Notice is hereby given that the Farmersville City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 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 SESSION REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 6:03PM
ROLL CALL Mayor Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Araceli Ochoa
Councilmember Greg Gomez
Councilmember Paul Boyer-absent
Councilmember Danny Valdovinos-absent
INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Hernandez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Hernandez
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, seconded by Councilmember Gomez and approved with a 3-0 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.
Dario Gutierrez, a Farmersville resident, has concerns regarding his property located at 500 N. Kerns. He stated that city employees left trash in his gutter. Additionally, he has concerns about the sewer rates.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None
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.
1. Approval of May 11, 2026, regular meeting minutes
2. Approval Warrant Register April 2026
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 3-0 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.
1. Action Pertaining to the approval of the City Manager Contract Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Gomez and approved with a 3-0 vote.
2. Approval of 2026 Task Order No. 1 for Design-Farmersville Pedestrian Improvement Project.
Public Comment:
Dario Gutierrez voiced concerns regarding the crosswalk located at Visalia Road and Stevens Avenue. He stated that at certain times of the day, when the sun is shining directly on the area, the flashing beacon at the crosswalk is difficult to see.
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 3-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution 2026-016 Calling for the Submission to the Voters a Measure Relating to the Enactment of a Ten Percent (10%) Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
The Council inquired with City Attorney Mike Farley regarding whether they are permitted to hold town hall meetings, post information on the City’s website, and include flyers in utility bills. Mr. Farley stated that they are allowed to do all of those things.
Mayor Hernandez opened the public hearing at 6:39pm and closed it at 6:39pm.
Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, seconded by Councilmember Gomez and approved with a 3-0 vote.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Gomez inquired about the cannabis revenue. City Clerk Rochelle Giovani stated it was going to be on the next agenda June 8, 2026.
Councilmember Gomez reported that he attended the Tulare County Library fundraiser held at 1852. He stated that he attended with his wife and children and that the event included vendors selling books, comics, and other items. Councilmember Gomez commented that it was a very enjoyable event and expressed hope that the City can continue supporting the library in the future, noting the many contributions the library has made to the community.
Councilmember Gomez also reported that he attended the TCRTA meeting last week. He stated that discussion at the next meeting will focus on future plans for the City’s transit center. He thanked Jay for meeting with him to discuss ideas for the facility and expressed hope that the building can continue to serve as a transit center.
Councilmember Gomez further reported that he attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. Although he was unable to stay for the entire event due to staffing shortages at work, he stated that the speeches were very well done and that it was nice to see the community come together to discuss the significance of the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that residents have expressed appreciation for the City’s creative and innovative approach regarding the use of the transit center. She commented that the project could serve as an example for other cities. Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa thanked Rochelle and Jay for organizing the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Senior Center, Resource Hub and Transit Center and also acknowledged TCAG and 4Creeks for their partnership and support throughout the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa reported that she would be attending the TCAG Local Motion Awards the following day. She also stated that she would attend the Economic Development meeting on Thursday on behalf of Paul.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa further reported that Derek Winning, Director of TCRTA, would like to provide a presentation to the Council and suggested scheduling the presentation for an upcoming meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa also thanked Chief Thomas for assisting families affected by the fires and for helping connect them with available resources. She emphasized the importance of holding quarterly meetings to share available resources with City employees, noting that the issue has arisen multiple times and should continue to be addressed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa reported that the affected family is expected to move into housing on June 8. She thanked Mr. Flores for his efforts in helping coordinate assistance for the family. She also acknowledged the support provided by United Way and the County. Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that the family will receive assistance with the housing deposit, along with mental health resources through Kaweah Delta for both the parents and children.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that the City should consider establishing an emergency fund to assist families in need. She commented that the City allocates funding toward many other items and expressed that having emergency funds available for families facing unexpected hardships would be beneficial.
Mayor Hernandez reported that the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Senior Center, Resource Hub and Transit Center went very well. She thanked Tracy from 4Creeks for attending and stated that it was nice to see the community come together for the event. Mayor Hernandez also shared that the seniors were very excited and happy about the project, which she was pleased to see.
Mayor Hernandez asked Fire Chief Thomas whether the Fire Department is responsible for contacting the Red Cross following a fire incident or if that is something anyone can do.
Fire Chief Thomas responded that he gathers all of the necessary information and provides a list of resources and items needed to assist affected families. He explained that once the incident has been mitigated and stabilized to the point where he can step away, he is able to coordinate additional support efforts.
Mayor Hernandez then asked whether Fire Chief Thomas had been the individual who contacted the apartment complex on behalf of the fire victims.
Fire Chief Thomas responded that he had sent Captain Saefong and Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Cereas to the apartment complex to assist the family.
Mayor Hernandez thanked Fire Chief Thomas and City staff for their efforts, stating that because they took immediate action and coordinated directly with the apartment complex, the family was able to secure the only available apartment. She noted that she had also reached out to local realtors and property owners regarding available housing options; however, many available rentals exceeded the family’s budget. Mayor Hernandez further stated that several individuals responded to her emails offering assistance, and she appreciated that City staff took control of the situation, coordinated the necessary information, and helped complete the process quickly for the family.
Mayor Hernandez thanked everyone who helped put together the City’s parade float and trailer. She reported that the seniors received second place in the parade competition. Mayor Hernandez stated that when the award was presented to the seniors earlier that day, they were very excited and appreciative, and everyone applauded the accomplishment. She commented that it was a great achievement, especially considering it was the seniors’ first time participating in the parade in that capacity.
Mayor Hernandez also reported that she attended the Harmonica event at St. Anthony’s Church. She stated that she originally planned to stay for only an hour but ended up remaining for the entire evening because everyone was having such a great time. Mayor Hernandez shared that there had not been an event like that in the community since approximately 2018 or 2019. She stated that the event included several bands and was very well attended.
Mayor Hernandez further shared that many attendees asked about City representatives and expressed appreciation for the work being done throughout the City. She stated that community members commented positively on the appearance and progress of the City and were very thankful for the efforts being made.
CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS
Interim City Manager Jay Brock provided the Council with an update regarding the new FEMA flood zone changes. He stated that he recently met with Eddie Perez, who provided information and resources intended to help residents better understand flood insurance requirements and available options.
Interim City Manager Jay Brock also thanked City staff for all of their hard work and assistance with the Memorial Day Parade. He stated that the event ran very smoothly and was a success.
Councilmember Gomez asked the Interim City Manager whether staff assignments for City events were being rotated to ensure that the same employees were not always being assigned, unless they specifically volunteered to participate.
The Interim City Manager responded that staff rotation is considered when possible, particularly for Police Department employees who may have worked the night before. However, due to the level of staffing needed for events and traffic control, the City is currently operating in more of an “all hands on deck” capacity. He also noted that the Cities of Lindsay and Exeter provided additional personnel assistance because of the significant amount of traffic control required for the event.
Mayor Hernandez reported that a student from Long Beach who grew up in Farmersville recently completed a documentary film about the community. She stated that the student interviewed several local individuals, including herself and Manuel Mendez, among others.
Mayor Hernandez shared that the documentary, titled “From Farmersville,” will be shown in Farmersville on the 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club. She encouraged anyone interested to attend and view the film, noting that she has not yet seen it herself.
Mayor Hernandez further explained that the student submitted the documentary as part of a class project and that it was selected from among all the submissions. As a result, the student returned to Farmersville with her film crew to conduct interviews and complete the project.
City Engineer Jason Watts reported that the SS4 grant application was successfully submitted before the deadline. He thanked the City Clerk for assisting with gathering and completing the required materials.
He also stated that the next grant application, the GO Rail Grant, is due June 8 and will focus on funding the design for an additional railroad crossing on the east side of town. TCAG and 4Creeks are assisting with the project planning process.
Mr. Watts further reported that tentative plans for the Senior Homes project remain on schedule, with construction activity expected to begin near the end of June pending final approvals and bidding.
In addition, he stated that staff continues to work with TCAG and other agencies regarding future City projects, including the proposed roundabouts on Avenue 280 and other transportation improvements.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson reported that Tulare County conducted a hazardous waste inspection at the City yard. He stated that during the previous inspection the City had received 16 deficiencies; however, during the most recent inspection the City received zero deficiencies. He also reported that staff worked through the Pathway Small Generator program and successfully eliminated the issues that previously placed the City on the generator list, resulting in one less regulatory requirement for the City.
Mr. Thompson also reported that staff repaired several water line breaks on Greg Street and near the new services building in the alley.
In addition, he stated that the splash pad had been painted, repaired, and prepared for operation. Although the original plan was to open today, cooler weather delayed the opening. Mr. Thompson stated that the splash pad is expected to open next week as temperatures increase.
Lastly, Mr. Thompson reported that Public Works crews have been trimming weeds and clearing roadways throughout the City, with plans to continue maintenance efforts in other areas of town after completing the current work.
Fire Chief Thomas reported that within an eight- to nine-day period, the Fire Department responded to two major mobile home fires, including one incident that involved multiple vehicles and surrounding property damage. He stated that crews acted quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to a third mobile home and to nearby structures.
Chief Thomas stated that the incidents were unfortunate for the affected families, but he was pleased to learn that the families had received assistance and support services. He noted that one of the fires is currently believed to have been accidental in nature. According to preliminary information, multiple cans of thinner, lacquer, and paint products had been stored underneath the mobile home, which may have contributed to the intensity of the fire.
Chief Thomas commended the first arriving fire crews for their quick response and efforts, noting that approximately 40 percent of the mobile home was saved. Because of the crews’ actions, the family was able to recover many of their belongings, including important paperwork and personal items.
Chief Thomas also reported that the insurance company had already responded to the scene and confirmed that the family had insurance coverage. He stated that the Red Cross was contacted during the incident on Saturday night and that additional resources were utilized to help secure the property. He further noted that the family has relatives in town assisting them during the recovery process.
Councilmember Gomez requested to put fire safety on social media.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa voiced concerns regarding the increasing use of e-bikes within the community. She requested that staff post information on the City’s social media platforms to help educate residents about e-bike safety and regulations.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Council members may raise issues, request future agenda items, or provide comments regarding City business.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Description
Responsible Party
Agenda Date
Sewer DIF
City Manager
TBD
Sign Ordinance
Fire Chief
July 2026
Potential Solar Project
City Manager
TBD
Potential AI Solutions
City Manager
TBD
City Representation on Committees –
Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley and San Joaquin Valley Collaborative Action Program City Manager
TBD
Incentives for Commercial Development
City Manager
July 2026
Cannabis Revenue
City Manager
5-26-2026
Downtown Specific Plan
City Planner
TBD
C-Train Ordinance
City Manager
TBD
ADU Workshop
City Planner
TBD
MOU for positive PR with Visalia Talks
City Manager
TBD
EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to closed session at 7:11pm
Public Employment Section 54957- Farmersville Community Center Public Employee Performance 54957- Account Clerk
Council Action: The motion to deny Futsal Soccer event funding request was made by Mayor Hernandez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa. The motion carried by a 2–1 vote.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned to open session at 8:11pm.
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:11pm.
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 May 22, 2026 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 BoyerDanny ValdavinosMayorTina HernandezMayor Pro TemAraceli OchoaCouncil MembersGregorio GomezPaul BoyerDanny ValdavinosFARMERSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Mayor
Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem
Araceli Ochoa
Council Members
Gregorio Gomez
Paul Boyer
Danny Valdavinos
Mayor
Tina Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem
Araceli Ochoa
Council Members
Gregorio Gomez
Paul Boyer
Danny Valdavinos
MEETING AGENDA MINUTES
May 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
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:831 6110 3599
Password: 549466