During its July 17 meeting, the Los Banos City Council formally addressed the upcoming recall election for Councilmembers Douglas Begonia, Jr. and Brett Jones, approved a two-year lease of a modular building next to city hall and increased the salary of the city’s community and economic development director
In addressing the recall election scheduled for Nov. 5, San Francisco-based elections attorney Chris Skinnell explained the procedural requirements of the recall process. The California elections code mandates specific steps, including the collection of a certain number of signatures and the submission of a certified petition. The petitions for Begonia and Jones were validated by the Merced County Registrar, necessitating the council’s formal call for a recall election.
Council members discussed the formality of the council’s role in this process. It was clarified by the attorney that the recall election would proceed regardless of the council’s vote, as state law requires the election to be called once the petition is validated. The council’s adoption of the resolutions is a procedural step without discretion to alter the outcome.
Councilmember Kenneth Lambert and Mayor Paul Llanez both expressed their personal opposition to the recall but acknowledged their obligation to follow the legal process. Despite their objections, they voted to approve the resolutions calling for the recall elections. The resolutions passed, ensuring the recall election will be held on the scheduled date in November. Councilmembers Begonia and Jones left the council chambers prior to the item being discussed.
The council also approved A 24-month lease agreement with Willscot for a flex modular unit, costing $351,154.07. The modular unit is intended to address overcrowding at City Hall, providing temporary space for various departments while the police annex building is being renovated. This unit will house building, planning, and engineering services, aiming to improve workflow and accommodate growth.
Community Economic Development Director Stacy Souza Elms explained that the current city hall has reached its capacity, necessitating this temporary solution until the renovations are completed in about 24 months.
The modular unit will be located in the northwest end of the parking lot, which may affect parking availability for employees. However, it will allow for better organization and functionality for city departments.
Councilmember Deborah Lewis raised concerns about the cost and the financial implications for future budgets, arguing that the funds could be better spent elsewhere. She also highlighted potential parking issues and questioned whether the expenditure was justified given the temporary nature of the modular unit.
Councilmember Jones and Mayor Llanez supported the lease agreement, noting that the investment in a temporary unit would greatly benefit city employees by providing a more suitable working environment. They argued that the cost was justified to ensure employees could work efficiently and comfortably while the permanent renovations were underway. The vote was 4 to 1 to approve the agreement with Councilmember Lewis voting no.
During the council meeting, City Manager Josh Pinheiro announced that the salary of the Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Souza Elms would be increased to $15,026 monthly, amounting to $180,312 annually, retroactive from Feb. 1, 2023. This adjustment followed an annual performance review, recognizing the director’s contributions and performance.
Councilmember Lewis gave updates that the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) approved an annual budget of over $600 million, with operational costs of $73 million. The board accepted $4.7 million from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), including $3.83 million to help income-verified individuals purchase new vehicles and $870,000 for the Valley CAN (Clean Air Now) program, which supports vehicle repairs and replacements.
Lewis highlighted an upcoming Valley CAN event in Los Banos on May 17, 2025, aimed at assisting residents with vehicle issues. Additionally, the SJVAPCD received $9 million from the EPA to fund the replacement of tractors and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This funding includes $4.5 million for replacing 102 tractors and another $4.5 million to replace 18 heavy diesel trucks, both supplemented by matching funds.
The council officially accepted the Officer Noah Jones Ballpark Sidewalk Improvements Project as complete. This decision includes authorizing the filing of a Notice of Completion with the Merced County Recorder.
The council rejected, however, bids for the community center perimeter fence project. Park and Recreation Director Joe Heim explained that the project proposed a six-foot ornamental fence to enhance security at the community center, particularly on the south side of the facility.
One bid of $242,124 was received, significantly exceeding the allocated budget of $175,000. Consequently, the council recommended rejecting all bids due to budget constraints. The ornamental fence, similar to a wrought iron design, aimed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of community members, including children and seniors.
Heim elaborated that the current fencing around the dumpsters would be akin to the proposed ornamental fence. The project also intended to address security concerns by monitoring and controlling access through three metal gates in the courtyard, which are often left open, allowing unauthorized individuals to enter the facility.
