Agenda Item Wording:
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Planning Commission Reappointments - Recommendation to reappoint Bill Davis and Chris Tavarez to serve on the Planning Commission and to authorize Staff to begin a recruitment due to a pending resignation.
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Prepared by: Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.caviglia@visalia.gov <mailto:Leslie.caviglia@visalia.gov> 559-713-4332
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council reappoint Bill Davis to serve a second term on the Planning Commission and Chris Tavarez to serve a third term on the Commission. Both terms would commence July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. However, Mr. Tavarez recently submitted his resignation subject to the appointment of his replacement. Therefore, staff also recommends that the City Council direct staff to begin a recruitment for a Planning Commissioner who would replace Mr. Tavarez.
Summary: Both Mr. Davis and Mr. Tavarez have been engaged Commissioners who have had good attendance at Commission meetings. Given that the City will be embarking on the General Plan update in the coming year, having experienced people on the Commission with a background in planning and the community would be very helpful. While there will be some transition during the General Plan process, having experienced Commissioners going through the majority of the process will likely lead to a higher level of conversation and solid understanding of these complex issues associated with a major General Plan update.
As noted above, due to work related circumstances, Mr. Tavarez has submitted his resignation effective upon a replacement being selected. Therefore, staff is recommending that he be reappointed, with the understanding that he will serve and help ensure a quorum is retained at all meetings until the Council selects a replacement. Staff is therefore also recommending that a recruitment begin immediately for a Planning Commissioner. All new applications and all current applications on file will be presented to the City Council and interviews will be held with some or all of the Planning Commission applicants. The final decision of the successful candidate is at the discretion of the City Council. The person would fill the unexpired term of Mr. Tavarez, which will end June 30, 2027.
Background Discussion:
The City Charter calls for the City Council to appoint a 5-person Planning Commission to handle the following:
(a) Recommend to the Council, after a public hearing thereon, the adoption, amendment or repeal of a General Plan or any part thereof, for the physical development of the City
(b) Exercise such functions with respect to land subdivisions, planning and zoning as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution
(c) Perform such other duties relating to planning and zoning as the Council may require by ordinance or resolution
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To not appoint Mr. Davis and instead include him in the interviews.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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I move to reappoint Bill Davis and Chris Tavarez to serve on the Planning Commission for a term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027, and direct staff to begin a recruitment for Planning Commissioner to replace Mr. Tavarez per his pending resignation.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 6/30/2025
Attachments: Applications for Mr. Davis and Mr. Tavarez