Visalia City Council

Visalia City Council Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia Visalia, CA 93291 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, December 16, 2024 7:00 PM City Council Chambers ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn Absent: Council Member Brian Poochigian CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted) Mayor Taylor called the meeting 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 agenda. 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 24-0545 Finance: Mikki Dowling, Accounting Assistant The new employee was introduced by staff. Visalia City Council Page 1 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 1 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 2. Department / Division Update - Provide City Council with an 24-0257 update and presentation of the Solid Waste Environment Enhancement Program (SWEEP) covering the first five months that the program has been fully implemented and operational. Director of Planning & Community Preservation Paul Bernal briefly discussed the program. Neighborhood Preservation Manager Tracy Robertshaw provided a presentation on the new SWEEP program. The Council and staff stepped outside briefly to look at the new vehicles and equipment used for this program . The City Council complimented staff and expressed their appreciation for the great work they are doing. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor Visalia City Council Page 2 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 2 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 3. Caltrans Presentation of New Interchange at Road 148 and State 24-0500 Route 198 - Receive a presentation and provide comments regarding the New Caltrans Interchange at Road 148 and State Route 198. City Engineer Chris Crawford and Senior Civil Engineer Rebecca Keenan introduced the item. Caltrans Project Manager Mohammed Annan stated that Caltrans is leading the effort on this project and provided a presentation showing proposed alternatives for the design of the interchange and themes for the bridge. Not all phases of the project are currently funded, but they will identify opportunities in order to be ready. Ted Smalley of Tulare County Association of Governments stated it typically takes 10-12 years in our area to complete similar projects. He is confident that the environmental phase and design phase will get funded so they will be able to get the project started. The Council expressed concern about the potential impact to the proposed East Side Regional Park and ponding basins. Staff responded to questions and comments by Council. Of the proposed themes for the bridge, Council Member Hernandez Soto and Vice Mayor Wynn preferred Theme 2. Council Member Nelsen preferred Theme 1 or 4. Mayor Taylor also favored Themes 1 and 4, but also liked Theme 2. Council provided general feedback on the alternative designs for the interchange noting the East Side Regional Park to stay as proposed as much as possible, and to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can safely travel that area. Mark Wall of Southern Sierra Cyclists is excited about this project and the improvements to access both sides of the highway. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Smalley and TCAG for their support with funding for this project. Visalia City Council Page 3 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 3 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 4. Federal Lobbyist Presentation - Receive presentation from Thorn 24-0528 Run Partners on 2024 national legislative activity, authorize option to extend annual contract with this firm for one additional term (one remaining) to include a monthly fee increase of $500, and authorize the opposition to H.R. 3507. Economic Development Manager Devon Jones introduced Greg Burns of Thorn Run Partners. Mr. Burns provided an update on national legislative activities and the potential impact from 2024 election results on future opportunities and challenges. He also discussed the City's requests for federal earmarks for current and future fiscal years. Mr. Burns responded to questions and comments by the City Council. He and Devon also briefly discussed HR 3507 which could impact the City's ability to receive CDBG funding if unable to meet new time frames enacted by this bill, and therefore requested authorization to oppose this bill. 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: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session) Mayor Taylor adjourned to closed session at 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION 1. Deck the Home, Visalia’s Holiday Decorating Contest Winners 24-0537 Awards were presented to the winners of the competition. 2. Central Valley Christian: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Div. 3 24-0508 Champions Mayor Taylor presented certificates of recognition to the team. Visalia City Council Page 4 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 4 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 3. The City of Visalia Finance Department’s recognition for the 24-0539 Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Finance & Technology Director Renee Nagel acknowledged her staff for their hard work with compiling the budget. PUBLIC COMMENTS This is the time for general public comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. Each speaker tonight may speak for up to 3 minutes during this general comment period on a matter that is not on this agenda. The public may also make one comment for up to 3 minutes prior to the consideration of the Consent Calendar, and immediately before any regular agenda item is heard. The Council asks that you keep you 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. Irene Lapin expressed her concern about fire works that will be used on New Year's Eve . She also commented on the large number of pets that are being abandoned and would like an increase in funds for animal services. Jim Reeves commented on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index that was just released and praised Visalia with receiving a score of 90 this year for being LGBTQ+ friendly with laws, policies, and services. ITEMS OF INTEREST CONSENT CALENDAR Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion. This is the time for members of the public to provide public comment on an item on the Consent Calendar. Comments will not be taken individually by the public if an item is pulled by a Council Member. Each speaker is allowed up to 3 minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling you name and providing your city of residence. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to Approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor Visalia City Council Page 5 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 5 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 24-0306 2. Authorization to amend the Axon contract - Authorize the City 24-0034 Manager to amend the current five (5) year service contract with Axon Enterprise for an amount not to exceed $410,010 to advance the purchase of 23 software licenses for Automatic License Plate Readers and to appropriate a total of $31,097. 3. Purchase of Elgin Broom Badger Mechanical Road Sweeper - 24-0305 Authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of an Elgin Broom Bager Sweeper from HAAKER Equipment Company through a Sourcewell Cooperative contract in the amount of $324,666.72, and authorize an additional appropriation of funds in the amount of $25,000 from the Gas Tax Fund. 4. Consideration for fee waiver - Request from Visalia Gadabouts to 24-0477 utilize the Visalia Senior Center at a reduced rate for the purpose of providing programs and services for senior citizens. 5. Ordinance Adoption to Authorize an Airport Lease Agreement - 24-0496 Introduction of the first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-18 to authorize the City Manager to execute an Airport Lease Agreement between the City of Visalia and Air Methods, LLC for its location at the Visalia Municipal Airport Administration Building. 6. Amendment to Design Contract - Authorize the City Manager to 24-0509 approve Amendment No. 6 with 4Creeks Inc. in the amount of $104,630.00 for additional design services related to the Caldwell Avenue Widening Project from Santa Fe Street to Lovers Lane. 7. Notice of Completion - Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice 24-0510 of Completion for the Traffic Signal Interconnect Project along Ben Maddox Way and Tulare Avenue. 8. Request Approval of Construction Change Order - City Council to 24-0516 approve Construction Change Order #1 in the amount of $546,408 to Avison Construction Inc. for the Shirk Capacity Enhancement Project and appropriate $845,017 from the Storm Sewer Construction Fund. Visalia City Council Page 6 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 6 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 9. Record Final Subdivision Map - Request authorization to record 24-0517 the final map for Higgins Ranch Phase 1 subdivision, located on the southeast corner of Lovers Lane and Cherry Avenue (101 Lots); and request authorization for the formation of the Landscape and Lighting District No. 24-01 and order the improvements and levying the annual assessments for Assessment District No. 24-01. (Resolution Nos. 2024-69 and 2024-70 required). APN: 127-030-018 10. Recreational Facility Lease Agreement - Authorize City Manager 24-0518 to execute a new lease agreement with Tulare County Office of Education for the continued lease of a portion of the Manuel F. Hernandez Community Center for operation of the Tulare County Early Childhood Education Program. 11. Design Award for Culvert Replacement - Authorize the City 24-0520 Manager to award a design contract with 4Creeks, Inc. for the design of the Giddings Street Culvert Replacement Project for $260,700; appropriate $50,000 from the Wastewater Fund and appropriate $250,000 from the SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund. 12. American Rescue Plan Act -Appropriate funding for the 24-0524 remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects and close out the grant. 13. Award of Landscape Maintenance Contract - Authorize the City 24-0527 Manager to Award annual contract for Landscape Maintenance of City Facilities to Brightview Landscape Services Inc., of Fresno, CA, for an annual not to exceed amount of $159,012. 14. Extend Contract for Engineering Services - Authorize the City 24-0531 Manager to extend the emergency contract for Engineering Plan Review and Related Services to Interwest Consulting Group, not to exceed $200,000 for one year ending December 31, 2025. 15. Approval for consolidation of services - Authorize the City 24-0543 Manager to transfer funds from the operational budget to employee salary and benefits and appropriate $640,000 for the purchase of equipment to consolidate specific service delivery for trails, basins, and City provided services in the downtown area. 16. Developer Reimbursement Agreement - Authorize the City 24-0546 Manager to execute a reimbursement agreement for improvements to Pinkham Street and K Avenue as constructed with the Vista Del Sol Subdivision located at the southeast corner of K Avenue and Pinkham Street. Visalia City Council Page 7 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 7 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 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. Ordinance Adoption - A Public Hearing and first reading of 24-0464 Ordinance No. 2024-14, a request by the City of Visalia to amend Visalia Municipal Code Sections 8.40.020, to add a definition of Illegal dumping, and 8.40.030, declaring illegal dumping as a public nuisance. Code Enforcement Officer Tommy Contreras provided a presentation regarding illegal dumping and proposed amendments to the municipal code. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:42 p.m. Efrain Becerra encouraged the public to keep the city clean and not discard trash in the streets. Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. A motion was made by Council Member Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor Visalia City Council Page 8 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 8 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 2. Ordinance Adoption - A Public Hearing and first reading of 24-0468 Ordinance No. 2024-13, a request by the City of Visalia to revise Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 10.16.050 Use of Streets for Storage Prohibited Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Villegas provided a presentation regarding vehicles being stored on city streets and proposed amendments to the municipal code to address this issue. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.. A resident inquired if this ordinance would apply to semis as well. Staff responded that commercial vehicles are not allowed in residential zones. With no further comments, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor 3. Ordinance Adoption - Public hearing and first reading of 24-0523 Ordinance No. 2024-17 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-05: A request by the City of Visalia to implement programs in the Housing Element of the General Plan pertaining to the Permit Streamlining Act, Accessory Dwelling Units, and the rezoning of certain sites within the Housing Element Sites Inventory to allow by-right development without discretionary action. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the city limits of the City of Visalia. Environmental Status: The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3). Principal Planner Brandon Smith provided a presentation for a Zoning Text Amendment to implement changes that stemmed from last year's adoption of the 6th Cycle 2023-2031 Housing Element. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:56 p.m., and with no comments given, closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor Visalia City Council Page 9 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 9 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 4. Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance Nos. 2024-15 and 24-0522 2024-16 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03: A request by the City of Visalia to add to and amend regulations within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the city limits of the City of Visalia. Environmental Assessment Status: The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 and Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3). Planning & Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal introduced the item to Council. Consultants from Mintier Harnish, Michael Gibbons and Brent Gibbons, provided a presentation pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards. Brandon Smith provided a recap of action taken by the Planning Commission and noted additional correspondence that staff has received and provided to the City Council. Staff responded to questions and comments by Council. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Corine Demetreos of DR Horton stated her opposition to the Objective Design Standards as it would require them to modify their plans that are used throughout other communities, thus slowing down the construction process and increasing housing costs. A representative from San Joaquin Valley Homes requested additional time to discuss and collaborate with staff on potential design standards. A representative from Lennar Homes also requested additional time to discuss options with city staff. Efrain Becerra supported the objective design standards. Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:32 p.m. Council Member Nelsen spoke against the State for forcing additional regulations that could prevent affordable housing. Visalia City Council Page 10 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 10 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 Council Member Hernandez Soto would like to allow additional time for interested parties to meet with staff to discuss further. Vice Mayor Wynn would like some standards to be implemented but would like to give additional time for further discussions. Mayor Taylor also would like some standards to be identified but is concerned about entry level homes becoming unaffordable. A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Council Member Liz Wynn, to Approve as amended: introduce for the first reading Ordinance 2024-15; and delay action on Ordinance 2024-16 to allow additional time for interested parties to meet with City staff. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor No: Steve Nelsen 5. Permanent Local Housing Allocation Amendment: Conduct a 24-0544 Public Hearing and proceed with original approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/2025 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Plan. Housing Specialist Margie Perez provided a presentation on the proposed FY 2024/25 PLHA plan and stated that an amendment to allocate 40% to an AOWH activity is no longer required by HCD as discussed in the previous meeting. Therefore, staff recommends that Council proceed with the approved FY 2024/25 PLHA Plan as approved by Council on July 20, 2020. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m., and with no comments closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. 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: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor Visalia City Council Page 11 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 11 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 6. Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 24-0535 No. 2024-12 approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-04, a request to amend Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance), Chapter 17.32.166 Short-Term Rentals to add language requiring applicants to reapply annually and to include fines for non-compliance, Citywide. Director of Planning & Community Preservation Paul Bernal requested that this item be referred back to staff for further review and clean up. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:41 p.m., and with no comments given, closed the public hearing at 8:41 p.m. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn, Brett Taylor CLOSED SESSION REPORT 1. For the purposes of reporting out, for the record, transactions 24-0550 that occurred as a result of Closed Session Real Property Negotiations: Buyer: City of Visalia Seller: Lindsey DeGroot and James DeGroot, wife and husband as joint tenants APN: 007-640-001 (portion) Purpose: Shirk Widening Project - CP0369 Price: $86,600.00 Closing Date: 12/9/2024 Regular Session Council Date - Public Hearing: 9/20/2021 Project Manager: Diego Corvera City Attorney Ken Richardson reported out the item. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Visalia City Council Page 12 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 12 of 13 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 16, 2024 1. Upcoming City Council Meetings 24-0367 Monday, January 6, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acquia Saturday, January 11, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m. at Visalia Convention Center - 303 E. Acequia Tuesday, January 21, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia Note: Meeting dates and 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 contact 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. Visalia City Council Page 13 Printed on 12/19/2024 Page 13 of 13