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 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: 873 1134 0257
Password: 410616
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:
Karl DeRocha, a resident of Farmersville voiced concerns regarding the new water/sewer rate change. He disagrees with the rate change.
Nikki Steelman, a resident at Los Arroyos apartments suggested a community garden at the apartment complex. She also requested a map of future projects at the park behind the complex.
David Lempke, a resident of Farmersville disagrees with the new water/sewer rate change. He emphasized seniors in the community being on a fixed income.
A resident of Farmersville is opposed to the recent water and sewer rate adjustment.
This individual is on a fixed income. Additionally, he has expressed dissatisfaction with the maintenance work carried out on Farmersville Boulevard, highlighting that the road remains uneven with potholes.
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:
A. Kaweah Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program – Adriana Becerra on behalf of Self Help Enterprises
Jasmine Ramirez presented on the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP), detailing its initiatives and achievements. She highlighted collaborative efforts with Self Help, Environmental Defense Fund, and Environmental Incentives, resulting in the distribution of block grants totaling up to $10 million. Ramirez also emphasized the continuation of meetings and the program's need for additional volunteers.
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. Finance Update for March 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: March 2024 Warrant Register
Investment Summary March 2024
D. Resolution 2024-016 adopting Memorandum of Understanding with the Mid-Management Employee Association
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2024-016 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Mid-Management Employee Association.
Documents: Resolution 2024-016
Memorandum of Understanding
E. 4Creeks Proposal for Engineering Services for the 2024 Streets Improvement Project
Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to contract with 4Creeks for engineering services of the 2024 Streets Improvement Project for an estimated amount of $274,898.
Documents: 4Creeks Proposal
Motion to approve as presented. Councilmember Boyer abstained from warrants regarding Self Help Enterprises.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Councilmember Boyer abstained from warrants regarding Self Help
8. General Business
A. Request by Farmersville Falcons Football & Cheer for Special Event Funding
Recommend that the City Council review a request from Farmersville Falcons Football & Cheer in the amount of $2,000.
Documents: Event Funding Application
The Council postponed consideration of item 8A until the next Council meeting because the applicant was unable to attend due to an emergency.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Boyer
B. Public Hearing: General Plan Amendment/Zone Change 2024-01 (Barrios)
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and vote to approve the request by:
1. Adopting Resolution 2024-018 approving the General Plan Amendment (from “General Commercial” to “Medium Density Residential”) and adopting a Notice of Exemption as the environmental finding for the request;
2. Introducing Ordinance No. 525 approving the zone change for the site from “CG” (General Commercial) to “R-1” (Single Family Residential).
Documents: Resolution 2024-018
Ordinance 525
City Planner Karl Schoettler provided the Council with a PowerPoint presentation. He addressed the current zoning status of 166 N. Oakview, explaining that it is currently designated as general commercial. He further mentioned that the property owner has submitted a request to rezone it to single-family residential use. Mr. Schoettler also advised the Council that the Planning Commission did approve the zone change.
Councilmember Gomez expressed concerns about the potential impact of changing the zoning of the parcels adjacent to 166 N. Oakview for commercial purposes. City Planner Karl Schoettler reassured the Council, stating that he doesn't foresee this being an issue because there hasn't been any expressed interest in purchasing these lots for commercial purposes.
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
C. Public Hearing: Adoption of new Water and Sewer Rates for the City of Farmersville effective May 1, 2024 by adopting Resolution 2024- 017
Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing regarding the adoption of new water and sewer rates for the City of Farmersville by adopting Resolution 2024-017.
Documents:
1. Resolution 2024-017: Resolution of the City of Farmersville to adopt new water and sewer utility rates effective May 1, 2024
2. Willdan Financial Rate Study
3. Sample Proposition 218 compliant public hearing notice Chris Fisher from Willdan Financial Services delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed water and sewer utility rate change for the City of Farmersville. Mr. Fisher outlined the objectives, financial plans, and recommendations of the proposal. He emphasized to the Council that the implementation of new rates is essential to address increasing costs, sustain funding for City utility operations, and ensure compliance with all state mandates and requirements.
A public hearing was opened at 6:49 pm and closed at 6:53 pm.
The resident at 2121 N. Matthew does not agree with the proposed rate change. They have also expressed concern that their parents, who are on a fixed income, would be negatively affected by the rate adjustment.
Discussion took place.
Councilmember Boyer asked about the potential effects of the water rates on residents with ¾” meters versus those with 1” meters. Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley explained that both ¾” and 1” meter residential users are billed at the same rate. Councilmember Boyer also raised concerns about school rates, suggesting that schools separate their irrigation meters from regular ones. Furthermore, he requested an example comparing current and proposed rates for businesses.
Councilmember Gomez raised questions about how sewer discharge correlates with water usage. Additionally, he inquired whether Prop 218 accommodates low-income residents. Chris Fisher informed the Council that Prop 218 does not include provisions for low-income residents. Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley mentioned that while the LIHWAP program, which previously assisted low-income residents, has concluded, there are possible other programs that are offered through Self-Help.
Councilmember Gomez also inquired about the possibility of residents having zero landscaping to help lower their water bill.
Motion to approve with these stipulations:
1. Would like a list of commercial locations that don’t have separate meters for landscaping.
2. Would like examples of businesses and how much the rates are going to change their bills.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Hinojosa
D. Review of Draft Budget for Enterprise Funds for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommend that the City Council accept, and review materials presented regarding the draft budgets for Water, Sewer, and Refuse services of the City for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Documents: Draft Utility Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding utility funds. Mr. Huntley reviewed the water fund capital projects, the annual operations, sewer utility, sewer fund capital projects, annual operations, refuse fund and capital projects.
E. Animal Control Contract with City of Visalia
Recommend that the City Council consider and approve the attached contract with the City of Visalia renewing and clarifying the animal control services provided by the City of Visalia since 2018. The Contract will be effective as of January 1, 2024.
City Attorney Michael Schulte reviewed the new animal control contract with the City of Visalia. During the Council meeting, he explained that an employee would be shared between the City of Farmersville and the City of Exeter, covering both cities five days a week. Mr. Schulte also stated that, after researching the new fees (increasing from $74,000 to $211,700), the City of Visalia is charging the appropriate amount, reflecting the actual cost of running animal control services.
Councilmember Gomez inquired about outstanding amounts owed to the City of Visalia.
He also requested that the City of Visalia give the City of Farmersville monthly reports.
City Attorney Michael Schulte confirmed that the City does need to pay outstanding amounts owned.
Councilmember Boyer inquired whether all dogs picked up by animal control needed to be spayed or neutered before their owners could retrieve them. City Attorney Michael Schulte confirmed that indeed, the animals would be spayed or neutered prior to the owner's pickup.
Public Comment
A resident of Farmersville asked why the City does not have its own Animal Control service. The City Attorney advised the resident that currently, the City lacks the necessary funds to establish such a service.
Motion to approve including a monthly report from the City of Visalia.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
9. Council Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa inspected several of the City parks, including the bathrooms, and reported that everything looks good. He also commended the effectiveness of the graffiti removal efforts.
Councilmember Boyer remarked that the baseball fields were in good condition.
Additionally, he requested that the irrigation system at Freedom and Walnut be inspected, as there is a dead tree in need of attention.
Councilmember Gomez gave an update to the council regarding the City's participation in the TCRTA and the issues surrounding the request from the City of Porterville to withdraw from the JPA.
Mayor Henandez commented that the parks look good. Mayor Hernandez also expressed her concerns with an incident that happen over the weekend with the reservation at Freedom Park.
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
10. Staff Communications:
Attorney Michael Shulte informed the Council of recommendations from the City Planners. Mr. Schulte stated that Planning Commissioner Ochoa recommended that the City try to find a commercial gym for one of the new commercial locations along Farmersville Blvd; Better collaboration with TCAG; Begin a formal effort to look at homeless and/or at-risk housing/support option for Farmersville. Ms. Ochoa suggested engaging Self-Help and/or Kaweah Delta regarding their programs. She also requested business cards, photos on the City website and name tags for outside meetings.
Planning Commissioner Espinoza addressed the Self-Help project and discussed the lack of landscaping and walkways. He would like the Planning Commissioners to have more training. Commissioner Espinoza also informed the Commissioners that 4-17- 2024 was his last meeting.
City Manager Jennifer Gomez reminded the Council of the upcoming Freedom Field ribbon cutting on May 2nd and the groundbreaking for the new Fire Station on May 10th.
Public Works Director Jeff Dowlen updated the Council on recent activities within the department. Parks are now being mowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and efforts have been made to address squirrel and gopher holes by filling them with mud. Additionally, pest control services will now occur twice a month. Landscaping efforts have covered approximately 85% of the parks' trails, and pruning has been completed on 95% of the parks' trees.
Battalion Chief Jim Thomas updated the Council on the progress of Code Enforcement, noting that they are currently working on their third module and will soon be State Certified. In response to Councilmember Boyer's inquiry about weed abatement, Chief Thomas informed the Council that letters for weed abatement have already been going out to residents.
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
7. Downtown Drinking Fountain
8. Red curb @ N. Matthew & W. Walnut
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 8:18pm.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2): 2 cases
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative: Mayor Tina Hernandez
Unrepresented employee: City Manager
C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
D. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
Title: City Attorney
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 11:30 pm.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
12 A. Jones litigation- Matter presented by ERMA Counsel Nathan Jackson. Proposed settlement with Plaintiff Jones was recommended by Attorney Jackson. Discussion with and between Councilmembers. Motion made by Paul Boyer: [To authorize the City Manager to sign the Settlement Agreement presented by Attorney Jackson and coordinate with ERMA to ensure the Settlement Agreement is complied with, including the payment provisions.]. Second by Councilmember Gomez. All Councilmembers approved by roll call vote.
12 B. Item 8A (2) – TCRTA- Matter presented by Jennifer Gomez, City Manager.
Presentation and discussion surrounding the Porterville and TCRTA issue. Motion made by Paul Boyer: [To authorize the City Manager or designee to participate on the TCRTA Ad Hoc Committee, with the direction that the City does not support any additional or new financial obligations]. Second by Councilmember Gomez. All Councilmembers approved by roll call vote.
12 B Public Employment. Renewal of City Manager Contract. Matter presented by City Attorney Michael Schulte. Discussion by City Council regarding whether to renew the expired contract of City Manager Jennifer Gomez. Motion made by Armando Hinojosa:
[To terminate negotiations and not renew the expired contract of City Manager Jennifer Gomez]. Second by Councilmember Valdovinos. Motion carried by a three to two roll call vote:
Hinojosa - yes
Boyer - no
Gomez - no
Valdovinos - yes
Hernandez – yes
Due to time constraints, the Council voted to extend the meeting past the 10:00 PM deadline, setting a new deadline of 10:30 PM. Motion by Hinojosa, seconded by Hernandez. Roll call vote unanimous.
Following the vote, the Council decided to inform Jennifer Gomez of the decision and engaged in a discussion, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. During the discussion, a second motion was made to extend the time of the closed session to 11:30 PM.
Motion by Hinojosa, seconded by Hernandez. Roll call vote unanimous. Additionally, Councilmember Boyer informally requested a Motion for Reconsideration of the decision not to renew, but none of the Councilmembers who voted to approve the Motion agreed to reconsider.
Councilmember Valdovinos left the meeting at approximately 11:00 pm.
Item 12 C - Public Employment Performance Evaluation - moot and off calendar.
Item 12 D - Public Employment. City Attorney. Matter not heard within timeframe, thus tabled for future agenda.
Attorney Schulte reported out the decisions made above.
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 11:40 pm.
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities