LINDSAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Lindsay Council Chambers Tuesday, August 25, 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 Attorney Megan Crouch, City Clerk & Human Resource Manager Miranda Cordova, Public Safety Lieutenant Kevin Riley, Director of Finance Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Public Works & Acting City Manager Dario Dominguez, Executive Assistant & Deputy City Clerk Dalee Chang, City Services Manager & Inspector Joseph Avina, City Services Maintenance Supervisor Marshall Chairez, and Recreation Services 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 Flores
Councilmember Sanchez
Council Absent: Councilmember Nave – absent with notice.
4. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION – At 6:05 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 Pursuant to Cal Gov. Code § 54956.9
Name of Case: Cabrera v. City of Lindsay
4.3 Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code § 54956.9
Name of Case: Barajas v. City of Lindsay
5. 6:37 P.M. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council returned from closed session at 6:37pm with nothing to report.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was motioned by Mayor Pro Tem Soria, seconded by Councilmember Sanchez, and unanimously approved 5-0.
8. COUNCIL REPORT
Mayor Pro Tem Soria reported that the back-to-school season has been enjoyable and exciting. He welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for all who attended.
Mayor Villarreal reported similarly, noting that the back-to-school events have been excellent.
She stated that she has been attending various back-to-school nights and encouraged others to attend upcoming events. She also reported attending the TCRTA and TAG meetings, where she advocated for obtaining a lower-cost transit fare for seniors. She noted that a discount is already offered, but she is working to secure a reduced or possibly free fare. She had no further report.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Anita Gustuson, a Lindsay resident and City Council candidate, asked questions regarding a recent CHP interaction she observed, the required public hearings for the Community Facilities District, and whether the lowest bid was obtained for the Christian Hall project. She also sought clarification on secured versus pending funding for Well No. 11 and stated she had additional comments related to Action Item 14.
Dan Marco addressed the Council with concerns about fluctuations in his water bill. He reported that his monthly charges increased significantly at the beginning of the year and then decreased after he contacted the City to complain. He also noted issues with his water meter, stating that the meter appeared to be buried under dirt and difficult to locate despite City staff indicating it had been checked. He questioned whether others were experiencing similar issues and concluded his comments.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Acting City Manager Dominguez reported that a kickoff meeting for the paving project will be held next week, beginning with Phase Two, which includes several street improvements. He stated that progress continues on the Highway 65 roundabout, with recent discussions focused on landscape design. The transit center project has reached 60% design completion, with recent work concentrating on the interior layout. He has not yet received an update on the Active Transportation Program grant submitted earlier in the summer but hopes for news within the next month. Design is ongoing on the Highway Safety Improvement Program, which includes various signage and safety projects expected to be ready for submittal in November.
He also noted that a pilot program has been developed to benefit seniors which will be presented at our next council meeting.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was motion by Mayor Pro Tem Soria, seconded by Councilmember Sanchez, and unanimously carried to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented 4-0.
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 August 3, 2026 Through August 16, 2026..
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Chief Nicholas Nave, Director of Public Safety
11.3 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 11, 2026.
Action & Recommendation: Approved as submitted.
Submitted by: Dalee Chang, Deputy City Clerk
11.4 Warrant List for August 3, 2026 Through August 16, 2026 Action & Recommendation: Accept the Warrant List for transaction dated August 3, 2026, through August 16, 2026.
Submitted by: Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance
11.5 Authorization of 5% Acting Pay Differential for Public Works Director Dario Dominguez
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-43, authorizing a 5% acting pay differential for Public Works Director Dario Dominguez for the period during which he is performing the duties of Acting City Manager.
Submitted by: Miranda Cordova, City Clerk & Human Resource Manager
11.6 Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates – League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution designating a voting delegate and up to two alternate voting delegates to represent the City of Lindsay at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo General Assembly, scheduled for September 23–25, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Acting City Manager & Director of Public Works
11.7 Appointment of Representative and Alternate to the Friant Water Authority Board Action & Recommendation: (1.) Appoint the City Manager as the City of Lindsay’s primary representative to the Friant Water Authority (FWA) Board. (2.) Appoint an alternate representative to serve on the FWA Board when the primary representative is unavailable.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Acting City Manager & Director of Public Works
11.8 Authorization to Recertify Missing Council Meeting Minutes (2020–2024) Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Clerk to review, verify, and recertify missing or incomplete City Council meeting minutes from the years 2020 through 2024, which currently exist only in digital form but require original wet signatures for official certification.
Submitted by: Miranda Cordova, City Clerk & Human Resource Manager
11.9 Cancellation of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 15, 2026, and Rescheduling to September 22, 2026
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommended cancelling the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and rescheduling it to Tuesday, September 22, 2026, due to the absence of a General Counsel representative.
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Acting City Manager & Director of Public Works
11.10 Adoption of Ordinance No. 705 and Confirmation of Formation Actions for Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Services)
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council: (1.) Adopt Ordinance No. 705, establishing Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2026-1 (Services) and authorizing the levy of special taxes; and (2.) Confirm the July 21, 2026 City Council actions approving Resolution No. 26-34 (Formation of CFD No. 2026-1 and Calling Special Election) and Resolution No. 26-35 (Certifying Results of Special Election).
Submitted by: Dario Dominguez, Acting City Manager & Director of Public Works
11.11 Authorizing a designated official to apply for and administer a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Public Benefit Grant
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends: (1.) Council adopt Resolution 26-44 authorizing a designated official to apply for and administer a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Public Benefit Grant, for four (4) new 2027 Cushman Hauler PRO’s. (2.) City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for the acceptance of a grant to purchase four (4) new 2027 Cushman Hauler PRO’s;
Submitted by: Armando da Silva, Director of Parks and Recreation Services
12. DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT
12.1 Finance Department – Soledad Ruiz-Nunez, Director of Finance Director of Finance Soledad Ruiz-Nunez reported that the Finance Department has been managing numerous major tasks over the past year, including utility billing, business licensing, payroll, accounts payable, budgets, grants, and audits. She provided an update on implementing the new Tyler Technologies financial software, which replaces the outdated Central Square system. Several modules are already in use, including payroll and timekeeping, and utility billing is expected to go live in October. The new system will improve reporting, accuracy, and online access for employees and residents.
She noted that the fiscal year 2026-27 budget was approved before July 1 and described the process used to develop it. Ruiz-Nunez also reported that Audit FY24 was completed with two findings, and corrective actions have been implemented. Work is underway on Audit FY25, with auditors scheduled to arrive October 5. She stated that communication with auditors has been consistent, and staff are addressing all requested items.
12.2 Parks & Recreation – Armando da Silva, Director of Parks & Recreation Director of Parks & Recreation Armando da Silva provided an update on recent and upcoming parks and recreation activities, community programs, and citywide special events.
13. PUBLIC HEARING
13.1 Consideration of Approval of a Tentative Parcel Map (PLAN-26-01) to Subdivide Approximately 0.74 Acres into Two Parcels at 950 W. Tulare Road, Lindsay, CA 93247(APN: 199-100-054)
Action & Recommendation: Public Hearing to Consider the Approval of Resolution No. 26-39, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lindsay Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 26-01, A Request by Terry D. Holmes on Behalf of Property Owner Leonardo Navarro for the Property Located at 950 W. Tulare Road (APN 199-100-054) in the Residential Multi-Family (RM-3) Zone, and Finding that the Project is Exempt from Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15315 (Minor Land Divisions).
Submitted: Joseph Avina, City Services Manager & Inspector Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Margaret Martinez requested clarification on the location being discussed near the proposed roundabout.
Council Action: Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to Approve Agenda Item 13.1, approval of a Tentative Parcel Map (PLAN-26-01) to Subdivide approximately 0.74 acres into two parcels at 950 W. Tulare Road, Lindsay, CA 93247 (APN:199-100-054). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanchez and unanimously approved 4-0.
14. ACTION ITEMS
14.1 CSET Lease Agreement Renewal – Senior Services at Community Center Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the renewal of the Property Lease Agreement between the City of Lindsay and Community Services Employment Training (CSET) and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the agreement.
Submitted by: Dario Domingues, Acting City Manager & Director Public Works Presentation: Angel Avitia and Emma Ibarra from CSET provided an overview of senior services in Tulare County. CSET operates six senior centers, including one in Lindsay, offering hot meals, activities, and socialization. They also provide educational programs, resource referrals, scam prevention, and health-related workshops. CSET manages the county’s Meals on Wheels program, serving about 300 homebound seniors, though a waitlist remains due to limited funding. Staff conduct regular safety-check calls for homebound and congregate seniors. A 24-hour information and assistance hotline is available to seniors in Tulare, Kings, and Kern counties.
Public Comment: The public comment period was opened. The following comments were received:
Diane Mata shared concerns regarding the operations and quality of services at the senior center. She expressed disappointment with the activities offered, stating that seniors often have to organize activities themselves. She discussed past meetings with CSET staff and other partners, noting that she saw little improvement or follow-through.
Mata also raised concerns about the quality and preparation of meals, suggesting a pilot program be tested locally before committing to a broader provider. She stated that communication and guidance for staff at the senior center, particularly regarding activities, is lacking and emphasized the need for clearer direction and better support for both staff and seniors.
Margaret Martinez commented on her past experiences with the senior center, stating that she appreciated the presentation but previously had difficulty reaching staff for assistance. She explained that she had left messages for CSET staff without receiving a response and felt unable to obtain needed information. She expressed concern that contact information for assistance is not posted at the facility, noting that visitors receive individual papers instead. Martinez stated that having clear, visible contact and conduct information posted would help residents feel heard and supported. She concluded by saying she often felt ignored rather than listened to.
Anita Gustuson asked for clarification regarding the lease agreement referenced in the staff report. She noted that the lease for PSW and the Corral Bookshop was mentioned, but PSW did not appear in the list of attendees, and she inquired whether it was intended to be included or handled separately
Director of Parks and Recreation Armando da Silva shared comments regarding recent experiences with CSET’s operations at the senior center. He explained that when he began with the City, staff worked with CSET to return services to the facility, and during that period, the on-site staff member, Robert, was effective and responsive. Following Robert’s departure, da Silva noted a decline in communication and engagement. He and other City staff had previously attended activities such as bingo and interacted regularly with seniors but later felt they were no longer welcome due to new policies. He stated that seniors often expressed concerns about limited activities and resources, prompting staff to donate crafts. Da Silva said the program provides valuable services but may benefit from adjustments and improved coordination. He concluded by expressing support for the program and noting that returning staff similar to Robert would be beneficial.
Recreation Coordinator Gustavo Arredondo provided comments as both a resident and a City employee. He stated that residents have expressed concerns that the senior center’s curriculum and enrichment activities are limited and inconsistently offered.
Although CSET maintains a digital calendar of scheduled activities, he noted that, based on feedback, only the recovery program consistently occurs. He asked CSET leadership to review the programs and resources to ensure seniors receive the services being promoted. Arredondo emphasized that while the City does not oversee the senior center program, it relies on CSET to deliver the services effectively for Lindsay’s residents.
Council Action: Mayor Pro Tem Soria moved to approve the renewal of the Property Lease Agreement between the City of Lindsay and Community Services Employment Training (CSET) and to authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanchez and was unanimously approved, 4–0.
15. REQUEST FOR FUTURE ITEMS
Councilmembers requested that the stove at the senior center be addressed and properly situated. The councilmember also asked that the roadway conditions near Burger King be reviewed to determine responsibility for needed improvements. Additionally, the councilmember recognized two local youth troops—one celebrating its one-year anniversary and another newly formed—and expressed appreciation for their involvement in the community. The councilmember encouraged continued engagement and concluded by wishing everyone a good night.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm.
Approved by Council: September 22, 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 October 27, 2026.