Agenda Item Wording:
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Parks and Recreation Commission appointment - Approve the Parks and Recreation Commission sub-committee recommendation to reappoint Commissioners Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk to their second terms to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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Agenda Date: 06/15/2026
Prepared by: Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager Laurissa.Roggenkamp@visalia.gov, 713-4336; Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director, Jason.Glick@visalia.gov, 713-4042
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council reappoint Commissioners Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk to their second terms, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission sub-committee.
Summary:
At the regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission held on May 12, 2026 the Commission selected members to serve on a subcommittee responsible for reviewing applications and making recommendations to the City Council for two upcoming Commission vacancies.
A total of fourteen applications were received for the two available seats. The subcommittee conducted a full review of all submissions, considering relevant experience, community involvement, and alignment with the mission of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Following its review, the subcommittee unanimously selected two candidates for recommendation to the City Council. The subcommittee is not recommending alternates at this time.
Recommended Candidates:
• Nancy Hawkins
o Current Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission, has served one term with strong attendance and active participation
o Resides in the Northeast quadrant of Visalia
o Member of the Master Gardeners club; assists with maintenance of the Ralph Moore Memorial Rose Garden at Visalia’s Memorial Park
o Active volunteer with several Visalia and Tulare County nonprofit organizations
o Long‑time Visalia resident and retired schoolteacher with the Visalia Unified School District
• Kaitlyn Lusk
o Current Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission, has served one term with strong attendance and active participation
o Resides in the Northwest quadrant of Visalia
o Volunteer for Assistance League of Visalia
o Long-time resident of Visalia
o Works professionally in the field of municipal recreation
They are assuming new two-year terms through June 2028, this will be their second term, they will be eligible for two additional two-year terms.
Background Discussion:
The Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council and City Manager on matters related to parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities. Its purpose is to provide recommendations that support the development, maintenance and enhancement of public spaces and recreation programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the community. The commission promotes opportunities for leisure, wellness, and community engagement, helping to guide policies, and projects that enrich the quality of life for Visalia residents.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is currently comprised of five appointed commissioners:
o Samantha Wagner
o Resides in Northwest quadrant
o Currently serving third term, term expiring June 2027
o Janelle Hickey
o Resides in Northeast quadrant
o Currently serving second term, term expiring June 2027
o Jacob Olson
o Resides in Southwest quadrant
o Currently serving first term, term expiring June 2027
o Nancy Hawkins - Recommended to serve 2nd term
o Resides in Northeast quadrant
o Currently serving first term, term expiring June 2026
o Kaitlyn Lusk - Recommended to serve 2nd term
o Resides in Northwest quadrant,
o Currently serving first term, term expiring June 2026
Pursuant to Article VII of the Visalia City Charter, the Council, may provide for appointment of the Parks and Recreation Commission five members to serve without compensation, and to act in an advisory capacity to the Council and City Manager in all matters pertaining to parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities.
In accordance with the City Charter, the Parks and Recreation Commission is comprised of five voting members. Pursuant to the Visalia Municipal Code 2.12.010 vacancies from any cause on the Parks and Recreation Commission shall be filled by City Council.
Recruitment Process:
Upon notice of the pending term expiring, staff conducted a recruitment for applicants. The recruitment was advertised:
o Applications (current and new): 14
o Review Panel: Parks & Recreation Sub-Committee, Commission Chair Samantha Wagner and Vice-Chair Janelle Hickey
o Candidates selected for recommendation: 2
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A
Prior Council Action: 2/17/26 - Council appointed Jacob Olson to their first term to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Alternatives: Decline to appoint the recommended candidates and direct the Parks and Recreation Commission sub-committee to further evaluate other applicants.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to reappoint Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk to the Parks and Recreation Commission to serve second terms expiring June 30, 2028.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 06/30/2026
Attachments: Commission application for candidates Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk.
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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