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, October 14, 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: 893 5215 1626
Password: 809506
1. Call to Order: 6:00 pm
2. Roll Call:
Title Status Arrived
Mayor Hernandez Present 6:00pm
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos Present 6:00pm
Council Member Gomez Present 6:00pm
Council Member Boyer Present 6:00pm
Council Member Hinojosa Present 6:00pm
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: 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 Sept 9, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of September 23, 2024
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, and unanimously approved.
8. General Business
A. Crosswalks- Public Discussion
This is a Request for Public Comment and Informational Discussion regarding crosswalks in Farmersville.
Council Action: No action was taken. Item 8A was for review only Discussion took place
Public Comment:
FUSD Superintendent Manuel Mendez expressed his views on the importance of crosswalks near schools throughout the City. He would also like to implement students to create and share educational videos on social media to raise awareness.
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, recommended installing direct lighting above crosswalks to improve visibility for drivers and enhance pedestrian safety.
She also emphasizes the need for educating residents about crosswalk safety.
Dennis Smith, a resident of Farmersville, recommended that more lighting be installed on Farmersville to help pedestrians using the crosswalks.
B. Public Hearing to Discuss Submittal for 2024 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Application.
Recommend that the City Council approve the submittal of a 2024 Community Development Block Grant Application, to be signed by City Manager after review.
Documents: Additional Grantee Requirements
Council Action: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, and unanimously approved.
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 7:27pm and closed it at 7:36pm.
Thomas Morgan, the manager of the Farmersville Library, has requested the installation of an ADA-compliant front door, bike racks, and the conversion of a storage room into an office.
Galan Quenzer, director of the Boys & Girls Club, requested a new flooring in the gym.
Manuel Mendoz requested that the elevator at the Boys & Girls Club be repaired.
C. Animal Control Public Discussion
Animal Control Discussion and Direction Item. Staff request Council authorization to assess options.
Council Action: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, and unanimously approved.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa requested that Public Works assess the bridge at Ash/Oakview to determine if it meets ADA compliance for wheelchair access. He also suggested implementing a policy limiting yard sales to Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, he requested an update on the status of Roy's Park.
Councilmember Boyer enjoyed the Fall Festival and thought it was a great event.
Councilmember Gomez attended a TCRTA meeting and participated in a Meet & Greet with Congressman Costa. He also inquired about an email he sent regarding water service across the City. Public Works Director Steven Thompson provided the Council with updates on all wells and generators. Mr. Gomez expressed concerns about road maintenance throughout the City. City Manager Michael Schulte informed the Council that he is currently developing a road maintenance program.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos thanked staff for participating in the Fall Festival, stating that it was a great turnout. He also informed the Council that his Annual Toy Drive for Christmas is coming up and that he will be working with the school district and Toys for Tots.
Mayor Hernandez attended Cruise Night and the Fall Festival saying it was a great turnout.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Michael Schulte informed the Council about a recent meeting with Ted Smalley from TCAG, during which he presented a list of projects he hoped to pursue. These projects included the Downtown Specific Plan Part II, a pilot project with Farmersville Florist, a circulation study, and a canal/walkway study.
Schulte also mentioned that he attended the Fall Festival with his family and had an enjoyable time.
Finance Director Steve Huntley shared a link with the Council regarding California Policy Center.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that his department is currently repainting the splash pad and redoing the signs at Veterans Park. Next week, Liberty Park will be reseeded. Ongoing tasks include fixing street signs, and they recently ordered new paint to match the City's bathrooms for graffiti removal.
Councilmember Gomez asked about tree replacements at Liberty Park, to which Thompson responded that the department is trimming the trees and will evaluate the replacement of dying trees. Councilmember Boyer raised a question about the sprinklers at Veterans Park. In response, City Manager Michael Schulte explained that Public Works will be looping the current sprinkler system, and the City has decided not to purchase a booster pump at this time.
Battalion Chief Thomas informed the Council that the plumbing work at the new Fire Station is nearly finished, and concrete is expected to be poured in the coming weeks. He also reported that the Fire Department has responded to three recent fires—a structure fire, an alley fire, and a brush fire—putting them 15% ahead of last year's call volume. Additionally, the City's new Type 6 Fire Truck is expected to be delivered by next month.
A. Staff Updates and Reports
1. Review Public Works written report.
11. Future Agenda Items:
Description Responsible Party Agenda Date
Amend Ordinance- Temporary Outdoor Use Permit & Code City Manager Oct. 2024 Water Capacity Public Works Director
Transit Services with Visalia Transit and TCRTA City Manager TBD Downtown Drinking Fountain Public Works Director
Pre-Approved ADU Plans and ADU Flyer City Manager TBD
Self Help presents on Programs City Manager TBD
Community Garden City Manager TBD
Strategic Planning City Manager Jan. 2025
Council Handbook Update City Manager Oct. 2024
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 8:39pm.
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – SETTLEMENT LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1): Authorize to negotiate Brianna Garcia
Staff presentation of the status of the Brianna Garcia litigation/settlement. No action by Council.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)
Sabrina Perez appeal
WWTP
Abatement
Update/discussion by City Attorney of the following on-going litigation matters: (1) Perez Appeal; (2) WWTP; (3) Abatement matter; and (4) Employee Matter. No action taken.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to open session at 9:00pm
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:00pm.
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.