Agenda Item Wording:
title
Planning Commission reappointments and recruitment process confirmation - Recommendation to reappoint Mary Beatie, Kris Bruce, and Charlie Norman and confirm recruitment process for a pending vacancy.
body
Agenda Date: 06/15/2026
Prepared by:
Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk Reyna.Rivera@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4512;
Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.Caviglia@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4332
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council reappoint Kris Bruce to serve her first full term on the Planning Commission, Charlie Norman to serve a second term, and Mary Beatie to serve a fourth term. The terms would commence on July 1, 2026, and expire on June 30, 2028.
However, Mr. Norman has submitted his resignation effective upon the appointment of his successor. Therefore, staff also recommends that the City Council confirm the current recruitment process to fill the forthcoming vacancy on the Planning Commission.
Summary:
Ms. Beatie, Ms. Bruce, and Mr. Norman have been engaged Commissioners with strong attendance records. As the City prepares to undertake a General Plan update in the coming year, retaining Commissioners with planning experience and community knowledge will provide valuable continuity and perspective. While some transition is expected during the General Plan process, maintaining experienced Commissioners through the majority of the update will help support informed discussion and consideration of the complex issues associated with a comprehensive General Plan update.
As noted above, Mr. Norman has submitted his resignation, effective upon the appointment of his successor. Staff is therefore recommending his reappointment with the understanding that he will continue serving until a replacement is appointed and available to attend meetings, helping to ensure the Commission maintains a quorum and continuity of operations.
Staff has initiated a recruitment process to fill the forthcoming vacancy. All qualified new applications, along with any qualified applications currently on file, will be eligible to be interviewed. Interviews for the Planning Commissioner vacancy are expected to be held June 29, 2026.
Background Discussion:
The Planning Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council. Commissioners serve two-year terms and are responsible for advising the City Council on matters related to land use, planning, zoning, and community development.
The terms of Mary Beatie, Kris Bruce, and Charlie Norman expire on June 30, 2026. Ms. Bruce was appointed by the City Council in September 2025 to fill an unexpired term resulting from a vacancy on the Commission. That unexpired term concludes on June 30, 2026, and staff is recommending her appointment to a full two-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
Mr. Norman has submitted his resignation effective upon the appointment of his successor. To ensure continuity of Commission operations and maintain a quorum during the recruitment process, staff recommends his reappointment until a replacement is selected by the City Council and is available to attend meetings.
Pursuant to the City Charter, the Planning Commission is responsible for 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 including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A
Prior Council Action: N/A
Alternatives: Provide alternative direction to staff.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to reappoint Mary Beatie, Kris Bruce, and Charlie Norman to serve on the Planning Commission for a term beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2028, and confirm the recruitment process for Mr. Norman’s pending vacancy.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 06/30/2026
Attachments: Applications for Mr. Norman, Ms. Bruce and Ms. Beatie.
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
|
☐ Economic Vitality |
☒  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☐  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |