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, November 14, 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: 825 2562 5236
Password: 096473
1. Call to Order: 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: Councilmember Valdovinos led the invocation.
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Councilmember Gomez led the pledge of allegiance.
5. Public Comment: none given.
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.
6. Presentations:
A. Certificate of Recognition – Ricardo Maldonado The Councilmembers presented Ricardo Maldonado with a Certificate of Recognition for all the hard work he has done with the youth in the City of Farmersville.
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.
Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of October 24, 2022.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of October 24, 2022
B. Waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 517 amending Title 15 to add Chapter 15.24 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to the Farmersville Municipal Code Recommend that the City Council waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 517 amending Title 15 to add Chapter 15.24 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to the Farmersville Municipal Code.
Documents: Ordinance 517
Checklist for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
C. Second Amendment to County Library Lease Agreement Recommend that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to Lease Agreement for Property Located at 623 N. Avery, Farmersville.
Documents: Lease Agreement
First Amendment
Second Amendment
D. 2023 Street Improvement Project – Extra Work Authorization Approval Recommend that the City Council approve the attached Extra Work Authorization task order and adjustment to the 2023 Street Improvement Project.
Documents:
Exhibit 1 – 2023 Street Improvement Project – EWA 1 Task Order Exhibit 2 – 2023 Streets Improvement Project – EWA 1 Exhibit Motion to approve items 7A-D
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER:
Councilmember Macareno
AYES:
Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, Macareno
ABSENT:
none
8. General Business:
A. Street Light Study: Residential Analysis & Report
Recommend that the City Council review the attached Street Light Study and make recommendations to assist in determining if the City will move forward with a proposal to install street lighting in the Brundage – Oakview neighborhood.
Documents: City of Farmersville Street Light Study
Tim Mulick with QK gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Farmersville Street Light Study. Mr. Mulick informed Council that a door-to-door survey had been completed with the residents in the targeted area. Mr. Mulick provided Council with survey results, field survey information, illustration maps, and a cost estimate breakdown. City Engineer Kevin Gross was also present to answer questions from Councilmembers.
Mayor Paul Boyer inquired about the maintenance fees once the lights are installed. He also recommended finding cheaper streetlights and possibility of using wood poles to install the lights to help with the cost.
Councilmember Valdovinos asked if grants would be available for the cost of the streetlights. City Manager Jennifer Gomez advised Council that funds could come from the Street Improvement funds; however, funds would only be available in another 5-6 years. Ms. Gomez also suggested that staff could start looking to see if grants are available for this project.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about reducing the number of streetlights that will be installed to help cost savings. He also suggested the streetlight wires be installed above ground instead of underground, as the cost analysis suggested. Mr. Gomez also stated that he would prefer to purchase fewer streetlights and purchase aesthetically pleasing lights to help with costs.
Councilmember Macareno asked how long it would take before we could start applying for grants.
Following additional discussion, Council would like staff and the City Engineer to explore reducing the number of streetlights, check the cost of above-ground wiring instead of underground wiring, and use of marbelite poles instead of wood poles for lights. City Engineer Kevin Gross informed Council that he would explore funding options and develop a new design for cost purposes.
B. Award Contract to Avison Construction for Farmersville Community Park Phase IV: Freedom Field in the amount of $1,663,200 plus a contingency of $166,320 Recommend that the City Council accept the construction bid for the Farmersville Community Park Phase IV: Freedom Field from the lowest bidder, Avison Construction Inc., for the Base Bid plus Add Alternates A1, A3, and A4, and that the City Council award the contract to Avison Construction Inc. for $1,663,200.00, and that the Council approve a contingency of $166,320.00 (10%) for changes during construction to be administered by the City Manager.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reviewed and discussed the bid process for Freedom Field Phase IV. Ms. Gomez is recommending that Council award the lowest bidder, Avison Construction with the contract for the construction of Phase IV, Freedom Field.
Alice Lopez a resident of Farmersville expressed that she would like plenty of lighting in the park.
Councilmember Gomez asked if there were any recommendations or knowledge of Avison’s work before we award the contract to them. City Engineer Kevin Gross informed Council that Avison is highly recommended.
Councilmember Macareno inquired about the amount of funds being used from Cannabis fund to help with the park. City Manager Jennifer Gomez advised Council that approximately $600,000 will be used for the parking lot, bathrooms, picnic covering, benches and trash cans.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember GomezSECONDER: Councilmember ValdovinosAYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, MacarenoABSENT: noneRESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember GomezSECONDER: Councilmember ValdovinosAYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, MacarenoABSENT: noneMotion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, Macareno
ABSENT: none
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, Macareno
ABSENT: none
C. Adopt Updated City Improvement Standards
Recommend that the City Council adopt the revised City Improvement Standards prepared by QK and approved by the City Engineer and Public Works Director.
Documents: Farmersville City Improvement Standards 2022 Driveway Alternative Exhibit
City Engineer Kevin Gross presented updated information regarding the City Improvement Standards. He also provided and explained the different residential details for driveways.
Councilmember Gomez wanted to ensure all information given to Council was current. Staff stated it was.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember GomezSECONDER: Councilmember ValdovinosAYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, MacarenoABSENT: noneRESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember GomezSECONDER: Councilmember ValdovinosAYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, MacarenoABSENT: noneMotion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, Macareno
ABSENT: none
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos, Macareno
ABSENT: none
D. Crosswalk on Visalia Road at Ventura Avenue
Recommend that the City Council make a motion to not move forward with plans to develop a marked crosswalk on Visalia Road at Ventura Avenue.
Documents: Ventura Avenue Crosswalk Study
City Manager Jennifer Gomez discussed the Crosswalk at Ventura Ave. Ms. Gomez reminded Council that based on the vehicle and pedestrian traffic information collected, a review of collision history, and analyses of the existing crosswalk, our City Engineer had determined that the conditions do not warrant crosswalks at Ventura or Shasta Avenues.
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, questioned why the Crosswalk at Ventura Ave. was on the agenda again after it had already been approved.
Armando Hinojosa recommended to get additional parking behind the Catholic Church.
City Attorney Mike Schulte discussed crosswalk findings. Based on the results of our City Engineer Mr. Schulte recommends that the Council not approve the crosswalk due to liability.
Councilmember Gomez recommends getting signs or flashing lights to help Ventura Ave be safer. City Engineer Kevin Gross let Council know that he will look into other options.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezSECONDER: Councilmember GomezAYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, ValdovinosNAYS: Macareno RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezSECONDER: Councilmember GomezAYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, ValdovinosNAYS: Macareno RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Gomez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos
NAYS: Macareno
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Gomez
AYES: Boyer, Hernandez, Gomez, Valdovinos
NAYS: Macareno
E. Approve Contracts with Collaborative partners: Lew Edwards Group (LEG), Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates(FM3), The HdL Companies (HDL) for Utility Users Tax 2024 Ballot Initiative Consulting Services in the amount of $234,200 Recommend that the City Council approve the contracts with Lew Edwards Group, FM3, and HDL for Utility Users Tax 2024 Ballot Initiative Consulting Services pending approval by the City Attorney.
Documents:
Utility Users Tax 2024 Ballot Initiative Consulting Services RFP Lew Edwards Group, FM3, and HDL Agreement(s) with separate scope of work City Manager Jennifer Gomez reviewed information regarding contracts with Lew Edwards Group, FM3, and HdL Companies for Utility Users Tax 2024. Ms. Gomez reminded Council that through the city-wide strategic planning process, there is a need for increased and expanded service levels with the essential services currently provided to the residents. (Strategic Plan Goal #3: Improve Current Levels of Public Safety Services and Strategic Plan Goal #5: Maintain Healthy Finances). City Council also recently approved and adopted Farmersville Fire Department Strategic and Master Plan with Goal #1: Fully Research and Implementation of Utility Users Tax (UUT) for Public Safety Funding, Discussion occurred regarding the contracts with Lew Edwards Group, FM3, and HdL. Councilmember Gomez recommended a committee be formed with Farmersville residents to help educate citizens. Councilmember Valdovinos inquired about the possible dollar amount that would be applied to customers' utility bills.
Motion failed 2-3 vote.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezSECONDER: Councilmember GomezAYES: Hernandez, GomezNAYS: Macareno, Boyer, ValdovinosRESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezSECONDER: Councilmember GomezAYES: Hernandez, GomezNAYS: Macareno, Boyer, Valdovinos RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Gomez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez
NAYS: Macareno, Boyer, Valdovinos
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
SECONDER: Councilmember Gomez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez
NAYS: Macareno, Boyer, Valdovinos
F. Handbook of Rules and Procedures of the Farmersville City Council Recommend that the City Council adopt the Handbook of Rules and Procedures of the Farmersville City Council by Resolution 2022-038.
Documents:
Handbook of Rules and Procedures of the Farmersville City Council Resolution 2022-038
City Manager Jennifer Gomez provided information regarding the Handbook of Rules and Procedures for the Farmersville City Council. She discussed the chapters included in the handbook.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about adding social media to the handbook. Attorney Mike Schulte stated that is a separate policy and this Handbook is more specific to actions and procedures regarding meetings.
Mayor Boyer requested that this item be brought back to the next council meeting so Councilmembers can review and make recommendations.
Attorney Mike Schulte advised Council that any recommendations for the handbook can be forwarded to him for review.
Motion to approve item be brought to next Council meeting December 12, 2022.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember GomezSECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezAYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Boyer, ValdovinosNAYS: 0RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember GomezSECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezAYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Boyer, ValdovinosNAYS: 0 RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Boyer, Valdovinos
NAYS: 0
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Macareno, Boyer, Valdovinos
NAYS: 0
G. 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 Emergency Declaration with Council. She informed Council that Governor Newsom will end the Emergency Declaration February 28, 2023.
Council would like to continue with the Emergency Declaration and stated to continue with the teleconference meetings for the next 30 days.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember ValdovinosSECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezAYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Boyer, Valdovinos, Macareno NAYS: none RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)MOVER: Councilmember ValdovinosSECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem HernandezAYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Boyer, Valdovinos, Macareno NAYS: none RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Boyer, Valdovinos, Macareno
NAYS: none
RESULT: APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez
AYES: Hernandez, Gomez, Boyer, Valdovinos, Macareno
NAYS: none
9. Council Reports:
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Valdovinos commented on City Workers speeding through town.
Councilmember Gomez thanked Public Works for working with the new internet service in Farmersville.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez inquired about the installation of streetlights by Costner crosswalk.
Mayor Boyer thanked the Fire Department for all their hard work on the recent house fire on Brundage. He also informed Council that E Clampus Vitus has helped Deep Creek cemetery clean up and get flags for Veterans Day. He also thanked Farmersville’s High School FFA for putting flags out at the cemetery.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed Council that the November 28th council meeting is being cancelled due to the Holiday.
City Engineer Kevin Gross informed Council that the grant application for the solar project is almost complete.
Battalion Chief Jim Thomas briefed Council on the house fire at 404 N. Brundage.
Police Chief Mario Krstic also commented on the Brundage fire. He also informed Council that the owner of the property sent a thank you letter to the Fire Department. Chief Krstic reported that he is currently in the process of hiring for a vacant police officer position.
11. Future Agenda Items:
Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
Reservations for Picnic Shelters
Discussion regarding a Recreation Division
Expansion of Liberty Park
12. Adjourn to Close Session:
Mayor Boyer adjourned the regular meeting at 7:59 pm.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 130-030-017
Agency Negotiators: Jennifer Gomez and Michael Schulte
Negotiating Parties: Neal Hester
Under Negotiation: Terms and Price
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Boyer reconvened the regular meeting at 8:54 pm with nothing to report.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Boyer adjourned the meeting at 8:54 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani
City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities