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, February 12, 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: 89650089380
Password: 459727
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 6:12 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.
John Alvarez, a business owner in Farmersville, voiced concerns regarding the cost of his business license.
6. Presentations:
A. Business License Analysis & Ordinance Review – HdL Companies Eric Myers, a representative from HdL, delivered a PowerPoint presentation in which he discussed and reviewed the City's Business License and Ordinance. During the presentation, Mr. Myers utilized graphs and charts to summarize the current business tax. He offered examples illustrating the potential impact of a new business tax on the City. Mr. Myers answered questions from the Council.
Discussion took place.
The Council instructed staff to prepare a report illustrating the potential changes that would occur if the current structure were altered without the need for a Prop 218.
Additionally, they requested that this topic be included as an agenda item for further discussion.
B. Water & Sewer Utility Rate Study – Willdan Financial Services Chris Fisher, a representative from Willdan, presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation outlining a five-year financial plan. The plan addressed funding for current and future operations, debt repayment, compliance, maintenance of operating reserves, establishment of a cost-based rate structure, and adherence to Proposition 218 requirements. Additionally, Mr. Fisher informed the Council that the Proposition 218 public hearing will be scheduled for the Council meeting on April 22, 2024. At this hearing, the Council will discuss and consider adopting the utility rate implementation.
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 January 22, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of January 22, 2024
C. Notice of Completion of the Farmersville ADA Improvement Project Recommend that the City Council accept the Farmersville ADA Improvements Project, and the City Council authorize the City Manager sign the Notice of Completion and the City Clerk file the Notice of Completion with the County Clerk’s office.
Documents: Notice of Completion
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
8. General Business
A. Cooperative Agreement between the City of Farmersville and the County of Tulare for Avenue 280 Widening Project – Segment 2 Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign the Cooperative Agreement.
Documents: Cooperative Agreement
City Manager Jennifer Gomez provided the Council with background information on the agreement between the City of Farmersville and the County of Tulare for the Avenue 280 Widening Project. She explained that the project involves widening Avenue 280 between Lover’s Lane in Visalia and Virginia Ave. in Farmersville. Additionally, South Virginia Avenue will be realigned at Visalia Road as part of the project. A storm basin will also be constructed on the south side of Visalia Road next to South Virginia.
Discussion took place.
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
B. 4Creeks Proposal for Construction Management Services and Inspection Services for the Fire Station 83 Project
Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to contract with 4Creeks for Construction Management Services and Inspection Services for the Fire Station 83 Project for an estimated Time and Materials amount of $160,770.
Documents: 4Creeks Proposal
City Manager Jennifer Gomez briefed the Council on the background information regarding 4Creeks' proposal for construction management and inspection services for the Fire Station 83 project. The proposal includes construction management services, public works inspection services, materials testing, and special inspections.
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
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa asked if there were any updates on La Mejor. City Manager Jennifer Gomez informed the Council that she has been in contact with the owner, and she plans on rebuilding.
Councilmember Boyer raised a question about the potential crosswalk installation at Snowden School. Additionally, Mr. Boyer shared his attendance at the League of California Cities New Mayor and Councilmembers conference, recommending that all members consider attending next year. Furthermore, he provided an update on the Greater Kaweah Ground Water meeting he recently attended.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez updated the Council, informing them that the crosswalk at Snowden School was removed from the contractor’s contract. She further explained that the City will now be responsible for installing the crosswalk.
Councilmember Gomez thanked the staff for their availability during the recent storms.
He also inquired about any potential damage caused by the storms. Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen responded, informing the Council that there was minimal damage throughout the City, mainly limited to potholes. He assured them that the Public Works department is actively working to address and fill the potholes.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos asked for an update on the Animal Control contract.
Additionally, he requested that City staff reach out to the Tulare County Elections office to ensure there are no issues for residents intending to run for Council.
Attorney Michael Shulte advised the Council that he is currently working with the City of Visalia’s attorney regarding the Animal Control contract.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez updated the Council, informing them that Townsend Public Affairs, our lobbyist, has submitted paperwork for the Fire Department's bulldozer and trailer. The request totals $950,000. This funding would be allocated in next year's budget with state or federal funds.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen reminded the Council about the availability of free compost near City Hall. He also updated them on the installation process of baseball bleachers at Veterans Park, which Public Works has initiated. Furthermore, he informed the Council that the North half of Roy’s Park has been completed.
Battalion Chief Thomas provided an update on a recent structure fire on February 9th.
Additionally, he informed the Council that both Code Enforcement officers had completed their first Code Enforcement module class with the State.
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. Adjourn to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 7:55 pm.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative:
Jennifer Gomez, Steve Huntley, Teqia Velyines, and Michael Schulte
Employee organization:
Miscellaneous Employees
Police Officers Association
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 517
Mid-Management Employee Association
Department Heads
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Attorney
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 9:18 pm with nothing to report.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:18 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities