Agenda Item Wording:
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Planning Commission Reappointments - Recommendation to reappoint Bill Davis and Chris Tavarez to serve on the Planning Commission and to authorize Staff to begin a recruitment due to a pending resignation.
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Prepared by: Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.caviglia@visalia.gov 559-713-4332
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council reappoint Bill Davis to serve a second term on the Planning Commission and Chris Tavarez to serve a third term on the Commission. Both terms would commence July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. However, Mr. Tavarez recently submitted his resignation subject to the appointment of his replacement. Therefore, staff also recommends that the City Council direct staff to begin a recruitment for a Planning Commissioner who would replace Mr. Tavarez.
Summary: Both Mr. Davis and Mr. Tavarez have been engaged Commissioners who have had good attendance at Commission meetings. Given that the City will be embarking on the General Plan update in the coming year, having experienced people on the Commission with a background in planning and the community would be very helpful. While there will be some transition during the General Plan process, having experienced Commissioners going through the majority of the process will likely lead to a higher level of conversation and solid understanding of these complex issues associated with a major General Plan update.
As noted above, due to work related circumstances, Mr. Tavarez has submitted his resignation effective upon a replacement being selected. Therefore, staff is recommending that he be reappointed, with the understanding that he will serve and help ensure a quorum is retained at all meetings until the Council selects a replacement. Staff is therefore also recommending that a recruitment begin immediately for a Planning Commissioner. All new applications and all current applications on file will be presented to the City Council...
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