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, June 16, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Chambers ROLL CALL 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. WORK SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS (as described) 1. New Employee Introductions: Police Department 25-0245 Shyra Hicks, Parking Enforcement Officer Tanya Littlejohn, Communications Operator Visalia City Council Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 1 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 2. Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Mid-Cycle Financial Report - Receive the 25-0242 Fiscal Year 2025/2026 mid-cycle financial report, appropriate funds for capital projects, and discuss possible revisions to the surplus policy. Finance Director Renee Nagel provided a power point presentation on the fiscal year 2025/26 financial outlook, including updated revenue and expenditure projections, surplus and reserve balances, and the current surplus policy. She advised that staff recommends appropriating $1 million for the Riverway Sports Park fencing project and initiating Council discussion regarding the surplus policy. Councilmembers discussed long-term priorities including Phase III of the Civic Center, East Side Regional Park, and community recreation facilities. General support was expressed for maintaining the current surplus policy and for the Riverway Park fencing appropriation. Mayor Taylor opened the public comment period. There being no public comment, the public comment period was closed and the item was referred back to Council. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve as recommended, and directed staff to begin discussion on surplus policy revisions for fiscal year 2024/2025. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Liz Wynn No: Emmanuel Hernandez Soto Visalia City Council Page 2 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 2 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 3. Update on Recreational Projects and Options for Additional 25-0244 Projects - Presentation on recent recreational projects completed and in progress, and options for new park amenities or other short-term projects for Council consideration and appropriate the funding needed to complete the selected projects. Parks and Recreation Director Jason Glick and Parks and Facilities Manager Alvin Dias provided a power point presentation on completed, in-progress, and proposed recreational projects. Councilmembers expressed support for the proposed projects and discussed potential impacts to the surplus policy. Mayor Taylor opened the public comment period. Public comment was received from Joyce Reed. There being no further public comment, the public comment period was closed and the item was referred back to Council. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve staff recommendation No. 1: Proceed with the recommended project list and appropriate $1,610,000 from the current 2024-25 General Fund as outlined in the staff report. 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 8/25/2025 Page 3 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 4. Review of the City of Visalia Oak Tree Ordinance - Presentation 25-0210 on potential modifications regarding the City’s Valley Oak Tree Ordinance and request for direction moving forward. Urban Forestry Supervisor Zach Huff, Parks and Facilities Manager Alvin Dias, and Parks and Recreation Director Jason Glick provided a presentation on potential modifications to the City’s Valley Oak Tree Ordinance. Councilmembers discussed the proposed changes, expressing support for preserving Valley Oak trees in safe and visible areas while acknowledging the importance of private property rights. Several members supported enhanced outreach efforts and educational tools, such as city website resources, and emphasized planting Valley Oaks on city-owned properties. There was general interest in creating heritage groves or designated areas to honor the City's oak tree legacy. Mayor Taylor opened the public comment period. Public comment was received from Jim Reeves. There being no further public comment, the public comment period was closed and the item was referred back to Council. Council Member Brian Poochigian motioned to approve staff recommendation No. 2 with an adjustment to expand the exemption: all private properties, including new development, multi-family, and commercial properties would be exempt from the permit requirement to remove a Valley Oak tree. Public properties would continue to follow the existing ordinance. The motion was then seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto No: Liz Wynn Visalia City Council Page 4 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 4 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 5. Reconsideration of the Special Event Ordinance - Direction from 25-0259 City Council on whether the Council wants to further reconsider the Special Event Ordinance per the vote on November 18, 2024. City Manager Leslie Caviglia provided a report outlining prior Council direction to revisit the Special Event Ordinance as it relates to the Downtown Farmers Market. She clarified that the item was scheduled in response to the November 18, 2024 Council vote. Mayor Taylor opened the public comment period. Comments were received from April Lancaster, Buddy Jones, Claudia Jensen, Brandon Lamatino, Nicholas Lambardi, and Jim Reeves. With no further public input, the comment period was closed and the item was referred back to Council. Councilmembers examined the ordinance’s purpose and its impact on downtown merchants. They also considered the unique character of the downtown area. After extensive discussion, Council addressed the request for this item from the farmers market staff, along with challenges related to the Good Neighbor Policy and street frontage regulations. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve staff recommendation No. 2: Leave the ordinance as adopted on Nov. 18, 2024.The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen No: Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session) Mayor Taylor adjourned the work session at 6:13 p.m. (No Closed Session Scheduled) CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION LED BY DR. RICHARD DUNN, SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION State Lions Student Speaker Isabella Flores Visalia City Council Page 5 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 5 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 Proclamation recognizing The Source and Pride Month Public Relations Society of America Central California Chapter 2025 Image Awards 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 Abigail Trevino, Irene Lapin, Suzanne Gundy, Maria Guillén, and Jim Reeves. 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. Mayor Taylor pulled consent calendar agenda item 7 for separate discussion. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve the remainder of the consent calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn 1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 25-0092 Visalia City Council Page 6 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 6 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 2. Agreement for College of the Sequoias Student Transit Pass 25-0146 Program - Authorize the City Manager to sign the renewal Agreement between the City of Visalia and the Tulare County Association of Governments to participate in the COS Student Transit Pass Program for the Spring 2025 through Fall 2034 semesters. 3. Adopt Resolution and Designate 2025/2026 SB1 Road 25-0198 Maintenance Funding: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-41 to designate Fiscal Year 2025/26 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funding of $3,900,000 from the State of California Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 to the Tulare Ave Road Rehabilitation Projects from Roeben to Cotta, and the transfer and appropriation of SB 1 RMRA funds. (Resolution required) 4. Affirm Submittal of Basin Grant & Appropriate Funds - Affirm the 25-0199 submission to the Environmental Protection Agency for grant funding in the amount of $959,752 for the Groundwater Recharge Basin F project; and upon award appropriate grant funds and $240,000 of local matching funds from the Groundwater Recharge Fund (224). 5. Authorization to award a service contract to West Coast Tow - 25-0200 Authorize the City Manager to award a service contract not to exceed $150,000 annually to Lewis Holdings, Inc DBA West Coast Tow of Visalia for light duty evidence towing and evidence storage for both light and heavy-duty vehicles for a five-year term that is renewable thereafter annually for up to five consecutive one-year periods and appropriate $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. 6. Developer Reimbursement Agreement - Authorize the City 25-0204 Manager to execute a development reimbursement agreement with TMT for arterial roadway improvements constructed with the Visalia Oaks Marketplace development located at the southeast corner of Visalia Parkway and Mooney Boulevard and authorize additional appropriation of $1.2 million from the Transportation Impact Fee Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Visalia City Council Page 7 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 7 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 7. Salary Schedule - Adopt the revised salary schedule for full-time 25-0206 employees, City Manager, and City Council members of the City of Visalia. Mayor Taylor pulled the item for separate discussion. Acting Human Resources Manager Amy Powell stepped forward and provided a report on the item. There being no public comment, the matter was referred back to Council. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn 8. Record Final Subdivision Map - Authorization Staff to record the 25-0208 final map for Higgins Ranch Phase 2 subdivision, located on the southeast corner of South Lovers Lane and East Cherry Avenue, (74 Lots); and annex Higgins Ranch - Phase 2 into the Landscape and Lighting District No. 24-01 “Higgins Ranch” (Resolution Nos. 2025-38 and 2025-39 required). 9. Approval of Change Orders and Notice of Completion for 25-0213 Downtown Projects - Approval of contract change orders for the Downtown Streetlight Project in the amount of $516,004.10 and authorization for the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the Downtown Streetlight and Pavement Rehabilitation projects. 10. Carollo Engineers Contract Amendment & Fund Appropriation - 25-0220 Authorize a contract amendment with Carollo Engineers in the amount of $115,700 for additional storm master plan services and appropriate funds from the Storm Sewer Deficiency Fund. 11. Authorization to apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation 25-0222 (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program - Authorization to submit a multijurisdictional application in partnership with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) to the USDOT SS4A Grant Program for a Planning and Demonstration Grant in the development of a Regional Services Center Multimodal Action Plan for the Downtown area in an estimated amount of $1 million (Resolution No.2025-47 required). Visalia City Council Page 8 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 8 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 12. Authorization to apply for the Federal Transit Administration Low 25-0223 or No Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program - Authorization to submit an application in partnership with the National Park Service to the FTA Low or No Emission Grant Program for ten (10) battery-electric buses and twenty-four (24) Level 3 electric chargers for an estimated amount of $15 million (Resolution No. 2025-45 required), and an application to the FTA Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program for the development of a parking structure on Transit property near the Transit Center for an estimated amount of $15 million (Resolution No. 2025-46 required). 13. Authorize Investment Authority - Approve Resolution Number 25-0226 2025-44 adopting the City of Visalia’s annually updated Investment Policy and delegate authority to invest funds for the City to the Finance Director/Treasurer for fiscal year 2025-26. 14. Amend Landscape & Lighting District - Request authorization to 25-0227 amend Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 23-01 “Shepherds Ranch” and order the improvements and levy the annual assessments for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 23-01. Shepherds Ranch subdivision is located on the west side of Shirk Street between Pershing Court and West Hurley Avenue (Resolution Nos. 2025-42 and 2025-43 required). APN: 081-030-046. 15. Website and Services Contract - Authorize the City Manager to 25-0228 enter into a (5) year service and software license agreement with CivicPlus for web services, including a new website, 311 resident service request system, public records request management system, social media monitoring and archiving, and accessibility monitoring, attaching to a General Services Administration contract for a total of $570,000. 16. Cybersecurity Software and Services Renewal - Authorize the 25-0231 City Manager to enter into a (3) year service and software license agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc., a Carahsoft Technology Corporation reseller, to purchase CrowdStrike next-generation antivirus and cyber security protection services under the terms of Carahsoft's existing Agreement with the State of Utah via California Participating Addendum for an amount not to exceed $360,000. Visalia City Council Page 9 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 9 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 17. Approve Agreement with County Radio Shop - Authorization to 25-0237 renew and approve a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding for City Wide radio installation, maintenance, and programming services with Tulare County Information & Communications Technology, the County’s Radio Shop, for an estimated $225,000 over a 5-year period. 18. Citizens Advisory Committee Reappointments - Approve the 25-0243 Citizens Advisory Committee’s recommendation to reappoint Alana Johnson, Glen Stewart, Rebecca Donabed, Jim Reeves, Julie Appelbaum, Miguel Salgado, and Lacey Todd to continue their voting positions on the Citizens Advisory Committee. 19. Parks and Recreation Commission Reappointments - Consider 25-0246 the reappointment of Janelle Hickey and Samantha Wagner to second and third terms on the Parks and Recreation Commission. 20. Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Reappointments - 25-0255 Reappoint Kim Lusk to a first two-year term, reappoint Karen Ayala to a second two-year term, and reappoint Jay Hohlbauch to a third two-year term, on the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. 21. Planning Commission Reappointments - Recommendation to 25-0258 reappoint Bill Davis and Chris Tavarez to serve on the Planning Commission and to authorize Staff to begin a recruitment due to a pending resignation. 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 10 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 10 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 1. Contested Special Assessments - Authorization to allow the City 25-0238 of Visalia to place items contested during the June 2, 2025, public hearing on the Miscellaneous Special Assessments on the Tulare County secured property tax roll. Financial Analyst Ruth Peña provided a power point presentation on contested items from the June 2, 2025, public hearing regarding the Miscellaneous Special Assessments. She outlined staff’s recommendation to adopt Resolution 2025-40, authorizing the placement of specific contested assessments on the Tulare County secured property tax roll, with modifications where appropriate. Of the eight contested items, three are recommended for tax roll placement at the original assessed amount, two at a modified amount, and three are recommended for removal from the tax roll due to active compliance efforts or stipulated agreements. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Public comment was received from Abigail Trevino and Susan Gundy. There being no further public comment, the public hearing was closed at 7:48 p.m. The matter was referred back to Council for consideration. Financial Analyst Brittany Ontiveros and Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal stepped forward to provide clarification for Council. A motion was then made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, 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 11 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 11 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 2. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Rates and Fees - Public Hearing and 24-0590 Adoption of Resolution 2025-08 to authorize proposed new fees, increases, and adjustments to the City's Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Financial Analyst Jana Ferguson provided a power point presentation on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Rates and Fees, highlighting new fees, increases, and adjustments across multiple departments. The presentation addressed inflation-based adjustments tied to various consumer price indices and responded to Council questions regarding specific fees such as tennis and pickleball court rentals, trolley/bus hourly rental rounding, Sequoia Shuttle fare discounts, and the possibility of rounding all fees for simplicity. Councilmembers discussed the proposed adjustments. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed at 7:56 p.m., and the matter was referred back to Council for further consideration. 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: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Visalia City Council Page 12 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 12 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 3. Visalia Central Core Sidewalk Survey Presentation - Receive a 25-0225 staff presentation outlining the results of the Visalia Central Core Sidewalk Survey completed by Precision Concrete Cutting. Senior Project Manager UnChung Parry stepped forward to present a power point presentation outlining the results of the Visalia Central Core Sidewalk Survey conducted by Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC). The survey focused on sidewalks surrounding grant-funded trees in the downtown area to identify and prioritize concrete shaving and other minor repairs aimed at reducing trip hazards. Mayor Taylor opened the public comment period at 8:10 p.m. Maria Guillén stepped forward to provide comments. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:11 p.m. The matter was referred back to Council. City Engineer Christopher Crawford responded to a Council inquiry about the repair timeline, explaining that the effectiveness of the repairs is expected to last approximately 3 to 5 years, depending on tree root growth. He emphasized that these repairs address immediate safety concerns while making meaningful progress toward longer-term sidewalk improvements. No formal action was required at this time. Visalia City Council Page 13 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 13 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 4. Ordinance Adoption - Public hearing and first reading of 25-0230 Ordinance No. 2024-16 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-01: A request by the City of Visalia to amend text within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) to clarify and facilitate City Council adoption of Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments by Resolution rather than by Ordinance. Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal stepped forward to discuss Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-01, which proposes clarifying changes to the Visalia Municipal Code related to the implementation of Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards (ODS) and Planned Residential Development (PRD) standards. He explained that the amendment would remove outdated or redundant standards applicable to lots under 5,000 square feet and would add a reference in the Zoning Ordinance to the Council-adopted ODS, which were approved by Resolution No. 2025-30 in May 2025. The proposed change allows these standards to be updated more efficiently in the future via resolution rather than by ordinance. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:16 p.m., and the item was referred back to the Council. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn No: Brian Poochigian Visalia City Council Page 14 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 14 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 5. Authorization to Amend the Measure N Spending Plan and Axon 25-0203 Contract - Conduct the second of two Public Hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan for an amendment to the current contract with Axon Enterprise, in the amount of $431,350.65, and appropriate $138,121 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Police Captain Dan Ford stepped forward to discuss the proposed amendment to the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., including the addition of new Officer Safety Plans, equipment, and the implementation of automated tagging software. He explained that the increased deployment aligns with best practices now that the department is maintaining near-full staffing levels. The amendment would increase the contract by $431,350.65 over the remaining three years, with $138,121 to be appropriated for Fiscal Year 2025/26. This is the second of two required public hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:18 p.m. The item was referred back to the Council. 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: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn CLOSED SESSION REPORT ADJOURNMENT Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Visalia City Council Page 15 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 15 of 16 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 16, 2025 1. Upcoming City Council Meetings 25-0196 Monday, July 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. Respectfully submitted, Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk Visalia City Council Page 16 Printed on 8/25/2025 Page 16 of 16