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, March 16, 2026
ROLL CALL
Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz
Wynn
Present:
Council Member Steve NelsenAbsent:
* Council Member Brian Poochigian arrived at 4:02 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.
No public comment was received.
WORK SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS (as described)
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 16, 2026
1. 25-0540Capital Improvement Program - Continue review of select fiscal year 2026/27 and 2027/28 Capital Improvement Program
Budgets and future capital projects. Funds to be reviewed are Gas Tax, SB1, Measure R Local & Regional, Transportation Impact Fees, Landscape & Lighting, State Transportation and NE Capital Improvement.
Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel and Finance Manager Nichol Ritchie provided a presentation regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026/27 and 2027/28 Capital Improvement Program Budgets and future capital projects, including Gas Tax, SB1, Measure R Local and Regional, Transportation Impact Fees, Landscape and Lighting, State Transportation, and Northeast Capital Improvement funds. Associate Engineer Estrella Velasquez and City Engineer Chris Crawford answered questions from Council.
Council received the presentation and thanked staff.
No formal action was taken.
This Work Session Item was received and filed.
2. 25-0718Measure N 10-year plan and proposed two-year budget - Review the proposed 10-year plan (2027-2037) and approve the 2026/27 & 2027/28 proposed budget.
Budget Analyst Amee Swearingen and Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel provided an overview of the proposed Measure N 10-year plan and proposed two-year budget for fiscal years 2026/27 and 2027/28.
Council discussed the proposed projects and funding priorities.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
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3. 25-0699Prohousing Designation Program discussion - Receive an overview presentation on the California Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Designation Program, discuss the City of Visalia’s potential standing in meeting the application requirements, and provide direction on the filing of an application.
Planning & Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal and Housing Specialist Margie Perez provided a presentation regarding the California Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Designation Program and the City of Visalia’s eligibility and application requirements.
Council discussed the proposed point system requirements and potential impacts associated with participation in the program.
Council requested clarification regarding whether participation in the program could limit future Council actions.
This Work Session Item was received and filed with Council consensus to proceed with the 30-point system.
4. 25-0675Cannabis Ordinance Discussion - Receive and review draft Cannabis Ordinance, draft cannabis business application and selection process, and provide staff with direction on changes to these documents, and authorize an amendment to the existing HdL contract to assist staff in a fee nexus study to set all applicable fee amounts for the cannabis business program by appropriating $12,000 from the General Fund for this contract amendment. This item is scheduled for the Work Session; if not completed, it may be continued during the Regular Session portion of this meeting.
Economic Development Manager Devon Jones, Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal, and City Attorney Jim Koontz provided an overview of the draft Cannabis Ordinance, cannabis business application and selection process, and proposed amendments to the HdL contract for fee nexus study services.
Council discussed the proposed ordinance provisions, application procedures, and business selection process.
Public comment was received from Gabriel Jacquez and Adolfo Castillo.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 16, 2026
5. 25-0711New City Website Update - First look at website and details on launch. This item is scheduled for the Work Session; if not completed, it may be continued during the Regular Session portion of this meeting.
Administrative Services Director Shonna O’Neal and Communications & Brand Manager Allison Mackey provided a presentation regarding the City’s new website design, features, and anticipated launch details.
Council thanked staff and the project team for the presentation and work completed on the new website.
Public comment was received from Gabriel Jacquez.
This Work Session Item was received and filed.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Brett Taylor adjourned the Work Session at 6:09 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
Mayor Brett Taylor called the Regular Session to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY: California Cadet Corps, 427th Pioneer Battalion at Mt Whitney High School
INVOCATION LED BY: Jeremy Van Nieuwenhuyzen of Central Valley Christian Schools
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 16, 2026 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 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.
Public comment was received from Richie Sayavong, Ricardo Florez, and Camila Chavez.
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.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto requested to pull agenda Item 9: Grant Award.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to approve the remaining Consent Calendar as read. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
1. 25-0692Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
This Consent Item was approved.
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2. 25-0017Amendment and extension to the operations and management agreement for Plaza Park Raceway - Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment and extension to the Operations and Management Agreement with One Four Promotions for Plaza Park Raceway.
This Consent Item was approved.
3. 25-0671Approve Developer Reimbursement Agreement and appropriate of funds - Authorize the City Manager to execute the
reimbursement agreement associated with Sycamore Heights Subdivision located at the northeast corner of Akers Street and Ferguson Avenue; and further authorize the additional
appropriation of $297,931.92 from the Transportation Impact Fee Fund.
This Consent Item was approved.
4. 25-0672Record Final Parcel Map - Request authorization to record the final parcel map for Tentative Parcel Map No. 2024-09, located along the north side of East Roosevelt Avenue, approximately 200 feet east of North Vista Street; authorize the intention and formation of Open Space District No. 26-01 (Resolution Nos. 2026-09 and 2026-10 required).
This Consent Item was approved.
5. 25-0673Housing Element annual progress report for calendar year 2025 - Adoption of a resolution accepting the Housing Element annual progress report for calendar year 2025 and finding that it satisfies the city’s reporting requirements to the state.
This Consent Item was approved.
6. 25-0690Authorize purchase of replacement Solid Waste commercial delivery trucks - Approve the purchase of two (2) solid waste commercial delivery trucks from Ray Gaskin Service in the amount not to exceed $226,770.14 and appropriate an additional $118,270.14 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
This Consent Item was approved.
7. 25-0708Appropriation of State Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funding - Authorize the appropriation of $1,246,000 from the Transit Capital Fund for funding allocated from the State Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program for the project approval and environmental document phase of the Cross Valley Express project.
This Consent Item was approved.
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 16, 2026
8. 25-0710Water Conservation - Stage 2 - Consider reauthorization of Stage 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance and adopt Resolution 2026-15.
This Consent Item was approved.
9. 25-0714Grant Award - Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-14 accepting a grant award in the amount of $2,000,000 from the Board of State and Community Corrections Board of the California Violence Intervention and Prevention authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement documents and appropriate a total of $2,000,000.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
10. 25-0684Notice of completion - Authorize the filing of a notice of completion for the traffic signal improvements at the intersection of St. Johns Parkway and Burke Street.
This Consent Item was approved.
11. 25-0716Award contract for emergency culvert replacement - Authorize the City Manager to award an emergency construction contract to Dawson-Mauldin, LLC for the Evans Ditch culvert replacement on Conyer Street project, in the amount of $435,070 and authorize the appropriation of $590,000 from the Gas Tax (111) fund.
This Consent Item was approved.
12. 25-0619Authorization to purchase computers - Authorize the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Dell to purchase replacement computers utilizing the National
Association of Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint competitively bid agreement in the amount of $719,000 and appropriate $185,300 from various funds.
This Consent Item was approved.
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 March 16, 2026 REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS (Items continued from the Work Session, if any)
1. 25-0696Appeal - A Public Hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Condition of Approval No. 3 of Resolution No. 2025-71, requiring the drive-thru hours of operation to cease at 10:00 P.M. every day of the week for Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-32, which was a request to construct a 4,130 square foot building with a drive-thru to operate from 6:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. seven days a week. The site is located at the southeast corner of West Caldwell Ave and South Stonebrook Street in the C-R (Regional Commercial) zone (APN:
122-390-002).
Associate Planner Colleen Moreno provided an overview of the appeal request regarding the Planning Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-32 and the associated drive-thru hours of operation condition.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Public comment was received from Javier Maldonado and Eoller Torres.
The public hearing was closed at 7:27 p.m.
Council consensus was reached to overturn the Planning Commission’s decision and approve the original requested hours of operation.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve the original Conditional Use Permit request. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 16, 2026
2. 25-0682Fire Department rates and fees - Modification to Fire Department’s inspection-related rates and fees schedule to adjust fees to a current rate and to simplify the fee structure to accommodate the City’s new business license software.
Visalia Fire Marshal Corbin Reed provided an overview of the proposed modifications to the Fire Department inspection-related rates and fees schedule.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m.
Public hearing was closed at 7:27 p.m.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve the proposed modifications to the Fire Department rates and fees schedule. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brett Taylor adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:37 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. 25-0693Upcoming City Council Meetings
Monday, April 6, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Thursday, April 20, 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.
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