Tina Hernandez, Mayor
Araceli Ochoa, Mayor Pro Tem
Gregorio Gomez, Council Member
Paul Boyer, Council Member
Armando Hinojosa, Council Member
Minutes
Farmersville City Council
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2025 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: 873 7491 7952
Password: 483096
1. Call to Order: 6:00
2. Roll Call:
Title
Status
Arrived
Mayor Hernandez
Present
6:00pm
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
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. Acceptance/Edits to Current Agenda
6. Public Comment:
Ricardo Maldanado introduced a young man that played soccer with the Farmersville Soccer League for 6 years, he informed us that the student will be playing soccer on a European Team.
David Lemeke has concerns regarding his public records request and not being able to open an attached link that was sent to him.
Brian Thoburn with Southern California Edison thanked the City for their partnership and said that he is looking forward to the street light project.
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.
7. Presentations:
Promotion of Fire Chief Thomas- Police Chief Jay Brock gave a brief presentation of Chief Thomas' achievements and experiences, highlighting his years of dedicated service, leadership in community policing, and numerous commendations for his contributions to public safety.
Presentation of Sgt. Joshua Lujan moved to the next Council meeting February 24, 2025
8. 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 January 27, 2025 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of January 13, 2025
Fire Hazmat Agreement
Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the Tulare-Kings County Regional Hazardous Material Team.
Documents: Memorandum of Understanding.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, carried to approve the item as presented with a 5-0 vote.
9. A. City Engineer RFP
Recommend that the City Council authorize staff to sign a contract With 4Creeks to serve as City Engineer.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Hinojosa, carried to approve the item as presented with a 5-0 vote.
B. Council Handbook/Vehicle Policy- Discussion Item
Recommend that the City Council initiate a review of the Council Handbook.
Item was pulled for closed session.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, carried to approve the item as presented with a 5-0 vote.
Undeveloped NW corner of Sports Park – Discussion Item
Discussion took place, some of the ideas for the sports park are:
Temporary Parking
ADA park- like Miracle League in Visalia
Volleyball
Pickle Ball
Farmers Market
Basketball Courts
Dog Park
Little League/Softball Field
Skate Park
restrooms
Residents would also like to see electricity at the park and a sign to notice the public if anything is temporary.
ICSC Conference- Planning Karl Schoettler and Tom Navarro – Discussion Item.
City Planner Tom Navarro explained that the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is a global trade organization dedicated to the retail and real estate industries. He noted that ICSC provides networking opportunities, professional development, and industry insights for members, including shopping center owners, developers, retailers, and service providers. The organization also advocates for policies supporting retail growth, fosters innovation in the industry, and hosts conferences and events to connect professionals. Through research, education, and collaboration, ICSC plays a vital role in shaping the future of retail and commercial real estate worldwide.
Public Comment
A resident of Farmersville expressed interest in small grants for businesses to renovate the fronts of their buildings. She also suggested hosting a vendor event featuring all the businesses in town.
A resident of Farmersville would like to see a hardware store in town.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa would like an update on Animal Control because he has seen a lot of dogs around town. City Manager Micheal Schulte advised the Council that he has contacted the City of Visalia and is waiting for a response.
Councilmember Boyer said that repaving at the intersection of Walnut and Farmersville Blvd appears to have been overlooked, particularly in the middle section, which seems to have been neglected as it transitions into the smaller streets of W. Walnut and N. Farmersville, the road conditions may be especially challenging due to heavy traffic, making it a priority for maintenance. Additionally, at the 198 interchangewhile heading westbound, he noticed that the lights were on for the Farmersville sign, the sign looked great.
Councilmember Gomez voiced his concerns regarding the upcoming immigration protests on Sunday at 10:00 AM, emphasizing the need for a police presence. Additionally, he informed Public Works about a pothole on the southwest corner of Farmersville Blvd, a few feet away from Walnut.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa attended the Cal Cities training for new Councilmembers and found the class enjoyable. She hopes more Councilmembers will participate next year. Additionally, she will be attending the Cal Cities general meeting on Thursday night. She also inquired about the immigration workshop at the high school.
Mayor Hernandez thanked Public Works for installing all of the flags on Farmersville Blvd. She also stated that there is a light out on the east side of Farmersville Blvd.
10. Staff Communications:
A. Staff Updates and Reports
City Manager Michael Schulte spoke about the upcoming protest regarding immigration.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia informed the Council that the RFP for Roy’s Park irrigation will be going out on February 13, 2025.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that the girls' softball fields have been upgraded with new dirt and bases. Additionally, the Armstrong Park bathrooms are now complete. Lastly, he will be reseeding the soccer fields to prepare them for the upcoming soccer season.
City Planner Tom Navarro informed the Council that there is interest in agricultural business on the outskirts of town.
Fire Chief Jim Thomas told the Council that the Fire Station is on track and the Type 6 will be here in about three weeks.
Police Chief Jay Brock informed the Council that the new sergeant will be introduced at the next council meeting. Additionally, he has two more police officers in the process.
11. Future Agenda Items:
Description
Responsible Party
Agenda Date
Urban Art- Murals and Sculptures
City Manager
Pre-Approved ADU Plans and ADU Flyer
City Manager
Feb. 2025
Community Garden
City Manager
TBD
Sewer DIF
City Manager
2-1-2025
Mayor Hernandez informed the Council that she would like to have a special meeting on February 13, 2025, to review the City Manager’s contract and an Interim City Attorney.
Council Action: It was moved by Mayor Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, carried to approve the item as presented with a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 7:50pm
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
Mayor Hernandez reopened the open session at 9:14pm nothing to report no action was taken. Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:14pm.
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.