Avenal public meetings in 2024
32 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The Avenal City Council meeting scheduled for December 12, 2024, has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2025, at the Avenal Theater & Event Center.
Planning Commission
The regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Avenal Planning Commission for December 2, 2024, has been canceled. No items were decided or discussed.
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The Avenal City Council will hold a public hearing to authorize submission of a 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The council will also consider retroactively amending the title of the interim police chief to full chief for a past service period, discuss the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant hearings, and review past city council goals. The consent calendar includes approval of minutes, financial statements, and a change order for a solar project at the wastewater treatment facility.
- Public hearing and resolution authorizing 2024 CDBG grant application
- Resolution 2024-57 to retroactively amend Robert Nevarez's title from Interim Chief of Police to Full Chief of Police (July 2022 – Feb 2024)
- Discussion on Nuclear Regulatory Commission hearings regarding Diablo Canyon Power Plant
- Approval of Change Order No. 5 to contract with Kuykendall Solar for solar PV system at WWTF (Resolution 2024-56)
- Closed session for real property negotiation with CrisCom Company regarding APNs 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will consider adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update. The body is also discussing a sustainable biofuel project development and a digital marquee sign for Skyline Park.
- Adoption of 2024 Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update (Ordinance 2024-02)
- Agreement with Reef-Sunset Unified School District for a digital marquee sign at Skyline Park
- Engagement agreement with Guaranteed Community Advisors (GCA) for sustainable biofuel project development
- Side Letter Agreement #3 with Avenal Police Officers’ Association regarding appeal processes
- Amendment to purchasing policy for used equipment and online marketplace items
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will hold public hearings to discuss and potentially approve the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget, including fees and charges, and a comprehensive update to the zoning and subdivision ordinance. The meeting also includes a study session on Measure B and a budget workshop.
- Public hearing for FY 2024/2025 City Budget, Fees & Charges
- Public hearing for Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update
- SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Resolution 2024-4X)
- M.O.U. with Avenal Rotary Club for the 2024 Pistachio Days Festival
- Citywide policies for take-home vehicles (Resolution 2024-47) and travel per diem/mileage (Resolution 2024-48)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2024-01. The proposal involves converting an existing garage into a 400-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
- Public hearing for CUP 2024-01 to convert a garage to a dwelling unit at 149 E Kings Street
- Proposed Resolution 2024-03 regarding the 400-square-foot ADU project
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The Avenal City Council will hold public hearings and vote on the proposed FY 2024/2025 city budget and fees, and a comprehensive zoning and subdivision ordinance update. The consent calendar includes approval of a roof replacement bid for the police department and veterans hall, and creation of three new staff positions. The council will also consider finalizing a school resource officer agreement with RSUSD.
- Public hearing to adopt FY 2024/2025 budget and fees & charges
- Public hearing to approve comprehensive zoning and subdivision ordinance update
- Consider roof replacement bid for Police Department and Veterans Memorial Hall from Nations Roof West, LLC (Resolution 2024-42)
- Establish three new positions: Deputy City Clerk, IT Director, Utilities Director (Resolution 2024-44)
- Old business: approve SRO agreement with RSUSD (Resolution 2024-4X)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The council will hold public hearings on and consider adopting the FY 2024/2025 budgets for the city, its Successor Agency, and the Public Finance Authority, along with associated fees and charges. They will also vote on a School Resource Officer agreement with RSUSD (Resolution 2024-42) and approve a Local Roadway Safety Plan. The meeting includes closed-session discussions: a city manager performance evaluation, real-property negotiations for two parcels (APNs 040-320-009 and 040-320-014) with CrisCom Company, and two pending litigation cases (Ross Family Properties v. City and Jesus A. Mendez v. City).
- Public hearing on proposed FY 2024/2025 city budget and fees
- Consider SRO agreement with RSUSD (Resolution 2024-42)
- Closed session real-property negotiations for APNs 040-320-009 and 040-320-014 with CrisCom Company
- Closed session on pending litigation: Ross Family Properties v. City (Case 24CU0071) and Jesus A. Mendez v. City (Case 24CU0108)
- Approval of Local Roadway Safety Plan (Resolution 2024-41)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to recommend that the City Council adopt a comprehensive update to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The update is intended to align with state law, implement the 2035 General Plan, and improve code clarity. The commission will also consider a resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA. No other new business is on the agenda.
- Public hearing to recommend adoption of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update and environmental CEQA exemption
- Proposed new regulations for the Skyline Commercial Corridor including fencing, auto sales, and landscaping
- New standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) compliant with state law
- Provisions to allow and regulate chickens on residentially zoned parcels
- New regulations for wall murals as public art and trash enclosure design requirements
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider and potentially approve a resolution authorizing staff to submit the 2024-2032 Draft Housing Element and Fair Housing Analysis to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; other items are procedural.
- Consider resolution to authorize submittal of 2024-2032 Draft Housing Element and Fair Housing Analysis to HCD for review and approval (public hearing)
- Presentation of staff report and PowerPoint on Housing Element and Fair Housing Analysis
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority are meeting for a special session. The primary focus is a closed session to instruct negotiators regarding the terms of payment for specific real property.
- Closed session regarding real property APN: 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000
- Negotiations with CrisCom Company concerning purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of property
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will discuss the administrative draft of the Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update. The body will also review information regarding the draft 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element.
- Discussion of Administrative Draft of Zoning Ordinance
- Discussion of Draft 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will hold public hearings and vote on the proposed FY 2024/2025 budgets for the city, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority. Other major actions include awarding a bid for the Avenal Cut-Off Road resurfacing project, approving a School Resource Officer agreement with RSUSD, and authorizing the purchase of a digital sign. The consent calendar includes accepting grant conditions for the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan and ratifying salary adjustments for bargaining units and city officials. A closed session is scheduled for police chief performance evaluation, real property negotiation with CrisCom, and pending litigation.
- Public hearings and approval of FY 2024/2025 city budget, Successor Agency budget, and PFA budget
- Consider awarding bid for Avenal Cut-Off Road Resurfacing Project (Resolution 2024-38)
- Consider approving SRO agreement with RSUSD (Resolution 2024-39)
- Consider authorizing purchase of a digital sign for Skyline Blvd/Hyrdil Road from MAVP (Resolution 2024-40)
- Discussion of community concerns regarding elevated PG&E bills and drafting a formal letter requesting relief
The City Council awarded the Avenal Cutoff Road Rehabilitation Project contract to Talley Oil Inc. (lowest bidder at $828,637.05) via Resolution 2024-38. The council also approved the purchase of a digital sign for Skyline Park from MAVP for $116,025, and tabled the SRO agreement with RSUSD. The FY 2024/2025 budget hearings were continued to the next regular meeting.
- Awarded Avenal Cutoff Road Rehabilitation contract to Talley Oil Inc. (5-0)
- Approved purchase of 14' x 12' digital sign from MAVP for $116,025 (5-0)
- Tabled SRO agreement with RSUSD to next meeting (5-0)
- Continued FY 2024/2025 budget public hearings to next regular meeting (5-0)
- Approved consent calendar including minutes, grant acceptance, contingency agreements, and salary adjustments (5-0)
- Consensus to draft formal letter to PG&E requesting rate review and relief measures
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The Avenal City Council will consider a resolution to place Measure B on the November 5, 2024 ballot, which would impose a vacancy tax on unoccupied commercial and residential properties, raise the transient occupancy tax (TOT) to 15%, and create a progressive business license tax rate. They will also hold a budget workshop for the proposed FY 2024/2025 budget. The council will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations, real property negotiations (APNs 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000), and pending litigation (Ross Family Properties, LLC v. City of Avenal).
- Ordinance 2024-01/Resolution 2024-34: Vacancy tax up to $1,000 per linear foot of frontage for properties vacant three or more years
- Transient occupancy tax increase from 6% to 15%
- Progressive business license tax schedule: 0.05% to 0.475% of gross receipts, with lower rates for businesses under $500,000 revenue
- Budget workshop for FY 2024/2025 proposed budget
- Closed session: real property negotiator instructed to negotiate terms of payment with CrisCom Company for two parcels
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority will hold public hearings to consider the FY 2024/2025 budgets and fees. The council will also discuss a new vacancy excise tax and updates to business and hotel taxes. Additionally, closed sessions are scheduled for personnel evaluations and property negotiations.
- Proposed FY 2024/2025 budgets for the City, Successor Agency, and PFA
- Ordinance 2024-01 regarding a new Vacancy Excise Tax
- Amendments to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Business License Tax schedules
- Purchase of one digital poster board for Skyline Park
- Real property negotiations for APN: 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will hold a workshop for the 2024/2025 proposed budget and review end budget revisions for previous years. The council will also consider potential changes to vacancy, transient occupancy, and business license tax schedules.
- Proposed Vacancy Excise Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, and Business License Tax changes
- Purchase of one digital poster board for Skyline Park (SR269/Hydril Road)
- MOU with Reef-Sunset Unified School District regarding the park poster board
- Review of FY 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 budget revisions
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will hold public hearings to consider proposed FY 2024/2025 budgets, fees, and charges for the City, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority. The agenda also includes discussions on budget revisions for previous fiscal years and appropriation limits. Additionally, the council will meet in closed session regarding property negotiations and pending litigation.
- Proposed FY 2024/2025 budgets for the City, Successor Agency, and PFA
- Real property negotiations with CrisCom Company (APN: 040-320-009-000; 040-320-014-000)
- Adoption of a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
- Budget revisions for fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024
- Pending litigation involving Ross Family Properties, LLC and Jesus A. Mendez
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority will hold a budget workshop. The session includes discussions regarding end budget revisions for fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. The council will also review the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.
- Review of FY 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 end budget revisions
- Workshop on proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget
- Review of Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The Avenal City Council will meet in closed session to discuss real property negotiations with CrisCom Company regarding two specific parcels. The meeting also includes reviews of two pending lawsuits and various department activity reports.
- Real property negotiations for APN: 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000 with CrisCom Company
- Review of litigation: Ross Family Properties, LLC v. City of Avenal
- Review of litigation: Jesus A. Mendez v. City of Avenal
- Purchase of one digital poster board for Kings/Skyline
- PG&E affordability update report
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will discuss the adoption of the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and a policy regarding council stipends. The body is also reviewing road maintenance project lists and police equipment purchases.
- Adoption of the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Council Policy 2024-01 regarding Council Stipend/Compensation
- Annual SB 1 Project List for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding
- Purchase of server equipment for APD from Colfax International
- Resolution requesting County Clerk services for November 5, 2024 municipal elections
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will discuss awarding bids for restrooms at the Avenal Community Garden and Avenal Pocket Park, as well as a sewer pipeline project. The body will also consider a policy regarding council member stipends and compensation.
- Bid for restrooms for the Avenal Community Garden and Avenal Pocket Park
- Avenal Kids Pocket Park Project bid from Todd Companies
- Whitney Street/Community Building Sewer Pipelines and Manholes project
- Council Policy 2024-01 regarding Council Stipend/Compensation
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations with CrisCom Company, County of Kings, and State of California
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council and Successor Agency will discuss council stipends and compensation. The body is also considering the creation of two temporary city hall positions and a subrecipient agreement for a digital sign.
- Council Policy 2024-01 regarding Council Stipend/Compensation (Resolution 2024-17)
- Establishment of two temporary positions: Office Clerk and HR/Risk Assistant (Resolution 2024-18)
- Subrecipient Agreement with County of Kings for a digital sign (Resolution 2024-16)
- M.O.U. with Avenal Rotary Club for 2024 Old Timers’ Day Festival
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations for APN: 040-320-009-000, 040-320-014-000, and 040-165-007
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority will meet to discuss a financial audit and council compensation. The body will also hold a closed session regarding real property negotiations and existing litigation.
- Ratification and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Financial Audit
- Approval of Council Policy 2024-01 (Council Stipend/Compensation) Resolution 2024-16
- Closed session regarding real property APN: 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000 with CrisCom Company
- Closed session regarding real property APN: 040-165-007 with County of Kings/State of California
- Closed session regarding litigation: Ross Family Properties, LLC, v. City of Avenal (Case No. 24CU0071)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Planning Commission
The Avenal Planning Commission will discuss and consider approving Resolution 2024-01, which would find that the Reef-Sunset Unified School District's acquisition of a former Wonderful Company daycare/wellness center at 1225 S. 7th Street is exempt from CEQA and consistent with the city's General Plan. The commission will also review an administrative draft of the zoning ordinance update. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Consider Resolution 2024-01 for Reef-Sunset Unified School District acquisition of 1225 S. 7th Street (APNs 040-280-014, 040-280-015, 040-280-038)
- Discussion of Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update – administrative draft
- Approval of minutes from December 4, 2023, and February 5, 2024
- Public comment period (3 minutes per person)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will discuss establishing a Property & Evidence Officer position within the Avenal Police Department. The body will also consider approving traffic striping for the South Seventh Ave. Road Project.
- Proposed creation of a Property & Evidence Officer position (Resolution 2024-16)
- Approval of traffic striping for South Seventh Ave. Road Project
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations for APN: 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000 with CrisCom Company
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations for APN: 040-165-007 with County of Kings/State of California
- Closed session regarding existing litigation: Ross Family Properties, LLC, v. City of Avenal (Case No. 24CU0071)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council is reviewing four options to adjust member stipends, with proposed budgets of up to $57,000 per year. The body is also considering joining the California Sustainability Coalition and approving a one-time premium pay stipend for Bargaining Unit 4.
- Proposed City Council compensation options ranging from $300 to $950 per month
- One-time additional premium pay stipend for Bargaining Unit 4 (Resolution 2024-14)
- FY 2023/24 Local Transportation Fund Claim (Resolution 2024-12)
- Replacing a vacant Community Development position with a Building Assistant (Resolution 2024-13)
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations for APN: 040-320-009-000, 040-320-014-000, and 040-165-007
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will hold a study session to review member compensation, which is currently $300 per month. The body is considering adjustments based on Senate Bill 329 and potentially linking pay to meeting and event attendance.
- Study session on City Council stipend and compensation review
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations with CrisCom Company (APN: 040-320-009-000 and 040-320-014-000)
- Closed session regarding real property negotiations with County of Kings/State of California (APN: 040-165-007)
- Approval to destroy surplus police and public safety equipment
- Presentation of services from Kings Behavioral Health
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council and Successor Agency will meet to discuss several administrative authorizations and city maintenance agreements. The body will also hold a closed session to discuss real property negotiations and a police chief performance evaluation.
- Creation of the Director of Public Safety position (Resolution 2024-09)
- Application for RAISE Grant funds (Resolution 2024-08)
- Avenal Art Maintenance and Landscape Agreement 06-1E750 with CalTrans for Skyline Boulevard
- Subordinated Lender's Consent for El Palmar Project (SA Resolution 2024-01)
- Amending stationary food vending locations to include Veterans Hall and Kings Street public parking lots
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will discuss the administrative draft of the Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update. The body will also introduce the Contract City Planner, Collins & Schoettler Planning Consultants.
- Discussion of Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance administrative draft
- Introduction of Contract City Planner: Collins & Schoettler Planning Consultants
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council will discuss proposed solid waste collection rates and street sweeping fees for 2024-2028. The body is also considering a professional services agreement for city planning and a contract for municipal solid waste collection.
- Public hearing on solid waste collection and street sweeping fees (Resolution 2024-05)
- Proposed professional services agreement with Collins & Schoettler Planning Consultants (Resolution 2024-07)
- Municipal Solid Waste Collection Agreement with Mid-Valley Disposal, LLC (Resolution 2024-02)
- Employee agreement for Cecilio Velasco as Chief of Police (Resolution 2024-04)
- Stationary food vending application and related fees (Resolution 2024-06)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council is considering a new Municipal Solid Waste Collection Agreement with Mid-Valley Disposal, LLC to ensure compliance with state laws including SB-1383. The body will decide between a fixed 10-year term or a rolling-term agreement to assist the contractor with equipment financing.
- Proposed Municipal Solid Waste Collection Agreement with Mid-Valley Disposal, LLC (Resolution 2024-02)
- Contract options for a 10-year fixed term or a 7-year rolling term
- Agreement for street sweeping services billed by actual curb miles swept
- Closed session for City Manager performance evaluation
- Upcoming Prop-218 rate study public hearing on January 25th
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority
The City Council and Successor Agency will discuss 2024 legislative priorities and a municipal solid waste collection agreement with Mid-Valley Disposal, LLC. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding the close-out of a 2020 CDBG grant.
- Municipal Solid Waste Collection Agreement with Mid-Valley Disposal, LLC (Resolution 2024-01)
- Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule FY 24-25 (Resolution 2024-02)
- Public hearing for close-out of 2020 CDBG Grant (20-CDBG-CV-2-3-0053)
- Purchase of "Crossroads" Traffic Records Software
- MOU with Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO) for Avenal Veterans' Memorial Hall