During its Nov. 20 meeting, the Los Banos City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1205, which establishes regulations regarding public camping and the storage of personal property on public property or in public areas.
The council also approved items that spanned a variety of city operations, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, streamline processes and enhance community services.
Attending the meeting were Mayor Paul Llanez, Councilmember Kenneth Lamber and Councilmember Deborah Lewis, which constituted a quorum. Absent were Councilmember Brett Jones and Councilmember Douglas Begonia, Jr.
In approving Ordinance No. 1205, the council added chapter 11 to Title 5 of the Los Banos Municipal Code. This ordinance aims to regulate public camping and the storage of personal property on public property.
The move follows a Supreme Court decision in the Grants Pass, OR, case, which allows municipalities to take specific actions to address encampments while adhering to due process.
City Attorney William Vaughn and Police Commander Justin Melden presented the ordinance during its second reading. They emphasized that the ordinance was carefully crafted to balance enforcement with the rights of unhoused individuals.
Provisions include requirements for notice and clear guidelines for storing and maintaining personal property. These measures aim to provide a structured and humane approach to addressing encampments.
Los Banos is one of the few cities in the region without such an ordinance. City officials highlighted its importance as a new tool for the police department to manage encampments on public property effectively. The ordinance aligns with a directive issued by Governor Newsom.
The council unanimously approved the ordinance, expressing confidence in its potential to address public safety concerns while fostering a more compassionate response to homelessness.
The council also approved a contract extension for the city’s waste management services, ensuring continued garbage collection and recycling. This agreement comes with provisions for updating equipment to meet modern environmental standards.
The council authorized funding for repairs to local roadways affected by heavy rainfall earlier this year. These repairs aim to improve safety and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.
An agreement with a consulting firm was also approved to assess the feasibility of expanding public transportation routes. The study will evaluate areas of need and explore ways to increase accessibility for underserved neighborhoods.
A streamlined permitting process for small business owners, designed to reduce wait times and encourage local entrepreneurship, was approved by council, which also addressed community safety by approving the purchase of upgraded equipment for the fire department, including advanced communication devices and personal protective gear.
The council also authorized funding to enhance the city’s public parks, with plans for updated playground equipment, improved lighting and additional seating areas to foster a family-friendly environment.
Councilmember Deborah Lewis reported on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), highlighting that, as of January 1, 2025, agricultural burning will be banned across the San Joaquin Valley, due to stringent air quality regulations. This move is part of California’s broader push towards clean energy, with the state supporting hydrogen fuel development.
Additionally, the SJVAPCD’s Clean Air Fireworks Program aims to reduce pollution from traditional fireworks, but no applications were received from Merced County last year. The council is considering further options, including funding laser shows to replace fireworks in future celebrations.
Lewis also mentioned ongoing initiatives to help local residents upgrade to cleaner home heating alternatives, with available grants for electric and gas fireplace inserts.
Mayor Llanez gave an update on the latest discussions at Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), during which the purchase of an electric bus was authorized, accompanied by the purchase of necessary charging infrastructure. Llanez expressed concern over the long charging times for electric vehicles, which can take up to eight hours to charge fully, in contrast to the quick refueling times for gas-powered vehicles.
He noted the increasing state investment in hydrogen energy and electric vehicle infrastructure. However, he questioned the practicality of the state’s ambitious timeline, particularly the 2035 mandate for a fully electric fleet.
City Manager Josh Pinheiro gave an update on vehicle usage, fleet maintenance, and upcoming infrastructure projects during his report. Emphasizing responsible use of tax dollars, he explained the necessity of maintaining our city vehicles.
Pinheiro noted that the implementation of a replacement plan has addressed these issues, ensuring city employees have reliable transportation for essential tasks and training events. This approach includes sourcing the best process and navigating supply chain delays exacerbated by the pandemic.
Pinheiro reported that the recent paving projects on Stonewood and Fallbrook streets were completed, with additional projects, including the Seventh and J Street parking lots and Ranchwood Park parking lot, scheduled.
Councilmember Lambert began his report by addressing recent criticisms and clarifying his absence from a previous meeting, citing health reasons and an upcoming surgery. He expressed frustration over the negativity in the recent election cycle, labeling it the “dirtiest” he had seen.
Despite the challenges, Lambert highlighted his commitment over the years, noting his near-perfect attendance during his term, including his time as acting mayor. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and staff for their support during difficult times.
Mayor Llanez took a moment to commend city staff for their dedication over the past two years, praising the significant accomplishments achieved by each department. He emphasized the importance of making decisions for the benefit of the community and noted the value of compromise in leadership.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Llanez ended his report by encouraging everyone to appreciate what they have while continuing to work toward improving the city.
At the start of the meeting, Mayor Llanez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Guadalupe Yepez for being October’s Employee of the Month, acknowledging her work as a Public Safety Dispatcher in the Police Department. She was not present at the meeting and Los Banos Police Commander Justin Melden accepted the certificate on her behalf.
During the public forum, Blanche Jorge praised the city’s animal welfare efforts, mentioning the completion of a spay-and-neuter program and commending shelter staff for their compassion and teamwork.
Pastor Raul Granillo of Mercy Springs Church during the public forum, urged the council to prioritize integrity in decision-making, emphasizing that how goals are achieved shapes the outcome.
