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, June 26, 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: 847 9402 5218
Password: 621745
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 Pro Tem Valdovinos
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.
Brian Thoburn, representing Southern California Edison, provided to the Council their efforts in preparing a safeguard mitigation plan for the forthcoming fire season. He also told the Council that the California Public Utilities Commission have proposed a fixed charge on electric bills based on a household’s income level. If the proposal passes, it will go into effect sometime in 2025-2026.
6. Presentations:
A. Fire: Promotions of Reserve Engineer Emilee Flaming, Reserve Engineer Vincent Diaz, and Fire Captain Scott Armstrong Battalion Chief Jim Thomas introduced Engineer Emilee Flaming and Fire Captain Scott Armstrong, providing a brief background of their experience. Following the introductions, each firefighter had their new badges pinned on by their respective family members.
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. 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 June 12, 2023 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of June 12, 2023
C. Finance Update for May 2023: Warrant Register and Investment Summary
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve the Warrant Register as presented for the period. This reporting period represents warrants issued for the current Fiscal Year (2022/2023); and
2. Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period. This reporting period represents investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: May 2023 Warrant Register
Investment Summary May 2023
D. Engagement Letter for Annual Audit
Recommend that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the engagement letter to commission Price Paige & Co. to perform annual financial audit for FY 2022-23.
Documents: Engagement Letter
Motion to approve as presented.
Councilmember Boyer abstained from 7-C warrant register due to Self Help.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Councilmember Boyer item 7-C warrant register
8. General Business
A. Public Hearing: General Plan Amendment/Zone Change 2023-01 (Soto/Agredano)
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and vote to approve the following:
1. Adopt Resolution 2023-025 approving the General Plan Amendment (from “General Commercial” to “Medium-High Density Residential”) and adopting a Notice of Exemption as the environmental finding for the request;
2. Introduce Ordinance 520 approving the zone change for the site from “CG” (General Commercial) to “RM-2.5” (Multi-Family Residential).
Documents: Resolution 2023-025
Ordinance 520
City Planner Karl Schoettler presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the request to change zoning for a portion of a vacant parcel located on the west side of Rose Avenue, the south side of Visalia Road.
A public hearing was opened at 6:18 pm.
James Soto, the property owner, informed the Council that once the zoning is approved, he will initiate the process of developing the plans for the property.
The public hearing was closed at 6:19 pm.
Councilmember Hinojosa inquired about the specific type of housing development that would be implemented at the location. Councilmember Boyer asked for clarification regarding the flood zone status of the area. In response, City Planner Karl Schoettler informed the Council that Mr. Soto would be required to adhere to the flood zone policies applicable to that specific location.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
B. Dewatering System for Wastewater Treatment Plant
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of the Cloacina DRYPAC ES-353 [3] sludge dewatering system with an estimated price of $934,341.70 to address a design deficiency at the wastewater treatment plant.
Documents: QK – Sludge handling operations report
QK – Equipment cost
Cloacina DRYPAC ES-353 [3] quote
PWTECH volute dewatering press
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen briefly described the Dewatering System for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Dowlen has requested approval to procure a Sludge Dewatering System. Additionally, he presented two quotes he obtained and explained the variances between the two systems. After evaluating both options, Mr. Dowlen recommends purchasing the Colacina DRYPAC system.
Councilmember Boyer raised a question regarding the inspections that would take place while utilizing the Dewatering System. In response, Mr. Dowlen assured the Council that the Wastewater Treatment operators would undergo training during the installation process, enabling them to conduct the necessary inspections effectively.
Councilmember Gomez thanked staff for all the hard work that went into this project.
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 0
C. Three-Year Contract with Townsend Public Affairs for Grant Funding and Legislative Advocacy Services in the amount of $5,000 per month in Year 1, and $5,500 per month in Year 2 and Year 3 Recommend that the City Council approve a three-year contract with Townsend Public Affairs for Grant Funding and Legislative Advocacy Services in the amount of $5,000 per month in Year 1, and $5,500 per month in Year 2 and Year 3.
Documents: Contract for Consultant Services
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reviewed the existing contract between the City and Townsend Public Affairs. During her presentation to the Council, she emphasized that Townsend had assisted the City with two notable achievements throughout the two-year contract. They helped secure successful applications for funding a new fire truck and a new fire station.
Discussion took place.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa expressed concerns regarding parked cars along E. Visalia Road, possibly impeding visibility when vehicles enter E. Visalia Road.
Councilmember Boyer reported that he attended the GSA meeting. Mr. Boyer proposed the idea that Councilmembers and City staff members set out on a walking tour of neighboring cities to gather inspiration and gather ideas. This tour would allow them to observe and learn from the surrounding cities.
Councilmember Gomez expressed concerns about the off-ramp from Highway 198 to Farmersville Blvd. It appears that the off-ramp was closed without any visible signs indicating its closure. In response to this issue, Mr. Gomez took the initiative to email Cal Trans and Jennifer Gomez to address the matter and bring attention to the lack of signage. City Manager Jennifer Gomez let the Council know that she spoke with Cal Trans regarding this matter and is waiting for a response. Mr. Gomez would like to discuss the current watering stage the City is in. Councilmember Gomez inquired about a groundbreaking at the Los Arroyos Apartments and a walk-thru. Mr. Gomez requested updated information regarding illegal fireworks within the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos shared with the Council and staff that he is actively organizing a Welcome Back to School program. As part of this initiative, he is gathering backpacks, pens, paper, and other essential school supplies. He aims to provide support and resources to students as they return to school.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reported that she attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the International Agri Center Interchange Project. She also reported that the Los Arroyos apartments had their final inspection today. Ms. Gomez informed the Council that there would be a 2 + 2 meeting with the School District and the City on June 27, 2023.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley reminded the Council to complete their cyber training.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen informed the Council that the contractor for Roy’s Park will be there on July 24th to start pouring concrete.
City Planner Karl Schoettler informed the Council that he is currently revising the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, Mr. Schoettler shared that he is working on the Road Diet for Farmersville Blvd. Mr. Schoettler informed the Council that two new developers had expressed interest in constructing subdivisions within Farmersville.
11. Future Agenda Items
1. Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
2. Review of Cannabis Cultivation
12. Adjourn To Closed Session
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 7:00pm.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(3) – 1 potential case
B. 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:
Police Officers Association
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 517
C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened session at 8:15 pm.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
On Closed Session Item 1 [Claim - Estate of Marquez v City of Farmersville], the City Council voted to authorize the City Attorney to reject the claim on the advice of counsel. Motion: Gomez. Second: Boyer. Vote - Unanimous.
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:16 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities