Tina Hernandez, Mayor
Danny Valdovinos, Mayor Pro Tem Gregorio Gomez, Council Member Paul Boyer, Council Member
Armando Hinojosa, Council Member
Farmersville City Council
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 10, 2023 6:00 PM
Meeting held in Civic Center Council Chambers – 909 W. Visalia Road Farmersville, California Pending no technical difficulties, the City Council meeting will also be streamed (for observation only) via Zoom and accessed as follows:
Please dial 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 836 7752 8804
Password: 067176
1. Call to Order: 6:02 pm.
2. Roll Call:
Attendee Name
Title
Status
Arrived
Tina Hernandez
Mayor
present
6:00 pm
Danny Valdovinos
Mayor Pro Tem
present
6:00 pm
Greg Gomez
Council Member
present
6:00 pm
Paul Boyer
Council Member
present
6:00 pm
Armando Hinojosa
Council Member
present
6:00 pm
3. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hernandez
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. Presentation of Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Financial Statements Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley and Anthony Gonzales with Price, Paige, and Associates presented the Council with the Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. Mr. Gonzales reviewed the 2021-2022 audit report with the Council. Mr. Huntley reviewed how financial statements are organized, what an independent auditor’s report is, and how basic financial statements are prepared.
B. Self Help Enterprises: Update on Los Arroyos Project Patrick Isherwood with Self Help Enterprises gave updates on the Los Arroyos Site Summary, which includes 108 units, 18 residential buildings, and one community building. He also gave a brief explanation of the application and lease process.
Councilmember Boyer asked about the timeline for the installation of the sidewalks. Mr. Isherwood informed Council that sidewalks should be installed in 4-5 weeks.
C. Update on Transit Center Design
John Doyle with QK presented a preliminary PowerPoint presentation to Council. Mr. Doyle showed Council elevations of the future Transit Center and answered questions.
Discussion took place regarding the future development of the Transit Center.
Councilmember Hinojosa asked about the wall space on the north side of the building. Councilmember Gomez recommended that the Transit Center be more aesthetically appealing since it is in a residential neighborhood. Mr. Doyle informed the Council that part of the design would be adding benches, trash cans, bike racks, and planters. Mr. Doyle informed the Council that a water filling station would be installed at the Transit location.
Councilmember Gomez suggested that on the north side of the building, to add a mural.
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.
Authorization to waive full reading of ordinances and resolutions and to identify by title only.
Recommend that the City Council approve the full reading of all ordinances and resolutions be waived and to identify by title only.
B. Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of March 13, 2023.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of March 13, 2023
C. Finance Update for February 2023: 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 current Fiscal Year (2022/2023); and Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period. This reporting period represents investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: February 2023 Warrant Register
Investment Summary February 2023
D. Approve Employment Agreement with Jay Brock, Chief of Police, adopt Resolution 2023-013.
Recommend that the City Council approve the Employment Agreement with Jay Brock and adopt Resolution 2023-013 authorizing the City Manager to execute said Agreement.
Documents: Employment Agreement
Resolution 2023-013
City Attorney Mike Schulte requested item 7D be moved to closed session since it relates to an employment contract.
Motion to approve item 7D be moved to closed session.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER:
Councilmember Gomez
AYES:
Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT:
0 E. Approve Agreement with Self Help Enterprises for Housing Program and Loan Portfolio Management Recommend that the City Council approve and direct the City Manager to execute the Agreement with Self Help Enterprises to continue Housing Program and Loan Portfolio Management.
Documents: Self Help Enterprises Proposal
F. Completion of the Farmersville Community Park, Phase III: Sequoia Gateway Area Project Recommend that the City Council accept the Farmersville Community Park, Phase III: Sequoia Gateway Area Project, and the City Council authorize the City Engineer sign the Notice of Completion and the City Clerk file the Notice of Completion with the County Clerk’s office.
Documents: Notice of Completion
Mayor Boyer abstained from consent item 7C & 7E.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER:
Councilmember Gomez
AYES:
Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT:
0 ABSTAIN:
Boyer item 7C & E
8. General Business
A. Non-Store Front Cannabis Retailers – Delivery Only
Recommend that the City Council vote to instruct the City Staff not to take action to amend and/or suspend Municipal Code Sections regarding Cannabis deliveries, and thus, the City should not create new regulations for the establishment of non-store front cannabis retailers.
Documents: January 9, 2023 Staff Report
City Attorney Mike Schulte reviewed Non-Store Front Cannabis Retailers with Council. Mr. Schulte informed the Council that the City regulates the local delivery of Marijuana; however the City does not regulate deliveries for other retailers operating outside the City. Mr. Schulte also reminded the Council that the decision would conflict with existing Cannabis retailers if Non-Store Front Cannabis Retailer permits were approved. After research and discussions, the City Attorney’s office recommends against allowing non-storefront Cannabis delivery permits in Farmersville.
Motion to not approve Non-Store Front Cannabis Retailers.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER:
Mayor Hernandez
AYES:
Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT:
0 B. Review of Draft Budget for Enterprise Funds for Fiscal Year 2023-24 Recommend that the City Council accept and review materials presented regarding the draft budgets for Water, Sewer, and Refuse services of the City for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Documents:
Draft Utility Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Huntley reviewed and discussed the water, sewer, and refuse funds. Mr. Huntley answered questions from the City Council.
No voting or resolution was needed, this item was just a discussion.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa has concerns regarding the bathroom doors at Liberty Park not having locks. Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen informed the Council that locks were removed due to complaints.
Councilmember Boyer had a resident in a wheelchair voice concern regarding the sidewalks and driveway approaches on Farmersville Blvd. Mr. Boyer also reminded the Council that the Memorial Day Parade is May 29th; and pictures for the Memorial Day magazine should be submitted by April 21, 2023.
Councilmember Gomez attending the TCRTA meeting. He informed Council that the Executive Director of TCRTA will be leaving, and they are currently looking to hire someone.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos thanked the Police Department and the Fire Department for their quick response to the broken gas line on Friday, April 7th. He also reminded Council that this Saturday is opening day for Little League Baseball.
Mayor Hernandez would like to have a picture taken of all Councilmembers and staff for the Memorial Day Magazine.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed the Council that the City received a seven million dollar check from the State for the new Fire Department. She also advised Council that Representative Jim Costa will be in Farmersville tomorrow, and Mayor Hernandez and herself will be meeting with him at noon.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen advised the Council that they are catching up with the upkeep on the City parks after all of the rain. He also informed Council that the water levels in Farmersville have come up 6 ft since the rain. Mr. Dowlen also let the Council know that Cal Trans has started work on the freeway overpass.
Battalion Chief Jim Thomas advised the Council that he currently has four firefighters in an Engineer Academy.
Chief Brock informed the Council that the High School put on an education course for parents regarding vaping.
11. Future Agenda Items
Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
12. Adjourn to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 8:10 pm
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative:
Jennifer Gomez, Steve Huntley, Teqia Velyines, and Michael Schulte Employee organization:
Miscellaneous Employees
Police Officers Association
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 517
Mid-Management Employee Association
Department Heads
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Sabrina Veronica Perez v. Jennifer Gomez, Jay Brock, Ralph Vasquez, and Farmersville Police Department, Case No. 296115
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened the regular meeting at 10:11 pm.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
Closed Session Actions - Reported in Open Session after adjournment of Closed Session.
1. Regarding Closed Session Litigation Item - Tulare County Case No. 296115 - Authorization of Defense of Lawsuit Council was advised as to status. Plaintiff has sued Jennifer Gomez, Ralph Vasquez, Jay Brock and the City Police Department, in their official capacities. Staff requested a vote authorizing City Attorney's Office to defend City Staff and otherwise handle the matter. Motion: Paul Boyer moved to authorize the City Attorney's Office to handle the defense of the Perez Matter on behalf of all four defendants in their official capacity. The motion was seconded by Mayor Hernandez. A roll call vote was taken, and each Councilmember voted in the affirmative, to approve the motion.
2. Regarding Closed Session Staff Item - New Contract with Chief Brock This item (7D - Employment Agreement - Resolution 2023-013) was moved, by unanimous vote, off of consent calendar, to closed session. During closed session, staff and Council discussed the item. Councilmember Greg Gomez moved to authorize resolution 2023-013, approving the employment agreement with Police Chief Jay Brock. Councilmember Danny Valdovinos seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, and each Councilmember voted in the affirmative, to approve the motion.
No other actions were taken by the Council during closed session.
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 10:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk