Visalia City Council

Visalia City Council Visalia City Council 707 W. Acequia Visalia, CA 93291 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final Mayor Brett Taylor Vice Mayor Liz Wynn Council Member Steve Nelsen Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto Council Member Brian Poochigian Monday, April 21, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Chambers ROLL CALL (Vice Mayor Wynn arrived at 4:06 p.m.) Present: Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn 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. Public comments were received from MaryJo Estes, Joyce Reeves, and Joanne Chamberlain. WORK SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS (as described) 1. New Employee Introductions: 25-0125 Recreation Department Scott Pyle, Lead Park Maintenance Worker Eduardo Valdespino, Lead Park Maintenance Worker Chris Godinez, Lead Custodial Service Worker Visalia City Council Page 1 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 1 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 2. Review of Draft City Council Workshop Priorities and Goals. 25-0127 Consider the draft City Council Workshop Priorities and Goals and adopt as presented or provide direction to Staff regarding revisions. City Manager Leslie Caviglia provided a power point presentation on the 2025 Workplan, and the Council's Priorities and Goals, outlining the key priorities across four main areas: Growth and Infrastructure, Business, Quality of Life, and Governance. Growth and Infrastructure: City Manager Caviglia discussed initiatives to support Visalia’s growth, focusing on responsible land use, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. Key projects include updating the pavement management plan, completing the Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) study, and expanding industrial development. The Council also discussed collaborating with the County and other agencies to improve the Highway 198 and 148 interchanges. Business: To strengthen the local economy, the City will review ordinances, streamline processes, and enhance key sectors like education and tourism. Efforts will also focus on improving infrastructure to support industrial growth. Discussion included the feasibility of creating a task force to support business development, with additional talks around revitalizing the Downtown and Mooney Boulevard areas. Quality of Life: City Manager Caviglia highlighted initiatives to enhance community well-being, including low- or no-cost family-friendly events, expanded recreational programming, and efforts to address homelessness. The Council recommended exploring partnerships for recreational amenities and expanding programming options. Governance: Plans to improve government responsiveness were outlined, including staff training and reducing bureaucracy. The City will also focus on improving communication with residents through a new website and digital platforms. The Council emphasized the importance of modern communication and inclusive outreach. City Services: The Council discussed the timeline for park amenities and called for more aggressive code enforcement, particularly regarding abandoned vehicles and shopping cart pick-ups. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve with Council revisions. The motion carried Visalia City Council Page 2 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 2 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session) Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting into Closed Session at 5:56 p.m. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION LED BY PRIEST JARNAIL SINGH, GURDUWARA SINGH SABHA OF TULARE COUNTY SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION Gurduwara Singh Sabha of Tulare County 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. Public comment was received from Sherrie Bakke of Visit Visalia, Irene Lapin, and Greg Collins. CONSENT CALENDAR A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Visalia City Council Page 3 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 3 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 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. 1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 25-0088 2. Award Contract, Transfer Funds & Appropriation Funds for 25-0096 Tulare Ave. Project: Authorize the City Manager to award the construction contract with Yarbs Grading & Paving for Tulare Avenue Major Road Rehabilitation from Demaree to Cotta in the amount of $5,202,396.00; authorize the transfer of $400,000 within the RMRA (SB1) Fund between projects; and authorize the additional appropriation of $3,065,000 from the RMRA (SB1) Fund. 3. Authorization to Award On-Call Civil Engineering Services 25-0097 Contract - Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year contract, with the option of up to four one-year extensions, with six (6) Civil Engineering Consultants to Peters Engineering Group, 4 Creeks, Inc., Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group, TRC Engineers, Inc., Lane Engineers, Inc., and CWE; and place these firms on an on-call list to provide civil engineering and related services in support of the City’s Capital Improvement Projects. The annual contract for each consultant shall not exceed $500,000 without additional authorization from the City Council. 4. Riggin Avenue Project Award & Transfer of Funds: Authorize the 25-0101 City Manager to award the construction contract with Agee Construction Corporation for the Riggin widening project from Kelsey St. to Shirk St. in the amount of $8,098,281.00; authorize the transfer of Measure R Regional funds; and the amendment to Measure R Supplemental Agreements. 5. Award Construction Material Testing Services: Authorize the City 25-0121 Manager to execute an agreement with Krazan & Associates to provide geotechnical material testing services for the Tulare Avenue Major Rehabilitation project from Demaree to Cotta in the amount of $72,500. Visalia City Council Page 4 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 4 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 6. Authorize the Purchase of Traffic Signal Poles: Authorize the 25-0122 purchase of traffic signal poles from Jam Services Inc., for $105,462.00, for the Riggin Ave. and Shirk St. intersection associated with the Riggin Avenue Widening Project from Kelsey St. to Shirk St. 7. Award Construction Management Services: Authorize the City 25-0124 Manager to execute an agreement with 4 Creeks, Inc. to provide construction management services for Tulare Avenue Major Street Rehabilitation from Demaree to Cotta in the amount of $420,000. 8. Award a Contract for FY 24-25 Reclamite Project - Authorize the 25-0132 City Manager to award a contract with Talley Oil in the amount of $1,284,747.34 for the construction of the FY 24-25 Reclamite Project. 9. Authorize staff to apply for grant for Independence Spectacular 25-0137 community event - Grant is through the San Joaquin Valley Air District for Clean Alternative to Fireworks. 10. Conditional Authorization to Engage Stripe for Microtransit Credit 25-0143 Card Payment Processing Services - Authorize the City Manager, upon completion of the staff vetting of the terms and conditions, to enter into a contract with Stripe to act as a third party credit card processing services provider for the microtransit pilot program for one year with the option of up to four one-year renewals, and up to $30,000 annually. 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. Visalia City Council Page 5 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 5 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 1. Adopt FY 2025/26 -2029/30 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025/26 25-0039 Action Plan - Public Hearing to adopt 1) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 - FY 2029/30 Consolidated Plan (ConPlan), Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), Citizens Participation Plan (CPP), and FY 2025/26 Annual Action Plan for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Funds; and 2) FY 2024/25 CDBG Action Plan Amendment. Housing Specialist Margie Perez presented the Fiscal Year 2025/26 - 2029/30 Consolidated Plan and 2025/26 Action Plan for HUD funding. The plans focus on affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and community development, with key priorities including home repairs, job training, and emergency shelters. The proposed activities include senior housing, homelessness support, and the development of a new emergency shelter. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. There being no public comment, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Council thanked Housing Specialist Perez for the informative presentation. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Visalia City Council Page 6 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 6 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 2. Annexation and General Plan Amendment - Public hearing and 25-0102 consideration for the following actions related to the project located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APN: 078-110-021, 078-110-006): 1. Adopt Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 for Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024 -05 (Resolution No. 2025-24); and 2. Initiation of Proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04, a request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling 10.4 acres into the City limits of Visalia; and 3. Authorize the detachment from County Service Area No. 1 in accordance with State and County requirements (Resolution No. 2025-22); and 4. Approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Development Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately a quarter acre of the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation (Resolution No. 2025-23). Assistant Planner Colleen Moreno presented a proposal to annex two parcels at North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court into the city, expand the Urban Development Growth Boundary, and change part of the land from Very Low Density Residential to Parks/Recreation. The project is proposed to include a 1.25-acre dog park, improved access to the St. Johns River Trail, and an overflow parking lot for Riverway Sports Park. Both, the Planning and the Parks and Recreation Commissions have recommended approval, and the project aligns with the City’s General Plan. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m., with public comment from Justin Saehon. The hearing was closed at 7:42 p.m., and the matter returned to Council. Council discussed the need for more parking and asked about fencing, private property, and the land north of the site. Staff clarified that the dog park will be fenced and no speed bumps are planned for the area. Late correspondence was also clarified by staff. Council expressed support for the project, particularly the parking expansion, and thanked staff for the presentation. A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Visalia City Council Page 7 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 7 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 3. Ordinance Adoption - Public hearing and first reading of 25-0108 Ordinance No. 2024-16 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03: A request by the City of Visalia to add and amend regulations within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining 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. Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal introduced Brenton Givens, Principal Planner at Mintier Harnish, who presented Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03. The amendment proposes adopting Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards (ODS) and Planned Residential Development (PRD) standards for new single-family developments, aimed at providing design flexibility while maintaining aesthetic standards and addressing growth trends. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m., with public comment from Greg Collins. With no further comments, the hearing was closed at 8:04 p.m., and the matter returned to Council. Council discussed the potential impact of the new requirements on home prices and housing affordability. The idea of including language to support non-profit deed-restricted homes was also considered. Staff confirmed it could be incorporated into the ordinance if approved, but there was no consensus to move forward with the revised language. Council also discussed offering more flexibility in road widths and design elements, with staff clarifying that developers would have options to meet the new standards. Vice Mayor Wynn motioned to adopt the Single-Family Residential Objective Design and PRD standards by resolution rather than ordinance, as suggested by staff. City Attorney Ken Richardson clarified that if the resolution were adopted, it would be brought back at a future meeting for approval on the consent calendar, as it was not included in the current packet. The motion to adopt the Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and PRD standards by resolution was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn No: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor Visalia City Council Page 8 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 8 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 4. Land Use License with Downtown Visalians - Approve a land use 25-0133 license with Downtown Visalians for the storage of property and equipment at 701 E. Race Avenue for a term of (1) year, with (2) additional 1-year terms upon mutual agreement of the two parties. Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, presented a proposal to approve a land use license with Downtown Visalians for the storage of property and equipment at 701 E. Race Avenue. The proposed term is one year, with two additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement. Downtown Visalians, an organization of business owners within the Downtown District, provides supplemental maintenance services like graffiti removal and tree lighting operation. They have requested to store a container for their Main Street Christmas decorations and park two vehicles and a trailer used for daily maintenance. The City owns the property at 701 E. Race Avenue, and staff determined it has sufficient space for the request. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:27 p.m. No public comments were made, and the hearing was closed at 8:28 p.m. Council discussed the agreement, with Council member Nelsen announcing he would abstain from the vote. A motion was made by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Abstain: Steve Nelsen CLOSED SESSION REPORT ADJOURNMENT Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Visalia City Council Page 9 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 9 of 10 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 21, 2025 1. Upcoming City Council Meetings 25-0123 Monday, May 5, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia Monday, May 19, 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. Respectfully Submitted, Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk Visalia City Council Page 10 Printed on 8/12/2025 Page 10 of 10