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 Tuesday, September 2, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Chambers ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Brian Poochigian, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn Absent: Mayor Brett Taylor CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 4:30 PM (Unless otherwise noted) Vice Mayor Wynn called the meeting to order at 4:30 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 25-0373 Garian Martin, Solid Waste Operator Chad Mahan, Solid Waste Operator Ronnie Rodriguez, SWEEP Maintenance Service Worker Visalia City Council Page 1 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 1 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 2. Neighborhood Preservation Division overview presentation. 25-0377 Planning and Community Preservation Department management staff will present an overview of the Neighborhood Preservation Division. Neighborhood Preservation Manager Tracy Robertshaw presented a power point presentation on the overview of the division’s activities, including commercial property inspections, enforcement actions, and graffiti removal efforts. She also provided historical context, outlining the division’s development and progress. Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal thanked Manager Robertshaw for her leadership in overseeing the code enforcement, sweep, and graffiti teams. Council members thanked staff for the presentation and noted that no action was required on this item. 3. New City Website Update – Review planning process and 25-0387 community outreach for resident feedback. Administrative Services Director Shonna Oneal and Communications & Brand Manager Allison Mackey presented an overview of the City’s website update project, outlining the scope of work with CivicPlus, planned community outreach efforts, and opportunities for resident feedback. The presentation included goals for improved mobile accessibility, integration of a 311 service request system, public records management, and compliance with ADA standards by April 2026. Council discussed the value of community input and considered options to extend the outreach timeline and review strategies used by other cities. Vice Mayor Wynn opened public comment. Public comment was received from Jim Reeves. There being no further comments, Vice Mayor Wynn closed the public comment period. There being no further discussion or required action on this item, Council thanked staff for the update. Visalia City Council Page 2 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 2 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 4. Fire Station 51 Update – Review renderings and select an 25-0355 exterior building style. Civil Engineer Mike Porter, Fire Chief Dan Griswold, and Mike Scott of RRM Design Group presented updated exterior renderings for the new Fire Station 51, showing two design options: Option A: Modified Traditional Retrofit Style and Option B: Modified Early California Style. The renderings were presented following prior Council direction from August 4, 2025, to narrow the design choices. Council reviewed both styles and discussed aesthetic preferences, and also suggested the new design complement the new Civic Center area and potentially match its color palette. Vice Mayor Wynn opened public comment. Public comment was received from Jim Reeves. There being no further comments, Vice Mayor Wynn closed the public comment period. A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve Option B: Modified Early California Style. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Absent: Brett Taylor ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session) Vice Mayor Wynn adjourned the meeting into Closed Session at 5:58 p.m. 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 REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION LED BY PHIL APPLEBAUM, CONGREGATION B'NAI DAVID SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION PUBLIC COMMENTS Visalia City Council Page 3 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 3 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 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 Irene Lapin. 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. Mayor Taylor pulled agenda item 7: Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement. 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. 25-0254 2. Authorize Purchase of Passenger Transit Vans - Authorize the 25-0334 City Manager to utilize the California Association for Coordinated Transportation Morongo Basin Transit Authority cooperative contract for Class P passenger transit vans to enter into a contract in the amount of $685,389 with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, for the purchase of four (4) Braun-Lonestar Class P passenger transit vans for the Visalia Transit Dial-A-Ride service. Visalia City Council Page 4 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 4 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 3. Park Project Notice of Completion - Request authorization to file 25-0354 a Notice of Completion for the Stonebrook Park Shade Structure Design & Installation Services. 4. Park Project Notice of Completion - Request authorization to file 25-0367 a Notice of Completion for the Sunset Park Shade Structure Design & Installation Services. 5. Park Project Notice of Completion - Request authorization to file 25-0368 a Notice of Completion for the Whitendale Park Shade Structure Design & Installation Services. 6. Approval of Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan - Approval 25-0376 of the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and authorize the City Manager to sign on behalf of Visalia Transit and to annually review and approve. 7. Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement Form – A 25-0380 request by Great Valley Land Trust to have their agricultural conservation easement form and content approved as required per the City's adopted Agricultural Preservation Ordinance. Mayor Taylor pulled Agenda Item 7, Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement Form, and announced his recusal from the item. He exited the Council Chambers at 7:07 p.m. *Following the vote, Mayor Taylor returned to the Council Chambers and resumed his seat at the dais at 7:09 p.m. A motion was made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn Recused: Brett Taylor 8. Authorize an updated resolution to receive and appropriate 25-0382 Homekey+ Funds - Approve an updated resolution (2025-64) authorizing a joint application with Self-Help Enterprises and Crescent Meadows LP for Homekey+ funds not to exceed $15 million; and appropriate $15 million in Homekey+ funds for the Crescent Meadows project, contingent upon an award. REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS Visalia City Council Page 5 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 5 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 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. Amendment to Measure N Budget - Conduct the second public 25-0385 hearing to appropriate additional funds of $519,638 for the modernization of elevators within both parking structures and Fire Station 52. Parks and Facilities Manager Alvin Dias and Building Maintenance Superintendent Donny MacLennan provided a second presentation regarding the proposed amendment to the Measure N Spending Plan to appropriate an additional $519,638 for the modernization of elevators within both parking structures and Fire Station 52. Staff reiterated that the amendment would fund three change orders to the existing elevator modernization contract due to increased material costs, necessary hydraulic system repairs, anticipated line replacement at Fire Station 52, and required Fire, Life, Safety system upgrades. A construction contingency is also included in the total. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. There being no public comments, the hearing was closed at 7:11 p.m. A motion was 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 6 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 6 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 2. Public Hearing and Ordinance Adoption - 25-0379 General Plan Amendment No. 2025-02: A request by the City of Visalia to change the land use designation on a 16-acre portion of a 21-acre parcel from Parks/Recreation to Commercial Mixed Use. First Reading of Ordinance to adopt Change of Zone No. 2025-03: A request by the City of Visalia to change the zoning designation on a 16-acre portion of a 21-acre parcel from QP (Quasi-Public) to C-MU (Commercial Mixed Use). Location: The site is located on the northwest corner of Akers Street and Riggin Avenue, within the City of Visalia, County of Tulare (APN: 077-100-103). Principal Planner Brandon Smith presented a request to amend the General Plan and change the zoning designation of a 16-acre portion of a 21-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Akers Street and Riggin Avenue from Parks/Recreation to Commercial Mixed Use, while retaining the remaining 5 acres for Parks/Recreation. The proposal reflects prior City Council direction and aligns with the City’s planning goals. Council Members discussed the proposal, expressing support for the commercial designation while also raising concerns about the limited open space and the site's proximity to the future high school campus. Finance Director Renee Nagel, Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal, and Building and Engineering Director Jason Huckleberry addressed questions related to the original purchase price and requirements associated to funding, site access, future park considerations, and zoning implications. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Public comments were received from Kathy Falconer, Maria Guillén, and Jim Reeves. There being no further comments, the hearing was closed at 7:42 p.m. Following public comments, Council Member Nelsen moved to approve the item, but the motion died for lack of a second. Council Member Hernandez Soto suggested tabling the item for further feasibility analysis, including a review of aquatic center options. *After the vote, Council Member Poochigian also recommended that staff return with a park plan for the northwest quadrant prior to further discussion of the rezoning at a future meeting. A motion was then made by Council Member Brian Poochigian, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to refer the matter back to staff to designate the entire 21 acres as Commercial Mixed Use, and to direct staff to prepare the appropriate analysis and the appropriate CEQA documentation. The motion carried by the following unanimous vote: Visalia City Council Page 7 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 7 of 8 Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 2, 2025 Aye: Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn CLOSED SESSION REPORT ADJOURNMENT Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 1. Upcoming City Council Meetings 25-0250 Monday, September 15, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia Monday, October 6, 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 8 Printed on 9/23/2025 Page 8 of 8