OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting – June 17, 2024: Budget, Logo, & Civic Center

City Council — Monday, June 17, 2024
BodyVisalia, California
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, June 17, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:13:59

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

Call it meeting order of the Visaya City Council.

0:09

We're gonna begin with the Pledge Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Taylor, followed by the invocation by Councilmember Nelson.

0:18

Please join me.

0:25

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation, under God, individual liberty and justice for all.

0:34

Please bow your head.

0:36

We thank you for the opportunity to come tonight to do the service of the people.

0:40

We ask that you humble us so we can be good servants and listen with uh intent and compassionate heart.

0:46

We also ask a special prayer for all of our people that are staff members in our city and uh just be with them and they can be with their families, and a special prayer for our public safety people.

1:00

We ask for decorum tonight, we asked for patience, we asked for understanding.

1:04

We ask this in your name in Jesus we pray.

1:07

Amen.

1:10

All right, before we jump into item of interest, I want to uh recognize former council member Greg Collins is in the audience tonight.

1:22

I told him if he talks, he can't go over three minutes.

1:25

I'll have to shut him down after that.

1:26

So all right, let's jump into items of interest.

1:28

Councilmember Nelson.

1:30

Sure.

1:30

Um, been a busy couple of weeks on water.

1:33

Uh attended uh one GSA meeting, and then we attended uh, which is the first time ever, a joint meeting with all of the GSAs that are involved in the basin.

1:44

There's actually three three GSAs, uh, mid-Coeya, Greater Kouia, and East Kouia.

1:49

We had a joint combined meeting.

1:51

Um I took it as an honor.

1:52

They asked me to actually oversee the meeting and run the meeting.

1:56

Um we're making really great progress.

1:59

Uh, a lot of decisions were made.

2:01

The actual GSP will go out uh for public review for the next 30 days.

2:06

So if you're interested in that, you can go on the website and look at that.

2:09

I was here for the Vicea PD swearing in.

2:12

I think we had six uh folks uh join the ranks of Vice A PD, two or lateral officers, which is great news because they get on out on the street quicker.

2:22

And then I want to give a special shout out, which she's not here tonight, but Elizabeth Jones.

2:27

She did a uh she's the PIO for uh Visaya PD and Fire Public Information Officer.

2:33

She did an article on the fire department that they were able to create 14 babies in the last year.

2:39

It was a local article and it reached national news.

2:43

It was on the national news uh today.

2:45

So I want to give a shout out to Elizabeth.

2:48

Thank you.

2:48

Councilmember Wynne.

2:51

Yes, and I attended TCAG, which is Telera County Association of Governments and their public transit rep.

2:59

I had a Calvans meeting, which is Calvans carpooling that you see around the valley.

3:04

Um attended the Chamber of Wards dinner, or not dinner event.

3:08

Um I did attend the Raw McDonald House charity dinner, which was really nice.

3:14

The it's so good to see the support for our little ones.

3:18

Um I was with Councilmember Nelson at the GSA water hearings, and then also at the Vice CIA Economic Development Council uh annual meeting and a few other things, but I can't remember them all.

3:31

Thank you.

3:32

Councilmember Soto.

3:33

Good evening, everyone.

3:34

So I I attended the Lake Kawia Enlargement Project annual meeting with Councilmember Nelson and City Manager uh Leslie Cavilia.

3:41

Uh also our local veteran group uh who um has a firework stand annually uh you know coming up here soon.

3:51

Uh they are looking for volunteers to set up their booth, and that's gonna be in front of food for less.

3:55

So if anyone has uh time, please get in contact with me and we could uh go help out our local veterans.

4:01

And then lastly, uh I met with some local constituents and and they express concern about a national issue uh what's going on in Gaza.

4:10

So I'll be writing a letter of support uh for a ceasefire and release of the hostages that will go to our national or uh federal Congress and Senators.

4:19

So I'll be doing that uh for the constituents.

4:22

Thank you.

4:23

Thank you, Vice Right.

4:26

So I was able to meet with uh Mike Kromer, um, former firefighters, so uh obviously no issues with uh uh that were currently uh in negotiations with contracts.

4:37

I also attended the coach's uh caravan, which was neat because uh they worked to get the Fresno State's head football coach and head basketball coach and head equestrian coach uh to come into Visaya just to meet the fans down here, so it was really nice.

4:50

I got to meet uh all three of those coaches, uh, just kind of talk about the future of sports uh with Fresno State here in our community.

4:57

Uh so there's a good good support uh for that.

5:00

Uh I volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House fundraiser, which was amazing.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Water And Wastewater Management███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Public Works Recognition█████5%
Fiscal Sustainability█████5%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting – June 17, 2024

The Visalia City Council held a combined work session (4:00 PM) and regular session (7:00 PM) on Monday, June 17, 2024, to address a range of routine and major items, including approval of the multi-year budget, updates on the Civic Center Project and Water Reclamation Facility, continuation of the city logo redesign discussion, and multiple public comments urging a ceasefire resolution in Gaza.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved 12 routine items unanimously, including: Resolution to designate SB1 road maintenance funding ($3.6M transfer and $100K appropriation for Whitendale Road); adoption of the FY2024-25 appropriations limit; abandonment of public utility easements; second reading of the Cannabis Business Tax ordinance; Notice of Completion for Caldwell Avenue Improvement; acceptance of the Q3 investment report; adoption of the updated Investment Policy; Victory Oaks Phase 1 Final Map with Landscape & Lighting District formation; purchase of a solid waste truck ($49,153.64); exchange of regional transportation funds ($889,030 toward road rehab); and authorization of the Police Managers MOU (2024-2027).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Greg Collins (Visalia) spoke in support of an aquatic complex / 50-meter pool, urging the council to select a site and fund design.
  • Felix Barrientos (Visalia) reported a dangerous pothole at Cambridge and Santa Fe.
  • Dale Simmons (Visalia) commented on road conditions, the Miss California event, the logo (wanted something between the two options), and supported a letter regarding the Gaza conflict, also supporting an aquatic pool.
  • Fida Taha (Visalia) called for a ceasefire resolution, stating 37,000 Palestinian civilians killed, and argued the city should label acts as terrorism.
  • Joan Cuadra (Visalia) supported a ceasefire resolution, noting 100+ cities have passed similar resolutions; she urged Visalia to join.
  • Julia Doyal (Visalia) supported a ceasefire resolution, citing 37,000 killed and 85,000 injured in Gaza.
  • Anna Madrigal Garcia (Visalia) supported a ceasefire resolution, stating if other cities can act, so can Visalia.
  • Maria Guillen (Visalia) thanked the city for a four-way stop at Ferguson and Roeben, and also supported a ceasefire resolution, sharing a poem.
  • Efrain Becerra (Visalia) expressed concerns about apartments devaluing homes, supported an aquatic facility, asked for transparency on logo costs, and requested safety for Muslim Americans in his district.
  • Raquel Arias (Visalia) critiqued council for appearing disconnected from citizens, highlighting homelessness and the need for compassion.
  • Ampelio Mejia (Visalia) urged council to listen to constituents and include everyone.
  • Richard Randolph (Visalia) complained about parking enforcement without proper signage or curb painting, and suggested sending notices to educate the public.
  • During the logo discussion, Efrain Becerra and Ampelio Mejia further commented: Becerra noted constituents dislike the strong V and prefer a round logo, and recommended keeping the submission process local; Mejia proposed an honorarium equal to the amount paid for the earlier logo work and a longer submission window.
  • On contested special assessments, Tony Dias (Visalia) disagreed with placing a $13,000 conditional use permit fee on his tax roll, claiming the property was grandfathered.

Discussion Items

  • Special Recognition: Council recognized Communications Manager Allison Mackey and Community Outreach Coordinator Macey Schonbachler for their awards from the Public Relations Society of America’s Central California Chapter.
  • Civic Center Project Update (Phase 2): Engineers and architects presented colors, finishes, and exterior amenities reviewed by the Civic Center Committee. Councilmember Hernandez Soto suggested adding colorful artwork to the interior. The council approved the committee’s recommendations, authorized the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for contractors, and authorized 10% retention for the project.
  • Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Master Plan Final Update: Staff presented a final report on the 20-year Master Plan. Total capital cost is $92.7 million, with $53 million in rehabilitation and replacement costs over 20 years. The facility will be able to treat 21.4 million gallons per day after projects. No action required; staff will begin a rate study and seek grants. Council discussed energy efficiency (biogas generator and solar) and flexibility for future direct potable reuse.
  • Membership Agreement – Tulare County EDC: Airica de Oliveira presented a yearly update on TCEDC activities, including increased private partnerships (up 200% in 24 months), digital marketing campaigns (70,000 impressions), and 45 projects for Visalia (22 proposals, 4 shortlisted). Council authorized continued membership for FY24/25 at $60,000.
  • Pre-Fourth of July Presentation by Fire Department: Fire Marshal Corbin Reed presented proactive efforts to deter illegal fireworks, including citations starting at $2,000, a $500 reward for reports of sellers, enhanced patrols with VPD, a call center on July 3-4, and expanded saturation on July 5-6. Council discussed increasing the reward and continued enforcement.
  • Contested Special Assessments: Staff recommended placing 8 of 9 contested assessments on the tax roll and removing 1 due to a legal change. Council approved the recommendation after hearing one public objection.
  • Public Hearing and Adoption of Multi-Year Budget (FY24/25 & FY25/26): Staff presented the proposed budget ($290.9M revenues FY24/25, $302.4M FY25/26; General Fund surplus of $6M and $3.6M). Council discussed surplus use, property tax lag, and vacant positions. Councilmember Nelsen requested adding $1.5M for Riverway Sports Park fencing in FY24/25. Vice Mayor Taylor confirmed continued funding for the Visalia Rawhide contract. Budget adopted 5-0 with the amendment.
  • Measure T District Tax Amendment and Recertification: Staff recommended recertifying the expenditure plan for FY24/25, changing the Economic Uncertainty Fund calculation from 25% of budgeted revenues to 30% of operating expenditures, and continuing the amended plan until all staffing levels and projects are met. The council approved unanimously.
  • FY24-25 Rates and Fees: Public hearing held; staff presented fee adjustments (CPI 3.94%, ENRCCI 6.07%, business tax 3-yr CPI). Transit reduced CNG fuel pricing based on actual expenses. Council adopted Resolution 2024-04 5-0.
  • Logo Discussion: Communications Manager Allison Mackey proposed a community redesign timeline (submit by July 2, committee review July 8, public comment July 15-26, council vote August 5). Council debated process: each member to appoint one person (from art community, media, COS, Visalia USD, or industry expert); no residency restriction on submissions; compensation to be decided by committee. Mayor Poochigian emphasized moving quickly due to other city priorities. Motion approved 5-0 to proceed with one appointee per council member from specific fields.
  • Change of Terms and Conditions for City Manager: Assistant City Manager John Lollis recommended modifying City Manager Leslie Caviglia’s contract to include a 6% salary increase (to $248,209) and 8% experience pay (for 28 years of service), consistent with recent department head increases. Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Civic Center Phase 2: Approved interior/exterior colors and amenities; authorized RFQ process for contractors and 10% retention on the project.
  • Water Reclamation Facility: Received final Master Plan; no action required; staff to proceed with rate study and grant applications.
  • TCEDC Membership: Approved $60,000 continued membership for FY24/25.
  • Consent Calendar: Approved 12 items unanimously.
  • Contested Special Assessments: Approved placing 8 of 9 contested items on the tax roll, removed 1.
  • Multi-Year Budget (FY24/25 & FY25/26): Adopted Resolution 2024-26 with an amendment adding $1.5 million in FY24/25 for Riverway Sports Park fencing. Vote 5-0.
  • Measure T: Recertified expenditure plan for FY24/25; changed Economic Uncertainty Fund to 30% of operating expenditures; continued the amended plan. Vote 5-0.
  • Rates & Fees: Adopted Resolution 2024-04 with adjustments, including reduced CNG fuel price. Vote 5-0.
  • Logo Redesign: Directed staff to open a community submission process; each council member to appoint one representative from art/media/education/industry fields to a redesign committee; timeline through August 5, 2024. Vote 5-0.
  • City Manager Contract: Approved 6% salary increase and 8% experience pay effective July 1, 2024. Vote 5-0.
  • Ceasefire Resolution Requests: Several public speakers urged a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. Mayor noted the city typically does not involve itself in international issues. Council Member Hernandez Soto announced he would write a letter of support for a ceasefire and release of hostages to federal representatives. No formal council action taken.

Meeting Transcript

Call it meeting order of the Visaya City Council. We're gonna begin with the Pledge Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Taylor, followed by the invocation by Councilmember Nelson. Please join me. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation, under God, individual liberty and justice for all. Please bow your head. We thank you for the opportunity to come tonight to do the service of the people. We ask that you humble us so we can be good servants and listen with uh intent and compassionate heart. We also ask a special prayer for all of our people that are staff members in our city and uh just be with them and they can be with their families, and a special prayer for our public safety people. We ask for decorum tonight, we asked for patience, we asked for understanding. We ask this in your name in Jesus we pray. Amen. All right, before we jump into item of interest, I want to uh recognize former council member Greg Collins is in the audience tonight. I told him if he talks, he can't go over three minutes. I'll have to shut him down after that. So all right, let's jump into items of interest. Councilmember Nelson. Sure. Um, been a busy couple of weeks on water. Uh attended uh one GSA meeting, and then we attended uh, which is the first time ever, a joint meeting with all of the GSAs that are involved in the basin. There's actually three three GSAs, uh, mid-Coeya, Greater Kouia, and East Kouia. We had a joint combined meeting. Um I took it as an honor. They asked me to actually oversee the meeting and run the meeting. Um we're making really great progress. Uh, a lot of decisions were made. The actual GSP will go out uh for public review for the next 30 days. So if you're interested in that, you can go on the website and look at that. I was here for the Vicea PD swearing in. I think we had six uh folks uh join the ranks of Vice A PD, two or lateral officers, which is great news because they get on out on the street quicker. And then I want to give a special shout out, which she's not here tonight, but Elizabeth Jones. She did a uh she's the PIO for uh Visaya PD and Fire Public Information Officer. She did an article on the fire department that they were able to create 14 babies in the last year. It was a local article and it reached national news. It was on the national news uh today. So I want to give a shout out to Elizabeth. Thank you. Councilmember Wynne. Yes, and I attended TCAG, which is Telera County Association of Governments and their public transit rep. I had a Calvans meeting, which is Calvans carpooling that you see around the valley. Um attended the Chamber of Wards dinner, or not dinner event. Um I did attend the Raw McDonald House charity dinner, which was really nice. The it's so good to see the support for our little ones. Um I was with Councilmember Nelson at the GSA water hearings, and then also at the Vice CIA Economic Development Council uh annual meeting and a few other things, but I can't remember them all. Thank you. Councilmember Soto. Good evening, everyone. So I I attended the Lake Kawia Enlargement Project annual meeting with Councilmember Nelson and City Manager uh Leslie Cavilia. Uh also our local veteran group uh who um has a firework stand annually uh you know coming up here soon. Uh they are looking for volunteers to set up their booth, and that's gonna be in front of food for less. So if anyone has uh time, please get in contact with me and we could uh go help out our local veterans.

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