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 22, 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: 856 6245 6860
Password: 710665
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 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 from Southern California Edison thanked the City of Farmersville for their continuous support. During the Council meeting, he provided an update on upcoming projects, particularly addressing the non-functional streetlights along Farmersville Blvd. Mr. Thoburn informed the Council that the repair process might be extended for some streetlights due to cable failures. To address the lighting issue promptly, Southern California Edison is exploring the option of deploying temporary lights until the necessary cable repairs can be completed.
The coaches of the Farmersville Youth Cheer shared concerns about the challenges they are encountering in raising funds for their cheerleaders. They desired better alignment between their fundraising initiatives and the City's support. The coaches requested that the City consider accommodating their fundraising ideas to facilitate a smooth fundraiser.
Don Goforth from Crown Valley Youth Ranch delivered a presentation on the services offered to youth. The Ranch supports individuals aged 6-18 through personalized 1-on-1 mentorship, instilling work ethics, and engaging in extracurricular activities such as horseback riding, gardening, fishing, and more. Notably, it was emphasized that these services are accessible to all youth.
Jose Prado of 1915 N. Virginia Ave inquired about the completion date of the new park. Additionally, he expressed interest in the possibility of installing a soccer field if the existing baseball fields will be removed someday, with the intention of utilizing the existing field lights for soccer activities.
6. Presentations:
A. Downtown Specific Plan: Analysis of Road Diet and Streetscape Concept for Farmersville Blvd. in the Downtown A representative from Ruettgers & Schuler conducted a presentation on the Road Diet for Downtown Farmersville. During the presentation, the speaker outlined the potential impacts on the community, specifically addressing concerns related to traffic, parking, travel, and pedestrian considerations.
Discussion took place.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos has concerns that it will affect response time from the Fire and Police Department.
Councilmember Boyer expressed apprehensions about the potential impact on residential side streets, anticipating changes in traffic patterns as drivers seek alternative routes to avoid slower traffic resulting from the reduction in lanes. Additionally, he voiced concerns about the potential adverse effects on businesses, particularly regarding customer accessibility; he has concerns that customers may encounter difficulties entering and exiting businesses under the proposed changes.
Mayor Hernandez is in favor of the Road Diet, stating that it gives a more “Downtown” feel.
Councilmember Gomez supports the Road Diet concept. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Fire Department would be relocated to Front Street, alleviating any concerns he might have had about potential impacts on response times.
The Council has requested larger drawings of the proposed plan and has expressed a desire for a work session to conduct a thorough review and gather additional information. Additionally, the Council seeks more input from the businesses that would be affected and wishes to involve residents in the decision-making process.
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 January 8, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of January 8, 2024
C. Finance Update for November and December 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: November & December 2023 Warrant Register
Investment Summary November & December 2023
D. Adopt Ordinance 521 amending the existing zoning designations for 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 adopt Ordinance 521 amending the existing zoning designations for the site.
Documents: Ordinance 521
E. Adopt Ordinance 522 approving a zone change for 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 adopt Ordinance 522 approving a zone change for the site.
Documents: Ordinance 522
F. Adopt Ordinance 523 to regulate the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU’s) Recommend that the City Council adopt 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
G. Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies Recommend that the City Council designate the City Manager to be the Authorized Agent to complete and submit forms to engage with FEMA and CalOES for grant funds.
Documents: Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies Councilmember Boyer abstained from warrant register items from Self Help and Kiwanis.
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
Councilmember Boyer on Warrants to Self Help and Kiwanis.
8. General Business
A. Potential City Development Adjacent to Linnel Farm Labor Center Recommend that the City Council receive the information contained in this report regarding interest in development adjacent to the Linnel Farm Labor Center and provide comments and direction to staff.
City Planner Karl Schoettler delivered a PowerPoint presentation addressing the interest in development near the Linnel Farm Labor Center. A key focus of Mr. Schoettler's discussion was the proximity of the wastewater treatment plant at Linnel Farm Center to potential residential areas. He highlighted that the City had previously discussed this matter but abandoned it due to various concerns.
There were several concerns and comments from the Council.
The Council directed the staff to contact the Developer and facilitate communication with the Housing Authority to explore potential measures for mitigating concerns related to the sewer plant. They also requested the developer conduct an environmental review to address odor issues, given the location.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa inquired about cleaning the benches inside the City Museum. He also asked about a sign for Roy’s Park.
Councilmember Boyer provided an update on the status of the chimes at the Clock Tower in the City of Lindsay.
Mayor Hernandez inquired about the feasibility of ordering Polo shirts with the City logo for the Planning Commissioners. City Manager Jennifer Gomez expressed her concerns about allowing the Planning Commissioners to wear City logo shirts.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez advised the Council about the Compost Giveaway. She also informed the Council that the City recently had an emergency purchase of a Bucket Lift Truck. The Public Works Director advised the Council that our current Bucket Lift Truck needs maintenance. However, the manufacturer is no longer in business, making getting parts complicated. After having a meeting with the Finance Director and City Manager, the decision was made to purchase a new Bucket Lift Truck.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen talked about the free compost, stating that the State mandates the purchase of compost through Cal Recycle. Mr. Dowlen also told the Council that local farmers can purchase the compost, and Cal Recycle will provide the City with credit. Furthermore, he updated the Council on ongoing projects, including installing curb and gutter, electrical, and irrigation work at Roy's Park.
Battalion Chief Thomas informed the Council that Code Enforcement is currently taking their first module class, which is certified by the State.
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. Adjourn to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 7:45 pm.
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Attorney
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 8:55 pm with nothing to report.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities