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, October 9, 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: 82424464978
Password: 872143
1. Call to Order: 6:00 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 Pro Tem Valdovinos
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hernandez
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.
Mr. Lempke, a Farmersville resident, expressed concerns requesting a meeting with the City Manager. He also informed the Council about an incident in the Administration Lobby and the need for a time stamp on a requested document.
Charles Woody, the owner of Platinum Connections, provided an update on the ongoing developments during his presentation to the Council. He reported significant progress, which encompasses concrete pouring, advancements in storm drain and sewer infrastructure, and active work on interior walls.
6. Presentations: none given
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 September 25, 2023.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of September 25, 2023
C. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) use by City Personnel Recommend that the City Council authorize the personnel of the City to operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) owned by the City in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
Agenda items C & D were presented first and followed by Agenda item A, B, E, F & G,
8. General Business
A. Contract with 4Creeks for Construction Management and Resident Engineer Services for the Farmersville 198 Gateway Project in the amount of $446,779
Recommended that the City Council approve contract with 4Creeks for Construction Management and Resident Engineer Services for the Farmersville 198 Gateway Project in the amount of $446,779.
Documents: Agreement
City Manager Jennifer Gomez gave the Council background information on the Construction Management and Resident Engineer Services for the Farmersville 198 Gateway Project. She informed the Council that RFPs (requests for proposals) were advertised for three weeks in September, resulting in only one proposal submitted by 4Creeks. After reviewing the proposal, Ms. Gomez determined it to be responsive and confirmed that 4Creeks is qualified to perform the services. She also reminded the Council that this project is part of the Clean California Grant.
Councilmember Boyer inquired about the landscaping upkeep. City Manager Gomez informed the Council that the landscaping maintenance is part of the agreement for 90 days.
Farmersville resident Mr. Lempke inquired about the consent agenda. City Attorney Mike Schulte informed him that the consent agenda had already been voted on, and the meeting has moved on to General Business item A.
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. Authorization to Reject All Bids and Re-advertise the Farmersville 198 Gateway Project
Recommend that the City Council reject all bids for the Farmersville 198 Gateway Project and authorize staff to readvertise the project.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed the Council of a discrepancy discovered in the City's Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Farmersville 198 Gateway Project. She recommended rejecting both bids received due to this discrepancy and requested staff to re-advertise the project. Ms. Gomez also noted that this rebidding will cause a delay and that Caltrans has been contacted and notified about the need for an extension to complete the project. She anticipates an extension will be approved.
Councilmember Boyer inquired if the City could reach out to attract more bids. Ms.
Gomez informed the Council that other companies had inquired about the original RFP and that the City Engineers would be reaching out to them with the new RFP.
Councilmember Gomez asked if the two companies that bid would be advised of the new RFP. Ms. Gomez confirmed that they would be.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Boyer
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
C. Fiscal Year 2022-23 4th Quarter Financial Update Report as of 6/30/2023
Recommend that City Council receive and file the report after a brief presentation by City staff on the subject.
Documents: FY 2022-23 4th Quarter Financial Update Report Steve Huntley, the Director of Finance and Administration, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the City's financial status for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The presentation covered key points, such as a summary of sales tax revenue, the allocation of Measure Q and ARPA funds, expenses, Enterprise funds, Fund Balance, and an update on the current state of the economy. Mr. Huntley also addressed questions from the Council.
D. Annual Measure Q Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23
Recommend that City Council receive and file the report after a brief presentation by City staff on the subject. The report is complete and has been posted on the City website for the public to access and review Document: Annual Measure Q Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Steve Huntley, the Director of Finance and Administration, delivered a concise PowerPoint presentation on Measure Q, the Cannabis Business Tax. During his presentation, Mr. Huntley outlined the revenue received, project expenses, and the remaining cash balance for Fiscal year 2023. Following the presentation, he also addressed questions from the Council.
Councilmember Boyer asked about funding for the Sports Park parking lot. Mr. Huntley explained it's partially covered by a grant, which the City needs to match.
Councilmember Gomez thanked the voters for approving Measure Q and commended the staff for their financial management.
E. Approval of Measure R Supplemental Agreement for Transit Center Project, Bike and Pedestrian Improvements, and HAWK System Recommend that the City Council review the Supplemental Agreement with Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for Measure R funding of a portion of the Transit Center project, bike and pedestrian improvements, and a HAWK System and adopt Resolution 2023-044.
Documents: Resolution 2023-044
Supplemental Measure R Agreement
City Manager Jennifer Gomez discussed a Supplemental Agreement with TCAG for Measure R funding, which is a crucial part of the Transit Center Project, with the Council. Ms. Gomez informed the Council that these funds would be allocated for bike and pedestrian improvements, a portion of the Transit Center, as well as a Hawk System. She emphasized that the Hawk System is a beacon device designed to stop road traffic, ensuring safe pedestrian crossings. Additionally, Ms. Gomez pointed out that the agreement with TCAG has a cap of up to $2,502,836.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Boyer
F. Public Hearing: Close-Out of the 2018 CDBG Youth Services Program
Recommend that the City Council accepts and approves the close-out report on the 2018-CDBG Youth Services Program grant (18-CDBG12909).
City Manager Jennifer Gomez recommends the approval of the closeout report for the CDBG Youth Service Program. Ms. Gomez reviewed how the $250,000 in funding helped provide the Boys & Girls Club services to approximately 905 youth.
A public hearing was opened at 6:51 pm. and closed at 6:51 pm. No public comment was given.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
G. Public Hearing: Close-Out of the 2018 CDBG Senior Services Program
Recommend that the City Council accepts and approves the close-out report on the 2018-CDBG Senior Services Program grant (18-CDBG12910).
City Manager Jennifer Gomez recommends the approval of the closeout report for the CDBG Senior Services. Ms. Gomez told the Council that the grant helped provide a total of 6,360 meals to seniors.
A public hearing was opened at 6:53 pm. and closed at 6:53 pm. No public comment was given.
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
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa requested an update on Animal Control Services and the downtown lighting. Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen informed the Council that the City is currently awaiting a response from Southern California Edison regarding the lights for Downtown Farmersville. Mr. Hinojosa also expressed concerns about speeding traffic at the intersection of Ash and Farmersville Blvd and suggested the installation of a speed bump to slow down traffic. Furthermore, he brought up the topic of the new paint on a house located on South Kern Street.
Councilmember Boyer expressed concerns about speeding at the Ash and Farmersville Blvd intersection, suggesting speed bumps or rumble strips. He reported a streetlight issue at E. Visalia Rd and Dwight, previously reported to Edison. Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen pledged to follow up with Edison. Boyer thanked staff and volunteers for their Fall Festival efforts and mentioned his attendance at the Greater Kaweah Groundwater meeting.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about the light issue at Walnut, and Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen committed to following up. Mr. Gomez also expressed concerns about replacing his personal trash cans and mentioned waiting for a response from Mid Valley. He asked about the ordinance governing how long trash cans can be left at the curb, and Battalion Chief Thomas clarified that they should be brought in within three days. Lastly, Councilmember Gomez noted his attendance at Coffee with Cops at Starbucks, the Aids Walk, and the Fall Festival.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos expressed gratitude for the hard work put into the Fall Festival and appreciated the presence of City employees. He also conveyed resident complaints about broken trash cans from Mid Valley and a pothole near the Oakview stop sign to Public Works. Lastly, he informed the Council about initiating the annual Christmas Toy Drive.
Mayor Hernandez attended the Fall Festival.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Gomez attended the Fall Festival and noted a significant turnout. She distributed swag with our 'Anti-Litter Campaign' slogan, which was very well-received.
Ms. Gomez thanked Fire and Code Enforcement for all their efforts with the Fall Festival. Furthermore, she informed the Council that The Retail Coach, the consulting company the City works with, will attend an upcoming conference with scheduled meetings with various vendors. Lastly, Ms. Gomez mentioned that there have not been any updates from the County regarding Animal Control.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen gave an update on Roy’s Park.
Battalion Chief Thomas noted that the Fire crew attended the Fall Festival. He also informed the Council that the Water Tender is finished and ready for service.
Chief Brock updated the Council letting them know that several tickets have been issued in the City.
Councilmember Boyer asked about the school resource officers and suggested that they wear vests and hold stop signs, when helping to direct traffic. Chief Brock informed the Council that officers should be wearing vests and that the schools will be getting stop signs for them.
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
5. Update City Ordinances related to Code Enforcement
6. Reopening Two-way Traffic on E. Citrus at Freedom Drive
7. Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA
12. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 7:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities