Agenda Item Wording:
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Planning Commissioner Interviews - Conduct interviews to appoint upcoming Planning Commissioner vacancies/seats for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, and/or the option to fill a second unexpired term which ends June 30, 2026 or reopen the recruitment.
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Prepared by:
Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk, reyna.rivera@visalia.city, (559) 713-4512;
Leslie Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.caviglia@visalia.city, (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 a term ending on June 30, 2027, and/or the option to fill a second unexpired term ending June 30, 2026, due a resignation of another Commissioner, or reopen the recruitment process. Any appointment(s) made for the unexpired term should be effective August 26, 2025
Summary:
The City Council is being asked to conduct interviews and appoint one or more applicants to fill vacancies on the Visalia Planning Commission. This includes a full-term seat from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, and a second recent vacancy for an unexpired term ending June 30, 2026. The second unexpired term is the result of a resignation of Commissioner Adam Peck. These appointments are essential as the City prepares to undertake a comprehensive General Plan update process. Having experienced Commissioners in place will support continuity and effective decision-making. However, given that the public did not know there were two positions available, the Council could choose to reopen the recruitment process to solicit additional applicants.
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 Chris Tavarez has submitted his resignation, effective upon the appointment of his replacement. In response, the City Council directed staff to begin recruitment efforts to fill the anticipated vacancy. Furthermore, last week staff also received the resignation of Commissioner Adam Peck, who is moving out of the area to assume a new job. His term expires June 30, 2026.
The timing of the recruitment and appointments 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.
Although Commissioner Tavarez is stepping down due to work-related commitments, staff recommends he remain on the Commission temporarily to maintain a quorum until a new Commissioner is appointed. Staff has initiated the recruitment process, and both new applicants and those with current applications on file will be presented to the Council for consideration.
In addition to Commissioner Tavarez’s resignation, Commissioner Peck has submitted his resignation effective the end of day August 25, 2025.
Given that Commissioner Peck has a firm resignation date and Commissioner Tavarez has given his resignation effective the appointment of his replacement, Council could choose to appoint Commissioner Peck’s replacement first, and if it is the Council’s desire to reopen the recruitment process, Commissioner Tavarez could continue serving until his replacement is appointed.
Interviews will be conducted, and the final selection(s) will be made at the Council’s discretion. A successful appointee may fill the remainder of Commissioner Tavarez’s term, ending June 30, 2027, and/or the Council may choose to appoint a candidate to fill Commissioner Peck’s unexpired term ending June 30, 2026, or reopen the recruitment process.
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Prior Council Action: June 16, 2025: Council reappointed Commissioner Bill Davis to serve his second term. Commissioner Chris Tavarez was also reappointed to serve his third term, and Council directed staff to begin a recruitment in anticipation of his pending resignation.
Other: N/A
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 a full two-year term beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, effective August 26, 2025;
And/or
I move to appoint (insert name) to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term ending June 30, 2026, effective August 26, 2025;
And/or
I move to reopen the recruitment for additional candidates given that the public was unaware that two positions would be available.
Environmental Assessment Status: None.
CEQA Review: None.
Deadline for Action: 8/4/2025
Attachments: Planning Commission Applications