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, December 15, 2025
ROLL CALL
Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Present:
*Vice Mayor Liz Wynn arrived at 5:25 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted) Mayor Brett Taylor called the meeting 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 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. 25-0554New Employee Introductions
Pamela Davila Lopez, Administrative Assistant (promotion) Rachel Archer, Management Analyst
Bret Adams, Project Manager
Daniel Luna, SWEEP Maintenance Service Worker
Ricardo Perez, SWEEP Maintenance Service Worker
Joshua Martin, Solid Waste Operator
Frank Lawrence II, Solid Waste Operator
Ivan Nicar, Parks and Facilities Manager
Nichol Ritchie, Finance Manager
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 1
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
2. 25-0558Presentation by the Fleet Maintenance Division - Presentation and updates from the Fleet Maintenance Division’s annual task and accomplishments.
Public Works Director Nick Bartsch, Public Works Manager Danny Galindo, and Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Steve Ellis presented a PowerPoint update on the Fleet Maintenance Division’s annual tasks and accomplishments. Supervisor Ellis reported that the City Fleet Maintenance Shop, staffed by 13 employees, maintains 687 city assets, including light- and heavy-duty vehicles, emergency units, and specialized equipment. The team completes approximately 1,500 preventive maintenance and 3,605 repair work orders annually, keeping 98 percent of the fleet operational through efficient scheduling and in-house repairs. This ensures city departments have safe, reliable equipment to provide essential public services.
Council members thanked staff for the presentation and noted that no action was required on this item.
3. 25-0529Federal Lobbyist Presentation - Receive presentation from Thorn Run Partners on 2025 national legislative activity and authorize option to extend annual contract with this firm for the one remaining year.
Greg Burns of Thorn Run Partners presented a PowerPoint overview of 2025 federal legislative activity and the firm’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the City, including federal funding requests for water, transportation, and housing projects and monitoring key policy issues. Council members inquired on disaster funding, water policy, housing, national parks, and federal and state relations.
There being no further comments, Council thanked Mr. Burns for the information.
A motion was then made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to receive the federal lobbyist report and authorize the extension of the existing Thorn Run contract for the fourth and final year.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto
Aye:
Liz WynnAbsent:
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 2
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
4. 25-0548Arts Consortium Presentation - Presentation by the Arts Consortium of the activities undertaken in 2025 as part of a contract for services with the City of Visalia and approval of a contract for services for January 2026-December 2027, effective as of January 1, 2026.
Parks and Recreation Director Jason Glick introduced Ampelio Mejía Perez, General Manager of the Visalia Arts Consortium, who provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Consortium’s 2025 activities and proposed services for 2026-2027.
Public comment was received from Maria Guillén.
Council members thanked the Visalia Arts Consortium for the information.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a two-year contract with the Visalia Arts Consortium for calendar years 2026 and 2027 in the amounts of $46,029 and $46,944 respectively.The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto
Aye:
Liz WynnAbsent:
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 3
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
5. 25-0575Live Entertainment Review and Discussion - Review of the Conditional Use Permit process for Live Entertainment,
conditions applied to these uses, and potential City Council consideration and/or direction on a Live Entertainment
Ordinance.
Council member Steve Nelsen recused himself from the discussion, stepped down from the dais, and walked out of the Council Chambers at 5:25 p.m.
Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal and Assistant Planner Colleen Moreno presented an overview of the City’s Conditional Use Permit ("CUP") process for live entertainment and discussed potential direction on developing a comprehensive Live Entertainment Ordinance amendment.
Staff outlined two options for Council consideration: (1) maintain the current CUP process and continue project-specific review and conditions, or (2) initiate development of a Live Entertainment Ordinance with standardized definitions, operating and security conditions, and potential administrative permits for low-impact entertainment.
Council members discussed specificity of CUP applications, safety concerns, grandfathering existing businesses, differentiation between DJs and ambient music, possible timelines or sunset provisions for compliance, and the potential use of a moratorium. City Attorney Richardson presented an additional hybrid option for Council consideration that would not include a moratorium.
Public comment was received from April Lancaster and Cristobal Carrillo.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to direct staff to proceed with a hybrid approach version of the ordinance with no moratorium. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbstain:
Council member Steve Nelsen returned to his seat on the dais at 6:11 p.m.
6. 25-0515Sequoia Shuttle 2025 Season Report and Direction for the 2026 Season Fare Structure - Receive a presentation on the
completed Sequoia Shuttle 2025 Season and provide direction for the Sequoia Gateway Shuttle and Fare Structure for the 2026 Season. If time allows, otherwise this may be moved to the regular session.
Mayor Taylor reported that Item no. 6 would be moved from work session and would be heard on Regular Agenda.
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 4
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting to closed session at 6:12 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
INVOCATION LED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN / LEAD PASTOR
ATHERTON, PIPELINE CHURCH
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
Deck the Home 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, Greg Collins, Maria Guillén, April Lancaster, and Jim Reeves.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
CONSENT CALENDAR
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 5
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025 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.
Council member Poochigian and Vice Mayor Wynn requested to pull agenda item 20:
Consent to Assign and Assume Lease of Stadium.
A motion was made to Approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following unanimous vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
1. 25-0428Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. 25-0494Award Design Contract - Authorize the City Manager to award a professional design services contract to 4Creeks Inc in the amount of $264,114 for the design of Modoc Basin and the Linwood Embankment, appropriate $50,800 from the 221 Storm Construction Fund and $35,100 from the 261 Waterways Fund, and authorize the City Manager to execute a Measure R
Supplemental Agreement with the Tulare County Transportation Authority (TCTA).
3. 25-05312024/25 AB 1600 Report - Request for City Council to receive, review, and file the 2024/25 Impact Fee Report as required by State Law.
4. 25-0533Award Purchase of Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid Video/Radar Detection System Cameras - Authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of three Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid
Video/Radar Detection systems to Jam Services in the amount of $114,087.75.
5. 25-0543Ordinance Adoption - Second reading of ordinance 2025-14 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code as published by the International Code Council and amended by the State of
California and the City of Visalia.
6. 25-0545Consideration for fee waiver - Request from Visalia Gadabouts to utilize the Visalia Senior Center at a reduced rate for the purpose of providing programs and services for senior citizens.
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 6
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
7. 25-0547Award Design Contract and Accept Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Funding - Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates for the design of the signal interconnect project along various corridors in the amount of $488,430, and accept $5,956,000 of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds awarded for traffic signal interconnect projects at various locations and the appropriation of an additional $2,716,000 from Fund 281 State Transportation to the projects identified in this report.
8. 25-0551Truli Building Memorandum of Understanding with the Putignano Sister City Committee - Authorize City Manager to execute a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Putignano Sister City Committee for the use, projects and assigned maintenance of the Truli Building located at Memorial Park.
9. 25-0552Purchase of a Compact Multi-Purpose Bike Lane Sweeper - Authorize the purchase of a Multihog compact bike lane sweeper from Municipal Maintenance Equipment Company of
Sacramento through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract in the amount of $190,750 and appropriate $200,000 to cover the cost of the purchase and necessary up-fitting.
10. 25-0559Award a Contract for the Removal and Replacement of Sulfatreat 156 Media - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to Graymar Environmental Services for the removal and
replacement of Sulfatreat 156 media at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility for a one-year term, with four annual renewal options, with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $60,000 and a total contract limit of $300,000.
11. 25-0561Notice of Completion - Request authorization to file the Final Notice of Completion for the Greenway Trail Phase 1 project from Mineral King Ave to Mill Creek.
12. 25-0562Approve a Change Order for a Blower Rental - Approve change order no. 1 with Aerzen Rental Solutions in the amount of $56,680 for the extended rental of an aeration basin blower at the Water Reclamation Facility and transfer $56,680 from the Wastewater Fund.
13. 25-0563Authorization to enter into a maintenance contract with Motorola Solutions - Authorize the City Manager to enter into a sole source five year maintenance contract with Motorola Solutions, effective July 1, 2026, for Computer Aided Dispatch/Records
Management Software totaling $1,212,020.
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
14. 25-0564Authorize the Abandonment of Alleyway - Adopt Resolution 2025-79 ordering the closure and vacation of a portion of public alleyway and right-of-way south of Main Street from Martin Street to Giddings Street; and further authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to complete the
abandonment. (Resolution required)
15. 25-0566Extend Contract for Engineering Services - Authorize the City Manager to extend the emergency contract for Engineering plan review and related services to Interwest Consulting Group, not to exceed $200,000 for one year ending December 31, 2026.
16. 25-0567Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-15 pertaining to the approval of Zoning Text
Amendment No. 2025-04: A request by the City of Visalia to amend Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance), as to implement Program 2.7 for Missing Middle Housing, Program
3.17 for Planning for Large Sites, and Program 5.2 for
Emergency Shelters, all contained in the City of Visalia 6th Cycle Housing Element. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the city limits of the City of Visalia.
Environmental Status: The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3).
17. 25-0569Construction Change Order - Request for approval of construction change order #1 in the amount of $346,736 to Agee Construction Corp for the Riggin Avenue Widening Project Kelsey St to Shirk St.
18. 25-0570Authorization to apply for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant - Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Grant for an estimated amount of $230,000 and submit the application by the 1/31/2026 deadline.
19. 25-0572Request to Continue Aquatics Facility Discussions - Authorization to continue the discussion of an aquatics facility to a date to be determined, but no later than February 17, 2026.
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 8
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
20. 25-0573Consent to Assign and Assume Lease of Stadium - Authorization for the City Manager to sign the City of Visalia’s consent to the Assignment and Assumption of Lease of the City owned stadium between the current owner to the potential new owner for the Rawhide baseball team.
City Manager Leslie Caviglia introduced Mike Carney, CEO of On Deck Partners, who spoke about his enthusiasm for being part of the Visalia community.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve. The motion carried by the following unanimous vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
21. 25-0582Federal Aviation Administration Airport Terminal Program Grant and California Jobs First Grant Application Authorization - Authorize staff to apply for the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Terminal Program for up to $4,000,000 for the Airport Terminal Replacement Project, and the California Jobs First Grant for up to $5,000,000 for the Hydrogen Plant and Bus Fueling Station Project; and appropriate $20,000 for grant writing services.
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 Printed on 12/23/2025Page 9
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
6. 25-0515Sequoia Shuttle 2025 Season Report and Direction for the 2026 Season Fare Structure - Receive a presentation on the
completed Sequoia Shuttle 2025 Season and provide direction for the Sequoia Gateway Shuttle and Fare Structure for the 2026 Season. If time allows, otherwise this may be moved to the regular session.
Item No. 6 was continued from the Work Session and heard on the Regular Agenda.
Transit Manager Angelina Baker, Management Analyst Caleb Bowman, and Assistant City Manager John Lollis presented an overview of the Sequoia Shuttle 2025 Season and discussed options and direction for the 2026 Season, including fare structure, funding sources, and long-term sustainability of the Gateway Shuttle service.
Council members discussed the item, including the timing of finalizing decisions for the upcoming season, opportunities to pursue additional funding sources, the use of Local Transit Funds and cost per passenger, and concerns regarding the long-term financial sustainability of the Gateway Shuttle. Discussion also included potential fare adjustments, methods to reduce operating costs, park attendance trends, and the appropriateness of using certain funding sources to subsidize visitor-related services versus services benefiting residents.
Public comment was received from April Lancaster and María Guillen.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve staff recommendations Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5, authorizing operation of the Gateway Shuttle for the 2026 Season, establishing a $15.00 per person round-trip fare with a $5.00 discount for Visalia residents, authorizing the use of Local Transit Funds while pursuing additional funding opportunities, and directing staff to return to a future City Council meeting with a report by October 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Brett TaylorNo:
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 10
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
1. 25-0565Public Hearing and Ordinance Adoption - Public Hearing and Introduction to Ordinance No. 2025-16 for the 2025 Building Code adoption.
Engineering and Building Director Jason Huckleberry presented an overview of the proposed adoption of the 2025 California Building Codes as mandated by the State of California. Director Huckleberry explained that the ordinance would repeal and replace the City’s existing building code chapter with the updated 2025 codes, including all applicable components and State-adopted appendices.
He noted that no local amendments were proposed and that the second reading and adoption of the ordinance would be scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Council members discussed the item, noting the State’s goals related to affordable housing while also imposing regulatory limitations, and acknowledged that the City is required to comply with State law. Council expressed support for the adoption of the State-mandated building codes.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. Public comment was received from Cesar Chavez. There being no further public comments, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:18 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to accept the report and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-16. 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 8:19 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 11
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 15, 2025
1. 25-0555Upcoming City Council Meetings
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia Monday, February 2, 2026 @ 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
Visalia City Council Printed on 12/23/2025Page 12