LINDSAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Lindsay Council Chambers Tuesday, May 12, 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, Executive Assistant/ Deputy City Clerk Dalee Chang, City Services Maintenance Supervisor Marshall Chairez 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 Pro Tem Soria.
3. ROLL CALL
Council Present: Mayor Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Soria
Councilmember Nave
Councilmember Flores
Councilmember Sanchez
4. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION – At 6:01 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
4.3 Liability Claim
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.95
Claimant: Vita Villegas
Agency Claimed Against: City of Lindsay
5. 6:36 P.M. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council returned from closed session at 6:36pm. Council reported out of closed session.
Council unanimously voted 5–0 to reject the claim submitted by claimant Vita Villegas.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was motioned by Councilmember Nave, seconded by Councilmember Flores, and unanimously approved 5-0.
At this director of Mayor Villarreal, the Council elected to reorder the agenda. Instead of proceeding to Agenda Item #8 (Council Report), the Council moved ahead to Agenda Item #11.1 and subsequently Agenda Item #12.1 and #12.2.
11. RECOGNITIONS
11.1 Introduction and Oath of Office of Community Service Officer Chief Nave introduced Sophie Valdez as the new Community Service Officer. The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office. Ms. Valdez thanked the Public Safety Department and briefly shared her background and educational plans.
12. PROCLAMATIONS
12.1 National Public Works Week
12.2 National Law Enforcement Memorial Week
8. COUNCIL REPORT
Council Members and the Mayor reported attending various community and regional events, including the Orange Blossom Festival, the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Jalapeño Grill, Dollar for Scholars activities, youth sports and high school athletic events, the Friday Night Market, and a student art exhibit at the Lindsay Museum. Reports also included participation in League of California Cities and Leaders’ Summit meetings in Sacramento, where local representatives met with state departments and received recognition on the Assembly and Senate floors. Additional updates included discussion of theater funding opportunities, the continued growth of the Lindsay Skimmers Swim Club, upcoming community fundraising activities, and upcoming local youth performances of The Lion King.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Teresa Saucedo addressed the Council to express her strong opposition to the proposed sale of the City’s water system. She stated that privatization would have significant adverse consequences, particularly for low-income households, which could be required to allocate an unsustainable portion of their income to water expenses, thereby reducing funds available for essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. She further noted that the sale of the City’s water system to a private entity is not a solution without significant consequences, emphasizing that private utilities do not operate without cost and that such costs are ultimately paid by the citizens. She expressed concern that working families, farmers, and seniors would carry the financial burden. In addition, she stated that privatization would reduce local control and limit transparency in decision-making and urged that the water system remain under public ownership and accountable to the community it serves.
Valeriano Saucedo addressed the Council in strong opposition to the proposed privatization of the City’s water utility. He expressed concern about the affordability impacts on working-class and low-income residents, the potential loss of local control, and the lack of meaningful public participation in the process. He stated that the process is already well underway and cautioned that placing the matter on a ballot at a later stage would bypass substantive public review and debate. He further noted that no comprehensive financial model has been released, despite the public being asked to consider a permanent change to the City’s water system. He urged the Council to slow the process and ensure full public engagement, financial transparency, and
evaluation of alternatives. Mr. Saucedo also submitted a written comment, which is included in the record as Attachment A.
Leonor Serna addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed privatization of the City’s water system. She stated that she has family members and property within the boundaries of the City of Lindsay that would be affected by the proposal. Ms. Serna expressed the opinion that the City has additional options available and that privatization should not be considered a last resort. Mrs. Serna also raised concerns regarding transparency and stated that she had previously shared those concerns with Councilmember Flores. She encouraged the Council to seek broader resident input before moving forward with the proposal. She noted that not all residents are registered voters, despite being financially impacted, and expressed concern that only a limited number of voters would ultimately be making a decision affecting the entire community. She further referenced the disparity between the number of registered voters and the City’s total population and expressed disappointment with the City’s pursuit of the proposal.
William Harris addressed the Council regarding the proposed sale of the City’s water system.
He stated that his family has lived in their home since 1957 and expressed his belief that the proposed sale is not in the community’s best interest.
Jim Hart, a retired civil engineer and Lindsay resident, addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed privatization of the City’s water system. He stated that privatization could result in increased costs to residents, reduced access to public funding opportunities, and the need for substantial infrastructure investment. Mr. Hart suggested that the City explore specific grant opportunities and stated that not all available options had been fully reviewed. He urged the Council to conduct a more thorough analysis of the long-term financial impacts and associated costs. Mr. Hart also expressed concern regarding the City’s aging water infrastructure and questioned when the last comprehensive technical report had been completed. He further questioned who would ultimately bear the financial responsibility for future system repairs and improvements. Mr. Hart encouraged the Council to carefully review all technical and financial analyses before proceeding and stated that necessary repairs and improvements could be completed more economically by the City than by a private entity.
Anita Gustuson addressed the Council in opposition to privatization of the City’s water system, stating that the proposal appears rushed, lacks sufficient transparency, and carries significant long-term consequences for residents. She questioned why a large corporation should profit at the expense of Lindsay residents and emphasized the need for residents to receive complete facts and transparency before any permanent decision is made. She urged the Council to consider alternative approaches, including updated rate structures, long-term system improvements, revisiting a prior plan presented in August 2024, and evaluating how other local cities are addressing similar water system challenges. She also encouraged the City to continue pursuing existing water infrastructure projects currently underway.
Grace Delgado addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed privatization of the City’s water system, stating that the process lacks transparency and that residents were not adequately informed. She stated that after learning of the potential sale, she had to educate herself on the issue in order to better understand its implications. She expressed concern regarding the long-term financial impacts on the community, noted that private companies prioritize profit over local customers, and emphasized that residents need clear information and transparency to fully understand the proposal and its consequences. She further stated that reacquiring the system in the future would likely be financially unfeasible once sold. She urged the City to pursue alternative funding options, including grants and low-interest loans, rather than selling the system, and encouraged the Council to consider other long-term solutions that would allow the City to retain local control of its water infrastructure.
Luisa Quezada addressed the Council and noted that nearly 89 percent of the community speaks Spanish and felt communication about the water-system proposal has been inadequate. The resident opposed privatizing the system, citing ongoing problems with water quality and pressure and warning that privatization would shift control and financial benefit to outside companies. The speaker expressed concern that the community could lose essential infrastructure and that working families may face greater financial burdens. While recognizing that repairs are needed, the resident urged the City to keep water management local.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager provided updates on recent City activities and projects, including participation in the Orange Blossom Festival, visits from artists from Korea, and the City’s ongoing AIgenerated artwork initiative. Appreciation was expressed to the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, for their participation and support at the 2026 City Leaders Summit.
Project updates included the opening of bids for the rehabilitation of Well 11, with construction award anticipated next month. The project is expected to support the City’s long-term water supply needs upon completion of construction, testing, and installation of filtration improvements.
Additional updates included the release of bids for the Jefferson School area road rehabilitation project, with construction anticipated to begin during the late summer school break, as well as ongoing design work for improvements to the Wellness Center and City Pool deck, with future bid consideration to come before the Council.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Routine items approved in one motion unless an item is pulled for discussion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by separate motion.
13.1 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
13.2 Police & Fire Division Highlights for April 6, 2026 Through May 3, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Nicholas Nave, Director of Public Safety
13.3 Minutes of the Regular of April 14, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Dalee Chang, Deputy City Clerk
13.4 Warrant List for April 6, 2026 Through May 3, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Accept the Warrant List for transaction dated April 6, 2026, through May 3, 2026.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
13.5 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for April 2026
Action & Recommendation: Accept the April Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
13.6 Support Letter for Home Basing of F-35C Lightning II Squadrons at NAS Lemoore City of Lindsay
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached Support Letter endorsing the home basing of the F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike
Fighter squadrons at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore and authorize the Mayor to sign and transmit the letter.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
13.7 Appointment of Anita Gustuson to the Measure R Oversight Committee Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council appoint Ms. Anita Gustuson to fill the current vacancy on the Measure R Citizens Oversight Committee.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
13.8 Olive Bowl/Kaku Park Expansion Project Notice of Completion Action & Recommendation: Consider the acceptance of the Olive Bowl/Kaku Park Expansion Project as complete and direct the City Clerk to file a “Notice of Completion” with the Tulare County Recorder.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works
13.9 Adoption of FY 26-27SB1 Project List
Action & Recommendation: Consider the approval of Resolution 26-15, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Lindsay adopting a Project List for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 under the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) created by SB1.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works
13.12Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 704: An Ordinance of the City of Lindsay Adding Chapter 4 to Title 12 of the Lindsay Municipal Code, Establishing Requirements for the Installation and Relocation of Utility Facilities Underground.
Action & Recommendation: Introduce Ordinance No. 704 and waive the first reading in full, reading the ordinance by title only. The ordinance adds Chapter 4 to Title 12 of the Lindsay Municipal Code to establish requirements for the underground installation and relocation of utility facilities.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Agenda item 13.10 and 13.11 from the Consent Calendar were pulled for discussion.
Councilmember Nave moved for the approval of the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soria, and unanimously approved 5-0.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS(S)
13.10Approval of an Extraterritorial Sewer Connection for APN 202-151-018 Action & Recommendation: Approve Resolution 26-14, an Extraterritorial Sewer Connection for APN 202-151-018-000 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Extraterritorial Sewer Service Agreement once all requirements are met.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Director of Public Works Dario Dominguez presented information on the extraterritorial sewer connection for APN 202-151-018. He noted that no City funds were used for the request; all costs associated with connecting to the City sewer system were fully paid by the applicant.
Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve Agenda Item 13.10, Extraterritorial Sewer Connection for APN 202-151-018. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and passed unanimously approved 5-0.
13.11Setting Public Hearing Date for Annual Levy of Refuse Charges on the Property Tax Roll
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-16, declaring its intention to levy annual refuse service charges for Mid-Valley
Disposal, LLC on the Tulare County property tax roll and set a public hearing for June 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
City Manager Kuyler Crocker address the Council regarding their questions on proposed rates from Mid-Valley.
Councilmember Sanchez moved to approve Agenda Item 13.11, setting the public hearing date for the Annual Levy of Refuse Charges on the Property Tax Roll. Mayor Pro Tem Soria seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously approved 5-0.
14. PUBLIC HEARING
14.1 Energy Services Contract with Southland Industries & Adoption of Resolution No. 26-13
Action & Recommendation: (1) Adopt Resolution No. 26 13, authorizing the City to enter into and execute an Energy Services Agreement (ESA) with Southland Industries for the implementation of energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements across multiple City facilities. (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the ESA, in substantially City of Lindsay Page 4 the form presented, in the amount of $4,285,381, subject to approval by the City Attorney, and to take all actions necessary to carry out the project upon securing financing.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Councilmember Flores moved to table Energy Services Contract with Southland Industries & Adoption of Resolution No. 26-13. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously approved 5-0.
15. ACTION ITEMS
15.1 Acceptance of the City of Lindsay FY2023-24 Annual Financial Audit, Single Audit, and Auditor Communication Letter
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council: (1) Receive and file the City of Lindsay’s audited Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. (2) Receive and file the Single Audit Report for FY 2023–24. (3) Receive and file the Audit Communication Letter (Required Communications with Governance).
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz Nunez, Director of Finance
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action:
Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve Agenda Item 15.1, the acceptance of the City of Lindsay FY2023-24 Annual Financial Audit, Signel Audit, and Auditor Communication Letter. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously approved 5-
0. 16. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS
Councilmember request that staff scheduled a Townhall meeting regarding the Acquisition of the City of Lindsay’s Water and Wastewater Utility Systems. They request to have a separate meeting for English speakers and Spanish speakers.
17. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.
Approved by Council: June 9, 2026
_________________________
Misty Villarreal, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Miranda Cordova, City Clerk
The next Regular Meeting of the Lindsay City Council is scheduled to be held on June 23, 2026.
May 10,2026
Honorable Mayor Misty Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Soria
Council Member Adriana Nave
Council Member Yolanda Flores
Council Member Rosaena Sanchez
City Manager Kuyler Crocker
RE: Proposed Sale of Lindsay's Water Utilities
Dear Mayor, Council Members and City Manager:
The proposed privatization of Lindsay's public water system is a profound mistake-one that could burden this community with decades of debt, permanently surrender local control, and impose crushing costs on residents who are already struggling to survive economically.
The last time I addressed the Council on a major public issue was regarding the dismissal of the former Police Chief. I objected on principle, arguing that his termination violated basic due process protections and exposed the City to significant liability. My concerns were dismissed. The result was a reported settlement of approximately $S00,000, not including attorney fees, and related litigation remains unresolved.
The City now stands on the edge of another potentially catastrophic financial decision.
Compared to the long-term consequences of privatizing our water system, the earlier ; settlement may ultimately look insignificant. lf approved, this transaction could saddle Lindsay residents with millions of dollars in acquisition costs, infrastructure expenses, and future rate increases for generations to come.
I urge the Council to reconsider this proposal before irreversible damage is done.
Please do not dismiss these concerns as the other iteration of this Council did previously. The stakes here are even greater.