Tina Hernandez, Mayor
Danny Valdovinos, Mayor Pro Tem
Gregorio Gomez, Council Member
Paul Boyer, Council Member
Armando Hinojosa, Council Member
Minutes
Farmersville City Council
Regular Meeting
Monday, August 26, 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: 844 7046 6179
Password: 439941
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. Invocation: Mayor Hernandez
4. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hernandez
5. Public Comment: None given
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:
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 Aug. 12, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of Aug. 8, 2024, Special Meeting Draft Action Minutes of Aug. 12, 2024
C. Finance Update for July 2024: Warrant Register and Investment Summary Recommend that the City Council
1. Approve the Warrant Register as presented for the period.
Period represents warrants issued for the current Fiscal Years 2023-24 and 2024-25.
2. Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period.
This reporting represents an investment summary for the previous month.
Documents: Warrant Register
Treasurer Report
D. Declaration of property as surplus and disposition of the surplus property (vehicles)
Recommend that the City Council to declare five Public Works Department vehicles as surplus and authorize staff to move forward With disposition of surplus property as listed.
E. Auto Aid Agreement with Tulare County Fire Department Recommend that the City Council approve the Automatic Aid Agreement Between the City of Farmersville and the Tulare County Fire Department.
Documents: Auto Aid Agreement.
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
8. General Business
A. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Recommend that the City Council adopt resolution 2024-050 Tulare County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Farmersville.
Documents: Resolution 2024-050
Hazard Mitigation Annex Plan
Assembly Bill 2140 Fact Sheet
Interim City Manager Mike Schulte presented the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Council, highlighting that the plan is a proactive measure designed to enhance the safety and resilience of the City of Farmersville. The plan aims to identify potential risks and implement strategies to mitigate these hazards.
Councilmember Gomez inquired whether there was any outreach efforts planned to inform and engage residents in the event of a disaster.
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
B. Downtown Farmersville Specific Plan
Recommend that the City Council receive the information contained regarding the Downtown Specific Plan and provide comments and direction to staff.
This item was tabled until the next council meeting September 9, 2024.
Motion to approve tabled until the next council meeting.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos
SECONDER Councilmember Gomez
AYES Hernandez, Valdovinos, Gomez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT 0
ABSTAIN 0
Councilmember Boyer expressed a desire to discuss the Downtown Specific Plan further before it is brought back to the Council on the September 9th meeting. He emphasized the need to explore more options beyond the proposed conversion of Farmersville Blvd. to a single lane.
Councilmember Gomez expressed that he would also like more options to the Downtown Specific Plan.
Public Comment
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, voiced her concerns about the proposal to convert Farmersville Blvd. to a single lane, stating her disagreement with the idea. She also expressed her desire to see the Downtown area enhanced with lighting and possibly music to create a more inviting atmosphere for residents walking in the area.
Ricardo Maldonado, a resident of Farmersville would like Farmersville Blvd. kept to two lanes and would like a survey sent out to residents.
Jorge Vasquez, a resident of Farmersville, requested that a traffic study be conducted.
He also raised concerns about how the proposed changes might impact first responders, questioning whether it would increase their response times to emergencies.
C. Emergency Ordinance 526
Recommend that the City Council adopt Urgency Ordinance 501 Prohibiting a convicted felon from holding elective office.
Documents: Ordinance 526.
Interim City Manager Mike Schulte reviewed with the Council the proposed Urgency Ordinance prohibiting felons from holding elective office.
Change Ordinance to read:
*Whereas, the City Council of the City of Farmersville wishes to codify that no person who has been convicted of a felony in this State or on felony probation, or through no contest or guilty pleas in the past ten (10) years.
*Any person shall be disqualified from being an elective officer of the City of Farmersville if that person has been convicted of a felony probation, or through no contest or guilty pleas in the past ten (10) years. Prior to running for elective office, a candidate is required to execute, under penalty, or on felony probation, or through no contest or guilty pleas in the past ten (10) years.
Due to a conflict-of-interest Councilmember Gomez and Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos were recused from this item.
Mayor Hernandez opened public comment at 6:31 pm and closed public comment at 6:32pm.
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, asked if probation would count as part of the 10 years before someone with a felony can apply for City Council.
Motion to approve with changes to paragraph in ordinance.
RESULT APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER Councilmember Boyer
SECONDER Councilmember Hinojosa
AYES Hernandez, Boyer, Hinojosa
ABSENT
RECUSED Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, Councilmember Gomez
D Approve Contract with Community Services Employee Training (CSET) for Senior Services.
Recommend that the City Council approve the contract with CSET for Senior Services.
Documents: Contract.
Interim City Manager Mike Schulte tabled this item to allow for further research on the contract.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa requested that addresses be displayed at the City Parks. He also asked about having "stop sign ahead" painted on the road and/or installing a rumble strip at the intersection of Farmersville Blvd. and Ash. Additionally, Mr. Hinojosa inquired about the date of the next Strategic Planning Meeting.
Councilmember Boyer asked whether the speed limit signs on Farmersville Blvd are correct in both directions leading to the roundabout. He also noted that the pruned trees look nice but mentioned that a few still need additional pruning. Additionally, Mr. Boyer pointed out that the gutter at the Boys and Girls Club is falling off. Mr. Boyer also requested that KDWCD do a presentation.
Councilmember Gomez asked if the speed limit sign near Glenn’s Mini Storage could be moved. He also thanked the Fire Department for allowing him to participate in a ridealong.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos inquired about the trees being trimmed on Farmersville Blvd.
Mayor Hernandez thanked everyone for their hard work. She also inquired about plans for a September 11th memorial. Additionally, Mayor Hernandez requested that the police department monitor speeding vehicles on Costner.
Acting City Manager Michael Schulte informed the Council that he had a meeting regarding the Fall Festival and will have a follow-up meeting on September 9th. He reminded the Council that Taco Tuesday is on August 27th. He also mentioned that he had a meeting with Smee Homes and Self Help, and that plans for a new medical clinic have been submitted to the Planning Department.
10. Staff Communications:
A. Staff Updates and Reports
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley informed the Council that he is currently catching up on work in the Finance Department and will be putting together a Budget Book. He also asked if any Councilmembers would like a copy of the Budget Book.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia informed the Council that she is currently working on the 2024 Road Improvement Project.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that he is currently working on improvements at Roy’s Park. He also mentioned that he is acquiring paint to ensure all the park bathrooms are the same color and to refresh the paint on the splash pad.
Battalion Chief Thomas informed the Council that the water tender is currently at the Coffee Pot Fire for 2 weeks with the possibility of an extension. Additionally, Code Enforcement will start Fire Inspections next month.
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 Public Works Director
Update City Ordinance related to Code Enforcement City Attorney Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA Acting City Manager Downtown Drinking Fountain Public Works Director
Red curb @ N. Matthew and W. Walnut City Engineer
Pre-Approved ADU Plans and ADU Flyer City Attorney
Self Help presents on Single-Family Low-Income Housing Acting City Manager Community Garden Acting City Manager
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 7:12pm.
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
City Attorney update status of outstanding litigation on WWTP, Perez, Palomino, Ortiz.
No action taken.
B. FPPC Violation- status/update.
Discussed status of matter with City Attorney. No action taken.
C. Out of Position Pay Steve Huntley and Jay Brock
City Manager / City Attorney explained requirements of "out of position" pay for Police Chief Jay Brock, Finance Director Steve Huntley, and Police Commander Troy Evrett.
Council considered various templates and options. Council voted to approve out of position pay to all three in the amounts recommended by City Manager, but also instruct City Attorney to review the policy so that it can be workable in the future. Motion by Councilmember Boyer. Second by Mayor Hernandez. Unanimous roll-call vote.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to open session at 8:07pm
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to meeting at 8:08pm.
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.