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 Steve Nelsen
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Liz Wynn
7:00 PM City Council ChambersMonday, June 5, 2023
ROLL CALL
Mayor Brian Poochigian, Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Council Member
Steve Nelsen
Present:
Council Member Liz WynnAbsent:
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted) 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. 23-0210NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS
Public Works:
Ryan Gonzalez, Equipment Mechanic Trainee
Nathan Uhlenhopp, Senior Equipment Mechanic
Ryan Spohn, Mechanic/Welder
2. 23-0194Presentation of the 2023 Public Opinion Survey Results by the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Frank Ruiz, Chair of the CAC, Ed Jones, CAC co-chair, and Jason Serpa, Public Works Manager, provided the 2023 Public Opinion Survey results.
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 2023
3. 23-0091Receive, review, and discuss proposed new fees, increases, and adjustments to the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24
Kari Williams, Financial Analyst, provided Council with an overview of the City’s annual rates and fees increase. Melody Murch, Assistant Finance Director, answered Council questions regarding the fee and revenues for Animal Services and the proposed fee changes. Laurissa Roggenkamp, Parks & Recreation Manager, answered Council questions regarding the lighting fees of softball vs. baseball fields.
All fees, except Impact fees and Business tax, are annually reviewed for annual cost of living adjustments for the next fiscal year. City ordinances limit annual Impact Fee and Business Tax adjustments to specific CPI indices and are adjusted accordingly. Annual inflationary adjustments help Departments cover costs and lessen the burden on the General Fund so that the fund will be available to cover critical operations including public safety.
There will be two meetings to review the Rates and Fees for Fiscal Year 2023-24. The first meeting, on June 5, is for presentation and discussion only - to receive, review, and discuss the proposed changes to the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule. The second meeting, on June 19, is to conduct a public hearing and take action to adopt the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24. If approved, the effective date is July 1 for all rates and fees, except for Impact Fees which require a 60-day notice, thus making the effective date for these fees August 19, 2023.
4. 23-0169Receive a staff presentation and provide feedback regarding the project Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tree Wells Project located on Main Street in downtown Visalia.
Frank Senteno, City Engineer, Chantha Chap, Associate Engineer, and Alejandro Ortega, Associate Engineer, provided the presentation regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tree Wells Project located on Main Street in downtown Visalia.
Staff conducted a preliminary field investigation throughout the project limits and noted various ADA compliance concerns. Some of these concerns included non-ADA cross slopes, trip hazards, large cracks, and broken tree well tiles.
Based on the field investigation findings and working within the budget of available funds, staff developed a project to address most of the ADA concerns within the project limits. Staff recommends proceeding with localized repairs to fix as many of the ADA concerns as possible, within the available budget and requested for Council direction.
A motion was made by Council Member Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Steve Nelsen
Aye:
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 2023
Liz WynnAbsent:
5. 23-0216Receive a presentation and update regarding the current state of the Valley Oaks Golf Course.
Nick Mascia, Assistant City Manager introduced the item and Aaron Hensley, General Manager. The Council received a presentation and update regarding the current state of the Valley Oaks Golf Course.
6. 23-0215Review and discuss the recently held inaugural Wings and Wheels Car and Plane show held at Visalia Municipal Airport.
Nick Mascia, Assistant City Manager, and Jody Miller, Airport Manager provided the report on the inaugural Wings and Wheels Car and Plane show held at the Visalia Airport.
Jody Miller reviewed the pros and cons of the event along with citizen feedback.
The event was a success for the most part and the lessons learned will assist with future events such as this one.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session at 5:43 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
The Council commented on various activities they participated in the last few weeks.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION - None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 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.
Gilbert Rives, Tulare County Mental Health Director, announced Tulare County will like to purchase the old Casa Grande building for an adult mental health facility.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Steve Nelsen
Aye:
Liz WynnAbsent:
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. 23-0189Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. 22-0450Authorize City Manager to enter into an agreement with Cal-Water to provide construction and construction management services in the amount of $869,171, appropriate $140, 708 of additional Department of Water Resource (DWR) grant funds, appropriate $15,000 for staff indirect costs from the General Fund, and to enter into updated agreement with Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) to provide grant administrative services in the amount of $29,617.
3. 23-0104Request to authorize the City Manager to file Notice of Completion for Greenway Trail Phase 1. (Project Number
3010-72000/CP0298-999)
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 2023
4. 23-0172Consider approval of the attached “Amendment to Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Easements and Restrictions of the Willow Street Parking Structure”.
5. 23-0183Authorize the City Manager to execute a new sole source contract with The Papé Group Co. for service, repair, and parts for Kenworth trucks and John Deere construction equipment.
This contract will be for one year, with 4 one-year optional renewals with a not to exceed amount of $75,000 per year, $375,000 over the life of the contract.
6. 23-0190Authorize the City Manager to award the contract for RFP 22-23-43 - Compost Services to both West Coast Sand and Gravel (dba Wood Industries), and USA Waste of California, Inc . for an annual amount of $537,075 and $739,225, respectively, for an initial three-year term, renewable for two additional one-year terms.
7. 23-0199Adopt Resolution No. 2023-20 to designate various road projects for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA)
2023/24 funding from the State of California Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill SB1) and authorize the transfer of $3,400,000 within the SB1 RMRA (113) Fund from CP0290 Pavement Rehabilitation to the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP’s) outlined within this report.
8. 23-0202Adopt Resolution 2023-15 authorizing the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all documents, including but not limited to, applications for grants, agreements, amendments, requests for local assistance payment programs, and related authorizations for CalRecycle.
9. 23-0211Authorize the City Manager to execute a new sole source contract with Municipal Maintenance Equipment (MME) for service, repair, and parts for the City’s Vac-Con equipment. This contract will be for one year, with 4 one-year optional renewals with a not to exceed amount of $75,000 per year, $375,000 over the life of the contract.
10. 23-0217Authorization to execute annual service agreement with College of the Sequoias Training Resource Center for $75,000 for FY 2023/24 services.
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 2023
11. 23-0221Authorize the City Manager to award Request for Bids (RFB) 22-23-47, an annual contract for Digester Cleaning at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to Wastewater Solids Management Co. of Yachats, OR. for an annual not to exceed cost of $348,590 and appropriate an additional $101,590 from the Wastewater Fund.
12. 23-0223Authorization for the City Manager to award a not to exceed annual contract in the amount of $275,000 to VAL Security Services from Vallejo, CA for guard staffing services at various City Facilities (RFB 22-23-35).
13. 23-0230Accept the City of Visalia Cash and Investment Report for the third quarter of the fiscal year which consists of months January, February, and March of 2023.
14. 23-0231Approve Resolution Number 2023-21 adopting the City of Visalia's annually updated Investment Policy and delegating authority to invest funds for the City to the Finance
Director/Treasurer for fiscal year 2023-24.
15. 23-0234Request authorization to record the final parcel map for Tentative Parcel Map No. 2023-02, located at the southwest corner of West Kibler Avenue and North Plaza Drive (APN: 077-120-017).
16. 23-0224Consider adoption of Resolution 2023-19 requesting to participate in the Department of Water Resources Temporary Flood Diversion Equipment & Recharge Enhancement Initiative and appropriate $560,000 to be fully reimbursed by The
Department of Water Resources.
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 June 5, 2023
1. 23-0208Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution 2023-17 which allows the City of Visalia to place Miscellaneous Special Assessments on the Tulare County secured property tax roll for Curb and Gutter, Sewer Connection, Deferred Impact Fees, Property and Business Improvement District, Northeast Improvement District, Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District, Landscape and Lighting Parks Construction, Open Space Assessment District, Orchard Walk East/West Utility Assessment District, Laura and Atwood Water Main Assessment District, Delinquent Utilities, Code Enforcement, and Weed & Lot Abatement .
Ruth Pena, Financial Analyst, provided the report for the tax roll. Items contested will be discussed at the June 19, 2023 meeting.
Three categories: Agreements entered into at the property owners request, special district assessments, and delinquent services. Ruth explained the contracts, special assessments, and the delinquent service charges.
The total 23/24 years estimate is $7.78M. Action tonight is to request a public hearing.
Nick Mascia, ACM, answered Council question regarding the Ben Maddox and there is a project in the works to repair in the northwest area.
The public hearing was opened at 7:16 p.m.
Tammy Rempey, appeared to contest the bill and spoke to Corbin Reed.
Alfred Barajas, Visalia, contested the bill at the address he stated in the records.
Tracy Robertshaw, stated the tax lien will be removed from the address.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Steve Nelsen
Aye:
Liz WynnAbsent:
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 2023
2. 23-0214Conduct the first of two Public Hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan to appropriate $45,100 for the FY 2022/23 and $18,200 for FY 2023/24 to address cost increases related to patrol vehicle purchases and upfitting; and renew the five-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc., totaling $1,738,749.49 and appropriate $128,112 for FY 2023/24.
Captain Ford provided the Measure N Spending plan to appropriate $45,100 for the FY 2022/23 and $18,200 for FY 23/24 to address cost increases related to patrol vehicle purchases and unfitting and renew the five-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. totaling $1,738,749.49 and appropriate $128,112 for FY 2023/24.
Axon is bundling their packages differently and the Police Department is also requesting additional technology for body worn cameras. The Measure N Oversight Committee concurred with the recommendation.
This contract will include the following:
Officer Safety Plan Bundle
Axon Visual Reality Training
Axon Performance
Axon Air
Axon Investigate
Axon Migrate
The public hearing was opened and closed at 7:26 p.m. There were no public comments.
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 5, 2023
3. 23-0222Receive, review, and discuss the completed drawing set portion of the in-progress Visalia Municipal Airport (VMA) Airport Layout Plan (ALP) prior to its submission to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Jody Miller, Airport Manager, provided the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and drawing that the City will be submitting to the FAA. The highlights of the ALP include a flexible runway extension. Open-ended, future focused planning, fully accommodates current users. The next steps are the drawing submission to FAA and Final ALP submission. The grant applied for was $4M and staff will continue to apply for grants and talk with private air facilities.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. 23-0239UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Monday, June, 19, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. @ at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W.
Acequia
Monday, July 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. @ at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W.
Acequia