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, April 14, 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: 832 4109 5642
Password: 246646
1. Call to Order: 6:00pm
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. Public Comment:
Roxanne Serna, from Senator Melissa Hurtado’s office, congratulated Daymon Qualls on his appointment as the new City Manager.
Ruben Macareno requested that the Council consider organizing a citywide garage sale.
John Alvarez, a resident of Farmersville, expressed interest in seeing the Transit Center utilized as a school resource office or a substation for the Police Department.
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 of New City Manager –
Police Chief Jay Brock introduced the new City Manager Daymon Qualls and the City Clerk gave him 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 March 24, 2025 Recommend approval of minutes.
Documents: Draft Action Minutes of March 24, 2025
C. Fly Over Request
Recommend approval for Fly-over Request for the Annual Memorial Day Parade.
D. Adopt Master Agreement for Federal-Aid Projects- Title VI Recommend approval for Title VI Master Agreement
Documents: Master Agreement
E. Banking Entities to Update Authorized Check Signers and Access to the Safety Deposit Box.
Recommend approval for resolution 2025-007 bank signers and access to Safety Deposit Box
Documents: Resolution 2025-007
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, and unanimously approved with a 5-0 vote.
8. General Business
A. Transit Center- Discussion Item
Discussion took place
Councilmember Boyer expressed support for the City Manager’s outreach to potential transit providers for the Transit Center. He suggested the center could also serve as a resource center for the Farmersville Unified School District, offering students and parents access to important information. Additionally, he supported the idea of establishing a police substation at the center, noting that residents might feel more comfortable filing reports there than at City Hall.
Councilmember Gomez emphasized that the facility is primarily a Transit Center and should remain focused on that purpose. He expressed appreciation that the City has already reached out to TCRTA and encouraged continued discussions with Visalia Transit as well. He also acknowledged that Councilmember Boyer presented some strong ideas that deserve further consideration. Additionally, he noted the importance of reviewing the usage and hours of availability for the center. Lastly, he reminded the Council that the second floor of the Community Center is available for use, but an elevator would need to be installed and for ADA compliance.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa expressed her interest in transforming the Transit Center into a Community Resource Center. While she supports collaboration with outside agencies, she emphasized the importance of having resources readily available within Farmersville to better serve local residents. She also suggested appointing a community member to serve as a liaison, helping to connect residents with services and resources. Additionally, she proposed holding a Town Hall or Open House meeting to gather input from the community on what they would like to see offered at the Transit Center. She also mentioned the possibilities of using the land in between the Transit Center and Fire Station for a Police Department Sub Station.
Councilmember Hinojosa believes that the Community does need a Resource Center as well as using the facility as a Transit Center. He also suggested that the possibility of closing off a wall where the benches are to make more room for more resources. He would like a sign out front with a phone number so residents know who to contact to get rides.
Mayor Hernandez voiced her support for utilizing the Transit Center as a space for Veterans’ services. She noted that Public Works Director Steven Thompson has already laid the groundwork due to discussions from previous Council meetings to have the Veterans Legion housed at that location. She also expressed interest in establishing a Police Substation at the Transit Center, as well as exploring the potential for a Visitor Center to support the needs of Farmersville’s growing community.
However, Mayor Hernandez raised concerns about the proposal to use the Transit Center for school-related resources. To her knowledge, the City previously sold the old Fire Station to the School District, and she suggested that location would be more appropriate for school resource services. She requested that the City Manager reach out to the School District to discuss this matter further. Additionally, Mayor Hernandez shared concerns that expanding services at the Transit Center could potentially attract homelessness to the area, which may impact the surrounding residents.
Police Chief Jay Brock informed the Council that, based on previous conversations with the School District, the plan was to offer a wide range of services at the old Fire Station. The understanding was that the School District intended to utilize that location for their various programs and needs.
Public Comment
Ruben Macareno, a resident of Farmersville agrees with having a Town Hall meeting.
He also suggested the possibility of a Chamber of Commerce.
Frank Alvarez, a resident of Farmersville and a member of the Farmersville School Board would like to see School Resources at the Transit Center.
The Council motioned to have a Town Hall meeting regarding the Transit Center Council Action: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, and unanimously approved with a 5-0 vote.
9. Council Reports
A. City Council Updates and Committee Reports
Councilmember Hinojosa would like to know if the Town Hall meeting is going to be at Transit Center.
Councilmember Boyer thanked Public Works for fixing the potholes on the east side of town at Brundage and how good the parks look. He also thanked Fire and the Police for assisting in the minor accident in front of his house. He also attended the Greater Kaweah Ground Water Sustainability meeting.
Councilmember Gomez requested an update on the traffic lights at Walnut Avenue and Farmersville Boulevard. Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that the City needs to contact AC Electric to inspect the sensors in the control box that operates the traffic signal. Councilmember Gomez also asked about the condition and placement of stop signs throughout the City. Mr. Thompson stated that he has not yet been able to address this issue but plans to reach out to 4Creeks for their input once he begins gathering the necessary information. Additionally, Councilmember Gomez inquired about the lighting at Highway 198. Mr. Thompson confirmed that all associated fees have been paid, and the lights are expected to be operational within the next 30 days.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa requested an update on the Housing Element and the Gardenia Apartments project. She also expressed her appreciation to Mr. Alvarez for attending the Council meeting and shared her desire to strengthen the relationship between the City and the School District.
Additionally, she suggested that when the City applies for future RFPs, such as Summer Night Lights, there should be coordination with the Police Department to enhance planning and implementation.
Mayor Hernandez requested that staff reach out to the City’s grant writers to inquire about potential funding opportunities for a digital sign. She also asked for an update on the drinking fountain and the chimes. Public Works Director Steven Thompson responded that the speakers for the chimes still need to be installed, and he is currently waiting on a quote. He added that the drinking fountain is scheduled to be installed this week. Mayor Hernandez thanked the Public Works Department for laying gravel at the Church Museum. Lastly, she raised concerns about the number of loose dogs in the community and requested that the City Manager review the current ordinance related to dogs. Police Chief Jay Brock informed the Council that Visalia Animal Control has been contacted.
10. Staff Communications:
City Manager Daymon Qualls informed the Council that he, along with Mayor Hernandez and Councilmember Boyer, attended the Blueprint Awards, where the City was recognized for its work on the Transit Center and the Los Arroyos Development.
Mr. Qualls also expressed his appreciation to City staff for their support and assistance during his onboarding process.
City Engineer informed the Council that the street improvements will be starting this summer.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson updated the Council, reporting that recent work has been done on the baseball fields at Veterans Park, the lights at Freedom Field, and the removal of weeds and debris from Los Arroyos.
Fire Chief Thomas informed the Council that the new patrol vehicle is expected to arrive this Sunday or Monday. He also reported that the new Fire Station is on schedule and should be completed by the end of June. Additionally, Code Enforcement is currently focused on weed abatement efforts.
11. Future Agenda Items
Description Responsible Party Agenda Date
Urban Art-Murals and Sculptures City Manager
Senior Housing-Gardenia Apts. City Manager
Community Garden City Manager TBD
Sewer DIF City Manager TBD
ADU update City Manager TBD
Transit Center City Manager TBD
Senior Discount for Utility Bills City Manager TBD
12. Adjournment to Closed Session:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 6:51pm
13. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 7:54 pm with nothing to report out.
14. Closed Session Report (if any):
Litigation
15. Adjournment:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 7:54 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.
Strong Roots…..Growing Possibilities