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 ChambersMonday, May 19, 2025
ROLL CALL
(Council Member Soto arrived at 4:05 p.m.)
Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Present:
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted)
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)
1. 25-0098Downtown Visalia Property and Business Improvement District Annual Report - Receive the 2025 Annual Operations Report for the organization.
Council Member Steve Nelsen stepped down from the dais and presented the Annual Operations Report for the Downtown Visalia Property and Business Improvement District (DTVPBID). Mr. Nelsen provided an overview of past, current, and planned activities, financial status, and noted that no assessment increase is proposed for the 2026 tax year.
Public comment was received from April Lancaster.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to accept the report. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 19, 2025 Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbstain:
2. 25-0099Town-Center Business Improvement Area Annual Report - Accept and approve the Annual Town-Center Business
Improvement Area Report, renewing the Management
Agreement with Downtown Visalians, Inc. for an additional one-year term to begin July 1, 2025.
Council Member Steve Nelsen, having previously stepped down from the dais, presented the Annual Report for the Town-Center Business Improvement Area (TCBIA). Mr. Nelsen discussed the report and the renewal of the management agreement with Downtown Visalians, Inc. for an additional one-year term beginning July 1, 2025.
Public comment was received from April Lancaster.
Council discussed Downtown Visalia and Assistant Finance Director Melody Murch discussed the agreement requirements and the financial responsibilities for the different organizations.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to accept and approve the report, and to renew the Management Agreement with Downtown Visalians, Inc. for an additional one-year term. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbstain:
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3. 25-0145Massage Establishment Ordinance Discussion - Consideration of and direction on initiating potential Municipal Code updates to Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 5.68 Massage Establishments.
Neighborhood Preservation Manager Tracy Robertshaw and Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal presented the Massage Establishment Ordinance Discussion. Preservation Manager Robertshaw reviewed proposed updates to Chapter 5.68 of the Visalia Municipal Code, including the removal of the 750-foot separation requirement between massage establishments and the addition of inspection requirements. Director Bernal discussed the ordinance amendment process. Council discussed the proposed updates and regulatory framework. Preservation Manager Robertshaw also noted challenges in securing Mandarin translation services for an upcoming stakeholder meeting.
Public comment was received from Cindy Rawl.
Staff thanked Council for the input and advised they will return at a future meeting with a draft ordinance.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to direct staff to begin drafting revisions to Chapter 5.68 Massage Establishments. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
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4. 25-0195Presentation by California Water Service - Presentation by Cal Water regarding the companies plan for complying with the State of California’s indoor and outdoor water regulations.
City Manager Caviglia introduced Cal Water representatives Stephen Johnson, Visalia District Manager, and Kevin McCusker, Director of Government and Community Affairs, who presented the company’s plan to meet the State of California’s indoor and outdoor water use regulations. Their presentation included key Performance Measures required through 2039, with a major milestone in 2025, as well as an overview of conservation incentives and compliance programs funded by increased budgets.
Councilmembers raised questions about rate tiering, average usage calculations, residential consumption factors, assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and Cal Water’s role in supporting City enforcement.
Public safety concerns were also discussed. Cal Water emphasized its commitment to education, outreach, and collaboration with the City.
Council thanked the representatives for their presentation and continued service.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Taylor adjourned the work session at 5:33 p.m. (No Closed Session Scheduled) CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION LED BY DEACON HENRY MEDINA, ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC PARISH
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
2025 Summer Live & Play Cover Photo Contest
National Public Works Week
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 19, 2025 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 comments were provided by Mark Fullner, Sherrie Bakke, Steven Johnson, and Daniel Sepulveda, District Representative for Congressman Costa.
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 by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, 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. 25-0090Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. 25-0072Accept and Appropriate Grant Funding - Accept and appropriate $3,103,963 of Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3
Window 3 for operational and rapid rehousing funds for the Visalia Navigation Center on N. Court to provide interim shelter, and a combination of capital and operational funds for the Sequoia Village on S. Mooney to provide permanent supportive housing for people living in targeted encampments.
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3. 25-0136Aquatics Facility Joint Use Agreement and Acceptance of Visalia Unified Sponsorship for Registration Fees for Swim Team Program - Authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year facility use agreement with Visalia Unified School District that includes the City’s use of the pools at Mt. Whitney, Golden West, and El Diamante for community aquatics programs and
acceptance of VUSD sponsoring registration fees for students in the swim team program.
4. 25-0144Renewal authorization for the Environmental Clean-Up Opportunities Transitional Jobs Program - Authorization for the City Manager to approve a 3-year agreement with the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County to continue the
Environmental Clean-Up Opportunities Transitional Jobs Program through Fiscal Year 2027/2028 in the amount of
$765,960.00 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
5. 25-0167Adopt Resolution and Exchange Federal funds for State Highway Account Funds - Adopt Resolution No. 2025-35 Authorizing the City Manager to sign the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Claim to the Tulare County Association of Governments for Regional Surface
Transportation Program Funds in Exchange for State Highway Account Funds and appropriate $930,390 towards the Giddings Street Culvert Replacement Project.
6. 25-0171Authorization to Increase Allocated Funds & Amend Contract - Authorize City staff to initiate Measure N amendment process to increase allocated funds and amend the contract for the Visalia Police Department’s body-worn camera program.
7. 25-0176Approve the Repair, Installation, and Startup of a Membrane Bioreactor Blower - Approve the issuance of a Sole Source Purchase Order to APGN, Inc. in the amount of $39,340 for the repair, installation, and startup of a Membrane Bioreactor Blower at the Water Reclamation Facility and appropriate $39,340 from the Wastewater Fund.
8. 25-0175Purchase of Tuatara UTV Electric Vehicles - Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source purchase order to ZeroNox Inc., Porterville, CA, for an amount not to exceed $138,539 and appropriate an additional $38,539 from the General Fund.
9. 25-0178Approval of Fiscal Year 2024 / 2025 Transportation Development Act Claim - Approve the Resolution No. 2025-34 for the Transit Division’s Fiscal Year 2024 / 2025 Transportation Development Act Claim in the amount of $11,863,821.86.
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10. 25-0190Award Fiscal Year 2024 / 2025 Cape Seal Contract- Authorize the City Manager to sign the construction contract for Fiscal Year 2024/ 2025 Cape Seal Project to VSS International, Inc. in the amount of $1,698,325.00.
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.
1. 25-0173Riggin Avenue Widening Project Traffic and Construction Impacts - Receive a staff presentation outlining the construction phases of work, traffic detours, and resident impacts for the Riggin Avenue Widening Project Kelsey St. to Shirk St..
A Spanish interpreter was present to assist with public accessibility. Senior Civil Engineer Diego Corvera provided a power point presentation outlining the construction phases, anticipated traffic detours, and community impacts associated with the Riggin Avenue Widening Project from Kelsey Street to Shirk Street. The project, set to begin in June 2025 and conclude by early 2026, will expand the roadway to a four-lane divided street, add medians, bike lanes, lighting, and improve storm drainage and intersection safety. Phased construction will maintain eastbound and westbound access throughout, with targeted public outreach planned via mailers, press releases, social media, and a text alert system.
Mayor Taylor called for public comments. There being no one to speak on the item, Mayor Taylor brought the matter back to Council.
Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the report and emphasized the importance of community outreach throughout construction.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to accept the construction phasing plan and staff presentation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
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2. 25-0174Tulare Avenue Road Rehabilitation Project Traffic and Construction Impacts - Receive a staff presentation outlining the construction phases of work, traffic detours, and resident impacts for the Tulare Avenue Major Road Rehabilitation Project from Demaree to Cotta.
A Spanish interpreter was present to assist with public accessibility. Associate Engineer Jonathan Frausto provided a power point presentation outlining the Tulare Avenue Major Road Rehabilitation Project. Councilmembers expressed support for the bike lane design, emphasized the importance of outreach to detour areas, ensuring resident driveway access and parking during construction, and asked about coordination with Visalia Unified School District regarding closures.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Public comment was received from Maria Guillén, Efrain Becerra, and Jim Reeves. There being no further public comment, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
City Engineer Chris Crawford responded to questions regarding the reclamation process and the Pavement Management System guiding major street rehabilitation. He also noted that extending the road to Chinowoth is part of a separate project currently in progress.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to accept the construction phasing plan and staff presentation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
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3. 25-0168Caldwell Avenue Widening Project Traffic and Construction Impacts: Receive a staff presentation outlining the construction phases of work, traffic detours, closures and resident impacts for the Caldwell Avenue Widening Project from Santa Fe Street to Lovers Lane.
A Spanish interpreter was present to assist with public accessibility. Senior Civil Engineer Eric Bons provided a power point presentation with updates on the Caldwell Avenue Widening Project, noting successful coordination with CalWater and the use of notifications, message boards, a text alert system, and social media to keep the public informed. The project will widen the last segment of Caldwell Avenue from two to four lanes.
Councilmembers expressed support for the project, emphasizing the need for coordination with utility companies, maximizing traffic alerts, maintaining resident access, and considering landscape medians. They thanked staff and expressed enthusiasm for the continued progress on city street improvements.
Mayor Taylor called for public comments. There being no one to speak on the item, the matter was referred back to Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to accept the construction phasing plan and staff presentation. 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 at 7:58 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
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1. 25-0141Upcoming City Council Meetings
Monday, June 2, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Monday, June 16, 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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