Visalia City Council
Regular MeetingVisalia, CA · August 15, 2022
Minutes
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mayor Steve Nelsen
Vice Mayor Brian Poochigian
Council Member Greg Collins
Council Member Brett Taylor
Council Member Liz Wynn
Monday, August 15, 2022 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present: Mayor Steve Nelsen, Vice Mayor Brian Poochigian, Council
Member Brett Taylor, and Council Member Liz Wynn
Absent: Council Member Greg Collins
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:30 PM
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)
Page 1 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 15, 2022
1. New Employee Introductions: 22-0294
Convention Center:
Mike Kaiser - Convention Center Operation Supervisor
Heriberto (Beto) Rodriguez - Facility Services Technician
Mitchell Oliveira - Facility Services Technician
Frank Armenta - Facility Services Technician
CIP Engineering:
Jaklin Rowley, Assistant Engineer
Alejandro Ortega, Associate Engineer
Cody McLaughlin, Assistant Engineer
Corey McIntyre, Public Works Inspector
Orlando Rosales, Engineering Technician
Police Department:
Connor Smythe, Police Officer
Derek Steidley, Police Officer
John Taylor, Police Officer
Tyler Trowbridge, Parking Enforcement Officer
Catalina Garcia, Assistant Communications Operator, VPD was added to the
employee introductions.
2. Receive staff presentation and provide comment and/or direction 22-0300
on Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 10.16.210 Parking
Commercial Vehicles in Residential Districts.
Tracy Robertshaw, Neighborhood Preservation and Paul Bernal, Community
Development Director, provided the presentation to Council regarding the need
to update the ordinance regarding parking commercial vehicles in a residential
zone.
Comments by Council with direction to staff regarding for municipal code
10.16.210; parking commercial vehicles in residential districts.
Don Celillo and Gino Caggiano addressed Council with their concerns about the
new parking ordinance. They both have commercial vehicles that need to be
brought home and parked in a residential zone.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council
Member Brett Taylor, to approve with the direction from Council. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: Steve Nelsen, Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, and Liz Wynn
Absent: Greg Collins
Page 2 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 15, 2022
3. Confirm approval of a cooperative agreement with Caltrans to 22-0318
receive $48,000 through the Clean California State Initiative to
support Dump On Us event operations throughout FY22-23.
Jason Serpa, Public Works Manager, provided the overview of the Dump On Us
statistics.
Cal Trans provided an event in Madera, Delano, and Exeter and Hanford and
Corcoran area. These events were not as successful as the Visalia Dump on
Us events.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council
Member Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: Steve Nelsen, Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, and Liz Wynn
Absent: Greg Collins
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following
Work Session)
The work session was adjourned at 5:08 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Page 3 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 15, 2022
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters that are not on the agenda and
within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. The Council asks that you keep your
comments brief and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is
welcome.
This is also the time for citizens to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for
discussion purposes. Public comments related to all pulled Consent Calendar items and
Regular or Public Hearing items listed on the agenda will be heard at the time that item is
discussed or when the Public Hearing is opened.
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.
The Environmental Alliance honored the Ranier family for their efforts to recycle. Wilson
Ranier thanked the Alliance and Council.
Pastor Isabelle expressed concern about the treatment of homeless individuals by police
officers and various individuals in the parks.
Bobby (no last name provided) Visalia, is homeless and the police keep moving homeless
people. They do not have any resources. The Hope team moved her along from the area
and told her to move back to Tulare. She video taped the officer who told her to move.
Valerie Ortega, Visalia, stated she is almost homeless and would like to know about the
resources that are available to un housed citizens. People are dying out there on the streets.
If the CARE program is available, please provide the resources available that were promised
in 2020.
Gwen Schrenk, Visalia, stated we should encourage each other to work together. If anyone
needs a safe place to come to the second floor of the Transit Center. Encourage everyone to
work together, problem solve and provide solutions.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will
be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be
removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion .
Item 2 pulled by Councilmember Brett Taylor.
A motion was made by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Vice Mayor Poochigian, to
approve the Consent Calendar. Item 2 was pulled for separate discussion and vote. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Steve Nelsen, Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, and Liz Wynn
Absent: Greg Collins
Page 4 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 15, 2022
1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 22-0320
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve payment to California 22-0281
Water Service in the amount of $155,731 for the installation of
six fire hydrants and one irrigation service along Riggin Ave
between Akers St and Demaree St.
Councilmember Taylor commented about the cost of the fire hydrants. What is
the reason for the high cost?
Frank Senteno, City Engineer, explained the city staff tried to negotiate the cost
with the Cal Water Service.
Steven Johnson, Cal Water, the cost is in a set formula by the CPUC and these
hydrants require cutting which drives up the cost.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brian Poochigian, seconded by
Councilmember Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: Steve Nelsen, Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, and Liz Wynn
Absent: Greg Collins
3. Adopt Resolution 2022-48 authorizing City Manager to execute 22-0289
Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad
Company for the engineering services associated with the design
of the Goshen Trail Reconstruction Project. (Project Number
2420-72000/CP8130-999)
4. Authorize airport staff to conditionally accept a federal grant in 22-0292
the amount of $121,500 to fund a Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) required Pavement Maintenance
Management Plan (PMMP).
5. Adopt Resolution 2022-49 authorizing City Manager to submit a 22-0295
grant application to the Department of Water Resources for the
South Linwood Emergency Drought Project in the amount of
$827,580 and appropriate grant funds, contingent upon award.
6. Authorize staff to conduct a citywide rebranding process, 22-0317
authorize staff to amend the current contract with We The
Creative for brand research and development services, and
appropriate $100,000 to cover the cost of the contract.
Page 5 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 15, 2022
7. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with JLB 22-0296
Traffic Engineering for professional consulting services for the
Demaree Street, Houston Avenue, and Ben Maddox Avenue
Traffic Signal Interconnect Improvements Project in the amount
not to exceed $122,908.59.
8. Authorization to accept delivery and issue Notice of Completion 22-0304
for the purchase of thirteen (13) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
solid waste vehicles from E.M. Tharp of Porterville, CA.
Vehicles were partially funded by a $2,305,000 Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant.
9. Consideration of a Mural Application request from Valley Oak 22-0310
Credit Union for one mural proposed on the south-facing facade
of the commercial building located at 600 West Main Street.
10. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-10 22-0311
approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-01, a request by
the City of Visalia to amend Visalia Municipal Code Chapter
17.56 (Historic Preservation District).
11. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-11 22-0314
approving Change of Zone No. 2021-12, a request to change the
zoning designation of 5,196 square feet of a 15,261 square foot
parcel from R-1-5 (Single-family Residential, 5,000 square foot
minimum lot size) to C-MU (Commercial Mixed Use).
12. Rescind Resolution No. 2021-44, which approved General Plan 22-0316
Amendment No. 2021-01, a request to by the City of Visalia to
amend language to General Plan Land Use Policy LU-P-34.
(Resolution No. 2022-50 required)
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.
Page 6 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 15, 2022
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 22-0285
2019-20 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment III. Approve
and appropriate the proposed 2019-20 Annual Action Plan
Substantial Amendment III of $291,599 in CDBG Coronavirus
Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CDBG-CV) reallocation
funding.
Margie Perez, City Housing Specialist, discussed the CARES Act and
reallocation #3. The funds need to be used to administer the program.
A survey was conducted to ask Visalia citizens how the funds should be best
utilized.
The public hearing was opened at 7:23 p.m. and closed. There were no public
comments.
A motion was made by Council Member Liz Wynn, seconded by Council
Member Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: Steve Nelsen, Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, and Liz Wynn
Absent: Greg Collins
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
1. Upcoming Visalia City Council Meetings: 22-0165
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - Regular Meeting @ 7:00 PM -
707 W. Acequia
Monday, September 19, 2022 - Regular Meeting @ 7:00 PM -
707 W. Acequia
Page 7 of 7
Agenda
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
City Council
Meeting Agenda - Final
Mayor Steve Nelsen
Vice Mayor Brian Poochigian
Council Member Greg Collins
Council Member Brett Taylor
Council Member Liz Wynn
Monday, August 15, 2022 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:30 PM
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)
Page 1 of 5
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 15, 2022
1. 22-0294
New Employee Introductions:
Convention Center:
Mike Kaiser - Convention Center Operation Supervisor
Heriberto (Beto) Rodriguez - Facility Services Technician
Mitchell Oliveira - Facility Services Technician
Frank Armenta - Facility Services Technician
CIP Engineering:
Jaklin Rowley, Assistant Engineer
Alejandro Ortega, Associate Engineer
Cody McLaughlin, Assistant Engineer
Corey McIntyre, Public Works Inspector
Orlando Rosales, Engineering Technician
Police Department:
Connor Smythe, Police Officer
Derek Steidley, Police Officer
John Taylor, Police Officer
Tyler Trowbridge, Parking Enforcement Officer
2. Receive staff presentation and provide comment and/or direction 22-0300
on Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 10.16.210 Parking Commercial
Vehicles in Residential Districts.
3. Confirm approval of a cooperative agreement with Caltrans to 22-0318
receive $48,000 through the Clean California State Initiative to
support Dump On Us event operations throughout FY22-23.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following
Work Session)
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Page 2 of 5
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 15, 2022
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters that are not on the agenda and
within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. The Council asks that you keep your
comments brief and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is
welcome.
This is also the time for citizens to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for
discussion purposes. Public comments related to all pulled Consent Calendar items and
Regular or Public Hearing items listed on the agenda will be heard at the time that item is
discussed or when the Public Hearing is opened.
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.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will
be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be
removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion .
1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 22-0320
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve payment to California Water 22-0281
Service in the amount of $155,731 for the installation of six fire
hydrants and one irrigation service along Riggin Ave between
Akers St and Demaree St.
3. Adopt Resolution 2022-48 authorizing City Manager to execute 22-0289
Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company
for the engineering services associated with the design of the
Goshen Trail Reconstruction Project. (Project Number
2420-72000/CP8130-999)
4. Authorize airport staff to conditionally accept a federal grant in the 22-0292
amount of $121,500 to fund a Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) required Pavement Maintenance Management Plan
(PMMP).
5. Adopt Resolution 2022-49 authorizing City Manager to submit a 22-0295
grant application to the Department of Water Resources for the
South Linwood Emergency Drought Project in the amount of
$827,580 and appropriate grant funds, contingent upon award.
6. Authorize staff to conduct a citywide rebranding process, authorize 22-0317
staff to amend the current contract with We The Creative for brand
research and development services, and appropriate $100,000 to
cover the cost of the contract.
Page 3 of 5
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 15, 2022
7. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with JLB Traffic 22-0296
Engineering for professional consulting services for the Demaree
Street, Houston Avenue, and Ben Maddox Avenue Traffic Signal
Interconnect Improvements Project in the amount not to exceed
$122,908.59.
8. Authorization to accept delivery and issue Notice of Completion for 22-0304
the purchase of thirteen (13) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solid
waste vehicles from E.M. Tharp of Porterville, CA. Vehicles were
partially funded by a $2,305,000 Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality (CMAQ) grant.
9. Consideration of a Mural Application request from Valley Oak 22-0310
Credit Union for one mural proposed on the south-facing facade of
the commercial building located at 600 West Main Street.
10. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-10 approving 22-0311
Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-01, a request by the City of
Visalia to amend Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 17.56 (Historic
Preservation District).
11. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-11 approving 22-0314
Change of Zone No. 2021-12, a request to change the zoning
designation of 5,196 square feet of a 15,261 square foot parcel
from R-1-5 (Single-family Residential, 5,000 square foot minimum
lot size) to C-MU (Commercial Mixed Use).
12. Rescind Resolution No. 2021-44, which approved General Plan 22-0316
Amendment No. 2021-01, a request to by the City of Visalia to
amend language to General Plan Land Use Policy LU-P-34.
(Resolution No. 2022-50 required)
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. Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 22-0285
2019-20 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment III. Approve
and appropriate the proposed 2019-20 Annual Action Plan
Substantial Amendment III of $291,599 in CDBG Coronavirus Aid,
Relief and Economic Security Act (CDBG-CV) reallocation funding.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
Page 4 of 5
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 15, 2022
1. Upcoming Visalia City Council Meetings: 22-0165
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - Regular Meeting @ 7:00 PM - 707
W. Acequia
Monday, September 19, 2022 - Regular Meeting @ 7:00 PM - 707
W. Acequia
Page 5 of 5
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