Visalia City Council
Regular MeetingVisalia, CA · February 21, 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
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:00 PM VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER
NOTE: MEETING LOCATION IS 303 E. Acequia
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 - No Work Session Scheduled
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 - No Work Session Items
CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Page 1 of 6
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 21, 2023
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
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor, Brett Taylor
to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of items 3 and 4.
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. 23-0056
2. Confirmation of newly appointed Measure N Oversight Board 23-0060
members for review of all proposed Council spending plans for
Measure N funds.
3. Request by Councilmember Liz Wynn for Council to approve 23-0059
placing an item on a future City Council agenda for consideration
of allowing backyard hens in the City of Visalia.
A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded
by Council Member Liz Wynn, to Approve as amended. The motion carried by
the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,Liz Wynn
No: Brett Taylor,Steve Nelsen
Page 2 of 6
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 21, 2023
4. Request by Mayor Brian Poochigian for Council to approve 23-0047
adding an agenda item for discussion regarding a potential
ordinance to allow enforcement and regulation of parking
recreational vehicles in the City of Visalia.
Paul Gambly, Visalia, stated the item is not specific enough. Anne Mire, Visalia,
wants this item to move forward.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Council Member Steve
Nelson, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen,Liz Wynn
5. Authorize City Manager to proceed with the design and 23-0013
construction of a bicycle Protected Intersection at Riggin Avenue
and Giddings Street associated with the Riggin Widening Project
Mooney Blvd. to Conyer St and for Staff to develop guidelines
that evaluate these intersections treatments at future locations
on a case by case basis and to proceed with implementation; if
approved, future protected intersection applications would not
return to Council for direct input.
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute the reimbursement 23-0031
agreement associated with Quail River subdivision (323 lots),
located near the southeast corner of East Walnut Avenue and
South Lovers Lane.
7. Appropriate an additional $25,693 from the General Fto the 23-0039
current CIP to purchase five Edraulic rescue combination tools
and authorize the purchase from L.N. Curtis & Sons.
8. Authorize the City Manager to Award RFB 22-23-1 annual 23-0040
contract for Landscape Maintenance of Roadsides and Medians
to Elite Maintenance and Tree Service, of Clovis, CA, for
$166,675.56 annually for the maintaining of City of Visalia
roadsides and medians per specifications of RFB 22-23-1.
9. Request authorization to file a notice of completion for Highland 23-0042
Park Estates subdivision containing 55 single-family residential
lots located north of West Riggin Avenue and east of North
Mooney Boulevard.
10. Request authorization to record the final parcel map for Tentative 23-0043
Parcel Map No. 2003-10, located at the southwest corner of
West Hurley Avenue and North Neeley Street (APN:
081-020-089).
Page 3 of 6
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 21, 2023
11. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a sole source contract 23-0046
with Syncromatics Corporation for Transit software in an amount
not to exceed $100,000.00 (from the operations budget
4551/55520) per year with four additional single year extensions
and a total not to exceed $500,000.00.
12. Appoint Lori Berger to the Delta Vector Control District Board to 23-0048
serve as the City of Visalia Council appointed representative to
fill the vacant unexpired four-year term effective February 21,
2023 and ending December 31, 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.
Page 4 of 6
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 21, 2023
1. A public hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning 23-0034
Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2022-23, a
request by Maracor Development to establish a 292-unit deed
restricted affordable multi-family residential development on 10.8
acres in the R-M-2 (Multi-Family Residential, 3,000 sq. ft.
minimum site area) zone and the Notice of Exemption that was
prepared for the conditional use permit in accordance with State
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section
15183 (Public Resources Code §21083.3). Notice of Exemption
No. 2022-51 disclosed that no additional environmental review is
required based upon the project being consistent with the
development density established by the City’s General Plan and
based upon no further project-specific effects that are peculiar to
the project or the site. The project site is located on the
southwest corner of East K Avenue and South Ben Maddox Way
(APNs: 126-750-050 & 126-750-051).
Brandon Smith, Planning Department, and Paul Bernal, Community
Development Director and Jason Huckleberry, Assistant Community
Development Director, provided the report regarding the planned apartment
complex.
Paul Bernal, Community Development Director, addressed the appeal. 1. The
unusual life of the fox living in the area. The red fox and habitat is not harmful
related to the subject. The site survey was done on 2/9/23. The gray fox is not
listed as an endangered species. The second item is the impact of the grey fox
is not listed as an endangered species. The second item is the impact of
student enrollment. VUSD does monitor the amount of students and there will
not be an impact to the student population. The intersection is on the City's
improvement list. The high density and property values will not decrease due to
the project. 5. is infrastructure. Both city and sewer and storm due to the
apartments. Staff recommends to deny the appeal, consistent with the General
Plan and the laws.
The following citizens spoke: Paul Gantly, Mike smith, Josh (No last name
provided), Raul Picket, Paul Breason, Dominique Biello Rivera, Armando Romo,
Marta Gonzalez, Susie Santa, Darra Lucas, Pat Carr, Linda Johnson, Juan
Cortez Jr., Anna Ramirez, and Judy Green.
Mayor Poochigian stated a lot of questions were answered. The Council as a
whole took an oath the follow the law. One question is about the protection of
environmental species? A DNA sample is not required to be completed. If the
DNA shows an endangered species they will comply on the basis of CEQA.
Page 5 of 6
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 21, 2023
2. First Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2023-01 which 23-0030
authorizes the sale of approximately 367 square feet to the State
of California as part of Caltrans project to rehabilitate State
Route 216, Lovers Lane and East Millcreek Parkway
Frank Senteno, City Engineer, requested the first reading of the ordinance for
the subject property.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council
Member Emmanuel Soto to approve as recommended. The motion carried by
the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen,Liz Wynn
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
Next meeting is Monday, March 6, 2023 at 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 6 of 6
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
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:00 PM VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER
NOTE: MEETING LOCATION IS 303 E. Acequia
ROLL CALL
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - No Work Session Scheduled
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 - No Work Session Items
CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Page 1 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final February 21, 2023
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. 23-0056
2. Confirmation of newly appointed Measure N Oversight Board 23-0060
members for review of all proposed Council spending plans for
Measure N funds.
3. Request by Councilmember Liz Wynn for Council to approve 23-0059
placing an item on a future City Council agenda for consideration of
allowing backyard hens in the City of Visalia.
4. Request by Mayor Brian Poochigian for Council to approve adding 23-0047
an agenda item for discussion regarding a potential ordinance to
allow enforcement and regulation of parking recreational vehicles in
the City of Visalia.
5. Authorize City Manager to proceed with the design and 23-0013
construction of a bicycle Protected Intersection at Riggin Avenue
and Giddings Street associated with the Riggin Widening Project
Mooney Blvd. to Conyer St and for Staff to develop guidelines that
evaluate these intersections treatments at future locations on a
case by case basis and to proceed with implementation; if
approved, future protected intersection applications would not
return to Council for direct input.
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute the reimbursement 23-0031
agreement associated with Quail River subdivision (323 lots),
located near the southeast corner of East Walnut Avenue and
South Lovers Lane.
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final February 21, 2023
7. Appropriate an additional $25,693 from the General Fto the current 23-0039
CIP to purchase five Edraulic rescue combination tools and
authorize the purchase from L.N. Curtis & Sons.
8. Authorize the City Manager to Award RFB 22-23-1 annual contract 23-0040
for Landscape Maintenance of Roadsides and Medians to Elite
Maintenance and Tree Service, of Clovis, CA, for $166,675.56
annually for the maintaining of City of Visalia roadsides and
medians per specifications of RFB 22-23-1.
9. Request authorization to file a notice of completion for Highland 23-0042
Park Estates subdivision containing 55 single-family residential lots
located north of West Riggin Avenue and east of North Mooney
Boulevard.
10. Request authorization to record the final parcel map for Tentative 23-0043
Parcel Map No. 2003-10, located at the southwest corner of West
Hurley Avenue and North Neeley Street (APN: 081-020-089).
11. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a sole source contract with 23-0046
Syncromatics Corporation for Transit software in an amount not to
exceed $100,000.00 (from the operations budget 4551/55520) per
year with four additional single year extensions and a total not to
exceed $500,000.00.
12. Appoint Lori Berger to the Delta Vector Control District Board to 23-0048
serve as the City of Visalia Council appointed representative to fill
the vacant unexpired four-year term effective February 21, 2023
and ending December 31, 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.
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final February 21, 2023
1. A public hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning 23-0034
Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2022-23, a
request by Maracor Development to establish a 292-unit deed
restricted affordable multi-family residential development on 10.8
acres in the R-M-2 (Multi-Family Residential, 3,000 sq. ft. minimum
site area) zone and the Notice of Exemption that was prepared for
the conditional use permit in accordance with State California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183
(Public Resources Code §21083.3). Notice of Exemption No.
2022-51 disclosed that no additional environmental review is
required based upon the project being consistent with the
development density established by the City’s General Plan and
based upon no further project-specific effects that are peculiar to
the project or the site. The project site is located on the southwest
corner of East K Avenue and South Ben Maddox Way (APNs:
126-750-050 & 126-750-051).
2. First Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2023-01 which authorizes 23-0030
the sale of approximately 367 square feet to the State of California
as part of Caltrans project to rehabilitate State Route 216, Lovers
Lane and East Millcreek Parkway.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
Next meeting is Monday, March 6, 2023 at 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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