Visalia City Council Meeting – February 3, 2025

The Visalia City Council held a work session at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 3, 2025, in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered a range of topics including street maintenance, industrial land inventory, park fencing, sidewalk construction, short-term rental regulations, and an appeal of a planning commission decision. The council also heard extensive public comments regarding immigration enforcement and sanctuary city status.

Consent Calendar

• Authorized reading of ordinances by title only.
• Accepted COPS Grant expenditures totaling $433,714 ($223,196 for FY 2024-25 and $210,518 for FY 2023-24 COPS Growth funds) and appropriated $33,714 into the grant fund.
• Authorized filing of a Notice of Completion for Fire Station 56.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute an emergency Progressive Design-Build agreement with 4CGlobal, Inc. (amount to be determined) and award construction management services to Vanir Construction Management, Inc. in the amount of $221,150 for Valley Strong Stadium expansion and remodel of clubhouse and batting cage.
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-04 updating Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Thresholds and Implementation Guidelines per SB 743 and CEQA.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-01 (second reading) for Zoning Text Amendment 2024-02, amending Title 17 citywide.
• Authorized staff to apply for Homekey+ funding not to exceed $12 million for Crescent Meadows senior affordable housing complex (25 Homekey+ eligible units).
• Authorized execution of Southern California Edison easements and adopted Resolution 2025-03 for the Riggin Widening Project (Kelsey St. to Shirk St.).
• Confirmed reappointed and newly appointed Measure N Oversight Board members.
• Authorized an annual contract with Safeway Sign Company for street name signs at $65,000 annually, up to $325,000 over five years, from the Gas Tax Fund.
• Authorized filing of Notice of Completion for Lisendra Heights Landscape Enhancement Project.

All consent calendar items were approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Work Session Public Comments (4:00 PM):

• Eric Ramirez (Visalia resident, U.S. Army veteran, college student) spoke about the Riverway Sports Park fencing project, requesting reconsideration of fencing type to be less prohibitive to the community. He was directed to speak when the item came up.

Regular Session Public Comments (7:00 PM):

• Approximately 20 speakers addressed the council, many expressing fear and opposition to recent federal immigration enforcement actions and requesting Visalia become a sanctuary city. Specific speakers included:
  • Irene Lapin: Opposed council members attending the Presidential inauguration; expressed concerns about fireworks impacts on animals.
  • Maria Guillen: Encouraged support for a Gaza ceasefire and protection against ICE activity.
  • Adina Escarsega: Spoke about historical discrimination against minorities and immigrants in Visalia.
  • Bumpy Munoz: Asked the city to help keep counter-protesters in check during demonstrations on Mooney Boulevard.
  • April Lancaster: Hoped for community unity and mentioned upcoming discussions on the Farmers Market ordinance.
  • Efrain Beccera: Commended police for safety; asked council to embrace diversity.
  • Raven: Raised concerns about ICE racial profiling and the need to speak for those afraid.
  • A gentleman (farm laborer): Stated Mexican immigrants are essential to farm work and asked for city help.
  • Steven Lopez: Asked what families should do about their houses, children, and work if parents are deported.
  • Stacey Boyce: Urged Visalia to become a sanctuary city.
  • Taylor: Supported sanctuary city status and easier documentation.
  • Ms. Cruz: Spoke about personal fears for students and churchgoers; supported sanctuary city.
  • Angela Castillo: Described ICE targeting at healthcare facilities, causing avoidance of medical treatment.
  • Adele: Asked to stop separating families and treat everyone equally.
  • Nicolai: Expressed fear over deportations.
  • Benjamin Majorga: Stated President Trump is creating division.
  • Raquel Arias: Criticized Mayor Taylor and Council Member Poochigian for attending inauguration; said Visalia is a community of immigrants who deserve respect.
  • Brittany: Asked for protection of agricultural workers and community unity.
  • Natalie Ortiz: Third-generation immigrant; said obtaining documentation is extremely difficult; asked for compassion.
  • Steven Skinner: Agreed with earlier comments; hoped local tax money would not be used to infringe constitutional rights.
• Mayor Taylor responded by stating the City of Visalia complies with California's SB 54 (2017), which limits local law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement, and that the city does not inquire about immigration status.

Jack in the Box Appeal Public Comments:

• Deborah Cardoza (neighbor): Opposed 24-hour operation; said residents felt the current hours were a compromise; presented a petition with 30 signatures.
• Rochelle Kenner: Hoped council would consider residents' concerns about light pollution and drunk drivers.
• Ernest DeSoto: Opposed 24 hours, citing disturbances from late-night customers.
• Bill Huott: Supported 24-hour operation, noting Lovers Lane is busy and the business would provide extra security.
• Patrice Roux (owner): Stated he is willing to add more landscaping but not build a $20,000 wall; argued headlights and noise are not significant issues; asked for common sense approval.

Discussion Items

1. Streets Maintenance Division Presentation (Work Session)

• Public Works Director Nick Bartsch and Manager Danny Galindo presented the division's annual tasks and accomplishments. The city maintains approximately 525 miles of roadway using methods including pothole patching (4,000 potholes with 500 tons of material), crack sealing (112,414 sq yards), thin skin overlays (4,062 tons of asphalt covering 177,248 sq yards), reclamite rejuvenation (54 miles in Northwest Quadrant), and cape seal (10 miles). Staff responded to council questions about pavement lifespan and project prioritization. No action required; report received.

2. Industrial Land Inventory Analysis Report (Work Session)

• Director of Planning Paul Bernal and Economic Development Manager Devon Jones presented the analysis. Key findings: current industrial vacancy rate is 1.6% (healthy rate 5-6%); projected demand ranges from 600,000 to 6.4 million square feet by 2033. Recommendations included designating the 405-acre reserve area near the airport for industrial uses, developing renewable energy sources, building more housing, and updating business research park zoning. Council expressed support for moving forward, particularly to protect the airport and prevent county encroachment. A motion to receive the report and direct staff to provide an overview of the reserve area at the next meeting passed 5-0.

3. Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project (Work Session)

• Parks & Recreation Director Jason Glick and Facilities Manager Alvin Dias presented the project. The park has developed in phases since 2006; proposed fencing includes wrought iron perimeter fencing and black vinyl-coated chain link for soccer fields to protect against vandalism and allow maintenance. Vehicle and pedestrian gates were included for access. Public comment from Eric Ramirez raised concerns about the fence design being prohibitive and safety of spikes. Council discussed parking and potential future paid parking options. Motion to approve location and materials passed 5-0.

4. Project Funded Fence Relocation for Sidewalk Construction (Work Session)

• Engineering Director Jason Huckleberry, City Engineer Chris Crawford, and Senior Engineer Diego Corvera presented the Riggin Avenue widening project. The project will install a 5-foot sidewalk on the south side of Riggin between Divisadero and Conyer Streets, requiring relocation of fences for 28 properties. Option 1 (city-funded relocation) was recommended. Several residents spoke: Lonnie Lopez (on behalf of elderly relative) concerned about costs and insurance; Rosa Hernandez (Spanish speaker) asked for city to cover costs and for staff to visit her property; Elsa Lopez noted existing landscaping and asked why sidewalk alignment cannot match existing setbacks; others requested flashing lights and traffic calming. Council discussed option 1 and directed staff to work with affected property owners. Motion to approve option 1 passed 5-0.

5. Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendment (Regular Session - Public Hearing)

• Senior Planner Josh Dan presented proposed amendments to Chapter 17.32.166 (Short-Term Rentals) to add enforcement provisions. Council Member Poochigian spoke in opposition; Mayor Taylor expressed concerns but supported the changes. A motion to introduce the first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-12 passed 4-1 (Poochigian opposed).

6. Appeal of Planning Commission Denial – Jack in the Box 24-Hour Operation (Regular Session - Public Hearing)

• Senior Planner Josh Dan presented the appeal by Patrice Roux (owner) for a Conditional Use Permit to allow 24-hour drive-thru operations at 1145 South Lovers Lane. Planning Commission denied the request. Staff proposed alternatives including a 3-foot wall or additional landscaping. Council members debated: Vice Mayor Wynn noted no significant light/noise issues after site visit; Council Member Poochigian supported with landscaping; Council Member Nelsen argued Lovers Lane is becoming a retail corridor. Roux stated he was willing to add landscaping but not a wall. The motion to overturn the planning commission denial and approve the CUP subject to installation of a minimum 3-foot hedge along the drive-thru lane passed 4-1 (Council Member Hernandez Soto opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Streets Maintenance Presentation: Received as information.
• Industrial Land Inventory Report: Received and staff directed to present reserve area overview at next meeting (vote 5-0).
• Riverway Sports Park Fencing: Approved location and materials (vote 5-0).
• Fence Relocation for Sidewalk: Approved Option 1 – city-funded fence relocation using project funds (vote 5-0).
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Introduced first reading of Ordinance 2024-12 (vote 4-1).
• Jack in the Box Appeal: Approved CUP for 24-hour operation subject to installation of minimum 3-foot hedge along drive-thru lane (vote 4-1).
• Consent Calendar: Approved all 11 items (vote 5-0).
• Closed Session: Nothing to report.
• Next meeting: Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM.