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, October 10, 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: 84263271208
Password: 657263
1. Call to Order: Mayor Boyer called the meeting to order at 6:00 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: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez led the invocation.
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Valdovinos 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.
Armando Hinojosa, a Farmersville resident at 438 N. Magnolia Ave, asked the Police Department if any incidents occurred at the Farmersville Cruise Night. Also, Mr. Hinojosa voiced his concerns about vehicles that speed around Farmersville High School on E. Citrus Drive, stating he would like to see police patrolling the area.
Alice Lopez, a Farmersville resident at 442 N Matthew Ave, observed overwatering at Jennings Park, causing runoff dirt to fill the gutters near the Farmersville VDA office. Also, Ms. Lopez suggested installing a trash bin on Linnell Ave.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez stated that Valerie Casas, a Farmersville resident, has contacted her to inquire about installing a Pickleball court at the Sports Park. Ms. Gomez expressed that the master plan for the Sports Park does not allow space for additional courts.
6. Presentations:
A. Self Help Enterprises: Update on Los Arroyos Project Jose Flores, Project Manager with Self-Help Enterprises, presented an update on the Los Arroyos project covering funding and construction projections.
Patrick Isherwood, Director of Asset Management with Self-Help Enterprises, reviewed the application and lease-up process for Los Arroyos I and Los Arroyos II.
Discussion took place regarding the residency requirement to apply for housing, and Mr. Isherwood stated the USDA Federal Agency has specific guidelines to determine US residency status. Still, he encourages residents to apply for housing, as each determination will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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 September 12, 2022.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of September 12, 2022
B. Finance Update for August 2022: Warrant Register and Investment Summary Recommend that the City Council:
Approve the Warrant Register as presented for the period. This reporting period represents warrants issued for the Fiscal Years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023; and Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period. This reporting period represents investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: August 2022 Warrant Register
Investment Summary August 2022
Mayor Boyer abstained from item B.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER:
Councilmember Hernandez
AYES:
Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT:
None
8. General Business
A. 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 Emergency Declaration with Council.
Donnie Millsap, a Farmersville resident, supported City Council returning to in-person meetings and voiced concerns about City matters.
Discussion took place, and City Council would like to continue with the teleconference meetings for the next 30 days.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER:
Councilmember Macareno
AYES:
Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT:
None
B. Memorandum of Understanding between Self-Help Enterprises and City of Farmersville regarding the construction of a Multimodal Hub Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU and any subsequent amendments or modifications thereto.
Documents: Memorandum of Understanding
Mayor Boyer stepped out due to a conflict of interest pertaining to Self-Help Enterprises.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez discussed the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities' intent for Affordable Housing projects: incorporating elements to reduce Green House Gasses emissions in the community by funding projects, like the Multi-Modal Hub, alongside the Los Arroyos I project. As the developers and grand seekers of the Los Arroyos I project, Staff would like approval from the Council to execute Self-Enterprises as the lead construction management of the Multi-Modal Hub.
Ronnie Sanders, a Farmersville resident, suggested a transit route extending from Farmersville Blvd to Noble and linking to Road 156.
Tina Watson, a Farmersville resident, voiced concerns regarding traffic congestion on Farmersville Blvd by developing the transit center on Front Street.
Council member Gomez thanked Self-Help Enterprises for securing the AHSC grant and recapitulated that the Multi-Modal Hub was part of the affordable housing project.
Council member Macareno emphasized that City Engineers have studied the location of the transit center to permit the development.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT:
APPROVED
MOVER:
Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER:
Councilmember Valdovinis
AYES:
Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, Macareno
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
Mayor Boyer
ABSENT:
None
C. Measure R Supplement for Transit Center
Mayor Boyer stepped out due to a conflict of interest pertaining to Self-Help Enterprises.
Steve Huntley, Director of Finance and Administration, discussed the supplemental Agreement with Tulare County Association of Governments for Measure R funding of a portion of the Multi-Modal Hub project, primarily funded by HCD through the AHSC grant.
Motion to approve as adopt Resolution 2022-037 Supplement to Measure R Program Cooperative Agreement.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER:
Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES:
Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
Mayor Boyer
ABSENT:
None
D. Approve Contract with Blais & Associates for Grant Services Recommend that the City Council approve the contract with Blais & Associates for Comprehensive Grant Services.
Documents:
1) On-Call Grant Research, Development, Writing, and Management Services RFP 2) Blais & Associates Agreement
Steve Huntley, Director of Finance and Administration, notified Council during the formal proposal and evaluation of the RFP issued for On-Call Grant Research, Development, Writing, and Management Services; Blais & Associates received the highest score. Mr. Huntley requests the City Council to approve the contract with Blais & Associates for Comprehensive Grant Services.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Councilmember Hernandez
SECONDER:
Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES:
Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Valdovinos
ABSENT:
None
E. Annual Measure Q Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22
Recommend that City Council receive and file the report after a brief presentation by City staff on the subject. The report is complete and has been posted on the City website for the public to access and review.
Documents: Annual Measure Q Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22 Steve Huntley, Director of Finance and Administration, presented the Measure Q Cannabis Business Tax Report highlighting the decline in revenue and budgeted expenses incurred during the Fiscal Year 2022.
Council member Gomez inquired if the City has received revenue from the first quarter of FY 2023, and Mr. Huntley informed Mr. Gomez that payments are due October 31, 2022.
Council member Macareno wishes that Measure Q revenue would be used for more specific direct plans like Youth or Senior services instead of a wide range of projects.
Tina Watson, a Farmersville resident, would like to see Measure Q revenue used to improve school grounds, specifically the baseball field at Farmersville High School.
Donnie Millsap, a Farmersville resident, would like to see Measure Q revenue used to support senior services and the beautification of the inner city.
Armando Hinojosa, a Farmersville resident, would like Measure Q revenue used to improve Farmersville Blvd.
F. Fiscal Year 2021-22 4th Quarter Financial Update Report as of 6/30/2022 Recommend that City Council receive and file the report after a brief presentation by City staff on the subject.
Documents: FY 2021-22 4th Quarter Financial Update Report Steve Huntley, Director of Finance and Administration, presented an update on the City's financial status through June 30, 2022, highlighting revenue performance, expenditure data, and economic analysis.
Council member Gomez asked what effects the proposed California stimulus checks would have on inflation. Mr. Huntley stated the impact would be determined by what citizens choose to do with their stimulus checks; for example, spending the funds would increase inflation.
Mayor Boyer inquired about the restrictions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds. Mr. Hunley stated the ARPA funds are unrestricted, but purchases must follow the City's Procurement System. City Manager Gomez says ARPA funds are budgeted to purchase Water Well 3, but she is seeking grant funding through the State Water Board.
Mayor Boyer requests Staff to inquire about the Federal requirements of the City's agreements with the USDA and the State, necessitating the City to maintain a ratio of 110% of sewer revenue compared to the debt service to see what the City can do to delay any rate increases.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Council member Valdovinos thanked participants of the Fall Festival and was very pleased with the turnout. Mr. Valdovinos notified Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen of the potholes on Farmersville Blvd. Lastly, Mr. Valdovinos will be hosting the 19th Toy Drive and informed Council that toy drop-offs will be accepted at Terry's Barber Shop, TeamKO Gym, and The Cloud Factory.
Council member Gomez thanked Starbucks for hosting the Coffee with a Councilman event; they provided a space to connect with the community. He also thanked City Manager Jennifer Gomez for attending the event. Also, he thanked Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen for quickly taking care of issues and providing solutions for street concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez would like the City to seek grant funding for sidewalk improvements. Also, she would like staff to incorporate handball courts at a City park if space allows.
Mayor Boyer thanked staff for participation in the Fall Festival. He also confirmed with Police Chief Mario Krstic that no incidents occurred due to the Cruise Night event. Mr. Boyer thanked QK for surveying the overpass for the gateway project. And Mr. Boyer informed Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen of the squirrel issues on the soccer field. Mr. Dowlen stated all major parks are treated for squirrels monthly. Mr. Boyer informed the Council of multiple events coming up: that the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency will hold their director’s meeting at Farmersville City Council Chambers on October 17, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., the Deep Creek Cemetery will reveal the Historical Marker Dedication on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 9:37 sharp, the Farmersville Kiwanis Club with hold the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2, 2022. Also, Mr. Boyer would like to continue outreach to coordinate joint Council meetings with the school district.
Council member Macareno stated during his campaign run; he is hearing concerns about the lack of streetlights, reflectors, and medians within the City. Mr. Macareno says there is a street sign missing on Front St/Matthew Ave, water leakage in the alley on Linnell Ave/N. Shasta and potholes on Virginia Ave/Costner St.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed Council that the Sequoia Gateway Area Project is moving forward, and improvements will be noticeable in the coming weeks. Also, Ms. Gomez informed the Council that on October 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., the City will hold a ceremony on Front Street; Senator Hurtado will present the City of Farmersville with the 7 million dollar check for the Fire Station.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley reminded the Council that the City auditors would contact the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem regarding the fraud questionnaire.
City Engineer Kevin Gross reported that QK is working on the State Route 198 Gateway Improvement project. He believes the City’s Welcome sign will be one of the top-rated ones in the Central Valley. Also, QK will replace 27 curb returns and about 1,000 linear feet of sidewalks from W Front/N Shasta to Visalia Road next summer for Year 1 Street Improvements.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen informed the Council that Public Works removed diseased trees from Roy’s Park, and the site is ready for future improvements.
Police Chief Mario Krstic thanked the City Council for approving the Strategic Plan for the Fire Department. Mr. Krstic praised Battalion Chief Jim Thomas for increasing the City’s Fire Volunteers from 16 (back in June of 2022) to 30 responders. Also, Chief Krstic informed the Council that the Fire Department is working with QK to prepare RFQ and RFP for the Fire Station construction. Regarding the Code Enforcement Department, Mr. Krstic was pleased to inform the Council that there have been improvements in proper permits during project inspections. He thanked Tulare County for the tremendous support. Lastly, he stated that Farmersville Police Department is officially fully staffed with the current police officer hire.
11. Future Agenda Items
Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
Reservations for Picnic Shelters
Discussion regarding a Recreation Division
Expansion of Liberty Park
12. Adjournment:
Mayor Boyer adjourned meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betina Ashoori
Deputy City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities