Avenal council accepts election results, swears in members and names Leticia Gammes mayor pro tem

The Avenal City Council on Jan. 9 voted to accept the Nov. 5, 2024 election results and administered the oath of office to reelected council members.

After the clerk read the resolution accepting the election returns, the council approved the measure by roll call and the clerk administered the oath to the newly elected and reelected members. The council then opened nominations for mayor and mayor pro tem; Leticia Gammes was nominated and elected mayor pro tem by majority vote during the session.

The actions followed a routine consent calendar and came after the council confirmed attendance and a quorum for the meeting. The clerk followed statutory procedures for certification and swearing in. Mayor Preciado presided over the proceedings and invited the new council members to take their oaths.

Council members and staff said the swearing-in and leadership appointments will allow the council to move forward on its 2025 agenda, including board assignments, infrastructure projects and grant applications. The council did not take further administrative action related to the election certification at the meeting beyond the acceptance vote and oath administration.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23, when newly seated members will participate in committee assignments and additional business.