Farmers Market relocation causes controversy at Lindsay City Council meeting

The Lindsay City Council held their first meeting of 2019 on Tuesday evening, and it was met with concern about the possibility of the Friday night market relocating.

After the pledge of allegiance and invocation prayer, public comment was opened, and several locals — all of which were business owners — stepped to the microphone to address the Council about their concerns.

First to speak was Yadira Rosano, who stated that if the market were to move it would be unfair because the market brings in business for her. By moving the market, her business would not get as much exposure as it does now.

Following Rosano, Ana Alvarez took her turn to speak. Alvarez said that she had recently opened her restaurant where Fat Boyz used to be. According to her, patrons have seen her business during the market and have returned on a later day to eat there. Alvarez concurred with Rosano by saying that relocating the market would hurt her business.

Ricardo Alva, who owns a business close to the Lindsay library, addressed the Council by saying that he hopes that they will reconsider moving the market to a new location.

The last to speak was Maria Hernandez. She explained that she owns a business on one of the streets that the market is on. She said that customers see her business on market nights, and come in and browse in her store. Even though they might not buy that night, Hernandez stated that customers have returned back to shop many times. By moving the market to a new location, Hernandez feels that sales at her shop would decline, and she depends on her business for her income.

Once public comment was closed, the Council was offered an opportunity to reorganize. Council member Roseana Sanchez nominated her fellow Council member Yolanda Flores for the position of Mayor. Flores seconded this nomination, which pushed the Council to do a roll call vote. Both Sanchez and Flores agreed, while the three remaining Council representatives respectfully declined. Because the majority did

did not vote in favor, the Council remained in the same order, with Pamela Kimball remaining as Mayor and Lara Cortes as Mayor Pro-tem.

Following the reorganization, it was time for the Council, Ireland Mccall (Lindsay high School’s student representative), and city staff to give reports.

Both Flores and Sanchez stated that they were happy to be there and eager to see what the Council will do during their time as representatives.

Council member Brian

Watson responded to the concerns about the relocation of the Friday night market. He said that he and Kimball had been working together on an ad-hoc committee to address the growing complaints about the current location of the market.

He stated that the responses they received from a survey spanning two months were showing an overwhelming amount of support for a relocation. Watson stated that he spoke with businesses and residents in the Sweetbriar apartments, and both had concerns about vandalism. The results indicated that a need for a break from the current location

of the market was much needed.

Cortes reported about her attendance at the Rotary’s Christmas breakfast, and was overjoyed at the amount of people that were there.

Kimball, who was the last of the Council members to report, spoke of an opportunity for Healthy Kids, Healthy Lindsay. She said that they had a chance to win $10,000 to promote a healthier community. The city program was one of a mass of entries chosen, and have been moved on to round two, where 39 programs are still in the running.

Mccall was next to report to the Council. She said that LHS will be holding a mock trial competition on Jan. 22 and Jan. 24 at the Tulare County courtrooms in Visalia from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be the first time LHS has held a mock trial competition. Mccall also informed the Council that the high school will be holding

their Winter Formal on campus on Jan. 26.

The final report for the evening came from City Manager Bill Zigler. Zigler began by congratulating Mike Camarena, the city services director, for his 10,000th day as a city employee. Zigler provided an update for the roundabout project, which is on the last legs of phase one and will be moving on to phase two in the very near future. He also updated the Council on the Omni Healthcare facility, and stated that they will begin to take patients in February.

Proceeding the conclusion of the routine reports, the Council moved on to their three item consent calendar, which was moved for approval quickly.

A presentation from Grid Alternatives, a non-profit organization reaching out to lower income families, began after the consent calendar was approved. Hector Uriarte Jr., the outreach

coordinator for Grid Alternatives, approached the microphone armed with a brief powerpoint presentation. He explained to the Council that Grid Alternatives offers installation of solar panels to lower income families to help cut costs of electricity bills. This program is state funded, and any families who are looking for further information can visit their website at www.gridalternatives. org.

Zigler announced to the Council that spots on several committees had been vacated, and needed to be filled as soon as possible. Out of the four committee spots that needed a representative, two were filled. Sanchez claimed a spot on the hospital board committee, and Flores chose to sit in on the Council of Cities meetings.

The only public hearing for the night was opened following the assignments to committees. The hearing regarded a conditional use permit for Connie Lopez, owner of the Old Grove Theater, to allow for the sales of alcohol at the theater. Once the floor was opened, Eric Sinclair, a long time Lindsay resident, approached the podium and spoke in favor of the permit. Following Sinclair, Lopez took to the stand to say that she wanted to keep everything as safe as possible, and knows that she can help the theater thrive. The hearing was closed, and with a vote of 5-0, the theater gained its conditional use permit for the sale of alcohol.

Next, it was Camarena’s turn to address the Council on two issues concerning water.

The first issue he brought forth was the mailing of notices to residents of the city about by-products in the water. Due to chemicals being stirred up in the water, the City will be sending out notices explaining what is happening. These notices will be mailed out on Jan. 10. Camarena assured the Council that the water was still safe to drink, despite the notice.

Before the meeting adjourned, the final issue Camarena brought to the Council regarded awarding a contract to a drilling company for the drilling of a new test well near the sports complex. Camarena suggested awarding the contract to Johnson Drilling Co. out of Reedley. After opening the bidding period for the test well, two companies applied, and Johnson Drilling Co. offered a significantly lower price than their competitor. The Council agreed and awarded the drilling company with a contract for $86,625.

The next Lindsay City Council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22 and will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Hall located at 251 E. Honolulu Street.