Avenal public meetings in 2025

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council adjourned its regular meeting on Dec 11, 2025 because a quorum was not present. The council set a new meeting date of Jan 8, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. to conduct general business and all public hearings originally scheduled. No agenda items were decided at this session.

• Approve minutes for the Nov 13, 2025 regular meeting and the Dec 1 special meeting
• Ratify prior approval to purchase and upfit a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility under the Byrne SCIP grant
• Consider approval of City Manager employment agreement amendment #2
• Public hearing on the close‑out report for the 2021 CDBG Homebuyer & Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation program
• Re‑ratify prior actions related to establishing the Avenal Municipal Fire Department

The council voted to approve the consent calendar, which covered approval of meeting minutes, a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility purchase, a recognized obligation payment schedule, and a resolution to accept CalHome program funds. The motion carried with three votes in favor and none against. A separate motion to move the closed session to the end of the meeting failed because it received no second.

• Approved consent calendar (minutes, police vehicle purchase, payment schedule, CalHome funds) – vote 3-0
• Approved City of Avenan/Successor Agency’s minutes for Nov 13, 2025 regular meeting & Dec 1 special meeting
• Ratified prior approval to purchase and upfit a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility under SCIP Grant
• Approved Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26-27 for July 2026‑June 2027
• Adopted resolution authorizing acceptance of CalHome program funds for first‑time homebuyer assistance
• Motion to move Closed Session to end of meeting failed – no second

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will vote on a resolution to approve the 2025 Temporary Memorandum of Understanding with the Avenal Police Officers Association and the 2025‑2026 Memorandum of Understanding for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, and 5. The agreements provide cost‑of‑living adjustments, uniform and boot allowance increases, and other benefit changes and are reflected in the FY 2025‑26 budget. A closed‑session will be held to discuss three pending litigation matters, including a threat letter from the Kings County District Attorney and an existing case filed by Ross Family Properties LLC. Public comment time is also scheduled.

• Ratify 2025 Temporary MOU with APOA (4% COLA FY25‑26, uniform allowance $1,000→$1,200, smart devices, 5% FTO incentive)
• Ratify 2025‑2026 MOU for Bargaining Units 1‑5 (4% COLA, $1,000 one‑time payment, boot allowance $125→$200, holiday trial, salary study)
• Closed‑session to review three pending litigations, including a threat letter about a municipal fire department and Ross Family Properties LLC case
• Public comment period allowing three‑minute remarks from residents
• Council members receive $450 per month as compensation per Government Code § 54952.3

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council will discuss the emergency purchase of a police vehicle using a state grant. The body will also consider updating job descriptions for fire and public works leadership positions and review police military equipment policies.

• Purchase and upfit of a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility via Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant
• Ordinance 2025-04: Avenal Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy amendment
• Adoption of job descriptions for Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief
• Adoption of job description for Public Works Landscape/Park Maintainer Leader
• Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority

The council added three emergency items to the agenda and approved several resolutions. They adopted a resolution to purchase and upfit a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, approved a joint‑powers agreement amendment, and adopted a job description for a Public Works Landscape/Park Maintainer Leader. A separate resolution (2025‑54) was also approved.

• Added Emergency Items 4.D‑c, 4.E, and 10.C to agenda (motion carried, AYES: Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Verdugo)
• Approved Consent Calendar items A & B and moved item C to New Business (motion carried, AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Preciado, Hernandez, Verdugo)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑54 (motion carried, AYES: Gamez, Preciado, Reynosa, Hernandez; NOES: Verdugo)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑55 to adopt job description for Public Works Landscape/Park Maintainer Leader (motion carried, AYES: Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Verdugo, Preciado)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑56 to purchase and upfit a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (motion carried, AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑57 to amend the Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (motion carried, AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Gamez, Preciado)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council and Successor Agency will discuss adopting an updated Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy that amends the 2022 ordinance and addresses AB 481 compliance. They will also review a revised application form and guidelines for community fund requests. Routine items include approving the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes and a closed‑session personnel evaluation of the City Manager.

• Adopt updated Avenal Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy (amends 2022 ordinance, AB 481 compliance)
• Consider revised application form and guidelines for community fund requests
• Approve minutes for the October 9, 2025 regular meeting (consent calendar)
• Closed‑session personnel evaluation of the City Manager position
• Public hearing: none scheduled

The council approved Resolution 2025-52, adopting the updated Avenal Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy and waiving the first reading of the amended ordinance. It also approved a revised application form for Community Fund requests. The consent calendar minutes were approved and the personnel evaluation for the City Manager was tabled.

• Adopted updated police equipment use policy and waived first reading of Ordinance 2025-03 (ayes: Verdugo, Gamez, Preciado, Reynosa)
• Approved revised Community Fund Request application and guidelines (ayes: Reynosa, Gamez, Verdugo, Preciado)
• Approved consent calendar minutes for October 9, 2025 meeting (ayes: Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado, Verdugo)
• Tabled closed‑session personnel evaluation for City Manager (ayes: Preciado, Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council will convene a special meeting to conduct closed sessions regarding labor negotiations with the APOA and personnel matters, as well as to review existing litigation involving a lawsuit filed by Jesus A. Mendez against the city.

• Closed session to discuss labor negotiations with APOA
• Closed session to hear personnel complaints
• Closed session to review existing litigation (Mendez v. City of Avenal)
• Public comment period scheduled for 3 minutes per speaker
• Council members receive $450 per month in compensation

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council and Successor Agency will approve the September meeting minutes, hold closed‑session discussions on labor negotiations, personnel complaints, and the Jesus A. Mendez litigation, and consider ratifying the urgent purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility with authorization for vehicle upfitting.

• Ratify urgent purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility and authorize vehicle upfitting (New Business)
• Closed‑session conference with labor negotiators (Government Code §54957.6)
• Closed‑session hearing of personnel complaints (Government Code §54957(b))
• Closed‑session review of existing litigation: Jesus A. Mendez v. City of Avenal, Case No. 24CU0108
• Consent calendar approval of minutes for September 25, 2025 regular meeting and September 30, 2025 special meeting

The City Council ratified Resolution 2025-51 to purchase a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility and authorize its upfitting, with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. The council also approved the routine consent calendar items and voted to table the closed‑session agenda for a future meeting. A motion to allow two members to participate via Zoom was carried.

• Approved Resolution 2025-51 for urgent purchase of 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (5-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar (routine items) (5-0)
• Tabled closed‑session agenda on labor negotiators, personnel, and litigation (5-0)
• Approved motion to allow Councilmember Verdugo and Mayor Preciado to join via Zoom (3-0, 2 abstain)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council will discuss and potentially take action on contracting with an outside public or private agency for fire protection services. The meeting also includes a closed session regarding threats to public services or facilities.

• Contracting with outside public or private agency for Fire Protection Services
• Closed session consultation with Avenal Police Department and City Manager regarding threats to public services or facilities

City Manager Antony López recommended signing an 18‑month termination‑clause fire services contract presented by Kings County. Mayor Alvaro Preciado supported the recommendation and emphasized the need for continuous professional fire protection. The council voted to approve the contract, and the motion carried with all five members voting aye.

• Approved 18‑month termination‑clause fire services contract with Kings County Fire (5‑0)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council and Successor Agency met on September 25, 2025 to consider items on the consent calendar and other business. Council members approved the adoption of Ordinance 2025-02 updating the Cross‑Connection Control Policy and Ordinance 2025-03 establishing the Avenal Fire Department and fire‑protection regulations. They also voted to transition future council minutes from summary to action minutes and ratified a resolution proclaiming September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. No new business or public hearings were scheduled.

• Adopt Ordinance 2025-02 amending Section 6‑4.20 to update the Cross‑Connection Control Policy (Resolution 2025‑49)
• Adopt Ordinance 2025-03 adding Chapter 12 to Title 4, establishing the Avenal Fire Department and fire‑protection regulations (Resolution 2025‑50)
• Transition from summary minutes to action minutes for City Council meetings
• Ratify Resolution 2025‑48 proclaiming September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month
• Approve minutes of the September 11, 2025 regular meeting

The council approved the Sep 11, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted two ordinances, including Ordinance 2025‑02 updating the cross‑connection control policy and Ordinance 2025‑03 establishing the Avenal Fire Department. A motion to allow Mayor Preciado to join via Zoom was carried. Discussion on moving from summary to action minutes was tabled, and a special meeting was scheduled for September 30 at 4 p.m.

• Approved Sep 11, 2025 meeting minutes – AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez; NOES: none
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑48 proclaiming September 2025 National Suicide Prevention Month – AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez; NOES: none
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑02 amending cross‑connection control policy – AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez; NOES: none
• Approved Ordinance 2025‑03 establishing Avenal Fire Department (Resolution 2025‑50) – AYES: Preciado, Hernandez, Gamez; NOES: Reynosa, Verdugo
• Tabled discussion on transition from summary to action minutes – AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo; NOES: Hernandez, Preciado
• Scheduled special meeting for 9/30 at 4 p.m. – AYES: Preciado, Verdugo, Hernandez, Gamez, Reynosa; NOES: none
• Motion to allow Mayor Preciado to join via Zoom – AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado; NOES: Verdugo

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council and Successor Agency will discuss several resolutions, including a contract with Cal.Net for construction and contracting of internet services. They will also consider a task order for the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, a road‑maintenance project bid from VSS International, Inc., staffing adjustments and salary schedule updates for FY 2025‑26, and two ordinance amendments. A closed‑session will address labor negotiations and a performance evaluation for the City Manager. Routine items include approval of the August 14 meeting minutes.

• Resolution 2025-42: Consider agreement with Cal.Net for construction and contracting of internet services
• Resolution 2025-43: Approve task order for the City of Avenal Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
• Resolution 2025-44: Approve 2024 Avenal Road Maintenance Project bid from VSS International, Inc.
• Resolution 2025-45: Approve staffing adjustments, reclassifications, updated job descriptions, and updated management salary schedule for FY 2025‑26
• Resolutions 2025-46 & 2025-47: Consider Ordinance 2025-02 (cross‑connection control policy update) and Ordinance 2025-03 (establishing Avenal Fire Department regulations)

The council adopted Ordinance 2025-03 establishing the Avenal Fire Department and related fire‑protection regulations. It also approved a proclamation for National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, authorized an agreement with Cal.Net for internet infrastructure upgrades, and authorized a task order for the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Additional actions included awarding the 2024 road‑maintenance contract to VSS International, approving staffing and salary adjustments for FY 2025‑26, and adopting a cross‑connection control ordinance.

• Approved Resolution 2025-48 proclaiming September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month (AYES: Preciado, Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa)
• Approved Resolution 2025-42 authorizing agreement with Cal.Net for internet infrastructure, antenna installation and public Wi‑Fi (AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Gamez, Preciado, Hernandez)
• Approved Resolution 2025-43 authorizing a task order to prepare the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Reynosa, Preciado)
• Approved Resolution 2025-44 awarding the 2024 Avenal Road Maintenance Project to VSS International, Inc. (AYES: Reynosa, Gamez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado)
• Approved Resolution 2025-45 staffing adjustments, reclassifications and salary schedule for FY 2025‑26 (AYES: Hernandez, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado; NOES: Verdugo)
• Approved Resolution 2025-46 adopting Ordinance 2025-02 amending cross‑connection control policy (AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado)
• Approved Ordinance 2025-03 establishing the Avenal Fire Department and fire‑protection regulations (motion carried)
• Approved Consent Calendar to adopt August 14, 2025 minutes (AYES: Gamez, Hernandez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council, Successor Agency, and Public Finance Authority will hold joint public hearings to consider and approve budgets for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The meeting includes discussions on city fees, charges, and fiscal year appropriation limits.

• Proposed FY 2025/2026 City Budget, including Fees & Charges
• Proposed FY 2025/2026 Avenal Successor Agency/RDA Debt Obligation Fund Budget
• Proposed FY 2025/2026 Public Finance Authority (PFA) Budget
• SRO Agreement with RSUSD
• FY 2024-2025 end budget revisions

The council adopted the City of Avenal’s FY 2025‑2026 budget by approving Resolution 2025‑39. It also approved the Successor Agency/RDA debt fund budget and the Public Financing Authority budget, each by their respective resolutions. Additional motions approved a budget amendment (Resolution 2025‑40) and an appropriations limit (Resolution 2025‑41). All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Consent Calendar (Verdugo, Gamez, Hernandez, Reynosa, Preciado all aye)
• Designated Councilman Verdugo as voting delegate and Mayor Preciado as alternate (all five aye)
• Adopted FY 2025‑2026 City budget (Resolution 2025‑39) (all five aye)
• Adopted Successor Agency/RDA Debt Obligation Fund FY 2025‑2026 budget (Resolution 2025‑02) (all five aye)
• Adopted Public Financing Authority FY 2025‑2026 budget (Resolution 2025‑02) (all five aye)
• Approved budget amendment authorizing City Manager to amend FY 2025‑2026 budget (Resolution 2025‑40) (all five aye)
• Approved FY 2025‑2026 appropriations limit (Resolution 2025‑41) (all five aye)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council adopted Resolution 2025-38, approving a four‑year fire services agreement with Kings County covering July 1 2024 to June 30 2028. The agreement costs about $3.8 million total, with a $1,096,310 direct city contribution for FY 2025‑26. An amendment was also approved requiring the city to give residents at least 30 days notice before any cancellation or non‑renewal of the contract. The motion passed unanimously.

• Approved four‑year fire services agreement with Kings County (5‑0 vote)
• Approved amendment requiring 30‑day public notice before contract cancellation or non‑renewal (5‑0 vote)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council heard public comments on budget transparency, police spending, recall efforts, and community concerns. A senior driver safety class was presented for possible implementation, and the FY 2025/2026 budget was reviewed. No motions, approvals, denials, or tabling of items were recorded.

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council approved three resolutions: a grant from the FY25/26 CHP Cannabis Tax Fund for DUI enforcement and education (Resolution 2025-35), a funding application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (Resolution 2025-36), and a task order for the City Water Master Plan (Resolution 2025-37). All three measures passed unanimously. The consent calendar and continuation of the public hearing were also approved without opposition.

• Approved Consent Calendar (motion by Gamez, seconded by Reynosa) – AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado; NOES: none; Absent: Hernandez
• Approved continuation of Public Hearing (motion by Gamez, seconded by Reynosa) – AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado; NOES: none; Absent: Hernandez
• Approved Resolution 2025-35 – CHP Cannabis Tax Fund grant for DUI enforcement (motion by Verdugo, seconded by Gamez) – AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado; NOES: none; Absent: Hernandez
• Approved Resolution 2025-36 – Application to Land and Water Conservation Fund (motion by Gamez, seconded by Reynosa) – AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Verdugo, Preciado; NOES: none; Absent: Hernandez
• Approved Resolution 2025-37 – Task Order for City Water Master Plan (motion by Verdugo, seconded by Gamez) – AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado; NOES: none; Absent: Hernandez

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council reviewed FY 2024/2025 budget revenues and expenditures and discussed FY 2025/2026 budget requests. No motions were voted on or adopted. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The City Council approved hiring Van Lant & Fankhanel, LLP to perform financial audits for fiscal years 2022/23 through 2026/27. The council also voted to table the proposed three‑year fire services agreement with Kings County. Minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting were approved, and the council gave special recognitions to the RSUSD Family Engagement Center and Jicela Soto.

• Approved Resolution 2025-31 hiring Van Lant & Fankhanel for audits FY 2022/23‑2026/27 (5‑0)
• Tabled Resolution 2025-32 fire services agreement with Kings County (5‑0)
• Approved Consent Calendar minutes for May 22, 2025 (5‑0)
• Special recognition of RSUSD Family Engagement Center (no vote recorded)
• Special recognition of Jicela Soto, promotion to principal (no vote recorded)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council met in closed session to discuss labor negotiations and the City Manager's performance evaluation, but reported no outcomes. The meeting reconvened at 6:09 p.m. and was adjourned by Mayor Preciado. No decisions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council moved the volunteer fire department resolution off the agenda and will revisit it after a town hall. It approved the animal shelter services agreement with Lemoore and the concrete work for the animal control expansion. The consent calendar was approved, but the staffing‑adjustment resolution was tabled to the next meeting. All motions passed unanimously with no recorded opposition.

• Moved Volunteer Fire Department proposal to a later agenda (motion carried, 4 AYES: Verdugo, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado)
• Approved Animal Shelter Services agreement with City of Lemoore (motion carried, 4 AYES: Reynosa, Verdugo, Hernandez, Preciado)
• Approved concrete work, drain line, and awning cover for Animal Control expansion (motion carried, 4 AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Reynosa, Preciado)
• Approved Consent Calendar items including scholarship presentation and special recognitions (motion carried, 4 AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Reynosa, Preciado)
• Tabled Staffing Adjustments, Reclassifications, Updated Job Descriptions, Updated Salary Schedule (Resolution 2025-30) to next meeting (motion carried, 4 AYES: Preciado, Reynosa, Verdugo, Hernandez)
• Approved Westlands Water District scholarship presentation and RSMS athletic recognitions as part of Consent Calendar (motion carried, 4 AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez, Reynosa, Preciado)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council approved the consent calendar, which includes the April 10 minutes and a memorandum of understanding with the Avenal Rotary Club, by a 4‑1 vote. The council also approved a special recognition for Mark Owen, Operations Supervisor at California Resources Corporation, by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Consent Calendar (minutes & Rotary Club MOU) (4-1)
• Approved recognition of Mark Owen (5-0)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council accepted the March 27 minutes, approved the final acceptance of the Community Garden and Neighborhood Park restroom project, and adopted proclamations for Autism Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It also approved Resolution 2025-28, which amends the General Plan and updates zoning for APNs 040-320-009 and 040-320-014. The proposed MOU with the Avenal Rotary Club was tabled for further review.

• Approved March 27, 2025 minutes (consent calendar) – motion carried, all ayes
• Approved final acceptance of Community Garden and Neighborhood Park restroom project – motion carried, all ayes
• Approved cash and financial statements, check register (Feb 2025) – motion carried, all ayes
• Accepted Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month 2025 proclamation – motion carried, all ayes
• Accepted Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025 proclamation – motion carried, all ayes
• Approved General Plan Amendment No.2025-01 and Ordinance No.2025-01 updating zoning for APNs 040-320-009 and 040-320-014 – motion carried, all ayes
• Tabled Comprehensive MOU with Avenal Rotary Club – motion carried, all ayes

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The council approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes. It moved the interlocal CLETS agreement to New Business. It adopted Resolution 2025-23, amending the General Plan for two parcels north of Highway 33 and exempting the project from CEQA. It also approved Resolution 2025-24 to implement a citywide ALPR camera system with Flock Group Inc.

• Approved March 13, 2025 minutes (motion carried; AYES: Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado)
• Moved CLETS interlocal agreement to New Business as Item 9D (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Gamez, concurred by Mayor Preciado)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-23 – General Plan amendment and CEQA exemption for two parcels (motion carried; AYES: Preciado, Reynosa, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez)
• Approved citywide ALPR camera system (Resolution 2025-24) – motion carried (vote tally not recorded)

City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

The Avenal City Council approved a citywide automatic license‑plate recognition (ALPR) camera system under Resolution 2025‑24, with the motion carried. The council also approved a General Plan Amendment and related environmental finding for two parcels north of Highway 33 (Resolution 2025‑23). The March 13, 2025 meeting minutes were approved, and the interlocal CLETS agreement with Hanford was moved to New Business.

• Approved citywide ALPR camera system (Resolution 2025‑24) – motion carried
• Approved General Plan Amendment for two parcels (Resolution 2025‑23) – motion carried (ayes: Preciado, Reynosa, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez)
• Approved March 13, 2025 meeting minutes (Consent Calendar Item A) – motion carried (ayes: Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo, Preciado)
• Moved interlocal CLETS Line Access agreement with City of Hanford to New Business as Item 9D