Key Issues Addressed: Park Project Moves Forward, Housing Progress Report Filed, Residents Speak Out on Local Concerns
LOS BANOS, CA — The Los Banos City Council met on March 19, 2025, with several major updates and community concerns discussed during the evening session.
Shaughnessy Village Park Project Moves Forward
After years of delays, the long-awaited Shaughnessy Village Park project took a major step forward. The City Council unanimously approved the acceptance of a 2.33-acre land dedication for the new park and storm basin space, paving the way for construction to begin this spring.
Parks and Recreation Director Joe Heim presented the park design, which includes a shaded playground, picnic areas, walking paths, and fencing. The project, initially awarded in 2023, had been placed on hold but is now scheduled to resume with a grand opening expected in fall 2025. Officials emphasized community input played a significant role in shaping the park’s final layout.
Councilmembers and Mayor Mike Amabile thanked residents for their patience and acknowledged the importance of completing the project, calling it one of the nicest parks to be developed in Los Banos. Thanks was also given to Interim City Manager Gary Brizzee and Greg Hostleter for working with the staff to move this project forward.
Annual Housing Progress Report Approved
Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Elms delivered the city’s 2024 Annual Housing Element Progress Report, a state-mandated update tracking housing development in Los Banos. The city issued 181 housing permits in 2024, bringing the city’s total progress to 315 units toward its 8-year Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goal of 3,132 units.
Elms noted that although the city is currently between housing cycles, it remains in good standing with the state and expects approval of the sixth-cycle housing element soon. The Council approved the report unanimously.
Red Cross Honored for Local Impact
Mayor Amabile presented a proclamation recognizing March as American Red Cross Month. A representative from the Red Cross highlighted the organization’s work in Merced County in 2024, including assistance to 82 households impacted by fires, installation of nearly 400 smoke alarms, and provision of mental health and emergency services.
Public Forum Highlights Community Issues
During the public forum, several Los Banos residents shared praise, concerns, and suggestions with the City Council.
A representative from the Elks Lodge outlined the organization’s continued contributions to the community. Recent efforts included a $6,000 grant to support Kings View with kitchen equipment, past donations to local food pantries and schools, and funding for police and fire department comfort dogs. The Elks have awarded over $1.25 million in community grants to date and encouraged residents to reach out with ideas for future projects.
A Golden Valley Health Centers spokesperson formally invited the public and council to a community town hall scheduled for March 25. The event aims to gather public input on how the health center can better serve Los Banos. The spokesperson noted that Golden Valley serves over 6,000 patients locally and is preparing to celebrate 50 years in the city.
One resident expressed gratitude for the City’s progress on the Shaughnessy Village Park project, thanking city leadership and staff for addressing a concern that had lingered for years. However, the same speaker raised concerns about the proposed Caltrans roundabout at Highway 152 and Volta Road, suggesting that heavy truck traffic in the area would make the roundabout unsafe and difficult to navigate.
Another resident, representing the Union’s Public Works, Miscellaneous Employees Contract Negotiations Team, urged the Council to finalize a labor agreement. The speaker referenced financial and emotional hardships caused by a previous city manager’s actions and emphasized the importance of resolving negotiations so that employees could continue serving the city effectively.
A member of the Friends of the Los Banos Library spoke in support of protecting public libraries amid reports that Merced County may consider closures or privatization. He encouraged council members and residents to contact county supervisors, highlighting the importance of the library for underserved communities and youth, and noting the Friends’ recent $1,000 donation for children’s programming and books.
A Peninsula Clean Energy representative promoted an upcoming ribbon-cutting event on March 28 for the new solar carport at the Community Center. The event will feature food, entertainment, and community information. The representative also praised the city’s decision to upgrade HVAC systems in municipal buildings using clean, energy-efficient heat pump technology funded through a grant partnership.
Finally, a resident raised concerns about the rapid expansion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) throughout the state, citing potential fire hazards and lack of preparedness among first responders. The speaker asked the Council to advocate for better safety protocols and regulatory oversight to protect both the environment and public health.
The Mayor responded to the concerns, noting that discussions with Caltrans regarding the proposed roundabout are ongoing and that the City continues to advocate on behalf of residents.
Other Council Actions
Consent Agenda Approved:
The Council approved several routine but significant items during the consent agenda portion of the meeting. These included over $1.17 million in warrant expenditures, approval of minutes from past City Council meetings, and a series of resolutions. Notably, the Council formalized budget adjustments, authorized subdivision agreements, and approved provisions related to the upcoming special election on August 26 to fill the District 1 council vacancy.
Street Rehabilitation Project Rebid:
Council members held a discussion on the rejection of a single bid submitted for a street repair project. City staff explained that rebidding the project alongside a larger summer paving contract could yield better pricing and attract more competitive bids. However, some councilmembers expressed concern about rejecting valid bids from vendors who met all requirements, highlighting the potential impact on future contractor participation.
HVAC Upgrades Funded:
The Council unanimously approved a $422,711 grant-funded project in partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy to replace aging HVAC systems in city facilities. The upgrade focuses on transitioning to high-efficiency, electric heat pump systems. Several councilmembers stressed the importance of ensuring backup power—particularly at essential locations such as the Community Center and Public Works offices—to maintain functionality during power outages.
Support for SB 466 (Chromium-6 Compliance):
In response to new state water quality mandates, the Council voted to co-sponsor and support Senate Bill 466, authored by State Senator Anna Caballero. The proposed legislation would provide legal protections for cities working in good faith to meet California’s new chromium-6 drinking water standards. The city is currently implementing a treatment plan and aims to meet full compliance within the state’s deadline.
Staff Reports
Interim City Manager Gary Brizzee provided several key updates on city projects and initiatives during his report to the Council.
One Tree Housing Project:
Brizzee announced that the city’s $14 million One Tree Housing Project, funded by state grants, is progressing on schedule. The development will include 58 units of permanent supportive housing aimed at addressing homelessness in Los Banos. A groundbreaking is expected within the next 90 days, and the city is aiming to have the project fully occupied by June 2027, in line with state funding requirements.
Encampment Cleanups:
Cleanup efforts continue at the encampment near G Street, where city crews have been working to remove waste and maintain public safety. Brizzee noted that the city remains committed to managing the area while longer-term housing solutions, such as the One Tree project, move forward.
Public Safety:
In a positive development for local law enforcement, seven new police officers are set to graduate from the academy on March 28. Brizzee highlighted that this is a record number for the Los Banos Police Department and praised existing staff for maintaining service levels during the staffing shortage. The new officers will enter the department’s field training program following graduation.
De Anza Roundabout:
City staff continue to coordinate with Caltrans on plans for traffic improvements near De Anza Way and the Shaughnessy Village neighborhood. While specific details are still in development, Brizzee acknowledged the community’s concerns and reiterated the city’s commitment to finding a safe and effective solution in collaboration with the state.
How to Attend Los Banos City Council Meetings
City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Los Banos City Council Chambers, located at 520 J Street. Meetings are open to the public and are also streamed online via the city’s website at www.losbanos.org.
Residents who wish to speak during public forum may do so in person or submit written comments in advance. Agendas and supporting documents are also available online prior to each meeting.
