Notice is hereby given that the Farmersville City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 22, 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 6:01PM
ROLL CALL Mayor Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Boyer
Councilmember Valdovinos
INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Hernandez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Hernandez
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Valdovinos 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.
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Sergio Valencia- High School Wrestling Coach Presentation Mr. Valencia presented the Council with a plaque and expressed his appreciation for their support of the Farmersville High School wrestling team.
Derek Winning- Tulare County Regional Transit Agency
Mr. Winning did a presentation on “Ride” with Tulare County Richie Sayavong- Legislative Update from the CA Department of Insurance Mr. Sayavong gave a presentation on legislative updates.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa tabled item 4 the agreement with 4Creeks until the next Council meeting in July.
1. Approval of June 8, 2026, regular meeting minutes
2. Approval Warrant Register May 2026
3.Approve Service Agreement with Tulare County for Police Dispatch and Communication Services.
4. Approving Professional Service Agreement between City of Farmersville and 4Creeks.
Adopting resolution 2026-020.
Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, seconded by Councilmember Gomez 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.
1. 2026/2027 Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts-Adopt Resolution 2026-021 Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Valdovinos and approved with a 5-0 vote.
2. Consideration of an All-Way Stop at the Intersection of Walnut Ave and Ventura Ave.- Adopt Resolution 2026-022 Councilmember Gomez inquired about the traffic pattern change signs. The City Engineer responded that he had already contacted the Public Works Department regarding the signs.
Councilmember Boyer expressed concerns about the visibility of the flashing lights during periods of heavy fog. The City Engineer responded that he would explore the possibility of installing rumble strips to better alert drivers to the upcoming stop sign.
Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa and approved with a 5-0 vote.
3. Consideration of Contract Renewal with Townsend Public Affairs for Legislative Advocacy and Grant Writing.
Council Action: It was motioned by Mayor Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Gomez and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Council informed Townsend that the contract would be for $5,500 annually for the first two years, with the third year to be negotiated by both parties prior to renewal.
4. Request for Event Funding-Futsal Soccer Club
Mayor Hernandez noted that this item had been discussed at previous Council meetings and opened the discussion by asking Council members if they had any additional comments or concerns regarding the Event Funding Request.
Councilmember Valdovinos told the Council that he is all form giving the funds to the Futsal Soccer League.
Councilmember Boyer told the Council that he agrees to give the funds to the Futsal Soccer League.
Councilmember Gomez stated that his vote has not changed since the last time it was on the agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa- There were several concerns regarding why I voted "no" on this item, so I would like to clarify my position.
First, Greg, you were correct in identifying the agenda error. That error is the reason this item is before us again today following the June 8, 2026, Council meeting, and I credit you for bringing that issue forward.
However, my concerns extend beyond the agenda error.
The larger issue is the process surrounding the funding request and the involvement of City staff with the Farmersville Elite Soccer Club. The agenda error was caught but was not caught.
Specifically:
A City of Farmersville administrative staff member submitted funding applications on behalf of the Farmersville Elite Soccer Club.
That same City staff member submitted requests for payments.
That same City staff member was involved in processing checks that were issued to the league over multiple years.
At the same time, that staff member also served as a coach for the very same soccer league, along with Mr. Jordan. Due to this more questions should have been asked. Yet, you Greg continued to be okay with it and just plainly excuse it. So, I have proof of examples of what I am talking about.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa handed out back up information regarding her concerns Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa informed the Council that the checks were not made out to the Boys and Girls Club.
According to information provided, each participant was required to pay $5 to play in the Elite Soccer Club at the Boys and Girls Club. Families were being asked to cover those costs while City funding was simultaneously supporting the program.
I believe the public has a right to ask questions about how those funds were collected, how they were used, and where the money ultimately went.
According to City records, from August 2017 through May 2025, the City of Farmersville paid a total of $8,473 toward the program.
For the 2026 application, projected revenue from participant fees was estimated at approximately $1,600 per month for activities running from June 11 through September 17, 2026, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Based on those projections, participant fees over the seven-year period are estimated to have generated approximately $36,213.
Combined, City funding and participant contributions total approximately $44,686.
I also have text messages and supporting documentation that I would like to provide to the Council so that everyone has access to the same information.
The messages indicate that participants were told the $5 fee would be used to reimburse costs associated with the City, the Boys and Girls Club, insurance, and facility rentals. The messages further state that the fee applied to all participants, not just children residing in Farmersville.
For many low-income families, especially those with multiple children participating, these costs are significant. Those families make difficult financial choices, and every dollar matters.
They deserve to know that decisions are being made fairly, openly, and with appropriate accountability.
Mr. Jordan was quoted in the newspaper as saying, "I gave up my summer to give them an opportunity." I sincerely hope that statement reflects the full picture of the commitment made to these children and their families.
At the end of the day, this should always be about serving our youth not creating confusion, raising questions about transparency, or generating concerns regarding financial oversight.
As Vice Mayor, I have a responsibility to ask questions when something does not appear right. This is not about blaming any one individual. It is about recognizing that this process should have had stronger oversight from the beginning.
Moving forward, I am asking the Council to establish a clear policy requiring any request involving City resources or funding to include proper documentation, justification, and supporting records. Every decision should be transparent, and every organization should be treated fairly and consistently.
I have raised this concern repeatedly since joining the Council.
We have families in our community who have experienced genuine emergencies, including devastating house fires, where financial assistance was not provided. Yet we are willing to approve requests such as this without the same level of review and accountability.
That inconsistency is why I believe greater transparency and oversight are necessary moving forward.
This is also an opportunity for the school district to meet the City halfway. I have continued to advocate for these types of partnerships and solutions because Farmersville youth deserve opportunities. Opening gym facilities for public use or finding ways to share the cost would be a true partnership.
Supporting our youth is the responsibility of the entire community.
Moving forward, we need transparency, accountability, and people who are willing to ask questions when something does not seem right. I am not sitting in this chair just to go along with everything placed before us. I am here to ask the difficult and uncomfortable questions, whether the request is small or large, and whether people like it or not.
I also have a community comment that I would like to read into the record. This comment was submitted by a community member after the last Council meeting:
“My kids participated in Galaxy and AYSO, and we had to pay for our own expenses. As a coach, I had to cover my own equipment and work to earn points. Three of my daughters were on travel teams, and we did not receive funding. We had to pay out of pocket or find fundraising options. I support kids participating in soccer, but City tax dollars need to be used to fix our roads and address issues like feral cats and stray dogs. Supporting youth sports is important, but this is a community issue, not solely a City issue.” Councilmember Gomez stated that on the Friday before May 11, Rochelle sent an email asking about the soccer team and the City’s plans regarding the matter. The item subsequently appeared on the May 11 agenda. At that meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa requested that the item be postponed because she had legal and procedural questions. Councilmember Gomez then asked why the information presented by Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa today had not been presented at the May 11 meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that two Council members were not present at that meeting, and I have stated repeatedly that I wanted additional information before moving forward. She also stated if there were questions about my concerns or my position, I did the work to look into the matter. I went directly to the Boys and Girls Club and asked questions about the facility use, staffing, and costs. I asked whether the payment request was intended to cover an employee staying at the facility while the soccer team used it. I was informed that the Boys and Girls Club staff typically leave at 5:00 p.m. and that the soccer group was provided access to the facility afterward. That is why I believe these questions matter. Before approving public funds, we need to fully understand what the City is paying for, who is receiving the funds, what agreements are in place, and whether proper oversight exists.
We also had questions regarding liability insurance. As noted, we recently received the insurance documentation, and I appreciate that information being provided. However, the policy indicates that the league is already a member of a sports, leisure, and entertainment risk pool that provides insurance coverage. That raises additional questions regarding the costs being requested and the extent of the coverage already in place.
Councilmember Gomez again stated that the item was postponed on May 11 because the Vice Mayor had questions that required answers. He noted that every Councilmember has both the right and the responsibility to ask questions before approving the expenditure of public funds. He stated that he did not know whether any discussions had occurred with the City Attorney, but emphasized that the supporting information was not presented to the Council at that time. Councilmember Gomez further stated that when the item returned on May 22, none of the information being discussed today was presented to the Council. He noted that no documentation, audit information, payment records, or other supporting evidence was provided. He stated that this is why he continues to question why the information was not brought forward earlier in the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa informed Councilmember Gomez that he is violating closed session.
Councilmember Gomez expressed concern that this information was not brought before the Council until the fourth meeting at which the item was discussed. He noted that there are internal controls in place at City Hall and that no single individual is solely responsible for writing or signing checks. He stated that all checks are reviewed and processed through both the City Manager and the Finance Director, and that this transaction appeared to have followed the same procedures as other City transactions. He stated that, based on that understanding, he did not understand what the issue was.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa My concern is not about any one individual. My concern is whether proper oversight existed, whether conflicts were identified and addressed, and whether public funds were handled with the level of transparency that our residents expect and deserve. Even if multiple approvals were required before payments were issued, it is still reasonable to ask whether a conflict existed when a City employee was involved in submitting applications, requesting payments, processing payments, and participating in the organization receiving those funds.
Mayor Hernandez stated that she believes there is a potential conflict when staff members submit an application and are also involved in processing the related payment. She further stated that the matter had previously been discussed in closed session, a vote had been taken, and she believed the issue should have been resolved at that time. Mayor Hernandez also stated that she was surprised by the level of public attendance at the June 8th Council meeting and was not aware that the matter would be discussed again. She noted that, had she known, she would have been more prepared. She stated that she believes this is why Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa conducted additional research and brought the matter back before the Council. Mayor Hernandez further stated that she also conducted her own research and found additional information. She noted that several parents had informed her that they had been paying $5.00.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa advised the Council that Christian from the Boys and Girls Club stating that he was surprised that no one has been asking questions.
Mayor Hernandez stated that our kids are paying $4 to cover the insurance, however, everyone has to pay. She stated that she was upset by this. We need to be sticking up for our residents. As far as the school goes, I can’t believe the school didn’t pay for half of what they are requesting. If this program was truly for the kids, then the $5 would not have been charged.
Councilmember Boyer stated that, regarding the staff member serving as part of the board, he is not sure whether it is the right or wrong thing. The way he sees it is that we are a small town, and we want to encourage people to be involved with youth groups. He would hate to see someone who works for the City become disqualified. Additionally, the decision was made by the Council, so if a staff member is doing something, they are doing what the Council directed them to do. He said he can see where the concerns are and what they appear to be. He also believes it is a good idea for staff members to abstain from voting on matters on behalf of the Council when appropriate. However, all of the Council members knew that the staff member was involved when they voted.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that all of the checks should have been made out to the Boys and Girls Club.
Councilmember Boyer stated that all checks are written to a non-profit organization. He feels it’s a positive thing to do for the City by helping the sports leagues.
Councilmember Valdovinos stated that he would like to make changes to the policy to prevent situations like this from occurring in the future. He would also like to see the Council move forward, stating that this matter is in the past and that the Council should focus on the future.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that she does not believe this item is negative and feels that it is straightforward.
Mayor Hernadez feels like things need to get addressed.
Public Comment
Michael Jordan stated that he did not like what was being said because it was not true. He explained that he only charges participants who have graduated from high school. He further stated that no children below the 12th-grade level have ever been charged. Mr. Jordan also stated that they would prefer all checks to be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club.
Mayor Hernandez stated that there are kids still being charged under the age of the 12th grade.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that the kid that is being charged is only 16 years old.
Mr. Jordan asked who the child was, and Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa stated that she was not going to disclose the child's name.
Additionally, Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa expressed concerns about players bringing their younger brothers and sisters to practice. She stated that there is no adult supervision at the Boys & Girls Club for children under the age of 18 while the adults are participating in activities.
Mayor Hernandez wanted to know how there is room for everyone to play sports.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa would like a policy in place and also would like to have backup information from all organizations receiving money.
Councilmember Valdovinos stated that several people reached out to him asking why we did not fund the request.
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Valdovinos and approved with a 3-2 vote.
5. Request for Event Funding- Aztec Football and Cheer
Council Action: It was motioned by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Valdovinos and approved with a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Consideration of Amending City Council Meeting Schedule to Conduct Closed Session Prior to the Regular Meeting.
The Council directed staff to consult with the City Attorney regarding whether the City Council meeting schedule may be adjusted to allow for greater flexibility in the meeting start time.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Boyer- Thanked staff for all of the work that they did for the Memorial Day Parade. Councilmember Boyer stated that, adjacent to the proposed sports park property, the grading has been completed and there is a school bus stop in the area. He noted that, from that location east to Freedom Drive, there are "No Parking" signs and questioned whether those restrictions are still necessary, given that there is a bike lane and vehicles may be able to park along that stretch of roadway. Councilmember Boyer clarified that he was not requesting a decision at this time but rather suggesting that staff evaluate whether the existing parking restrictions remain warranted. He stated that removing unnecessary "No Parking" signs could provide additional parking for nearby businesses, including overflow parking for the proposed sports park. He added that the signs have been in place for many years and questioned whether they continue to serve their original purpose. Councilmember Boyer also had questions for the City Engineer about the Brundage Lights project. Additionally, he raised concerns about pedestrian safety at Ventura and asked if similar “Watch Out for Pedestrians” signage or measures could be implemented in front of Sam’s Market. He mentioned that residents have voiced concerns about that area being unsafe.
Councilmember Valdovinos stated that he is currently getting ready to host his back to school backpack event on August 2nd.
Councilmember Gomez thanked Public Works Director for the work on the signal and inquired if we were still waiting for July to have someone come out to look at it. Public Works Director stated that someone would be out July 2nd. Lastly, he thanked the Public Works Director for all of his work.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa, tomorrow is our first meeting with the Small Business Development program. The City of Farmersville is also partnering with the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and we will be holding our first Parent Leadership meeting.
CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS
Interim City Manager Jay Brock reminded the Council that the groundbreaking for Smee Homes is June 30th. and that there will be a employee luncheon July 2nd.
Public Works Director Steven Thompson updated the Council stating that flags are currently being replaced. Staff is also tree trimming. A request was made to have the contractor trim the trees near the Veterans Memorial, as well as the trees at the front of City Hall. Additionally, staff requested that the two bushes surrounding the City sign be trimmed and cleaned up to improve the area's appearance.
City Engineer Jason Watts ATP application was submitted today for trail for Liberty Park. He will also be working on a railroad application.
City Planner Traci Myers reported that, at the last Planning Commission meeting, the Commission discussed a request from Valley Pure regarding the operating hours for its retail cannabis business. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the City's ordinance to allow extended business hours. Under the current City ordinance, retail cannabis businesses are permitted to operate between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. State law allows operating hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Valley View is requesting to extend its operating hours until 10:00 p.m. She advised that any change to the permitted operating hours would require a text amendment to the City's ordinance. She suggested discussing the Council's interest in considering such an amendment before directing the Planning Commission to initiate the ordinance amendment process.
Fire Chief Thomas informed the Council that the Fire Department will be hosting a Car Seat Checkup Event. Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa asked whether resources are available for families who cannot afford car seats. Chief Thomas responded that he would look into potential grant opportunities and contact TCAG to determine what resources may be available.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Council members may raise issues, request future agenda items, or provide comments regarding City business.
Mayor Pro Tem Ochoa requested the TBD have dates added to the future agenda items.
Councilmember Gomez asked the City Planner if there were any updates regarding the General Plan. He also expressed concerns about the street names that include variations of "Kristen," noting that the similar names and different spellings create confusion for residents when putting utilities in their name.
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 Study Session
4Creeks- Traci Myers
July 2026
Round Table for Resources/Organizations
City Manager
Downtown Specific Plan
City Planner
TBD
C-Train Ordinance
City Manager
TBD
ADU Workshop
City Planner
TBD
Strategic Planning Meeting
4Creeks
July 10th
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting to closed session at 8:42pm
EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
Labor Negotiations §54957.6- Misc. Employees
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the closed session at 9:20pm
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:20pm
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 June 18, 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
June 22, 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:822 2096 1381
Password: 541215