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.