Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
Visalia City Council
Visalia 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 17, 2024
ROLL CALL
Mayor Brian Poochigian, Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto, and Council Member Liz Wynn
Present:
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 and items listed on the Closed Session. 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. 24-0204Special Recognition - Special recognition of Allison Mackey, Communications Manager and Macey Schonbachler, Community Outreach Coordinator for their recent awards and recognition from the Public Relations Society of America’s Central California Chapter.
The Council publicly recognized Allison Mackey, Communications Manager and Macey Schonbachler, Community Outreach Coordinator for their recent awards and recognition from the Public Relations Society of America’s Central California Chapter.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
2. 24-0210Civic Center Project Update - Provide Council with an update for Phase 2 of the Civic Center Project, request authorization to begin the Request for Qualification process for contractors, and authorize the use of a 10% retention for the project.
Mike Porter, Civil Engineer, Bob Petithomme, Darden Architects, Ken Aspis, Griffin Structures, provided the Council with an update for phase 2 of the Civic Center Project.
Staff and the consultant team provided a presentation of interior and exterior details including paint colors, finishes, and exterior amenities. All details shown within the presentation were prepared by the consultant team, which included experts in the field of interior design and architecture.
The interior and exterior details and amenities were presented to the Civic Center Committee for review and approval at two meetings in May. The Committee made several comments and suggestions, requiring the consultant team to revise the plan. Once the revised details were complete, the details shown within the presentation were approved by the Civic Center committee and their recommendation is now moving forward for Council review and approval.
Council commented on adding some colorful art pieces to the interior of the Civil Center.
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, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
3. 24-0232Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) - Master Plan Final Update - Receive a final report and presentation on the Master Plan for the Water Reclamation Facility.
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, Reace Fisher, Carollo Engineering, and Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, provided the presentation on the Master Plan final update for the Water Reclamation Facility.
On April 3, 2023, Council approved a contract with Carollo to perform a Condition Assessment, Facility Plan and Master Plan update. The Facility Plan was presented to the City Council on February 20, 2024, and provided a comprehensive review of the facility’s conditions, along with a 6-year strategy for required near-term improvements.
The total project capital cost for the recommended projects in the Master Plan is estimated at $92,740,000. Additionally, the Rehabilitation and Replacement Costs for the 20-year planning horizon are projected to be $53,000,000.
At the completion of the long-term projects, the Water Reclamation Facility will be able to process a capacity of up to 21.4 millions of gallons per day. Staff will begin a rate study and review current rate costs. In addition, staff will also apply for any grant opportunities presented to assist with long-term sustainability. No action required.
4. 24-0162Membership Agreement - Receive update report from the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation and authorize
continued membership for Fiscal Year (FY) 24/25 in the amount of $60,000.
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, Airica de Oliveira, Tulare Economic Development Corporation presented the activity highlights from the current fiscal year.
City staff works closely with TCEDC staff on prospect activity and ongoing marketing of the city. Both Airica de Oliveira and Shawna Bryant are readily available to city staff for any applicable needs and have proven to be very responsive and hard working on the city’s behalf. Comments by Council. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
5. 24-0239Pre-Fourth of July Presentation by Fire Department - Presentation on pro-active efforts being undertaken to deter the use of illegal fireworks.
Corbin Reed, Fire Marshal, provided the annual focus of preventing the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Visalia. Multiple social media messages were designed and have been shared across all City of Visalia social media platforms to educate the citizens regarding a safe holiday and the fines for illegal use.
Banners with information pertaining to fines for the use of illegal fireworks have been hung at all Visalia fire stations, and posters with fine information and how to report the use of illegal fireworks have been hung at all City facilities with public access.
The website, www.visalia.city/celebratesafely, has been updated and provides a map showing the locations of all permitted Safe and Sane fireworks booths in the City of Visalia. Additionally, the website provides safety tips for safe and sane fireworks use, pet safety and the address of each fire station to encourage citizens to anonymously drop off illegal fireworks for safe disposal.
There were no public comments. No action required.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 5:22 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
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024 This is the time for people to comment on matters 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 the opportunity to address the Council on any matter of interest, whether on the agenda or not, other than the Consent Calendar.
People may comment one time during the evening for up to three minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Council. 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.
Greg Collins, Visalia, spoke in support of adding an aquatic complex or a 50 meter pool to the city.
Felix Barrientos, Visalia, expressed concern regarding a pot hole on Cambridge and Santa Fe Street.
Dale Simmons, Visalia, spoke regarding several items: Visalia logo, Miss California, and adding an aquatic complex.
Fida Taha, Visalia, spoke about the violence and war in Gaza. Palestinians are dying, including children. If this is not terrorism than what is? Joan Cuadra, spoke in support of a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Visalia should send a message to congress so we can have a peaceful resolution.
Julia Doyal, Visalia, spoke in support of a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza.
Anna Madrigal Garcia, Visalia, spoke in support of a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. If other cities can act, so can Visalia.
Maria Guillen, Visalia, thanked the city for putting in a 4 way stop at Ferguson and Roeben and also supports a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza.
Efrain Becerra, Visalia, spoke regarding apartments reducing the value of homes, support for an aquatic facility, the Visalia logo and safety for the Muslim community in the district where he resides.
Raquel Arias, Visalia, spoke about the items of interest and opined it sounds like a disconnect from all of the citizens represented by Council.
Ampelio Mejia, Visalia, spoke in support of council listening to their constituents and including everyone.
Richard Randolph, Visalia, spoke about parking tickets, why is the city not repainting curbs and sending notices to people to educate them about the parking rules?
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
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, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
1. 24-0180Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. 24-0173Adopt Resolution & Designate 2024/25 Specific Road Maintenance Funding: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-30 to
designate Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account
2024/25 funding from the State of California Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill SB 1) to the Whitendale Road Rehabilitation Project; and authorize the transfer of $3,600,000 within the SB1 RMRA Fund from Pavement
Rehabilitation and the appropriation of $100,000 from the SB1 RMRA Fund to the Whitendale Ave. Road Rehabilitation project.
3. 24-0212City Council approval of Resolution 2024-27 adopting the 2024-25 appropriations limit for the City of Visalia’s General Fund.
4. 24-0215Abandon Public Utility Easement and Right of Way - Ordering the summary vacation and abandonment of portions of the public utility easements and right of way dedications over Parcels 6 and 7 of Parcel Map No. 4645. Property located on Legacy Ave, approximately 500’ west of American St. Resolution No.
2024-31. APN: 073-220-017 and 073-220-018.
5. 24-0216Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-06, adding Chapter 3.14 (Cannabis Business Tax) to Title 3 of the Visalia Municipal Code to establish a tax on cannabis business activities within the city.
6. 24-0220Notice of Completion for Caldwell Avenue Improvement Project - Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the Caldwell Avenue Improvement Project from Akers Street to Shady Street.
7. 24-0225Investment Report - Accept 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 2024.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
8. 24-0226Approve Resolution Number 2024-28 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 2024-25.
9. 24-0231Victory Oaks Phase 1 Final Map - Request authorization to record the final map for Victory Oaks Phase 1 Subdivision located on the north side of Ferguson Avenue approximately 800 feet west of Demaree Street; and request authorization for the formation of the Landscape and Lighting District No. 24-04 and authorize ordering the improvements and levying the annual assessments. Resolution Nos. 2024-__ required.
10. 24-0235Authorize Purchase of Replacement Solid Waste Residential Delivery Truck - Approve the purchase of a Solid Waste
Residential Delivery Truck from Visalia Ford and appropriate the amount of $49,153.64 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
11. 24-0240Adopt Resolution & Exchange Regional Transportation funds to State Highway Account Funds: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-29 to authorize the City Manager to sign the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Claim to the Tulare County Association of Governments for Regional Surface Transportation Program Funds in Exchange for State Highway Account Funds and appropriate $889,030 toward Road Rehabilitation.
12. 24-0243Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding by and between the City of Visalia and Police Managers and Supervisors Association (Group A) for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.
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.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
1. 24-0237Contested Special Assessments - Authorization to allow the City of Visalia to place items contested during the June 3, 2024, public hearing on the Miscellaneous Special Assessments on the Tulare County secured property tax roll.
Ruth Pena, Financial Analyst, provided the updated on the contested items from the June 3, 2024 public hearing.
The following citizens provided public comment regarding a contested item from June 3, 2024: Tony Dias, Visalia, disagrees with the staff recommendation to place the Special Assessment fee on his property tax roll.
During the Public Hearing held on June 3, 2024, six individuals objected to nine of the proposed tax roll assessments. Five property owners spoke in person at the public hearing and one property owner contested three proposed assessments in an email sent to the City, prior to the protest deadline. Staff was directed to examine the assessments further and return with recommendations.
Of the nine contested items, eight are being recommended to be placed on the Miscellaneous Special Assessments, Tulare County secured property tax roll for collection and one is recommended to be removed from the tax roll.
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, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
2. 24-0236Public Hearing and adoption of the City of Visalia 2024/25 and 2025/26 multi-year budget. Resolution 2024-26.
Renee Nagel, Finance and Technology Director, requested for Council to conduct a Public Hearing for the adoption of the City of Visalia 2024/25 and 2025/26 multi-year budget. Staff provided the budget highlights and explained the General Fund included revenues for operations, and cost increases. The public hearing was opened at 8:05 and closed. There were no public comments.
The motion included 1.5 M for fencing at the Riverway Sports Park and the resolution will be updated accordingly.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve as amended to include 1.5 M in the 24/25 FY for fencing at Riverway Sports Park. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
3. 24-0213Measure T District Tax Amendment and Recertification - Amend the Measure T plan and recertify the plan for FY 2024/25.
Renee Nagel, Finance and Technology Director, provided the Measure T District Tax amendment recertification, and requested to amend the Measure T plan and recertify for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
Measure T is a 20 year plan. In order to keep the funds balanced the number of officers were reduced as were firefighters. Staff recommends that the Council recertify the Measure T expenditure plan for the new budget year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 (FY 2024/25) as required per the plan, amend the plan to change the Economic Uncertainty Fund calculation from 25% of budgeted revenues to 30% of operating expenditures; and to continue with the existing plan until all staffing levels and projects have been met. There were no public comments.
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, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
4. 24-0008Fiscal Year 2024-25 Rates and Fees - Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution 2024-04 to authorize proposed new fees, increases, and adjustments to the City's Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Jana Ferguson, Financial Analyst, explained the process for the City new rates and fees as listed in the staff report and requested the following actions by Council: Conduct a Public Hearing to receive testimony on additions/changes/deletions to the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule, adopt Resolution 2024-04 to amend the City’s fee document for the FY 2024-25; and take action on specific fees, if the Council desires, such as fees increased by CPI, fees increased by ENRCCI; and/or individual fees.
The CNG Fuel question from the June 3, 2024 meeting was addressed and the transit department has adjusted/reduced the price of CNG fuel for approval by Council. The public hearing was opened at 8:20 p.m. and closed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
5. 24-0252Logo Discussion - Continued logo discussion and direction regarding community process on redesign.
Allison Mackey, Communications Manager, provided an update on the new City logo discussion and requested direction from Council to initiate a community process for a redesign. The rollout on the new logo has been paused.
At the June 3, 2024, Council unanimously voted for option 3 and 5 from the staff report. The recommended timeline for consideration of a new, updated logo will begin June 18, with the final day to submit a proposed logo is July 2. Council will be updated accordingly and staff will return for final selection and approval at the August 5, 2024 Council meeting.
The following citizens spoke regarding the logo: Efrain Becerra, Ampelio Mejia.
Council discussed appointing a person to the redesign committee and to move the process along as quickly as possible.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, to approve with conditions. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
6. 24-0254Change of Terms and Conditions - Authorize Changes to Terms and Conditions of Employment by and between the City of Visalia and City Manager.
John Lollis, Assistant City Manager provided the information of the required report out regarding the change of terms and conditions for the City Manager contract.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Council Member Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2024
1. 24-0233July 15, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m., City Hall, 707 W. Acequia 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 email: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]> or call 713-4512.