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FARMERSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
May 12, 2025, 6:00 P.M. Minutes
Council Chambers – 909 W. Visalia Rd., Farmersville, CA Notice is hereby given that the Farmersville City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
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: 833 1696 5402
Password: 429647
Rules for Addressing the City Council:
• Members of the public may address the City Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City of Farmersville.
• Persons wishing to address Council concerning an item on the agenda will be invited to address the Council during the time that Council is considering that agenda item. Persons wishing to address Council concerning issues not on the agenda will be invited to address Council during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
• When invited by the Mayor to speak, please step up to the lectern, state your name and city of residence, and make your comments. Comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities who may need assistance should contact the City Clerk prior to the meeting at (559) 747-0458 ext. 1003 or via email at [email protected].
1. CALL TO ORDER 6:00pm.
2. ROLL CALL
Council Present – Mayor Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Boyer
Councilmember Hinojosa
3. INVOCATION – Mayor Tina Hernandez
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Hernandez
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Gomez and unanimously approved with a 5-0 vote.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT – The public is invited to comment on any subject under the jurisdiction of the Farmersville City Council. Please note that speakers that wish to comment on a Regular Item or Public Hearing on tonight’s agenda will have an opportunity to speak when public comment for that item is requested by the Mayor. Comments shall be limited to two (2) minutes per person, with twenty (20) minutes for the total comment period, unless otherwise indicated by the Mayor. The public may also choose to submit a comment Mayor
Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem
Araceli Ochoa
Councilmembers
Gregorio Gomez
Paul Boyer
Armando Hinojosa
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before the meeting via email. Public comments received via email will be distributed to the Council prior to the start of the meeting and incorporated into the official minutes; however, they will not be read aloud. Under state law, matters presented under public comment cannot be acted upon by the Council at this time.
Veronica Torres, one of the coaches for Farmersville Youth Baseball, has raised concerns about other teams using the baseball fields during times that were already reserved by her team.
Irene Taff shared concerns regarding homelessness, specifically regarding individuals starting fires close to businesses.
7. PRESENTATIONS
Police Chief introduction of Officer Zachary Phillips, Promotion of Sylvia Rocha and Ernesto Mendoza.
Fire Chief introduction of Trevor Kuswa, Maria Sandoval, Skyler Moore, and Michael Benedetta Police Chief Jay Brock and Fire Chief Jim Thomas introduced new staff and gave a brief description of their accomplishments.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR – Routine items approved in one motion unless an item is pulled for discussion.
There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
8.1 Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve by Title Only.
Action & Recommendation:
Submitted by: Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
8.2 Minutes of the Regular/Special of February 28, 2025. And April 28, 2025.
Action & Recommendation: approve as submitted
Submitted by: Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
8.3 Waive the Second Reading of Ordinance 528.
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the second reading of Ordinance 528
Submitted by: Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
8.4 Adopt Resolution 2025-012 Title VI Policy and Procedures.
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Policy and Procedures for Title VI.
Submitted by: Daymon Qualls, City Manager
8.5 Authorize purchase of digital encrypted computer chips for Police Radios Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the purchase of encrypted computer chips for police radios encrypted computer chips for police radios.
Submitted by: Commander Troy Evrett
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa pulled item 8.5, Computer Chips for Police Radios, for discussion in closed session.
Councilmember Gomez pulled item 8.3, Ordinance 528, to be addressed during discussion item 11.3, Fagundes Annexation.
Council Action: A motion was made to approve consent items 8.1, 8.2, and 8.4. The motion was made by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, and unanimously approved with a 5–0 vote.
9. ACTION ITEMS
None
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
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11. DISCUSSION ITEMS
11.1 AB 1775 and Potential Ordinance Amendment
Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council review the implications of Assembly Bill 1775-Cannabis Cafes
Submitted by: Daymon Qualls
Council directed staff to:
• Create a Social Media poll to gauge the community’s views on a cannabis café. • Get information from other cities that have implemented similar policies. • Bring the findings back for discussion at a future Council meeting. • Conduct Town Hall meeting
Public Comment
Charles Woody of Platinum Connections informed the Council that the proposed cannabis lounge would be an indoor space designed for controlled use. He stated that a charcoal filtration system would be installed to address concerns about employee exposure and cross-contamination. Mr. Woody emphasized that the lounge would provide a safe and regulated environment for cannabis users, similar to a bar setting. He also noted that the venue would be available for private parties, with a maximum capacity of 20–25 people, and that additional security measures would be implemented.
Irene Taff, a resident of Farmersville, expressed that she sees both the pros and cons of having a cannabis lounge in the community. She stated that she would like to hear more input from other residents before forming a final opinion.
11.2 Transit Center
Action & Recommendation: Discussion. Staff not recommending a JPA with City of Farmersville and possible affiliation with the School District.
Submitted by: Mike Farley, City Attorney
Council directed staff to:
• Schedule a study session prior to a Council meeting to discuss further use of the Transit Center. o Police Sub Station
o Resource Center
o Micro Transit
• Connect with Jim Costa’s office to explore potential financial support • Town Hall Meeting
• Ribbon Cutting
Council concluded with a consensus to allow the American Legion to use the facility.
11.3 Fagundes Annexation and Residential Development Project Action & Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council review staff’s responses to questions from April 28, 2025, Council meeting to consider approval of the Fagundes Subdivision and provide direction.
Submitted by: Tom Navarro, City Planner
Council directed staff to:
• Explore alternative options for pedestrian crossings, such as crosswalk • Provide a map showing the proposed alignment of June Street crossing • Determine the feasibility of a three-way stop.
• City Planner to make changes on their review process regarding incoming maps and developments standards
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Motion to approve consent item 8.3, Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 528 – Zoning Amendment for Fagundes Residential Development.
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Hernandez and unanimously approved with a 5-0 vote.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa met with TCAG and stated that they are super excited to meet with the City and there is funding available, and she mentioned that TCAG could reach out to Daymon and herself to schedule a meeting. She also attended the TCAG retreat stating it was a great training opportunity.
Mayor Hernandez informed the Council that Deep Creek Cemetery has successfully activated their well. She also asked whether the park reservation application includes a statement prohibiting residents from driving on the lawn.
Councilmember Hinojosa expressed concerns regarding needed improvements for Bus #9 or #12. He would like to know the appropriate contact or department to report these issues to.
Councilmember Boyer would like to get micro transit at the Transit Center.
Councilmember Gomez informed the Council that he saw someone using the charging station at the Transit Center and noted that it was good to see it in use. He also requested a follow-up on a question he previously asked Chief Brock regarding a police cadet program. Chief Brock responded that the program is currently in development and will be ready to present at the next Council meeting. Additionally, Councilmember Gomez inquired about the City of Farmersville lights at Highway 198. He mentioned seeing the lights on as he was entering the highway, but by the time he returned to Farmersville, the lights were already off. Public Works Director Steven Thompson stated that he is currently working to resolve the issue.
12. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Daymon Qualls reported that he attended the TCAG Board Retreat with Councilmember Boyer and Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa. He also addressed the topic of online utility bill payments, stating that staff is exploring the possibility of extending online payment deadline as a convenience to residents. In addition, Mr.
Qualls discussed the City’s website and social media accounts, stating that all management is currently being handled in-house. He informed the Council that he has received a proposal for IT services that include oversight of both the website and social media. The proposal is under review, and the candidate would serve in a parttime capacity. This individual is currently performing similar work for several nearby cities. Finally, he asked the Council if anyone would like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade and if so he would be happy to fill out the entry form.
City Manager Daymon Qualls also noted that several surrounding cities of similar size are experiencing challenges with employee recruitment and retention, particularly in public safety. He expressed appreciation for the recent introduction of new employees and staff promotions in Farmersville, stating it was encouraging to see.
He also commended Chief Brock and Chief Thomas, for the culture they have created for their departments.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia informed the Council that the bids for the Street Project are due next Friday. She also informed the Council that she has been in contact with the School District regarding street closures during construction.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that he sent the Public Work employees to vacuum truck training. Also, Roy’s Park has been started and he is hoping that it will be complete by the end of summer. He also mentioned that Liberty Park was reseeded. He plans on reseeding the soccer fields he needs to wait until the season is over.
Fire Chief Jim Thomas informed the Council that the water tender assisted on a fire in Three Rivers.
Police Chief Jay Brock informed the Council that he currently has two people in the background process.
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13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM
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
Farmers Market City Manager TBD
Senior Discount for Utility Bills City Manager TBD
City Wide Yard Sale City Manager TBD
Chamber of Commerce City Manager TBD
Sports Fields for non-residents City Manager TBD
Homelessness-Fire Hazards City Manager TBD
Environmental Safety-Guidelines City Manager TBD
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 8:17pm
14. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
15.1 Litigation
Pursuant to Cal Gov Code §54956.9
1. WWTP/Quad Knopf
2. Perez
15.2 Personnel Matters 54957(b)
1 Case
15. Reconvene to Open Session:
Mayor Hernandez opened closed session at 9:09pm
Council Action: The Council approved consent item 8.5 encrypted computer chips for Police Radios with a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:09pm.
16. ADJOURNMENT – Farmersville City Council meetings are held in the Civic Center City Council Chambers at 909 W. Visalia Road in Farmersville, California beginning at 6:00 P.M. on the second and fourth Monday of every month unless otherwise noticed. Materials related to an Agenda item submitted to the legislative body after distribution of the Agenda Packet are available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk during normal business hours. A complete agenda is available at www.cityoffarmersville-ca.us. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act & Ralph M. Brown Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, or to be able to access this agenda and documents in the agenda packet, please contact the office of the City Clerk at (559) 747-0458 ext. 1003. Notification prior to the meeting will enable the City to ensure accessibility to this meeting and/or provision of an alternative format of the agenda and documents in the agenda packet.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AGENDA
I hereby certify, in conformance with Government Code Sections 54954.2 and 54956, this agenda was posted in the bulletin board at the Farmersville Civic Center, 909 W. Visalia Road, as well as on the City of Farmersville’s website (www.cityoffarmersville-ca.gov).
DATE & TIME POSTED: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
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Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk