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, March 25, 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: 831 6521 8104
Password: 162838
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 absent
Armando Hinojosa Council Member Present 6:00 pm
3. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
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.
Sabrina Perez voiced concerns about the City of Farmersville.
Miguel Santana, a resident of Farmersville, expressed concerns about the maintenance and upkeep of the parks in Farmersville. He suggests that the Public Works department create a monthly schedule for park maintenance that is accessible to residents, allowing them to stay informed about when maintenance will occur.
Freddy Espinoza, a resident of Farmersville expressed concerns regarding the upkeep of the parks in the City.
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.
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 March 11, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of March 11, 2024
C. Finance Update for February 2024: Warrant Register and Investment Summary
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve the Warrant Register as presented for the period. This reporting period represents warrants issued for the current Fiscal Year (2023/2024); and
2. Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period. This reporting period represents investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: February 2024 Warrant Register
D. Completion of the 2023 Street & Alley Improvements Project Recommend that the City Council accept the Notice of Completion for the 2023 Street and Alley 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 Certificate
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
8. General Business
A. Request by Farmersville Aztecs Youth Football & Cheer for Special Event Funding
Recommend that the City Council review and approve a request from Farmersville Aztecs Youth Football & Cheer in the amount of $2,000.
Documents: Event Funding Application
City Manager Jennifer Gomez briefed the Council on the Event Funding application submitted by Aztecs Youth Football & Cheer. She informed the Council that Councilmember Gomez and Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos had reviewed the application.
Councilmember Hinojosa raised a question regarding insurance coverage and liability for injuries sustained by children involved in sporting events. City Manager Gomez informed the Council that the League is responsible if a player gets injured.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about the equipment line item for $6,000.
Crystal Johnson, the treasurer for the League, clarified that the $6,000 funding would be allocated towards essential equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads, chin straps, and uniforms. Additionally, the funds would be used for purchasing speakers, awnings for shade, and potentially guardian caps for the helmets, depending on the availability of funds.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
B. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-009: Approving submittal for an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Funding under the HOME Investment Partnership Program for the construction of a new 42-unit income restricted senior apartment complex located on 3.40 +/- acres of land identified as a portion of APN 111-290-015
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-009:
Approving submittal for an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Funding under the HOME Investment Partnership Program for the construction of a new 42-unit income restricted senior apartment complex located on 3.40 +/- acres of land identified as a portion of APN 111-290-015.
Documents:
1. Resolution No. 2024-009
2. Gardenia Senior Apartments Site Plan
3. Gardenia Senior Apartments Renderings
City Manager Jennifer Gomez presented to the Council an application submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for funding the proposed Gardenia Senior Apartments project. She informed the Council that the project aims to provide 42 senior housing units and various amenities. These amenities include a community area with a common kitchen, exercise room, business center, picnic tables with BBQs, an on-site laundry room, bocce ball, a community garden, and a fenced dog park. Additionally, an on-site resident manager will be available to assist residents.
Ms. Gomez explained that if approved for funding, the HOME loan of up to $12,200,000 would be deferred and paid from residual cash flow from the project over a term of 55 years. The terms and conditions of a Standard Agreement would be formally reviewed and approved by the City Manager, and the loan would be secured by a Deed of Trust and Promissory Note against the property.
Councilmember Gomez asked if the housing was going to be available at a reduced rate.
He also asked if a grant had been allocated.
Cameron Johnson, with AMG, informed the Council that the apartments would be available to seniors at a reduced rate. The rate for rent would be 30% of their income.
Public Comment
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, inquired about the ownership of the apartments.
Cameron Johnson, with AMG, informed the Council that it would be Pacific West Community and Tulare County Housing Authority.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
C. Public Hearing: City of Farmersville/Hester annexation, including a General Plan Amendment, prezoning and annexation of a 14.3-acre parcel on the west side of Farmersville Boulevard south of the existing city limit boundary
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and vote to approve the proposed project by taking the following actions:
• Adopt Resolution No. 2024-010, approving a Mitigated Negative Declaration as the environmental finding for the project. • Adopt Resolution No. 2024-011, approving a General Plan Amendment for the site.
• Introduce Ordinance No. 524 approving a zone change for the site. • Adopt Resolution No. 2024-012 initiating Reorganization (annexation) of the parcel.
Documents:
1. Resolution 2024-010
2. Resolution 2024-011
3. Ordinance 524
4. Resolution 2024-012
City Attorney Mike Schulte presented his review of the 14.3-acre parcel related to the City of Farmersville/Hester annexation to the Council. He explained that the primary purpose of the annexation is to facilitate the expansion of the Public Works Yard. Mr. Schulte informed the Council that the staff recommended designating a portion of the parcel as "Medium-High Density Residential."
Mr. Schulte pointed out that during the Planning meeting on March 20, 2024, a public hearing was conducted. The Planning Commission supported the annexation and environmental report but raised reservations regarding zoning for multi-family development in the southern two-thirds of the site. Consequently, the Planning Commissioners proposed labeling the southern half of the site as "Medium-Density Residential" and the northern half as "Medium-High-Density Residential." Mr. Schulte also informed the Council that the City Planner recommends Medium-High Density due to the City already having an agreement with the owner of the property who also supports the Medium-High Density.
Councilmember Gomez wants to ensure that the City is still fulfilling the requirements for the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation).
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 6:28 pm.
Freddy Espinoza expressed concerns about additional apartment complexes being constructed in Farmersville. He suggests zoning the property for "medium density" singlefamily residential use instead.
Mayor Hernandez closed the public hearing at 6:29 pm.
Motion to approve resolution 2024-010.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
Motion to approve resolution 2024-011.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
Motion to approve resolution 2024-012.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
Motion to approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 524.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN 0
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa participated in the Community Cleanup event and found it enjoyable. He also proposed organizing more Community Cleanup events in the future, including assisting senior citizens with yard cleaning.
Councilmember Gomez also attended the Community Cleanup with his family. Mr.
Gomez also reported that he attended Cal Cities Policy Committee in Burbank.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos reminded the Council about the upcoming Easter Basket giveaway scheduled for this Saturday. He emphasized the need for additional donations of Easter Baskets and candy to support the event.
Mayor Hernandez participated in the Community Cleanup and found it rewarding. If feasible, she expressed a desire to see such community cleanup efforts held monthly.
Additionally, she raised concerns about homelessness around the baseball fields.
10. Staff Communications:
Attorney Mike Schulte provided the Council with an update on the public comments made by Sabrina Perez. He informed the Council that Ms. Perez had filed a lawsuit against the City. However, Mr. Schulte advised that the court dismissed the case as no factual basis for legal action against the City was presented.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez provided an update to the Council regarding the Clean Up event held on March 16th. She also mentioned that the Adopt A Park program is still active, encouraging interested residents to fill out applications. Additionally, Ms. Gomez proposed the idea of potentially organizing two clean up events per year. Furthermore, she informed the Council that she is currently attending the ICSC conference in Monterey.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen updated the Council on various projects. He reported that 9 cubic feet of debris was collected during the Community Cleanup event.
Additionally, he informed the Council that the bleacher installation at Veterans Park for fields 2 & 3 was completed, and the sidewalks will be finished after the baseball season.
Furthermore, Mr. Dowlen informed the Council that work would soon start on Farmersville Blvd, which includes installing new benches, lighting, trash cans, and street signs.
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 to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 6:49 pm.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative: Mayor Tina Hernandez
Unrepresented employee: City Manager
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 8:30 pm with nothing to report.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities