[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6382713,"mediaKeyId","2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b","parentId",2126430,"title","Los Banos council approves consent agenda, several appointments and project completions; list of votes","audioSeconds",216,"startMs",1667000,"endMs",1883000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b&start=1667&end=1883","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b/thumbnail_1667000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6382713/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-council-approves-consent-agenda-several-appointments-and-project-completions-list-of-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382713-21d5dc8b0c5e437fc54b67a0659a2bad/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370864&Signature=ZCfA43aBbXHkgTtiBukxofAboH6JrZSIDj4b113BbK8NEUXiRVr~OsLXaW1RbVE9PYKiW9rBcJTX1j0JaaGwYsYzlVSaz5W6M6~TUGBODtVfDlKWhfiVJehZ29rfLMOtflHJyP5cMygLIgrBaCpKSVfP~hdDt9dvIMuZFsSEMYWuSr4gBfAU0kUP-V4SIwlDzIJamDQwjQYdc-QIqIStGwH0AhpHc25ez9FaNYG-YZG9CrMPkpV-YxQ~-mAlUanS2OGOFwVoGfMwN58~bsAvo2GllczbrHF~XWMnQlcN004bfuoQAhS0-5XVUybx3gp-RnFmL4tjIDeUVecf~Rxs3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Los Banos CA","date","2025-01-16T19:35:09Z","article","The Los Banos City Council approved its consent agenda and confirmed multiple volunteer commission appointments during the Jan. 15 meeting.

The consent agenda passed on a single motion and included warrants numbered 249362 through 249432 totaling $199,861.40; acceptance of the Monroe Avenue Waterline Replacement Project, the West I Street Seward Lehi Station rehabilitation project, and the animal shelter building project as complete; and authorization to file notices of completion with the Merced County Recorder as appropriate.

Council also appointed volunteers to advisory bodies: staff recommended and the council appointed two candidates to the Airport Advisory Commission (candidates presented were Dave Anderson and James Davis), and Gregory Hicks was appointed to the Planning Commission for District 4. City staff described the planning commission’s advisory role on site plans, zone changes and general plan amendments and encouraged further applications for open commission seats.

During public comment several residents urged transparency and accountability. Pastor Raul Granio delivered a general exhortation for council unity; resident Kathy Ballard criticized a prior council decision and urged transparent governance; and Julie Creighton asked the council to investigate turnover in the finance director position.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda (warrants $199,861.40; three project acceptances and notices of completion): approved by voice vote.
- Airport Advisory Commission appointments (Dave Anderson, James Davis): approved by voice vote.
- Planning Commission appointment (Gregory Hicks): approved by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will post commission vacancies and encourage applications; the council said it will present an ordinance proposal about city-manager hiring and termination procedures at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Los Banos California, City Council Meeting, January 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved the consent agenda including warrants and three project completions, appointed members to advisory commissions, and confirmed planning and airport commission nominees; the meeting also included proclamations and public comment calling for transparency.","taxTitle","Los Banos, Merced County, California","taxId",55580,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382718,"City staff proposes annexing 180 acres near wastewater plant for stormwater basin with 500 acre-feet capacity",112,2075000,2187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b&start=2075&end=2187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b/thumbnail_2075000.jpg","/articles/6382718/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/City-staff-proposes-annexing-180-acres-near-wastewater-plant-for-stormwater-basin-with-500-acre-feet-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382718-09540294396dc13e9424b4c09f9b195a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370864&Signature=iqQn2FYjKD4pomRyjTReIBZYGuad0DHQ1mDsofdjx-SvNkbCQfSVfJWw5StciGAwz6xGxvuRU2eI2na-QV59fjuYZDRpZ~LfZJ1s1WhzokvaeS88cBuofDxm11It-gz8CT4B7VuSJkgJxahnIFk9FtdnsY4FQBLK26meAWNjB~4ajsyjT~X51JZQ8REux-qPJSEWBb8QpekyEpOHN02VyrUTZlzeSLMRppjAttVW~gHxmyHebabDfaIVXVvFaIBrMlancNokMRr-GkhQ95gmApoNiX2xKvVBSe9kRjsXfnTBdVIpwTfpo54EbtarM~T1Q7gjfvmLWD5Utv16Ltu1jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning and public works staff presented a proposal to annex a roughly 180-acre parcel near the wastewater treatment plant into Los Banos city limits so the city can permit and operate a stormwater basin project, staff said at the Jan. 15 council meeting.

Susan Elms (title referenced as director of parks/rec or staff presenter) told the council the property is city-owned and currently outside city limits. Staff proposes annexing the site to allow the city to be the permitting and regulatory authority rather than having to seek county approvals for each project element. The proposed basins would provide water-storage capacity of approximately 500 acre-feet and incidental groundwater recharge, and staff said the city plans to partner with Grasslands Water District on the project.

Elms said the project would serve multiple benefits for storage, re-regulation of flows and incidental recharge; she described the annexation as an informational item at this stage and staff did not request immediate action. The presentation noted that the land would primarily be used for stormwater capture and recharge and that annexation would simplify permitting and operations under city jurisdiction.

What’s next: staff will continue environmental review and the annexation process; no vote was taken on this informational item at the Jan. 15 meeting.","Staff proposed annexing roughly 180 acres owned by the city adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant into Los Banos city limits to build stormwater basins that would store about 500 acre-feet and provide incidental groundwater recharge in partnership with Grasslands Water District.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382721,"Los Banos successor agency adopts payment schedule for obligations tied to former redevelopment activities",671,3378000,4049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b&start=3378&end=4049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b/thumbnail_3378000.jpg","/articles/6382721/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-successor-agency-adopts-payment-schedule-for-obligations-tied-to-former-redevelopment-activities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382721-38b21b3fdaf8ea449db918312ad65eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370864&Signature=gzH2G2g7RMVAjH0poUnXoyPRyR8fY0vnNOout0h0mJkrX5SzM5vDDXZVak4P9b3-~UuZHQuaLmpR73adTLbJuXswJUZ6JDM0i9tiXNTA~zGX~eh6eKrrsV0OrssaiHzNtxVUlDv-5FwTEDpWWBVVOfDucqDSaPkgHIrnP92nFcWWmpR5mq0WXjdS3ygpY9YDw5JJhrCMVOsTi5wn6i-9vkvSKNpdPkWSXPBTKO3h9uFfo9a98g3aWiLzQE46wPL9Q~uNsUwqR6P1WwjaDzhVjiutFtvUIboW3VzjRBQqwHRpgiRVfeGhMVeVD8oBpA~YaAiZlZDU0QVD3LwssjTjMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Banos Successor Agency approved a recognized obligation payment schedule (ROPS) and administrative budget for fiscal year 2025–26, the agency reported during the Jan. 15 meeting.

Finance consultant Brent Kuhn summarized the ROPS, saying the successor agency’s remaining obligations are limited and primarily include administrative costs, a tax-increment–related bond that financed the community center, fiscal agent fees to transmit funds to the trustee, and several grandfathered contracts for lighting and landscaping along the rail corridor. Kuhn described prior-period adjustments and cash-balance reporting that accompany the ROPS submission to the county oversight board and the California Department of Finance.

Kuhn said there are no new obligations in the schedule and that the successor agency is largely functioning as a financing vehicle to pay remaining debt and administration. The council adopted the resolution as recommended.

The mayor and staff reviewed how redevelopment-era property tax distributions (RPTTF) are now allocated: the county receives a large share and taxing agencies (including the city) receive smaller portions; the city’s share now flows to the general fund and staff said the city tries to earmark those receipts to community development where feasible.

What’s next: the adopted ROPS will be submitted to the Merced County oversight board and the California Department of Finance for review and final approval.","The successor agency adopted Resolution No. 25 2025-1 approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) and administrative budget for fiscal year 2025–26; staff said remaining obligations include administration, a bond tied to the community center, fiscal agent fees and lighting/landscape assessments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382722,"Councilmember Ken Lambert resigns; city attorney says vacancy requires special election",100,345000,445000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b&start=345&end=445","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b/thumbnail_345000.jpg","/articles/6382722/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Councilmember-Ken-Lambert-resigns-city-attorney-says-vacancy-requires-special-election","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382722-baefa69af78ca61c63317d4f8fb4601d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370864&Signature=lLzbB1IkC-CUrKuOX5tp5A7qfumJkcpM1bumPpne8Qbf5HxBk6zTqZeoc~6x1jLymLDtGgUov-sYxpeTfYFMb2byE9y8fKptNvGqywaNLpzIrCYeChrPVNXk1cqCHqXjruN167d0pdvt6UzxYzSsKfzsdSIGRtHhF3NhLAZFF80KV8hrFSc1iTkzv8HIirjx2LU-NHaC-oQA9xH6R7FtlfcGxyj9XuXybgFIMgL1armMoiQzK17pjE-9pryiSlBJuSqWtzYMBcParmvYulgU2BOHWPolhNQYwWflBXBh-M-qk2ABnOii2RqodoJ0CLJznuIl3vkpvVRVfQsEMb2ewQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmember Ken Lambert submitted a letter resigning his council seat effective immediately, the mayor read into the record at the Jan. 15 Los Banos City Council meeting.

The mayor read Lambert’s letter in which Lambert wrote he must “make priorities, my health and family,” and concluded, “With that, I formally submit my resignation effective immediately.”

City Attorney Bill Vaughn told the council the Government Code does not allow the city to fill a vacancy by appointment if doing so would result in a majority of the council being appointed rather than elected. Vaughn said city staff and the city clerk are contacting Merced County to identify available dates for a special election and noted there are strict timeframes the city must meet.

Vaughn estimated the cost of a stand-alone election could be in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 and said a mail-ballot election would likely cost less; he said staff will report back with options and potential dates at the next council meeting. No motion was needed to accept Lambert’s resignation because it was submitted in writing and read into the record.

The mayor thanked Lambert for his service and wished him well. The council did not take further action on appointment to the seat at the Jan. 15 meeting; staff will return with scheduling options for a special election.

What’s next: the city clerk and city attorney will coordinate with Merced County elections officials to set a date and provide cost estimates for the council’s next meeting.","Councilmember Ken Lambert submitted a resignation effective immediately. City Attorney Bill Vaughn told the council state law prevents filling the vacancy by appointment if it would result in a majority of appointed members, so staff will pursue a special election and consult the county on dates and costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382723,"Los Banos manager resigns; council appoints fire chief acting city manager and authorizes national search",1904,2278000,4182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b&start=2278&end=4182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2126430-e8349c42436431db5438f299f024bf4b/thumbnail_2278000.jpg","/articles/6382723/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-manager-resigns-council-appoints-fire-chief-acting-city-manager-and-authorizes-national-search","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382723-23cb8b747e2a3361d38d64c4cfd2c539/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370864&Signature=MjAZIY-33J2iriDd0~wazmCPX0GDke35VWda4ojaMAeSdOW04SDW4fGudwK9V6DSvZEC~YB6M~rTRngNTThmH-nnZGjw0YMWWYecq035ALajIdkzgdN1hhqfnfLEiNkVU5kSj4FcE3uaL-gM4MFBHn5ycSPvwRAV5~iYPw0p7xZ8JTPUT-9i2ZgrCcFdNaTf-n7u7HuETGRt2qvUhxuh2Px7-eS~PnJTt86O24wMEvW2APcsQ0otwf7Qa3OHhZe1a0G0VChRSn4l9fogGTGsprYC65pYHprB1bZJviOqy2tZ9WSgL9-mv4Z9OcskzdvLdehtuK6Z9u6sFvWskW6qlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Los Banos announced the resignation of City Manager Josh Panaro and moved to a temporary leadership plan, the council said at its Jan. 15 meeting.

Mayor (name not specified) read a statement saying, “Effective January 11, 2025 City Manager Josh Panaro resigned from his position,” and thanked Panaro for his service. The council later took two actions in closed session: by a 4-0 vote it authorized staff to prepare and issue a request for proposals to hire a recruitment firm for a full-time city manager search, and by a 4-0 vote it requested that Fire Chief Baltoala accept the position of acting city manager effective Jan. 16, 2025.

The open meeting announcement after closed session said, “Action was given by a 4 0 vote to prepare and authorize an RFP, request for proposal for recruitment firm to conduct a search for a full time city manager,” and that the council also voted 4-0 to request that Baltoala accept the acting city manager role.

City officials did not release details of the RFP selection timeline at the meeting. The mayor framed the change as an opportunity for “a fresh start” and said the council remains “dedicated to serving the people of Los Banos.” No employment contract or permanent hire was announced at the meeting.

The appointment of an acting city manager is an administrative step the council may take while it conducts a formal recruitment. The council stated the acting appointment will become effective Jan. 16; any future permanent hire will follow the procurement and selection processes that the council authorized staff to begin.

The council said it will return to the public with additional timing and procedural details as the RFP process moves forward.

What’s next: staff will post the RFP and accept proposals, and the council expects to review the search firm options before beginning a national recruitment for a permanent city manager.","City Manager Josh Panaro resigned effective Jan. 11. In closed session the council voted 4-0 to request Fire Chief Baltoala serve as acting city manager effective Jan. 16 and to issue a request for proposals for a recruitment firm to search for a permanent city manager.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Los Banos council approves consent agenda, several appointments and project completions; list of votes

City staff proposes annexing 180 acres near wastewater plant for stormwater basin with 500 acre-feet capacity

Los Banos successor agency adopts payment schedule for obligations tied to former redevelopment activities

Councilmember Ken Lambert resigns; city attorney says vacancy requires special election

Los Banos manager resigns; council appoints fire chief acting city manager and authorizes national search