Agenda Item Wording:
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Planning Commissioner Interviews - Conduct interviews and appoint one applicant to fill the upcoming Planning Commission vacancy for the unexpired term ending June 30, 2027, or reopen the recruitment process.
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Agenda Date: 03/18/2026
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 conduct interviews to fill an upcoming vacancy for the Visalia Planning Commission with an unexpired term ending on June 30, 2027, or reopen the recruitment process. Any appointment made for the unexpired term should be effective March 24, 2026.
Summary:
The City Council has received the resignation of Commissioner William Davis effective March 24, 2026. A recruitment was held, and there are seven applicants for the position. Council will conduct interviews, and appoint one applicant to fill the resulting vacancy on the Visalia Planning Commission for the remainder of a term ending June 30, 2027, or the Council could choose to reopen the recruitment.
This appointment is important as the City prepares to undertake a comprehensive General Plan update process. Maintaining a full Planning Commission will support continuity and effective decision-making during this process.
Background Discussion:
Pursuant to Article XIII, Section 1 of the Visalia City Charter, the City Council may establish a Planning Commission consisting of five members who serve without compensation. The Commission is granted powers and duties as determined by the Council, specifically related to city planning matters.
According to Visalia Municipal Code Section 2.16.020, vacancies on the Planning Commission must be filled by the Council and are to be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired term. Commissioners must also be United States citizens and residents of the City of Visalia.
The Visalia Planning Commission currently consists of five voting members. Commissioner William Davis has submitted his resignation effective March 24, 2026. In response to the anticipated vacancy, the City Council directed staff to begin recruitment efforts.
The timing of the recruitment and appointment is especially important as the City is preparing to launch a comprehensive General Plan update in the coming year. Ensuring that the Planning Commission includes individuals with relevant experience in land use planning, zoning, and community development will provide stability and help support informed decision-making throughout this complex process.
Staff initiated a recruitment process and received new applications. In addition, applications previously submitted within the City’s two-year application retention period will also be presented to the City Council for consideration.
The City Council will conduct interviews and may appoint one applicant to fill the remainder of Commissioner Davis’s term ending June 30, 2027, or direct staff to reopen the recruitment process.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A
Prior Council Action: June 16, 2025: Council reappointed Commissioner William Davis to serve his second term.
Alternatives: The Council may provide direction to staff for an alternate process.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to appoint (insert name) to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term ending June 30, 2027, effective March 24, 2026;
Or
I move to direct staff to reopen the recruitment process; or provide an alternative process.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 03/24/2026
Attachments: Planning Commission Applications
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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