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, April 20, 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:
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted) Mayor Brett Taylor called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
The meeting recessed at 4:01 p.m. and reconvened at 4:10 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)
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
1. 25-0747Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts - Public hearing on vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts pursuant to California Government Code § 3502.3
Human Resources Manager Amy Powell and Analyst Rachel Archer provided a presentation regarding Assembly Bill 2561 and the City's vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 4:16 p.m.
No public comment was received.
Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 4:17 p.m.
No action was required.
This Work Session Item was received and filed.
2. 25-0763Fiscal Year 2025-26 mid-year review- Review fiscal year 2025/26 mid-year projections, review the General Fund surplus policy, and appropriate funds for various capital projects.
Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel, Finance Manager Nichol Ritchie, and Finance Analyst Amee Swearingen provided a presentation regarding the fiscal year 2025/26 mid-year review, including revenue and expenditure projections, proposed capital project appropriations, and the General Fund Surplus Policy.
Council discussed the proposed capital project appropriations and potential future uses of available surplus funds, including homelessness initiatives, arts and youth grant funding, and other City priorities. Council also discussed the disposition of approximately $1.8 million in surplus funds and requested staff return with recommendations for future consideration.
Public comment was received from Maria Guillen and Jim Reeves.
Following discussion, Council approved the recommended capital project appropriations and amended the recommendation to retain approximately $1.8 million in surplus funds within the Civic Center Reserve pending future Council direction regarding project priorities and potential funding allocations.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to adopt as amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
3. 25-0765Review Capital Improvement Programs - Continue review of select fiscal year 2026/27 and 2027/28 Capital Improvement Program Budgets and future capital projects. Funds to be reviewed are Corporation Yard Impact Fee, Library Impact Fee, Fire Impact Fee, Police Impact Fee, Police Measure T, Police Unclaimed Funds, Narcotics Forfeiture, Baseball and the Convention Center funds.
Finance Manager Nichol Ritchie and Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel provided a presentation regarding select fiscal year 2026/27 and 2027/28 Capital Improvement Program Budgets and future capital projects, including Corporation Yard Impact Fee, Library Impact Fee, Fire Impact Fee, Police Impact Fee, Police Measure T, Police Unclaimed Funds, Narcotics Forfeiture, Baseball, and Convention Center funds.
Council received the presentation and discussed the information presented.
No action was required.
This Work Session Item was received and filed.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Brett Taylor adjourned to Closed Session at 5:19 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
Mayor Brett Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 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 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.
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
A motion was made by Council Member Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Hernandez Soto, to approve the Consent Agenda as read. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
1. 25-0700Authorization to read ordinances by title only. approve
2. 25-0687Record Parcel Map - Request authorization to record the final parcel map for Tentative Parcel Map No. 2014-10, located at the northwest corner of Lovers Lane and Walnut Avenue.
approve
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
3. 25-0720Notice of completion - Authorization to file the notice of completion for the Valley Strong Stadium (Recreation Park) expansion & remodel of the clubhouse & batting cage: Task 2 - Clubhouse & Related Site Work.
approve
4. 25-0731Formation of Landscape & Lighting District - Authorize the formation of Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 25-01, “Carleton Acres 1st Phase Development” and levying the annual assessments (Resolution Nos. 2026-16 and 2026-17 required).
approve
5. 25-0733Authorization to execute agreements with Tulare County Association of Governments and Caltrans for capital
infrastructure - Authorize the City Manager to execute the memorandum of understanding for capital infrastructure delivery between the City of Visalia and the Tulare County Association of Governments, and the cooperative agreement between the City of Visalia and the California Department of Transportation related to improvements to implement the Cross Valley Express bus prioritization project.
approve
6. 25-0743Authorization to accept $649,000 grant from California Office of Emergency Services - Authorize the Visalia Police Department to accept grant funds in the amount of $649,000 from the State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to update dispatch telephone lines, equipment, services, and maintenance contracts.
approve
7. 25-0746Award annual contract for plumbing repair services at various City owned locations - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to American Incorporated at an hourly rate of $155.00 plus materials, in an amount not to exceed $180,000.00
annually.
approve
8. 25-0749Approve a contract for parts and service - Authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract to Wastebuilt
Environmental Solutions for service, repair, and parts for AMREP refuse truck bodies for a not to exceed amount of $100,000 annually, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms but not to exceed $500,000 over the term of the contract.
approve
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
9. 25-0755Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-01 for Prezone and Change of Zone No. 2025-06, a request by Tulare County Office of Education to change the zoning designation on APN: 122-480-004 from C-MU (Mixed-Use Commercial) to QP (Quasi-Public) and to prezone APNs:
122-470-003, 122-480-008 and 122-480-018 to QP
(Quasi-Public) (Ordinance No. 2026-01, required).
approve
10. 25-0756Approval of single exemption for alcohol consumption at Riverway Sports Park - Authorization for the City Manager to issue a one-time alcohol permit for the City of Visalia Independence Spectacular community special event.
approve
11. 25-0757Temporary Agreement with Police Officers - Adopt a side letter agreement approving a temporary schedule change with the Visalia Police Officers Association and authorize the City Manager to execute same.
approve
12. 25-0758Approve a contract amendment with Mike Clark Trucking - Approve an amendment to the contract with Mike Clark Trucking to increase the annual not-to-exceed amount from $331,800 to $479,520 to haul biosolids from the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility and the transfer of funds from the Wastewater Fund. approve
13. 25-0760Approve a contract for fiscal year 2025-26 Reclamite Project - Approve a contract with Pavement Coatings in the amount of $1,329,050.76 for the construction of the fiscal year 2025-26 Reclamite Project.
approve
14. 25-0761Record amended final map - Request authorization to record an amended final map for Belissa Phase 1 subdivision, located at the northwest corner of North Demaree Street and West Pratt Avenue (147 lots); to revise lot configurations and modify subdivision boundary, pursuant to Section 16.24.110 of the Visalia Municipal Code.
approve
15. 25-0764Confirm a letter of support - Confirm a letter of support for Tulare Irrigation District Seaborn Reservoir Project.
approve
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
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. 25-0725Public hearing to adopt 2026 Annual Action Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan Amendment - Conduct a second public
hearing to approve and adopt the Program Year (PY) 2026 Annual Action Plan for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
activities, and the PY 2025 CDBG Annual Action Plan
Amendment.
Housing Specialist Margie Perez provided a presentation regarding the Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan and Program Year 2025 Annual Action Plan Amendment.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
No public comment was received.
Mayor Brett Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, 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:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
2. 25-0748Measure N Public Hearing- Conduct the first of two public hearings on the proposed 10-year plan (2027-2037) and approve the 2026/27 & 2027/28 proposed budget.
Finance Analyst Amee Swearingen provided a presentation regarding the Measure N 10-Year Plan and proposed budget. Council thanked staff for their presentation.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m.
No public comment was received.
Mayor Brett Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
No action was required.
This hearing was received and filed.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
3. 25-0580Ordinance Update - A public hearing and first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-03 to amend Chapter 1.13 to ensure
consistency with the administrative process for correcting municipal code violations, city wide.
Neighborhood Preservation Manager Tracy Robertshaw provided a presentation regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 1.13 of the Visalia Municipal Code to ensure consistency with the administrative process for correcting municipal code violations. Council thanked staff for the presentation.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
No public comment was received.
Mayor Brett Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to Adopt. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
4. 25-0754Ordinance authorizing an Airport Lease Agreement - Introduction of the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-02 authorizing the City Manager to execute an airport lease agreement between the City of Visalia and the United States of America Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration.
Airport Manager Jody Miller provided a verbal report regarding the proposed airport lease agreement between the City of Visalia and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m.
No public comment was received.
Mayor Brett Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:33 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to Adopt. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Steve NelsenAbsent:
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brett Taylor adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. 25-0701Upcoming City Council Meetings
Monday, May 4, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 4:00 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.