LOS BANOS, CA — The Los Banos City Council convened on March 5, 2025, at 6:10 PM, addressing a range of community issues, infrastructure projects, and policy updates. The meeting featured key recognitions, public concerns, and significant council decisions that will impact the city.
The council began by recognizing Arbor Day, emphasizing the importance of tree planting and environmental stewardship. Officials reaffirmed Los Banos’ commitment to maintaining its Tree City USA status and encouraged residents to participate in the Arbor Day celebration on March 7 at Meadowlands Basin Park. Additionally, the Employee of the Month award for February 2025 was presented to Trisha Sova, an administrative clerk in the Community & Economic Development Department, for her outstanding service.
During the public forum, residents raised two major concerns. One resident spoke about a recently approved battery energy storage system (BESS) project located nine miles south of Los Banos. She expressed safety concerns, citing fire hazards and the lack of firefighter training for such incidents. There were also concerns about the approval process and potential conflicts of interest in the decision-making. Another resident addressed the issue of illegal fireworks, urging city officials to improve enforcement and public education to mitigate noise and safety risks.
Among the major council decisions, the annexation of 170 acres for stormwater management was a key item. The council approved the incorporation of land between the San Luis and Santa Fe Canals for a stormwater capture and groundwater recharge project. The area’s zoning designation was changed from agricultural/rural to civic/institutional to align with its intended use as a public water management facility. Ordinance No. 1207, which finalizes the annexation and zoning change, was adopted after its second reading.
The council also approved an addendum to a lease agreement with the Central California Irrigation District (CCID) to install solar lighting along the H.G. Fawcett Canal Trail. A $125,000 grant has been secured for the project, with additional city funding expected to cover the remaining $175,000. City officials noted that lighting improvements were among the most requested upgrades in the city’s parks master plan and are expected to enhance safety for trail users.
In employee policy updates, the council rescinded a previous resolution that had designated middle management employees as “at-will.” Moving forward, these employees will return to a standard probationary period upon hiring or promotion. Changes to police department certification incentive pay were also approved, increasing stipends for officers and dispatch supervisors holding specialized certifications. Additionally, administrative leave for management and middle management employees was increased, bringing department heads to 96 hours per year and assistant department heads to 48 hours per year.
The council made several commission appointments, including Larry Leonardo to the Airport Advisory Commission and Kathy Ballard and Refugio Llamas to the Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee. Several commission vacancies remain, including one seat on Measure H, a seat on Measure P, a seat on Measure V, and three openings on the Tree Commission.
City officials reminded residents about upcoming community engagement opportunities, including meetings on potential improvements to Colorado Park and the annual Arbor Day event. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM. Residents are encouraged to stay involved in local governance by attending future city council meetings and participating in community discussions.
