LINDSAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Lindsay Council Chambers Tuesday, July 21, 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, Director of Public Works Dario Dominguez, Executive Assistant/ Deputy City Clerk Dalee Chang, City Services Manager/Inspector Joseph Avina, 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 6:01 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 Real Property Negotiations § 54956.8(c) Property: 284 E Hermosa st & 112 S Gale Hill Ave
Agency: City of Lindsay
5. 6:32 P.M. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council returned from closed session at 6:32pm with nothing to report.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was motioned by Mayor Pro Tem Soria, seconded by Councilmember Nave, and unanimously approved 5-0.
At the direction 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.
11. RECOGNITIONS
11.1 Introduction and Oath of Office of Police Sergeant Chief Nave introduced Andrew Martinez as the Police Sergeant. The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office. Mr. Martinez expressed his gratitude for returning to his position after a three-year absence. He stated he is excited to resume his duties and responsibilities. He reaffirmed his commitment to serving and assisting the citizens of the City of Lindsay.
8. COUNCIL REPORT
The Mayor and Council reported a slow month with upcoming August activities, highlighted recent Parks and Recreation events including fundraisers and the end of the Skimmers season, noted the start of football and cheer programs, thanked public safety departments for their support, acknowledged community feedback on parks and surveys, and reminded residents to stay hydrated and practice water safety.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson requested a formal explanation regarding Item 13.8.8, specifically addressing the outstanding balance of $7.865 million on the refunding bonds. She also expressed appreciation for the transparency provided in Item 13.9 concerning the financial information and the FY 2024–25 budgets and asked that a brief explanation be provided for the budget variances, including the reasons for over- and under-budget amounts, for the benefit of the public. Additionally, she inquired about Routine Item 10 regarding the deteriorated property on Hermosa, requesting clarification on the planned future use of the site and the anticipated improvements, noting that work is expected to begin within six months. Ms. Gustuson stated that she also had a comment pertaining to an action item and public comment.
At the direction of Mayor Villarreal, the Council elected to reorder the agenda. Instead of proceeding to Agenda Item #10 (City Manager Report), the Council moved ahead to Agenda Item #12.
12. PROCLAMATIONS
12.1 Parks Make Life Better
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager reported ongoing discussions with prospective commercial and residential developers and noted renewed development interest in the community. Staff is preparing applications for several new grant opportunities, which will be presented to the Council as deadlines approach. He provided an update on the County Economic Development Corporation, citing continued staffing and financial challenges and noting that some cities have withdrawn; a fuller update will follow after the upcoming board meeting.
He thanked employees for attending a recent post-budget approval luncheon recognizing staff efforts. He also announced that the USDA California Rural Development Executive Director will visit Lindsay next week to tour past USDA-supported projects and explore opportunities for future grants and low-interest loans.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was motion by Councilmember Nave, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soria, and unanimously carried to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented 5-0.
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: Miranda Cordova, City Clerk
13.2 Police & Fire Division Highlights for June 15, 2026 Through July 12, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Nicholas Nave, Director of Public Safety
13.3 Minutes of the Regular of June 23, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Miranda Cordova, City Clerk
13.4 Warrant List for June 15, 2026 Through July 10, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Accept the Warrant List for transaction dated June 15, 2026, through July 10, 2026.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
13.5 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for June 2026
Action & Recommendation: Accept the June Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
13.6 Approval of Resolution 26-37 for Authorization to submit a claim to Tulare County Association of Governments for STBG Funds
Action & Recommendation: Consider the Approval of Resolution Number 26-37 authorizing the City of Lindsay to submit a claim through Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) to receive Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works
13.7 Consider Approval of Resolution No. 26-38 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Supplemental Agreement with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for Funding the 2023 Road Improvements Project.
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends council adopt Resolution 26-38; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Supplemental Agreement with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for Measure R funding for the 2023 Road Improvements* project.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works
13.8 Pledged Tax Revenues in Accordance with the Bond Covenants of the Lindsay Successor Agency
Action & Recommendation: Approve written certification of pledged tax revenues in accordance with the bond covenants of the Successor Agency to the Lindsay Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, issue of 2015.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
13.9 Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Amendment
Action & Recommendation: Consider the Approval of Resolution 26-33 amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the City of Lindsay.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
13.10 Sale of Surplus Property Listing and Negotiated Purchase Terms – 284 E.
Hermosa Street (APN 205-261-014)
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the sale of the status of the surplus property listed at 284 E. Hermosa Street.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
13.11 Approve Addendum No. 1 to the Engineering Services Agreement with Precision Civil Engineering, INC
Action & Recommendation: Approve Addendum No. 1 to the Engineering Services Agreement with Precision Civil Engineering, INC.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works
13.12 Authorization to Join the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) Tort Reform Coalition
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City of Lindsay to formally join the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) Tort Reform Coalition by signing onto its Letter of Support advocating for comprehensive tort reform for public entities.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
13.13 Letter of Opposition to AB 1383 (McKinnor) – Public Employees’ Retirement Benefits
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Letter of Opposition to Assembly Bill 1383 (McKinnor) and direct staff to transmit the finalized correspondence to the appropriate legislative offices and committees.
Submitted by: Kuyler Crocker, City Manager
14. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT
14.1 City Clerk & Human Resource – Miranda Cordova, City Clerk & Human Resource Manager
Miranda Cordova reported recent personnel activity, including retirements, seasonal hires, upcoming hires, promotions, terminations, and one 33-year retirement. Current staffing totals 78 employees. Staff highlighted the recent employee appreciation luncheon and ongoing employee recognitions. An update was provided on the website redesign and new accessibility features. Public records requests have increased, with 77 received since March. Upcoming staff trainings are scheduled for the website transition, new finance software, and the CNC Institute Clerk Series 200 program.
15. ACTION ITEMS
15.1 Awarding the Contract for Pool Deck Renovation Project Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends council adopt Resolution 26-32; awarding the contract for the Pool Deck Renovation to Sun Pointe Services LLC, in the amount of $663,832.00, and provide a $66,383.20 (approximately 10%) contingency to deal with any unforeseen issues that might arise during construction for a total encumbrance of $730,215.20.
Submitted by: Armando da Silva, Director of Parks and Recreation Services Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson commented on the pool renovation project and asked whether a maintenance plan is in place to address ongoing pigeon issues, noting the unsanitary conditions. She also requested consideration of updating the outdoor pool showers to ensure the facility remains well maintained and provides a good experience for students.
Council Action: Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve Agenda Item 15.1 adopting Resolution 26-32, awarding the Pool Deck Renovation contract to Sun Pointe Services LLC in the amount of $663,832.00, with an additional 10% contingency of $66,383.20 for unforeseen construction issues, for a total encumbrance of $730,215.20. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously approved 5-0.
15.2 Awarding the Contract for the Well 11 Perchlorate and Nitrate Treatment Project Action & Recommendation: Staff recommend Council (1.) adopt Resolution 26-36, awarding the contract for the Well 11 Perchlorate and Nitrate Treatment Project to Hartzell General Engineering Contractor, Inc. (Hartzell) in the amount of $7,473,000.00 and provide a $1,494,600 (approximately 20%) contingency to deal with any unforeseen issues that might arise during construction for a total encumbrance of $8,967,600, (2.) Staff further recommends that the City Manager and / or his designee be authorized to execute the Agreement.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson stated that, based on the staff report, the project appears to be funded through grants and asked what happened to the $6.5 million settlement funds, specifically whether those funds were allocated to the City’s general fund. She indicated she had additional questions related to the funding.
Council Action: Councilmember Nave moved to approve Agenda Item 15.2 adopting Resolution 26-36, awarding the contract for the Well 11 Perchlorate and Nitrate Treatment Project to Hartzell General Engineering Contractor, Inc. in the amount of $7,473,000.00, with a 20% contingency of $1,494,600 for unforeseen construction issues, for a total encumbrance of $8,967,600. Staff further recommended authorizing the City Manager and/or his designee to execute the Agreement. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soria and unanimously approved 5-0.
16. PUBLIC HEARING
16.1 Public Hearing on the Formation of Community Facilities District No 2026-1 to provide Services
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends the Honorable City Council: (1.) Open and conduct the public hearing for the purpose of receiving public testimony and property owner protests regarding the formation of the proposed CFD 2026-1 for Services; (2.) Close the public hearing; (3.) Adopt Resolution No. 26-34 forming Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 of the City of Lindsay (Services) (CFD 2026-1), authorizing the levy of special taxes therein, and calling an election; (4.) Tabulate the ballots for the Formation of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1; (5.) Adopt Resolution No. 26-35, certifying the results of a special election in the Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 of the City of Lindsay (Services) (“CFD 2026-1”); (6.) Introduce Ordinance No. 705 for adoption and first reading by title only; and (7.) Waive further reading in full of proposed Ordinance No. 705
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson sought clarification that the proposed action does not involve a citywide formation, stating her understanding that it applies only to the single housing project designated as the new development.
Council Action: A public hearing was opened to receive testimony and property owner protests regarding the proposed formation of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Services). After receiving comments, the public hearing was closed.
Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-34 forming CFD 2026-1, authorizing the levy of special taxes, and calling an election. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously approved 5-0.
Ballots for the special election were then tabulated. Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-35 certifying the results of the special election for CFD 2026-1.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nave and unanimously approved 5-0.
Ordinance No. 705 was introduced for first reading by title only, and further reading was waived.
16.2 Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 26-29 Confirming the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District Assessments Action & Recommendation: Conduct Public Hearing & Consider the Approval of Resolution 26-29 Ordering the Continued Maintenance of Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Districts and Confirming the Engineer’s Report and Assessment for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Director of Public Works Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Valentin Guttierrez a resident of the Sierra Vista Estates neighborhood, spoke in opposition to the proposed $7.93 assessment increase. He stated the district is already in a $5,000 deficit and that landscape maintenance is not being performed as required.
He reported unpruned and damaged trees, dead vegetation, and persistent weeds, noting that maintenance crews rarely inspect the area. He expressed concern that the neighborhood pays nearly $7,000 annually for a small landscape area and is not receiving adequate service. Mr. Gutierrez requested that the council reject the proposed increase and select a more effective maintenance provider.
Eddie Alcantar expressed concern regarding the proposed assessment increase of approximately $7 to $8, noting it represents nearly a 23% rise. He stated that the landscape maintenance in Sierra Vista States is insufficient, citing an overturned tree that has remained an unmanaged bush for months. He questioned who is monitoring the maintenance contractor and suggested more consistent oversight. Mr. Alcantar also asked whether residents have the option to vote to dissolve the district if services do not improve. He noted that while some properties benefit more from the maintained areas, the entire neighborhood shares the cost. He requested greater accountability and consideration of alternatives.
Ignacio Yanez stated that residents are not seeing the landscape improvements they are paying for and that maintaining the current level of service is not acceptable. He noted that the district’s funds are allocated for work that is not being completed, leaving residents feeling they are paying for little to no benefit. He also shared that, when purchasing homes in 2013, residents were not aware of the additional assessment. Mr. Yanez urged the council not to approve the proposed increase, stating it would feel unjust given the lack of visible maintenance. He emphasized that all residents on the street share these concerns and requested that the city address the service deficiencies before considering any fee increase.
Council Action: Councilmember Nave moved to maintain the current rates for all eight districts and not implement any increase. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores and approved unanimously, 5–0.
17. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS
A councilmember requested that the City consider regulations for motorized scooters. It was noted that both children and adults frequently operate scooters at high speeds, fail to stop at stop signs, and engage in unsafe maneuvers. Concerns were raised regarding safety risks and the need for parents and guardians to monitor children’s use of motorized scooters. The councilmember expressed support for bringing this issue forward for future discussion.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:21pm.
Approved by Council: August 11, 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 August 25, 2026.