Los Banos, CA (November 7, 2025) — The Los Banos City Council met Wednesday night at City Hall for a meeting that combined community recognitions, public input, and several key policy decisions. Councilmembers adopted updated state building and fire codes, approved the city’s new Housing Element, authorized an audit of downtown business district funds, and heard updates on major housing and infrastructure projects.
Presentations and Recognitions
The evening opened with a proclamation honoring Veterans Day, thanking local service members and volunteers for organizing the annual parade. Certificates were presented to Grasslands Elementary, Creekside Junior High, and Los Banos High School for their patriotic parade entries.
The Council recognized Officer Teresa Provencio for her years with the Los Banos Police Department, where she served as a K-9 handler and school resource officer, and named Brad Bascue, Parks & Recreation Maintenance Worker I, the city’s October Employee of the Month.
A resolution of commendation was adopted for Interim City Manager Gary M. Brizzee Jr., honoring his long tenure with the city and four separate terms as interim manager.
The Council recognized Officer Teresa Provencio on her retirement after decades of service and welcomed Officer David Peralta, introduced by Police Chief Ray Reyna as the department’s newest officer.
A presentation was given to the Council on how a potential federal government shutdown could affect CalFresh benefits and outlined contingency plans to assist residents if funding delays occur.
Public Comment
Speakers raised concerns about homelessness and the need for additional shelter options ahead of winter, the high cost of local gasoline compared with surrounding cities, and ongoing maintenance and safety issues at a local apartment complex. Others promoted upcoming theater productions, suggested volunteer programs to assist animal rescue transports, and encouraged the Council to support pending federal healthcare legislation. Council thanked the speakers and directed appropriate follow-up by staff.
Consent Agenda
Council approved all consent calendar items unanimously, including the city’s warrant register, the quarterly investment report, and a financial audit of Transportation Development Act funds. A license agreement was approved allowing Merced County to place emergency radio communications equipment on a city-owned tower at the Los Banos Fire Department.
Resolutions authorized the purchase of four pickup trucks for city departments, accepted completion of an irrigation-pipeline replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and approved Los Banos’s participation in the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Joint Powers Authority.
Public Hearings
During the public hearings, the Council introduced ordinances adopting the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Building Standards Code, incorporating local amendments to meet Los Banos’s specific needs. Staff explained that these updates are required every three years to align city regulations with state safety standards. The Council also adopted Resolution No. 7015 approving the 2024–2032 Housing Element and introduced Ordinance No. 1213 establishing a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Overlay District. Community & Economic Development Director Stacy Souza-Elms said the new Housing Element positions Los Banos to remain eligible for state housing and infrastructure grants once certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Regular Business
The Council adopted Resolution No. 7016, presented by Human Resources Director Lucy Mallonee, updating personnel rules and compensation schedules for unrepresented management employees.
Finance Director Sonya Williams outlined proposals to review Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) finances. After discussion and public input, the Council approved hiring Price Paige & Company for a 2½-year audit, with the scope automatically expanding if irregularities are found. The $28,500 cost will be paid from PBID assessment funds. Representatives of the Downtown Association said they welcomed the review.
Staff and City Manager Reports
Housing Program Manager Christine McCammond reported that escrow has closed on the One Tree Avenue permanent supportive housing project (58 units). Construction is expected to begin within weeks and conclude in 12–18 months.
Public Works reported that traffic-signal poles for Ward and Pioneer Roads arrived ahead of schedule.
City Manager Kevin Lin delivered required public disclosures on executive compensation for Police Chief Ray Reyna and Parks & Recreation Director Joe Heim, and previewed planning for the city’s 2026 One Voice advocacy trip to Washington, D.C.
Councilmember and Mayor Reports
Councilmember Evan Sanders (District 2) commended staff and highlighted strong public participation at recent events.
Councilmember Marcus Chavez (District 3) thanked Veterans Day volunteers and requested follow-up on apartment safety concerns raised in public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Lewis (District 4) reported from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, encouraging residents to limit wood-burning on poor-air-quality days and noting grants for cleaner home heating; she also discussed regional biomass energy projects.
Mayor Michael Amabile announced state grant funding to upgrade Council Chambers technology for improved live-streaming and real-time public interaction, and previewed the city’s holiday tree-lighting ceremony and winter coat drive.
The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m. The next regular Los Banos City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at City Hall.
