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FARMERSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
July 14, 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, July 14, 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: 843 3886 0648
Password: 234467
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] 5:00 pm
A. C
ALL TO ORDER 5:00 pm
B. ROLL CALL Mayor Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Ochoa
Absent-Councilmember Boyer
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Comments from the public are limited to items listed on the study session matters (GC 54954.3a). Speakers will be allowed two (2) minutes per person.
Danny Valdovios, a resident of Farmersville, is requesting increased support from the City when organizing events for local children. He is specifically asking that the City consider waiving associated fees for these community-focused events.
John Alvarez, a resident of Farmersville, is seeking the City’s support for hosting more community events. He encourages collaboration among residents and the City to make these events successful.
D. STUDY SESSION – Review and Discuss Special Event Permitting Policies, Administrative Fees, and Fee Waivers for Non-Profit Events.
Mayor
Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem
Araceli Ochoa
Councilmembers
Gregorio Gomez
Paul Boyer
Armando Hinojosa
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The Council directed staff to review current policies, ordinances, and procedures in coordination with the City Attorney. Specifically, the Council would like to examine the administration and permit fees, as well as the circumstances under which fees may be waived.
E. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the study session at 5:51pm.
6:00 pm (immediately following Study Session)
1. CALL TO ORDER 6:00 pm
2. ROLL CALL Mayor Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Councilmember Gomez
Boyer- Absent Councilmember
Councilmember Hinojosa
3. INVOCATION Mayor Hernandez
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Hernandez
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 4-1 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 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.
Roxanne Serna, representing Senator Hurtado’s office, provided a brief update on plans to host a Senior Scam Stopper event scheduled for September 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
7. PRESENTATIONS
Presentation by Spencer Street - Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
The presentation was tabled and will be rescheduled for a future date.
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: Approve the reading of all ordinances by title only and waive further reading in full.
Submitted by: Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
8.2 Minutes of the Regular Meeting June 23, 2025
Action & Recommendation: Approve as submitted.
Submitted by: Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa pulled the minutes for clarification.
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Council Action: Motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa to pull consent Item 8.2, minutes for discussion. Approved with a 4-1 vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa would like to amend item the Council Reports to read “Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa Requested that the City create a banner similar to the one used by the City of Visalia, so the community Knows where to report illegal fireworks”.
Council Action: Motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Hernandez to approve the Amended minutes. Approved with a 3-1-1 vote. Councilmember Hinojosa abstained.
9. ACTION ITEMS
9.1 Review and Approval of Community Survey Questions Regarding Potential Cannabis Café Ordinance Amendment.
Action & Recommendation: Review and approve proposed community survey questions.
Submitted by: Daymon Qualls, City Manager
The Council directed staff to revise the survey wording to include either “cannabis lounge” or “cannabis café.” They also instructed staff to make printed copies of the survey available in the City Hall lobby and at the Senior Center/Library.
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Hinojosa and approved with a 4-1 vote.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.1 Public Hearing and Adoption of the City of Farmersville Fiscal Year 2025/26 Appropriation Limit - Resolution 2025-019, Budget and Capital Improvement Plan – Resolution 2025-020, and Salary Schedule - Resolution 2025-021.
Action & Recommendation: Hold public hearing, consider public input, and adopt FY 2025-26 Appropriations Limit, Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, and Salary Schedule.
Submitted by: Daymon Qualls, City Manager
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 6:44pm and closed it at 6:44pm.
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 4-1 vote.
11. DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
12. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Hinojosa inquired about the possibility of placing a sign along Highway 198 promoting “Shop in Farmersville.” He also asked if there are any programs available to assist residents with down payments for first-time homebuyers.
Councilmember Gomez attended the Cal Cities Division Meeting, where he expressed interest in how cities are utilizing AI and developing related policies. He believes AI can be a valuable tool to make our work more efficient and manageable. He also noted that Delta Mosquito Vector Control was seen spraying near Front Street and reminded residents to bring their pets indoors during spraying.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa shared that she is scheduled to meet with the County this Thursday to discuss providing additional services for the community. The meeting will also include conversations with community members.
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She also announced her appointment to the Cal Cities Resolution Committee in October and mentioned she spoke with our City Attorney to ensure there are no conflicts.
13. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Daymon Qualls thanked Sherman, Joseph, and Anthony for their hard work in completing the budget. Last Thursday, he met with the Exeter Cemetery District, who shared that they will be hosting the Day of the Walking Dead Golf Tournament on October 25th at Valley Oak Golf Course. They also said that they are planning a tax measure for the June 2026 ballot and wanted to ensure it would not conflict with any efforts by the City. Additionally, Daymon met today with representatives from TCRTA, Visalia City Transit, and the City of Exeter to discuss local transit services and potential uses for our new transit facility. During the meeting, the possibility of staging a micro transit vehicle in Farmersville was brought up. While there has been some discussion among Councilmembers on this idea, Derek Winning noted that, at this time, it is not cost-effective.
For example, the City of Woodlake operates a dedicated van at a cost of over $400,000 per year, while the City of Farmersville currently pays approximately $160,000 annually for transit services. Given that most ridership is concentrated in the Visalia area, parking a micro transit van in Farmersville is not considered financially viable at this point, however he will continue to explore options.
Councilmember Gomez asked if they said how they are coordaining vans with Visalia and if they showed any interest in using the chargers at the Transit Center.
City Manager Daymon Qualls informed the Council that the system is managed entirely through an app. He also shared that there is interest in potentially using the electric chargers not necessarily for staging a micro transit unit but as a pass-through charging station for Visalia City Transit or even TCRTA vehicles as they pass through the area. This possibility was part of the discussion during the recent meeting. He also mentioned that utility bills have been sent out, and steps are being taken to cross-train staff to help prevent similar issues in the future. He publicly thanked Rochelle and Anthony for their persistence and dedication in resolving what was a very complex issue.
Additionally, he noted that the City is currently recruiting for an Administrative Analyst to fill a vacancy. Lastly, he informed the Council that Public Works Director Steven Thompson is on bereavement leave and flowers have been sent to him on behalf of the City.
Finance Director Anthony Loza informed the Council that, due to the recent billing delay, customers may see approximately 10 additional days of usage reflected in this month’s statement. As a result, next month’s bills are expected to be lower. He also took a moment to thank Sherman and Joseph for all of their hard work in helping to prepare the budget.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia updated the Council on the street improvement project.
Fire Chief Thomas informed the Council that two Type 6 engines have been dispatched to assist with a wildfire incident and may be deployed for up to two weeks. He also provided an update on the new fire station, noting that they are still waiting on Southern California Edison to complete their work.
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM
Description Responsible Party Agenda Date
Urban Art-Murals and Sculptures City Manager TBD
Senior Housing-Gardenia Apts. City Manager TBD
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
Homelessness Fire Hazard City Manager TBD
Environmental Safety Guidelines City Manager TBD
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 7:02pm.
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15. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
15.1 Litigation
Pursuant to Cal Gov Code §54956.9
1. WWTP/Quad Knopf
15.2 Labor Negotiations (§54957.6)
Negotiations Update
1. Police Officers Association
2. Mid Management Group
3. Miscellaneous Employees Association
15.3 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
Government Code Section 54957(b)
Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 8:08 pm with no reportable action.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:08 pm.
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, that 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: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Rochelle Giovani, City Clerk