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 24, 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: 837 4044 2626
Password: 806938
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.
Jerry Luna, 501 N Ventura Ave, expressed his gratitude for the Police Department's rapid response to a call made by his wife during the recent power outage.
Jesus Soto, property owner at 2073 N. Farmersville Blvd, presented the council with draft plans to build indoor soccer fields on his property. He was informed that he must follow a specific process to proceed with his plans, and Attorney Michael Schulte will meet with him to discuss the necessary steps.
Teo (Dale) Contreras, a Farmersville resident and coach for the Farmersville Youth Soccer League, expressed his support for Mr. Soto’s plans for an indoor soccer field.
He believes it will provide a space for kids to participate in sports activities year-round and highlighted the importance of having an activity for children during the summer break.
Juan Rodriguez, a Farmersville resident and coach for the Farmersville Youth Soccer League, expressed his support for the indoor soccer field, believing it would create a safe space for kids to stay active, especially during hot summer days.
6. Presentations:
Tulare County Economic Development Corporation. Airica de Oliveira, Chief Executive Officer at Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, presented the year-end overview for fiscal year 2024 and the preliminary strategic workplan for fiscal year 2025. Key highlights included EDC's ongoing role as the primary entity for attracting industrial and commercial businesses to Tulare County, updates to their website and GIS system to feature specific building capacities, and significant improvements in their financial health.
Exeter Museum Dwight Miller, Board President of the Center for Art Culture & History Exeter, showcased the Exeter Museum. He is seeking partnership and financial support from the City of Farmersville to feature Farmersville's history in the CACHE historical exhibit and to digitize the Farmersville Herald Newspaper, preserving the town's historical records.
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 June 10, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of May 13, 2024
Draft Action Minutes of May 28, 2024
C. Finance Update for May 2024: Warrant Register and Investment Summary Recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve the Warrant Register as presented for the period. This report period represent warrants issued for the current Fiscal Year (2023/2024)
2. Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period. This reporting period represents an investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: Warrant Register
Treasurer Report
D. Memorandum of Understanding with POA
Recommend the approval of Resolution 2024-030 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the POA Documents: MOU
Resolution 2024-030
E. Escheatment Funds
Recommend the City Council Escheatment Funds be deposited into the General Fund.
Recommend the approval of Escheatment Funds be deposited into the general fund.
F. Update Salary Schedule
Recommend the City Council adopt the Amended Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 by Resolution 2024-031.
Documents: Resolution 2024-031
Salary Schedule
G. Sign Subordination Agreement and other necessary documents for PLHA Funds for Los Arroyos Phase II project
Recommend the City Council to direct the Acting Interim City Manager to sign necessary documents related to remaining Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program Funds in the amount of $176,858 lent to Self Help Enterprises making the City a junior lienholder.
Documents: Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement
Promissory Note
Deed of Trust
Loan Agreement
Regulatory Agreement
Resolution 2020-033
H. CSET Agreement for Senior Servies.
Recommend that the City Council approve the contract with CSET for Senior Services in the amount of $60,000
Documents: CSET Agreement.
I. RSTP Claim for Fiscal Year 2023/2024
Recommend the approval of resolution 2024-032 directing the Acting Interim City Manager to make a claim for Reginal Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) State Exchange and Federal Programming Distribution for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Documents: Resolution 2024-032
Agenda for TCAG
Claim guidelines
J. Fire Dispatch Agreement
Recommend the Acting Interim City Manager to approve the mutual aid and dispatch cooperative agreement with Tulare County.
Document: Agreement
K. 2024-2025 Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts Engineers Report Recommend that the City Council review and approve the Engineer’s Report prepared for the 2024-25 Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts and adopt resolution 2024-033.
Documents: Resolution 2024-033
Engineer Report
Item 7H was pulled by the City Attorney Michael Schulte for further clarification on budget issues. This item will be revisited once additional information is provided.
Motion to approve. Councilmember Boyer recused himself from items 7C and 7G.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN Councilmember Boyer recused himself from items 7C and 7G.
8. General Business
No general business items were discussed.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa informed the Council about articles he has read regarding the dumping of trash and dogs in town. Chief Brock explained that trash dumping is a misdemeanor, and charges can be filed if the individual is identified. Attorney Michael Schulte is working with animal control to address dog dumping and enhance city services. Mr. Hinojosa praised the new benches in town but expressed concerns about dust accumulation on them, suggesting they should be cleaned regularly. He also commended the downtown improvements but raised concerns about Public Works employees working in high temperatures during the afternoons. Chief Brock assured him that measures are in place to protect employees while ensuring work timelines are met. Additionally, Mr. Hinojosa recommended that city drone operators take aerial photographs of the city and expressed hope that drones could help monitor and manage illegal fireworks on the 4th of July. He also attended the community event at Sequoia Gateway Park.
Councilmember Boyer noted that residents are pleased with the new blinking stop light at Ash and Farmersville, stating it turned out well. He thanked the Police Department for the strategic plan and expressed his satisfaction with it. He raised concerns about cooling centers in town and asked if City Hall could serve as a cooling center for residents. Staff informed him that using City Hall as a cooling center would require staff members to be present, as the public cannot be in the building unattended. Attorney Michael Schulte and Councilmember Boyer will explore options for providing cooling centers and will bring this item to a future agenda. Lastly, Councilmember Boyer asked Battalion Chief Thomas if dry grass is a concern for the 4th of July holiday. Chief Thomas assured him that weed abatement has been completed and residents are in compliance.
Councilmember Gomez thanked Mr. Soto for his public comment and future plans. He commended the Police Department for their diligent work on the strategic plan. He also inquired about the cause of the recent flickering power outage, though staff indicated it wasn't caused by a surge in town.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos asked the Police and Fire departments about recent apprehensions involving illegal fireworks. Both departments have increased their staff to better contain illegal fireworks.
Mayor Hernandez expressed her appreciation for the improvements to Farmersville Blvd and emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hard work of the staff. She also attended the Farmersville Community Outreach event, where she spoke and was grateful for the pastors who prayed over her. The event was successful, with minimal trash left afterward. Finally, she thanked the staff for their dedication and expressed satisfaction with the current direction.
10. Staff Communications:
Attorney Michael Schulte will work with Rachel and Freddy Espinoza to review and develop a new application and process for the Event Permit, aimed at clearly distinguishing between functions held at parks and organized events. Additionally, Attorney Michael Schulte informed the Council that he has approved a claim against the City totaling $2,056.11 for additional damages resulting from an officer-involved vehicle accident. All other matters will be discussed during the closed session.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley informed the Council that he has collaborated with Abby Ackers to launch the recruitment process for the full-time City Manager position, which has been advertised on all social media platforms.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia is making progress on the 198 signage and the north basin block wall approved through Caltrans. Councilmember Boyer asked about our progress with State grant deadlines. Mr. Huntley informed the Council that while formal approval from Caltrans is pending, all agreements are in place, and we are moving forward expeditiously. Councilmember Gomez inquired about updates on Noble Ave Road conditions. Ms. Mejia confirmed ongoing communication with the contractor and assured that repaving and pothole repairs are on schedule.
Battalion Chief Thomas reported that the water tender was deployed for six days at the PostFire in Gorman. He informed the Council that the Fire Department has been very busy, responding to 80 more calls compared to last year. The Code Department is also performing well, successfully closing cases. Finally, Chief Thomas mentioned that ground has been broken at the new Fire Station site.
Chief Brock mentioned that he is collaborating with Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley on the strategic plan for the Public Works Department, which will be handed off to the new Public Works Director and future City Manager.
Mayor Hernandez commended the strategic plan for the Police Department, and Chief Brock expressed gratitude to City Clerk Rochelle Giovani for her assistance in compiling the booklet.
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
Center for Art Culture & History Exeter City Manager
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 7:41pm for closed session.
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – POTENTIAL LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2): 3 cases
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
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
Contracts: Department Heads.
Closed Session Report (if any)
Item 12A - Conf w/ Legal Council - Consideration of Steve Bates' Claim. Claim presented by City Attorney and discussed by Council. Motion by Councilmember Gomez (Second by Mayor Hernandez) to reject the claim and instruct City Attorney to prepare rejection letter. Unanimous roll call vote in favor of motion rejecting claim. 12B - Public Employment - Consideration of Jeff Dowlen settlement release.
Agreement presented and recommended by City Attorney. Motion to accept by Councilmember Valdovinos (Second by Councilmember Gomez). Unanimous roll call vote in favor of motion accepting agreement.
12C - Public Employment - City Attorney. Motion by Mayor Hernandez (second by Councilmember Valdovinos) to authorize Michael Schulte as the City Attorney starting July 1, 2024. Unanimous roll call vote in favor of motion authorizing Attorney Schulte. 12D - Conf. w/ Labor Negotiators - Consideration of Dept. Head Contracts - Motion by Mayor Hernandez (second by Valdovinos) to authorize contract terms for department heads. Unanimous approval of motion by role call vote.
Mayor Hernandez reconvened and adorned the meeting at 8:44 pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Betina Ashoori, Deputy City Clerk
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities