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, May 13, 2024 6:00 PM
(Closed Session starts at 6:00 and
Public Session starts at 6:30 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: 872 9018 7704
Password: 692484
1. Call to Order: 6:00 pm.
2. Roll Call:
Title Status Arrived
Mayor Hernandez Present 6:00 pm
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos Present 6:00 pm
Council Member Gomez Present 6:00 pm
Council Member Boyer Present 6:00 pm
Council Member Hinojosa Present 6:00 pm
3. Adjourn to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 6:02 pm.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: Public Works Director
4. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 6:45 pm.
Report out for Closed Session:
The Council and City Attorney and Co-Acting City Managers present and discussed the negotiations with the prior Public Works director. No action was taken.
5. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
6. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hernandez
7. 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.
Lori Rhinebeck from Exeter Cemetery discussed recent developments and emphasized the importance of more people coming together to work as a team for the cemetery.
Dwight Miller, a board member for the Center for Art, Culture, and History, expressed his interest in returning to the present to the Council about displaying the history of the City of Farmersville at the Exeter Museum.
Dennis Anderson, a resident of Farmersville expressed his concerns about the homelessness in Farmersville. He also voiced concerns with the road conditions on Front St.
Lupe Fernandez, a resident of Farmersville, introduced herself to the Council and expressed her desire for the next City Manager to be grounded, communicate with the community, and work well as part of a team.
8. Presentations: none given.
9. 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 Special City Council Meeting of May 6, 2024 and Ad Hoc Committee Meeting of May 6, 2024
Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of Special May 6, 2024
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of Ad Hoc Meeting May 6, 2024 C. Adopt Ordinance 525 amending ordinance no. 319 (as amended) of The City of Farmersville, relating to the classification of the zone of Particular parcels of real property.
Recommend that the City Council adopt Ordinance 525.
Documents: Ordinance 525
D. Resolution 2024-021 adopting Memorandum of Understanding with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 517.
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2024-021 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 517. And execute the Addendums to the Employment Agreement.
Documents:
1. Memorandum of Understanding Brotherhood of
Teamsters.
2. Resolution 2024-021
Motion to approve as presented. Councilmember Boyer abstained from item 9B.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Councilmember Boyer abstained from item 9B
10. General Business
A. Planning Commission Application
Recommend that the City Council review an application from Irene Taff for the Planning Commission Unexpired Term.
Documents: Taff Application
Attorney Michael Schulte briefly reviewed Irene Taff's application for the vacant Planning Commissioner seat. He informed the Council that he has spoken with Ms. Taff and believes she would be a good fit for the Planning Commission.
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
B. 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.
Attorney Michael Schulte reminded the Council that this item was tabled from the last Council meeting on April 22, 2024. He recommended tabling the item again because the applicant was absent, and the new sports team had no prior financial records.
Councilmember Gomez reminded the Council that he and Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos already reviewed the application and approved it.
Motion to approve as presented. Councilmember Boyer abstained due to a conflict of interest.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Councilmember Boyer
C. Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Recommend that the City Council review the approval and adopt the Budget Amendment.
Documents: ARPA Summary FY 25.
Measure Q Summary FY 25.
Resolution 2024-020.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley presented the Council with a PowerPoint presentation. During the presentation, he reviewed the proposed budget amendment, which would impact the following changes: delaying/defunding City Hall Parking Lot, delaying/defunding Liberty Park Trails, paying off the camera system to free up Measure Q, increasing Park equipment and supplies, and re-opening Roy’s Park.
Councilmember Gomez is concerned about removing Liberty Park from the list of projects that need to be completed.
Councilmember Boyer would like the paths at Liberty Park to be checked for holes.
Councilmember Hinojosa asked if cannabis revenue is still declining and about the upgrades at Liberty Park. Mr. Huntley informed the Council that cannabis funds are still declining and that the walkways at Liberty Park need to be replaced. Chief Brock added that Public Works can handle this project to ensure Liberty Park remains on the list of work needed.
Public CommentDennis Anderson, a resident of Farmersville, expressed concerns about certain sections of Veterans Park that need to be addressed. He also inquired about the equipment being used at the parks.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
D. Review of Draft Total Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommend that the City Council review and approve the draft total budgets of the City Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Documents: Presentation
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley presented a PowerPoint to the Council, reminding them that the budget comprises the capital budget, utility fund budget, general fund budget, and other fund budgets. He briefly reviewed each budget and answered questions from the Council.
Discussion took place.
The Council discussed the 2024 Street Improvement Project and expressed a preference for completing the project in phases to alleviate traffic congestion while school is in session. They requested the City Engineer contact the School District to obtain the summer session schedule and inquired about the project timeline. City Engineer Elsa Mejia advised the Council that the project timeline would take approximately two months and that she would reach out to the School District.
Public CommentLupe Fernandez, a resident of Farmersville asked about the sewer expenditures.
Dennis Anderson, a resident of Farmersville inquired if La Mejor is going to rebuild.
The Council took a break at 7:59pm and resumed at 8:05 pm.
E. Expansion of the Drinking Water Program with The Greater Kaweah GSA and Self-Help Enterprises.
Recommend that the City Council review and approve an expansion program with The Greater Kaweah GSA and Self-Help Enterprises.
Documents: email from GSA.
Mark Larsen from the Greater Kaweah GSA gave a presentation about Farmersville's drinking water supply. He informed the Council that Self-Help Enterprises had contacted them about using the City's water refill station. With the City's permission, they would like to expand the use of the refill station facilities to rural areas experiencing water quality issues.
The Council expressed support for Self-Help Enterprises using the refill station but raised concerns about the truck's weight on the new City roads. They also wanted assurances regarding any potential risks associated with using the City's water and inquired about the duration of Self-Help's planned use of the water.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley informed the Council that while there is risk associated with Self-Help's use of the City's water the expanded program would only utilize approximately 1% of the water supply. Mark Larsen informed the Council that he was still determining the timeframe, indicating that they aim to make the rural areas sustainable by 2040. He clarified that they would determine the weight of the truck and the number of trucks involved and provide further information to the Council.
The Council would also like a follow-up meeting next year to see the results.
F. Council Requests List
Recommend that the City Council review and discuss the Council Request List
Documents: Council Request List
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley presented the Council with a comprehensive report listing all their requests. He explained that the report includes the date of each request, the Councilmember who made it, a detailed description, and its current status. This proactive approach aims to enhance coordination between staff and the Council.
11. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa asked about changing the swim schedule at the high school pool. Director of Finance and Administration, Steve Huntley explained to the Council that, as dictated by their contract, the high school is entirely responsible for any decisions regarding the swim program schedule.
Councilmember Boyer asked about plans to add charging stations for electric vehicles at the Transit Center. He also requested to see the drawings of the Transit Center and the plans for the fence. City Engineer Elsa Mejia informed the Council that she is in contact with QK to obtain copies of the plans for the Transit Center fence. Additionally, Mr. Boyer requested that the stop sign at N. Matthew and W. Marquette be replaced due to fading and the lack of flashing beacons. He also mentioned the presence of potholes on E. Front St.
Councilmember Gomez emphasized ensuring conduit installation at the Transit Center for future charging stations. Mr. Gomez informed the Council that a potential grant could provide nine charging stations, but the conduit must be installed beforehand.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos informed the Council of the significant amount of work he has observed Public Works completing around the City in the past couple of weeks. He noted several changes and thanked the staff for their hard work.
Mayor Hernandez requested that the survey for the Road Diet ask residents if they prefer "2 lanes or 4 lanes" directly. City Attorney Michael Schulte confirmed that he is working on this. Mayor Hernandez also thanked staff for all of their hard work.
12. Staff Communications:
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley reviewed a memo added to the Council’s agenda packets. He also mentioned that we added an Excel spreadsheet for future agenda items.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia informed the Council that she would be working on the updates to the 2024 Street Improvement Project.
Battalion Chief Thomas informed the Council that the Fire station had 47 runs the week of May 5- May 13, 2024. Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos inquired about the laundromat in Toy Plaza. Battalion Chief Thomas responded that Code Enforcement is currently working on it.
13. Future Agenda Items:
Description Responsible Party Agenda Date
Amend Ordinance- Temporary Outdoor Use Permit City Attorney Site Visits to Woodlake, Exeter, and Lindsay Acting City Manager Water Restrictions Acting PW Director
Update City Ordinance related to Code Enforcement City Attorney Reopening Two-way Traffic on E. Citrus at Freedom Dr. Acting City Manager Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA City Attorney Downtown Drinking Fountain Acting PW Director
Red curb @ N. Matthew and W. Walnut City Engineer
Business License- Prop 218-Ballot Measure Analysis City Attorney Pre-Approved ADU Plans and ADU Flyer Acting City Manager Invite Self Help to present Single-Family Low-Income
Housing
Future of Transit in Farmersville
14. Adjournment to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 8:38pm.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2): 2 cases
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
Title: Public Works Director
C. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
Title: City Attorney
D. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative:
Steve Huntley, Teqia Velyines, and Michael Schulte
Groups: Police Officers Association
Department Heads
Miscellaneous Employees Association
Mayor Hernandez reconvened and adjourned the meeting at 9:45pm
15. Closed Session Report (if any)
A. Discussed. No action.
B. City Manager - Discussion re status of prior City Manager negotiations. Action: Motion by Tina. 2nd by Greg. Motion to approve contract/proposal w/ CPSHR Consulting for exec search services for new City Manager. Vote - unanimous. [Note - for "Public Works Director" - discussion, but no action]
C. Public Employment - City Attorney - discussion re New City Attorney - no action taken.
D. Conf. w/ Labor Negotiators - discussion re status of each department. No action taken.
NOTICE TO PUBLIC
The City of Farmersville Civic Center and City Council Chambers comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Anyone needing special assistance please contact City Hall at (559) 747-0458 please allow at least six (6) hours prior to the meeting so that staff may make arrangements to accommodate you.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City’s offices during normal business hours.