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, January 8, 2024 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: 876 3628 1813
Password: 784057
1. Call to Order: 6:00pm
2. Roll Call:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Tina Hernandez Mayor present 6:00pm
Danny Valdovinos Mayor Pro Tem present 6:00pm
Greg Gomez Council Member present 6:00pm
Paul Boyer Council Member present 6:00pm
Armando Hinojosa Council Member present 6:00pm
3. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
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: 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 December 11, 2023.
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of December 11, 2023
C. Amended Event Funding Request for 2023 Reencuentro Purapecha Recommend that the City Council amend the Event Funding Request in the amount of $1,300 to be made payable to The LEAP Institute.
Documents: Letter of Authorization
Motion to approve consent items A-C.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
Councilmember Hinojosa pulled item 7D for discussion. Mr. Hinojosa had questions regarding the leasing process.
D. Direct City Manager to sign lease financing agreement by Resolution 2024-001, for the purchase of police vehicles per the adopted Police Vehicle Purchase Plan
Recommend that the City Council approve Resolution 2024-001 directing the City Manager to sign the attached lease agreement for the ultimate purchase and delivery of three new police patrol vehicles for the City of Farmersville in alignment with the adopted Police Vehicle Purchase Plan.
Documents: Resolution 2024-001
Proposed Lease Purchase Agreement
Steve Huntley, the Director of Finance and Administration, informed the Council that the financing of police vehicles operates through a lease agreement, and these expenses are already included in the budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Additionally, Mr. Huntley emphasized that the current practice involves acquiring three new vehicles every other year to ensure the police cars remain up-to-date, and each of these vehicles comes with a warranty.
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
8. General Business
A. Public Hearing: Consider adoption of an ordinance to regulate the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU’s)
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and vote to introduce Ordinance 523, an amendment to Title 17 (the Zoning Ordinance) of the Farmersville Municipal code to establish standards to regulate the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU’s).
Documents: Ordinance 523
City Planner Karl Schoettler utilized a PowerPoint presentation to brief the Council on recent developments. He highlighted that state legislatures have mandated cities to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in all residential zones. The presentation delved into specific details such as size requirements, parking regulations, setbacks, and architectural appearances related to the implementation of ADUs.
Discussion took place.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about sharing meters with the existing house at the location. Additionally, he sought clarification on the communication plan to inform residents about the presence and details of the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Councilmember Boyer inquired about the necessity of installing fire sprinklers in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). In response, City Planner Karl Schoettler clarified to the Council that the ADUs must adhere to the same requirements as the existing house on the property. Schoettler further informed the Council about the distribution of flyers to residents to provide information about ADUs. Additionally, he mentioned that neighboring cities have collaborated with contractors to develop blueprints for residents interested in adding an ADU.
Battalion Chief Thomas inquired about the addressing system for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), seeking clarification on the specific type of addresses that will be assigned to these units.
A public hearing was opened at 6:24pm.
Farmersville resident Jose Velasco raised a concern regarding the capacity of the sewer system to accommodate an increased number of residents.
The public hearing was closed at 6:26pm.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
B. Public Hearing: The Kaweah Pointe residential development project pertaining to 37± acres of land on the north side of Visalia Road, west of the Virginia Avenue alignment, proposing 151 single family residential lots, 3.7± acres of parks/open space, 1.4-acres of land zoned for future multi-family residential development
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and vote to approve the proposed residential subdivision by taking the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-02 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration as the environmental finding for the project
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-03 approving a General Plan land use amendment for the project site
3. Introduce Ordinance No. 521 amending the existing zoning designations for the site
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-04 approving Tentative Subdivision Map No. 2022-01.
Documents: Resolution 2024-02
Resolution 2024-03
Ordinance 521
Resolution 2024-04
City Planner Karl Schoettler delivered a presentation to the Council, utilizing a PowerPoint slideshow. During the presentation, he examined a proposed subdivision on the north side of Visalia Road, west of Virginia Avenue. Key aspects covered the current zoning use, lot sizes, traffic considerations, utility infrastructure, and compliance with housing element zoning requirements. Schoettler emphasized that the proposed project aligns with established city policies and standards.
The Council raised several concerns during the discussion, including:
• The Council expressed concerns about the potential increase in traffic from the proposed subdivision onto Visalia Road.
• There was a discussion about the feasibility of installing a traffic light at the intersection of Visalia Road and Virginia Avenue.
• The Council also inquired about the possibilities of a signal at Front St. • The Council sought clarification on whether the proposed location would adhere to the city's standards for lighting and landscaping.
• Concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of commercial land because of the proposed subdivision.
A public hearing was opened at 6:47pm.
Farmersville resident Jose Velasco expressed concern about access for emergency vehicles and inquired about the party responsible for maintaining the ditch. City Manager Jennifer Gomez addressed Velasco's concerns, stating that the maintenance for the ditch would still be the responsibility of Peoples Ditch.
Farmersville resident Victor Flores inquired about the direction of the houses and had concerns regarding the flow of traffic.
The applicant from Kaweah Pointe addressed and provided responses to some of the concerns raised by the Council.
The public hearing was closed at 6:58pm.
A motion was made to approve items B 1-3, resolutions 2024-02 and 2024-03, as well as the introduction of Ordinance No. 521. The Council also considered public comments on this decision.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Councilmember Hinojosa
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
NOES Boyer
Motion to approve item 4. Resolution 2024-04.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Councilmember Hinojosa
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
C. Public Hearing: The Gardenia Courtyards multi-family residential and commercial project pertaining to 6.6± acres of land on the east side of N. Farmersville Boulevard, north of Walnut Avenue, proposing 82 multi-family residential units, and 2.7±acres of land zoned for future commercial development
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and vote to approve the proposed project by taking the following actions:
• Adopt Resolution No. 2024-05, approving a Mitigated Negative Declaration as the environmental finding for the project. • Adopt Resolution No. 2024-06, approving a General Plan Amendment for the site.
• Introduce Ordinance No. 522 approving a zone change for the site.
Documents: Resolution 2024-05
Resolution 2024-06
Ordinance 522
City Planner Karl Schoettler presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposed rezoning on Farmersville Blvd north of Walnut Avenue for a Senior/Multi-Family housing project. The presentation covered details such as the number of units, parking spaces, lot sizes, frontage commercial zone, and the amenities associated with the proposed location.
During discussion, the Council raised several concerns, including:
• Ensuring that future commercial buildings have lighting designed to avoid being a distraction to residents.
• Clarifying how future projects in the area will connect to the proposed driveway. • Inquiring about the installation of an elevator in the Senior portion of the project. • Expressed concerns about graffiti on a 7-foot brick wall and suggested the use of ivy to help deter graffiti. The Council also emphasized the need for the contractor to specify who will be responsible for maintaining the ivy.
A public hearing was opened at 7:19pm.
Javier and Mary Gonzalez voiced concerns regarding the potential dust and noise associated with the construction of structures. They specifically requested that the construction of the 7-foot wall be prioritized to address these concerns. In response, City Planner Karl Schoettler stated that he would make the request for the wall to be built first.
The public hearing closed at 7:23pm.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
D. Crosswalk Improvement Study
Recommend that the City Council review and discuss the safety analysis and recommendations for the following four existing pedestrian crossings:
1) North crossing of Farmersville Boulevard at Costner Street, 2) East side crossing of Ash Street at Hester Avenue, 3) East side crossing of Ash Street at Steven Avenue, and 4) Midblock crossing on Virginia Avenue at Farmersville Junior High School (between Front Street and Ash Street).
Documents: Crosswalk Improvement Study
Assistant City Engineer Lisa Wallis-Dutra presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Wallis Dutra reviewed and discussed the safety analysis and recommendations for Farmersville Blvd at Costner St., Ash Street at Hester, Ash Street at Steven at Virginia Ave at Farmersville Jr. High School.
Discussion took place.
The Council agrees with the recommendations made by the City Engineers. Each item will be returned to the Council for formal approval of the proposed changes.
E. Farmersville Safety Study
Recommend that the City Council review and discuss the intersection analysis and recommendations for the intersection of Farmersville Boulevard and Ash Street and the intersection of Petunia Street and Ventura Avenue.
Documents: Farmersville Safety Study
Assistant City Engineer Lisa Wallis-Dutra presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Wallis Dutra reviewed and discussed the intersection analysis and recommendations for the intersection of Farmersville Blvd. at Ash St. and Petunia Street at Ventura Ave.
Discussion took place.
The Council expressed concerns at the intersection of Farmersville Blvd and Ash, including:
• Addressing the speed limit in the area.
• The tree obstructing the stop sign at the corner of Farmersville Blvd and Ash. • Expressing a desire for a rumble strip at the stop sign to encourage a reduction in vehicle speed.
• Proposing the installation of flashing lights around the stop sign for increased visibility and safety.
Public Comment:
Farmersville resident Jose Velasco brought to the attention of the Council that the tree at the Ash and Farmersville Blvd. location poses a visibility concern, mainly hiding pedestrians when they are standing there. He emphasized the potential risk of hurting someone due to the obscured view.
The direction from Council is to remove obstructive trees at Farmersville Blvd. and Ash, add flashing lights on the stop sign and add a rumble strip.
Councilmembers took a break from 8:30pm – 8:35pm.
F. Task Order with 4Creeks for Design and Engineering Services of Citrus Avenue & Road 168 Connectivity Project in the amount of $385,225.
Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign the Task Order in the amount of $385,225 with 4Creeks.
Documents: 4Creeks Proposal & Task Order
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reviewed with the Council the Task Order with 4Creeks for the design and engineering services for the Citrus Ave. and Road 168 Project.
Councilmember Hinojosa raised a question regarding the lighting conditions for vehicles entering Farmersville from the County side. In response, City Engineer Elsa Mejia assured that there would be warning lights and signage to enhance visibility and ensure that people can see the roundabout clearly.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa requested the amount of our insurance in case of a fire at the Community Center. He also asked for temporary lighting on Farmersville Blvd. Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley informed the Council that our current insurance policy for the Community Center is $4.8 million.
Councilmember Boyer expressed gratitude to Code Enforcement for the ongoing efforts in addressing graffiti throughout the City. Additionally, he thanked Public Works for their work in discing the Sports Park and the work being done at Roy's Park. Mr. Boyer also acknowledged the improved appearance of alleys within the City. Furthermore, he reported on the Kaweah Ground Water meeting he attended.
Councilmember Gomez conveyed his satisfaction with the current direction in which the City is progressing.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos expressed concerns about Oakview Road, emphasizing the need for maintenance and repairs to address potholes.
Mayor Hernandez inquired about the status of the bleachers for Veterans Park. In response, Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen informed the Council that the installation is scheduled to take place in about three weeks and assured them that the project will be completed before the start of the baseball season.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reminded the Council of the upcoming Groundbreaking for Hwy 198 beautification project this Friday, January 12th.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen updated the Council, stating that there were no issues with water pressure during the recent fire at La Mejor. Additionally, he informed the Council that concrete is currently being poured on the north side of Roy's Park.
Battalion Chief Jim Thomas provided the Council with an update on the recent fire at La Mejor. He mentioned that a total of 21 individuals from various outside agencies assisted in extinguishing the fire. Chief Thomas reported that approximately 40% of the building was damaged, with the fire believed to have originated from a small ice cream refrigerator. Additionally, he informed the Council that Code Enforcement is now operational seven days a week and will be citing food vendor trucks that come into the City for the weekends.
Chief of Police Jay Brock informed the Council that Freedom Elementary will be having a meeting this Wednesday, January 10th regarding the incident that took place in December.
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 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities