Los Banos, CA (November 21, 2025) — The Los Banos City Council covered a wide range of issues during its Nov. 19 meeting, including approval of routine financial and administrative items, adoption of updated state fire and building codes, an informational presentation on upcoming senior “tiny homes” projects, and public forum comments touching on local governance, infrastructure concerns, and a request for an e-bike ordinance. Council members and staff also delivered a series of departmental updates before the meeting concluded.
Senior “Tiny Homes” Project Presentation
At its Nov. 19 meeting, the Los Banos City Council heard an informational presentation from the Merced County Housing Authority about a planned senior “tiny homes” development in Los Banos. The project – the first of its kind in the city – aims to provide affordable, small-footprint housing units for older adults . According to city staff, the innovative senior cottages align with local and regional goals to expand affordable housing options and diversify the types of housing available to residents. Housing Authority representatives outlined the concept and were on hand to answer council questions about the upcoming development.
Public Forum Highlights
During public forum, residents addressed several community concerns. One speaker raised issues regarding the management of the Los Banos Downtown Association (PBID), including financial transparency, business confidence, and the impacts of rapid growth on city services. Comments included concerns about whether police, fire, water, schools, medical services, and traffic infrastructure are keeping pace with the city’s expansion. The speaker urged the Council to consider growth impacts more carefully and to ensure adequate infrastructure planning.
Another resident submitted a written comment asking the City to consider an e-bike ordinance. The letter requested safety rules such as speed limits, lane markings on the rail trail, and coordination with the police department and school district to address student ridership and general safety in the community.
A separate written statement read into the record involved a complaint regarding leadership disputes within a local parent club, including concerns about bookkeeping, missing funds, and the process for electing officers.
Several Spanish-speaking residents also addressed the Council, with their comments translated by the Finance Director. These speakers emphasized the importance of including Spanish-speaking residents in city programs, improving communication and outreach, and increasing representation in civic processes. They highlighted the need for stronger connections between the community and law enforcement and encouraged broader participation in city meetings and activities.
All public comments were received by the Council, and consistent with procedure, no action was taken during this portion of the meeting.
Consent Agenda Approvals
The Los Banos City Council unanimously approved the entire Consent Agenda with no items removed for separate discussion. The action included approval of the warrant register for checks numbered 254495 through 254914 totaling $1,379,596.63, as read into the record by the City Clerk. The Council also approved the meeting minutes from October 1, October 15, and November 5, 2025.
Several resolutions were adopted as part of the single consent vote. These included Resolution 7017, authorizing the City to deposit and withdraw funds through the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF); Resolution 7018, officially accepting the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds Financial Statements for fiscal years ending June 30, 2019 and 2018; and Resolution 7019, approving an increase of $3,515 to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) matching grant, along with the corresponding amendment to the FY 2025–2026 budget.
Acting as the Groundwater Sustainability Agency, the Council adopted Resolution 7020, approving the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Domestic Well Mitigation Policy, and Resolution 7021, authorizing execution of the revised Delta-Mendota Subbasin Memorandum of Agreement. The Council also adopted Resolution 7022, amending the City’s salary schedule to add a Legal Assistant position to the Administration Department and adjusting the FY 2025–2026 budget by approximately $63,753 to fund the related salary and benefits. All Consent Agenda items were approved as submitted.
Updated Fire and Building Codes Adopted
The Council held two public hearings to update Los Banos’ public safety codes in line with state standards. Ordinance 1211, which amends the Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with local adjustments, was brought forward for its required second reading. After a staff report and no public opposition, the Council voted to waive the reading and adopt Ordinance 1211, bringing the city’s fire safety regulations up to date.
Next, the Council approved Ordinance 1212, adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code (the state building code) with Los Banos-specific amendments. This second-reading adoption updates local building regulations to the 2025 state standards for construction, plumbing, electrical and other codes. Both code update ordinances were passed as recommended, ensuring the city remains in compliance with current California safety requirements.
Housing Needs “Overlay” Zoning Implemented
The City Council agenda included the second reading and proposed adoption of Ordinance 1213, which would add a new Article 49 to the zoning code establishing a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Overlay District. According to the staff report, the RHNA overlay is intended to help the City meet state housing requirements under its 2024–2032 Housing Element by allowing qualifying housing projects with at least 20 percent affordable units to be approved ministerially, without discretionary review. The overlay identifies 13 sites designated for this streamlined process, representing a combined capacity of approximately 1,492 housing units. The ordinance is designed to support Los Banos’ compliance with state-mandated housing production targets and expand opportunities for affordable housing development.
Delegates Chosen for One Voice Program
During the City Manager’s Report, staff provided an update on the upcoming 2026 One Voice Program, a regional advocacy effort coordinated by the Merced County Association of Governments. The City Manager explained that One Voice brings representatives from local jurisdictions together to advocate for countywide priorities and noted that Los Banos is invited to participate in the program. Staff stated that they would like a member of the City Council to take part in the effort and indicated that the program is one of the regional initiatives currently on the City’s radar.
The agenda packet outlined that jurisdictions may designate one or two delegates and will be required to submit proposed project priorities and representative information by December 1. No discussion or council action on delegate selection or project priorities appears in the meeting transcript, and the item was presented for information and direction only.
Informational Reports and Meeting Close
Before adjourning, the Council heard informational reports from city staff. Department heads from Community & Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Parks & Recreation, Police, and Public Works each provided brief updates on recent activities and projects in their departments. These reports did not require any Council action and were received for information only. The City Manager also gave a general report on city affairs.
Finally, each City Council member had an opportunity to share closing remarks. During the City Council Members’ Reports, the mayor and council members commented on community events and issues in their districts. They thanked various groups for recent activities and reminded the public of upcoming happenings in Los Banos. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned after all reports were heard. All agenda items had been addressed, marking the conclusion of the Council’s last scheduled meeting in November.
