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, July 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: 876 1725 9778
Password: 261649
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 Absent
Council Member Hinojosa Present 6:00 pm
3. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hernandez
5. Public Comment:
David Lemeke, a resident of Farmersville, expressed concerns to the Council about cameras in the city not recording and the unavailability of drone footage from the 4th of July. He also reported loose rocks on Farmersville Blvd.
Dennis Anderson, a resident of Farmersville, inquired about the roadwork scheduled for completion on Front Street. City Attorney Mike Schulte informed him that the City is currently working with the City Engineer and noted that the project will cover a larger area than initially projected.
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:
Introduction and Swearing in for new Public Works Director-Steven Thompson.
Police Chief Jay Brock introduced the new Public Works Director, Steven Thompson, and gave a brief background. Steven Thompson introduced himself, stating he is excited about working for the City of Farmersville. City Clerk Rochelle Giovani sworn him in with the Oath of Office.
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 24, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of June 24, 2024
C. Finance Update for June 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 (2024/2025).
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. Self Help Revised Contract for Loan Portfolio Management Services Recommend that the City Council approve and direct the Acting Interim City Manager to execute the agreement with Self Help Enterprise Housing Program and Loan Portfolio Management.
Documents: Agreement
E. Department Head Employment Contracts
Recommend that the City Council execute the addendums to the employment agreements for Dept. Heads.
1. Director of Finance and Administration
2. Chief of Police
Documents: Addendums
Resolution 2024-048
F. CSET Contract for Senior Services
Recommend that the City Council approve the contract with CSET for Senior Services in the amount of $60,000.
Documents: Agreement
City Attorney Mike Schulte pulled item F- CSET Contract for Senior Services, for clarification of dollar amount.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN none
8. General Business
A. Contract for Public Works Director
Recommend that the City Council authorize the Acting Interim City Managers to hire the Public Works Director.
Documents: Contract
Resolution 2024-049
City Attorney Mike Schulte informed the Council that the Public Works Director contract had been included in the agenda for their review. He also confirmed with Steven Thompson that he had read and agreed to the contract. Mr. Thompson confirmed that he had reviewed the contract and agreed with its terms.
Councilmember Gomez asked about the procedure for handling issues that arise after hours when Public Works needs to be contacted. Chief Brock advised the Council to call the police department in such situations. The police would assess the situation and then contact Public Works.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN none
B. Farmersville Boulevard Speed Limit
Recommend that the City Council review the updated information regarding the attached Farmersville Boulevard engineering and traffic survey memorandum, dated Jan. 4, 2023, and accept the 45-mph recommended speed zone for N.
Farmersville Blvd. between Walnut Ave. and Noble Ave.
Documents: Engineering Traffic Survey.
City Engineer Lisa Wallis-Durtra gave a presentation on the speed limit change to 45 mph between Walnut Ave. and Noble Ave. She reminded the Council that the City had requested an engineering and traffic survey to determine the appropriate speed zone for this corridor, completed by QK in January 2023. In March 2024, 4Creeks was asked to review the necessary changes to update the speed limit as previously approved by the Council. Ms. Wallis-Durtra answered questions from the Council.
Councilmember Gomez expressed concerns about using a speed study completed in November 2022 and inquired about the scientific basis of the study. Ms. Wallis-Durtra explained that traffic studies are valid for five years, and after reviewing the study, 4Creeks confirmed its continued relevance. She also advised the Council that traffic studies are conducted during periods of free traffic flow and not in front of schools.
Additionally, she mentioned that various factors are taken into consideration during these studies.
Public Comment- Mr. Lemeke, a resident of Farmersville does not agree with the speed change.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Hinojosa
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN None
C. Public Hearing:
Levy Assessments for Landscape and Lighting Assessment
Districts for 2024/2024.
Recommend that the City Council conduct the Public Hearing and adopts Resolutions 2024-035- 2024-047 that accept the engineer’s report and levy the Assessments for Farmersville’s Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts.
Documents: Resolutions 2024-035-047
City Engineer Lisa Wallis-Dutra reviewed the current 13 landscape and lighting districts with the Council, reminding them that the City maintains the turf, shrubs, trees, irrigation systems, lighting in some districts, and walls in some districts. She mentioned that there are several steps to this process, including the Engineer's Report, advertising in the newspaper for a public hearing, and adopting resolutions.
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 6:30pm and closed it at 6:30pm. no comment was given.
Motion to approve as presented.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Gomez
SECONDER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Hinojosa
ABSENT Boyer
ABSTAIN none
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa had concerns regarding a power outage in the City. He also inquired about how many public work employees have been hired in the past couple of months. Chief Brock informed the Council that five people have been hired or promoted.
Councilmember Gomez informed the Council that he attended a TCRTA meeting. He also inquired if information about TCRTA could be posted on social media and the City webpage, including flyers mailed out with utility bills, so that residents would be informed. Mr. Gomez was concerned about the electricity going out, affecting his water pressure. Additionally, he mentioned a Taco Truck set up across the street from the High School and asked about zoning and permits.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos informed the Council that he recently saw Animal Control in town. He also mentioned that he is still collecting back to school items until August 2nd.
Mayor Hernandez inquired about the Road Diet and requested another Survey Monkey survey be given to residents, asking basic questions about the number of traffic lanes they would like to see on Farmersville Blvd. City Attorney Mike Schulte informed the Council that the report is almost complete and will be on the agenda at the end of August. Mayor Hernandez also expressed concerns regarding the canal at Freedom Field. City Attorney Schulte advised that a meeting took place today about the canal, and the Public Works Director is already working on a solution. Additionally, Mayor Hernandez thanked Commander Evrett for his hard work in bringing Public Works up to standard.
10. Staff Communications:
A. Staff Updates and Reports
City Attorney Mike Schulte informed the Council that the search for a new City Manager is still underway, with 7 qualified applicants currently in the running. He also mentioned that Human Resources will be forming a search committee to review the City Manager applications. Mr. Schulte noted that he recently met with the Public Works Director to discuss the next steps for Roy’s Park. Additionally, he shared that he met with Freddy Espinoza and his mother to get input on the Park Reservation system, and he will be working with staff to update the application and reservation process. Mr. Schulte also announced plans to implement a Pre-Development Process/Application in collaboration with the City Planner and Planning Coordinator.
Battalion Chief Thomas informed the Council that the Water Tender and Type 6 have been on several assignments making the City $74,000 so far this fire season. Chief Thomas also noted that there have been a lot of heat related calls. Chief Thomas also mentioned that he had a recent meeting with Code Enforcement to get a list of codes that need to be updated.
Mayor Hernandez inquired about a cooling center or the possibility of a service helping residents with air conditioning units. City Attorney Mike Schulte advised the Council that he is currently talking to Boys and Girls Club, CSET and the Library to assist in accommodating their facilities as a cooling center.
Chief Brock let the Council know that National Night Out is going to be Aug 6th from 6- 8:30.
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 to closed session at 7:16pm.
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): 5 cases
Mayor Hernandez adjourned closed session at 8:40 pm with nothing to report.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm.
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.