LINDSAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Lindsay Council Chambers Tuesday, June 9, 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 Villarreal.
3. ROLL CALL
Council Present: Mayor Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Soria
Councilmember Nave
Councilmember Flores
Councilmember Sanchez
4. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION – At 6:03 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 – Existing Litigation § 54956 Maria Carrillo v. City of Lindsay, Tulare County Superior Court Case No. VCU335445
4.3 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Initiation of litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(c): 2 case(s)
4.4 Liability Claim Conference with Real Property Negotiations § 54956.8(c) Property: 284 E Hermosa st & 112 S Gale Hill Ave
Agency: City of Lindsay
5. 6:34 P.M. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council returned from closed session at 6:34pm with nothing to report.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
At the directions of Mayor Villarreal, the council pulled Agenda Item #14.3 Selection of Utility Provider for Acquistion, Operation, and Improvement of the City’s Water and Wastewater System. It was motioned by Councilmember Nave, seconded by Councilmember Sanchez, and unanimously approved 5-0.
8. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmembers and the Mayor provided updates on recent community and civic engagements. These included attendance at youth sports playoffs, scholarship award ceremonies, high school and adult-education graduations, the Lion King student production, the Military Banner Ceremony, the Restore the Fire Truck 25th Anniversary event, the Wellness Center’s Salute to Service Run, and the TCAG Local Motion Awards. Scholarships totaling $1,500 were presented on behalf of the Lindsay Skimmers Swim Club. Council noted strong community participation at town halls and public meetings and expressed appreciation for ongoing feedback. The council also highlighted the work of programs such as Varela Boxing, which provides positive youth engagement opportunities and is currently fundraising to support a local athlete competing in Texas. Overall, councilmembers expressed gratitude for community involvement and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts that enhance the City of Lindsay.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Val Saucedo provided a point of clarification regarding Item 14.3. He requested confirmation on whether the item, though removed from the current agenda, remains under consideration and may return at a future meeting. He further requested that, if the item is to be revisited, the City provide clear and timely public notice to ensure full transparency. Mr. Saucedo noted that recent concerns from the community have stemmed from a lack of advance notice regarding this item and stated that the public should be given adequate time to review and respond before it is placed back on the agenda.
Anita Gustuson provided public comment and presented several questions for the Council and staff. She inquired whether the 48,000-dollar pool expenditure and the 65,000-dollar Box Trail expenditure had received prior Council approval. She requested clarification on why the PRO PTs utility payment remains set at 750 dollars despite ongoing increases in utility costs. She asked whether Community Facilities District charges will be collected through property taxes and whether any existing districts currently have delinquent payments owed to the City. She further asked whether the City is actively recruiting tenants for the Blanketing/Branding item.
Ms. Gustuson requested confirmation on whether staff obtained Council authorization before approving repairs and design work related to the City deck. She also sought information regarding sanitation measures, public safety planning, potential municipal code updates, and the reasons for recent changes associated with the Transit Center project. Lastly, she requested an update on the status of implementing the auditors’ recommendations for the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Teresa Saucedo provided a comment regarding the removed item. She stated that if the item returns, she urges the Council not to approve it. She expressed concern that moving toward selling the City’s water system without independent analysis or full transparency is premature and irreversible. She noted that the City is not in a strong position to negotiate with experienced private utility companies and that residents have raised significant concerns. She also stated there is no clear evidence that independent experts are representing the community’s interests, and the public does not yet understand the long-term impacts on water rates or local control. She emphasized that once the system is sold, decisions about water
would leave the community permanently, and she urged the Council not to select a provider or authorize negotiations until independent review and full transparency are ensured.
Trudy Wishman provided public comment, stating that she has lived in the community for many years and is strongly opposed to the privatization of the City’s water system. She noted that her current work with agricultural water districts has shown her how certain governance structures can lead entities to behave as though they own the water, resulting in negative impacts on policy decisions. Ms. Wishman emphasized that privatizing the water system would lead to a loss of local control, echoing concerns raised by other residents. She stated that this is not the time for the community to relinquish control of its water supply and expressed her opposition to any such action.
James Kliegl provided public comment, thanking the Council for their remarks on the recent Lion King production. He addressed the need for sustainable City revenue and suggested considering a voter-approved half-cent sales tax increase. He stated this measure could generate approximately 800,000 dollars annually, offering long-term revenue, unlike a one-time payment that might result from a potential water-system sale. He encouraged the Council to explore this option, expressing his belief that voters would be more willing to support a sales tax increase than the sale of the City’s water system.
Jennifer Keeton provided public comment, stating her strong opposition to the RFQ selection and any effort to privatize the City’s water and sewer systems. She expressed concern that many water users who live outside city limits pay for services but would have no voting rights in a potential sale, creating legal and ethical issues. She stated that current infrastructure problems stem from past mismanagement and should not be resolved by selling a public asset. Ms. Keaton noted that residents at recent forums overwhelmingly opposed privatization and supported maintaining local control. She emphasized that selling the system would permanently transfer authority to a for-profit corporation and urged the Council to reject Item
14.3 if it returns.
Janet Kliegl provided public comment expressing opposition to Item 14.3 and the potential privatization of the City’s water system. She referenced national research indicating that communities that shifted from public to private water systems experienced higher rate increases than those that retained public ownership. She encouraged the Council to review such studies. Ms. Kliegl also supported the City’s interest in smart meters as an efficient improvement. She noted that cities often privatize for a short-term cash infusion but stated that the benefits are temporary and urged the Council to consider the long-term impacts.
Dennis Doane provided public comment, noting he is president of the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce and a local business owner. He asked whether the eleven revenue-generation strategies presented at the recent town hall have action plans, assigned responsibilities, timelines, and measurable outcomes, and requested that this information be shared with the public. He also referenced the proposed Downtown Association and Economic Development Committee, stating that the Chamber has repeatedly offered to assist but has not been included. Mr. Doane reported that poor communication from the City has resulted in the loss of potential investors interested in purchasing vacant properties. He urged the Council to adopt a “Lindsay-first” approach and reiterated the Chamber’s and his own willingness to support local economic development efforts.
Henry Villanueva provided public comment, thanking the Council for removing Item 14.3 and urging improved communication with the community. He stated that notices for recent meetings were not posted in a timely or accessible manner, particularly for Spanish-speaking
residents, who make up a significant majority of the community. He noted that the City has the ability to notify all residents through mailings and should use those methods to ensure transparency and inclusivity. Mr. Villanueva also pointed out that the agenda referenced interpreter registration without providing a way to register. He encouraged the Council to be more mindful of effective outreach and to remember its responsibility to the community it serves.
Teresa Saucedo provided additional public comment regarding translation services. She stated that, as a bilingual speaker, she had been monitoring the translation being provided during the meeting and found it to be inaccurate. She expressed concern that important portions of speakers’ comments were not being correctly conveyed to Spanish-speaking attendees and urged the City to address the issue.
Margaret Martinez provided public comment stating that she is opposed to the privatization of the City’s water system. She noted that although she resides outside city limits and cannot vote on the matter, she wished to be on record as opposing privatization.
Luisa Quezada provided public comment requesting that City Council agendas be provided in both Spanish and English because a large portion of the community speaks only Spanish and deserves full access to information. They express relief that the agenda item about selling the city’s water system has been removed and argue strongly against water privatization. They warn it would lead to higher rates, loss of local control, reduced transparency, and greater vulnerability during droughts. The commenter emphasizes that access to drinking water is a human right, and that privatization prioritizes corporate profit over the community’s needs.
They urge the city not to let corporations’ profit at the community’s expense.
Mercy Herrera provided a public comment regarding Agenda Item 14.3 via email, attached hereto as Attachment A.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager Kuyler Crocker reported on recent activities including two town hall meetings and ongoing budget preparation. Mr. Crocker noted participation in Fraint Board and Annual meeting and EDC meetings and ongoing county discussions regarding updated Opportunity Zone designations. He met with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Executive Director of California Rural Development to discuss potential funding opportunities.
He announced that the City received a TCAG Local Motion Award for the Olive Bowl project and recognized Councilmember Nave and Chief Nave for their car seat safety outreach award.
Mr. Crocker provided updates on Well 11, streets projects, and coordination with Caltrans on the SR-65 roundabout. Lastly, he noted that registration for the League of California Cities annual conference is now open.
11. 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.
11.1 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
11.2 Police & Fire Division Highlights for May 4, 2026 Through May 31, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Nicholas Nave, Director of Public Safety
11.3 Minutes of the Regular of May 12, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Dalee Chang, Deputy City Clerk
11.4 Warrant List for May 4, 2026 Through June 1, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Accept the Warrant List for transaction dated May 4, 2026, through June 1, 2026.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
11.5 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for May 2026
Action & Recommendation: Accept the May Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
11.7 Resolution No. 26-13 – Designating an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-13 designating the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. The proposed resolution appoints the Public Works Director, Dario Dominguez, as the ADA Coordinator.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
11.8 Resolution No. 26-18 Ordering City Council Election; Consolidation of Elections; and Specifications of the Election Order
Action & Recommendation: Consider approval of Resolution No. 2026-18, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Lindsay ordering the General Municipal Election; consolidating the election with the County of Tulare; and setting specifications of the Election Order related to the November 3, 2026 Municipal Election.
Submitted by: Miranda Cordova, City Clerk & Human Resource Manager Presented by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
11.9 Approval of Claims Administration Agreement – George Hills Company, Inc. (2026- 2029)
Action & Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year Claims Adjusting and Administration Services Agreement with George Hills Company, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with an option for a two-year extension, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Council approval is required to authorize execution of a multi-year professional services agreement exceeding the City Manager’s delegated authority and to comply with City contracting requirements.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
11.10Intention to Establish a Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 to provide City services
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council: (1) Accept the petition from the property owner requesting initiation of formation of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 of the City of Lindsay (Municipal Services) (CFD 2026-1) to finance certain ongoing municipal services; and (2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-19, authorizing the intention to levy a services special tax and set a Public Hearing date for June 28, 2026.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works
11.11Approval of Active Transportation program (ATP) Cycle 8 Grant Application Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends the adoption of Resolution 26-21 by Council supporting and authorizing the submittal of an Active Transportation Program
(ATP) Cycle 8 Grant Application for the West Hermosa Corridor Active Transportation Improvements Project.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Agenda item 11.6 from the Consent Calendar were pulled for discussion. Councilmember Nave moved for the approval of the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores and unanimously approved 5-0.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS(S)
11.6 PRO PT Lease Agreement
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement with PRO-PT.
Submitted by: Armando da Silva, Director of Parks & Recreation Services City Manager Kuyler Crocker reviewed the agreement with the Council and responded to questions regarding rates.
Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve Agenda Item 11.6, PRO PT Lease Agreement.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and passed unanimously approved 5-0.
12. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT
12.1 Public Safety – Nicholas Nave, Director of Public Safety From January to May 2026, Chief Nave provided an overview of major activities and developments within the Police and Fire Service Division.
12.2 Parks & Recreation – Armando da Silva, Director of Parks & Recreation Armando da Silva, Director of Parks & Recreation, provided updates on recent events and activities hosted by the department, as well as information on upcoming events.
13. PRESENTATIONS
13.1 Transit Center – Design Progress Update
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Transit Center Design Progress Update.
Submitted by: Jeff Cowart and Chris Bender, Contract City Engineer Contract City Engineer Jeff Cowart from QK provided updates on the Transit Center designed progress.
Public Comment: Anita Gustuson requested clarification regarding the retail pad that was removed from the project. City Manager Kuyler Crocker provided an update on the current status of the site and discussed potential future commercial development opportunities.
14. ACTION ITEMS
14.1 Consider Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Quad Knopf, Inc. dba QK for Additional Design Services for the Lindsay Transit Center Project
Action & Recommendation: Consider the approval and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Quad Knopf, Inc. dba QK, in the amount of $335,966, for additional professional design and support services associated with the Lindsay Transit Center Project.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve Agenda Item 14.1, approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Quad Knopf, Inc. dba QK
for Additional Design Services for the Lindsay Transit Center Project. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanchez and unanimously approved 5-0.
14.2 Consider Approval of Resolution No. 26-20 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Supplemental Agreement with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for Additional Measure R Transit Funding for Amendment No. 1 to the Lindsay Transit Center Professional Services Agreement.
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends the approval of Resolution No. 26-20 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Supplemental Agreement with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for Additional Measure R Transit Funding for Amendment No. 1 to the Lindsay Transit Center Professional Services Agreement.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Public Comment: Anita Gustuson provided a comment. She stated that the project requires no local funding, as it is fully supported by TKG Measure R allocations tied to the earlier Cross Valley Loop planning effort. She added that although the rail corridor is not city-owned, the secured funding allows the project to advance with current plans focused on bus service and potential future rail compatibility.
Council Action: Councilmember Nave moved to approve Agenda Item 14.2, approval Resolution NO. 26-20 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Supplemental Agreement with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for Additional Measure R Transit Funding for Amendment No. 1 to the Lindsay Transit Center Professional Services Agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanchez and unanimously approved 5-0.
15. PUBLIC HEARING
15.1 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: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No.704, adding Chapter 4 to Title 12 of the Lindsay Municipal Code to establish undergrounding requirements for electrical and communication utilities.
Submitted by: Dario Dominquez, Director of Public Works Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Mayor Pro Tem moved to approve Agenda Item 15.1 adoption 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. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously approved 5-0.
15.2 Public Hearing – Annual Levy of Refuse Charges on Tulare County Property Tax Roll (FY 2026–2027)
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council: (1) Conduct the public hearing, receive oral and written protests, and direct staff to finalize the annual Refuse Report for Fiscal Year 2026–2027. (2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-22 ordering the levy and collection of annual solid waste refuse charges on the Tulare County property tax roll for Fiscal Year 2026–2027, as set forth in the Annual Refuse Report. (3) Adopt Resolution No. 26-23 confirming and placing delinquent water, sewer, and refuse charges from the period ending June 9, 2026 on the Tulare County property tax roll for Fiscal Year 2026–2027
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson provided a public comment, noting that the current process is an improvement and recalling that when she previously worked in the field, her office would provide a list of accounts and, when possible, roll unpaid charges into property taxes. She added that Porterville operated its own trash and refuse services at that time, though she was unsure whether that remains the case.
Amelia Palafox provided a public comment stating that she and her husband, owners of the property at 429 Memory Lane, were protesting the proposed utility assessment because the delinquent account was solely in the names of former tenants, and they were never notified of the delinquency or of the City’s intent to transfer the charges to their property. She added that they have not received an itemized statement or accounting of the charges and requested that the property be removed from the delinquent utility assessment roll due to lack of timely notice, documentation, and transparency. Ms.
Palafox also submitted her protest via email, attached hereto as Attachment B.
Council Action: Councilmember Nave moved to approve Agenda Item 15.2, including conducting the public hearing, finalizing the Annual Refuse Report for Fiscal Year 2026– 2027, adopting Resolution No. 26-22 to levy annual solid waste charges, and adopting Resolution No. 26-23 to place delinquent utility charges on the Tulare County property tax roll. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanchez and approved unanimously, 5–0.
16. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS
Councilmembers asked that staff present options to separate electricity and landscaping costs within lighting districts and to provide clearer notices to affected residents. Staff confirmed that a presentation will be brought forward at the next meeting. Another councilmember requested that the City explore translating the agenda into Spanish; staff noted that while it is possible, additional costs would need to be considered given current budget constraints.
17. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:57pm.
Approved by Council: June 23, 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 July 28, 2026.
Outlook
Updated
------ -------------
From Miranda Cordova <[email protected]>
Date Tue 6/9/2026 6:31 PM
To Dalee Chang <[email protected]>
She said to email you this:
Thank you but email her this version.
Good evening,
I will not be able to attend tonight's meeting because I am out of town for a medical appointment.
While reviewing tonight's agenda, I noticed Item 14.3, which seeks Board approval to authorize Crocker to negotiate the price and other terms of a potential sale with California Water Service.
Respectfully, I urge the Board to vote against this item.
Past experience with decisions made by City Council members has shown a tendency to pursue quick fixes that have not served the community well. Examples include the transfer of restricted funds to the General Fund and the approval of loan forgiveness, both of which were later determined to be unlawful. More recently, the City settled two lawsuits because the Acting City Manager failed to follow due process.
Water privatization is a significant issue that affects both city residents and customers outside the city limits. Unlike many other decisions, this is one that cannot easily be reversed once completed.
The City should take responsibility for addressing and correcting its water system challenges, even if doing so requires higher water rates. Maintaining local ownership and control of our water system is too important to surrender without fully exhausting all other options.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sent from my iPhone
Attachment A
Mercy Herrera
'
June 09,2026
Re: Formal Protest of Proposed Water Utility Assessment/Lien on Property Located at:
Property Address: 429 Memory Lane, Lindsay, Ca 93247
Parcel Number {APN): 206-121-021-000
Dear Mayor, City Council Members, and City Officials:
We are the owners of the above-referenced property and hereby submit this formal protest and respectfully request that the City of Lindsay remove the proposed water utility assessment and any lien or tax assessment associated with unpaid utility charges allegedly incurred by former tenants on the following grounds:
I. Failure to Provide Required Notice and Due Process
Until recently, the City failed to provide us, the property owners, with the notices necessary to protect our interests before seeking to transfer a tenant's personal utility debt to our property.
We did not receive:
• Notice that the tenants' water account had become delinquent; • Notice that the City intended to transfer the unpaid balance to our property tax bill;
• Notice of any public hearing regarding the proposed
assessment until immediately before this hearing; or
• Any meaningful opportunity to dispute, investigate, or satisfy the alleged delinquency before the City sought to impose a lien against our property.
As a result, we have been denied the most basic principles of due process and fundamental fairness.
Even more concerning, to this day we have not been informed of the amount the City intends to assess against our property.
We have received:
• No itemized billing statement;
• No billing history;
• No dates of service;
• No accounting of the alleged delinquent charges; and
• No explanation of how the proposed assessment was
calculated.
Without knowing the amount of the alleged debt, we have been deprived of any meaningful opportunity to verify its accuracy, dispute the charges, or make an informed decision regarding payment or settlement before the City seeks to encumber our property.
Attachment B