Council hears introduction of new public‑works director and a draft building‑code update emphasizing energy readiness

Mayor and staff introduced Daniel Dominguez as the city’s new public works director; Dominguez described prior public‑works experience in Orange Cove and Fowler and said he would spend the early weeks learning city operations.

Public‑works staff reported on recent sustainability and corridor beautification discussions, including a multicity monument‑sign design for State Route 65, trash‑cleanup opportunities and preliminary talks with Southland Industries about solar installations, lighting and HVAC upgrades. Staff said proposals could include covered parking with solar canopies to offset energy costs for City Hall and the wellness center and that initial financial structures could be designed so energy savings cover project costs rather than using the city’s capital outlay.

Separately, staff presented an update to administrative and technical codes—administrative code, building, residential, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy and fire provisions and green‑code references—with a focus on energy‑efficiency measures such as solar readiness and EV charging preparation. Staff told the council the update is primarily technical and related to energy standards and noted a public hearing for the code update was scheduled.

Councilmembers thanked staff and welcomed the new director. Staff said more detailed project information and cost estimates will be provided in future meetings.