Visalia City Council
Regular MeetingVisalia, CA · August 21, 2023
Minutes
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
Visalia City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final
Brian Poochigian, Mayor
Brett Taylor, Vice Mayor
Steve Nelsen, Council Member
Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Council Member
Liz Wynn, Council Member
Monday, August 21, 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 - 5:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 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)
1. NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS: 23-0312
INFORMATION SERVICES
Joseph Grimes, Computer Technician
Chris Terry, Information Systems Analyst
Michelle Maldonado, Geographic Information Systems Analyst
CONVENTION CENTER
Sidney Regalado, Sales Representative
HUMAN RESOURCES:
Amy Powell, Management Analyst - HR/Risk
Andrew Guzman, Insurance and Benefits Manager
Page 1 of 6
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 21, 2023
2. Consideration and direction on initiating a potential ordinance to 23-0301
regulate the use and operation of pedicabs within the City of
Visalia and whether to allow the consumption of alcohol by
pedicab passengers under designated circumstances.
Luma Fahoum, Police Captain, Tracy Robertshaw, Code Enforcement Manager,
and Jim Koontz, Assistant City Attorney, provided an overview of the pedicab
use and operation.
Jim Koontz, Assistant City Attorney, explained what a pedicab is and what the
operators must do in order to have that type of business in the City of Visalia.
Staff is requesting direction from Council. This type of vehicle cannot be on a
street with a speed limit of more than 30 mph. No hard liquor or glass is allowed
on the pedicab; however, beer is allowed.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor
Brett Taylor, to table the item to get input from the businesses who may be
affected if pedicabs are allowed. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn
3. Consideration of and direction on initiating potential Municipal 23-0297
Code updates to Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 12.48 Special
Events.
Tracy Robertshaw, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, introduced the item
and requested for Council to provide input. Paul Bernal, Community
Development Director and Jim Koontz, Assistant City Manager were in
attendance to answer Council questions and provide information as needed.
April Lancaster, Visalia, spoke in opposition to some of the language in the draft
ordinance. Noted for the record: Ms. Lancaster also provided a written public
comment to Council regarding the special events ordinance proposed changes.
Duane Rodriguez, Visalia, requested Council to support the recommendation by
staff.
Leslie Caviglia, City Manager, stated the ordinance for Special Events has been
in the queue for some time for review and updates.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor
Taylor for staff to begin revisions to VMC Chapter 12.48 based on the
recommendation in the staff report and the direction given by Council during the
work session.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen
No: Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Page 2 of 6
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 21, 2023
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following
Work Session)
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 5:52 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
The Council commented on various activities they participated in the last few weeks.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
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.
Maria Guillen, Visalia, spoke regarding the Transit TransDev work stoppage. It took 42 days
for the strike to end. She was on the strike line for 39 days. She hopes we all learned lessons
from this strike and how we can improve.
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 .
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen,
to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn
Page 3 of 6
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 21, 2023
1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 23-0118
2. Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source contract for 23-0258
the replacement of factory correct Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
System components at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to
Veolia WTS Services for a not-to-exceed amount of $120,000.
This is a one (1) year contract that may be renewed for four (4)
consecutive one (1) year periods.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a sole source agreement 23-0260
for professional services with the Urban Tree Foundation, Inc. for
a two-year term with the option to renew for three additional
one-year terms, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 per year.
4. Review and accept the 2022-2023 Annual Report from the City 23-0292
of Visalia Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.
5. Request authorization to record the final map for Highland Park, 23-0293
Unit Nos. 3 & 4 subdivision located at the northwest corner of
West Riggin Avenue and North Giddings Street, authorize the
City Manager to execute the subdivision agreement, and
authorize the formation of Landscape and Lighting Assessment
District No. 22-05 and order the improvements and levying the
annual assessments for Landscape and Lighting Assessment
District No. 22-05 “Highland Park Unit Nos. 3 & 4.” (Resolution
Nos. 2023-32 and 2023-33 required)
6. Authorize the City Manager to sign a Grant Forfeiture Letter for 23-0299
the Mill Creek Beautification Project.
7. Authorize and award a purchase contract to Sourcewell Master 23-0307
Vehicle contract, 091521-NAF, with National Auto Fleet Group
located in Watsonville, CA, in the amount of $2,791,000 to
purchase thirty-two (32) 2024 Ford Police Interceptor patrol
vehicles and appropriate $1,982,300 from various funds.
8. Request authorization to file a Notice of Completion for Diamond 23-0309
Oaks - Unit No. 1 subdivision containing 44 single-family
residential lots and 8 triplex multi-family lots located at the
intersection of East Caldwell Avenue and South Ben Maddox
May.
9. Authorize City Manager to execute a new annual contract for the 23-0311
supply and delivery of oil and grease products to SC
Fuels/Southern Counties Oil, not to exceed $185,000 annually.
This is a one-year contract with 4 one-year optional renewals.
Page 4 of 6
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 21, 2023
10. Authorize the City Manager to Award RFB 22-23-05 annual 23-0315
contract for Landscape Maintenance of Landscape and Lighting
Districts within Quadrant D to Elite Maintenance and Tree
Service, Inc., of Clovis, CA, $158,535.17 annually per
specifications of RFB 22-23-05.
11. Authorize the City Manager to Award RFB 22-23-07 annual 23-0316
contract for Landscape Maintenance of Landscape and Lighting
Districts within Quadrant F to Elite Maintenance and Tree
Service, Inc., of Clovis, CA, $88,389.84 annually per
specifications of RFB 22-23-07.
12. Request authorization to initiate proceedings for the 23-0317
modifications of the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District
No. 16-01 "Di Mello Toscana" (Resolution No. 2023-38) (APN:
077-720-002).
13. Authorize City staff to initiate the Measure N amendment process 23-0319
to appropriate $174,200 and advance the purchase of one (1)
Ford Police Interceptor for from FY 24/25 and replace a wrecked
Measure N funded Dodge Charger; and appropriate $14,200 to
address the budget shortfall for FY 23/24 vehicle purchases.
14. Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-07 amending the Visalia 23-0320
Municipal Code Chapter 13.20, Water Conservation, to partially
exempt groundwater users subject to the jurisdiction of and
regulation by the Mid Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability
Agency.
15. Authorization to accept a grant and appropriate $221,552 from 23-0324
the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented
Policing for the FY22 Implementing Crisis Intervention
Teams-Community Policing Development Solicitation Grant; and
authorize the City Manager and Chief of Police to sign an MOU
and amend, if necessary, between the County of Tulare and City
of Visalia.
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.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Page 5 of 6
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 21, 2023
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 23-0182
Tuesday, September 05, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W. Acequia
Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W. Acequia
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation
to fully participate in the meeting, please contact Michelle
Nicholson, on or before Monday, August 7, 2023 to discuss your
accessibility needs: 559-713-4512 or
Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.City.
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 Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Liz Wynn
Monday, August 21, 2023 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 5:00 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)
1. NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS: 23-0312
INFORMATION SERVICES
Joseph Grimes, Computer Technician
Chris Terry, Information Systems Analyst
Michelle Maldonado, Geographic Information Systems Analyst
CONVENTION CENTER
Sidney Regalado, Sales Representative
HUMAN RESOURCES:
Amy Powell, Management Analyst - HR/Risk
Andrew Guzman, Insurance and Benefits Manager
2. Consideration and direction on initiating a potential ordinance to 23-0301
regulate the use and operation of pedicabs within the City of Visalia
and whether to allow the consumption of alcohol by pedicab
passengers under designated circumstances.
Page 1 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 21, 2023
3. Consideration of and direction on initiating potential Municipal Code 23-0297
updates to Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 12.48 Special Events.
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
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
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 . 23-0118
2. Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source contract for the 23-0258
replacement of factory correct Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection System
components at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to Veolia
WTS Services for a not-to-exceed amount of $120,000. This is a
one (1) year contract that may be renewed for four (4) consecutive
one (1) year periods.
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 21, 2023
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a sole source agreement for 23-0260
professional services with the Urban Tree Foundation, Inc. for a
two-year term with the option to renew for three additional one-year
terms, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 per year.
4. Review and accept the 2022-2023 Annual Report from the City of 23-0292
Visalia Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.
5. Request authorization to record the final map for Highland Park, 23-0293
Unit Nos. 3 & 4 subdivision located at the northwest corner of West
Riggin Avenue and North Giddings Street, authorize the City
Manager to execute the subdivision agreement, and authorize the
formation of Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No.
22-05 and order the improvements and levying the annual
assessments for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No.
22-05 “Highland Park Unit Nos. 3 & 4.” (Resolution Nos. 2023-32
and 2023-33 required)
6. Authorize the City Manager to sign a Grant Forfeiture Letter for the 23-0299
Mill Creek Beautification Project.
7. Authorize and award a purchase contract to Sourcewell Master 23-0307
Vehicle contract, 091521-NAF, with National Auto Fleet Group
located in Watsonville, CA, in the amount of $2,791,000 to
purchase thirty-two (32) 2024 Ford Police Interceptor patrol
vehicles and appropriate $1,982,300 from various funds.
8. Request authorization to file a Notice of Completion for Diamond 23-0309
Oaks - Unit No. 1 subdivision containing 44 single-family residential
lots and 8 triplex multi-family lots located at the intersection of East
Caldwell Avenue and South Ben Maddox May.
9. Authorize City Manager to execute a new annual contract for the 23-0311
supply and delivery of oil and grease products to SC
Fuels/Southern Counties Oil, not to exceed $185,000 annually.
This is a one-year contract with 4 one-year optional renewals.
10. Authorize the City Manager to Award RFB 22-23-05 annual 23-0315
contract for Landscape Maintenance of Landscape and Lighting
Districts within Quadrant D to Elite Maintenance and Tree Service,
Inc., of Clovis, CA, $158,535.17 annually per specifications of RFB
22-23-05.
11. Authorize the City Manager to Award RFB 22-23-07 annual 23-0316
contract for Landscape Maintenance of Landscape and Lighting
Districts within Quadrant F to Elite Maintenance and Tree Service,
Inc., of Clovis, CA, $88,389.84 annually per specifications of RFB
22-23-07.
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final August 21, 2023
12. Request authorization to initiate proceedings for the modifications 23-0317
of the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 16-01 "Di
Mello Toscana" (Resolution No. 2023-38) (APN: 077-720-002).
13. Authorize City staff to initiate the Measure N amendment process 23-0319
to appropriate $174,200 and advance the purchase of one (1) Ford
Police Interceptor for from FY 24/25 and replace a wrecked
Measure N funded Dodge Charger; and appropriate $14,200 to
address the budget shortfall for FY 23/24 vehicle purchases.
14. Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-07 amending the Visalia 23-0320
Municipal Code Chapter 13.20, Water Conservation, to partially
exempt groundwater users subject to the jurisdiction of and
regulation by the Mid Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
15. Authorization to accept a grant and appropriate $221,552 from the 23-0324
Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing for
the FY22 Implementing Crisis Intervention Teams-Community
Policing Development Solicitation Grant; and authorize the City
Manager and Chief of Police to sign an MOU and amend, if
necessary, between the County of Tulare and City of Visalia.
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.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 23-0182
Tuesday, September 05, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W. Acequia
Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W. Acequia
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to
fully participate in the meeting, please contact Michelle Nicholson,
on or before Monday, August 7, 2023 to discuss your accessibility
needs: 559-713-4512 or Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.City.
Page 4 of 4
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