Tina Lopez, Mayor
Danny Valdovinos, Mayor Pro Tem
Gregorio Gomez, Council Member
Paul Boyer, Council Member
Armando Hinojosa, Council Member
Farmersville City Council
Regular Meeting
Monday, July 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: 86871765927
Password: 728493
1. Call to Order: 6:02 pm
2. Roll Call:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Tina Lopez 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 Lopez
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
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. Police: Introduction of Officer Trevor Smythe
Chief Brock introduced Officer Trevor Smythe, providing a brief background of his experience as a Police Officer.
B. Tulare County EDC Membership
Airica De Oliveira President and CEO with Tulare County EDC gave a presentation regarding the new services that are being added to our membership along with an explanation of membership dues increasing.
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 26, 2023.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of June 26, 2023
C. Adopt Ordinance 520 approving the zone change for the site from “CG” (General Commercial) to “RM-2.5” (Multi-Family Residential) for a portion of a vacant parcel located on the west side of Rose Avenue, south of Visalia Road
Recommend that the City Council adopt Ordinance 520 approving the zone change for the site from “CG” (General Commercial) to “RM-2.5” (Multi-Family Residential) for a portion of a vacant parcel located on the west side of Rose Avenue, south of Visalia Road.
Documents: Ordinance 520 (zone change)
D. Resolution 2023-026 adopting Memorandum of Understanding With the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 517 Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2023-026 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 517. And execute the Addendums to the Employment Agreement.
Documents:
1. Memorandum of Understanding International Brotherhood of Teamsters
2. Side Letter Agreement #1
3. Side Letter Agreement #2
4. Resolution 2023-026
E. Resolution 2023-027 adopting Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Officers Association
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2023-027 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Officers Association.
Documents:
1. Memorandum of Understanding International Police Officers Associations
2. Side Letter Agreement #1
3. Resolution 2023-027
F. Request by Helping Hands/TKO for Special Event Funding for Fiscal Year 2023-24
Recommend that the City Council review and approve a request from Helping Hands/TKO in the amount of $1,000.
Documents: Event Funding Request
Motion to approve as presented. Councilmember Valdovinos recused himself from item 7-F due to conflict of interest.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Lopez, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Valdovinos
G. Adoption of the Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24 by Resolution 2023-028.
Recommend that the City Council adopt the Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24 by Resolution 2023-028
Documents: Salary Schedule Tier 1 and Tier 2
Resolution 2023-028
Motion to approve items 7A-E and 7G with the correction on item 7B regarding Council Reports from Councilmember Boyer and Councilmember Gomez.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Councilmember Boyer
AYES Lopez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
8. General Business
A. Direction on Membership and Dues for Tulare County Economic Development Corporation
Staff requests direction from the City Council on the status of the City’s membership for fiscal year 2023/2024 and the increase in dues to $5,000.
Documents: Draft Public Sector Membership Benefits
City Manager Jennifer Gomez addressed the City's membership with the EDC (Economic Development Corporation). She highlighted several benefits that would be advantageous for the City. Firstly, she mentioned the Regional Real Estate Database, a platform that would provide listings of commercial properties available for sale.
Additionally, Ms. Gomez emphasized the significance of accessing the Regional Economic Data and Reports. This information would offer valuable insights into the local economy, enabling the City to make informed decisions and plan for future growth and development. Ms. Gomez requests direction from the Council regarding the City's current membership status with the EDC.
Councilmember Boyer expressed his appreciation for the City of Farmersville to have a voting right and an equal say in the proceedings of the EDC meetings. He supports the City's membership with the EDC. He believes that having a vote would ensure that the interests and priorities of Farmersville are adequately represented and considered during decision-making processes within the organization.
Councilmember Gomez requested more information on tasks that EDC has completed for the City. He also asked about the new membership fees being in the current budget.
Airica De Oliveira from the EDC responded to Councilmember Gomez's request. Ms. De Oliveira informed the Council that the EDC is currently working on updating the Regional Real Estate database. They are also integrating each City and County GIS system within the EDC's Real Estate Database, and offering Premiere Regional Event Sponsorships, just to name a few of the recent improvements. Ms. De Oliveira further informed the Council that membership fees have been raised due to the expanded range of services being provided.
Councilmember Gomez complimented Ms. De Oliveira presentation.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez advised the Council that the new membership fee will come from the general fund.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Lopez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa recently volunteered with the Kiwanis firework booth for the Fourth of July. A resident expressed concerns to Mr. Hinojosa about the Deep Creek Canal, where homeless individuals have been setting up tents. Mr. Hinojosa recently walked Sequoia Gateway Park, where he noticed a broken tree branch that needs to be removed. He also mentioned the presence of several goat heads in the park. In addition, Mr. Hinojosa raised a concern about the Splash Park not functioning over the weekend. To address this issue, he took the initiative to contact the Public Works department to report the problem.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen addressed Councilmember Hinojosa's concerns with the Splash Pad. He let the Council know that the Splash Pad automatically shuts off if there is an overabundance of dirt, sunscreen, food, etc. He informed the Council that the system shuts off for the filter to clean out all the debris.
Councilmember Boyer congratulated Mayor Lopez on her recent marriage. He also thanked the Kiwanis for their dedicated efforts working the Fourth of July firework booth.
Councilmember Boyer would like to know the outcome of the 2+2 meeting.
Councilmember Gomez requested information regarding the Fourth of July holiday and the issue of illegal fireworks being ignited. During the Council session, Mr. Gomez informed the Council that Visalia Transit was still on strike. He mentioned that efforts are being made to explore the possibility of utilizing Dial-A-Ride services to assist residents during this time. Additionally, Councilmember Gomez expressed concerns about the streetlights on the west side of Farmersville Blvd, noting that these lights are not turning on at dusk. Councilmember Gomez also inquired about the City of Visalia using drones to help enforce the prohibition of illegal fireworks.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen informed Councilmember Gomez that he would contact Edison regarding the streetlights on the west side of Farmersville Blvd.
Mayor Lopez attended a soccer game and walked around the Sports Park fields. During her visit, she noticed a significant number of squirrels and squirrel holes on the soccer fields, which raised concerns for her. Mayor Lopez inquired about the City's existing contract with an extermination company. Specifically, she wanted to know if such a contract is in place and the frequency of visits by the extermination company within a month. Furthermore, Mayor Lopez expressed her desire to receive a schedule outlining the specific days for watering, mowing, and extermination activities. She also requested the City Manager and Public Works Director to schedule a time when they could walk the Sports Park together.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez acknowledged her concerns regarding the squirrels. She also reminded the Council that the park could be seeing more squirrels than usual due to all the construction taking place.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez provided reminders and updates to the Council. She informed the Council that the Transit Center groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday, July 21st. She also reminded them of the Council of Cities meeting on July 20th. Ms.
Gomez also shared that the Street Project has started and will continue throughout the City for the next few months. She also informed the Council that the contractor is notifying nearby residents of the ongoing work and mentioned that the areas around the school would be given priority. Furthermore, Ms. Gomez informed the Council about a scheduled meeting on Friday, where she and the Fire Battalion Chief will review the existing budget for the new Fire Station with QK. In addition, she mentioned that during the recent 2+2 meeting, there was a discussion about the possibility of purchasing a K-9 to assist the School Resource Officer.
City Engineer Kevin Gross informed the Council that the Street Project has commenced. Mr. Gross mentioned that 90% of the plans for the Gateway Project were submitted to Caltrans last Friday, and they are currently awaiting final comments before submitting the complete set of 100% plans.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen provided updates and addressed concerns during the Council meeting. Firstly, he informed the Council that he is actively working on resolving the issue with the traffic lights on Walnut Ave, indicating that efforts are underway to fix them and restore their proper functioning. Additionally, Director Dowlen addressed concerns about the sign posted at the Splash Pad. He clarified that the signs are a requirement imposed by Tulare County Health.
Battalion Chief Thomas updated the Council regarding the Fourth of July activities. He mentioned that the City had a relatively quiet day with no significant fire incidents reported. Engine 83 from the City also assisted other neighboring cities in handling fires that occurred. Battalion Thomas informed the Council that the Water Tender is expected to arrive in approximately 2 ½ weeks. Additionally, he shared that the new Code Enforcement Officer has been actively undergoing training and focusing on important tasks such as weed abatement and addressing the issue of abandoned vehicles.
Police Chief Brock addressed the Council, providing an overview of the recent Fourth of July Holiday. He expressed concerns about the situation, stating that the fireworks this year were out of control. To manage the issue, he had additional officers to help with the significant number of illegal fireworks being ignited. Chief Brock shared his plan for the upcoming year. He intends to send officers to drone classes to utilize drone technology to assist with fireworks enforcement and monitoring in the following year.
Additionally, he suggested the need to revamp the enforcement procedures and penalties associated with fireworks violations, likely proposing stricter measures to address the problem more effectively.
11. Future Agenda Items
1. Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
2. Review of Cannabis Cultivation
3. Site Visits to Woodlake, Exeter, and Lindsay
4. Water Restrictions
12. Adjourn To Closed Session
Mayor Lopez adjourned to closed session at 7:07 pm.
A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 129-145-012 (846 N. Magnolia)
Agency Negotiators: Jennifer Gomez and Michael Schulte
Negotiating Parties: Farmersville Unified School District Under Negotiation: Terms and Price
Property: APN 130-030-017
Agency Negotiators: Jennifer Gomez and Michael Schulte
Negotiating Parties: Neal Hester
Under Negotiation: Terms and Price
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – 1 potential case
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Lopez reconvened session at 8:48 pm
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
Item 12A(i) - Property: APN 129-145-012 (846 N Magnolia) Council voted to authorize the City Manager to continue negotiations with the School District regarding the exempt property for a transfer at nominal cost.
Motion: Paul Boyer
2nd: Greg Gomez
Vote: Unanimous
Item 12A(ii) - Property: APN 130-030-017
Council voted to authorize City Manager to sign proposed offer to Owner.
Motion: Greg Gomez
2nd: Armando Hinojosa
Vote: Unanimous
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting at 8:49 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities