Agenda Item Wording:
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Consider appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission: Appointment of two candidates, Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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Deadline for Action: 5/20/2024
Submitting Department: Community Services
Contact Name and Phone Number: Laurissa Roggenkamp, 713-4336 and Michelle Speer, Administrative Services Director 713-4053
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council appoint the two candidates, Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, to fill the two vacant positions on the Parks and Recreation Commission
Background Discussion:
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 centers.
In accordance with the City Charter, the Parks and Recreation Commission is comprised of five voting members. Pursuant to Visalia Municipal Code 2.12.010 vacancies from any cause on the Parks and Recreation Commission shall be filled by the Council.
Two Commission seats are currently vacant:
- Lisa Walsh - resigned November 2023
- Zachary Boudreaux - resigned February 2024
Evaluation and Recommendation from Council sub-committee:
Upon notice in November 2023 of the vacancy for the Parks and Recreation Commission seat the Council directed for a recruitment to be conducted. The recruitment was advertised on November 7, 2023, and on January 11, 2024.
Seven new applicants were received, as applications are kept on file for a period of two years a total of nine applications were considered by the City Council sub-committee, Vice-Mayor Brett Taylor and Councilmember Steve Nelsen. The Council sub-committee reviewed applications, selected, and forwarded eight candidates to the Parks and Recreation Commission sub-committee to interview and recommend to City Council.
Recruitment, Evaluation, and Recommendation from Commission:
The Parks and Recreation Commission developed a sub-committee to serve as the interview and recommendation panel to City Council, Commission Chair, Samantha Wagner and Commissioner Janelle Hickey.
Staff contacted the eight candidates that were recommended by the Council sub-committee. Four of the eight candidates were still interested in moving forward in the recruitment process, however only three were eligible as one applicant is currently serving on another City of Visalia commission/committee.
Interviews of the three remaining candidates were scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 25th and Wednesday, May 8th. One candidate ultimately declined the interview due to changes in their work schedule. In addition to the interviews, applications were reviewed.
The recommended candidates to the Parks and Recreation Committee from the sub-committee are:
1. Nancy Hawkins, who resides in Northeast quadrant, demonstrated a passion for parks and trails. She is long-time Visalia resident and community volunteer. Ms. Hawkins is a Master Gardener and past President of the Tulare/Kings Master Gardeners.
2. Kaitlyn Lusk, who resides in Northwest quadrant, and is a long-time resident of Visalia has an extensive background in recreation. She volunteers for the Miracle Leage of Visalia and has served with several recreation groups as paid staff and as a volunteer. Ms. Lusk is eager to make a difference in the community where she lives.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Prior Council Action: 5/15/2023 Council appointed Edgardo Monroy and Samantha Wagner to their second terms to the Parks and Recreation Commission. 8/7/2023 Council appointed Zachary Boudreaux and Janelle Hickey to serve their first terms to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Select to not appoint any of the recommended candidates and direct staff to readvertise and go through recruitment process for additional applicants.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Motion to approve the appointment of Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk to their first-terms to the Parks and Recreation Commission
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Applications for candidates Nancy Hawkins and Kaitlyn Lusk.