Visalia City Council
Regular MeetingVisalia, CA · October 16, 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, October 16, 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 - 5:30 PM
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 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. Review the biannual budget process for FY 24/25 & 25/26 and 23-0381
establish the biannual budgetary strategic goals.
Melody Murch Assistant Finance Director and Amee Swearingen, Financial
Analyst, provided the strategic goals for the 24/25 and 25/26 budget for the City.
There are many benefits to using a two-year budget such as reinforcing the
importance of long-range planning, concentrates on budgeting for the
accomplishments of significant objectives, creates a proactive budget that
provides for stable operations, promotes more spending patterns, and reduces
the amount of time and resources in preparing the budget document.
Council reviewed the recommended strategic goals by each line.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council
Member Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Page 1 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 16, 2023
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 5:57 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.
Rhett Anderson, Water Resource Manager, spoke regarding the irrigation schedule in effect .
Barry Caplan, Visalia, requested Consent items 14 and 15 to be pulled and voted on
separately.
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 Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor,
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 2 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 16, 2023
1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 23-0067
2. Authorize the City Manager to award and enter into a contract 23-0372
with Talley Oil in the amount of $1,325,012.20 for the
construction of the FY 23-24 Reclamite Project (CIP
1410-72000/CP0248-999 & CIP 2730-72000/CP8358-999).
3. Authorize the City Manager to award and enter into a design 23-0256
services contract with Peters Engineering Group to design and
prepare construction bid documents for the Shirk Street and
State Route 198 Operational Improvements project, in the
amount not to exceed $705,970 and, appropriate a total of
$781,000 from the Transportation Impact Fee (241) and the
Measure R Local (131) Fund.
4. Authorize the City Manager to approve Amendment Number 2 23-0280
with Quad Knopf Consultants (Purchase Order No. 02479) for
additional professional design services for the Shirk Capacity
Enhancement Project (3010-72000/CP0369-999) in the amount
not to exceed $139,635.00.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a contract 23-0330
with Trillium for the Management and Maintenance of the
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Facility, management of the
Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits, Electric credits, and
ensure the supply of Renewable Compressed Natural Gas
(RCNG) to the facility for an initial term of three (3) years with the
option to renew for two (2) consecutive one-year periods up to
five (5) years.
6. Request authorization to record the final map for Sequoia Bend, 23-0368
Unit 2 subdivision, located south of East Goshen Avenue
between North Cain and North Virmargo Street (45 lots); and
initiate proceedings for the annexation of Sequoia Bend Unit 2
into the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 22-06
“Sequoia Bend”, and ordering the improvements and levying the
annual assessment for Landscape and Lighting Assessment
District No. 22-06 “Sequoia Bend” (Resolution Nos. 2023-51 and
2023-52 required) APN: 098-142-057, and 098-330-006.
7. Approve a Consultant Contract Amendment with Darden 23-0369
Architects for the Civic Center Phase 2 project for an amount not
to exceed $1,147,748, and authorize the appropriation of
$1,200,000 from the Civic Center Reserve Fund.
Page 3 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 16, 2023
8. Authorize the City Manager to award the construction contract for 23-0371
RFB 22-23-65, FY 23-24 Cape Seal Project (CIP
1410-72000/CP0247-999) to VSS International in the amount of
$1,867,768.
9. Confirm acceptance of a cooperative agreement amendment 23-0373
with Caltrans to receive an additional $90,000 through the Clean
California State Initiative to support Dump On Us event
operations through FY23-24.
10. Authorize to accept the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program 23-0375
(STEP) FY 2023-24 Grant in the amount of $170,000 awarded
by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), appropriate
$20,000 from the General Fund and authorize the Chief of Police
to execute the Grant Agreement.
11. Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source annual 23-0380
contract for the purchase, service, and repair of, storm and
sanitary lift station pumps to Shape Incorporated of Pleasanton,
CA, renewable for up to four (4) additional one (1) year terms, in
an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the first year and
$300,000 for each subsequent year.
12. Appropriate $100,000 from the Wastewater Fund (431) for the 23-0384
disposal of biosolids produced at the Visalia Water Reclamation
Facility.
13. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2023-05 of proposed 23-0385
revisions and amendments of Visalia Municipal Code Chapter
8.28, Solid Waste Collection and Disposal. Revisions and
amendments incorporate Senate Bill (SB) 1383 regulations
related to state recycling requirements.
14. A request by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to be certified as an entity 23-0391
for the purposes of holding agricultural conservation easements
in accordance with the City of Visalia Agricultural Preservation
Ordinance.
Barry Caplan requested this consent item to be pulled and voted on by separate
motion.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor
Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn
Page 4 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 16, 2023
15. Authorize and award a purchase contract with National Auto 23-0392
Fleet Group located in Watsonville, CA, for a not to exceed
amount of $3,040,000 to purchase thirty-two (32) 2024 Police
patrol vehicles and appropriate additional funds of $233,200 from
various funds.
Barry Caplan requested this consent item to be pulled and voted on by separate
motion.
Kevin Cruz, Police Lieutenant was available to answer questions for Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor
Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto,
Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn
16. Confirm submission of support letters requested by Tulare 23-0401
Irrigation District for Bureau of Reclamation grant applications
the District is submitting for the Okieville and Water Dashboard
Projects.
17. Consider adoption of Resolution 2023-43 requesting to 23-0308
participate in the Department of Water Resources Temporary
Land Clearing reimbursement for Flood Diversion Equipment &
Recharge Enhancement Initiative.
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 5 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 16, 2023
1. Public Hearing and Introduction of the first reading of Ordinance 23-0377
No. 2023-11 for Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-01, a request
by the City of Visalia to amend Title 17 (Zoning) Chapter 17.32
Special Provisions to regulate Short-Term Rentals in
single-family residential zones, Citywide.
Josh Dan, Planning Division, provided the report to Council for Zoning Text
Amendment No. 2023-01, a request by the City of Visalia to amend Title 17
(Zoning) Chapter 17.32 Special Provisions to regulate Short-term rentals in
single family residential zones.
On May 1, 2023, staff conducted a work session with City Council on the subject
of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) based on several complaints received from local
residents earlier in the year. The elements of the short term rentals were
discussed and council requested a stand alone ordinance. Staff presented to
the City Council the potential operational standards for short-term rentals, and
begin a Zoning Text Amendment. Title 3 Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.28
TOT for compliance. There is a limitation to only one STR on any parcel. Only
one unit may be used if there is an ADU on the one parcel. This ordinance is
targeted for residential dwellings in this zone. The City of Visalia Title 17
“Zoning” provides a precise and detailed plan for the use of land within the city,
and more precisely works to achieve the policies and objectives of the General
Plan.
The public hearing was opened at 7:59 p.m. and closed at 8:15 p.m. The
following citizens spoke to the Short Term Rental issue: Bruce George, Denise
Anaya, Barry Caplan, Jose Briseno, Rosa Baiza
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council
Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve with conditions. The motion
passed by the following vote:
Aye: Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn
No: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Page 6 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 16, 2023
1. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 23-0254
Monday, November 06, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia,
Visalia, CA 93291
Monday, November 20, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia,
Visalia, CA 93291
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation
to fully participate in the meeting, please contact Michelle
Nicholson, on or before Monday, October 16, 2023 to discuss
your accessibility needs: 559-713-4512 or
Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.City
<mailto:Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.City>
Page 7 of 7
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, October 16, 2023 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 5:30 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)
1. Review the biannual budget process for FY 24/25 & 25/26 and 23-0381
establish the biannual budgetary strategic goals.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
ITEMS OF INTEREST
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Page 1 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final October 16, 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. 23-0067
2. Authorize the City Manager to award and enter into a contract with Talley 23-0372
Oil in the amount of $1,325,012.20 for the construction of the FY 23-24
Reclamite Project (CIP 1410-72000/CP0248-999 & CIP
2730-72000/CP8358-999).
3. Authorize the City Manager to award and enter into a design 23-0256
services contract with Peters Engineering Group to design and
prepare construction bid documents for the Shirk Street and State
Route 198 Operational Improvements project, in the amount not to
exceed $705,970 and, appropriate a total of $781,000 from the
Transportation Impact Fee (241) and the Measure R Local (131)
Fund.
4. Authorize the City Manager to approve Amendment Number 2 with Quad 23-0280
Knopf Consultants (Purchase Order No. 02479) for additional
professional design services for the Shirk Capacity Enhancement Project
(3010-72000/CP0369-999) in the amount not to exceed $139,635.00.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a contract with 23-0330
Trillium for the Management and Maintenance of the Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) Facility, management of the Low Carbon Fuel
Standard (LCFS) credits, Electric credits, and ensure the supply of
Renewable Compressed Natural Gas (RCNG) to the facility for an
initial term of three (3) years with the option to renew for two (2)
consecutive one-year periods up to five (5) years.
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final October 16, 2023
6. Request authorization to record the final map for Sequoia Bend, 23-0368
Unit 2 subdivision, located south of East Goshen Avenue between
North Cain and North Virmargo Street (45 lots); and initiate
proceedings for the annexation of Sequoia Bend Unit 2 into the
Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 22-06 “Sequoia
Bend”, and ordering the improvements and levying the annual
assessment for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No.
22-06 “Sequoia Bend” (Resolution Nos. 2023-51 and 2023-52
required) APN: 098-142-057, and 098-330-006.
7. Approve a Consultant Contract Amendment with Darden Architects 23-0369
for the Civic Center Phase 2 project for an amount not to exceed
$1,147,748, and authorize the appropriation of $1,200,000 from the
Civic Center Reserve Fund.
8. Authorize the City Manager to award the construction contract for RFB 23-0371
22-23-65, FY 23-24 Cape Seal Project (CIP 1410-72000/CP0247-999) to
VSS International in the amount of $1,867,768.
9. Confirm acceptance of a cooperative agreement amendment with 23-0373
Caltrans to receive an additional $90,000 through the Clean
California State Initiative to support Dump On Us event operations
through FY23-24.
10. Authorize to accept the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program 23-0375
(STEP) FY 2023-24 Grant in the amount of $170,000 awarded by
the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), appropriate $20,000
from the General Fund and authorize the Chief of Police to execute
the Grant Agreement.
11. Authorize the City Manager to award a sole source annual contract 23-0380
for the purchase, service, and repair of, storm and sanitary lift
station pumps to Shape Incorporated of Pleasanton, CA,
renewable for up to four (4) additional one (1) year terms, in an
amount not to exceed $150,000 for the first year and $300,000 for
each subsequent year.
12. Appropriate $100,000 from the Wastewater Fund (431) for the 23-0384
disposal of biosolids produced at the Visalia Water Reclamation
Facility.
13. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2023-05 of proposed 23-0385
revisions and amendments of Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 8.28,
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal. Revisions and amendments
incorporate Senate Bill (SB) 1383 regulations related to state
recycling requirements.
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final October 16, 2023
14. A request by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to be certified as an entity 23-0391
for the purposes of holding agricultural conservation easements in
accordance with the City of Visalia Agricultural Preservation
Ordinance.
15. Authorize and award a purchase contract with National Auto Fleet 23-0392
Group located in Watsonville, CA, for a not to exceed amount of
$3,040,000 to purchase thirty-two (32) 2024 Police patrol vehicles
and appropriate additional funds of $233,200 from various funds.
16. Confirm submission of support letters requested by Tulare Irrigation 23-0401
District for Bureau of Reclamation grant applications the District is
submitting for the Okieville and Water Dashboard Projects.
17. Consider adoption of Resolution 2023-43 requesting to participate 23-0308
in the Department of Water Resources Temporary Land Clearing
reimbursement for Flood Diversion Equipment & Recharge
Enhancement Initiative.
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. Public Hearing and Introduction of the first reading of Ordinance 23-0377
No. 2023-11 for Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-01, a request
by the City of Visalia to amend Title 17 (Zoning) Chapter 17.32
Special Provisions to regulate Short-Term Rentals in single-family
residential zones, Citywide.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 23-0254
Monday, November 06, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia,
Visalia, CA 93291
Monday, November 20, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia,
Visalia, CA 93291
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to
fully participate in the meeting, please contact Michelle Nicholson,
on or before Monday, October 16, 2023 to discuss your
accessibility needs: 559-713-4512 or
Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.City
<mailto:Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.City>
Page 4 of 4
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