Public Meetings - Visalia, California

This special joint meeting of the Visalia City Council was scheduled to include a work session, closed session, and regular session, but the agenda contained only placeholder items labeled "TEST FOR RIVERA" for all substantive actions. No meeting minutes or transcript are available, and the agenda itself indicates a date of April 5, 2025, conflicting with the recorded date of April 3, 2025. No public comments or discussion were documented. Consent Calendar - Item "TEST FOR RIVERA - CONSENT ITEM 25-0112" was listed but no action or discussion was recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were provided in the available materials. Discussion Items - Work Session Item 25-0111: Listed as "Test for Rivera" with no description or deliberation. - Regular Item 25-0113: Listed as "TEST FOR RIVERA - REGULAR ITEM" with no discussion. - Public Hearing 25-0114: Listed as "TEST FOR RIVERA - PUBLIC HEARING" with no testimony or decision. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives were recorded. The meeting appears to have been a procedural session without substantive action. The agenda's date (April 5) differs from the stated meeting date (April 3), a discrepancy that could not be resolved from available sources.

Note: The provided agenda lists this meeting for Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM, but the instruction states the meeting occurred on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM UTC. This discrepancy is unresolved as no minutes or transcript were available to clarify the actual date. The meeting appears to have been a test or placeholder session, with all agenda items labeled as "TEST FOR RIVERA" (Work Session 25-0111, Consent Item 25-0112, Regular Item 25-0113, and Public Hearing 25-0114). No substantive discussion, public comments, or decisions are documented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded or transcribed. Discussion Items - No substantive discussion items were identified; the agenda consisted only of test items. Key Outcomes - No votes, directives, or decisions are documented. The meeting adjourned to closed session and then to regular session, but no outcomes were reported.

The Visalia City Council held a special joint meeting with the Visalia Charter Independent (VCIS) on April 3, 2025, at 424 N. Lovers Lane. The agenda scheduled a work session at 4:00 PM, a closed session at 6:00 PM, and a regular session at 7:00 PM. However, the agenda is dated April 5, 2025, which conflicts with the user-provided meeting date of April 3, 2025. No transcript or minutes are available, so details on discussions, public comments, or actions are limited to the agenda items listed. Public Comments & Testimony - No transcript is available; therefore, no public comments can be reported. Consent Calendar - Item 25-0112: "Test for Rivera" – listed as a consent item, but no description or outcome is provided in the available materials. Regular Items and Public Hearings - Item 25-0113: "Test for Rivera" – listed as a regular item. - Item 25-0114: "Test for Rivera" – listed as a public hearing. No further information is available. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or directives can be confirmed due to the absence of a transcript or minutes. The meeting’s actual proceedings and outcomes are unknown.

The Visalia City Council held a special joint meeting on April 3, 2025, at the Visalia Charter Independent (VCIS) location. The agenda listed several placeholder items under the name "Test for Rivera"; no substantive discussion, public comments, or decisions occurred. Note: The agenda provided for this meeting is dated April 5, 2025, but the meeting date according to the instructions is April 3, 2025. This discrepancy is noted. Agenda Outline - Work Session (4:00 PM): Item 25-0111 – Test for Rivera (no details available). - Closed Session (6:00 PM): Adjourned to closed session; no report provided. - Regular Session (7:00 PM): Included Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, Public Comments (none recorded), Consent Calendar (Item 25-0112 – Test for Rivera), Regular Item (25-0113 – Test for Rivera), and Public Hearing (25-0114 – Test for Rivera). No minutes, transcript, or outcomes are available. Outcome No actions, votes, or key decisions were captured. The meeting appeared to be a test or procedural placeholder.

This summary is based solely on the posted agenda for a special joint meeting of the Visalia City Council. The agenda scheduled a work session at 4:00 PM, a closed session at 6:00 PM, and a regular session at 7:00 PM. The posted agenda listed Mayor Brett Taylor, Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, and Council Members Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Brian Poochigian. No meeting minutes or transcript were provided, so no actual discussion, public comments, or votes are documented. Note: The provided agenda lists the meeting date as Saturday, April 5, 2025, while the authoritative date used for this summary is April 3, 2025. Agenda Structure - The meeting was scheduled to include a work session, closed session, regular session with pledge/invocation, public comments, consent calendar, regular items, public hearing, closed session report, and adjournment. - All substantive agenda entries were labeled "TEST FOR RIVERA" and carried item numbers: Work Session 25-0111, Consent Item 25-0112, Regular Item 25-0113, and Public Hearing 25-0114. Consent Calendar - Consent Item 25-0112 ("TEST FOR RIVERA") was listed as a routine item, but no action is recorded because no minutes or transcript were available. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda provided multiple public comment periods: during the work session, general public comment, consent calendar comment, and comments before regular items or public hearings. - No public comments or testimony are included in the available materials. Discussion Items - Work Session 25-0111 ("TEST FOR RIVERA") was scheduled as the sole work session item. - Regular Item 25-0113 ("TEST FOR RIVERA") was listed as a regular agenda item. - Public Hearing 25-0114 ("TEST FOR RIVERA") was listed as a public hearing item. - The agenda provides no description of the substance of these items. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, referrals, or directives are documented in the provided agenda. The available record is limited to the meeting notice and item list.

The Visalia City Council held a special joint meeting on April 3, 2025, at the Visalia Charter Independent (VCIS) located at 424 N. Lovers Lane. The agenda for this meeting listed a date of April 5, 2025, creating a discrepancy between the instructed meeting date and the published agenda. No meeting minutes or transcript were provided, and the agenda items were largely placeholder entries labeled 'Test for Rivera' (items 25-0111 through 25-0114). As a result, no substantive discussions, public comments, or actions can be confirmed from the available records. The following summary is based solely on the agenda structure. Consent Calendar - Item 25-0112 (Test for Rivera) was listed as a consent item, but no details or actions were recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda provided opportunities for public comment during the work session, regular session, and consent calendar, but no comments were captured in the provided materials. Discussion Items - Work Session Item 25-0111 (Test for Rivera) was scheduled but no discussion was transcribed. - Regular Item 25-0113 (Test for Rivera) and Public Hearing 25-0114 (Test for Rivera) were listed but no proceedings were recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives were documented. The meeting appears to have been a placeholder or test agenda without substantive action. The discrepancy between the instructed date (April 3, 2025) and the agenda date (April 5, 2025) remains unresolved.

The Visalia City Council held a work session at 5:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 17, 2025. Mayor Brett Taylor presided with Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, Council Member Steve Nelsen, and Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto present; Council Member Brian Poochigian was absent. The regular session included special recognitions for the American Red Cross of the Central Valley and Chief Jason Salazar of the California Police Chiefs Association. No closed session was held. The Council approved microtransit branding, renewed Measure N for eight years, received the Shirk Street construction update, approved the Consent Calendar, approved the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project, and denied the related appeal. Work Session: Microtransit Branding Recommendation - Transit Manager Angelina DeRossette recommended the Visalia Connect brand for the new microtransit service, with the tagline fast, flexible, connected, community-focused graphics, and a QR code linking to the rider app. - Council feedback included strengthening the V to match transit service family logos, aligning colors with the city logo, using city colors near the van tires, considering full vehicle wrap durability, adding messaging that clarifies the service is public ride-share transit open to all, and exploring future advertising revenue. - Motion approved 4-0, with Council Member Poochigian absent. Work Session: Measure N Effectiveness Review - Finance Director Renee Nagel and Budget Analyst Amee Swearengin reported on Measure N, the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in November 2016 and effective April 1, 2017. It has generated approximately $117.8 million over seven years and funded 50 essential positions, street and park maintenance, public safety, and youth programs. - The measure requires a 10% uncertainty fund, a 10% set-aside split 2% for youth programs and 8% for maintenance and emerging needs, an 11-member oversight committee, and an effectiveness review every eight years. - Staff and the Sales Tax Oversight Committee recommended continuing Measure N for another eight years, with the next review due by April 2033. Council expressed strong support for the program and gratitude to the community. - Motion approved 4-0, with Council Member Poochigian absent. Work Session: Shirk Street Capacity Enhancement Project - Engineering and Building Director Jason Huckleberry and City Engineer Chris Crawford presented construction phasing, detours, closures, and resident impacts for the Shirk Street Capacity Enhancement Project. - The project is a $16.4 million effort that includes a 48-inch sewer main, widening the road to four lanes, new traffic signals, and road improvements from School Avenue to Riggin Avenue. Phase 1 started March 17, 2025, with a target completion date of January 2026. The construction contractor is Avison. - Council discussed emergency services access, including the Ferguson fire station, and suggested using large maps at public outreach. A public outreach meeting is scheduled Wednesday at Ridgeview Middle School from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, with text alerts, direct mailers, a 24-hour hotline, and a city website page. - Motion to approve the report carried 4-0, with Council Member Poochigian absent. Consent Calendar - Approved 4-0 by one motion, with Council Member Poochigian absent: - Authorization to read ordinances by title only. - Developer reimbursement agreement for the Greystone Phase 3 Subdivision improvements. - Purchase of five CNG-powered residential side-load solid waste trucks from E.M. Tharp through the Sourcewell Cooperative contract in the amount of $2,232,375. - Resolution No. 2025-16 initiating proceedings to vacate a portion of public alleyway and right-of-way on Meadow Avenue and Shady Street. - Authorization to file a Notice of Completion for the walnut orchard removal project near the Water Reclamation Facility. - Resolution accepting the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2024 and finding it satisfies the city’s state reporting requirements. Note: The agenda and minutes item text also references Calendar Year 2025 in the same title, an apparent inconsistency. - Purchase agreement with Little Tikes Commercial – PlayPower Inc. for inclusive playground equipment in the amount of $923,438.11 through a Sourcewell contract. - Contract with Accela Inc. for migration of the permit system to Accela Cloud services at a cost not to exceed $114,100, plus a seven-year maintenance agreement not to exceed $2,236,605, and appropriation of $193,200 for FY 2025/26. Public Comments & Testimony - General public comments were received from Irene Lapin, Efrain Becerra, Dee Souza, Kathy Falconer, and Maria Guillen; their spoken topics are not included in the minutes or transcript. - During the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project hearing, Paul Guerrero of Carpenters Local 1109 opposed certification, arguing the EIR was deficient on cumulative impacts and urging local hiring, prevailing wages, and state-certified apprenticeships. - Several union representatives and apprentices supported the project, including speakers associated with Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 246, and IBEW Local 100. They cited family-supporting wages, apprenticeship opportunities, local jobs, and veteran hiring benefits. Jason Quintel, representing applicant Seefried Industrial Properties, thanked staff and offered to answer questions. - No public comments were received at the appeal hearing. Regular Item: Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project - Principal Planner Brandon Smith presented the Final EIR and related entitlements for the proposed industrial park, totaling approximately 3,720,149 square feet of building footprint on 284 acres north of Riggin Avenue between Shirk Street and Kelsey Street. - The EIR found significant unavoidable impacts in agricultural and forestry resources, air quality, and noise. Staff prepared findings and a statement of overriding considerations. Seven comment letters on the draft EIR and four additional letters after the final EIR were addressed; one late correspondence was received the day of the meeting. - The Planning Commission recommended certification and approval on February 10, 2025. Council members praised the environmental review, local union labor, and anticipated job creation, with staff estimating about 4,000 potential jobs. - Motion to approve staff recommendations carried 4-0, with Council Member Poochigian absent. Regular Item: Appeal of Planning Commission Action - The appeal, filed February 20, 2025, challenged the Planning Commission’s approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 2024-08 and Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-26 for the Shirk-Riggin project. - Staff recommended denying the appeal and upholding the approvals, finding no error or abuse of discretion and no significant new information requiring EIR recirculation. - Mayor Taylor opened and closed the public hearing with no public comments. - Motions to deny the appeal and uphold the tentative parcel map and conditional use permit approvals passed 4-0, with Council Member Poochigian absent. Key Outcomes - Approved Visalia Connect microtransit branding with revisions, 4-0. - Approved continuation of Measure N for eight more years, 4-0. - Approved the Shirk Street construction phasing and communication report, 4-0. - Approved the Consent Calendar, 4-0. - Certified the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project EIR and approved related actions, 4-0. - Denied the appeal of the Planning Commission’s parcel map and conditional use permit approvals, 4-0. - The regular meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM. Upcoming meetings include a joint meeting with VUSD and Visalia Charter Independent Study on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM, and the next City Council meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

The Visalia City Council met on Monday, March 17, 2025, starting with a work session at 5:00 PM and the regular session at 7:00 PM. The council approved microtransit branding, continued the Measure N sales tax for another eight years, received a traffic and construction update for the Shirk Street Capacity Enhancement Project, certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project, approved related entitlements, and denied an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval. Consent Calendar - Authorized reading of ordinances by title only. - Executed a developer reimbursement agreement for Greystone Phase 3 Subdivision improvements. - Approved purchase of five CNG-powered solid waste trucks for $2,232,375. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-16 to initiate vacation of a public alleyway and right-of-way on Meadow Avenue and Shady Street. - Authorized filing of Notice of Completion for walnut orchard removal at the Water Reclamation Facility. - Adopted a resolution accepting the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for 2024. - Awarded a contract for inclusive playground equipment for $923,438.11. - Authorized migration of the Accela permit system to cloud services and a seven-year maintenance agreement, appropriating $193,200 for FY 25/26. Public Comments & Testimony - Paul Guerrero (Carpenter's Local 1109) opposed certification of the EIR for the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project, arguing the EIR failed to properly analyze cumulative impacts, employment growth, population triggers, and loss of agricultural lands. He urged the council to require revisions and recirculation of the EIR. - Steve Willarkin (Sheet Metal Workers Local 104), Zachary Pimentel (Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, Visalia resident), John Henry Lopez (Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 246), Eric Osepian (Visalia resident, apprentice Local 246), Jared Journey (Visalia resident, apprentice IBEW Local 100), and Andy Lopez (Visalia resident, Marine Corps veteran, apprentice IBEW Local 100) all spoke in support of the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project, emphasizing local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities, family-supporting wages, and benefits to veterans and the community. - Jason Quintel (Seefried Industrial Properties, applicant) thanked staff and requested council consideration. Work Session Items 1. Microtransit Branding Recommendation Transit Manager Julina Drossett presented three branding options for the new microtransit service. Staff recommended Visalia Connect with tagline "Fast, Flexible, Connected." Council discussed color schemes, durability of van wraps, potential advertising revenue, and adding descriptive text (e.g., "your local ride-sharing") to clarify the service. The motion to approve Visalia Connect branding passed 4-0 (Councilmember Poochigian absent). 2. Effectiveness Review for Measure N Finance Director Renee Magel presented the eight-year review of Measure N, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in November 2016 (effective April 2017). Over seven years, the measure generated approximately $118 million in sales tax revenue and funded 50 essential positions (25 police officers, 4 CSOs, 8 professional staff, 6 paramedics, 1 EMS coordinator, 1 administrative captain, 1 deputy chief, and 4 parks/recreation positions), $27.5 million in street maintenance, $9.2 million downtown streetlight replacement, a ladder truck, mobile air truck, Fire Station 56, and $1.12 million in park maintenance, $1.8 million in building maintenance, and $914,000 in youth programs. An uncertainty fund of $2 million was maintained. The Oversight Committee approved continuation on February 20, 2025. Council voted unanimously (4-0) to continue the measure for another eight years, with a future effectiveness review by April 2033. 3. Traffic and Construction Impacts – Shirk Street Capacity Enhancement Project City Engineer Chris Crawford outlined construction phases, traffic detours, and closures for the $16.4 million project (state and local funds) to widen Shirk Street from School Avenue to Riggin Avenue and install a 48-inch sewer main. Phases run from March 2025 to January 2026. Phase 1A (Shirk & Riggin intersection closed) began March 17, 2025. Other phases affect segments from Ferguson to Riggin, School to Goshen, and Goshen to Doe. A public outreach meeting was scheduled for March 19, 2025 at Ridgeview Middle School. Council accepted the construction phasing plan (4-0). Regular Session Items 1. Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project – EIR Certification, Annexation, General Plan Amendment, Development Agreement Planning Manager Brandon Smith presented the final EIR (State Clearinghouse 2022080658) for the 284-acre industrial park (approx. 3,720,149 sq ft of buildings) by Seefried Industrial Properties. Significant and unavoidable impacts were identified in agricultural/forestry, air quality, and noise. A statement of overriding considerations was prepared. The Planning Commission recommended certification on February 10, 2025. Council certified the EIR, approved General Plan Amendment No. 2025-01, initiated annexation proceedings (Annexation No. 2024-03), and introduced the Development Agreement ordinance (first reading). The project is expected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs. The motion passed 4-0. 2. Appeal of Planning Commission Action – Tentative Parcel Map and Conditional Use Permit An appeal filed by representatives of Carpenter's Local 1109 challenged the Planning Commission's February 10, 2025 approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 2024-08 and Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-26 for the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project. The appeal argued the EIR was flawed. Staff found no error or abuse of discretion and recommended denial. Council voted 4-0 to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's approvals. Key Outcomes - Approved Visalia Connect branding for microtransit (4-0). - Approved continuation of Measure N sales tax for eight years (4-0). - Accepted construction phasing plan for Shirk Street Capacity Enhancement Project (4-0). - Certified the EIR and approved entitlements for the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project, including annexation, General Plan Amendment, and Development Agreement (4-0). - Denied the appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Tentative Parcel Map and Conditional Use Permit for the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project (4-0). - Councilmember Brian Poochigian was absent for all votes. - The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, with a joint meeting with VUSD on April 3, 2025.

The Visalia City Council met on Monday, March 3, 2025, convening a work session at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The regular session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senior Pastor Unrau of Parkside Chapel. The Council heard a transit update, awarded a pecan orchard farm management contract, gave direction on a possible cannabis business ordinance, approved a $5.00 microtransit fare, and continued the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project public hearing to March 17, 2025. All five members were present: Mayor Brett Taylor, Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, and Council Members Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, and Brian Poochigian. Consent Calendar The Council approved the Consent Calendar in a single 5-0 motion, with no items pulled. Items included: - Authorization to read ordinances by title only. - Amendment to the NV 5, Inc. construction management contract in the amount of $226,491.50 for the Downtown Street Lighting Project. - Reauthorization of Stage 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance and adoption of Resolution 2025-06. - Acceptance of the Valley Strong Stadium batting cage construction proposal for phase 2, task 1 by 4CGlobal, Inc. dba 4Creeks Build for a lump sum of $1,867,198.84. - Award of a security services contract to Val Security, Inc. for Transit, Parks and Facilities, and the Convention Center, with a one-year initial term, four one-year extension options, and year-one cost not to exceed $470,000 plus CPI adjustments. - Notice of Completion for the Orchard Removal Project at East Side Regional Park. - Notice of Completion for the Blain Park Retaining Wall Replacement Project. - Notice of Completion for the Village Park basketball court resurfacing. - Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-12 granting an easement to Southern California Edison Company on city-owned property. - Approval of a services contract with Precision Concrete Cutting not to exceed $500,000 and a $500,000 appropriation from the Risk Fund. - Appointment of Jennifer Fawkes and Lacey Todd to the Citizens Advisory Committee. Public Comments & Testimony Work session: Jim Reeves commented favorably on the City's new logo. Regular session: - Irene Lapin criticized Council members for touting a MAGA inauguration weekend, invoked the Brown Act right to public criticism, and compared elements of the Trump administration to Russia and North Korea. - Ashely Olivas, Field Representative for Assemblymember Macedo's office, introduced herself and offered assistance to the City. - Kyle Savage, Field Representative for Senator Grove's office, introduced himself and gave a legislative update on Assembly Bill 379, a sex trafficking measure to fund survivor-support organizations, criminalize loitering with intent to purchase sex, and ensure purchasing a minor for sex applies whenever the victim is under 18. - Patrick Burke thanked the Council and asked the City to inspect a school bus stop on K Road where recent heavy rain caused flooding that hindered children crossing the street. Discussion Items Work Session: Transit Division Presentation - Transit Manager Angelina DeRossett presented an overview of Visalia Transit, including fixed routes, dial-a-ride/ADA paratransit, V-Line service to Fresno, Sequoia Shuttle services, the transit app, and the upcoming microtransit pilot. - Ridership figures: fixed-route ridership in 2024 was about 500,000 passengers, about 50-60% of the 2019 pre-COVID baseline of roughly 1,188,000; Sequoia Shuttle gateway ridership was about 6,400 in 2024; internal Sequoia Shuttle ridership was nearly 1 million in 2024. - Assistant City Manager John Lollis reported on the Cross Valley Corridor project, for which Visalia is proposed as the primary transit provider/contractor. Phase one would connect Visalia and Hanford, with later phases planned to Lemoore, NAS Lemoore, and Tulare. TCAG has been awarded a $59 million state grant for related work. - Council Member Hernandez Soto recommended future microtransit discounts for veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Council Member Poochigian asked about Sequoia Shuttle tourism potential and its impact on downtown activity. Work Session: Farm Management Services Contract - Public Works Director Nick Bartsch presented the recommendation to award a contract to A&K Precision Management to manage 445 acres of pecan orchards surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility. - The contract amount is not to exceed $1.5 million per year, with a 12-month initial term and four optional annual renewals. Staff noted A&K's revised proposal estimated annual cost at about $1.352 million, seven proposals were received, and City Manager Leslie Caviglia noted A&K's proposal was the most competitive. - Staff reported fiscal year 2023-24 operating expenses were just under $1.4 million, and the orchard continues to operate at a net loss. The trees were planted between 2013 and 2015, are expected to reach maturity around 15 years, and break-even is estimated at about 2,000 pounds per acre at current prices. Staff said profitability will depend on future yields, market prices, and tree maturity. - Staff also suggested issuing an RFP to explore future lease options. Council Member Hernandez Soto suggested re-evaluating the orchard if profitability is not achieved by year 15; Vice Mayor Wynn supported continuing because maintenance costs would exist regardless; Council Member Poochigian opposed continued city farming and favored exploring alternatives; Council Member Nelsen suggested possible uses such as a solar farm; Mayor Taylor emphasized financial risks and timely action. - The Council voted 5-0 to approve the staff recommendation. Work Session: Cannabis Business Update - Economic Development Manager Devon Jones presented an update after voters approved Measure O with 70.7% support. Measure O allows a general cannabis business tax of up to 10% of gross receipts, with monthly remittance, audit authority, and no tax on personal cultivation, but it does not by itself permit new cannabis businesses in Visalia. - Staff presented two options: draft a cannabis business ordinance while setting the number of permitted businesses at zero, or draft an ordinance and potentially allow businesses to operate upon adoption. Both options included amending the existing HdL contract for additional scope totaling $24,600 and appropriating an additional $5,000 from the General Fund; staff noted $23,000 remained in the existing capital project budget. - Council discussion covered taxing and apportioning cannabis deliveries from outside Visalia, potential tax revenue, regulatory oversight, retail over-saturation, and the City's ability to customize zoning and limits on the number of stores. Council Member Hernandez Soto and Council Member Poochigian supported allowing retail sales in the future; Vice Mayor Wynn and Council Member Nelsen supported setting the number at zero initially. Council Member Nelsen cautioned that cannabis tax revenue is not the holy grail and noted neighboring cities have not met budget projections. - A motion for option 2 failed 2-3. A subsequent motion for option 1 passed 4-1. Regular Item: Microtransit Fare - The Council held a public hearing on Resolution No. 2025-05 to add a proposed $5.00 flat microtransit fare to the City's Rates and Fees Schedule for FY 2024-25 and 2025-26. - Transit Manager DeRossett said the service is expected to launch in April 2025. The microtransit service is intended to overlap with fixed routes, and data will be used to adjust and optimize the overall system. Mayor Taylor opened the hearing at 7:16 PM and closed it at 7:17 PM. - Public commenter Michelle Kenner asked what vehicles would be used; staff confirmed the vehicles would be minivans seating six passengers, with wheelchair access. - The Council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution. Regular Item: Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project - Withdrawal and Re-notice - Principal Planner Brandon Smith requested that the Council withdraw the item and re-notice it to March 17, 2025, because an appeal was received related to the Planning Commission's consideration of the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Park. - The scheduled proposal would have involved a roughly 3,720,149-square-foot industrial park on about 284 acres, including EIR certification, annexation, General Plan Amendment No. 2025-01, and a Development Agreement. The applicant is Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. - Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:17 PM and closed it at 7:18 PM with no public comments. - The Council voted 5-0 to withdraw and re-notice the public hearing to March 17, 2025, without acting on the project itself. Closed Session Report The Council adjourned to closed session at 5:11 PM and resumed the regular session at 7:00 PM. City Attorney Richardson reported no reportable action from closed session. The meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM. Key Outcomes - Approved the farm management services contract with A&K Precision Management, not to exceed $1.5 million per year, with a 12-month initial term and four one-year renewal options, by a 5-0 vote. - Directed staff to draft a cannabis business ordinance and, during the adoption process, set the number of permitted businesses at zero, while amending the HdL contract for additional scope totaling $24,600 and appropriating $5,000 from the General Fund, by a 4-1 vote with Council Member Hernandez Soto dissenting. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-05 establishing the $5.00 microtransit fare in the Rates and Fees Schedule, by a 5-0 vote. - Withdrew and re-noticed the Shirk-Riggin Industrial Project public hearing to March 17, 2025, by a 5-0 vote. - Approved the Consent Calendar, by a 5-0 vote. - Upcoming meetings: Monday, March 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM; Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM, a joint meeting with VUSD and COS at Visalia Charter Independent Study.