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, June 1, 2026
ROLL CALL
Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Present:
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
*Council Member Steve Nelsen arrived at 4:18 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. 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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1. 25-0846Town-Center Business Improvement Area annual report - Accept and approve the Annual Town-Center Business Improvement Area report, renewing the TCBIA management agreement with Downtown Visalians for an additional one-year term to begin July 1, 2026.
Finance Manager Nichol Ritchie introduced Downtown Visalians Executive Director Valerie Felix and Executive Board Member/Treasurer Emily Van Deuren, who provided a PowerPoint presentation and video regarding the Town-Center Business Improvement Area annual report.
Council discussed board membership information, the annual audit process, and increased fees.
Mayor Taylor called for public comments. Public comment was received from April Lancaster. There being no further comments, Mayor Taylor closed the comment period and referred the matter back to Council.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to Adopt. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Liz WynnAye:
Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
2. 25-0802Fiscal Year 2026/27 and 2027/28 Proposed Budget - Receive and discuss the proposed 2026/27 and 2027/28 budget.
Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel and Budget Analyst Amee Swearingen provided a presentation regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026/27 and 2027/28 budget.
Council discussed the City's financial position, budget assumptions, reserves, and requested comparisons with three similarly sized cities.
Public comment was received from Jim Reeves and María Guillén.
Council thanked staff for the presentation and comprehensive budget report, and noted no formal action was taken.
This Work Session Item was received and filed.
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3. 25-0641Fiscal Year 2026-27 Rates and Fees - Receive, review, and discuss proposed new fees, increases, and adjustments to the City's Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel and Budget Analyst Jana Ferguson provided a presentation regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/27 Rates and Fees Schedule.
Council discussed proposed new fees for non-residents participating in youth programs. During the discussion, Parks and Recreation Director Jason Glick clarified that youth programs funded through the State of California's Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) and paid through Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) will be charged the resident rate. Participants not enrolled through ELOP-funded programs will be charged according to the applicable resident or non-resident fee structure.
Council thanked staff for the presentation and noted appreciation for the review of fees, including increases and decreases. No formal Council action was required.
This Work Session Item was received and filed.
4. 25-0839Narrow lot subdivision discussion - Provide staff direction with respect to narrow lot subdivisions, including, but not limited to:
establishing objective subdivision design standards; amending the Planned Residential Development ordinance; amending Engineering standards; and amending City street tree standards.
Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal and Principal Planner Jarred Olsen provided a presentation regarding narrow lot subdivision design standards and potential amendments to subdivision and zoning requirements.
Council discussed parking impacts, subdivision design, neighborhood livability, and potential requirements such as HOAs, gated communities, and guest parking standards.
Public comment was received from Dolores Taylor.
Council thanked staff for the report and presentation.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
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5. 25-0806Civic Center phase 3 scope of work - Receive a presentation discussing the scope of work and amenities to be included in phase 3 of the Visalia civic center project, approve one of the options listed in this report, award a sole source design contract to Darden Architects in the amount of $5,720,609, and
appropriate $5,721,000 from the Civic Center Reserve Fund.
This item is scheduled for the Work Session; if not completed, it may be continued during the Regular Session portion of this meeting.
Civil Engineer Mike Porter, Finance and Technology Director Renee Nagel, and Engineering & Building Director Jason Huckleberry provided a presentation regarding the scope of work and amenities for Phase 3 of the Visalia Civic Center project, and the award of a sole source design contract to Darden Architects, along with appropriation from the Civic Center Reserve Fund.
Council discussion focused on design alternatives and phasing strategies, with emphasis on incorporating defined “hard stop” decision points within the design agreement and project delivery process, allowing the City to pause or reassess progression into subsequent phases discussed in the presentation if warranted due to economic conditions, funding availability, or other changing circumstances.
Council Member Poochigian made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a sole source Architect/Engineer (A/E) design agreement with Darden Architects for Phase 3 of the Visalia Civic Center project and to appropriate $5,721,000 from the Civic Center Reserve Fund, selecting Option 1 approving the base building with fourth floor and police training facility.
The motion was then seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen and carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Brett TaylorNo:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
ADJOURN WORK SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Brett Taylor adjourned the work session at 6:44 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
Mayor Brett Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION LED BY PASTOR LANCE AINSWORTH, GATEWAY CHURCH
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
Public Relations Society of America Awards 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 Maria Guillén, Irene Lapin, and Hermeet Singh.
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 as read. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
1. 25-0822Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
This Consent Item was approve.
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2. 25-0618Design contract award and appropriation of funds - Authorize the City Manager to award a design contract to CWE for the
Highland Community connectivity project in the amount of $674,983 and authorize the additional appropriation of funds in the amount of $703,000 from the Measure R Local Fund.
This Consent Item was approve.
3. 25-0651Authorize the purchase of traffic signal poles - Authorize the City Manager to purchase traffic signal poles, cabinet and controllers from JAM Services Inc. in the amount of $190,960 for the Ferguson Avenue and Mooney Boulevard intersection project.
This Consent Item was approve.
4. 25-0744Approval of MOU with Visalia Unified School District for youth service officers assigned to school campuses - Authorize the City Manager to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement between the City of Visalia and Visalia Unified School District for Visalia Police Department Youth Services Officers assigned as campus officers at VUSD middle school and high school campuses for fiscal year 2026/27 & 2027/28.
This Consent Item was approve.
5. 25-0766Approve a lease agreement - Authorize the City Manager to execute a new lease agreement with the Tulare County Office of Education for the continued lease of a portion of the Manuel F.
Hernandez Community Center for operation of the Tulare County Early Childhood Education Program.
This Consent Item was approve.
6. 25-0778Award Anthony Community Center gymnasium HVAC improvement project - Authorize the City Manager to award the construction contract to BDM for the Anthony Community Center gymnasium HVAC improvement project in the amount of
$169,785 and to appropriate an additional $138,325 to the project from the General Fund.
This Consent Item was approve.
7. 25-0810Construction Change Order - Authorization to approve construction change order #7 in the amount of $189,175.75 to Agee Construction Corp for the Riggin Avenue widening project (Kelsey Street to Shirk Street).
This Consent Item was approve.
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8. 25-0825Approve a contract for heavy vehicle towing- Approve a contract with Prime Towing for heavy-duty vehicle towing services. The contract shall not exceed $30,000 annually, totaling $150,000 over the term of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
This Consent Item was approve.
9. 25-0834Accept the City of Visalia Cash and Investment Report - Accept the third quarter report of the fiscal year which consists of months January, February, and March 2026.
This Consent Item was approve.
10. 25-0835Authorize Investment Authority - Approve Resolution Number 2026-35 adopting the City of Visalia’s annually updated Investment Policy and delegate authority to invest funds for the City of Visalia to the Finance Director/Treasurer for fiscal year 2026-27.
This Consent Item was approve.
11. 25-0840Adopt resolution and exchange Federal funds for State Highway Account Funds - Adopt Resolution No. 2026-36 authorizing the City Manager to sign the fiscal year 2025/26 claim to the Tulare County Association of Governments for Regional Surface
Transportation Program Funds in exchange for State Highway Account Funds in the amount of $1,008,740 and appropriate funds towards the Stevenson Mill Creek culvert replacement project.
This Consent Item was approve.
12. 25-0841Record final map - Request authorization to record the final map for the Santa Fe Tract subdivision located along south Santa Fe Street approximately 500-feet north of East Paradise Avenue (6 lots).
This Consent Item was approve.
13. 25-08432026 election consolidation authorization - Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-34 relating to the regular municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026; requesting and consenting to the consolidation of elections and setting specifications of the election order; and requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to permit the County Registrar of Voters to render specified election-related services to the City of Visalia.
This Consent Item was approve.
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 1, 2026 REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS (Items continued from Work Session, if any)
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. 25-0769Public hearing authorizing Miscellaneous Special Assessments on Tulare County Secured Property Tax Roll - Adoption of Resolution 2026-18 which allows the City of Visalia to place Miscellaneous Special Assessments on the Tulare County
secured property tax roll for Sewer Connection, Deferred Impact Fees, Property and Business Improvement District, Northeast Improvement District, Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District, Landscape and Lighting Parks Construction, Open Space Assessment District, Laura and Atwood Water Main
Assessment District, Delinquent Utilities, Code Enforcement, and Weed & Lot Abatement.
Financial Analyst Ruth Peña provided a presentation regarding the proposed miscellaneous special assessments to be placed on the Tulare County secured property tax roll.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
Public comment was received from Hermeet Singh, Terry Jaden, Christine Marquez, Benjamin Pineda, Donny McDonald, and Kendal McSwain.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Brett Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
Council inquired whether approval of the item would exclude assessments subject to protest.
City staff confirmed that protested assessments would require further review and may not be included on the tax roll.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to Adopt. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
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2. 25-0837Ordinance Adoption - Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-04 to amend Visalia Municipal Code Title 16 (Subdivisions) to implement a streamlined process for small and simple maps.
Principal Planner Jarred Olsen provided a presentation regarding Ordinance No. 2026-04 amending Visalia Municipal Code Title 16 (Subdivisions) to implement a streamlined process for small and simple maps.
Council discussed the proposed 160-lot threshold, including concerns regarding the appropriate threshold for streamlined subdivision approvals and the potential impacts of the proposed process. Council also discussed monitoring the effectiveness of the streamlined process following implementation.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. There being no public comments, the public hearing was then closed at 7:58 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to approve utilizing the 160-lot threshold. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
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Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 1, 2026 . 25-0844Revised salary schedule and employment terms update -Adopt the revised salary schedule for full-time employees, City Manager, and City Council members of the City of Visalia and authorize changes to terms and conditions of employment by and between the City of Visalia and City Manager.
Administrative Services Director Shonna Oneal presented the report regarding the revised salary schedule for full-time employees, the City Manager, and City Council members, as well as proposed amendments to the City Manager's employment agreement.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. Public comment was received from Irene Lapin. There being no further comments, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m.
Council discussed the proposed salary schedule revisions and clarified that the salary adjustments would apply to full-time employees and the City Manager, while City Council salaries would remain unchanged. It was noted that City Council salaries are included in the salary schedule for transparency and compliance purposes. Council also discussed the sales tax revenue trigger contained in the applicable Memorandums of Understanding and employment agreements, which provided for an additional 2% salary increase upon the City meeting the established General Fund sales tax revenue threshold. The proposed action would accelerate implementation of that increase, resulting in a total 4% salary adjustment effective the pay period including July 1, 2026.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to adopt as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
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4. 25-0824Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) implementation overview- receive presentation on Senate Bill 707 which enhances public access to City Council meetings, adoption of Disruption Policy, and direction on outreach strategies.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Reyna Rivera provided a presentation regarding Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) requirements, the proposed policy on disruptions to telephonic or internet service during public meetings, and outreach strategies to encourage public participation.
Mayor Brett Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:02 p.m.
Public comment was received from Jim Reeves, Efrain Becerra, and María Guillén.
There being no further comments, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m.
During Council discussion, members emphasized the importance of outreach, civic engagement, and encouraging broader public participation in City Council meetings.
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, Steve Nelsen, Liz WynnAye:
Emmanuel Hernandez SotoAbsent:
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brett Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
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1. 25-0823Upcoming City Council Meetings
Monday, June 15, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Monday, July 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk
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