Okay, we're gonna go ahead and get started.

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the Visalia City Council special meeting.

Um, we are gonna go ahead and get started by uh holding public comments.

Citizens are now invited to comment on items um listed on the special meeting agenda 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 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.

Anyone wishing to speak this time.

Hi.

I am Mickey Kaye.

I live here in Visalia, and I also um I'm commenting about what happened last work session.

Um I am the manager of the downtown Visalia Farmers Market.

Um I was unable to be here last time.

Um I had prior engagements, so I am here now.

I know it's a little too late.

However, um, what I would like to address is what was stated about the talks that were going on, some comments that were also said at last work session.

Um first off, thank you for allowing me to be here.

Um secondly, so I was the one who was helping to spearhead the talks between council member Nelson, myself, um there is another manager also that was with us as well, Mallory.

Um, and we were talking about how we could come to a wonderful resolution about what to do about the downtown Vicelia farmers market.

Different things were mentioned in all of these meetings.

However, the one thing there was one thing that was clear is that council member Nelson was trying to smooth over the relationships between the downtown association that and along with the property owners as well, too.

Never at this time did he really truly represent the city of Viselia.

He was always representing the downtown Viselians.

That's what it was.

He was talking about how he needed to smooth things over so that you know the downtown Viselians could support the farmers market.

I thought this was a city issue, honestly.

Um then so we had our first meeting February 21st.

We were supposed to have it right after winter break.

There was extenuating circumstances, so we put it off later.

And then this the second meeting with council member Soto was May 16th.

So multiple things were said, including moving locations and things like that.

But what I honestly remember is the fact that one of the biggest reasons why there was so much pushback from the downtown association was the fact that we were taking up too many parking spaces.

And now all of a sudden, we want us to move to the back of the bank building.

Um, honestly, I think that the downtown Visalia Farmers Market should be labeled as an annual and a historic event.

I don't understand why we can't have it when it's the longest running farmers market here in Visalia.

Um, and then of course, also to I was wondering um when the tourism report was going to be published.

Um, the one that the visit Visalia did in conjunction with the city of Visalia that shows that there needs to be agro-tourism.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning, April Lancaster.

I'm here today to correct several inaccuracies from the last meeting.

I was not allowed to be present at the meetings with Council Member Nelson.

My employees, not my business partners, uh met with him on my behalf.

We came to the table in good faith and offered significant concessions, including moving the market to a Tuesday and inviting downtown Viselians to participate by adding food trucks and a beer garden.

Features that would fundamentally alter the character of our certified farmers market and compete with our downtown neighbors.

It was clear to us, both in conversation and in email from Councilmember Puchigan that a partnership with the downtown Visilians was the only viable path to ordnance accommodation.

Despite this, and without any agendized discussions or board actions, either DTV or POA levels, we were later told that the partnership could not move forward.

That decision was not ours.

I was disheartened when Vice Mayor Wynne said that if the market ever came under someone else's direction, the city would want to work with that person.

For years, my ability to operate has been actively hindered by city processes and decisions.

The changes made to the special events ordinance in November turned the market into a financial loss for me.

Something this council was aware of.

To clarify a key point at the last meeting, we did not request a February item be agendized.

We simply asked to be recognized as an annual downtown event under the criteria outlined.

Our request was also intended to protect our neighbors, many of whom were harassed after signing our last good neighbor petition.

A situation that was made known to the city manager, the council, and the city attorney.

All of this, even every barrier we've encountered, has stemmed from my advocacy from efforts to access public records, seek financial transparency, and demand accountability on how DID funds are used.

These dollars are supposed to promote events in the district, not prohibit them.

I also want to make you aware that I have indeed filed a formal whistleblower complaint with the state controller's office and auditors division regarding these issues.