REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
IN-PERSON MEETING
April 22, 2026
MCFARLAND CITY COUNCIL
MCFARLAND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MCFARLAND PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
MCFARLAND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
MCFARLAND PARKING AUTHORITY
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ayon called the meeting to order at 6:00p.m.
ROLL CALL
'ouncilmembers Present: Mayor Saul Ayon, Vice-Mayor Ricardo Cano, Councilmembe Martin Gutierrez, Councilmember Anita Gonzale:
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember María T. Pérez.
OFFICIALS PRESENT
City Attorney Nathan Hodges, City Manager Diego Viramontes, Chief of Police Adrain Olmos, Community Development Director Megan Snyder, Human Resources Director Serrena McCuan, Economic Development Manager Paul Saldana, City Clerk Erika De La Cruz
INVOCATION
Offered by Economic Development Manager Paul Saldana
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Offered by Public Works Director Yerlys Hernandez
APPROVE AGENDA AS TO FORM
Motion by Vice Mayor Cano, Seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to amend the agenda by adding a proclamation recognizing Sexual Harassment Awareness Month and to approve the agenda as amended for the April 22, 2026 City Council Meeting. Motion Approved by 4/0 Roll- Roll Call Vote:
AYES: S. Ayon, R. Cano, M. Gutierrez, A. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: M. Pérez,
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED: 4-0
FEATURED PET
Featured Pet, Frisco, presented by Community Development Director Snyder
PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS AND AWARDS
1. A Proclamation Declaring May 4-8, 2026, as Economic Development Week in the City of McFarland
2. A Proclamation Declaring April 12-18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the City of McFarland
3. Recognition of Police Office Technician Hilda Maduena for Successfully Completing the 160 Hour California POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course
4. Presentation and Swearing in Ceremony of Police Officer Chloe Blake
5. Presentation and Swearing In of Newly Appointed Deputy Chief of Police, Brandon Rutledge
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
None
CONSENT AGENDA
6. Approval of Expense Report in the Amount of $487,159.64 from 3/28/2026 to 4/10/2026
7. Approval of April 8, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
8. Approval of April 8, 2026, Special City Council Meeting Minutes
9. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-41 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF MCFARLAND AND KERN
INTERN CONNECT PROGRAM TO PARTICIPATE IN A WAGE REIMBURSEMENT
INITIATIVE SUPPORTING INTERN EMPLOYMENT
10. LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 (FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027): INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS, PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF
ENGINEER'S REPORT, AND DECLARATION OF INTENTION TO LEVY AND
COLLECT ASSESSMENTS
a. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-39 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF
THE ENGINEER'S REPORT REGARDING THE PROPOSED LEVY AND
COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
b. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-40 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR THE LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 Approval of Resolution No. 2026-38 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF c. THE CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR
THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE
CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
11. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-42 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CINCO DE MAYO
FESTIVAL, INCLUDING ASSOCIATED PLANS, LOGISTICS AND BUDGET
12. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-43 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA DECLARING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221(b)(1) THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
OWNED BY THE CITY LOCATED ON PERKINS AVENUE IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221(f)(1)(B) AND NOT
NECESSARY FOR THE CITY'S USE, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
13. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-44 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA DECLARING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221(b)(1) THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
OWNED BY THE CITY LOCATED ON FRONTAGE ROAD IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221(f)(1)(B) AND NOT
NECESSARY FOR THE CITY'S USE, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Motion by Councilmember Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to Approve the Consent Agenda at the meeting of April 22, 2026. Motion Approved by 4/0 Roll-Call Majority Vote.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: S. Ayon, R. Cano, M. Gutierrez, A. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: M. Pérez
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED: 4-0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
14. PUBLIC HEARING NO.2 - PROPOSED CITY CHARTER (GOV. CODE §34458):
RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND COUNCIL DIRECTION ON PROPOSED
CHARTER
15. Waive Full Reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 2-2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA ADDING SECTION
17.137.090 OF THE MCFARLAND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
NONCONFORMING USES UPON ANNEXATION
Motion by Vice Mayor Cano, Seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to Waive Full Reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 2-2026 at the meeting of April 22, 2026. Motion Approved by 4/0 Roll- Call Majority Vote.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: S. Ayon, R. Cano, M. Gutierrez, A. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: M. Pérez
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED: 4-0
16. Waive Full Reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 3-2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA ADDING SECTION
13.04.695, SECTION 13.04.705, AND CHAPTER 13.10 OF THE MCFARLAND
MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING WATER THEFT, UNAUTHORIZED WATER USE,
AND UNAUTHORIZED CONNECTION TO FIRE HYDRANTS AS ALLOWED BY
STATE LAW
Motion by Councilmember Gonzalez, Seconded by Vice Mayor Cano to Waive Full Reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 3-2026 at the meeting of April 22, 2026. Motion Approved by 4/0 Roll- Call Majority Vote.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: S. Ayon, R. Cano, M. Gutierrez, A. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: M. Pérez
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED: 4-0
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
17. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-37 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT WITH BRANDON RUTLEDGE, DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE Motion by Councilmember Gonzalez, Seconded by Vice Mayor Cano to Waive Full Reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 3-2026 at the meeting of April 22, 2026. Motion Approved by 4/0 Roll- Call Majority Vote.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: S. Ayon, R. Cano, M. Gutierrez, A. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: M. Pérez
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED: 4-0
PUBLIC COMMENT
• Jim White
COUNCIL COMMENTS
None
REPORTS FROM CITY CO UNCIL ON COMMITTEE/SPECIAL DISTRICT
MEETINGS
a. Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG):
Mayor Ayon stated that a meeting was held and well attended. A presentation was provided regarding the gas tax and related state funding; however, specific details regarding allocation and intended use of funds were not fully addressed. Upcoming grant opportunities for cities were noted, and staff were encouraged to continue coordination with Kern COG. b. Economic Development (EDC):
Mayor Ayon stated EDC Board of Directors is scheduled to meet the following day, with additional updates to follow. The West Kern Economic Development Alliance will host an event during Economic Development Week in the City of McFarland. Additionally, the Boundless Kern video program will feature the City, with the Mayor scheduled to record an episode to promote McFarland to site selectors, realtors, and a broader audience. c. Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO):
Mayor Ayon stated a recent meeting included discussion of upcoming annexations. Additional proposals from the City are anticipated.
d. Delano Mosquito Abatement District:
Vice Mayor Cano stated that the district is preparing for mosquito season, including securing necessary materials and resources. Due to recent, a higher mosquito activity season is expected.
Residents were encouraged to take preventative measures, including eliminating standing water and using repellents, due to concerns regarding West Nile virus. e. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District:
Councilmember Gonzalez stated that the meeting was held on March 31, 2026. The Board unanimously approved the reappointment of representatives from the Cities of Modesto and Wasco to serve as large and small city representatives, respectively.
COUNCIL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS:
Councilmember Gutierrez:
Expressed appreciation for the large meeting attendance and noted progress made during the meeting. Welcomed new additions to the Police Department and emphasized the importance of continued staffing. Thanked department heads for their work in maintaining City operations.
Encouraged community attendance at the upcoming Cinco de Mayo Festival and congratulated the McFarland High School robotics team on competing at the VEX Robotics World Championships.
Councilmember Gonzalez:
Acknowledged and appreciated the strong public attendance at the meeting. Thanked City staff for their continued hard work and willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Encouraged the community to attend and support the upcoming Cinco de Mayo event.
Vice Mayor Cano:
Congratulated and welcomed the newly appointed Police Officer and Deputy Chief.
Acknowledged the upcoming busy weekend of community events and expressed appreciation to City staff for organizing the Cinco de Mayo Festival. Highlighted the collaborative effort required to host the event and encouraged community participation.
CLOSED SESSION
18. Direction was given to the City Manager and Economic Development Manager.
ADJOURNEMENT
The meeting adjourned approximately at 7:15p.m.
CITY OF MCFARLAND MCFARLAND
Cuite De fe INCORPORATED
JULY 18, 1951
Erika De La Cruz, City Clerk
CALIFORNIA