Notice is hereby given that the Farmersville City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in person at City Hall located at 909 W. Visalia Rd. in Farmersville California, 93223.
Staff Reports related to items on the agenda are available on the City’s website at https://www.cityoffarmersville-ca.gov/ and available for viewing at City Hall.
CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION – 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Boyer
Councilmember Hinojosa
PUBLIC COMMENT None given
STUDY SESSION ITEMS
Establishing Top 10 Commercial Development Priorities
Michael Washam and Alida Verduzco Silva from the Tulare County Resource Management Agency gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Council. Following the presentation, City Manager Daymon Qualls asked the Council to identify their top 10 development priorities.
ADJOURN TO REGLAR SESSION – 6:00 p.m. (Or immediately following Study Session) Mayor Hernandez adjourned the study session at 5:53pm.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Hernandez called to order the regular session at 6:02pm.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Boyer
Councilmember Hinojosa
INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Hernandez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Hernandez
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Attorney Nick Matoian pulled consent item 4 for further review.
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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.
Alice Lopez, a resident of Farmersville, thanked the City for its efforts in making the community look beautiful. She also suggested that if the City pursues a hotel project, it should include conference rooms for meetings, trainings, and events. Additionally, she expressed concerns about parking and emphasized the importance of ensuring there is adequate parking available.
City Planner Josh McDonald, Farmersville City Planner reminded the Council that the General Plan meeting/workshop will be September 30, 2025 at the Community Center.
Mr. Galinda, a resident of Farmersville, expressed concerns that seniors in the community do not have a place to gather and meet. He also stated that he would like to see more activities available for them. In addition, he thanked City Manager Daymon Qualls for the assistance he has provided over the past few days.
A resident of Farmersville shared that his mother attends the Senior Center every day. He stated that before attending, she was not involved in the community, but the Center has helped her become more active. He also mentioned that his mother now brings her neighbor with her each day.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
New Employee Introduction – Anna Berrones
Finance Director Anthony Loza introduced new administrative employee Anna Berrones to the Council, highlighting her experience and outlining some of the duties she will be performing.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
Approval of August 25, 2025 regular meeting minutes
Adoption of Resolution 2025-045 Authorizing Application for HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Funding Adoption of Resolution 2025-046 Approving the Revised First-Time Homebuyer Program Guidelines and Related Documents under the HOME Program Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Farmersville Unified School District for Student Internship Program Consideration of Temporary Street Closure Permit Fee Waiver for Fall Festival Adoption of Resolution 2025-047 authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease financing agreement with Municipal Finance Corporation for the acquisition of a new police patrol vehicle for the City of Farmersville Adoption of Resolution 2025-048 Authorizing a Budget Amendment and Appropriation/Transfer – Fire Department Patrol Vehicle Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-049 Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute Agreements with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the HSIP – Improvements at Various Pedestrian Crossings Project Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-050 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a SB 125 Program Cooperative Agreement with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) Council Action: Council approved Consent Items 1-3 and 5-9 motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 5-0 vote.
ACTION ITEMS
Comments related to Action and Public Hearing Items are limited to two (2) minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 20 minutes per item. The Mayor may reasonably limit or extend the public comment period to preserve the Council's interest in conducting efficient, orderly meetings.
Appointment of Voting Delegate and Alternates for the 2025 Cal Cities General Assembly.
Presented by Daymon Qualls, City Manager
Presentation of Community Survey Results Regarding Potential Cannabis Café Ordinance Amendment Presented by Daymon Qualls, City Manager
Action Item 1. Voting Delegate and Alternate for the 2025 Cal Cities General Assembly.
Voting Delegate- Councilmember Gomez
Alternate- Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Mayor Hernandez and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Action Item 2. Charles Woody owner of Platinum Connection is no longer considering having a Cannabis Café.
Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, seconded by Councilmember Gomez and approved with a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Discussion and Direction Regarding Establishment of a Community Garden Presented by Daymon Qualls, City Manager
Discussion and Direction Regarding Establishment of a Farmers Market Presented by Daymon Qualls, City Manager
Item 1.
There was a discussion about establishing a Community Garden and potential locations within the community. The Council directed staff to consider the Boys & Girls Club, noting that a small garden already exists there but is currently unused. If successful, the City could explore other locations in the future. The City Manager added that having the garden at the Boys & Girls Club could provide an activity for seniors to participate in. The consensus of the Council was to begin the Community Garden at the Boys & Girls Club.
Item 2.
City Manager Daymon Qualls spoke with the Council about the possibility of starting a Farmers Market. He informed the Council that the owner of The Ugly Company has offered their large parking lot as a potential location. He also asked the Council to consider other possible locations, management structure, frequency, timing of the event, as well as costs and funding.
City Manager Qualls added that if the City wants to establish a legitimate Farmers Market, they could reach out to Ben from The Ugly Company to see if he would support the idea and possibly take the lead. He noted that the market would not necessarily need to be held at The Ugly Company lot but could be located in a more centralized area downtown to make it walkable for residents. The consensus of the Council was to contact Ben from The Ugly Company and Freddy Espinoza.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Hinojosa inquired about adding bus stop coverings for shade. Mayor Hernandez asked about the possibility of grants, and Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa questioned whether TCAG could assist the City with this effort.
Councilmember Boyer thanked Public Works for addressing a tripping hazard caused by a broken meter box in a timely manner. He also noted that all of the parks look good compared to two years ago. Additionally, he requested an update regarding Roy’s Park.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson reported that all irrigation work has been completed at Roy’s Park. The department received a punch list last week, which they will be reviewing. All sprinklers in the irrigation system are scheduled to be checked on Thursday and Friday. His staff will also be installing tops on all BBQs, cleaning weeds in the playground areas, and adding mulch.
Councilmember Gomez informed Public Works of raised sidewalk sections on N. Hartley, noting that they appeared to have been marked due to damage some time ago. He also mentioned a dip on Virginia and Ash for southbound drivers. Regarding the Economic Development workshop, he thanked City Manager Daymon Qualls and City Clerk Rochelle Giovani for organizing it, and expressed interest in a follow-up meeting that includes the City Planner and City Engineer to discuss next steps, including infrastructure placement and zoning requirements.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that Public Works maintains the grass in the area of N. Harley, noting that trees previously located there had pushed up the sidewalk panels. He suggested removing the grass, repairing the sidewalk, and installing a walkway. Councilmember Gomez asked if bushes or shrubs could be added instead, expressing concern about removing the existing sprinkler system. Regarding the dip at Virginia and Ash, Steven stated he will check the punch list to see if that location is included.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa reported that she met with Central California Legal Services, who provide veteran legal services, and noted that they would like to present to the Council to potentially offer services to local veterans. She also attended the SOAR interviews at Freedom Elementary and stated that they were a great success. Additionally, she inquired with Public Works about the soccer field farthest from the main area, noting that it appears dead. Public Works Director Steven Thompson explained that the field currently has no irrigation, but irrigation installation is planned for this winter. Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa also reminded the Council about the walkthrough scheduled for tomorrow at the Transit Center and requested adding a discussion about hosting the TCAG meeting in September 2026 to the agenda.
Mayor Hernandez reported that she attended the SOAR interviews at Freedom Elementary School along with Police Chief Jay Brock. She also noted that Lori Reinbeck gave her a ticket to attend the Echoes of Exeter Cemetery Walk, which she described as well-organized and very interesting, with a lot of historical information shared during the event.
CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Daymon Qualls reviewed several items:
1. TCRTA Finance TAC – Upddate Memo
As part of my September 5th update report, I indicated that the TCRTA Finance Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has completed their reconciliation work and they’ve initiated a Short-Range Transit Plan, a draft of which is expected to be completed by June of 2026. As promised in my update report, I’ve provided each of you with a copy of the TAC’s Update Memo which, in condensed form, says that:
• TCRTA has cleaned up its books and set clearer rules for member contributions. • Budgets are now aligned with actual costs, reducing unnecessary LTF claims. • Porterville’s lawsuit is resolved.
• A $10 million reserve is in place to stabilize cash flow. • Transit services will be redesigned over the next year to be more cost-effective and community driven.
2. Potential Fireworks Show
Last week I was presented with an opportunity to host a fireworks show here in town. The individual I spoke with works for the company that handles shows for Rawhide games and several nearby cities. Their recommendation is an 8–12 minute show, priced at about $1,200–$1,500 per minute. For example, a 12-minute show would cost around $18,000, while a 15-minute show would be about $22,500. I just wanted to put this on our radar for future consideration.
3. Transit Center
In my recent updates, I shared that our Public Works crews would be sealing the floors and installing baseboards at the Transit Center in preparation for the upcoming Ribbon Cutting. A couple of weeks ago, during a TCAG meeting, I asked Ted Smalley if there might be any funding available to help complete the Transit Center. He was surprised to learn that flooring and baseboards had not yet been installed and responded, “Get me a number and let’s get this finished.” Steven then reached out to a local contractor, who provided a quote of just under $9,000 to seal the floors, install baseboards, and add a sink and countertops. I forwarded the quote to Ted last Wednesday morning, and within an hour he approved moving forward with the work.
4. Strategic Planning Workshop Update
As I previously indicated, the draft strategic workplan was distributed to all department heads for review and feedback. All of their feedback and comments were incorporated into the workplan. We’ll now take the information we received in our Study Session this evening and incorporate that into the plan as well. Once that’s done, we’ll distribute the finalized pan to staff and Council.
5. Senior Center Update
As you know, CSET’s contract to manage our Senior Program ended on September 18. I’m pleased to share that we now have an interim program in place to keep the Senior Center operating. We have partnered with the Farmersville Unified School District, which is providing catered meals at a cost of $4.75 per meal—significantly less than what CSET was paying.
While there are still some logistics to work through, we remain committed to making our senior program sustainable within our existing budget. I was at the Senior Center today when the first meals were delivered at noon, and I’m happy to report that the seniors were very pleased with the food. In fact, they responded with a warm round of applause.
City Engineer Elsa Mejia told the Council that she is currently working on the Water Feasibility Study.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson informed the Council that new city limit signs have been installed at all four entrances to the City. He also reported that rehabilitation work on the Transit Center will begin on Wednesday. In addition, new speed limit signs have been replaced throughout the City.
Councilmember Gomez asked if the population of the City of Farmersville has increased. Mr. Thompson responded that, according to the 2020 Census, the City’s population has actually declined.
Fire Chief Jim Thomas reported to the Council that Edison has installed meters at the new fire station; however, power has not yet been connected. He also informed the Council that Code Enforcement is actively conducting inspections throughout the City, including along Farmersville Boulevard, to ensure there are no violations.
Councilmember Boyer asked about the abandoned building located at Costner and Farmersville Boulevard, specifically inquiring whether it was in compliance with City code. Chief Thomas informed the Council that the building is currently in compliance under the existing ordinance but noted that the ordinance needs to be revised.
City Manager Daymon Qualls informed the Council that Mr. McDonald from 4Creeks, who specializes in Code Enforcement, has been asked to review the City’s entire ordinance and provide recommended revisions. Mr. McDonald is currently preparing those recommendations, which will then be forwarded to the City Attorney for review.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Description
Responsible Party
Agenda Date
Urban Art-Murals and Sculptures
City Manager
10/13/2025
Senior Housing-Gardenia Apts.
City Manager
TBD
Sewer DIF
City Manager
TBD
ADU update
City Planner
TBD
Senior Discount for Utility Bills
City Manager
TBD
Homelessness Fire Hazard
City Manager
TBD
Environmental Safety Guidelines
City Manager
TBD
Sign Ordinance
Fire Chief
TBD
Potential Solar Project
City Manager
TBD
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 8:05pm.
EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Gov. Code §54956.9) 1 Case: Quad Knopf/WWTP
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
(Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2)) - Significant exposure to litigation Number of cases: 3
Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release (Gov. Code §54957(b)) Mayor Hernandez reconvened to open session at 9:18pm
Councilmember Boyer motioned, seconded by Mayor Hernandez, and the City Council voted unanimously, 5-0, to reject the Government Claim filed by Betina Ashoori on August 22, 2025.
Councilmember Boyer motioned, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, and The City Council voted unanimously, 5-0, to reject the Government Claim filed by MV Cheng & Associates on September 18, 2025.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the Council meeting at 9:18pm
REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT
State of California )
County of Tulare ) ss.
City of Farmersville )
I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Farmersville, in the City Manager’s Office; and that I posted this Agenda on the bulletin board outside of City Hall, 909 W. Visalia Rd. Farmersville, CA 93223 on August 8, 2025 and online on the City of Farmersville website: https://www.cityoffarmersville-ca.gov/. _______________________________________________
Rochelle Giovani , City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the California 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 City Clerk (559)747-0458. Notification prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting and/or provision of an appropriate alternative format of the agenda and documents in the agenda packet. (28 CFR 35.102-35. 104 ADA Title II).
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the legislative body after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at Farmersville City Hall, 909 W. Visalia Rd., Farmersville CA 93223 during normal business hours.
MayorTina HernandezMayor Pro TemAraceli OchoaCouncil MembersGregorio GomezPaul BoyerArmando HinojosaMayorTina HernandezMayor Pro TemAraceli OchoaCouncil MembersGregorio GomezPaul BoyerArmando HinojosaFARMERSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Mayor
Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem
Araceli Ochoa
Council Members
Gregorio Gomez
Paul Boyer
Armando Hinojosa
Mayor
Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem
Araceli Ochoa
Council Members
Gregorio Gomez
Paul Boyer
Armando Hinojosa
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
September 22, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Hall, 909 W. Visalia Rd.
Farmersville, California 93223
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 2731 2281
Password: 627722