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, September 25, 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: 883 2779 7888
Password: 166573
1. Call to Order: 6:01 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.
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, raised concerns about a future agenda item: the reopening of two-way traffic on E. Citrus at Freedom Drive. She requested that the Council investigate whether the school district has authority over this matter and urged them to prioritize student safety, especially concerning the crosswalk on Farmersville Blvd.
6. Presentations: None.
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 August 28, 2023.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of August 28, 2023
C. Finance Update for August 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 (2023/2024); and Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period. This reporting period represents investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: August 2023 Warrant Register
Investment Summary August 2023
D. Adopt Resolution 2023-042 and The Records Retention Schedules Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2023-042 approving an updated Records Retention Schedule to authorize the destruction of specified records in accordance with the Schedule.
Documents: Resolution 2023-042
Records Retention Schedule
E. Declaration of property as surplus and disposition of the surplus property (vehicles) Recommend that the City Council declare three Police Department vehicles as surplus and authorize staff to move forward with disposition of surplus property as listed.
Motion to approve items A-E.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER:
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES:
Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT:
None
8. General Business
A. Agreement for Interim City Engineering & Surveying Services with 4Creeks, Inc.
Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with 4Creeks, Inc. for Interim City Engineering & Surveying Services.
Documents: Agreement
City Manager Jennifer Gomez announced that the City of Farmersville requires a City Engineer. To address this need, an agreement with 4Creeks has been established to provide immediate services. 4Creeks will assist in project transitions and capital improvements for this fiscal year, serving as the Interim City Engineer until a permanent one is selected through a competitive process, ensuring project continuity without significant delays.
The City Council was introduced to Chris Crawford, Elsa Mejia, and Lisa Wallis-Dutra from 4Creeks. They addressed the Council's concerns about the division of responsibilities between City Engineers and potential consulting work, their capacity to manage workloads with upcoming developments and design-build projects, and potential conflicts of interest when representing private agencies within City limits. 4Creeks staff reassured the Council, citing their 15 years of industry experience and familiarity with the Farmersville area, assuring that they have the capacity to handle the workload, maintain rigorous quality control, and will not represent private agencies to ensure compliance.
A public hearing opened and closed at 6:20 PM, with no public comments.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER:
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES:
Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT:
None
B. Adoption of a Policy for City of Farmersville Event Grant Funding Recommend that the City Council review and adopt a Policy for City of Farmersville Event Grant Funding.
Documents: Policy for Event Grant Funding
City Manager Jennifer Gomez introduced the draft of the Farmersville Event Grant Funding Policy, encompassing aspects of eligibility, compliance with California Law, indemnification, funding allocation, reporting, and potential application requisites. The proposed policy aims to provide support for youth-related programs, granting eligible non-profit organizations a maximum of $1,500 per application. These organizations will be obliged to adhere to the regulations outlined in California AB 506. Reporting obligations involve the submission of usage reports and receipts. Applications, requiring the endorsement of the organization's President or Treasurer, must include documents such as IRS 501(c) determination letters, details about board members, and financial statements.
During the City Council discussion, they explored ways to craft an Event Grant Funding policy that encourages applicants and enhances activities for all residents. Key changes to consider include prioritizing youth services while opening the application process to all, including potential adult sports leagues. Funding should support events and programs, and removing the requirement for formal non-profit status was also recommended. Additionally, the Council expressed a desire to maintain the subcommittee for reviewing potential applicants.
The City Staff emphasized the prudent use of public funds and the need to hold third-party applicants accountable, similar to the City's own financial responsibilities. This policy aims to ensure equal treatment for all applicants. Attorney Schulte suggested that the Council consider changing the IRS 501(c) requirement to a Public Benefit Corporation designation, eliminating exemptions, and requiring federal status explanations.
A public comment opened at 6:57 PM.
Ricardo Maldonado, a resident of Farmersville and organizer of the Farmersville Youth Soccer League, discussed the financial challenges of launching a new league. He emphasized the difficulties faced during the initial year of operations and the necessity of relying on donations to acquire equipment. He also pointed out the financial reporting requirement that could deter new organizations from applying. Mr. Maldonado mentioned that he refrains from seeking assistance from the city due to his ineligibility for federal non-profit status requirements.
The public comment closed at 7:02 PM.
Staff will revise the policy and resolution to align with the preferences of the Council and the requirements of the City.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa expressed concerns about the lack of patrolling on Farmersville Blvd. Chief Brock assured Mr. Hinojosa that despite the Police Department being down two positions, they maintain 24/7 patrolling.
Councilmember Boyer thanked the staff for improving city streets, particularly the ADA-compliant curbs. He also expressed gratitude to Code Enforcement for their efforts in addressing graffiti issues. Mr. Boyer inquired about the Federal funds for streetlights. City Manager Jennifer Gomez stated that once the federal budget is approved and includes that allocation, she will include it in a future agenda item to discuss options for streetlight improvements.
Councilmember Gomez thanked the Public Works staff for installing no parking signs on Freedom Street, emphasizing that it has resolved traffic flow issues. He also informed the Council about his attendance at the League of California Cities, where he networked with other city leaders and noted that Dan Parra, Mayor of Fowler, is the new President of the League of California Cities.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos expressed concerns regarding the City's Animal Control issues. City Manager Jennifer Gomez stated that she is exploring alternative options for the City, as the current contract with the City of Visalia is no longer adequate.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed the Council that the work on City alleys and Shasta Road will be completed by the end of October. Additionally, the temporary barriers on the overpass will be removed as of September 26, 2023. Lastly, due to high costs and a lack of communication with contractors, our Public Works department will handle all the concrete work at Roy's Park. Because of the extensive nature of this project, it will temporarily take precedence over other duties within the Public Works department.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley presented the new City of Farmersville website design, highlighting key changes.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen emphasized that Roy's Park will require 25,000 cubic feet of cement.
Police Chief Jay Brock informed the Council that the school resource officers have incorporated a detective dog trained to detect narcotics, firearms, and vape pens.
11. Future Agenda Items
Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
Review of Cannabis Cultivation
Site Visits to Woodlake, Exeter, and Lindsay
Water Restrictions
Update City Ordinances related to Code Enforcement
Reopening Two-way Traffic on E. Citrus at Freedom Drive Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA
12. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 7:18 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Betina Ashoori
Deputy City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities