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, June 10, 2024 6:00 PM
(Closed Session at 6:00 PM and Public
Session starts at 6:30PM)
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: 820 8376 1696
Password: 526802
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
Adjourned to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez closed the meeting to closed session at 6:00 pm.
1. Public Employee
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: Interim City Manager
Matter became moot prior to the meeting. Discussed mottness with the Council.
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 6:36 pm.
Closed Session Report (if any)
City Attorney Michael Schulte informed the Council that Daniel Padilla had withdrawn From consideration as Interim City Manager. Discussion about Mr. Padilla withdrawal took place. No action was taken.
3. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hernandez
5. Public Comment:
David Lemke a resident of Farmersville has concerns regarding Code Enforcement and weed abatement.
Steven Bates, a resident of Farmersville has concerns regarding his complaint that he filed regarding loss wages during a unlawful arrest.
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 with 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: none given.
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 May 13, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of May 13, 2024
Draft Action Minutes of May 28, 2024
C. Finance Update for April 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 an investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: April 2024 Warrant Register
Investment Summary April 2024.
D. Adopt Resolution 2024-019 approving the City of Farmersville Conflict of Interest Code-Biennial Notice
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution xxx approving the Conflict-of-Interest Code which incorporates the Fair Political Practices Commission’s Standard Mode Code.
Documents: Resolution 2024-019
E. Caltrans Maintenance Agreement
Recommend that the City Council approve the Landscape Maintenance Agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
Documents: Maintenance Agreement
F. Memorandum of Understanding with Miscellaneous Employee Association.
Recommend the approval of Resolution 2024-027 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Miscellaneous Employee Association.
Documents: MOU
Resolution 2024-027
G. Emergency Dispatch Agreement
Recommend the City Manager to sign the emergency Dispatch and Communication Services Agreement between the County of Tulare and the City of Farmersville.
Documents: Emergency Dispatch Agreement.
H. Authorization Resolution Acting Interim City Manager Steve Huntley and Jay Brock.
Recommend approval from the City Council to authorize the Acting Interim City Manager’s Steve Huntley and Chief Jay Brock to make necessary decisions and take actions on behalf of the City of Farmersville.
Documents: Resolution: 2024-028
Motion to approve as presented. Councilmember Boyer recused himself from Self Help Warrants.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Councilmember Boyer recused himself from Self Help Warrants
8. General Business
A. Public Hearing: Adoption of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 by Resolution 2024-022.
Recommend that the City Council adopt the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 by Resolution 2024-022.
Documents: Resolution 2024-022
Director of Finance and Administration, Steve Huntley, reminded the Council that the Capital Budget, General Fund Budget, and Utilities Budget had all been presented at previous Council meetings. A comprehensive draft budget was presented at the May 13th Council meeting. Mr. Huntley is now presenting the final budget report for adoption.
Mayor Hernandez opened a public hearing at 6:53pm and closed it at 6:53pm.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Councilmember Boyer
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
B. Public Hearing: Consider Adopting by Resolution 2024-023 Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2024-2025 through FY 2028-2029.
Recommend that the City Council adopt the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan by Resolution 2024-023.
Documents: Resolution 2024—023
Director of Finance and Administration, Steve Huntley, reviewed with the Council that staff have compiled a total of 34 capital improvement projects to be pursued over the next five years. Mr. Huntley also reminded the Council that the CIP does not commit the City to these projects; however, it does show estimated costs and the proposed timeline for improvements.
Mayor Hernandez opened a public hearing at 6:56pm and closed it at 6:56pm.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
C. Public Hearing: Consider Resolution 2024-024 approving the 2024- 2025 Appropriations Limit.
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2024-024 establishing Fiscal Year 2024-25 Appropriations Limit.
Documents: Resolution 2024-24
Director of Finance and Administration, Steve Huntley, informed the Council that, pursuant to Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California and SB1352, the City of Farmersville is required to establish its Appropriations Limit annually. The Appropriations Limit is calculated based on information provided by the State of California Department of Finance.
Mayor Hernandez opened a public hearing at 7:00pm and closed it at 7:00pm.
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
D. Adoption of the Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 by Resolution 2024-025.
Recommend that the City Council adopt the Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 by Resolution 2024-25.
Documents: Resolution 2024-25
Director of Finance and Administration, Steve Huntley, reviewed with the Council that the adoption of the City’s Master Salary Table is in accordance with Section 36506 of the Government Code of the State of California. Mr. Huntley informed the Council that the Tier 1 and Tier 2 salary schedules for Fiscal Year 2024-25 are attached for their review.
Councilmember Gomez raised questions about the City Manager's salary range, expressing concern that without a defined range, future candidates might assume their salary would be fixed as stated in the current schedule. Mr. Gomez suggested implementing a sliding pay scale for the City Manager position.
Councilmember Boyer proposed leaving the salary schedule for the City Manager position blank until the position is filled. The Council directed staff to remove the City Manager salary schedule upon approval of Resolution 2024-025 until the vacancy has been filled.
Motion to approve with correction to the City Manager salary schedule.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
E. Elections:
Actions Pertaining to the General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, including:
1) Resolution 2024-014 Requesting and Consenting to consolidation of elections and setting specifications of the election order. 2) Resolution 2024-015 Requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors Permit the County Registrar of Voters to Render Specified Services to the City.
Recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution 2024-14 and 2024- 015.
Documents: Resolution 2024-014
Resolution 2024-015
City Attorney Michael Schulte informed the Council about the upcoming elections and requested that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors permit the County Registrar of Voters to handle the elections for the City of Farmersville. Mr. Schulte also advised the Council that, due to past issues with the Tulare County Registrar, verbiage has been added to Resolutions 2024-014 and 2024-015. This new language specifies that the Farmersville City Clerk shall be the individual authorized to determine whether candidates meet the residency requirements.
Councilmember Gomez would like to add “in the City of Farmersville” to resolution 2024-014 item #8.
The Council directed staff to make changes to the request that Councilmember Gomez suggested.
Motion to approve with the new language added to resolution 2024-014.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
F. 2024/2025 Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts Recommend that the Council adopt resolution 2024-029 directing the City Engineer to prepare the engineer’s Report for Farmersville’s Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts.
Documents: Resolution 2024-029
City Engineer Lisa Wallis-Dutra reviewed the Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts with the Council, noting that the City currently has 13 such districts. These districts were formed as part of the approval process for maintaining the landscaping in each subdivision. She also informed the Council that a public hearing and the adoption of a resolution levying the assessments for each district will take place at the July 22, 2024, Council meeting.
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
G. Adopting a list of projects funded by SB 1
Recommend that the Council adopt resolution 2024-030 listing projects funded by SB 1. Road Repair and Accountability Act Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account.
Documents: Resolution 2024-030
City Engineer Lisa Wallis-Dutra reviewed Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, with the Council. She informed them that it is an annual requirement to adopt a resolution listing in-progress, planned, and potential projects for SB 1 funds.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Councilmember Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
H. Approve updated fee schedule for 4Creeks.
Recommend that the Council consider and approve the attached revised Fee Schedule with 4Creeks (City Engineer).
Documents: Original Contract for Service
New Fee Schedule Effective May 20, 2024.
New Fee Schedule (Prevailing Wages) Effective
May 24, 2024
City Attorney Michael Schulte reviewed the revised Fee Schedule with City Engineer 4Creeks with the Council, stating that there was an increase. Mr. Schulte also confirmed that staff confirmed that the prevailing wage rates are accurate and that the general engineering rates are reasonable for the area.
Councilmember Boyer wanted to confirm that staff had contacted other engineering firms to ensure comparable rates. Chris Crawford from 4Creeks informed the Council that their fee schedule is comparable to that of other engineering firms.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
I. Task Order Proposal for 4Creeks- City of Farmersville Municipal Code.
Recommend that the City Council authorize the Acting Interim City Manager to sign the Task Order in the amount of $55,000 with 4Creeks to prepare updates to the City of Farmersville Municipal Code.
Documents: Task Order and Proposal
City Attorney Michael Schulte informed the Council that there are several conflicts between the City’s Municipal Code and the City’s Improvement Standards and Engineering Standard Specifications. He also mentioned that with all the housing and commercial development currently moving forward, there are likely to be issues regarding construction. Mr. Schulte is recommending that the Council approve a task order for 4Creeks to prepare updates to the City of Farmersville Municipal Code.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
J. Task Order Proposal for 4Creeks- City of Farmersville Engineering Standard Specifications.
Recommend that the City Council authorize the Acting Interim City Manager to sign the Task Order in the amount of $35,000 with 4Creeks to prepare the City’s Engineering Standard Specifications.
Documents: Task Order and Proposal
City Attorney Michael Schulte informed the Council that there are several conflicts between the City’s Municipal Code and the City’s Improvement Standards and Engineering Standard Specifications. He also mentioned that with all the housing and commercial development currently moving forward, there are likely to be issues regarding construction. Mr. Schulte is recommending that the Council approve a task order for 4Creeks to prepare updates to the City of Farmersville Municipal Code.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa inquired about the hours for the bathrooms at Freedom Field.
He also expressed concerns about issues with the Splash Pad, specifically regarding the water turning on. Chief Brock informed the Council that the equipment at the Splash Pad is old, and the City is purchasing new equipment to have on hand as a backup. Mr.
Hinojosa also informed staff that a tree by Anna Maria was blocking the stop sign, and another tree behind the Post Office needed watering. Mayor Hernandez informed the Council that she had the materials to fix the water lines for the tree behind the Post Office and that she would take care of it.
Councilmember Boyer advised the Council that the next TCAG meeting is June 17th at 1:00pm. He also thanked the Mayor and her sister for all of their work at Veterans Park.
Councilmember Gomez expressed concerns about Race Communications working on roads in Sierra Woods and using orange cones to reduce traffic to one lane.
Additionally, he complimented all the work done at Liberty Park after driving by it. Mr.
Gomez also informed the Council that he recently attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at La Pravida.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos inquired about the Animal Control contract, noting that he had seen a pack of dogs near Oakview. He also thanked Public Works for their hard work. He also informed the Council that he would be hosting the annual Back to School event, which involves giving backpacks to those in need, and asked for donations.
Mayor Hernandez thanked Public Works for all of their hard work, stating that the City looks beautiful and clean.
10. Staff Communications:
Attorney Michael Schulte informed the Council that he is scheduled to meet with the City of Visalia regarding the Animal Contract.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley thanked the Council for their continued patience as he worked to finish the budget book. He also informed the Council that the past three Friday reports had been printed, and a copy had been placed at the dais. Additionally, he let the Council know that an RFP would be going out for our City Engineer.
Battalion Chief Thomas informed the Council that the Fire Department has been very busy, noting that the new water tender is receiving two calls per week. Councilmember Gomez inquired about whether Code Enforcement is actively driving around to look for code violations and if complaints can be submitted online.
Chief Brock informed the Council that the Strategic Plan for the Police Department is almost complete.
11. 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 Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA City Attorney Downtown Drinking Fountain Acting PW Director
Red curb @ N. Matthew and W. Walnut City Engineer
Pre-Approved ADU Plans and ADU Flyer City Attorney
Invite Self Help to present RE: Single-Family LowIncome Housing Community Garden City Attorney
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 7:44pm for closed session.
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
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, Tequia Velyines, and Michael Schulte
Groups: Police Officers Association
Department Heads.
Mayor Hernandez reconvened and adorned the meeting at 8:45 pm.
13. Closed Session Report (if any)
A - Conf. w/ legal counsel. The Council was advised of the status of the WWTP litigation and the Ortiz litigation.
B. Public Employees
(City Manager - discuss status).
(Public Works Director - legal counsel presented a proposed settlement with prior public works director to Council. The Council voted to approve moving forward with a settlement/severance package to former Public Works Director. Motion by Councilmember Boyer. Second by Councilmember Gomez. Vote unanimous.
C. Public Employment (City Attorney) - No discussion nor action on this item.
D. Conf w/ Labor negotiators.
Discussion/update/status w/ agency representatives. Discussion about the status of each group. No action taken.
8:45P - Adjourn closed session. Reconvene open session. Announce decision re Item 12B above.
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.