OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting - October 7, 2024: Work Session, Closed Session, and Regular Session

City Council — Monday, October 7, 2024
BodyVisalia, California
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, October 7, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:34:11

Transcript — Verbatim
0:17

The work session of the Viselia City Council.

0:19

We are going to begin with public comments.

0:21

Citizens are now invited to comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Viselia City Council and items listed on the closed session agenda.

0:29

The council asks that you keep your comments concise and positive.

0:33

Creative criticism presented with appropriate courtesy is welcome.

0:36

Each speaker will be allowed three minutes and a timer will notify you when your time is expired.

0:41

Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.

1:19

And one of the things that struck me both times was that the city manager was referred to as he or him.

1:36

Are not the end.

1:39

The other thing was on your consent agenda tonight.

1:54

Now I'm not making any statement about whether proposition three is a good idea or a bad idea.

1:59

Proposition 36.

2:00

Pardon me.

2:01

It's proposition 36.

2:04

Proposition 36?

2:05

Yeah.

2:06

Okay.

2:06

Well, whichever one it is.

2:09

We uh change to a previous proposition.

2:13

I don't think it's appropriate for the city to take a stand on ballot initiative, ballot proposition, but should be something left to the individual's conscience and whether or not it's a good idea for the city.

2:26

If it passes or doesn't pass, I don't think that the city as an organization should be basically telling the citizens how they should vote.

2:36

Um I would like to see that uh that one hold and the tabled over uh vote again.

2:44

Thank you.

2:45

Thank you.

2:49

Any more public comment?

2:53

All right.

2:54

Let's go to work session and action items.

2:56

Number one, new employee introductions.

2:59

Let's do public works.

3:13

Good evening, counsel, Jason Serco, public works manager.

3:16

I have the pleasure of introducing two new employees today.

3:19

Umrew Stanley was recently hired at a solid waste operator, is looking forward to everything that the city has to offer.

3:26

He grew up locally in the city of Tilery.

3:29

His past employment was working for Kaya custom hauling at the heavy equipment transporter and Bulmer excavation uh in Strathmore, the heavy equipment operator.

3:40

Uh Andrew's married with two boys, eight and six years old.

3:43

He spends his time coaching baseball for his son that enjoys working and writing on more recycled third bikes on his free time with them.

3:50

He appreciates the opportunity to work uh in a municipal setting and is optimistic that his experience and work ethic local system and further use career with the city by side.

4:00

Eddie Moreno is also excited to start his career with the city of Visia as a new solid waste operator.

4:05

And in the past two years, he worked for the city of Canford in their solid waste division.

4:09

He was born and raised in Visya where he graduated from regular high school.

4:12

Eddie was married and has two group of children in this free time.

4:15

You can find them watching his son or the daughter playing baseball or just spending uh those cherished family moments together.

4:21

In addition to being uh admitted father, Eddie enjoys his time at the gym and catching radio.

4:29

Would you guys like to say anything?

4:32

No, I'm yeah.

4:32

If you guys can, please come around so we welcome in the city of Aisella.

4:40

Thank you.

5:00

guys like to say anything no I'm here if you guys can please come around so we welcome you in the city of Isaiah congratulations that one exercise things with them board thank you microphone on this working yes I hear now all right cool thank you good e good evening council we have uh three new employees for the wastewater uh we're starting with Fatima Velasco Fatima was recently hired as an industrial waste inspector at the water reclamation facility she lives in Viselia but was born and raised in Lindsay after high school she moved to Los Angeles to further her education at California State University of Los Angeles Vatima earned a degree in exercise and biological sciences with a minor in biology while in LA she didn't just earn her degree she also met her future husband in 2020 the couple decided they wanted to buy a home and the Central Valley was where they wanted to buy it.

5:47

Outside of work they love going to concerts traveling and spending time with family next up we have Samuel Acives.

5:55

Samuel is a new high is the newest uh industrial waste inspector at the water reclamation facility previously he worked for Conninger for over 10 years as a wastewater tech.

6:05

He grew up in Ivanhoe and graduated from Golden West High School.

6:08

Samuel is married and the delighted he is a proud cheer dad and always ready to watch his daughters participate in something they love and enjoy like cheer.

6:20

He's a passionate football fan of the Dallas Cowboys we'll forgive him for that aside from watching games or attending his daughter's cheer events you can find him watching UFC events.

6:30

And last up we have Rahana Kali Rohanna is a distinguished professional who recently joined the city of Viselia as a senior project manager.

6:38

Her journey began in New York City where she spent 15 years establishing herself as a prominent healthcare executive though originally from New York Rahana moved to Clovis as a child where she completed her formative education at Buchanan high school before pursuing higher education at UCSB.

6:54

At UCSB she earned a dual bachelor's degrees in biological sciences and cultural anthropology rohanna's return to the valley was inspired by a personal connection she was asked to house it for a childhood friend who was being deployed for military service recaptivated by the Valley's charm rohanna chose to make it her permanent home her extensive background and diverse skill set now enhance her role as senior project manager with the city of Vyselia where she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to her position you guys could please come around so we welcome the city of Isaiah nice to meet you congratulations counsel Danny Galindo Public Works Manager going to introduce Arturo Enriquez our spin hired with our streets division as a street maintenance worker he was born and raised in Sacramento however moved to Teleri for job opportunity his wife accepted since moving here he started his career with the county of Taleri where he worked for three years and now is excited for his opportunity working with the city of Isaiah enjoys the crew he's working with now and excited learn and grow his knowledge within the city of Visya in his spare time you can find uh art coaching his daughter's softball team archery wants anything okay everybody's shy we get one today thank you thank you for great congratulations all right let's move on to item number two presentation by Telera County Health and Human Services members council it's um a privilege to uh welcome both Anita Ortiz who is the Health and Human Services Associate Director and Natalie Bolan who's the behavioral health uh director from Tilary County and they are here to update us on some changes that are coming about with mental health so thank you for both of you and I always get their titles mixed up so I don't know good evening or good afternoon it's not quite evening yet thank you for having us uh here this afternoon um as Leslie said my name's Anid Ortiz I'm the associate director at the Health and Human Services Agency for Tularie County and we're happy to be here this evening um Dr.

10:00

Bolin and I have been making our rounds to all of our city partners to really talk about a couple of hot topics that I think you'll agree with us on, and that is addressing homelessness in our community across our county and also behavioral health and the future of behavioral health and how those changes will really shape the work that we're going to do together.

10:15

And we're really proud that we're partnering with Viselia Navigation Center on their, they just had their grand opening last week, and it was wonderful.

10:23

I wanted to take an opportunity to really share some of our priorities and forgive me our PowerPoint.

10:29

Didn't want to technology didn't want to be our friend today.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Code Enforcement████████████████16%
Mental Health Awareness████████████12%
Homelessness███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Public Health██████6%
Public Works Recognition██████6%
International Relations██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting - October 7, 2024: Work Session, Closed Session, and Regular Session

The Visalia City Council met on October 7, 2024, beginning with a work session at 4:00 PM, followed by closed session at 5:18 PM (adjourned from work session), and a regular session at 7:00 PM. Mayor Brian Poochigian presided, with all five council members present (Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Members Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Liz Wynn). The meeting included new employee introductions, a presentation from Tulare County Health & Human Services, two municipal ordinance updates, recognition of a national champion soccer team, public comments on various topics, and a consent calendar with 23 items.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 6 – Support for Proposition 36: Pulled by Council Member Hernandez Soto, who abstained citing a personal preference not to vote on ballot propositions. Approved 4-0-1 (Taylor, Nelsen, Wynn, Poochigian aye; Hernandez Soto abstain).
  • Item 11 – Design Services Contract for Valley Strong Stadium Clubhouse: Pulled by Vice Mayor Taylor for public discussion. Approved 5-0.
  • Item 15 – Design Services Contract Amendment for Outfield Fence: Pulled by Vice Mayor Taylor. Approved 5-0.
  • All other consent calendar items (including routine approvals, grants, contracts, and reports) were approved 5-0 in a single motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Work Session (4:00 PM):

  • Jim Reeves (Visalia) commented on using gender-neutral language in city documents and opposed the Council taking a position on Proposition 36 (Consent item #6), arguing the city should not tell citizens how to vote.

Regular Session (7:00 PM):

  • April Lancaster (Visalia) opposed a proposed 28-pump fueling station on Mooney Boulevard, citing proximity to senior housing and Cottonwood Creek Elementary School, and raised concerns about air quality and procedural issues at the Planning Commission.
  • Fida Taha (Visalia) spoke on the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Palestine war, condemning violence and calling for an end to U.S. funding of the conflict.
  • Raquel Arias (Visalia) echoed similar themes, demanding transparency and accountability.
  • Taylor Heine (Visalia) discussed the historical context of the conflict and urged the Council to consider the moral implications of U.S. tax dollars supporting military operations.
  • Bill Huff (Visalia) criticized criminalizing homelessness for sleeping in public spaces without available alternatives.
  • Efrain Becerra (Visalia, District 1) praised Council Member Wynn for her responsiveness and encouraged civic engagement.
  • Jim Reeves (Visalia) announced upcoming events: Pride Visalia (Saturday, 11-4 at Valley Strong Ballpark) and the GLEAM art installation unveiling (Friday at The Source).
  • Maria Guillen (Visalia) supported the relocation of the fueling station and commented on the war in Palestine; also opposed Proposition 36, citing lack of rehabilitation resources.
  • Kathy Falconer (Visalia) praised the purchase of an electric solid waste truck and the widening of Visalia Parkway, but expressed concern about air quality impacts from new businesses (e.g., service stations, Chick-fil-A) near senior communities.
  • Claudia Lenoir (Westlake Village Senior Community) objected to the Planning Commission's procedure regarding a modified site plan for the fueling station and a CEQA notice of determination filed without public review; she stated residents are obtaining legal representation.
  • David Robles (Visalia, CEO of Able Towing) requested a future agenda item to discuss the city's towing service agreement, citing financial constraints and lack of competitive rates.
  • Richard Flores (Visalia, owner of City Richard Towing) echoed Robles' comments, noting insurance issues and rate disparities.
  • Jill Fiez (Westlake Village Senior Community) objected to Vice Mayor Taylor's attendance at an HOA meeting, alleging he represented the developer rather than residents.
  • Maria Guillen (additional comment) and an unnamed woman spoke against Proposition 36 during the consent calendar discussion.

Discussion Items

Work Session:

  1. New Employee Introductions (24-0430): Six new Public Works employees were introduced: Andrew Stanley (Solid Waste Operator), Eddie Moreno (Solid Waste Operator), Faptima Velasco (Industrial Waste Inspector), Samuel Aceves (Industrial Waste Inspector), Rehana Cale (Sr. Project Manager), and Arturo Enriquez (Street Maintenance Worker).

  2. Tulare County Health & Human Services Presentation (24-0412): Anita Ortiz (Associate Director) and Dr. Natalie Bolin (Behavioral Health Director) presented on Proposition 1 (Behavioral Health Services Act), CARE Court implementation, and SB 43. Key statistics: HHSA makes contact with approximately 350-400 homeless individuals countywide; the county has about 320 behavioral health housing beds at various levels; Proposition 1 redirects MHSA funding without new money; CARE Court (starting December 1, 2024) is a voluntary civil court process for individuals with psychosis who are homeless; SB 43 expands 5150 hold criteria to include substance use disorder, untreated medical conditions, and unsafe living environments (implementation deferred to 2026). Council members asked about navigation center access, metrics for unsanitary conditions, and estimated petition volumes. The Council gave positive feedback.

  3. Vehicle Storage Ordinance Update (24-0340): Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Villegas proposed amending Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 10.16.050 to require vehicles parked on streets for more than 72 hours be moved at least 1,000 feet from the original location. Council discussed alternatives, potential for abuse (moving back and forth), and the need to distinguish responsible users from chronic storage. Motion to direct staff to initiate revisions passed 5-0.

  4. Illegal Dumping Ordinance Update (24-0362): Code Enforcement Officer Tommy Contreras proposed amending Chapter 8.40 to define "illegal dumping" and establish a fine of $1,000 per day. Staff noted that the SWEEP program has collected 15 tons of illegally dumped material since July 2024 (approx. 10,000 pounds per month). Council discussed liability for property owners vs. tenants and the goal of stopping behavior. Motion to direct staff to initiate revisions passed 5-0.

Regular Session:

  • Graffiti Ordinance Update (Public Hearing, 24-0345): Neighborhood Preservation Manager Tracy Robertshaw presented amendments to Municipal Code Section 9.16, including reducing written notification from 15 to 7 days, removing undue hardship language, adding an alternative abatement process, and partnering with Ace Hardware for paint donations. The public hearing opened and closed with no comments. Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-10 passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Vehicle Storage Ordinance: Directed staff to draft revisions requiring a 1,000-foot relocation after 72 hours. (Unanimous 5-0)
  • Illegal Dumping Ordinance: Directed staff to draft revisions defining illegal dumping and imposing a $1,000 per day fine. (Unanimous 5-0)
  • Consent Calendar (Items 1-5, 7-10, 12-14, 16-23): Approved 5-0.
  • Proposition 36 Resolution (Item 6): Approved 4-0-1 (Hernandez Soto abstaining).
  • Valley Strong Stadium Clubhouse Design Services (Item 11): Authorized professional services agreement with 4Creeks, Inc. ($420,000 for design), procurement of long-lead materials (up to $1,100,000), and appropriation of $4,342,028 from the baseball fund. (Unanimous 5-0)
  • Outfield Fence Replacement Design Amendment (Item 15): Approved contract amendment with Zeltmacher Structural Design Engineering ($35,800) and appropriation of $855,600 from the baseball fund. (Unanimous 5-0)
  • Graffiti Ordinance (First Reading): Approved Ordinance No. 2024-10 amending Chapter 9.16. (Unanimous 5-0)
  • Closed Session Report: City Attorney Ken Richardson reported the City purchased 300 E. Mineral King Ave. for $2,050,000, closing on September 24, 2024.
  • Upcoming Meetings: Next regular meetings scheduled for October 21, 2024 and November 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

The work session of the Viselia City Council. We are going to begin with public comments. Citizens are now invited to comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Viselia 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. And one of the things that struck me both times was that the city manager was referred to as he or him. Are not the end. The other thing was on your consent agenda tonight. Now I'm not making any statement about whether proposition three is a good idea or a bad idea. Proposition 36. Pardon me. It's proposition 36. Proposition 36? Yeah. Okay. Well, whichever one it is. We uh change to a previous proposition. I don't think it's appropriate for the city to take a stand on ballot initiative, ballot proposition, but should be something left to the individual's conscience and whether or not it's a good idea for the city. If it passes or doesn't pass, I don't think that the city as an organization should be basically telling the citizens how they should vote. Um I would like to see that uh that one hold and the tabled over uh vote again. Thank you. Thank you. Any more public comment? All right. Let's go to work session and action items. Number one, new employee introductions. Let's do public works. Good evening, counsel, Jason Serco, public works manager. I have the pleasure of introducing two new employees today. Umrew Stanley was recently hired at a solid waste operator, is looking forward to everything that the city has to offer. He grew up locally in the city of Tilery. His past employment was working for Kaya custom hauling at the heavy equipment transporter and Bulmer excavation uh in Strathmore, the heavy equipment operator. Uh Andrew's married with two boys, eight and six years old. He spends his time coaching baseball for his son that enjoys working and writing on more recycled third bikes on his free time with them. He appreciates the opportunity to work uh in a municipal setting and is optimistic that his experience and work ethic local system and further use career with the city by side. Eddie Moreno is also excited to start his career with the city of Visia as a new solid waste operator. And in the past two years, he worked for the city of Canford in their solid waste division. He was born and raised in Visya where he graduated from regular high school. Eddie was married and has two group of children in this free time. You can find them watching his son or the daughter playing baseball or just spending uh those cherished family moments together. In addition to being uh admitted father, Eddie enjoys his time at the gym and catching radio. Would you guys like to say anything? No, I'm yeah. If you guys can, please come around so we welcome in the city of Aisella. Thank you. guys like to say anything no I'm here if you guys can please come around so we welcome you in the city of Isaiah congratulations that one exercise things with them board thank you microphone on this working yes I hear now all right cool thank you good e good evening council we have uh three new employees for the wastewater uh we're starting with Fatima Velasco Fatima was recently hired as an industrial waste inspector at the water reclamation facility she lives in Viselia but was born and raised in Lindsay after high school she moved to Los Angeles to further her education at California State University of Los Angeles Vatima earned a degree in exercise and biological sciences with a minor in biology while in LA she didn't just earn her degree she also met her future husband in 2020 the couple decided they wanted to buy a home and the Central Valley was where they wanted to buy it. Outside of work they love going to concerts traveling and spending time with family next up we have Samuel Acives. Samuel is a new high is the newest uh industrial waste inspector at the water reclamation facility previously he worked for Conninger for over 10 years as a wastewater tech.

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