Los Banos, CA (August 8th 2025) – The Los Banos City Council met on August 6, 2025, for a session that combined community recognition, project approvals, and planning for future city facilities. Mayor Michael Amabile and Council Members Deborah Lewis, Evan Sanders, and Marcus Chavez were present; the District 1 seat remains vacant.
The evening began with presentations honoring local achievements. Adrianna Vierra, Administrative Clerk I in the Public Works Department, was named Employee of the Month for July in recognition of her outstanding performance and service to the community. The Council also issued a proclamation honoring a retiring police sergeant for more than two decades of service to the Los Banos Police Department. Another proclamation celebrated the Los Banos Little League 12U All-Star Team, which won local and sectional tournaments this summer before advancing to the NorCal Regional Tournament.
Following the presentations, the Council moved through an extensive consent calendar, approving more than a dozen items in one motion. These included acceptance of a $4,000 Walmart Community Program grant, a public utility easement dedication at 2191 Canal Farm Lane, and a lease agreement for grazing at the city’s wastewater treatment facility expected to generate $27,900 in revenue. The Council also authorized applying for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to support renovations at Colorado Ballpark, accepted completion of several capital projects — including shade structures at a park, emergency power improvements at the Northgate Sewer Lift Station, and subdivision landscaping installations — and approved subdivision improvement acceptances for Southpointe at Regency Park and Sunrise Ranch Phases 3 and 4.
Infrastructure and utility actions included approval of a groundwater sustainability agreement for the Delta-Mendota Subbasin, awarding a $759,586 construction contract to SW Construction, Inc. to rehabilitate the Orchard Terrace sewer lift station, and amending the city’s salary schedule to correct the range for the Fire Engineer classification.
Two public hearings were held for conditional use permits allowing off-site alcohol sales at planned retail locations. The first, for Northgate 42, LLC at the northeast corner of West Pacheco Boulevard and West I Street, and the second, for Vintners Distributors, Inc. at Mercey Springs Road and Willmott Avenue, were both approved without opposition.
City staff provided a detailed status update on several major facility projects. The planned Fire Station #4 and Emergency Operations Center, to be located on the west side of Los Banos near Walmart, is expected to be completed by mid-2027. The design will include approximately 8,200 square feet with two engine bays, a “clean station” layout to improve firefighter health and safety, and capacity for 2–4 personnel initially — including a battalion chief and engine company — with room for future expansion as the city grows. The update also addressed the forthcoming Development Services Center and options for the old police station building on J Street. The historic two-story structure, which has served various roles in the community, was the focus of a recent community workshop. The Council directed staff to conduct a feasibility study on the building’s structural condition and cost implications for restoration, demolition, or repurposing before making a final decision.
In other business, the Council accepted the Police Department’s annual Military Equipment Use Report, required under state law to detail the department’s inventory and use of military-grade equipment. The Council also approved a two-year extension to the lease agreement for a private preschool operating in the Ranchwood Park building, amending the terms to address utility cost allocation. In addition, an amendment to Interim City Manager Gary Brizzee Jr.’s employment agreement was approved, and the August 20 regular meeting was canceled for summer recess. A closed session was scheduled for August 7 to discuss recruitment for a permanent city manager and city attorney.
During the public forum, residents raised issues including the need for expanded hospital capacity, the shortage of affordable housing, preservation of historic buildings in redevelopment plans, future plans for the homeless population and environmental safety during planned park renovations. Several speakers also expressed appreciation for recent community events and city outreach, including National Night Out. One written comment on Colorado Ballpark renovations raised concerns about historic pesticide contamination at the nearby airport; Mayor Amabile responded, noting that the site was remediated decades ago, no city wells have ever been affected, and the park project will remain within its existing footprint. Another letter was submitted regarding the renewal of the lease for a long-standing local preschool, Pennington’s Little Friends Preschool, highlighting its role in providing quality childcare, early education, and support for working families. District 1 candidate Mitzy Perez shared her vision for the community. Perez called for greater investment in local spaces and programs that bring residents together and promote long-term growth. All comments were entered into the record for future consideration.
The meeting concluded with council member reports and an adjournment to the following day’s closed session.
