Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
Visalia City Council
City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mayor Brian Poochigian
Vice Mayor Brett Taylor
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Liz Wynn
7:00 PM City Council ChambersMonday, April 17, 2023
ROLL CALL
Mayor Brian Poochigian, Council Member Steve Nelsen,
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Council
Member Liz Wynn
Present:
Vice Mayor Brett TaylorAbsent:
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizens are now invited to comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. The Council asks that you keep your comments concise and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome.
Each speaker will be allowed three minutes and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
WORK SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS (as described)
1. 23-0139NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS:
PUBLIC WORKS:
Jorge Maciel
Jeff Vandertuig
Jason Castro
David Kersey
Griselda Haro
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
2. 23-0080Review Fiscal Year 2022/23 mid-year financial report with recommended budget appropriations.
Renee Nagel, Finance Director and Amee Swearingen, Budget Analyst, provided the presentation to Council.
The City adopted the 22/23 & 23/24 Budget in June 2022. The budget is based on the prior years spending and is adjusted based on estimated cost increases and any new or changed programs. Annually the Finance Department presents a mid-year budget report to City Council that compares the budget to the current financial status for the General Fund, Measure T Fund, Measure N Fund, and the Enterprise Funds.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
3. 23-0117Authorization to continue discussions with the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency regarding entering into a ‘Micro Transit Pilot’ partnership between The City of Visalia and the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA).
Angelina DeRossett, Transit Manager, and Nick Mascia, Assistant City Manager provided the report regarding the Tulare County Transit Agency regarding entering into a Micro Transit Pilot project.
This program will not be funded by the City of Visalia. Popularity of service and most utilized zones with pick up and drop off locations will be considered.
Riders will be allowed to pick a type of service including Porterville to Visalia.
There is no fiscal impact to the City. The pilot is being supported by funds set aside by the TCRTA and our local MPO TCAG (Tulare County Association of Governments) to cover the costs of a region-wide micro transit pilot.
Visalia Transit and TCRTA staff will continue to work toward finding a clear path and some answers for additional questions. The goal for the entire region is to offer one seamless system without separate rules or fare structures for passengers.
There will be no reimbursement from the City to the TCRTA. A full RFP process will be conducted for the City of Visalia. Council Member Hernandez Soto suggested an increased rate to not pick up another passenger.
Mayor Poochigian requested an update at 6 months and then at 1 year.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
4. 23-0073Receive update report from the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) and consider membership for FY 23/24 in the amount of $50,000.
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, provided an overview and update from the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC).
Airica de Oliveira, President and CEO of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation provided the report and presentation. Samuel Dias, Vice President was in attendance to answer Council questions. Airica shared the preliminary FY 23-24 Work plan Highlights and goals for the TCEDC.
The TCEDC requested for Council to consider membership for FY 23/24 in the amount of $50,000.
Council Member Nelsen asked how many of the leads were directly to the TCEDC. The return on investment is still a question by Council Member Nelsen.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session at 5:23 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ITEMS OF INTEREST
The Council commented on various activities they participated in the last few weeks.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. 23-0141Visalia National Junior Basketball 8th Grade All Stars - National Tournament Champions
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
2. 23-0068Proclamation by the Visalia City Council proclaiming April 19, 2023 as Arbor Day in the City of Visalia, urging all citizens to support efforts to plant trees and protect our woodlands and forests.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters that are not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. The Council asks that you keep your comments brief and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome.
This is also the time for citizens to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes. Public comments related to all pulled Consent Calendar items and Regular or Public Hearing items listed on the agenda will be heard at the time that item is discussed or when the Public Hearing is opened.
Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
Kathy Falconer, Visalia, announced excited interest in the Party for the Planet in 2023 and she thanked staff. Dorothy Osak, was a member of the Environmental Committee, who passed away in January. Dorothy Osak is being recognized posthumously, as a recipient and member of the Environmental Committee. Steve Pendleton, Visalia spoke on behalf of Dorothy Osak. Madrigal Garcia, Visalia, thanked the Visalia Environmental Alliance for recognizing Dorothy Osak. She reminded the congregation to use real plates and forks to save the planet. Maria Guillen, recited a lovely poem for Dorothy. Dale Simmons, Visalia, spoke about Dorothy Osak and awarded her posthumously the Environmental Hero award.
Mr. Osak spoke about his late wife and accepted the award. Dorothy was involved in the battery recycled program. What role will you play in climate change? Maybe the Council can communicate what the environmental committee is doing.
Laura Duarte, Visalia spoke about the Dutch Bros restaurant on Mooney. Mrs. Duarte provided a visual aide for the council. No one is maintaining the area between the fence and the wall. The homes seem to be a part of a strip mall now.
Steven Tootle, spoke about the lack of environmental review. The variance was for the parking and the noise. The laws are being broken by the people who built the restaurants and needs to be re-evaluated. Revoke the conditional use permit. The council has the power to revoke it. The mediation did not fare well and Dutch Bros said they would do nothing.
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Wynn, to approve the Consent Calendar except for items 2 (SN) and 12 (BP). The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in 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. 23-0066Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. 22-0452Request authorization to file a Notice of Completion for the Fire Station 55 Roof Repair Project. Project No.
1420-72000/CP0250-999.
Council Member Nelsen requested for item 2 to be pulled for separate discussion. Jaklin Rowley, Engineering, answered Council questions about the roofing project.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
3. 23-0088Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source contract to AMCS Group, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $505,835 for the software integration, hardware upgrade and maintenance of twenty (20) on-board computers in Solid Waste front-load commercial trucks, including a 10-year maintenance contract comprised of an initial five (5) year term and five (5) additional 1-year renewal options. Also, authorize the appropriation of $61,936 for FY 22/23, and $54,165 for FY 23/24 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund (441).
4. 23-0105Request to Authorize the City Manager to file Notice of Completion for the Battery Backup System & Traffic Signal Preemption Project. (Project Numbers 3010-72000/CP0226-999 & 3010-72000/CP9531-999)
5. 23-0120Authorize the appropriation of up to $35,000 for the Rawhide Retaining Wall Repair Project from the General Fund; to complete structural engineering design work, material testing, and for staff time.
6. 23-0123Authorization to submit an allocation request in the amount of $411,201 to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for operating funds to continue funding V-LINE operations and approve Resolution No. 2023-09 (required).
7. 23-0125Authorization for the City Manager to enter into an agreement with California Vanpool Authority (CalVans) to provide vanpool service on behalf of Visalia Transit for a subsidy of $300 per vanpool per month not to exceed $300,000 annually for one (1) single year term and authorize a not to exceed amount payment of $45,000 for the past four months.
8. 23-0126Authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Clean California Local Grant Program.
9. 23-0130Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract with Central Cal Waterworks to perform as Chief Plant Operator at the City of Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). This is a one (1) year contract that may be renewed for four (4) consecutive one (1) year periods upon mutually agreed upon terms, and an annual not to exceed amount of $104,000.
10. 23-0133Authorize the City Manager to amend the not to exceed amount of the contract with Denali Water Solutions for the removal and disposal of biosolids produced at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility from $220,000 to $280,000 and appropriate an additional $83,500 from the Wastewater Fund (431).
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
11. 23-0137Consider confirmation of a letter of support for Tulare Irrigation District’s request for funding for the Seaborn Reservoir Project.
12. 23-0093Authorize staff to apply for Homekey Round 3.0 not to exceed $15 million to assist with the development and operation of the Majestic Project to convert the Majestic Motel into permanent supportive rental housing upon the completion of the application by the partner agency to fully comply with the grant and City requirements.
Margie Perez, Housing Specialist, was available to answer Council questions.
Mayor Poochigian pulled the items to vote separately from the Consent Calendar.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,Liz WynnAye:
Brian PoochigianNo:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Comments related to regular Items and Public Hearing Items are limited to three minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 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.
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
1. 23-0083Conduct a second Public Hearing to approve and adopt the 2023 Annual Action Plan, 2022 Action Plan Amendment, and 2021 Action Plan Amendment including the HOME Investment
Partnership American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP)
Allocation Plan Amendment for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and HOME-ARP activities and projects.
Margie Perez, Housing Specialist, provided a brief report and requested for Council to open the second public hearing for the 2023 Annual Action plan amendment, and 2021 Action Plan, including the HOME Investment Partnership American Rescue Plan Program. NOFA is equal to the CDBG. Margie reviewed the HOME CHDO - multifamily project. The ADA compliance project will receive additional funds and the 2021 HOME ARP allocation Plan Amendment was awarded to the Majestic Project. The Public Hearing was opened and closed at 7:50 p.m. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
2. 23-0121Conduct a second Public Hearing to approve and adopt the proposed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP1) Substantial Amendment to provide an estimated $120,000 for the funding of First Time Homebuyer loans for five single-family homes constructed at NW 5th Avenue and N Court Street.
Margie Perez, Housing Specialist, provided the overview to Council regarding the proposed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP1) Substantial Amendment to provide an estimated $120,000 for the funding of First Time Home Buyer loans for five single-family homes constructed at NW 5th Avenue and N Court Street. The public hearing was opened and closed at 7:54 p.m. There were no public comments:
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto,Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorAbsent:
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 17, 2023
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
1. 23-0119UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Monday, May 01, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Monday, May 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Note: Meeting dates/times are subject to change, check posted agenda for correct details.
In Compliance with the American Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in meetings call (559) 713-4512 48-hours in advance of the meeting. For Hearing Impaired - Call (559) 713-4900 (TTY) 48-hours in advance of the scheduled meeting time to request signing services.
Any written materials relating to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda are available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia CA 93292, during normal business hours.