Avenal public meetings in 2023

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session for real property negotiations and personnel evaluations. The council will consider several routine consent items, a public hearing to close out a 2016 CDBG grant, and new business including an on-call engineering services agreement and a Caltrans maintenance agreement for state routes. The agenda also includes a proclamation for the Avenal Rotary Club and discussion of 2024 legislative priorities.

• Closed session: real property negotiations with CrisCom Company, Ross Family Properties LLC, and County of Kings/State of California; performance evaluations for Chief of Police and Community & Economic Development Director
• Consent: repair Lift Pump No. 2 at Water Treatment Plant No. 2; amend personnel policy to clarify paid holidays (Resolution 2023-45)
• Public hearing: close-out of 2016 CDBG grant (16-CDBG-11133)
• New business: agreement with A&M Consulting Engineers for on-call engineering services (Resolution 2023-46)
• New business: Caltrans maintenance agreement for SR 269 (Skyline) and SR 33 as part of Clean California Grant

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss an administrative draft of the Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of a new commissioner.

• Swearing in of Commissioner Rosa Sierra
• Discussion of Administrative Draft of Zoning Ordinance

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will hold a study session on proposed refuse rate increases, followed by a regular meeting. The council will consider issuing a notice of rate increases to all refuse customers, driven by new state organics recycling requirements and updated fees from Mid-Valley Disposal. The agenda also includes consent items, closed session matters, and a GIS web tech presentation for economic development.

• Study session: presentation on refuse rate increases by Dan Bergmann of IGS
• Closed session: labor negotiations with City Employees Bargaining Unit 4, real property negotiations with CrisCom Company (APNs 040-320-009-000 & 040-320-014-000), and performance evaluation for Chief of Police
• Consent: ratify Resolution 2023-43 authorizing MOU with County of Kings for Avenal Cut-Off Road improvements
• Consent: approve capital expenditure #2 from Wastewater Enterprise Fund for solar PV system at wastewater treatment plant (Resolution 2023-44)
• New business: GIS web tech presentation for economic development site selection tool

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council/Successor Agency/PFA is meeting to consider authorizing an engagement with Price Paige & Company for audit preparation and financial consulting services (Resolution 2023-42). The agenda also includes closed-session discussions on labor negotiations and real property terms with Ross Family Properties LLC and CrisCom Company, plus routine consent items and a recognition of officers for a lifesaving award.

• Resolution 2023-42: Authorize engagement with Price Paige & Company for audit preparation and financial consulting services
• Closed session: Real property negotiations with Ross Family Properties LLC (APN 038-290-028-000) and CrisCom Company (APNs 040-320-009-000, 040-320-014-000) on terms of payment
• Closed session: Conference with labor negotiator for City Employees Bargaining Unit 4
• Consent calendar: Approve minutes for October 12 & 21, 2023; ratify concrete work for the Community Garden
• Special recognition: Life Saving Award to Officers Austin Rodriguez, Ed Rij, and Miguel Gracida for efforts during a structure fire at 212 N. 7th Avenue

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council and Successor Agency are holding a special joint meeting for leadership/governance training and a closed session to evaluate the city manager's performance. The agenda includes no other substantive business.

• Leadership/Governance Training for Elected and Appointed Officials by Leadership Associates
• Closed session: Public employee performance evaluation for City Manager

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will meet to consider several action items, including approving a bid for the South Seventh Avenue Road Project, authorizing an agreement with Ice Fantasy Skating Rink, and approving a capital expenditure for a solar PV system at the wastewater treatment plant. The council will also hold closed sessions on labor negotiations, potential litigation, real property negotiations, and a police chief performance evaluation. Consent calendar items include an MOU with the Avenal Rotary Club for Pistachio Days, a grant application, and cost-of-living adjustments for bargaining units.

• Consider approval of South Seventh Avenue Road Project bid from Central Valley Asphalt (Resolution 2023-41)
• Consider capital expenditure from Wastewater Enterprise Fund for solar PV system at wastewater treatment plant
• Consider authorizing City Manager to enter professional agreement with Ice Fantasy Skating Rink
• Closed session: real property negotiations with Ross Family Properties LLC and CrisCom Company
• Consider cost of living adjustments for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, & 5 (Resolution 2023-40)

Planning Commission

The Avenal Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting with one substantive item: an informational discussion on the Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update, with no action required. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including approval of minutes, public comment, and staff/commissioner comments. No new business, public hearings, or economic development committee items are scheduled.

• Discussion of Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update (informational only, no action)
• Approval of minutes from August 7, 2023
• Public comment period (3 minutes per person)
• Next meeting scheduled for November 6, 2023

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session for labor negotiations, real property negotiations, and a police chief performance evaluation. In open session, the council will consider approving a quote from Axon Enterprise for body camera and Taser equipment subscription, along with consent items for wastewater plant projects. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Consider approval of Axon Enterprise body camera and Taser equipment subscription
• Closed session: real property negotiations with Ross Family Properties LLC (APN 038-290-028-000) and CrisCom Company (APNs 040-320-009-000, 040-320-014-000)
• Closed session: labor negotiations with City Employees Bargaining Units 1-5
• Closed session: performance evaluation for Chief of Police
• Consent: approval of wastewater plant influent valve replacement and aerator conduit/wire replacement projects

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will consider ratifying the FY 2019-2020 financial audit and corrective action plans, and extending the agreement with Sotomayor & Associates LLP for FY 2021-2022 audits. The meeting also includes closed-session items on labor negotiations, potential litigation, real property negotiations, and a police chief performance evaluation. Consent items include approving minutes, a shelter partnership, and a bilingual pay side letter.

• Ratify FY 2019-2020 Financial Audit and Corrective Action Plans (Resolution 2023-37)
• Extend agreement with Sotomayor & Associates LLP for FY 2021 & 2022 audits (Resolution 2023-38)
• Ratify 2023 Bilingual Pay Meet and Confer Side Letter with Avenal Police Officer's Association (Resolution 2023-36)
• Closed session: real property negotiations with Ross Family Properties LLC (APN 038-290-028-000) and CrisCom Company (APNs 040-320-009-000, 040-320-014-000)
• Adopt temporary City Council Rules of Procedure and Decorum

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council and Successor Agency will hold a special joint meeting to review the Computer and Electronic Technology Usage Policy (information only) and participate in leadership/governance training for elected and appointed officials. The council will also meet in closed session to evaluate the City Manager's performance. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with public comment and routine announcements.

• Review of Computer and Electronic Technology Usage Policy (information only)
• Leadership/Governance Training for Elected and Appointed Officials (workshop/discussion/action)
• Closed session: Public employee performance evaluation for City Manager

The City Council adopted a business casual dress code for staff and councilmembers. The body also established new protocols for public comments, agenda item discussions, and the use of electronic technology.

• Required business casual attire for Council and staff
• Mandated public comment cards for non-online comments
• Set 3-minute limit for public comments with 30 and 10-second warnings
• Allotted up to 25 minutes for Public Comments on agendas
• Established rotation-based procedure for councilmember comments on agenda items
• Required councilmembers to submit agenda questions to City Manager by Wednesday noon
• Issued cellular iPads to councilmembers for official communications

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session covering labor negotiations, potential litigation, and a real property negotiation with the Avenal Sand Drags Association. In open session, the council will consider consent items including a police service dog retirement, a tentative police officer pay agreement, and a consulting contract, plus discussions on major projects, a meeting date change, and filling planning commission vacancies.

• Closed session: real property negotiation with Avenal Sand Drags Association for APN 038-290-028-000
• Resolution 2023-34: transfer of ownership and waiver for retiring police service dog
• Resolution 2023-35: ratify tentative agreement with Avenal Police Officer's Association for cost of living adjustments
• Professional service contract with Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County for CERF consulting services
• Discussion on filling two vacant Planning Commission seats

The City Council approved a tentative agreement with the Avenal Police Officer’s Association for cost-of-living adjustments. The council also approved the retirement of a police service dog and rescheduled a September meeting to accommodate a community event.

• Ratified tentative agreement with Avenal Police Officer’s Association for FY 2023/2024 & FY 2024/2025 (4-0)
• Approved transfer of ownership and indemnity agreement for the retirement of a police service dog (4-0)
• Approved professional service contract with Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (4-0)
• Rescheduled September 28, 2023 meeting to September 27, 2023 (4-0)
• Directed staff to advertise two vacant Planning Commission seats

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council, Successor Agency, and Planning Commission are holding a special joint meeting solely for Brown Act and AB1234 ethics training presented by a public interest law firm. No action will be taken; the agenda is informational and procedural only.

• Brown Act & AB1234 Ethics Training for elected and appointed officials (information only)
• No action items or public hearings scheduled
• Meeting held at Avenal Theater & Event Center, 233 E. Kings St.

The meeting was informational only and no actions were taken. City Attorney Moses Diaz provided two hours of Brown Act and AB1234 Ethics Training for elected and appointed officials.

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council/Successor Agency/PFA will hold a regular meeting with a closed session for labor negotiations, anticipated litigation, and a City Manager performance evaluation. In open session, the council will consider a resolution to support a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program and form a committee, plus routine consent items and activity reports. No public hearings or new business are scheduled.

• Consider adopting a resolution recognizing the need for a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program and forming a committee
• Closed session: labor negotiations with City Employees Bargaining Units 1-5/APOA
• Closed session: anticipated litigation (1 potential case) and City Manager performance evaluation
• Ratify approval for Kings County Behavioral Health second digital signage at Highway 33/Skyline Blvd. intersection
• Approve out-of-state training for Tri-State Seminar 2023/Water Expo 2024

The City Council approved the June 22, 2023 minutes, a second digital sign for Kings County Behavioral Health, and out-of-state training. The Council designated Mayor Alvaro Preciado as the voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference. A resolution regarding a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program was tabled.

• Approved June 22, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Ratified approval for second Kings County Behavioral Health digital sign at Highway 33/Skyline Blvd (5-0)
• Approved out-of-state training for Tri-State Seminar 2023 and Water Expo 2024 (5-0)
• Designated Alvaro Preciado as voting delegate and Ricardo Verdugo as alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference (5-0)
• Tabled resolution to form a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program committee (5-0)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority will hold a regular meeting with a study session on the Avenal Community Garden, followed by a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant application for the Avenal Community Sport and Recreation Center. The council will also consider several consent calendar items, including resolutions on water meter requirements, a Community Choice Aggregation program, and an intergovernmental agreement for impact fee collection. Closed session items include labor negotiations and a performance evaluation for the City Manager.

• Public hearing on CDBG 2019/2020 Over-the-Counter application for Avenal Community Sport and Recreation Center (Resolution 2023-34)
• Resolution 2023-32 to require 1-inch water meters on new single-family homes
• Resolution 2023-33 to form a committee for Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program
• Resolution 2023-31 intergovernmental agreement with Kings County for impact fee collection
• Discussion of FY 2023/24 budget priorities

The City Council approved several resolutions including a new requirement for one-inch water meters on new single-family homes and an agreement with Kings County for impact fee collection. The Council also voted to add an emergency item regarding digital signage for Kings County Behavioral Health and reached a consensus to continue work on the community garden.

• Approved emergency item to consider digital signage for Kings County Behavioral Health (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-30 for FY 2023/24 Local Transportation Fund claim
• Approved Resolution 2023-31 for intergovernmental agreement with County of Kings for impact fee collection
• Approved Resolution 2023-32 requiring one-inch water meters on new single-family residential homes
• Tabled Resolution 2023-33 regarding a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program
• Consensus reached to continue working on the Avenal Community Garden

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority approved interim operating budgets to cover payroll and expenses until final budgets are adopted. The Council also authorized budget revisions for FY 2022/23 and established the FY 2023/24 appropriations limit.

• Approved interim FY 2023/24 operating budgets for City, Successor Agency, and PFA (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-27 for interim City operating budget (3-0)
• Approved SA Resolution 2023-01 for interim Successor Agency budget (3-0)
• Approved PFA Resolution 2023-01 for interim PFA budget (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-28 authorizing City Manager to amend FY 2023-2024 budget (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-29 establishing FY 2023-24 appropriations limit of $4,307,231.82 (3-0)
• Approved May 25, 2023 minutes and CD reinvestment (2-1)
• Tabled transfer of monies from CIP Fund

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council authorized a memorandum of understanding with the Avenal Rotary Club for the 2023 LaNeva Jaripeo y Baile event. The council also approved project retentions and permitted Kings County Behavioral Health to replace a digital sign. The city was notified of a $3.5 million HCD award for the Community Center.

• Approved M.O.U. with Avenal Rotary Club for 2023 LaNeva Jaripeo y Baile (2-1)
• Approved 10% retention for South Seventh Avenue Street Projects (3-0)
• Approved 10% retention for Community Building Project (3-0)
• Approved rebuilding of Lift Pump #4 (3-0)
• Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Granted Kings County Behavioral Health permission to replace digital sign at Kings/Skyline intersection (3-0)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will consider entering into a one-year fire services agreement with the Kings County Fire Department for FY 2023/24, and discuss suspending Tier III water conservation measures for the 2023/2024 water year. The meeting also includes a closed session on anticipated litigation and a performance evaluation for the City Manager, plus routine consent items and activity reports.

• Consider one-year fire services agreement with Kings County Fire Department for FY 2023/24
• Discuss suspending Tier III water conservation measures for Water Year 2023/2024 (March 2023 – February 2024)
• Closed session: anticipated litigation (1 potential case) and City Manager performance evaluation
• Approve minutes from April 27, 2023
• Updated Major Projects List & Hirings (discussion)

The City Council voted to temporarily suspend Tier III Water Conservation Measures for the 2023-2024 water year following a Bureau of Reclamation announcement of 100% contracted water allocations. The council also approved a one-year fire services agreement with Kings County.

• Approved temporary suspension of Tier III Water Conservation Measures for Water Year 2023/2023 (3-0)
• Approved one-year Fire Services Agreement with Kings County Fire Department for FY 2023/24 (3-0)
• Approved minutes for April 27, 2023

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council voted to end the local emergency declaration regarding the severe water shortage first declared on May 27, 2021. The council also approved a project list for road maintenance and updated the city's conflict of interest code.

• Ended Local Emergency Declared on May 27, 2021 (4-0)
• Approved SB 1 project list for road maintenance and rehabilitation (Resolution 2023-22)
• Adopted new and updated Conflict of Interest Code (Resolution 2023-23) (4-0)
• Approved April 13, 2023 minutes
• Approved February 2023 Estimated Cash and Financial Statements
• Approved agreement with County of Kings for Sixth Cycle Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element Update

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council/Successor Agency/PFA will hold a study session to review the Major Projects List and hirings, then discuss extending the local drought emergency declared May 27, 2021, and consider updating the city salary schedule for classified staff. They will also consider proposals for a Prop 218 rate study for refuse and street sweeping enterprise funds. The agenda includes closed-session items on anticipated litigation and real property negotiations.

• Study session: Review Major Projects List & Hirings
• Consider extending local emergency declared May 27, 2021 (drought)
• Resolution 2023-20: Review and update City Salary Schedule for Classified Staff
• Consider proposals for Prop 218 Rate Study for Refuse Collection and Street Sweeping Enterprise Funds
• Closed session: real property negotiation with Avenal Sand Drags Association (APN 038-290-028-000)

The City Council updated the comprehensive salary schedule for classified employees to comply with state minimum wage laws. The Council also authorized a Proposition 218 rate study for refuse collection and street sweeping and extended a local emergency declaration for severe water shortage.

• Approved temporary $1,000 parking agreement with Avenal Sand Drag Association (5-0)
• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes (carried)
• Approved Resolution 2023-19 for deed restriction to Parcel APN: 040-204-011-000 (carried)
• Approved Resolution 2023-19 to amend comprehensive salary schedule for classified employees (5-0)
• Renewed local emergency declaration for severe water shortage for 60 days (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-20 to adopt amended City Salary Schedule for Classified Staff FY 2022-2023 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-21 to contract with Interstate Gas Services (IGS) for a Prop 218 rate study not to exceed $16,700 (carried)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority will meet to consider routine consent items, discuss appointing a representative to the Kings County Commission on Aging, and decide on a pilot Dial-A-Ride transportation project with Kings Areal Rural Transit. They will also consider extending the local drought emergency declared on May 27, 2021. The agenda includes a closed session on potential litigation and real property negotiations.

• Consider extending local emergency declared May 27, 2021 (drought)
• Approve pilot Dial-A-Ride transportation project with Kings Areal Rural Transit (KART)
• Ratify letter of support for Westlands GSA's Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program grant
• Authorize mayor to execute Temporary South of Delta 215 Water Service Contract for 2023 (Resolution 2023-18)
• Closed session: potential litigation (1 case) and real property negotiation with Avenal Sand Drags Association (APN 038-290-028-000)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will hold a regular meeting with closed session items, consent calendar approvals, and several discussion/action items. Key decisions include whether to end the local COVID-19 emergency declared in 2020 and whether to extend the drought emergency declared in 2021. The council will also consider declaring two city-owned parcels as surplus land and authorizing the city manager to send surplus land notices.

• Consider ending local COVID-19 emergency declared March 24, 2020
• Consider extending local drought emergency declared May 27, 2021
• Declare two city-owned parcels as surplus land per Government Code Section 54221
• Ratify Resolution 2023-12 for solar PV system at wastewater treatment plant
• Authorize application for AB 836 Clean Air Centers Pilot Program (Resolution 2023-13)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council met in closed session to review performance evaluations for several city positions. Following the session, the Council approved the performance evaluation of City Manager Lopez.

• Approved City Manager Lopez performance evaluation (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Avenal Planning Commission will hold a study session on a cannabis ordinance and use within city limits, plus an update on the comprehensive zoning and subdivision ordinance. Both items are informational only, with no action needed. The meeting also includes election of officers and approval of minutes.

• Study session on cannabis ordinance and use within city limits
• Comprehensive zoning and subdivision ordinance update
• Election of chairperson and vice chairperson for term Jan 2023–Jan 2024
• Approval of minutes from October 3, 2022

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will hold a study session to discuss creating a formal policy for naming city assets such as buildings, parks, and streets, with examples from other cities. The regular meeting includes consent items, extending two local emergencies, and a commendation. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Study session on naming policy for city assets (buildings, parks, streets)
• Ratify Resolution 2023-08: Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule FY 23-24
• Resolution 2023-09: CDBG grant application and fund transfer (Agreement No. 22-CDBG-NH-00001)
• Resolution 2023-10: Authorize officials to accept Tobacco Grant Program funds
• Consider extending local emergencies declared March 24, 2020 and May 27, 2021

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City of Avenal Council is meeting to approve the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the fiscal year 2023-24. This schedule outlines how the Successor Agency will pay off remaining debts from the dissolved Avenal Redevelopment Agency, specifically the 2005 Revenue Bonds. The plan requests $464,650 from the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund to cover bond principal, administrative fees, and staff costs. Approval is required by February 1, 2023, to meet state deadlines for the agency's wind-down, which is expected to continue until August 2026.

• Approval of ROPS 23-24 requesting $464,650 total funding from the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund
• Payment of $178,659 toward the 2005 Revenue Bonds issued for non-housing projects including curbs, gutters, and sidewalks
• Allocation of $125,150 for administrative costs and employee payroll for the Successor Agency
• Payment of $3,500 in bond administration fees to US Bank
• Payment of $2,500 for Annual Continuing Disclosure Reports to NBS Local Gov. Solution