Agenda Item Wording:
title
Parks and Recreation Commission appointment- Approve the Parks and Recreation Commission sub-committee recommendation to appoint Jacob Olson to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
body
Agenda Date: 02/17/2026
Prepared by: Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager Laurissa.Roggenkamp@visalia.gov (559)713-4336; Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director, Jason.Glick@visalia.gov (559)713-4042
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council appoint candidate Jacob Olson, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation sub-committee, to fill the vacant position on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Summary:
Following interviews by the Parks and Recreation sub-committee, Jacob Olson was selected as the sub-committee’s recommendation to Council. At this time, the sub-committee is not recommending any additional alternates to fill this vacancy.
Recommended Candidate
• Jacob Olson
o Resides in the Southwest quadrant of Visalia.
o Demonstrated a strong passion for Parks and Recreation programming.
o Long-time Visalia resident; graduate of El Diamante High School, College of the Sequoias, and Fresno Pacific University.
They are assuming an unexpired term through June 2027. As this is more than half a term, it will be considered as their first term, and they will be eligible for three 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 four appointed commissioners: Commission Chair Samantha Wagner (resides in Southeast quadrant), Commissioner Janelle Hickey (resides in Northwest quadrant), Commissioner Nancy Hawkins (resides in Northeast quadrant) and Commissioner Kaitlyn Luck (resides in Northwest quadrant).
Following interviews by the Parks and Recreation sub-committee, Jacob Olson was selected as the sub-committee’s recommendation to Council. At this time, the sub-committee is not recommending any additional alternates to fill this vacancy.
Recommended Candidate
• Jacob Olson
o Resides in the Southwest quadrant of Visalia.
o Demonstrated a strong passion for Parks and Recreation programming.
o Long-time Visalia resident; graduate of El Diamante High School, College of the Sequoias, and Fresno Pacific University.
Following interviews, Jacob Olson was selected as the sub-committee’s recommendation to Council. At this time, the sub-committee is not recommending any additional alternates to fill this vacancy.
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 vacancy, the Council directed staff to conduct a recruitment. The recruitment was advertised:
• Applications Received: 10
• Review Panel: Parks & Recreation Sub-Committee, Commission Chair Samantha Wagner, and Commissioner Kaitlyn Lusk.
• Candidates selected for interview: 3 candidates.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A
Prior Council Action: 12/2/2024 Council appointed Isaias Farias to their first term to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
5/20/2024 Council appointed Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Luck to their first terms to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Alternatives: Decline to appoint the recommended candidate and direct staff to re-advertise the position and conduct the recruitment process to solicit additional applications.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to appoint Jacob Olson to fill the unexpired term with the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 02/17/2026
Attachments: Commission application for candidate Jacob Olson
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 |