OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting - November 4, 2024

City Council — Monday, November 4, 2024
BodyVisalia, California
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, November 4, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:06:35

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

The city council in order.

0:06

Um we're gonna begin with the Pledge of Allegiance led by myself, followed by the invocation led by Councilmember Nelson.

0:12

Please stand ready, salute.

0:23

One nation with liberty addresses for all.

0:29

Please bow your head.

0:30

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to come together tonight to do the citizens' work.

0:35

We ask for compassionate heart, ears to hear.

0:38

We ask for decorum tonight.

0:40

We ask for positivity tonight.

0:42

We ask a special prayer for our team, uh the City of Viselia team who provides the many services that are provided to the citizens of Viselia.

0:51

We ask a special prayer for our first responders that they home go home every night to their families.

0:56

We ask all of this in Jesus' name.

0:57

Amen.

0:58

Amen.

1:00

All right, we're gonna begin with a special presentation by Councilmember Nelson.

1:05

I'm gonna read it from here, it's a little easier.

1:07

It's a resolution of commendation, Four Creeks Lodge number 94, independent order of odd fellows.

1:13

We're asked Fort Creeks Lodge number 94 received its charter from the Independent Order of Oddfellows Grand Lodge in December 1959.

1:22

And whereas the first public library in Visalia was the Oddfellows Library in 1868.

1:28

And the Four Creeks first Lodge was built in 1873 that has that housed the Visia Library from 1919 to 1926.

1:37

And whereas on November 3rd, 1948, Four Creeks Lodge was destroyed by fire, but this did not keep the members from continuing their active service within the community, and were able to rebuild and reopen November 1950.

1:50

Whereas the Fort Creeks Lodge has had several distinguished Visalia residents as members during their 165 years, with all members giving both time and financial contributions to various organizations of our community.

2:03

And whereas the Fort Creeks Lodge continues to support local children and those in need and offering their lodge to other organizations in their spirit of friendship, love, and truth.

2:13

Now, therefore, be it resolved.

2:27

Data today, signed by the council members and the mayor.

2:30

Who's going to receive this?

2:41

See, let's put them in the middle, we'll take a picture.

3:08

Thank you.

3:19

Would you like to make a few comments?

3:24

Yes.

3:31

Thank you so much.

3:33

It has been a privilege this year to be the noble grand of the Fort Creeks Lodge.

3:38

And we have really worked hard to strive our best to give back to the community.

3:45

It was difficult during the pandemic.

3:47

We still struggle, but we keep on going.

3:50

And we keep on doing our best.

3:52

When we find someone that's in need, that's what it's all about.

3:56

Giving our friendship, showing the love, and teaching them the truth that we know of friendship, love, and truth.

4:03

Thank you.

4:03

Thank you.

4:04

Congratulations.

4:10

All right, at this time, we're gonna move to public comments.

4:12

This is the time for people to comment on matters within the jurisdiction of the Visoya City Council.

4:17

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

4:20

Creative criticism presented with appropriate courtesy is welcome.

4:23

This is the opportunity to address accounts on any matter of interest, whether on the agenda or not, other than the consent calendar.

4:28

People may comment one time during the evening for up to three minutes unless additional time is authorized by the council.

4:33

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

4:37

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

4:47

So tonight I just wanted to present to you some really some wonderful news on the active transportation program, the cycle seven.

4:53

Um, before I get right into the details, just some background for everyone to understand.

5:00

The Active Transportation Program is a statewide competitive grant program specifically geared towards funding bicycle and pedestrian focused transportation projects.

5:06

This grant program is solicits project applications every two years across the state.

5:11

So all city, county, and state, as well as tribal jurisdictions are eligible to submit project applications.

5:17

Um these applications also are very time consuming.

5:20

They do take a lot of time from staff, so it's definitely a uh a team effort, and um you know it wouldn't have been successful without the dedicated staff members that were a part of this effort, and that really were above and beyond their daily workload.

5:32

So, with that, uh this last cycle we submitted four applications, which is really quite ambitious.

5:37

We actually only submitted about two to three on the high end prior.

5:41

And on Friday, November 1st, we received notification from the California Transportation Commission that the City of Isalia was awarded three out of the four applications that we submitted, totaling 19.5 million dollars in project funding.

5:59

The uh projects that were funded are as follows.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████████████████28%
Community Engagement███████████████████████23%
Agriculture Management███████████████15%
Procedural█████████9%
Zoning█████████9%
Active Transportation████4%
Public Health████4%
Immigration Policy███3%
Homelessness██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting - November 4, 2024

The Visalia City Council met on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a special presentation, public comments, approval of a consent calendar, and a public hearing on an ordinance amendment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.

Special Presentation

  • Council Member Steve Nelsen presented a Resolution of Commendation to Four Creeks Lodge #94 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in recognition of their 165th anniversary, highlighting their long history of community service in Visalia.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Diego Corvera (Civil Engineer): Announced that the City received $19.5 million in Active Transportation Program Cycle 7 grant funding for three out of four submitted applications: Highland Community Connectivity Project ($5.4 million), Beyond Bike Lane/Santa Fe Class 4 project ($11.4 million), and Goshen Trail (partial funding of $2.6 million).
  • Fida Taha: Spoke about U.S. funding to Israel, arguing those funds should be used domestically for American needs.
  • Efrain Becerra: Encouraged residents to participate in local government and vote in the upcoming election.
  • Taylor Heine: Read a poem about Palestine, criticizing Israeli actions.
  • Mary Jo Estes: Thanked the Council for their hard work and dedication.
  • Joel Moore: Expressed pride in Visalia and praised the Council's efforts.

Consent Calendar

  • The Council unanimously (5-0) approved the entire consent calendar, which included the following routine items:
    1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
    2. Amend a service agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp. for Cellebrite Premium Services ($130,562 through Aug 31, 2028).
    3. Award a 5-year sole source contract to Schlumberger for Sulfatreat 410CHP media (up to $80,000/yr, total $400,000).
    4. Award contract for airfield sweeper replacement to GCS Environmental Services ($430,688, with $385,999 from FAA grant).
    5. Extend emergency contract with Interwest Consulting for building safety plan check (up to $600,000 for one year, appropriating $450,000 from Building Safety Enterprise Fund).
    6. Record final map for Victory Oaks Phase 2 subdivision and execute reimbursement agreement for Lot C.
    7. Apply for $6,236 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District grant for the airport fund.
    8. Amend professional services agreement with Brandley Engineering ($36,200) for airfield sweeper acquisition and other projects.
    9. Approve Kaweah Health Transportation Alternatives Study budget and scope revision ($22,000 from Tulare County COG).
    10. Record final map for Carleton Acres Phase 1A subdivision (73 lots).

Discussion Items

Ordinance Adoption – Amendment to Special Events Code (Ordinance No. 2024-11)

  • Staff Presentation: Tracy Robertshaw of Neighborhood Preservation presented the need to define "street frontage" in Visalia Municipal Code Section 12.48 (Special Events) after enforcement issues arose. The proposed definition limits street frontage to the block in front of the applicant's property (e.g., from street to street). Events beyond that frontage would be capped at 1–12 per year with a 60% neighbor approval.
  • Public Hearing (7:28 PM – 7:50 PM): Multiple speakers opposed the definition, arguing it would restrict the Downtown Certified Farmers Market's ability to operate in its current location. Speakers included April Lancaster (owner, criticized the city for targeting the market), Michelle Kenner (market manager, said the market has operated 28 events this season despite the 12-event limit), Remi (young supporter), Lisa Alvarado (shopper), Cynthia Rodriguez (small business owner), Maria Guillen, Efrain Becerra (asked for compromise), and Jacob Finley (farmer). Duane Rodriguez supported the ordinance, calling the market poorly attended and more of a craft fair.
  • Council Discussion: Council Member Hernandez Soto opposed the ordinance, questioning its impact on the farmers market and calling it "picking on one person." Council Member Wynn suggested tabling to find a compromise. Council Member Nelsen provided historical context, stating the market was offered alternative locations (Recreation Park, Garden Plaza) but refused, and that Downtown Visalians had offered help. Vice Mayor Taylor and Mayor Poochigian supported the staff definition, noting it does not reduce the number of event days—only where events can be located. Mayor Poochigian argued that holding an event away from one's own business frontage is contrary to the ordinance's intent.

Key Outcomes

  • Vote on Ordinance No. 2024-11: Motion by Council Member Nelsen, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to adopt the first reading. Passed 4-1 (Council Member Hernandez Soto voted no). The ordinance adds a definition of "street frontage" to Section 12.48.020 of the Visalia Municipal Code.
  • No closed session report was made.
  • The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

The city council in order. Um we're gonna begin with the Pledge of Allegiance led by myself, followed by the invocation led by Councilmember Nelson. Please stand ready, salute. One nation with liberty addresses for all. Please bow your head. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to come together tonight to do the citizens' work. We ask for compassionate heart, ears to hear. We ask for decorum tonight. We ask for positivity tonight. We ask a special prayer for our team, uh the City of Viselia team who provides the many services that are provided to the citizens of Viselia. We ask a special prayer for our first responders that they home go home every night to their families. We ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. All right, we're gonna begin with a special presentation by Councilmember Nelson. I'm gonna read it from here, it's a little easier. It's a resolution of commendation, Four Creeks Lodge number 94, independent order of odd fellows. We're asked Fort Creeks Lodge number 94 received its charter from the Independent Order of Oddfellows Grand Lodge in December 1959. And whereas the first public library in Visalia was the Oddfellows Library in 1868. And the Four Creeks first Lodge was built in 1873 that has that housed the Visia Library from 1919 to 1926. And whereas on November 3rd, 1948, Four Creeks Lodge was destroyed by fire, but this did not keep the members from continuing their active service within the community, and were able to rebuild and reopen November 1950. Whereas the Fort Creeks Lodge has had several distinguished Visalia residents as members during their 165 years, with all members giving both time and financial contributions to various organizations of our community. And whereas the Fort Creeks Lodge continues to support local children and those in need and offering their lodge to other organizations in their spirit of friendship, love, and truth. Now, therefore, be it resolved. Data today, signed by the council members and the mayor. Who's going to receive this? See, let's put them in the middle, we'll take a picture. Thank you. Would you like to make a few comments? Yes. Thank you so much. It has been a privilege this year to be the noble grand of the Fort Creeks Lodge. And we have really worked hard to strive our best to give back to the community. It was difficult during the pandemic. We still struggle, but we keep on going. And we keep on doing our best. When we find someone that's in need, that's what it's all about. Giving our friendship, showing the love, and teaching them the truth that we know of friendship, love, and truth. Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. All right, at this time, we're gonna move to public comments. This is the time for people to comment on matters within the jurisdiction of the Visoya City Council. The council asks that you keep your comments brief and positive. Creative criticism presented with appropriate courtesy is welcome. This is the opportunity to address accounts on any matter of interest, whether on the agenda or not, other than the consent calendar. People may comment one time during the evening for up to three minutes unless additional time is authorized by the council. Each speaker will allow three minutes and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by sitting and spelling your name and providing your city of residence. So tonight I just wanted to present to you some really some wonderful news on the active transportation program, the cycle seven.

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