McFarland council scheduled dairy agreement, rezoning votes in late July; outcomes pending
The McFarland City Council held three special meetings between July 20 and July 22, 2026, with agendas covering litigation, a dairy industry agreement, a proposed ballot measure on animal operations, and several land-use and infrastructure items. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings, so outcomes and vote tallies are not available.
July 20: Closed session on West-Star Dairy litigation
The council scheduled a special session on July 20 consisting of procedural items and a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the case *West-Star Dairy v. City of McFarland*. No minutes have been published, so no action taken in closed session is on the record.
July 22: Dairy MOU and November ballot measure on animal operations
A separate special meeting on July 22 included two notable agenda items:
- **Resolution No. 2026-94**: A memorandum of understanding with West Star North Dairy, identified as Sherwood Ranch.
- **Resolution No. 2026-95**: A ballot measure to amend Chapter 17.200 of the McFarland Municipal Code, which addresses concentrated animal feeding operations, for the November 2026 election.
The agenda also allocated public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items and included a closed session on the Community Development Director employment matter.
Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed whether the council voted to approve either resolution.
July 22: Sherwood Avenue rezoning and infrastructure agreements
A second special meeting on July 22 included public hearings and consent agenda items:
- **Ordinance No. 6-2026**: A public hearing to rezone approximately 10 acres along Sherwood Avenue between Browning Road and Blanco Park from M-2 and C-1 to C-2.
- **Resolution 2026-88**: A public hearing on a variance for height and setbacks for a block wall at 392 Maria Court.
- **Resolution 2026-87**: A waiver of the business license fee for Community Health Centers of America.
- **Supplement agreement F013**: Execution of an agreement for a park and ride facility at Taylor Avenue and Mast Avenue, using federal RTSP funding.
- **Supplement agreement F014**: Execution of an agreement for pavement rehabilitation on W. Perkins Avenue from Garzoli Avenue to Frontage Road, using federal RSTP funding.
The consent agenda also included authorization for a CalPERS member contribution pick-up. Minutes are not yet published, so approval of these items is not confirmed.
What this means for residents
The rezoning along Sherwood Avenue, if approved, would change the allowed uses on roughly 10 acres between Browning Road and Blanco Park from industrial and limited commercial to general commercial. The dairy MOU and the proposed ballot measure on concentrated animal feeding operations could affect how animal operations are regulated within city limits. The infrastructure agreements involve federal funding for a park and ride facility and road repaving. Residents should watch for published minutes to confirm what was decided.
Coming up
The McFarland Planning Commission meets Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The agenda includes:
- **Resolution No. 2026-11PC**: A setback variance for an accessory unit at 220 Cedar Grove.
- **Resolution No. 2026-12PC**: Approval of Tentative Parcel Map 12657.
- Approval of the July 1, 2026, regular meeting minutes.
The meeting also includes public comment periods.