[{"_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",6268148,"mediaKeyId","3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297","parentId",3058598,"title","Votes at a glance: City Council adopts contracts, impact‑fee tweak, CUP, shelter amendment and park dedication","audioSeconds",5542,"startMs",1518000,"endMs",7060000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297&start=1518&end=7060","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297/thumbnail_1518000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268148/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-City-Council-adopts-contracts-impactfee-tweak-CUP-shelter-amendment-and-park-dedication","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268148-add61d655c1acabbf2f872741886b2ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771058490&Signature=H9TH0YnkmmT5uSR5AgBi9SCmsody4Ppow2KZEwWJK92KOFIk9E5-h5eC7vjR-24wWAiMPOAUE42L84OHCKwZkyNuQqMNmM~Ey64QLxRgq8tLxougoRW0EIZ-pZ4XnKfoUMMioUJSYHX00VMR1SzRKK5tnwdN0GrycuEJf~GgOeYZu5cxuGE7FDPaKt-mLj9EeCW45wTgohSuymZL3Wg-SuhbcTaRnBTNcGf3V266fRs6fsMfEq4egO1u9~~t9Wte-7lxdm6Bahz1H-29OlifccZEb8qNuMgLka1NTa5Eq3DzGnI9buPT7qLyFZiXikyBcawDgFy3syrf0jxEg~UPUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Los Banos CA","date","2025-04-19T04:23:16.9Z","article","Los Banos City Council on April 16 approved a slate of resolutions and routine items, including contract awards, an annual development impact‑fee adjustment, a conditional use permit for a restaurant, an amended shelter contract and acceptance of land for a future park and stormwater basin. The council also selected an executive search firm to lead recruitment for a new city manager.

Key votes and outcomes

- Consent agenda (minutes, investment report, minutes and multiple resolutions) — Approved by voice vote. Items included: third quarter investment report and meeting minutes; a 10‑year equipment/police procurement agreement; tentative MOU with Las Banos Public Employees Union (LBPEU); salary schedule amendments to implement the MOU; and a professional services agreement for a hexavalent chromium mitigation project and associated budget amendment.

- Resolution 6919 — Development impact‑fee annual adjustment (0.1% increase, effective 07/01/2025): Approved. Staff said the change follows the Engineering News‑Record construction cost index for the 12‑month period ending April 2025.

- Resolution 6920 — Conditional Use Permit (CUP 2025‑01) to allow a Type 41 ABC license (on‑sale beer and wine) for Playa Soul Waffle Cafe at 1450 Mercy Springs Road, Suite 102: Approved. Staff found the project categorically exempt under CEQA section 15301; conditions include an interior and exterior security camera plan to the satisfaction of the police chief.

- Resolution 6921 — Amend and restate professional services agreement with Mission Merced to continue operation of a 10‑person bridge home under Permanent Local Housing Allocation funds (SB2): Approved. Staff said this amendment adds PLHA allocations for later funding years and extends contract terms to sustain the shelter through 2027.

- Resolution 6922 — Accept grant deed for ~9.52 acres at Southpointe at Regency Park for future park and storm drain basin and authorize interim city manager to execute documents: Approved. Staff and council discussed trail connections along the canal, erosion control, and future community outreach to determine park amenities.

- Selection of executive search firm to assist recruitment of a new city manager: The council selected Ralph Andersen & Associates (motion approved) as the vendor to begin negotiations and contract discussions.

Procedural notes

Votes on consent and resolutions were voice votes recorded as “ayes have it” in the meeting transcript; no roll‑call tallies with individual councilmember votes were listed on the public record for each item. Staff noted public notice and CEQA compliance where applicable before council actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Los Banos California, City Council Meeting, April 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Los Banos City Council on April 16 approved a slate of resolutions and routine items, including contract awards, an annual development impact‑fee adjustment, a conditional use permit for a restaurant, an amended shelter contract and acceptance of land for a future park and stormwater basin.","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},6268151,"Caltrans outlines roundabout designs, $27 million corridor rehab and tight delivery schedule for Los Banos",1390,1718000,3108000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297&start=1718&end=3108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297/thumbnail_1718000.jpg","/articles/6268151/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Caltrans-outlines-roundabout-designs-27-million-corridor-rehab-and-tight-delivery-schedule-for-Los-Banos","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268151-5a090a5addec35ddd55858be00cba227/orig.mp4?Expires=1771058490&Signature=Iii0ATQt-Z3lGd0LoDrYPbSjHVU93YlHNm3qzPiJli3XD7Nl2PTRGjxfeD85IPFWOnRQHYSW~CkQIVgsWuhE3TmeHT2PVf9EmeV49r6yPkRfiM6loqdnpPBqtHhKetMxgyB2rwvYGLVoplj8EOadNhv3bctnXjCimPAhdOoJcMWrcu61vYNTeDphkfjCdq9M2KjM0wmaL3SSfgCY9hbmWkJFK8uTyo3LnBlW1mQKNpZHP8-NsNZeAjj2acz~wofyJh1nIqAv2drSc3V1K9esRf4pKuLvzDc4u0NZwSXP6wB7ZBuw81WGFlpEwclBpw1pPwpo66edpHsB7VuhenTmcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caltrans District 10 staff on April 16 presented the City of Los Banos with proposed roundabout designs and a major pavement rehabilitation that officials said would improve safety and circulation but require substantial funding and an accelerated schedule.

Caltrans identified a hybrid two‑lane roundabout at Walter Road and Highway 152 with a current capital construction estimate of $27,000,000 and a single‑lane roundabout at Wilmot Avenue and State Route 165 estimated at $6,700,000. Caltrans staff said both projects remain in the environmental phase; Walter Road’s environmental work is expected to finish in April 2026, with design accelerated to be ready for construction work to follow, and the Wilmot/165 project design targeted for completion in early 2028.

The presentation also covered a larger pavement rehabilitation project (EA 1E980) stretching roughly from west of Badger Flat Road to east of Saint Louis Street. Caltrans said the scope expanded during concept development — adding roughly 8,000 linear feet of sidewalk and about 5,000 linear feet of bike lane where previously there had been none — and that the construction capital estimate for the corridor rose to about $27,000,000 (previously about $22,000,000). Staff said the agency must complete design and be ready to advertise for construction by June 2026 or risk losing the project funding, and that Caltrans headquarters has directed District 10 to deliver on the 2026 cycle.

Caltrans staff, including Anand Kapoor (chief of project management) and Arvindur Bajwa (chief of traffic operations), emphasized safety benefits they attribute to roundabouts: fewer conflict points, reduced severity of broadside collisions and lower vehicle speeds at crossings, which can increase pedestrian survivability. Engineers showed operational examples and live camera footage from other California roundabouts to demonstrate truck tracking, bypass lanes and design features such as splitter islands, truck aprons and high‑visibility crosswalks.

Council members and residents pressed Caltrans on local concerns. Questions focused on signage and lighting, driver education for nonstandard “turbo” roundabouts where lane discipline is required, pedestrian crossing treatments at the Wilmot/165 site and how monument locations and right‑of‑way constraints shaped design choices at the West I Street/152 intersection. Caltrans staff said some proposed features — for example, a dedicated left‑turn lane on the northbound approach to 152 — were removed because of right‑of‑way and monument impacts, and that a split‑phase signal may be used to improve safety without acquiring additional property.

Caltrans acknowledged the higher upfront construction cost of some roundabouts versus signals but said lifecycle benefits often outweigh that difference through reduced long‑term maintenance, lower delay and fewer severe collisions.

Councilmembers and staff asked for more design detail on pedestrian lighting and on‑the‑ground crosswalk options; Caltrans said staff will continue coordination with the city during environmental and design phases and will seek opportunities to integrate gateway landscaping, canal‑side pathways where feasible and coordination on project staging. Caltrans also said some roundabouts in the district are already built and performing well, and that district staff expect to continue public outreach as projects advance.

Next steps: Caltrans will complete the Walter Road environmental phase, continue accelerated design work and coordinate with city staff on scope, right‑of‑way issues and community outreach. The pavement rehab is on an aggressive delivery schedule that Caltrans said requires close collaboration with the city to preserve funding and meet the June 2026 readiness date.","Caltrans District 10 presented designs and schedules for two roundabouts and a major pavement rehabilitation in Los Banos, including a $27 million Walter Road/ Highway 152 roundabout alternative and an accelerated delivery timeline that requires design completion by June 2026 to keep funding.",{"_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},6268134,"Council accepts 9.52 acres for future park and basin; community members press for canal trail and erosion control",541,6512000,7053000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297&start=6512&end=7053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297/thumbnail_6512000.jpg","/articles/6268134/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Council-accepts-952-acres-for-future-park-and-basin-community-members-press-for-canal-trail-and-erosion-control","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268134-26359a7b9c5be5e666cd299d476e22db/orig.mp4?Expires=1771058490&Signature=Coqgx-UufICH-kyYL5o9aYVXNRAvXoX-FEaMhJEPFixhaJLJEgsy4tCa9kC2GeGx4jLWNFFI68Cfw9eWTXsf8FG1OkvnnKm8WMH00s0tp~KKRTKIUIo0zy9LlzBqcms1OgJpByshLd103~zJxs-DA90MDe~BfwWznxJSVIw7EtrLGQEccOJe~QSRA54yUQgPsm20QeB5XV5cLSzxodCoJJaQVHYdSqfvLkCQ6fVcCehYwYNxAY7ZRvzlh2RxYfIpa7-PTs2VztMCR3Sxy6XJpD-XSwHbXY70-74ua7~qmNvvNgbU4In5IsYQxCPvo-xV4odYIpub9emfSI~iO6GiAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on April 16 accepted the dedication of about 9.52 acres at Southpointe at Regency Park for use as a public park and stormwater detention basin and authorized the interim city manager to execute the required documents.

Public Works Director and City Engineer Charles Burson said the dedication was a condition of development and that the subdivision has completed almost all phases. The triangular parcel lies on the city’s east side, north of Pacheco High School, along a canal. Staff presented aerial images to show the basin footprint, existing concrete detention infrastructure and a short existing sidewalk; they said the site will be in Light & Landscape District 11 for future maintenance and that erosion control along the basin’s edges will need attention if the site is used for a park.

Council and staff discussion focused on the site’s recreational potential and constraints. Councilmembers asked staff to pursue a community meeting in the summer to solicit ideas about amenities. Staff suggested possibilities include a canal‑side pathway connecting to Meadowlands Basin and other north–south canal segments, erosion control and a gravel or paved loop trail around the basin where safe. Councilmembers cautioned that a basin is functionally a storm‑water detention facility and that much of the parcel may be unsuitable for active turf or play areas; a commissioner said the city should prioritize pocket parks across neighborhoods while recognizing the detention function.

Developer representative (Himes) provided drone photos to illustrate topography and a modest flat area near the narrow tip of the triangle that might accommodate a small amenity. Staff said a future community meeting would refine the city’s approach and consider phasing — for example, adding a path and limited improvements initially and reserving larger amenities until funding is available.

The council adopted resolution 6922 to accept the grant deed. Staff listed a follow‑up action to schedule public outreach, evaluate erosion control and consider costs for a path along the canal and cooperative funding options.","The council accepted a dedication of roughly 9.52 acres at Southpointe for a future park and stormwater detention basin. Staff said the parcel falls under Lighting & Landscape District 11 for future maintenance and announced plans for a community meeting to discuss amenities and a potential canal trail connection.",{"_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},6268138,"City says California’s tougher chromium‑6 standard may soon require public notices; testing, treatment work underway",310,6702000,7012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297&start=6702&end=7012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297/thumbnail_6702000.jpg","/articles/6268138/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/City-says-Californias-tougher-chromium6-standard-may-soon-require-public-notices-testing-treatment-work-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268138-7e5168969459de2e40c4c6a628770545/orig.mp4?Expires=1771058490&Signature=SSWZg7-6PUSh226fFSQ3zamXpv5lacfyB-XNO25IW7EbeFJ6e8JM8YnSHmHZfdDatpqmlzrrTPPyVbp19viYSIpOEcCo2g6xYJ0nVu4RSp69HFFmZ3HHePoKuc1XBAtuVn45gYutF9xU53EDhhv7UC0eR805pjjOOYgT6lowx~ikvUIr3cXKg6SihyHlsbNF1gH4KOvuy37k8S~IdPOV34Bo2FNf8oSk1KYDApxhB-CtZ7DiEnp695phqvWX7aZOm67On9ZmE6-HpF8pdPDVPBhJjMKzHNvXTYUHSLkJApTY4WsPL~Az9qDKr0041tmAoHkgVqyoipiWJlFRdG~qVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Los Banos warned residents on April 16 that a new California standard for hexavalent chromium (chromium‑6) may require public notice and treatment steps in the coming months.

Interim City Manager Gary Bridal said the California Department of Public Health lowered the state maximum contaminant level for chromium‑6 from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. That change, Bridal said, was not the result of a sudden change in water quality but a change in the regulatory standard. The city completed an initial round of testing and, by the averaging method the state uses, was not required to notify customers after that round; however, Bridal said results due in July may show the city is above the new 10 ppb level and that would trigger a formal notification process.

Bridal said the city already is working with consultants to evaluate compliance options (treatment, blending, etc.) and that the state provided approximately two years for systems to come into full compliance. Bridal emphasized the tests and state averaging method and characterized the change as a regulatory tightening specific to California: under EPA federal rules and in many other states Los Banos’ water would remain within allowable levels, he said.

The city said it will publish information about chromium‑6 on its website and will provide community outreach in the coming months. Bridal described the change as “not an emergency” for residents but as a substantive technical and operational issue that will require staff time, consultant work and a public‑facing explanation of testing procedures and possible long‑term treatment options.

No compliance plan or treatment contract was approved at the meeting; staff said a policy discussion and cost estimates will follow as consultants provide options.","Interim city manager Gary Bridal told the council the state reduced the maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium from 50 ppb to 10 ppb and that city testing may show exceedance in July; staff is working with consultants on compliance and will publish outreach materials.",{"_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},6268143,"Residents press council for answers on planned battery storage project; county supervisor says company will meet community",182,871000,1053000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297&start=871&end=1053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3058598-d5c24e03c52dbb35e2408d3e00f33297/thumbnail_871000.jpg","/articles/6268143/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Residents-press-council-for-answers-on-planned-battery-storage-project-county-supervisor-says-company-will-meet-community","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268143-0572fe97c1f6fb270124aea930db27ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771058490&Signature=OOLxkyhcFFG6jsaBkR5wqi5XntmXZBpEaSOXzQZhPdw09QDzeef~3MnK0kLNjenEX8iAn0caorvSsuXwYIkK19l8Jxzv8TjgKy3vZyXGVb1rHSV2Fi696p9REDg4a61Z8-2GbYYJHtrrvV~R81u4NY5e9vMg~XUmpbD524eFrMHi5x-w6EIF6LoasRJQrzLcmvpDPx-ROoaUS8uT6bDMH7--9NHx~5gh1OzqfkFkPOvjfs52kUuKdhdhTLsWkQ9e6qtbyR77RWRZ2k6r4XfxGgkIkcS2tiMiG6lv78nhCa9rqloYSuowtdOMDX0en1bQ~XimUbR8g1Uo5u392ei3Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple speakers during the April 16 public comment period urged city leaders to require more public outreach and transparency about a proposed battery energy storage system near Los Banos.

Kathy Ballard, a local resident, said she has heard community concerns about property values, health risks and emergency response and said the company had declined requests for a public, in‑person meeting: “I explained to him that I'd rather have it in public because I don't want to play telephone with a company with people's questions,” Ballard said. She asked the council for help arranging a public forum so residents could ask about health, noise, fire risk and the effect on home values.

Merced County Supervisor Scott Silveira said the project developer is Zeta Solar (also discussed as Best Solar in public remarks) and told the council he had contacted company representatives. Silveira said the developer committed to bring staff to Los Banos to answer questions and that county staff would try to coordinate with the city on a venue, but cautioned that the meeting likely would not happen before early May due to scheduling.

Other public comments framed battery plants in a global context: one speaker described environmental and social impacts of mineral extraction in developing countries as a reason to ask whether local siting gives residents risks but few benefits. Commenters also cited an unresolved fire investigation in Monterey County, saying local emergency planners should know investigation findings before finalizing local permitting.

Council and staff response and next steps

Councilmembers acknowledged constituent concern and asked staff to assist in arranging a community meeting with the developer and county representatives. Supervisor Silveira said he would continue outreach to the company and work to schedule a joint session; company staff committed to appear for questions, according to Silveira’s remarks during the meeting.

Separately, residents also requested a public town‑hall on homelessness planning; one commenter asked that city staff meet encampment residents in person and produce a short‑ and long‑term action matrix with outcomes and success metrics.

No council action was taken at the meeting; staff and the county said they would pursue a public meeting with the company.","Residents raised safety, health and property‑value concerns about a proposed battery energy storage project; Merced County Supervisor Scott Silveira reported the developer (Zeta Solar) committed to send staff for a public meeting in coordination with the city.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: City Council adopts contracts, impact‑fee tweak, CUP, shelter amendment and park dedication

Caltrans outlines roundabout designs, $27 million corridor rehab and tight delivery schedule for Los Banos

Council accepts 9.52 acres for future park and basin; community members press for canal trail and erosion control

City says California’s tougher chromium‑6 standard may soon require public notices; testing, treatment work underway

Residents press council for answers on planned battery storage project; county supervisor says company will meet community