Public Meetings - Visalia, California

The Visalia City Council met on Monday, April 1, 2024, in City Council Chambers at 707 W. Acequia. A work session began at 5:30 PM with an Arbor Day proclamation and review of selected FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets, followed by a closed session. The regular session began at 7:00 PM with public comments, consent calendar approval, and a public hearing on the 2024 Annual Action Plan. Work Session: Arbor Day Proclamation - Council Member Steve Nelsen read a proclamation declaring April 17, 2024, as Arbor Day in the City of Visalia. The proclamation noted Arbor Day's history, benefits of trees, and recognized Visalia as a Tree City USA for the 41st year by the National Arbor Day Foundation, including the planting of six trees in a Visalia park. Work Session: Capital Improvement Program Review - Finance staff member Melody Murch presented the fourth opportunity to review projects proposed for the city's next six-year capital plan. Funds reviewed included the fleet maintenance fund, general fund vehicle replacements, and Measure T police vehicle replacements. She noted final budget adoption will occur in June 2024 and that only three funds have appropriations in the two-year budget section; the next CIP session is April 15. - Council Member Nelsen asked about vehicle availability and backlog. Staff responded that they budgeted higher prices and expect to find vehicles, though some replacements may take additional months rather than years. - Council Member Nelsen requested that item 2, replacement of four portable fleet welders ($13,100), be brought back to the current year rather than later, and that item 14 ($15,000), a piece of operational but aging equipment, be moved from FY 2025/26 into the first year. Staff agreed to bring both items back. - Discussion included vehicle replacement criteria based on age and mileage, a police narcotics Honda Accord with 134,915 miles awaiting age eligibility, and the potential replacement of a police vehicle crashed over the weekend; staff said vacancies and a large police vehicle order allow rotation. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, 5-0, including: - Authorization to read ordinances by title only. - Authorization for the City Manager to approve the MOU between the City and Visalia Unified School District for Police Department Youth Services Officers assigned as campus officers at VUSD middle and high schools. - Approval to record final parcel maps for Tentative Parcel Map No. 2023-03 at 119 West Houston Avenue and Tentative Parcel Map No. 2023-05 on West Glendale Avenue. - Acceptance and appropriation of $378,430 in SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant funds for one front load solid waste truck and recycling and food waste education. Public Comments & Testimony At the regular session, many residents spoke in support of creating a dedicated BMX/bike park in Visalia after recently built dirt jumps were plowed down. Speakers described the jumps as a "sanctuary" and "home" for riders, called for a free, sanctioned, rider-inclusive space, and offered to help research designs, costs, and funding. - James Carr (Carr) described riding BMX for over 30 years and proposed a dedicated bike park, citing successful parks in Aptos, Elk Grove, and Pleasanton; he offered to research startup, maintenance, and funding and to help bring large-scale events. - Brooke Crain (C-R-A-I-N), a professional BMX racer and 2016 Olympian who placed fourth, said she never felt hometown support and asked where BMX riders can call home; she works with USA BMX and offered to help create bike communities. - Kyle Shore, Paul Ponce, Derek Pope, Alexis Pope, Brandon Hoffman, Dustin Hutzel, Lewis King, and Mike Murphy also spoke in support, emphasizing community benefits, youth development, free access, and the rider-built history of the destroyed jumps. - Barry Kaplan questioned whether staff consulted the council before removing the jumps and urged the city to make a temporary or permanent solution quickly. - Efrain Aguirre, a Fresno State student and bike commuter, said Visalia is not bike-friendly and called for safe bike infrastructure and free "third spaces" for low-income residents. - Mayor Poochigian announced the city is setting up a follow-up meeting with the riding community and asked attendees to select dates and times via the city's social media. Regular Item: 2024 Annual Action Plan and CDBG-CV Amendment - Housing Specialist Margie Perez presented the draft 2024 Annual Action Plan for HUD CDBG and HOME funds and the 2019 CDBG-CV (CARES Act) Annual Action Plan Amendment IV. - CDBG estimated resources: $1.2 million annual allocation plus $100,000 program income, totaling $1.3 million. Proposed uses included $175,000 for public services, $300,000 for affordable housing projects (Habitat for Humanity emergency repair and ADA program and Self-Help Enterprises senior mobile home repair), $50,000 for Lincoln Oval Park improvements, and $500,000 for downtown ADA tree well and sidewalk improvements. - HOME estimated resources: $540,000 annual allocation, $100,000 program income, and $425,000 prior-year resources, totaling $1,065,000. Proposed uses included $64,000 in administration and $1,001,000 for the Rancho Colegio 80-unit multifamily affordable housing project. - The 2019 CDBG-CV Amendment IV addressed $291,059 in additional CARES Act funding used for emergency rental and mortgage assistance through Self-Help Enterprises, which served 111 families; about $18,000 remained, and staff recommended using it for CDBG-CV administration, about $58,000 or 6%, well under the 20% administrative cap. - The 30-day public comment period runs March 15 through April 15, 2024; the HUD report is due May 15, 2024. A citizen advisory committee meeting is scheduled April 3, and final council adoption is scheduled for April 15. No public comments were offered, and no vote was taken. Closed Session Report - Staff reported that the City of Visalia acquired real property from the Fred and Paula Marks Family Trust for the Caldwell Widening Project between Santa Fe and Lovers Lane. The purchase price was $338,800, escrow closed on March 21, 2024, and the project manager is Eric Bons. The agenda identified the property as APN 124-010-002 for right-of-way purposes. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 5-0. - Council directed staff to bring back two CIP items for earlier consideration: $13,100 for portable fleet welders and $15,000 for equipment item 14. - The city will schedule a follow-up meeting with the BMX/riding community; no formal vote was taken on a bike park. - The Annual Action Plan public hearing was held with no public testimony; staff will return April 15 for final adoption. - Closed session report was read into the record.

Overview The Visalia City Council held a work session at 4:01 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on March 18, 2024. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and votes on capital improvement plans, an inclusive park project, clean fleet compliance, groundwater updates, business regulations, and wastewater fee adjustments. Consent Calendar - Approved 13 routine items in a single motion (5-0), including: - Authorization to read ordinances by title only. - Confirmation of the Operations and Management Agreement for Plaza Park Raceway with One Four Promotions, LLC. - Purchase of one diesel-powered solid waste truck for $381,193.40. - Appropriation of $2,385,000 for the Houston Community Connectivity Project and $795,000 for the Goshen-Visalia Corridor - Phase 1 from the Active Transportation Program. - Acceptance of $64,940 in Homeland Security Grant funds for seven Motorola portable radios. - Award of landscape maintenance contracts for Quadrant G ($101,461.14) and Quadrant L ($95,744.00). - Award of playground design and installation at Riverbend Park ($272,129.00). - Acceptance of the City’s cash and investment report for Q2 FY 2023-24. - Notice of completion for Diamond Oaks Unit No. 2 (126 single-family lots). - Authorization to apply for a $182,320 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. - Acceptance of the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. - Authorization for legal assistance on groundwater issues (up to $75,000 annually through June 2026). Public Comments & Testimony - Taylor Heine (Visalia) spoke about the conflict in Gaza, citing a South Africa International Court ruling and describing civilian casualties. The Mayor stated the Council does not make proclamations on international or national events. - Kyran Rice (Visalia, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) offered volunteer assistance to the city and requested the Council contact him for service projects. - Raquel Marmolejo (Visalia) described dangerous and unsanitary conditions at Riverway Park, including a used condom, a restroom covered in feces, a broken glass pipe, and a person engaging in indecent exposure during a soccer game. She requested increased security and asked what actions the city is taking. Discussion Items - Work Session - New Employee Introductions: Postponed to the April 1, 2024 meeting. - Senior Games Week Proclamation: The Council recognized March 18-24, 2024 as National Senior Games Week in Visalia. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Staff presented proposed FY 2024/25 and 2025/26 budgets for streets, roads, and related funds (gas tax, Measure R, transportation impact fees, etc.). Council discussed pavement priorities, pedestrian signals downtown, and project sequencing. No formal action was taken; the final CIP will be adopted with the operating budget in June 2024. - Bridging Horizons Inclusive Park Project: Staff presented an updated concept layout based on public outreach, including playgrounds, water play zone, music meadow, basketball courts, and open green space. The Council voted 5-0 to approve the updated layout and proceed into design. - Advanced Clean Fleet Compliance Pathway: Staff recommended adopting the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Milestones Option for CARB compliance, citing limited vehicle availability, high costs (2-3x conventional), and range concerns. Council members expressed frustration with state mandates but acknowledged the need to comply. A motion to approve the ZEV Milestones Option passed 5-0. - Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Update: Aaron Fukuda provided an update on the Groundwater Sustainability Plan, including progress on setting new minimum thresholds, a dry well mitigation plan (estimated 214 domestic wells could go dry at 10x level, annual mitigation cost $1.6 million), and subsidence control. The GSA is working to submit a revised plan by July 2024 to avoid state probation. Councilmembers praised the cooperative effort and asked about cross-boundary impacts. - Regular Session - Business Regulations Amendment (Ordinance 2024-02): Second reading and public hearing. No public comments. The Council voted 5-0 to adopt the ordinance updating business license and hotel/lodging chapters. - Water Reclamation Facility – Removal of Industrial User Volume Discount: Public hearing. Staff explained that large industrial users (those discharging 500,000 gpd) have been inconsistent in compliance, requiring increased monitoring (from 1 to 5 days/week) and causing higher operating costs. Since 2012, penalties assessed totaled nearly $3.9 million, but discounts offset nearly $3.6 million. In 2023, $867,864 in penalties were assessed vs. $431,992 in discounts. The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2024-11, removing the 10% discount for any month the user fails to comply with discharge requirements. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0. - Bridging Horizons Inclusive Park: Motion to approve updated layout and proceed to design carried 5-0. - Advanced Clean Fleet Compliance: Motion to adopt ZEV Milestones Option carried 5-0. - Business Regulations Ordinance: Motion to adopt second reading carried 5-0. - Industrial Wastewater Fee Schedule: Motion to approve removal of 10% discount for non-compliant large users carried 5-0. - Next Meetings: April 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.

The Visalia City Council held a work session at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on March 4, 2024. The work session included new employee introductions, an update on the Caltrans Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation and Operational Improvements Project, and a review of select Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets. The regular session featured public comments calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, followed by approval of the consent calendar and two ordinances: a business regulations amendment (Ordinance 2024-02) and an urgency ordinance regulating massage establishments (Ordinance 2024-03). Consent Calendar - Approved (5-0) items including: authorization to read ordinances by title only; notices of completion for Wood Ranch Unit 3 (11 residential lots) and East Side Regional Park Basin G; Citizens Advisory Committee appointment of Jim Reeves; reauthorization of Stage 2 Water Conservation Ordinance (Resolution 2024-05). - Item 4 (Great Valley Land Trust certification as an entity for agricultural conservation easements) was pulled by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor due to recusal (his wife serves on the board). Approved separately 4-0 (Taylor recused). Public Comments & Testimony - Six speakers addressed the council during the regular session public comment period, urging the council to adopt a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Speakers included Taylor Heine (spelled T-A-Y-L-O-R), Ibrahim Beg (I B R A H I M), Aasma (Asma Afsal, A S M A), Fabiella Mulbanaro (F A B Y E L A), May Hamude, and Maryam Hussein (M A R Y A M). They cited over 30,000 Palestinian deaths, the humanitarian crisis including child starvation and amputations without anesthesia, and the use of U.S. taxpayer funds. They referenced a ceasefire resolution passed by the City of Madera on February 14, 2024, and asked the council to take similar action. Discussion Items - Work Session Item 2: Caltrans Lovers Lane Project – Rebecca Keenan (City Project Manager) and Shavon Conley (Caltrans Project Manager) presented the final design and construction timeline. The preferred alternative (1B) closes Mineral King Road to through traffic (cul-de-sac), extends the westbound off-ramp to Lovers Lane, constructs a loop on-ramp, adds a 12-foot multi-use trail from Stapp Avenue to Lovers Lane, and includes median removal and 180 tree plantings. Construction is expected to begin September 2024 (pending March CTC vote) and finish by July 2026. Total funding: $20.9 million from Caltrans, $2.2 million from TCAG. Council members asked about public outreach, school traffic impacts, bike lane details, and median landscaping. No action required; comments received. - Work Session Item 3: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Review – Melody Murch (Assistant Finance Director) presented select FY 2024/25 and 2025/26 CIP budgets for funds: Measure R bike/trail, park and recreation facilities, storm sewer construction, storm sewer deficiency, groundwater recharge, waterway maintenance, waterways (impact fees), and storm sewer operations/maintenance. Council discussed the need for grant funding for recharge basins, the flood layoff feasibility study (postponed to 2025/26 due to limited fund balance and existing DWR grant), and long-term fund balances going negative in planning years due to conservative revenue projections. Council noted many fees may need updating. No action required; final adoption scheduled for June 2024. - Regular Item 1: Business Regulations Amendment (Ordinance 2024-02) – Melody Murch presented the first reading and public hearing. The amendment updates Title 5 (Business Regulations) to clarify definitions related to the short-term rental ordinance (adopted December 2023), correct typos, make gender-neutral language, and resolve internal code inconsistencies. The last update was in 1995. Public hearing opened and closed with no comments. Council approved the first reading 5-0. - Regular Item 2: Urgency Ordinance for Massage Establishments (Ordinance 2024-03) – Paul Bernal (Planning and Community Preservation Director) presented an emergency ordinance to regulate massage establishments citywide. The city received 8 conditional use permit (CUP) applications for massage establishments in the past 12 months, with 4 in the last 45 days. The ordinance requires a CUP in the regional retail zone (previously permitted by right), establishes a 750-foot separation from other massage establishments, prohibits blocking windows or openings, requires lighting, prohibits living quarters, and allows inspections. The ordinance takes effect immediately and requires a 4/5 vote. Council discussed grandfathering existing establishments, enforcement via a new code enforcement officer, and plans for permanent regulations. Approved 5-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 5-0; Item 4 approved 4-0 (Vice Mayor Taylor recused). - Ordinance 2024-02 (Business Regulations Amendment) – first reading introduced and approved 5-0. Second reading and adoption scheduled for a future meeting. - Ordinance 2024-03 (Urgency Ordinance for Massage Establishments) – adopted as an emergency measure 5-0 (meeting 4/5 requirement). Effective immediately. Staff directed to prepare permanent regulations within 45-60 days. - No action taken on Caltrans update or CIP review (informational only). - Closed session report: none. - Next regular meetings: March 18, 2024 and April 1, 2024 at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers.

The Visalia City Council held a work session starting at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in the City Council Chambers. The work session covered new employee introductions, a review of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY2024/25 and 2025/26, proposed updates to the Municipal Code Title 6 regarding animal regulation, a condition assessment and facility plan update for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), and a discussion on short-term rental (STR) regulation. The regular session included a resolution authorizing a Homekey grant application for the Majestic Gardens Project, a public hearing on business regulations amendments, and a consent calendar with 13 routine items. All votes were unanimous (5–0) except where noted. Consent Calendar - Approved items 1–4 and 6–13 in one motion. Key approvals included: acceptance of a $102,504 Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant; a $236,259 consultant contract with Provost & Pritchard for the Cameron Creek Linear Recharge Project; authorization to apply for a $200,000 CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant; a $188,228 change order for Groundwater Recharge Basin G; a $72,453 landscape maintenance contract; a $40,205 contract for Automatic License Plate Reader software; alley abandonment; purchase of five CNG-powered solid waste trucks for $2,466,220; appropriation of up to $55,700 for Independence Day celebrations; approval of an agricultural conservation easement form; and a $86,542 fire department grant application. - Item 5 (Notice of Completion for Houston Roundabout Landscaping) was pulled and approved separately with unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Faulkner (Visalia Environmental Alliance) recognized former Council Member Greg Collins as an environmental hero for his long service. Several other speakers (Mark Wall, Bill Osak, Noel Bringhurst, Sophia Pacheco) also praised Collins’ contributions to concentric growth, waterways, and conservation. Greg Collins accepted the award and highlighted the city’s conservation achievements. - Taylor Heine (Visalia) requested a crosswalk on the St. John’s River bridge to connect the bike path safely. Discussion Items (Work Session) 1. New Employee Introductions – The Finance Department welcomed Gladys Ruiz (Administrative Analyst) and Roxanna Plasencia (Accounting Assistant); Parks & Recreation introduced Daniel Scott Rhea (Landscape Inspector), Katrina Bond (Accounting Assistant), and Stephany Soto (Recreation Coordinator). 2. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Review – Melody Murch (Assistant Finance Director) presented the first of five CIP review meetings, covering six funds (Corp Yard, Wastewater Trunkline, Building Safety, Animal Services, Airport, Wastewater). Staff answered questions on project timelines, vehicle replacement policies (10 years/125,000 miles for non-safety vehicles), zero-emission vehicle mandates (full compliance by 2045), and funding for the “Dump on Us” program (grants ending June 30, 2024). No action was taken. 3. Animal Services & Municipal Code Title 6 Changes – Kelli Kincaid and Candace Harrington presented data (3,741 animal intakes in 2023, 25% euthanasia rate, 4.2% adoption rate) and proposed updates: aligning owner-surrendered animal holding periods with state law, modernizing terminology (e.g., replacing “pound master”), and exploring options for feral cats via public nuisance ordinance and community input. Council directed staff to draft ordinance revisions and seek community input. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Water Reclamation Facility Condition Assessment & Facility Plan Update – Reese Fisher (Carollo Engineers) presented findings: the plant’s effective capacity is about 13.9 MGD (down from rated 18 MGD) due to high-strength wastewater loading and underperforming digesters. Immediate recommendations included upgrading TWAS pumps, adding a third screw press, constructing a new digester, and improving sludge storage. Nick Bartsch noted a $6 million in cash for near-term projects and that a full master plan would be presented later in spring. Council received the report; no action required. 5. Short-Term Rental Regulation Discussion – Josh Dan presented options: annual renewal, buffer/spacing criteria, caps on permits, and a hosted vs. non-hosted distinction. Staff noted only 16 applications filed (11 approved) and one ongoing complaint from the same property. Council debated; some members favored adding restrictions to protect neighborhoods, while others argued the current ordinance is working and further rules would be bureaucratic. A motion was made (Council Member Wynn, seconded by Council Member Nelsen) to take no action on new regulations but to have staff return in six months with a status update on permits and compliance. Motion passed unanimously (5–0). Regular Session Items 1. Homekey Funds Resolution (Item 1) – Margie Perez (Housing Specialist) presented a resolution authorizing a joint application with RHCB Development LP and Visalia Homekey LP for Homekey Round 3.0 funding not to exceed $15 million for the Majestic Gardens Project, serving households at 0–30% area median income. The resolution also authorized the Mayor as signatory and the City Manager to sign Resolution 2024-02. Approved unanimously. 2. Business Regulations Amendment (Item 2) – Melody Murch requested opening the public hearing and continuing the item to the March 4, 2024 meeting for first reading. Council opened the hearing and continued it unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimous votes (5–0) on: consent calendar (except item 5), item 5 separately, animal services direction, Homekey resolution, business regulations continuation, and STR status update direction. - Direction to staff: Prepare draft ordinance for animal code changes, including feral cat options and public outreach; return with a status report on short-term rental permits and complaints in six months. - No action taken on CIP review and WRF condition assessment; staff will bring back master plan update and refined cost estimates.

On Monday, February 5, 2024, the Visalia City Council held a work session at 4:00 p.m. and a regular session at 7:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 707 W. Acequia. Mayor Brian Poochigian, Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, and Council Members Emmanuel Hernandez Soto and Liz Wynn were present; Council Member Steve Nelsen was absent. The work session covered the state legislative forecast, FY 2022-23 audits, and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The regular session included ceremonial swearing-ins, public comment, and approval of the consent calendar. The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Work Session: State Legislative Presentation - Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni (NMPGL) lobbyists John Moffatt and Michelle Rubalcava presented 2023 state legislative results and a 2024 forecast. No formal action was requested. - In 2023, 2,662 bills were introduced; about 890 were signed by the Governor. NMPGL tracked 545 bills for Visalia, took positions on 26 bills, and reported 14 wins. - The 2024 outlook focused on the state budget deficit (estimated at $68 billion by the Legislative Analyst's Office versus about $38 billion by the Governor), a possible climate bond, artificial intelligence, homelessness/housing, organized retail theft, and concerns about state erosion of local control. - Council members asked about state funding opportunities and possible cost shifts to cities. Lobbyists said they would keep working on budget and grant opportunities, including DWR retention basin funding, and would advocate against one-size-fits-all mandates while acknowledging housing policy has moved toward less local control. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) - Staff presented the ACFR for FY 2022-23 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). Although the agenda listed the ACFR after the Measure T and Measure N audits, staff stated for the record that agenda item 4 would be presented before the measure audits, and the live presentation followed that order. - The independent auditor, The Poon Group, issued an unqualified/clean opinion with no audit findings. The city has received 37 GFOA financial reporting awards and submitted this report on December 19, 2023. - New GASB Statement 96 added $1.6 million in subscription-based IT assets and $0.8 million in liabilities. - Top five general fund revenues grew 4% overall ($3.7 million): sales tax +2%, property tax +7%, franchise fees +17%, business license +13% (with about 5-6% estimated underlying growth after a clean-up), and transit occupancy tax down $55,000. - General fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $21.6 million; after transfers, the surplus was $15.85 million. Transfers included $1.4 million to keep the emergency reserve at the 25% policy level, $4.5 million to the vehicle replacement fund, and $9.91 million to the civic center reserve fund. - The emergency reserve ended the year at $19 million. Total governmental fund balance was $33.5 million; total enterprise fund balance was $444.6 million. - During public comment, Barry Caplan asked about a possible discrepancy between earlier Airbnb testimony and ACFR revenue detail. Finance staff said Airbnb provides a lump-sum payment without address or night-level detail; a new permit process was implemented to improve tracking. Measure T Compliance Audit - Measure T is the voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax for enhanced police and fire services, split 60% police and 40% fire. - M. Green and Company performed the annual compliance audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The audit confirmed Measure T funds were used in accordance with the ballot measure, program guidelines, and expenditure plan. - One finding was reported: a purchase order was not split correctly between funds, understating an account by $23; a journal entry was completed in FY 2022-23 to correct it. - Revenues funded operations in both police and fire. The FY 2021-22 surplus was higher mainly because of a $475,000 transfer to the police Measure T vehicle replacement fund; the fire fund's FY 2022-23 result reflected a $1.5 million transfer to its vehicle replacement fund. - The Citizens Advisory Committee reviewed the audit and had no additional comments. - Motion by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, to approve as recommended. Carried 4-0 (Council Member Nelsen absent). Measure N Compliance Audit - Measure N is the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for essential city services. Its requirements include 10% of budgeted revenues to the economic uncertainty fund and 10% split 2% to youth programs and 8% to maintenance and emerging needs. - M. Green and Company performed the annual compliance review/attestation. There were no audit findings. - FY 2022-23 Measure N sales tax revenue was $19.5 million, down 1% from the prior year; total revenues were $19.9 million and total expenditures were $20.6 million, leaving an ending fund balance of about $36.5 million. - Barry Caplan commented that the Measure N report is an attestation, not an audit, and asked the council to clarify whether that satisfies the voter-approved audit requirement. He also questioned whether Measure N committee votes since 2017 had been proper and asked that M. Green be called to discuss the attestation before approval. - Council Member Liz Wynn read a statement from Mark Fulmer, former assistant superintendent, expressing that Measure N committee members take their work seriously and support the committee chair's comments, which had been addressed previously. - Motion by Council Member Liz Wynn, seconded by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, to approve as recommended. Carried 4-0 (Council Member Nelsen absent). Ceremonial Swearing-In - The council administered the oath of office to Jason Huckleberry as Engineering and Building Department Director, John Lollis as Assistant City Manager, and Michelle Speer as Administrative Services Director. Public Comments & Testimony - During the regular session, Barry Caplan (Visalia) congratulated John Lollis, commented on agenda item title format and jargon, and repeated his concern that the Measure N and Measure T compliance reports were described as attestations rather than audits. - During the consent calendar comment period, Caplan called consent item 2 improved, said item 5 still contained jargon, and asked for a staff report on consent item 4 (Walnut Avenue/Lovers Lane design contract) and its effects on adjacent intersections. The council did not pull any consent items. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar in one motion by Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, seconded by Council Member Liz Wynn. The motion carried 4-0 (Council Member Nelsen absent). No items were pulled. 1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only. 2. Groundwater Recharge Basin G change order: approved Change Order No. 6 for well improvements in the amount of $265,065, with $175,707 appropriated from the Park Impact Fund. 3. Authorization to submit CMAQ/CRP grant funding applications to the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for proposed capital improvement projects. 4. Authorization for a professional design services contract with QK, Inc. for Walnut Avenue/Lovers Lane intersection and traffic signal improvements. 5. Authorization to file Notice of Completion for the Goshen Street Rehabilitation Project (Goshen Ave from Shirk Street to Mooney Blvd). 6. Second reading of Ordinance 2024-02 authorizing a parking agreement with Dr. Christopher J. Wood, DDS, MS, for use of 4 parking spaces at Mayor's Park. 7. Sole source contract with Mintier Harnish, not to exceed $30,000, for Objective Design Standards for Single-Family Development, with up to $30,000 appropriated from the General Fund. 8. Emergency contract with Aspen Rentals (Angleton, TX) for a 24-month belt filter press dewatering unit rental at $349,868, plus appropriation of $360,000 from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund (431). Key Outcomes - Accepted the FY 2022-23 Measure T Compliance Audit (4-0). - Accepted the FY 2022-23 Measure N Compliance Audit (4-0). - Received the FY 2022-23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report; no formal action was required. - Approved the consent calendar as a single 4-0 vote. - No regular items or public hearings were scheduled. The closed session report was: nothing to report. - Next council meetings: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. and Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia.

The Visalia City Council met on Monday, December 18, 2023, beginning with a work session at 5:00 PM to discuss city-owned orchard operations, followed by a closed session at 6:00 PM, reconvening for special presentations at 6:30 PM, and the regular session at 7:00 PM. All council members were present except Vice Mayor Brett Taylor. The meeting included work session discussions, consent calendar items (with three items pulled for separate consideration), public hearings on annexations and the Housing Element update, and multiple special recognitions. Consent Calendar - Item 2 (Environmental Impact Report Consultant): Authorized contract with Dudek for $654,085 for Storm and Sewer Master Plan EIRs. - Item 3 (Traffic Grant): Authorized application for STEP grant up to $200,000. - Item 4 (Baker Tilly Contract): Approved contract for Consolidated Plan preparation. - Item 5 (Fire Line Repair): Authorized $20,000 from Golf Fund for fire line repair at Valley Oaks Golf Course. - Item 7 (Solar Lighting for Parks): Awarded contract to Power Design Electric for $95,600. - Item 8 (Impact Fee Report): Received and filed the 2022/23 Impact Fee Report. - Item 10 (Fleet Software): Authorized 5-year contract with AssetWorks for $124,044.84. - Item 11 (Fleet Paint/Repair): Awarded contract to Dura-Glo Paint and Body Inc., not to exceed $250,000 per year. - Item 12 (Water Conservation Letter): Confirmed letter of support for Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District. - Item 13 (Wastewater Treatment Engineering): Awarded emergency contract to Carollo for $887,200. - Item 14 (Goshen Sewer Discharge): Approved increased sewer discharge capacity for Goshen Community Services District. - Item 15 (Public Opinion Survey): Authorized contract with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates for up to $50,000. - Items 6 (Youth Non-Profit Grants), 9 (Special Events Ordinance), and 16 (Assistant City Manager Appointment) were pulled from consent and debated separately. Public Comments & Testimony - On Consent Calendar Items (Item 6): A speaker (Dr. Lucia Vasquez) expressed support for youth-led projects and recommended changes to grant application timing, allowing student clubs to apply directly, and raising the age limit from 18 to 20 or 21. Another speaker (former mayor) thanked the council for continuing the grant program. - On Special Events Ordinance (Item 9): Multiple speakers opposed the 12-week limit for street events, arguing it would harm the farmers market. One speaker claimed Councilmember Nelson orchestrated the changes and had a conflict of interest. Another speaker (Janine Robbins, downtown merchant/property owner) supported the ordinance, emphasizing the need for rules to protect downtown businesses. A speaker questioned if changes were made since first reading and urged the council to consider exceptions for popular markets. - On Assistant City Manager Appointment (Item 16): Barry Kaplan objected to the appointment, citing alleged Brown Act violations and criticizing John Lollis’s record on transparency and public records access. He requested a poll and recusal discussion, but the city attorney dismissed the claims as meritless. - On Belissa Subdivision Annexation: No public comments beyond procedural questions from Barry Kaplan about agenda formatting. - On County Island Annexation: Barry Kaplan raised concerns about agenda clarity and compliance with the Brown Act. - On Housing Element: Barry Kaplan asked about trend data in fair housing maps and transportation assumptions for transit proximity. Discussion Items Work Session: Westside Farming Operations City Manager Leslie Cavillia presented a detailed analysis of the city’s 900+ acres of orchard properties at the Water Reclamation Facility. The city currently farms 131 acres of walnuts (variety Tulare, planted 2015), 443 acres of pecans (planted 2013-2015), and 408 acres of row crop land (formerly intended for pistachios). Financial data showed substantial losses: walnuts cost $4,000/acre with revenue recently as low as $0.20/lb; pecans cost $3,500/acre; net losses ranged from $2,300 to $3,300 per acre over the past four years. Walnut trees suffer from crown gall disease and poor market prospects, while pecan trees are healthy and increasing production (expected $1.35–$1.65/lb in 2024 but still not breaking even). Staff recommended: 1. Cease farming walnuts and issue a long-term lease for the land (with water restrictions and tree removal by lessee). 2. Continue farming pecans under current contract for 2024, then issue an RFP for a farm manager or lessee; assess wells and recycled water delivery; no long-term lease due to water uncertainty. 3. Issue a year-to-year lease for the row crop land with restrictions on city groundwater use. 4. Authorize staff to study alternative uses (solar, recreation, storage) for the land. Council members expressed support: Councilmember Nelsen (who sits on the GSA) agreed on water uncertainties and supported the pecan gamble; Councilmember Wynn questioned the large cumulative loss ($5 million) but saw value in continuing pecans for a few years; Councilmember Hernandez Soto supported getting out of farming but willing to keep pecans. The motion to adopt staff recommendations passed 4-0. Regular Items & Public Hearings - Belissa Subdivision Annexation: A proposal to annex 59.84 acres for a 309 single-family lots plus 168 multifamily units and neighborhood commercial. The project includes parks, a trail along Modoc Ditch, and requires extensive infrastructure. Planning commission recommended approval. Council unanimously approved the resolutions (2023-62, 2023-63) and authorized the pre-annexation agreement. - County Island Annexation: City-initiated annexation of two county islands (35.76 acres) along Akers and Linwood. Staff held a community meeting on Dec. 7. Council approved Resolution 2023-61 to initiate proceedings and detachment from County Service Area No. 1. Vote 4-0. - Housing Element Adoption: Consultant Ryan Lester presented the 6th Cycle Housing Element update covering 2023-2031. Key points: The city must plan for a regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) with 56% of units for lower-income households. The inventory identified a surplus of 736 lower-income units through vacant/underutilized sites and six annexation sites, without requiring rezones. New state requirements include an affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFH) analysis, which reveals disparities between the western (affluent) and central/eastern (higher poverty, higher pollution) parts of the city. Programs include increasing the conditional use permit threshold from 80 to 200 units, annual engagement events, reducing parking for affordable units, and a transit needs study by 2027. Planning commission recommended adoption with minor edits. Council approved Resolution 2023-64 unanimously. Key Outcomes - Westside Farming: Motion to adopt staff recommendations passed 4-0. Staff directed to stop farming walnuts, continue pecans with RFP, lease row crop land, and study alternative uses. - Youth Non-Profit Grant Awards: Motion to approve recommendations as presented (Table 2) passed 4-0. Councilmember Hernandez Soto requested a future agenda item to consider increasing funding. - Special Events Ordinance (Second Reading): Ordinance 2023-12 adopted 3-1 (Councilmember Hernandez Soto dissented over the 12-week limit). Councilmember Nelson recused himself from conflict discussions; city attorney confirmed no conflict. Councilmember Soto’s request to revisit the 12-week limit will be considered at the next meeting. - Assistant City Manager Appointment: John Lollis appointed at a salary of $204,000. Motion passed 4-0. - Belissa and County Island Annexations: Approved unanimously. City will file with Tulare LAFCO. - Housing Element: Adopted unanimously. Document will be posted for seven days and resubmitted to HCD for certification. Annual progress reports will continue. - Closed Session Report: City closed escrow on four right-of-way acquisitions for the Caldwell Widening Project (total payments: $305,760).

The Visalia City Council met on December 4, 2023, beginning with a work session at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM. Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto was absent. The council approved a 14-item consent calendar (with one item pulled for separate discussion), heard a federal lobbyist presentation, conducted a public hearing on a special events ordinance, and recognized a local priest for 50 years of service. All votes were 4–0. Consent Calendar - Items Approved (Motion by Nelsen, second by Taylor, vote 4-0): Routine approvals including authorization to read ordinances by title only; a one‑year contract with Bedrock Engineering for land surveyor services (up to $200,000 per year, renewable four additional years); a grant application for the Encampment Resolution Program (approximately $2.5 million for the Visalia Navigation Center and Majestic Gardens); a reimbursement agreement with San Joaquin Valley Railroad for the Goshen Trail Reconstruction Project ($75,000 from Measure R Trailways); acceptance of COPS Program funds ($222,386 plus $189,083 growth funds, total $411,469, with $111,300 appropriation); a design contract with 4Creeks, Inc. for Riggin Avenue widening ($470,035); submission of a $25.7 million transit‑related project list to TCAG; second reading of Ordinance 2023‑04 for Cemetery District Zone Change (Item 8 – pulled and voted separately); notices of completion for Highland Park Units 1 and 2 (76 and 49 lots); authorization for Visalia Police to apply for a $500,000 State Homeland Security Grant for a bomb squad vehicle; on‑call electrical contracts for street light and traffic signal repairs (each $160,000 per year, renewable for four years); and the reassignment/appointment of Jason Huckleberry as department head overseeing Engineering, Development Services, and Building Safety at a salary of $175,000. Public Comments & Testimony - Don Nuckols (Visalia) – Spoke during the work session about a hazardous, bumpy railroad crossing on Walnut Avenue between Ben Maddox and Santa Fe, and about dangerous driving, red‑light running, and blinding headlights from raised trucks. - Lucia Vasquez (Visalia) – Pulled Consent Calendar Item 8 (Cemetery District Zone Change) for discussion. Later commented on the special events ordinance, expressing concern that the attendance threshold (1,000 people) and exemptions for established events were not fair to newer or smaller events. - Barry Caplan (Visalia) – Asked Council Member Steve Nelsen to recuse himself from the special events hearing due to his role with the Downtown Visalians; criticized the Measure N Committee for lacking published minutes and for “rubber‑stamping” approvals. - Bill Kitchen (Visalia, downtown property owner, vice‑chair of Downtown Property Owners Association) – Expressed support for the special events ordinance. - Dewayne Rodriguez (Visalia, president of Downtown Visalians) – Expressed full support, saying the council had done a “fabulous job.” - Janine Robins (Hanford, business and property owner in Visalia) – Supported the ordinance, noting that successful large events bring business while unnecessary street closures hurt merchants. Discussion Items - New Employee Introductions – Public Works Director Nick Barch and Parks & Recreation staff introduced 12 new employees: Ben Litwack (WWTP Superintendent), Jason Villalva (Streets Maintenance Worker), Michael May and Mark Bradley (Solid Waste Operators), Lance Turner (Park Ranger), Christopher Godinez (Lead Custodian), Zach Huff (Parks & Urban Forestry Supervisor), Guy Schiff (Landscape & Irrigation Technician), Julia Kirkman and Brian McAlister (Landscape Inspectors), and Anthony De la Cruz (Park Maintenance Worker/Trails). - Federal Lobbyist Presentation – Economic Development Manager Devon Jones and Greg Burns of Thorn Run Partners reviewed 2023 national legislative activity. Burns noted the House’s narrow Republican majority, the Senate’s slow pace, and key items: a bipartisan China Select Committee, debt‑ceiling agreement, and pending funding bills. He highlighted the city’s successful request for $959,752 in EPA funding for the Recharge Basin F project (the first earmark for Visalia in a decade). Council approved a one‑year contract extension (motion by Nelsen, second by Taylor, vote 4‑0) and sang “Happy Birthday” to Jones. - Cemetery District Zone Change (Item 8) – Community Development Director Paul Bernal explained the second reading of Ordinance 2023‑04 to rezone 15 parcels (14 from R‑1‑5 to Q‑P, one from R‑M‑2 to Q‑P) for cemetery expansion. After public comment (Lucia Vasquez expressed concern about displacement of low‑income renters), the council approved the ordinance (motion by Taylor, second by Nelsen, vote 4‑0). - Special Event Ordinance – Neighborhood Preservation Manager Tracy Robertshaw presented the first reading of Ordinance 2023‑12 amending Municipal Code Section 12.48. Changes included replacing “Special Events Committee” with “city staff,” designating six long‑standing large events (e.g., Candy Cane Lane Parade, Taste the Arts) as “regional events” exempt from the good‑neighbor signature requirement, adding denial criteria for health/safety and street‑closure frequency (max 12 per year), and requiring trash, security, and traffic plans. Council debated the definition of “regional event” and the treatment of the Visalia Farmers Market (which currently closes streets weekly). Council Member Wynn stated she does not support permanent weekly street closures. Staff noted the Farmers Market has been offered alternative locations (Garden Plaza, Recreation Park). The ordinance passed (motion by Taylor, second by Wynn, vote 4‑0). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (except Item 8) – Approved 4‑0. - Contract Extension for Thorn Run Partners – Approved 4‑0. - Cemetery District Zone Change (Ordinance 2023‑04) – Approved 4‑0. - Special Event Ordinance (First Reading) – Introduced and approved 4‑0; a second reading and adoption will follow at a future meeting. - Special Recognition – The council presented a resolution of commendation to Archpriest Rev. Father Vartan Kasparian for his 50th anniversary of ordination, his service as a police chaplain, and his community contributions. - Upcoming Meetings – Monday, December 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM and Tuesday, January 16, 2024, also at 7:00 PM.

The Visalia City Council met on Monday, November 20, 2023, for a work session that began at 5:30 PM, followed by a closed session at 5:52 PM, and the regular session convened at 7:00 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 PM. All five council members were present: Mayor Brian Poochigian, Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, and Council Members Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Liz Wynn. The council considered a wide range of routine matters, two major public hearings, and several consent calendar items. The meeting featured extensive public comment from Barry Caplan repeatedly arguing that agenda item summaries were too long and violated the Brown Act, and a proposal for a new clean-up initiative, among other important decisions. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Authorization to read ordinances by title only was approved unanimously without discussion. - Items 2-12: These were individually pulled from the Consent Calendar by Barry Caplan, who used each item as a platform to argue that the agenda descriptions were excessively detailed, violating the Brown Act. Each item was nonetheless approved with 5-0 votes after separate discussion. Key approvals included: a Notice of Completion for the Greenway Trail Phase 2 pedestrian bridge (with $n $n10,000 from Measure R Trailways); a $334,250 construction contract to JT2 Inc. for pathway improvements from Main Street to the Transit Center; second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-13 for state-mandated medical marijuana delivery rules (SB 1186); an annual street sweeping contract of $1,868,741 with SCA of CA, LLC; a $317,600 playground structure replacement at Riverway Sports Park; a $128,965 Arbor replacement at Whitendale Park; a $142,000 transfer from AT&T Mobility for water feature repair; nomination of Council Member Liz Wynn to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Governing Board; appointments of Council Members to the Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness and the merits of groundwater board; a $285,000 contract for vegetation removal at Eastside Regional Park along with grant acceptance; and a $202,573 animal shelter service agreement with the City of Dinuba. Despite the pull requests, each item passed unanimously. Work Session Action Item - Solid Waste Environment Enhancement Program (SWEEP): Presented by Public Works Director Nick Bartsch and Manager Jason Serpa. The program is designed to clean up blight, illegal dumping, and windblow debris across the city. The initiative would split the city into four quadrants, assign five full-time employees (all along), and use the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the initial equipment and first year's operation. The annual cost is estimated at $558,690, and the initial capital outlay is $327,550. ARPA covers most of the first year, but there is a shortfall of $25,350 in the first year, which the council was asked to appropriate from the reserve. $25,350 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. Discussion included strong support from the mayor, council members, and the public, but also concerns about permanent funding. Vice Mayor Taylor proposed a year-long pilot program to test desirability. The motion passed 5-0. Public comment from Jim Reeves expressed support for the program. Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Caplan: The Barry Caplan gave the most extensive and repeated public comment, speaking at nearly every agenda item. He argued that the agenda item descriptions for consent and regular items were "verbatim" and not compliant with the Brown Act. He provided handouts with shorter wording suggested by ChatGPT. He asked the council to direct staff to write 20-word summaries. The city attorney stated the Brown Act requirements, but Caplan was not satisfied. Other speakers including Matthew Box and his friend Noemi also expressed the views on agenda length and neighborhood representation, and Damian Lopez from the cemetery district spoke in favor of his item. - Winter Irrigation schedule: Barry Caplan, Water Conservation Manager, noted in public comment that starting December 1st, the winter irrigation schedule would ban overhead sprinklers on turf grass for three months (December 1 to end of February). This exempts trees, shrubs, and gardens. - Procedural Comments: While public comment items were on the agenda, there was additional public testimony on the agenda items and the length of the meeting, but most of the scheduled public hearing items were dominated again by Barry Caplan's along with a few others. Discussion Items 1. East Side Regional Park Project (Public Hearing): The council considered certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the East Side Regional Park, annexation of approximately 128 acres, and a General Plan Amendment to redesignate 41 acres from residential to parks/open space. Principal Planner Brandon Smith and Dawn Marple from the consultant firm provided details. Key components included noise mitigation (an 8-foot sound wall along Tower Street), lighting mitigation, and traffic impacts. Some intersections exceed congestion standards, but the statement of overriding considerations was adopted. The council approved all three actions both. The attached action with corresponding resolutions (2023-54, 55, 56) was moved by Council Member Nelsen and seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor. The motion carried 5-0. 2. Visalia Maallee Cemetery District public hearing: The city conducted a public hearing for the cemetery to change its designation from residential to public and rezone to Q-P (Quasi-Public). The district had removed the eminent domain policy, provided 90 days rent-free to any tenants, and withdrew encroachment area is 12 properties. Associate Planner Cristobal Carrillo presented the outreach from May 2023, where the community had input. Council member Hernandez-Soto opposed, noting that only four affected residents showed up at the community meeting were opposed, and that they preferred a location away from the existing neighborhood. Council member Wynn listened to the leadership's communications. Council member Nelsen and Taylor voted for the change, citing the cemetery district's due diligence. The motion passed 4-1, with Council member Hernandez Soto voting no. 3. Measure N Spending Plan Amendment: This was the second of two public hearings to amend the spending plan for police vehicles. The council approved advancing purchase of one marked patrol vehicle for FY 2024/2024 and allocating $30,000 to address budget shortfall for FY 2023/2024 vehicle purchases. Dan Ford presented the request. The motion by Vice Mayor Taylor and Nelsen carried 5-0. Key Outcomes - Approved: SWEEP Clean-up Program, all consent calendar items (8-16), certification of the East Side Park EIR, initiated annexation and general plan amendment, and the Cemetery District and related policy changes and resolutions for the police vehicle purchase. - Votes: All items passed with 5-0 except the cemetery item which was 4-1. - Next Council Meetings: Monday, December 4 & December 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM. - Direction to Staff: The council expressed support for some of the procedural changes but made no official directive to change the template. Staff were thanked for the thorough summary—contrary to public comments—and encouraged to continue a balanced approach.