Visalia City Council
Regular MeetingVisalia, CA · April 15, 2024
Minutes
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93292
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, April 15, 2024 7:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Brian Poochigian, Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, Council
Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Council Member Liz
Wynn
Absent: Council Member Steve Nelsen
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted)
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
and items listed on the Closed Session. 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
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 15, 2024
1. New Employee Introductions: 24-0118
Code Enforcement:
Julian Salmon - Code Enforcement Officer
Martha Zavala - Code Enforcement Officer
Public Works:
Thomas Reynoso - Solid Waste Operator
Wesley Roach - Heavy Equipment Operator
Ben Litwack - Public Works Manager
Lalo (Jason) Villalva - Street Maintenance Worker
Anthony Mangano - Senior Equipment Mechanic
Marco Ramirez - WWTP Operator
Danny Galindo- Public Works Manager
Steve Ellis - Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Administration:
Maria Ruiz Ibarra - Senior Administrative Assistant
2. Resolution of Commendation for National Public Safety 24-0124
Telecommunicators Week
3. Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District Update - Receive 24-0146
presentation from Lori Berger, Council-appointed Visalia, Trustee
for the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Lori Berger, Visalia appointed Board Representative provided an update to
Council regarding the efforts by the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District.
4. Review 2023/24 Mid-Year Projections, amend the General Fund 24-0094
surplus policy, and appropriate funds for various capital projects.
Renee Nagel, Finance and Technology Director, and Amee Swearingen, Budget
Analyst, provided the mid-year budget review and staff requested to amend the
General Fund surplus policy, and appropriate funds for various capital projects
as listed in the staff report. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member
Liz Wynn, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz
Wynn
Absent: Steve Nelsen
Page 2 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 15, 2024
5. Capital Improvement Program - Review select FY 2024/25 and 23-0442
2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budgets and future
capital plans.
Renee Nagel, Finance and Technology Director, provided the 5th proposed CIP
adoption process. This is the last capital meeting and the information will be
folded into the budget for final adoption. There were no public comments.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following
Work Session)
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 5:45 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
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Page 3 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 15, 2024
This is the time for people to comment on matters 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 the opportunity to address the
Council on any matter of interest, whether on the agenda or not, other than the Consent
Calendar.
People may comment one time during the evening for up to three minutes unless additional
time is authorized by the Council. 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.
Taylor, Visalia, spoke on behalf of the people who have lost their lives in Gaza.
Mary Bryant, President of the Real Mooney Grove Project expressed concern about the
mobile homes near the park because of the many code violations within that area .
William Huff, Visalia, spoke about homeless issues and the need of a better solution for those
who are homeless. We need a better infrastructure and cited the web address of
technosmith.com for further information. Mr. Huff can be reached at Mud@technosmith.com.
Raquel Marmolejo, Visalia, spoke about the conditions at Riverway Sports Park. During the
days she notices city staff working in the park trying to do their job. There is a soccer
tournament coming to Visalia and she is appalled and embarrassed to host with the
conditions of the park.
Luna Olsada is at Riverway Park five days a week to practice for the CVP soccer club. Many
of the cities she has visited while on the traveling team have clean parks and restroom
facilities. There are so many homeless people at Riverway park who curse and trash the
bathrooms. The coach does not allow any of the players to use the restroom because it is not
safe.
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 by a City Council
Member 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 Liz Wynn, 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, Liz
Wynn
Absent: Steve Nelsen
1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 24-0127
Page 4 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 15, 2024
2. Approval of Landfill Disposal Agreement - Authorize the City 24-0121
Manager to enter into an agreement with the County of Tulare for
disposal of solid waste collected by the City of Visalia Solid
Waste Department. The agreement includes the disposal fee of
$28 per ton and provisions for a CPI increase of up to 3% per
year if an associated rate increase is applied to the general gate
rate.
3. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a 24-0131
contract to Playground Design & Installation Services at Pinkham
Park to R.E. Schultz Construction for not-to-exceed $298,810.
4. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a 24-0132
contract to Playground Design & Installation Services at John
Combs Park.
5. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a 24-0133
contract to Playground Design & Installation Services at
Woodland Park to R.E. Schultz Construction for a not-to-exceed
amount of $478,680.
6. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a 24-0134
contract to Playground Design & Installation Services at Rotary
Park to R.E Schultz Construction for a not-to-exceed amount of
$259,630.
7. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a 24-0135
contract to Playground Design & Installation Services at
Jefferson Park to R. E. Schultz for a not-to-exceed amount of
$236,415.
8. Appropriation of Awarded Grant Funds - Authorize the 24-0137
appropriation of funds awarded from the State of California
Homekey Round 3 grant program of $8,115,376 for the
conversion of the Majestic Motel at 4545 W. Noble Avenue into a
42-unit Permanent Affordable Rental Housing complex for
qualifying populations.
9. General Plan Annual Progress Report - Receive and accept the 24-0138
City of Visalia General Plan Annual Progress Report for 2023
and authorize staff to submit to the Governor’s Office of Planning
and Research.
10. Award Contract - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract 24-0141
not to exceed $190,000 to Sebastian for the installation and
replacement of the fire alarm system at the Convention Center
and appropriate $190,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund.
Page 5 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 15, 2024
11. Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau Agreement - Authorize 24-0145
the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services
Agreement with the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau for
convention sales and tourism marketing services for the 2024
calendar year in the amount of $361,049.
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. Adopt 2024 Annual Action Plan - Conduct a second Public 24-0067
Hearing to adopt and appropriate the Program Year (PY) 2024
Annual Action Plan, and PY 2019 CDBG CARES Act
(CDBG-CV) Annual Action Plan Amendment IV for the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME
Investment Partnership Program (HOME) activities.
Margie Perez, Housing Specialist, requested for Council to hold a second public
hearing for the following:
1. Conduct a second a Public Hearing, allowing a final opportunity for citizens to
provide input and comment
on the proposed 2024 Annual Action Plan, and 2019 CDBG-CV Annual Action
Plan Amendment IV;
2. Adopt and appropriate the proposed 2024 Annual Action Plan, and 2019
CDBG-CV Annual Action Plan Amendment IV activities;
3. Authorize City Manager or their designee enter into all contracts as listed in
2024 Annual Action Plan;
4. Authorize City Manager or their designee to submit the 2024 Annual Action
Plan, and 2019 CDBG-CV Annual Action Plan Amendment IV to HUD.
The comment period is 30 days and the first public hearing was held April 1,
2024. Tonight is the last night to provide public comment on this item. Any
funds left over will be allocated to the ADA tree wells project. Amendment IV will
close out the Cares Act funding. The public hearing was opened at 7:22 p.m.
and closed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member
Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz
Wynn
Absent: Steve Nelsen
Page 6 of 7
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 15, 2024
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. - Special Meeting 24-0100
COV/VUSD/COS
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. @ 707. W. Acequia -
Special Meeting
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W. Acequia
Monday, May 20, 2024 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 email: Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.city
<mailto:Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.city> or call 713-4512.
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 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 Steve Nelsen
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Liz Wynn
Monday, April 15, 2024 7:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers
ROLL CALL
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizens are now invited to comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council
and items listed on the Closed Session. 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: 24-0118
Code Enforcement:
Julian Salmon - Code Enforcement Officer
Martha Zavala - Code Enforcement Officer
Public Works:
Thomas Reynoso - Solid Waste Operator
Wesley Roach - Heavy Equipment Operator
Ben Litwack - Public Works Manager
Lalo (Jason) Villalva - Street Maintenance Worker
Anthony Mangano - Senior Equipment Mechanic
Marco Ramirez - WWTP Operator
Danny Galindo- Public Works Manager
Steve Ellis - Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Administration:
Maria Ruiz Ibarra - Senior Administrative Assistant
2. Resolution of Commendation for National Public Safety 24-0124
Telecommunicators Week
Page 1 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final April 15, 2024
3. Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District Update - Receive 24-0146
presentation from Lori Berger, Council-appointed Visalia, Trustee
for the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District.
4. Review 2023/24 Mid-Year Projections amend the General Fund 24-0094
surplus policy, and appropriate funds for various capital
projects.
5. Capital Improvement Program - Review select FY 2024/25 and 23-0442
2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budgets and future
capital plans.
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 people to comment on matters 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 the opportunity to address the
Council on any matter of interest, whether on the agenda or not, other than the Consent
Calendar.
People may comment one time during the evening for up to three minutes unless additional
time is authorized by the Council. 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 by a City Council
Member 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. 24-0127
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final April 15, 2024
2. Approval of Landfill Disposal Agreement - Authorize the City 24-0121
Manager to enter into an agreement with the County of Tulare for
disposal of solid waste collected by the City of Visalia Solid Waste
Department. The agreement includes the disposal fee of $28 per
ton and provisions for a CPI increase of up to 3% per year if an
associated rate increase is applied to the general gate rate.
3. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to 24-0131
Playground Design & Installation Services at Pinkham Park to R.E.
Schultz Construction for not-to-exceed $298,810.
4. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to 24-0132
Playground Design & Installation Services at John Combs Park.
5. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to 24-0133
Playground Design & Installation Services at Woodland Park to R.E.
Schultz Construction for a not-to-exceed amount of $478,680.
6. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to 24-0134
Playground Design & Installation Services at Rotary Park to R.E Schultz
Construction for a not-to-exceed amount of $259,630.
7. Playground Award - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to 24-0135
Playground Design & Installation Services at Jefferson Park to R. E.
Schultz for a not-to-exceed amount of $236,415.
8. Appropriation of Awarded Grant Funds - Authorize the 24-0137
appropriation of funds awarded from the State of California
Homekey Round 3 grant program of $8,115,376 for the conversion
of the Majestic Motel at 4545 W. Noble Avenue into a 42-unit
Permanent Affordable Rental Housing complex for qualifying
populations.
9. General Plan Annual Progress Report - Receive and accept the 24-0138
City of Visalia General Plan Annual Progress Report for 2023 and
authorize staff to submit to the Governor’s Office of Planning and
Research.
10. Award Contract - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract 24-0141
not to exceed $190,000 to Sebastian for the installation and
replacement of the fire alarm system at the Convention Center and
appropriate $190,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund.
11. Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau Agreement - Authorize 24-0145
the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement
with the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau for convention
sales and tourism marketing services for the 2024 calendar year in
the amount of $361,049.
REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting Agenda - Final April 15, 2024
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. Adopt 2024 Annual Action Plan - Conduct a second Public 24-0067
Hearing to adopt and appropriate the Program Year (PY) 2024
Annual Action Plan, and PY 2019 CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-CV)
Annual Action Plan Amendment IV for the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) activities.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. - Special Meeting 24-0100
COV/VUSD/COS
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. @ 707. W. Acequia - Special
Meeting
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. @ 707 W. Acequia
Monday, May 20, 2024 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 email: Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.city
<mailto:Michelle.Nicholson@Visalia.city> or call 713-4512.
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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