Paul Boyer, Mayor
Tina Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem
Gregorio Gomez, Council Member
Ruben Macareno, Council Member
Danny Valdovinos, Council Member
Farmersville City Council
Regular Meeting
Monday, June 13, 2022 6:00 PM
Meeting held in Civic Center Council Chambers
– 909 W. Visalia Road Farmersville, California
Pursuant to AB 361, the City of Farmersville will be allowing the public, staff, and City Council to attend this meeting via Zoom.
Please dial 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 85172575551
Password: 329207
1. Call to Order: Mayor Boyer called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
2. Roll Call:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Paul Boyer Mayor Present 6:00pm
Tina Hernandez Mayor Pro Tem Present 6:00pm
Greg Gomez Council Member Present 6:00pm
Danny Valdovinos Council Member Present 6:00pm
Ruben Macareno Council Member Present 6:00pm
3. Invocation: Council Member Valdovinos led the invocation.
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez led the pledge of allegiance.
5. Public Comment:
Provides an opportunity for members of the public to address the City Council on items of interest to the public within the Council’s jurisdiction and which are not already on the agenda this evening. It is the policy of the Council not to answer questions impromptu. Concerns or complaints will be referred to the City Manager’s office. Speakers should limit their comments to not more than two (2) minutes. No more than twenty (20) total minutes will be allowed for Public Comment. For items which are on the agenda this evening, members of the public will be provided an opportunity to address the council as each item is brought up for discussion. Comments are to be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any individual Council Member.
First Public Comment Period: none.
Second Public Comment Period: reopened at 6:48pm by Mayor Boyer:
Mr. Maldanado expressed interest in starting a basketball league in Farmersville.
He was interested in learning how to use the community center for this purpose.
He stated that he would submit something in writing. Council members expressed interest and support for the league with Mayor Boyer proposing to bring back the topic as a future agenda item.
6. Presentations: None given
7. Consent Agenda:
Under a CONSENT AGENDA category, a recommended course of action for each item is made. Any Council Member or Member of the Public may remove any item from the CONSENT AGENDA in order to discuss and/or change the recommended course of action, and the Council can approve the remainder of the CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of May 23, 2022.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of May 23, 2022
B. Resolution 2022-018 adopting a list of projects funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2022-018 as presented and authorize staff to submit the annual report to the State Documents: Resolution 2022-018
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
8. General Business
A. Nomination for Transit Representative to the Tulare County Association of Governments
Recommend that the City Council select one of the nominees from the cities in Tulare County to serve as the Transit Representative to the Tulare County Association of Governments.
Documents: Council of Cities - Process for Selecting a Transit Representative to the TCAG Board
Mayor Boyer asked for input from Councilmember Gomez because of his past service alongside some of the nominees and participation as Transit Representative in the past. Councilmember Gomez recommended Hipolito Cerros of the City of Lindsay based upon his experience.
Motion to approve nomination of Hipolito Cerros as Transit Representative to the Tulare County Association of Governments.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
B. Public Hearing: Resolution 2022-013 Adopting Tax Rate of Commercial Cannabis Related Business in the City of Farmersville for the Fiscal Year 2022-23
Recommend approving Resolution 2022-013 Adopting Tax Rate of Commercial Cannabis Related Business in the City of Farmersville for the Fiscal Year 2022-23.
Documents: Resolution 2022-013
A Public Hearing was opened at 6:09 pm and closed at 6:10 pm. No public comment was given.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about how much Sales Tax the dispensaries produced for the City. Staff will deliver the requested information to him after the public meeting.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
C. Public Hearing to Discuss Submittal of 2022 Community Development Block Grant Application; and Adopt Resolution 2022- 015 Approving the Submittal of the Application
Recommend that the City Council open the public hearing to solicit and accept comments on the City’s proposed submittal of an application to apply for the 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). At the close of the public hearing, adopt resolution 2022-015 approving the submittal of the application.
Documents: Resolution 2022-015
A Public Hearing was opened at 6:19 pm and closed at 6:19 pm. No public comment was given.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez presented preliminary renderings for Jennings Park improvements. The improvements will be funded by program income. The grant application requests permission to use program income for this purpose.
Councilmember Gomez asked if there was program income still available for home-ownership assistance. The City Manager replied that there is assistance still available through the HOME and CalHOME grants.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Gomez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ASTAIN: Boyer
ABSENT: none
D. AB 361 and Teleconferenced Meetings
Recommend that the City Council provide findings and direction regarding AB 361 related to teleconference meetings.
Documents: AB 361
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reviewed and discussed the State of Emergency and required findings with Council.
Council made findings there is still a risk to the health and safety of attendees and stated to continue with teleconference meetings for the next 30 days.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Macareno
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
E. Actions Pertaining to the General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 including
1) Resolution 2022-016 Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, for the Election of Certain Officers and for the Submission to the Voters a Question Relating to Enacting a Ten Percent (10%) Transient Occupancy Tax on Hotel Occupancies Within the City 2) Resolution 2022-006 Requesting and Consenting to Consolidation of Elections and Setting Specifications of the Elections Order 3) Resolution 2022-008 Requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors Permit the County Registrar of Voters to Render Specified Services to the City of Farmersville
4) Introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance 515 Adopting Municipal Code Chapter 3.44 Enacting a Ten Percent (10%) Transient Occupancy Tax on Hotel Occupancies Within the City Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolutions 2022-016, 2022-006, 2022-008, and introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance 515.
Documents: Resolution 2022-016
Resolution 2022-006
Resolution 2022-008
Ordinance 515
Councilmember Valdovinos expressed that he was glad that the tax measure was back for another try. Councilmember Gomez asked what would be done differently this time around to educate voters and support the measure. Councilmember Gomez inquired whether a blue-ribbon committee could be established to support a more concerted campaign effort.
City Attorney Michael Schulte said that a blue-ribbon committee is a possibility dependent upon the desired scope of participation with the process. The City Attorney went on to describe limitations of support and allowable actions of City Councilmembers and City staff in such tax measure efforts by law in detail.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez said that City Staff can produce factual education documents for voters to review in English and Spanish. This could also be used through social media. Councilmembers were supportive of the idea to educating the voters about the proposed tax measure.
Motion to approve Resolution 2022-016 as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
Motion to approve Resolution 2022-006 as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
Motion to approve Resolution 2022-008 as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
Motion to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance 515.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
F. Resolution 2022-017 Setting Priorities for Filing a Written Argument Regarding a City Measure and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2022-017 Setting Priorities for Filing a Written Argument Regarding a City Measure and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis.
Documents: Resolution 2022-017
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed City Council that Councilmember Gomez and Mayor Boyer had participated in writing an argument for the tax measure last time. Councilmember Gomez and Councilmember Macareno volunteered to participate in the writing of the argument this time.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
G. Action to adopt official City Logo and City Seal
Recommend that the City Council adopt City Logo and City Seal.
Documents: Survey results and updated City Logo
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed City Council of the public outreach process through an online survey through social media and the City website. She reported that there was an excellent turnout with hundreds of votes for the logos. Mayor Boyer thanked City Clerk Rochelle Giovani for the work to get this outreach process completed.
Councilmember Macareno stated that the proposed logo was a good marriage between the new concept ideas and the existing logo. Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez agreed that the Council should do what the people wanted.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Councilmember Macareno
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
H. Public Hearing: Consider Adopting by Resolution 2022-011 the Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2022-2023 through FY 2023-2027
Recommend that the City Council adopt the revised Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan by Resolution 2022-011.
Documents: Resolution 2022-011
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley gave a presentation summarizing the budget process, the budget figures, and the contents and organization of the budget book for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
A Public Hearing was opened at 7:25 pm and closed at 7:26 pm. No public comment was given.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Macareno
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
I. Public Hearing: Adoption of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 by Resolution 2022-009
Recommend that the City Council adopt the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 by Resolution 2022-009.
Documents: Proposed Budget for FY 2022-2023
Resolution 2022-009
Mayor Boyer expressed interest in expanding the budget for the City Sponsorship program from $6,000 annually to $12,000 annually.
Councilmember Gomez suggested a compromise at $8,000. Council asked the City Attorney about modifying the budget and the City Attorney confirmed that there was no issue to amend the budget at this time.
A Public Hearing was opened at 7:28 pm and closed at 7:28 pm. No public comment was given.
Motion to approve with an expansion of the budget for the City Sponsorship program from $6,000 annually to $12,000.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
J. Public Hearing: Consider Resolution 2022-010 approving the 2022- 2023 Appropriations Limit
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2022-010 establishing Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Appropriations Limit.
Documents:
1. Schedule A: Appropriations Limit Calculation for the Fiscal Year Ending 6/30/2023
2. Resolution 2022-010 Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Adoption of Appropriation Limit
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley described the legal rationale and context for the public hearing and calculation of an appropriation limit and confirmed that the City was compliant.
A Public Hearing was opened at 7:36 pm and closed at 7:37 pm. No public comment was given.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
K. Adoption of the Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022-23 by Resolution 2022-014
Recommend that the City Council adopt the Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022-23 by Resolution 2022-014.
Documents:
1. Resolution 2022-014
2. Attachment A: Salary Schedule for FY 2022-23 Tier 1 & 2 Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley described the legal rationale and context for the adoption of a salary schedule annually by the City.
A Public Hearing was opened at 7:36 pm and closed at 7:37 pm. No public comment was given.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
L. Request by Applicant for Special Event Funding for Fiscal Year 2021- 22 Recommend that the City Council review a request from MMA Fight Pass for $945 in financial assistance.
Documents: Event Funding Application
Councilmember Valdovinos recused himself from this agenda item and left the council chambers.
Mr. Archie Tovar, promoter for MMA Fight Pass, presented the request to City Council for $945 to offset costs associated with the event to be held at the Community Center and gave detail information about the organization and event. The event will have a day portion featuring youth MMA activities and a portion of the proceeds will go to Team KO, a local youth sports organization affiliated with Councilmember Valdovinos. The evening portion of the event will feature Fight Pass MMA fighters and there will be tickets sold for $35 each to attend.
Councilmember Valdovinos wife was present and spoke to the benefits of the event through increased business in town during the event.
Councilmember Gomez, a member of the city sponsorship committee, explained the rationale for not recommending financial support for the event, namely, it was not in line with past practice of awarding assistance only to non-profit organizations specifically benefiting Farmersville with events open to the public with tax dollars. He also explained that the financial information given on the application showed that this was a selfsustaining event. He asked the Council to clarify if the practice should change.
Councilmember Macareno indicated that if this was approved that the City should consider funding other for-profit events in the future. He also asked clarifying questions about how the fundraising portion would work to benefit Team KO at the concession sales.
Mayor Boyer asked that Mr. Archie Tovar make sure that there is appropriate bilingual signage to let residents know that the day portion of the event was free and separate from the evening portion that charges a fee to get in.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez clarified that a portion of the $945 requested was for refundable deposits assessed by the Boys & Girls Club for the facility and recommended that the deposit portion not be funded as Fight Pass would get those funds back potentially. The amount less deposits is $650.
Motion to approve request for a reduced amount of $650 instead of $945 with clear bilingual signage at the event indicating free public access to the youth portion of the event.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Gomez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno
RECUSED: Valdovinos
ABSENT: none
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Macareno reported that he attended a California League of Cities event - the first League Summit Event in Sacramento. He stated that it was a good event and encouraged others to attend next year.
Councilmember Gomez reported that he would be attending the next Tulare County Transit Regional Authority meeting on Wednesday, June 15th. He stated that the Director is doing a great job and they will be reviewing budget for the coming year.
Mayor Boyer requested a report from staff regarding the status of the expanded water basin work done in conjunction with the North Farmersville Blvd. widening project. He also thanked City staff for making the Memorial Day parade event a successful one. Finally, he requested that City staff investigate pervasive rodent issues in the fields at the Sports Park.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reported on the status of the expanded water basin work done in conjunction with the North Farmersville Blvd. widening project. City Engineer Kevin Gross also explained the reasoning for the expansion and the work done with Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District to accomplish the changes. City Manager Jennifer Gomez clarified that the work was not funded with Measure R but with other City funds.
Justin Baker, representing the Public Works Department reported that Liberty Park work would be completed by month end and that staff is in process on cleaning alleyways as time allows.
Battalion Chief Jim Thomas reported that the new Fire Command vehicle has arrived and that there are two new reserve officers that will be ready to serve in July.
Police Chief Mario Krstic reported that the department has been busy with parade, graduation, and case work. He confirmed that there was police activity at the massage parlor and that a revocation of their condition use permit was forthcoming.
11. Future Agenda Items
1. Installation of EV Charging Stations
2. Reservations for Picnic Shelters
3. Joint Session with Planning Commission regarding Brown Act and Governance Basics
12. Adjournment:
Mayor Boyer adjourned the meeting at 8:21 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Huntley
Deputy City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities