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 28, 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: 822 0510 1727
Password: 372963
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.
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.
Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of October 14, 2024 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of October 14, 2024
Finance Update for September 2024: Warrant Register and Investment Summary
Recommend that the City Council
Approve the Warrant Register as presented for the period.
Accept the Investment Summary as presented for the period.
Documents: Warrant Register
Treasurer Report
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, and unanimously approved of items 7A and 7B.
Consent Item 7C was moved by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, and abstained by Councilmember Boyer, and was approved 4-0 vote.
8. General Business
A. Public Hearing: Development Impact Fees Report for FY 2023-24 Recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on the attached Annual and Five-Year Reports for Impact Fees (DIF) related to GC 66006 (b)(2).
Documents: Annual and Five-Year Reports
Appendix A- Development Fee Account Summary
Appendix B- Summary Incomplete Projects
Appendix C- Adopted summary of Development Impact Fees
Resolution 2024-052
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 6:18 pm and closed it at 6:18 pm.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
B. Contract with Community Services Employment Training (CSET) for Senior Services. Recommend that the City Council approve a two-year extension.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos, and unanimously approved.
2025 Street Projects Discussion item. Finalization of 2025 street improvements.
Documents: Attachment B (map of area)
Council Action: No action was taken. Item 8C was for review only Downtown Farmersville Specific Plan Recommend that the City Council receive the information contained regarding the status of the Downtown Specific Plan and provide comments and directions to staff.
Public comment opened at 6:56 p.m.
Alice Lopez, of 442 N. Matthew, expressed concern about traffic backing up on Farmersville Blvd, extending down Front Street. She noted that when a train stops in the middle of town, there is no way to cross to the other side.
Public comment closed at 6:59 p.m.
Council Action: No action was taken. Item 8D was for review only
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa inquired about the recent shooting in Cameron Creek and the involvement of the Farmersville Police Department. Chief Brock confirmed that FPD provided assistance to the Sheriff’s Department in managing the incident. Councilmember Hinojosa also expressed concerns regarding the untidy landscape at Sequoia Gateway Park, noting that children playing on the playground often kick rocks and bark around, contributing to the park's messy appearance. Public Works Director Steven Thompson assured the Council that weekend on-call staff make efforts to maintain the park, with additional clean-up operations conducted by the department on Mondays to address residual weekend debris.
Councilmember Boyer inquired whether the City has filed a claim regarding the car accident on Ash Street and North Oakview, which damaged the railing and telephone pole. Staff will coordinate to obtain the police report and file a claim with the insurance company. Councilmember Boyer also thanked the Public Works team for their quick response in addressing graffiti abatement. Finally, Councilmember Boyer expressed concern about the arborist’s report on the oak tree at Veterans Park, emphasizing the importance of preserving it. Public Works Director Steven Thompson confirmed that once the tree is topped, the oak tree is expected to live another 150 years.
Councilmember Gomez attended the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) meeting on October 21, 2024. He expressed a desire to have City Staff meet with Derek Winning to clarify Farmersville’s role on the board and its purpose in joining the JPA. City Manager Michael Schulte shared that he had reached out to Derek regarding two specific issues: transit and the transit center. Derek has agreed to help the City explore incorporating Visalia Transit and micro transit vehicles at the Farmersville transit center. Ultimately, Derek aims to integrate TCRTA’s services with Farmersville’s needs. Michael will invite Derek to present to the Council on TCRTA’s initiatives and ways to include Farmersville in their services. Councilmember Gomez also attended the annual Cal Cities conference, where he gained valuable insights and connected with numerous attendees. One topic of particular interest was the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, which allocates property tax revenue from designated project areas directly to the City. Councilmember Gomez enjoyed the planning tour with the City Planner and viewed it as an opportunity for the Council to gather ideas for future downtown improvements. Additionally, Councilmember Gomez proposed that the Council consider expanding the N Rose Ave crossing at Citrus to create an entrance to the sports park, potentially adding a sidewalk for improved access. He also met with Tulare Councilmembers who voiced concerns about overcrowding at their animal center due to a no-kill policy. Lastly, Councilmember Gomez expressed gratitude to the emergency aid team who recently assisted his family during an emergency at his home.
Mayor Pro Tem Valdovinos served as a judge at the chili cook-off at Free Will Baptist Church and shared that it was a wonderful event, and he had a great time.
Mayor Hernandez thanked the staff for organizing the Planning Tour, noting that it provided the Council with a fresh perspective on potential additions to the downtown plan. She emphasized the importance of encouraging pedestrian activity in the downtown area to support local businesses. Mayor Hernandez also pointed to downtown Clovis as a valuable example, where each store has its own unique identity. Additionally, Mayor Hernandez inquired about potential future ballot measures to support overall City improvements.
10. Staff Communications:
A. Staff Updates and Reports
City Manager Michael Schulte attended a tourism summit where a representative from Sequoia National Park stated that their top issue is employee retention, primarily due to a lack of employee housing. An opportunity for Farmersville could be to establish the first visitor center outside of the park through collaboration with Sequoia National Park. City Manager Schulte also noted that the City is still managing animal control in-house. He and Public Works Director Steven Thompson plan to visit the VOSPCA to observe how they operate their animal shelter. The goal is to develop a facility that alleviates overcrowding from surrounding areas and includes a clinic for spaying and neutering. Ultimately, the City hopes to partner with local schools to initiate a pathway program. The next steps will involve engaging stakeholders to present a comprehensive business plan for the animal shelter. City Manager Schulte will be working remotely from November 11 to November 24, except for the Council meeting on November 18.
Director of Finance and Administration Steve Huntley stated that as members of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority, the City will receive $1,000.00 to repair sidewalks. Additionally, City auditors will be at City Hall from October 29 to October 31, 2024. As part of the audit, they have sent out fraud questionnaires that need to be completed by the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia will collaborate with staff on the pavement management plan to identify future projects.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson reported two water line breaks behind Sam’s Food Supermarket, and Public Works staff responded promptly to address the issue. He is also working on providing the department with work orders to track maintenance efforts. Currently, concrete is being poured at Roy Park to connect the rest of the walkway to the 8-foot sidewalks, which will complete all concrete work. The only remaining task will be to fix a 12-inch gap that was used to run new curbing, which will be addressed once the asphalt is prepared. Additionally, all parks will receive new signs featuring the City new logo.
Chief Brock reported that a new officer started on October 15th, while another officer is set to leave on November 5th. He attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference and noted that there were many excellent presenters. The main takeaway for him will be focusing on school and community safety using strategies from past tragedies. He also emphasized the importance of communication and transparency in engaging with the public.
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
11/18/2024
Community Garden
City Manager
TBD
Strategic Planning
City Manager
Jan. 2025
Council Handbook Update
City Manager
Nov. 2024
Reassess DIF Fees
City Manager
Assessment of Tax Measures
City Manager
Townhall meeting; Homelessness
City Manager
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 8:02pm. Mayor Hernandez reopened the meeting at 8:02pm with nothing to report.
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)
Sabrina Perez appeal
WWTP
Abatement
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:02pm.