Visalia City Council
Regular MeetingVisalia, CA · February 6, 2023
Minutes
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mayor Brian Poochigian
Vice Mayor Brett Taylor
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Liz Wynn
Monday, February 6, 2023 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Brian Poochigian, Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, Council
Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Council Member Steve
Nelsen, and Council Member Liz Wynn
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM
The meeting was called 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)
Time permitting, Work Session items 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be presented during the Work
Session at 4:00 p.m.; otherwise the items will be called and discussed during Regular
Session at 7:00 p.m.
Page 1 of 9
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
1. Continue discussion on the Civic Center Phase II: Public Safety 23-0017
Office Building (PSOB, Police Services Building
(Evidence/Training/Crime Lab), and City Council Chambers
Project. Receive information on the City Council chambers
layout and building orientation and possible outdoor amenities
and recreational activities programming to be included in the
project. Provide direction as needed.
Nick Mascia, Assistant City Manager introduced the item and staff.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the chambers rooms and community room were
flipped or moved. If an overflow room is needed the current layout should
considered.
Nick Mascia, ACM, introduced the second portion of the item.
Mike Porter, Civil Engineer explained the next steps. Staff will return in early
2023 for budget and finance options.
The design will work with the Civic Center having multiple floors.
What about the issue of birds above the pavilion? Council requested for staff to
look at option to stop the birds from landing or nesting to keep the area clean .
2. Receive presentation from Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross 23-0024
& Leoni (NMPGL) on 2022 state legislative activity and a forecast
of state legislative activity for 2023.
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager introduced the item for the
legislative activity and a forecast of state legislation. John Moffett and Michelle
Rubalcava, state lobbyists with Nielsen Merksamer, explained the two main
areas for the legislative information. Geoff Neill, is a new attorney in Nielsen,
Merksamer, with a deep knowledge with local government.
Michelle Rubalcava, Nielsen Merksamer, explained the legislative information
per the PowerPoint presentation.
Council comments, questions and compliments to staff and the lobbyist work.
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
3. Receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for 22-0471
the City of Visalia for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Renee Nagel, Finance Director, Kari Williams, Financial Analyst, Jason
Montgomery, Finance Manager, and Sophia Kuo from the Pun Group provided
the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report to Council.
Jason Montgomery, Finance Manager, provided the information on the
accounting of assets, debt, depreciation, and net pension liability. Renee Nagel,
Finance Director, explained the General Fund Summary.
Comments and questions by Council. No motion or action required.
4. Review and acceptance of the Annual Measure T Compliance 22-0469
Audit for fiscal year ending 6/30/22.
Kari Williams, Financial Analyst, provided the Measure T Audit findings. The
review must be completed every eight (8) years before sunset. Revenues are
providing a net change in the fund balance.
The City, as part of the voter approved Measure T sales tax override, must have
an annual audit of the uses of Measure T funds. M. Green and Company has
performed this audit and it is now being presented to Council.
There were no audit findings for FY 21/22.
This audit did not include financial management and accounting practices. The
purpose of this audit is to ensure that Measure T funds are used in accordance
with the Ballot Measure, Program Guidelines and Expenditure Plan for fiscal
year ended June 30, 2022. The financial management and accounting practices
are included in the City’s annual audit which is also being presented tonight
(February 6, 2023).
This is a review of the audit and is not intended as a discussion of plan
adjustments or other operational issues. Those adjustments should be
considered as part of a separate discussion.
Page 3 of 9
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
5. Review and acceptance of the Annual Measure N Compliance 22-0470
Audit for fiscal year ending 6/30/22.
Renee Nagel, Finance Director, Kari Williams, Financial Analyst, and Jason
Montgomery, Finance Manager, provided the Annual Measure N compliance
audit for fiscal year ending 6/30/22 which has requirements for the revenues and
expenditures.
The effectiveness review will be on April 1, 2025.
The City, as part of the voter approved Measure N sales tax override, must have an
annual audit of the uses of Measure N funds. M. Green and Company has performed
this audit and it is now being presented to Council.
This audit did not include financial management and accounting practices. It is only to
ensure that Measure N funds are used in accordance with the Ballot Measure, Program
Guidelines, and Expenditure Plan for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The financial
management and accounting practices are included in the City’s annual Audit, which is
also being presented tonight (February 6, 2023).
There was one audit finding for fiscal year 21/22. A park maintenance invoice was
miscoded to tree maintenance which took it over budget. City Staff made the coding
correction before the audit was completed.
This is a review of the audit and is not intended as a discussion of plan adjustments or
other operational issues. Those adjustments should be considered as part of a
separate discussion.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following
Work Session)
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 6:01 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR LOUIS DORADO, City of Visalia Heavy
Equipment Operator, Streets Maintenance Division.
INVOCATION
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
ITEMS OF INTEREST
The Council commented on various activities they participated in the last few weeks.
Mayor Poochigian asked for RV parking for next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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.
Kathy Falconer, Visalia Environmental Alliance, would like to recognize Bill Huott for his work
as an Environmental Hero. For 22 years he has cleaned up the area of the North side of
Visalia. He now cleans Mooney to Ferguson and Cain to. Stephanie Benton, Karen
Freidman andDominique from the Environmental Alliance spoke in support of Bill Huott's
efforts to clean up Visalia. spoke in support of Mr. Huott. He sees a problem and fixes them.
Irene Lapin, spoke about an ability to not get an appointment with the animal shelter . The
crisis is not about her. The manager position needs to be filled. Ms. Lapin recommends a
new opening time or half time veterinarian.
Jaklin Rowley, Engineering, pulled item 2 for an error in the report, which was an unintentional
line left in the report.
Laura Duarte, Visalia lives near the Dutch Bros and Uno Hawaiian BBQ. She was referred to
Leonard Herr's office. The problems have not gone away.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, to
approve the Consent Calendar except for items 2 (staff) and 12 (SN). The motion carried by
the following vote:
Page 5 of 9
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen,Liz Wynn
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. 23-0036
2. Authorize the appropriation of $1.7M for Phase VI of the 22-0338
Riverway Sports Park which will include the overflow parking lot
north of the Riverway Sport Park and the Riverway Community
Dog Park Project.
Jaklin Rowley, Engineering, pulled item 2 for an unintentional error left in the
report, and requested Council not to consider that line.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member
Steve Nelsen, to adopt as amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto,Liz Wynn
3. Request authorization to file a Notice of Completion for RFB 22-0460
21-22-20, Grading of Peoples Basin. (CIP
3010-72000/CP8334-999)
4. Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the 23-0002
construction of the FY 22-23 Cape Seal Project
(1410-72000/CP0247-999).
5. Authorization for the City Manager to award the annual contract 23-0015
in the amount of $72,566 to William B. Oliver d.b.a. Kaweah
Maintenance of Lemon Cove, CA for the steam cleaning of the
Visalia Transit owned bus shelters/stops. This is a single year
contract with the ability for single year extensions for a total of
five years.
6. Authorize a sole source purchase to replace three (3) Police 23-0019
Services Dogs from Gold Coast K9 Services located in Ventura,
CA, appropriate $83,300 and accept a donation of $40,000 from
the non-profit organization, Friends of Visalia Police K-9.
7. Authorize the award of a Contract for Veterinary Supplies to 23-0020
Patterson Veterinary Supply Inc, for a 1-year initial period with 4
additional 1-year renewal options not to exceed $30,000.00 per
year for a possible 5-year term and total of $150,000.
Page 6 of 9
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
8. Authorize the City Manager to execute a new contract with 23-0025
DelRay Tire & Retreading for tires and retreading services for all
City vehicles and equipment serviced by the Fleet Division.
Pricing for this contract will "piggyback" on State of California
contract pricing. The contract will be Not-To-Exceed $500,000
per year with the costs split monthly through allocations to the
appropriate City divisions whose vehicles are receiving the tires.
This contract will be for one year, with an option to annually
renew for up to four years.
9. Authorize the City Manager to execute a new Maintenance, 23-0026
Repair and Operations (MRO) contract with Lawson Products,
Inc. to provide the small parts, fasteners, hydraulic hoses,
clamps, and vehicle repair supplies for the Fleet Division, Solid
Waste Division and Wastewater Treatment Plant Division of
Public Works. The contract will include storage cabinets,
machining tools and weekly inventory replenishment. The
contract will be not-to-exceed $125,000 per year, with the costs
split monthly through allocations to the appropriate City divisions
whose vehicles and equipment are receiving the parts. This
contract will be for one year, with 1 one-year optional renewal.
10. Annual fee waiver request from Visalia Gadabouts to utilize the 23-0027
Visalia Senior Center for the purpose of providing programs and
services for senior citizens.
11. Authorize the appropriation of $29,875.00 from the Golf Fund for 23-0033
well repair at the Valley Oaks Golf Course which is utilized for
Plaza Park irrigation.
12. Authorize Staff to seeking funding through area State and 23-0038
Federal Legislative Representatives for a variety of projects as
listed in this report.
Leslie Caviglia, City Manager, was available to answer questions.
Councilmember Nelsen wants a more detailed report on the warming center
which is listed as item 4 in the report.
Comments by Council.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member
Steve Nelsen, to approve as amended by removing item four from the motion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen,Liz Wynn
No: Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Page 7 of 9
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
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. Receive a presentation and approve the revised proposed 2023 23-0029
Citizens Advisory Committee Annual Public Opinion Survey.
Jason Serpa, Public Works Manager and staff representative of the Citizen
Advisory Committee (CAC). Captain Luma Fahoum was also in attendance as
the co-staff representative. CAC members Brian Prosser and Kelly Pierce were
in attendance to support.
The new proposed questions are as listed in the handout. Should we have retail
cannabis stores and what amenities should the city explore providing?
Comments by Council. Nelsen agrees the amenities should stay. He believes
the cannabis question is redundant.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded
by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, to adopt as amended using options 1 and 2(a) as
suggested by staff. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,Liz
Wynn
No: Steve Nelsen
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Page 8 of 9
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2023
1. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 22-0409
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m., 303 E. Acequia
Monday, March 06, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m., 707 W. Acequia
Note: Meeting dates/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 call (559) 713-4512
48-hours in advance of the meeting. For Hearing Impaired - Call
(559) 713-4900 (TTY) 48-hours in advance of the scheduled
meeting time to request signing services.
Any 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.
Page 9 of 9
Agenda
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
City Council
Meeting Agenda - Final
Mayor Brian Poochigian
Vice Mayor Brett Taylor
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Liz Wynn
Monday, February 6, 2023 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 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)
Time permitting, Work Session items 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be presented during the Work
Session at 4:00 p.m.; otherwise the items will be called and discussed during Regular
Session at 7:00 p.m.
1. Continue discussion on the Civic Center Phase II: Public Safety 23-0017
Office Building (PSOB, Police Services Building
(Evidence/Training/Crime Lab), and City Council Chambers
Project. Receive information on the City Council chambers layout
and building orientation and possible outdoor amenities and
recreational activities programming to be included in the project.
Provide direction as needed.
2. Receive presentation from Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & 23-0024
Leoni (NMPGL) on 2022 state legislative activity and a forecast of
state legislative activity for 2023.
3. Receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City 22-0471
of Visalia for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Page 1 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final February 6, 2023
4. Review and acceptance of the Annual Measure T Compliance 22-0469
Audit for fiscal year ending 6/30/22.
5. Review and acceptance of the Annual Measure N Compliance 22-0470
Audit for fiscal year ending 6/30/22.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following
Work Session)
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR LOUIS DORADO, City of Visalia Heavy
Equipment Operator, Streets Maintenance Division.
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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. 23-0036
2. Authorize the appropriation of $1.7M for Phase VI of the Riverway 22-0338
Sports Park which will include the overflow parking lot north of the
Riverway Sport Park and the Riverway Community Dog Park
Project.
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final February 6, 2023
3. Request authorization to file a Notice of Completion for RFB 22-0460
21-22-20, Grading of Peoples Basin. (CIP
3010-72000/CP8334-999)
4. Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the 23-0002
construction of the FY 22-23 Cape Seal Project
(1410-72000/CP0247-999).
5. Authorization for the City Manager to award the annual contract in 23-0015
the amount of $72,566 to William B. Oliver d.b.a. Kaweah
Maintenance of Lemon Cove, CA for the steam cleaning of the
Visalia Transit owned bus shelters/stops. This is a single year
contract with the ability for single year extensions for a total of five
years.
6. Authorize a sole source purchase to replace three (3) Police 23-0019
Services Dogs from Gold Coast K9 Services located in Ventura,
CA, appropriate $83,300 and accept a donation of $40,000 from
the non-profit organization, Friends of Visalia Police K-9.
7. Authorize the award of a Contract for Veterinary Supplies to 23-0020
Patterson Veterinary Supply Inc, for a 1-year initial period with 4
additional 1-year renewal options not to exceed $30,000.00 per
year for a possible 5-year term and total of $150,000.
8. Authorize the City Manager to execute a new contract with DelRay 23-0025
Tire & Retreading for tires and retreading services for all City
vehicles and equipment serviced by the Fleet Division. Pricing for
this contract will "piggyback" on State of California contract pricing.
The contract will be Not-To-Exceed $500,000 per year with the
costs split monthly through allocations to the appropriate City
divisions whose vehicles are receiving the tires. This contract will
be for one year, with an option to annually renew for up to four
years.
9. Authorize the City Manager to execute a new Maintenance, Repair 23-0026
and Operations (MRO) contract with Lawson Products, Inc. to
provide the small parts, fasteners, hydraulic hoses, clamps, and
vehicle repair supplies for the Fleet Division, Solid Waste Division
and Wastewater Treatment Plant Division of Public Works. The
contract will include storage cabinets, machining tools and weekly
inventory replenishment. The contract will be not-to-exceed
$125,000 per year, with the costs split monthly through allocations
to the appropriate City divisions whose vehicles and equipment are
receiving the parts. This contract will be for one year, with 1
one-year optional renewal.
10. Consideration of a fee waiver request from Visalia Gadabouts to 23-0027
utilize the Visalia Senior Center for the purpose of providing
programs and services for senior citizens.
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final February 6, 2023
11. Authorize the appropriation of $29,875.00 from the Golf Fund for 23-0033
well repair at the Valley Oaks Golf Course which is utilized for
Plaza Park irrigation.
12. Authorize Staff to seeking funding through area State and Federal 23-0038
Legislative Representatives for a variety of projects as listed in this
report.
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. Receive a presentation and approve the revised proposed 2023 23-0029
Citizens Advisory Committee Annual Public Opinion Survey.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
1. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 22-0409
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m., 303 E. Acequia
Monday, March 06, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m., 707 W. Acequia
Note: Meeting dates/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 call (559) 713-4512
48-hours in advance of the meeting. For Hearing Impaired - Call
(559) 713-4900 (TTY) 48-hours in advance of the scheduled
meeting time to request signing services.
Any 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.
Page 4 of 4
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