Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mayor Brett Taylor
Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Brian Poochigian
7:00 PM City Council ChambersTuesday, February 18, 2025
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen,
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 5:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted) Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:00 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 agenda. 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)
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025
1. 25-0007New Employee Introductions:
Visalia Police Department
Jeremie Aguilera, Community Service Officer
Preston Regalado, Community Service Officer
Joseph Grant, Police Officer
Kathleen Pritchard, Police Officer
Jonathan Vargas, Police Officer
David Walstrom, Police Officer
Eddie Aceves, Police Officer (lateral)
Edward Carrillo, Police Officer (lateral)
Esmeralda Corona, Police Officer (lateral)
Joseph Rodriguez, Police Officer (lateral)
Jared Winter, Police Officer (lateral)
Administration
Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk
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2. 25-0012General Plan Reserve Area Discussion and Appropriation Authorization - Receive report on the Reserve area and
appropriate $170,000 to conduct Capital Improvement Project to hire a consultant to help with identifying and establishing land use designations for the Reserve area and update the General Plan and issue corresponding Request for Proposals.
Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal and Economic Development Manager Devon Jones presented an updated Reserve Area Property Owner Map and provided an overview of potential next steps, including staff recommendations for future planning.
Economic Development Manager Jones highlighted recent development activity in the Sequoia Gateway area. Planning and Community Preservation Director Bernal discussed designated land use policies, the need for a specific plan in the industrial area, and the importance of initiating an environmental review process.
Council inquired about development under the County jurisdiction, infrastructure limitations, and land use restrictions near the airport. Staff confirmed coordination with the County and noted that the planning process could take a minimum of two years.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to accept the General Plan Reserve Area report and approve the appropriation of an additional $170,000 to the budgeted Capital Improvement Project (CIP) #CP0671 which is listed at $130,000 given the full project scope and anticipated cost associated with this type of general plan update, and 2. Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit planning consultants to help with identifying and establishing land use designations for the Reserve area and processing the appropriate environmental document. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting to closed session at 5:57 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025
INVOCATION
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time for general public comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. Each speaker tonight may speak for up to 3 minutes during this general comment period on a matter that is not on this agenda.
The public may also make one comment for up to 3 minutes prior to the consideration of the Consent Calendar, and immediately before any regular agenda item is heard. The Council asks that you keep you 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.
Public comment was received from Irene lapin, Sarah Smith, Taylor (no last name provided), Doug Sorenson, and Debra (no last name provided).
ITEMS OF INTEREST
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion.
This is the time for members of the public to provide public comment on an item on the Consent Calendar. Comments will not be taken individually by the public if an item is pulled by a Council Member. Each speaker is allowed up to 3 minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling you name and providing your city of residence.
A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar by Council Member Poochigian and seconded by Council Member Hernandez Soto. The motion carried by the following unanimous vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
1. 24-0593Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. 24-0534Purchase of a 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 for Wastewater Collections Division - Authorize the purchase of a 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 from Jim Manning Dodge, Inc. for $236,430.10.
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3. 24-0581Notice of Completion - Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the Recreation Park Stadium Lighting Project Phase 3, Baseball Field Lighting.
4. 24-0591Award Sole Source Design Contract: Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source professional design services contract to 4Creeks, Inc., for the 30% engineering design of the Shirk Street Widening Project from Walnut Avenue to Noble Avenue for an amount not to exceed $289,048.
5. 24-0605Consultant Contract Amendment & Fund Appropriation - Authorize a contract amendment with Carollo Engineers in the amount of $238,900 to include the Wastewater funds for
additional nexus study services, and the transfer and additional appropriation from specified funds.
6. 24-0606Notice of Completion for Sequoia Bend Unit 3 - Request authorization to file a Notice of Completion for Sequoia Bend Unit 3 subdivision located on the south side of East Goshen Avenue, between North Cain and North Virmargo Street, containing 42 residential lots.
7. 24-0610Geographic Information Systems Software Agreement - Authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year sole source contract with Environmental Systems Research Institute for their Small Government Enterprise License Agreement and Premium Support Annual Subscription for a not to exceed $418,300, and appropriate $118,000 in FY 24/25 and $119,000 in FY 25/26 from the Technology Internal Service Fund.
8. 25-0001Acceptance of Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program Funds - Accept and authorize the appropriation of funds awarded from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District under the Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program in the amount of $37,800 to the Wastewater Fund to chip and spread the material generated by the City’s walnut orchard demolition and removal project.
9. 25-0003Notice of Completion - Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the Landscape & Irrigation of Groundwater Recharge Basin G at the East Side Regional Park.
10. 25-0004Notice of Completion - Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the Construction of Groundwater Recharge Basin G project at the East Side Regional Park site and to appropriate or return funds as indicated in this report.
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11. 25-0006Water Management Plan - Receive the 2024 Visalia Water Management Annual Report and consider approval of the 2025 Water Management Plan submitted by the Visalia Water
Management Committee.
12. 25-0008Award a Contract for Vehicle Front End Alignment and Suspension Work - Authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract for vehicle front end alignment and suspension work to Barnes & Davidson DBA Gross and Stevens in an
amount not to exceed $100,000 annually, totaling $500,000 over the life of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to four (4) additional one-year terms.
13. 25-0009Accept the City of Visalia Cash and Investment Report for the second quarter of the fiscal year which consists of months October, November, and December of 2024.
14. 25-0013Revised Resolution - Adoption of Revised Resolution No. 2024-52, per City Council direction from the February 3, 2025, City Council meeting, upholding the appeal of and overturning the Visalia Planning Commission's denial of Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-29 for the Jack in the Box restaurant.
15. 25-0014Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-12 approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-04, a request to by the City of Visalia to amend Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning) Chapter 17.32 Special Provisions to regulate Short-Term Rentals, Citywide.
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.
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025
1. 25-0005Adoption of General Plan Elements - Public hearing and adoption of General Plan Amendment No. 2024-01: A request by the City of Visalia to adopt a comprehensive update to the Safety Element of the Visalia General Plan, and to adopt a new Environmental Justice Element for inclusion in the Visalia General Plan. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the Urban Growth Boundary of the City of Visalia. The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3).
Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal introduced the item and consultant Michael Gibbons of Mintier Harnish. Mr. Gibbons provided a presentation on the Environmental Justice and Safety Elements, including background, project overview, state requirements (SB 1000, SB 379, SB 99, AB 747), and the update process.
The Environmental Justice Element presentation included identification of four disadvantaged neighborhoods (Northwest Visalia, Oval Park, East Visalia, and Seven Oaks), community engagement activities, and six focus areas including pollution exposure, access to healthy food, and physical activity. Key findings and policy objectives were also outlined.
The Safety Element update included a review of current hazards such as fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and climate change. The purpose of the update is to reduce risk and revise outdated policies. Mr. Gibbons noted the element was last updated in 2014 and is now required to align with recent legislation and the Housing Element.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:09 p.m.
Public comment was received from April Lancaster, Michelle Kenner, Kevin McCuster, Kathy Falconer, Karen Degrode, Gary Grey, and Taylor (no last name provided).
There being no further comments, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:24 p.m., and referred the matter back to Council.
Council discussed the identification of disadvantaged neighborhoods, access to grocery stores, and participation levels in community engagement efforts.
Additional topics included health equity, survey methodology, and application of policies citywide. Members expressed support for the planning efforts, acknowledged the importance of ongoing implementation, and emphasized the city's past and current efforts related to public health, environmental safety, and equitable planning.
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025 The Council expressed appreciation for public comments and the work of staff and consultants.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting to order at 8:29 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. 24-0594Upcoming City Council Meetings
Monday, March 3, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Monday, March 17, 2025, @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Note: Meeting dates and 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 contact 713-4512.
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.
Respectfully Submitted,
Reyna Rivera
Chief Deputy City Clerk
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