LINDSAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Lindsay Council Chambers Tuesday, April 14, 2026
251 E Honolulu St., Lindsay CA 93247 6:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting Proper notice of this meeting was given pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2 and 54956.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Kuyler Crocker, City Attorney Megan Crouch, City Clerk/ Human Resource Manager Miranda Cordova, Director of Public Safety Nicholas Nave, Director of Finance Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Parks & Recreation Services Armando da Silva, City Services Manager/Inspector Joseph Avina, Executive Assistant/ Deputy City Clerk Dalee Chang, City Services Utility Operator I Ashlee Parker and Recreation Coordinator Gustavo Arredondo.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Villarreal called to order the regular meeting of the Lindsay City Council at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 251 E. Honolulu St.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Villarreal.
3. ROLL CALL
Council Present: Mayor Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Soria
Councilmember Nave
Councilmember Flores
Councilmember Sanchez
At the direction of Mayor Villarreal, the Council elected to reorder the agenda. Instead of proceeding to Agenda Item #4 (Closed Session), the Council moved ahead to Agenda Item #7 and Subsequently Agenda Item #11.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was motioned by Councilmember Nave, seconded by Councilmember Sanchez, and unanimously carried to approve the agenda to 5-0
11. PROCLAMATIONS – Orange Blossom Festival Queen and Court The Council recognizes the hard work and dedication of the community leaders who make the Orange Blossom Festival possible, honoring the City and its rich history. The City also proudly recognizes the 94th Annual Lindsay Orange Blossom Festival Queen, Nataly Mejia-Saldivar, and her court: Mia Altermatt, Jocelyn Garza, Jaylene Luviano, Jimena Cisneros, and Lucero Andrade Vargas. We further honor the Festival’s Honored Couple, Art and Lenor Serna, for their continued commitment and contributions to our community.
4. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION – At 6:28 P.M
4.1 Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Cal Gov. Code § 54957
Agency Designated Representative: City Manager (or other designated negotiator)
Employee Organization: Lindsay City Employees Association: Services Employees Internation Union (SEIU), Mid-Management Group, Lindsay Professional Fire Fighters Association (LPFFA), and Lindsay Police Officers Association (LPOA).
4.2 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Initiation of litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(c): 1 case
5. 6:52 P.M. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council returned from closed session at 6:52pm with nothing to report.
8. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Nave, Mayor Pro Tem Soria, and Mayor Villarreal provided reports on recent community events they attended, including the Exchange Club gathering, the Officer and Firefighter of the Year Dinner, the Olive Bowl opening, the Lindsay Rotary Ono City welcome dinner, the baked potato sale, and the Wellness Center Camp.
Mayor Pro Tem Soria also expressed appreciation for the City of Lindsay’s Public Safety Department for their efforts during the tragic incident in Porterville on April 9 and extended his condolences to the family and friends of Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Hoppert.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson addressed the Council with a recommendation on hiring a grant writer.
Margaret Martinez addressed the Council to express the difficulty in obtaining a public records request for the map of the new subdivision and the new roundabout. She also requested the creation of a senior-friendly online course to help residents navigate these processes more easily.
Ashley Parker addressed the Council to express concerns regarding potential risks to current and future residents related to the City of Lindsay’s consideration of privatizing its water system.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager reported on recent events, including the Olive Bowl, Kaku Park activities, an art show, and meetings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the LCC Summit, the National Park Service, and the State Water Resources Control Board. He expressed appreciation to staff for their hard work and contributions in supporting recent events and noted that the theme for the Orange Blossom Festival is a strong fit for the City of Lindsay.
The City Manager also commented on the Public Safety Department’s response and assistance following the tragic event on April 9. He invited Director of Public Safety Nicholas Nave to provide a brief overview of Lindsay’s support and coordination with the Porterville Police Department.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was motion by Councilmember Nave, seconded by Councilmember Sanchez, and unanimously carried to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented.
12.1 Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve by Title Only.
Action & Recommendation: Approve the reading by title only of all ordinances and that further reading of such ordinances be waived.
Submitted by: Dalee Chang, Deputy City Clerk
12.2 Police & Fire Division Highlights for March 9, 2026 Through April 5, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Nicholas Nave, Director of Public Safety
12.3 Minutes of the Regular of March 24, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Dalee Chang, Deputy City Clerk
12.4 Warrant List for March 16, 2026 Through April 5, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Accept the Warrant List for transaction dated March 16, 2026, through April 5, 2026.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
12.5 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for March 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Accept the March Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
12.6 Notice of Cancellation – Regular City Council Meeting of April 28, 2026 Action & Recommendation: Receive and file the notice of cancellation of the regular Lindsay City Council meeting scheduled for April 28, 2026.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
12.7 Support for AB 1866 (Rogers) – California Disaster Assistance Act; Prioritizing State Assistance for Communities Ineligible for FEMA Funding Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council support AB 1866 (Rogers), which strengthens the California Disaster Assistance Act by prioritizing state disaster assistance for local agencies that do not qualify for federal aid due to FEMA’s high minimum damage threshold.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
13. DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT
13.1 Finance Department – Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance provided an update on the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Budget Review 3rd Quarter running from July – March 2026.
14. PRESENTATIONS
14.1 Budget Workshop Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Action & Recommendation: Receive and provide direction for finalizing budget.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
Public Comment: The public comment period was opened.
Anita Gustuson commented on the Parks, Street, and IT department budgets allocations.
Council Action: Council directed staff to relook at council budget and prioritize each departments needs.
15. ACTION ITEMS
15.1 Issuance of Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for Potential Acquisition of the City’s Water and Wastewater Systems
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize release of the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to identify qualified firms interested in acquiring, operating, and improving the City of Lindsay’s water and wastewater systems.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
Public Comment:
The public comment period was opened. The following comment was received.
Ashley Parker addressed the Council to express concerns regarding the City of Lindsay’s consideration of privatizing its water system, including potential long-term impacts and the possible loss of local control, as well as the challenges associated with regaining such control in the future. She urged the Council to exercise patience as it evaluates this matter.
Anita Gustuson commented on the significant risks the City may be assuming in considering the acquisition of the water system or the sale of water rights. She recommended that additional deliberation and careful consideration be undertaken prior to any decision.
Margaret Martinez commented on the importance of the system, noting that it is essential for water access and that its components complement one another.
Council Action:
Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve authorize release of the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to identify qualified firms interested in acquiring, operating, and improving the City of Lindsay’s water and wastewater systems. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously carried to approved 5-0.
16. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS
17. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting was adjourned at 9:16pm.
Approved by Council: May 12, 2026
_________________________
Misty Villarreal, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Dalee Chang, Deputy City Clerk
The next Regular Meeting of the Lindsay City Council is scheduled to be held on June 9, 2026.