required to complete the project and to approve a corresponding budget amendment authorizing the expenditure. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Q3 & Q4 Calendar Year 2025 Code Enforcement Update - Presentation by Building Official AJ O’Connell
Sponsor: Community Development Department
Council received the Q3 and Q4 Calendar Year 2025 Code Enforcement Update from Building Official O’Connell. He reported that a total of 375 cases were opened during the reporting period. The Council discussed the case closure rate, the types of violations being addressed, and the collection of related fees.
Mayor Smith asked about building conditions in the community and whether the increase in cases reflects targeted enforcement of specific code issues or a general rise in activity. Building Kingsburg City Council Minutes
February 18, 2026
Official O’Connell responded that the City has an aging building stock and noted that rising labor and material costs can make property maintenance and improvements more challenging.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Assistant City Manager Windover said there is no report.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member North reported that at the Kingsburg Healthcare District, the Fire Department presented a report on the AED program. Churches may request AEDs to be installed and receive training on their use. She also reported that Linda Simmons of Kingsburg Elementary School District reallocated funds for the 5K race. The District will now host the Dala Horse Trot and received $5,000, with an additional $2,500 to help offset registration fees for students. Council Member North also reported that SKF met and recognized Council Member Palomar for his three years of service on board.
Council Member Silva reported that the South Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency has not met. He stated that the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce has three open board seats with six candidates, and ballots will be sent to Chamber members. He noted that the Car Show Committee will be meeting soon. The Kingsburg Business Improvement District offered to assist with upcoming Chamber events. Council Member Silva also mentioned a workshop for corner planters, plans to move forward with a decorative Swedish phone booth, and noted increased Chamber membership and social media followers. The Chamber’s annual dinner will be held at Ramos Torres Winery on March 24. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club will host a dinner welcoming Chief Stephens, with tickets available for $25.
Council Member Palomar reported that the Public Safety Committee met. The Police Department presented a proposal for an indoor drone, and the committee approved funding of up to $4,000. The committee also approved $2,500 for youth bicycle helmets. He further reported that the Planning Commission met, selecting Sherman Dix as Chair and Bryan Arceo as Vice Chair.
Council Member Pursell provided a Fresno Council of Governments update, noting that Measure E now has two competing citizen initiatives. He emphasized the importance of voters understanding how the measure may benefit Kingsburg and is working to bring representatives from both sides to Kingsburg to provide information, rather than to hold a debate.
Mayor Smith reported that the Finance Committee and the Kingsburg Business Improvement District will meet in March. She also noted that the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at Marcy’s Hart Insurance Group, followed by the Chamber mixer, and praised Chamber Executive Director Lauren Nikkel for her excellent work.
Mayor Smith adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 7:15pm.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk