LOS BANOS — The Los Banos City Council approved a $358,273 upgrade of the council chambers, voted to extend the contract for managing the city’s social media and heard about Caltrans’s plans to repave most of Pacheco Boulevard within the city.
The council was virtually required to improve its chambers under state Senate Bill 707, which requires cities to provide two-way teleconferencing over the internet.
Essentially, members of the public, once recognized by the mayor of committee chairs, will be able to comment live via an internet connection. A significant portion of the upgrade—$150,000—is being covered under a grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air District.
Other upgrades to be installed by Mid Valley—the city’s tech vendor—include new computers, automated switching, new displays, cameras, microphones and more, said Finance Director Minnie Moreno. The city extended its contract with Mid Valley for three years for $240,204.
The contract with Imagine Way More, the city’s social media services provider since 2024, has been extended to 2028. Previously, Imagine Way More had been paid $7,500 a month, but that was reduced to $5,000 a month, or $120,000 for two years—a savings of $60,000 for the city.
City Manager Nirorn Than explained that the new contract comes with a new structure, and Imagine Way More’s work will be managed by the city’s new public information officer. Social media videos will be displayed on the city’s website in the future, Than said.
“We can spend hours up here making decisions, but if no one knows what we’re doing, that’s pretty sad,” said Mayor Michael Amabile. “We have to push out what we’re doing. That’s the only way we will get (input) from the community.”
Councilmembers Marcus Chavez and Mitzy Perez considered the price a “good deal,” citing their experience with other companies. However, Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Lewis cast the only no vote, saying the price was too high. Councilmember Refugio Llamas was also concerned about price, but voted yes.
According to City Engineer William Via, Caltrans plans to repave Pacheco Boulevard from west of Badger Flat Road to east of San Luis Street, more than half of its total length within the city.
The project will add sidewalks, ramps for the disabled and improve safety at the intersection at West I and Pacheco. The intersection alone is expected to cost $23 million, but the city’s portion is only $200,000.
NOTES: Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Elms reported the city needs to build 2,554 more homes by the end of 2032 to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment quota set by the state. That works out to 425 homes per year.
In 2024, the city added 143 homes, with 263 in 2025. The quota is flexible, and the city must show it is trying to meet state guidelines. The city has built zero “very-low income” homes to date, though its quota is 719 units.
Elms said the One Tree Project will add 58 such units, but it is difficult for developers to make a profit on very-low-income homes. …Elms also reported the city has been awarded $134,500 from the county’s Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention grant for rapid rehousing services. …
Amanda Duran, the Merced County Deputy Director for Environmental Health, presented a report on the dangers of allowing unpermitted mobile food vendors, which she said are “plaguing” the county.
She said the operations are being run “like a criminal enterprise,” and the food is “not safe for public consumption.” The county is working on cracking down. …
The city approved spending $39,004 for new police car laptops. Police Commander Justin Melden said current laptops are bulky and block the gear shifter if two officers are in a car. …
Brenda Ceja, a human resources technician, was recognized as the employee of the month for February. Blanch Jorge was recognized for her volunteerism at the animal shelter. The city’s finance department was recognized during Government Finance Professionals Week.
