Agenda Item Wording:
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Planning Commissioner Interviews - Conduct interviews and appoint one applicant to fill the pending Planning Commission vacancy for the term ending June 30, 2028, defer the decision or reopen the recruitment process.
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Agenda Date: 06/29/2026
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 a pending vacancy for the Visalia Planning Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2028, continue the matter for further consideration, or reopen the recruitment process. The appointment shall become effective July 1, 2026 if appointed at this meeting, which corresponds with the conclusion of current Commission Charlie Norman’s term.
Summary:
As previously reported to the City Council, Commissioner Charlie Norman submitted his resignation effective June 30 or upon the appointment of his successor. A recruitment process was conducted, and nine applications were received for consideration. The City Council will conduct interviews and may appoint one applicant to fill the resulting vacancy on the Planning Commission for a term ending June 30, 2028, delay the appointment for further consideration at the next Council meeting, or direct staff to reopen the recruitment process.
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 members. Commissioner Charlie Norman submitted his resignation effective June 30. 2026 or the appointment and qualification of his successor. In response to the pending vacancy, the City Council directed staff to begin recruitment efforts.
Staff initiated a recruitment process and received new applications. Consistent with the City’s two-year application retention period, previously submitted qualified applications were invited to interview and be considered by the Council for this appointment.
The City Council will conduct interviews and may appoint one applicant to fill the term ending June 30, 2028, continue the matter to a later date, or direct staff to reopen the recruitment process.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A
Prior Council Action: June 15, 2026: The City Council reappointed Commissioner Charlie Norman to a second term on the Planning Commission and confirmed the recruitment process to fill the pending vacancy resulting from his resignation effective upon the appointment of his successor.
Alternatives: The City Council may provide alternative direction to staff.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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I move to appoint (insert name) to the Planning Commission to fill the vacant Commission positive effective July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2028.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 06/29/2026
Attachments: Planning Commission Applications
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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