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, April 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: 868 3818 0309
Password: 208199
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 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.
Freddy Espinoza, a resident of Farmersville, expressed gratitude to the Public Works department for their efforts in preparing the parks for baseball season. Additionally, Mr.
Espinoza highlighted the importance of clearing the pathway to the High School to ensure safe passage for children walking to school.
Bruce Kopitar, CEO of Valley Pure, presented the Council with a rendering of the upcoming amphitheater they are constructing to host concerts.
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 April 8, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of April 8, 2024
C. Adopt Ordinance 524 approving a zone change 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 adopt Ordinance 524.
Documents: Ordinance 524
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. Review of Draft Budget for General Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommend that the City Council review materials presented regarding the draft budgets for the General Fund of the City for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 and provide additional direction.
Documents: Draft General Fund Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Steve Huntley, Director of Finance and Administration, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the general fund budget focusing on the fiscal year 2024-25 revenue forecast. He discussed various aspects throughout the presentation, including the City Council, Administration, Membership Legislation, Administrative Overhead, City sponsorship, Police Department, Fire Department, Code Enforcement, Community Development, Public Works, and Animal Control. Mr. Huntley provided a comprehensive overview of both revenue and expenses for each department mentioned.
Discussion took place.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about Economic Development, specifically whether the focus should be commercial or housing development. Additionally, Mr. Gomez raised questions about electrification. Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley responded, suggesting that efforts should be directed toward both commercial and housing development. Regarding electrification, Mr. Huntley acknowledged its potential for long-term cost reduction but highlighted the significant upfront investment required.
Councilmember Hinojosa asked about grants to complete the parks. In response, Director of Finance Steve Huntley mentioned that while grants are accessible, there are associated application fees. City Manager Jennifer Gomez added that the availability of funds from Prop 68, the Parks and Water Bond Act, is ending. Mr. Hinojosa also raised the possibility of needing a hiring freeze. Mr. Huntley clarified that the proposed balanced budget includes the City having full staffing capacity and that a freeze is not necessary.
During the Council discussion of Item 8A (review/discussion of the 2024/25 budget), the Council took ad hoc action regarding the City parks. Mayor Hernandez initiated the discussion by emphasizing the necessity of adequate funding for park maintenance in the new budget. She noted that the current condition of the City parks fell short of public expectations. This sentiment was shared by all other Councilmembers.
Councilmember Boyer read a letter into the record concerning the parks' condition including the following statements, ”I believe we need to reprioritize how we spend some of our general fund whether it comes from our tax payers or cannabis tax, and establish a budget that adequately takes care of our parks as they deserve. Such a budget would cover the regular maintenance of our parks in combination with city staff and contracted landscaping firms. It would include funds for the labor and materials to fertilize turf and plants, maintain irrigation systems, mow grass, prune trees and shrubs and provide proper weed control especially to eradicate goat heads. This budget should also provide the funds to more frequently go after the ground squirrels and gophers that are still a big problem.”
Mayor Hernandez extended an apology to the Public Works department on behalf of the Council for residents' tendency to attribute park upkeep issues solely to them. She expressed her belief that the responsibility for park maintenance decisions lies with the Council members.
The Council collectively affirmed their belief that the condition of the parks, coupled with the high-use season, posed an emergency health and safety concern, potentially leading to injuries among park users. City Attorney Schulte addressed the Council, inquiring whether they wished to take immediate action or designate it as a discussion item. The Council indicated their readiness to proceed with action.
City Attorney Schulte then outlined the procedure for adding an agenda item, clarifying that any action items would first require a motion to determine the matter as an emergency health and safety issue. Consequently, City Attorney Schulte verbally drafted a motion addressing the urgent nature of the issue and proposed to add it ad hoc to the agenda as an action item.
Ad Hoc Motion 1: To add an agenda item to the City Council Meeting Agenda for the consideration of funding specific repairs and maintenance to all City Parks for the remainder of the fiscal year, and to determine that the agenda item is a matter of health, safety and welfare of the City of Farmersville.
Motion to approve Ad Hoc Motion 1.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
Secondly, with the matter added to the agenda, City Attorney Schulte collaborated with the Council to establish their list of items for consideration, prioritizing them along with funding issues. The ensuing discussion prompted City Attorney Schulte to propose the following motion:
Ad Hoc Motion 2:
With the determination that the condition of the Farmersville public parks poses a concern for the health, welfare, and safety of all citizens, and without regard to funding sources, City staff is hereby directed to immediately prepare the parks for baseball and soccer activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
(i) Mowing and maintaining the playing fields through the end of the respective seasons. (ii) Conducting weed abatement, including the removal of goat heads. (iii) Addressing ground squirrels and gophers, as well as their burrows. (iv) Clearing Park pathways and access paths.
This directive grants staff the authority to take necessary actions, without considering funding sources, and includes the discretion to engage outside contractors as permitted by emergency provisions.
After the language of the motion was determined, it was made by: Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos Motion seconded by: Councilmember Gomez. Input was obtained from staff prior to a vote, and commentary was received from staff regarding availability of resources, and funding sources. A roll call vote was then taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
Motion to approve Ad Hoc Motion 2.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
A Special Meeting was subsequently scheduled to deliberate on the parks and funding for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Council instructed Staff to be fully prepared to discuss the current resources allocated to parks, including inventory, costs, equipment, staffing, and other pertinent details. Additionally, Council requested that Staff come prepared to outline proposed resources for parks, along with comprehensive coverage of related issues such as potential funding sources.
B. Update on Cannabis Cultivation
Recommend that the City Council receive the status on cannabis cultivation in Farmersville. (informational item only)
City Manager Jennifer Gomez provided an update to the Council regarding cannabis cultivation in Farmersville. She explained that while there was initial interest from growers, the reluctance to establish operations in the City appears to stem from concerns raised by property owners and the insufficient infrastructure. Additionally, Ms.
Gomez discussed the City's tax rate for cultivation, noting that it does not appear to be a determining factor for potential growers considering Farmersville as a location.
Councilmember Boyer inquired directly to cannabis business owners present at the meeting about their perspectives on the absence of cannabis cultivations in the area.
Public Comment
Charles Woody from Platinum Connection informed the Council that there is currently an oversupply of cannabis compared to the demand, leading all cannabis businesses to stop cultivation activities.
C. Public Hearing: Resolution 2024-013 Adopting Tax Rate of Commercial Cannabis Related Business in the City of Farmersville for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Recommend that the City Council approve Resolution 2024-013 Adopting Tax Rate of Commercial Cannabis Related Business in the City of Farmersville for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Documents: Resolution 2024-013
City Manager Jennifer Gomez briefed the Council on the current tax rates for commercial cannabis. She emphasized that the maximum rate permitted by the Tax Measure is either 10% of gross receipts or $25 per square foot of canopied cultivation area. Additionally, Ms. Gomez reassured the Council that the current retail rates remain competitive when compared to neighboring cities.
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 8:08 pm and closed it at 8:08 pm with no comment.
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
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa requested an update on the following items:
• Request update on homicides involving Juan Corona and Michael Perez from the Police Department.
• Installation of a drinking fountain for the Downtown area. • Address concerns regarding faded red curb on E. Visalia Road, inquire about the possibility of adding "No Parking" signs.
• Report on parked cars blocking E. Visalia Road.
• Concerns regarding non-functioning splash pad.
• Request attention to blinking light at crosswalk by Sam’s Food Supermarket. • Follow-up on graffiti removal at Pocket Park.
• Request red curb painting on either N. Matthew or W. Walnut due to traffic issues.
• Inquire about the cleaning status of benches inside the Church Museum. • Seek information on potential compensation for the 17 days the High School swimming pool was closed last year.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez responded to Councilmember Hinojosa's concerns by providing updates. She conveyed that no drinking fountain would be installed Downtown. Regarding the red curbing on Visalia Rd., she explained that its proximity to a drive approach could potentially lead to enforcement issues. Additionally, Ms. Gomez clarified that the High School has jurisdiction over using the swimming pool.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen updated the Council on the Splash Pad, noting a sign with a telephone number for residents to report any issues with its functionality is already at the Splash Pad. He explained that the Splash Pad may shut off due to dirty water, grass, or food debris. Mr. Dowlen offered to demonstrate the maintenance process at the Splash Pad to the Council, ensuring they understand the reasons behind any operational interruptions and can effectively communicate with concerned residents.
Councilmember Boyer was happy to see children playing at the City's Baseball Fields.
He also shared his attendance at the grand opening of Los Arroyos. He highlighted a concern raised by a resident who uses a wheelchair regarding access to the east side gate at the property. Mr. Boyer noted that the keys provided to Los Arroyos residents to unlock the gates do not work and that he had already discussed this matter with the property manager.
Councilmember Gomez informed the Police Chief that parents are stopping on Freedom Drive to let their children out for school, causing traffic issues around the crosswalk.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos expressed gratitude to the Police Department for their presence at the Easter event and for effectively managing a situation involving a pedestrian. Additionally, he informed the Council that Team KO won at the Central California Junior. Olympics.
Mayor Hernandez attended the Los Arroyos ribbon cutting.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Jennifer Gomez participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Los Arroyos and informed the Council of her intention to schedule a ribbon-cutting event for Freedom Field after reviewing the calendar. Additionally, she provided an update on her attendance at the ICSC event.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen updated the Council, noting that the first new stop sign for the Downtown area was installed today. He further informed the Council that after the Downtown area was completed, Public Works would proceed with finalizing Roy’s Park and completing sidewalk and ADA improvements at Veterans Park.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia provided updates to the Council, stating that advertisements have been released for the Storm Drainage Master Plan, Water Master Plan, and Sewer Master Plan. Furthermore, she informed the Council that advertisements for the City Hall parking lot will be forthcoming within the next few weeks.
Police Chief Jay Brock updated the Council, informing them of his dedicated work developing a strategic plan for the Police Department over the past few months. He detailed his efforts involving engaging with downtown businesses to gather their input on desired initiatives. Chief Brock also reminded the Council members that he had emailed them to get their feedback on the strategic plan.
11. Future Agenda Items
1. Amend Ordinance – Temporary Outdoor Use Permits
2. Site Visits to Woodlake, Exeter, and Lindsay
3. Water Restrictions
4. Update City Ordinances related to Code Enforcement
5. Reopening Two-way Traffic on E. Citrus at Freedom Drive
6. Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 8:33 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. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4): 1 case
C. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative: Mayor Tina Hernandez
Unrepresented employee: City Manager
D. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned closed session to the regular meeting at 9:50 pm.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
All closed session items were discussed by Council in closed session, but no action was taken on any item.
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities