Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
Visalia City Council
Visalia City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mayor Brett Taylor
Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Brian Poochigian
7:00 PM City Council ChambersMonday, July 20, 2026
ROLL CALL
Council Member Brian Poochigian, Mayor Brett Taylor, Council Member Steve Nelsen, Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez
Soto, and Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Present:
CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION - 5:00 PM (Unless otherwise noted) Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced that the meeting was being conducted in accordance with the teleconferencing requirements of Senate Bill 707. He noted that teleconference access information for remote public participation was included on the posted agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizens are now invited to comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council and items listed on the Closed Session agenda. The Council asks that you keep your comments concise and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
Public comment was received by Jeff Pool.
WORK SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS (as described)
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
1. 26-0041Proposed elimination of Transit Fixed Route 17 - Consider the proposed elimination of Transit Fixed Route 17 that serves the Visalia Industrial Park and the scheduling of a 30-day public comment period and public hearing.
Assistant City Manager John Lollis and Transit Manager Angelina Baker presented a PowerPoint regarding the proposed elimination of Transit Fixed Route 17 serving the Visalia Industrial Park and recommended opening a 30-day public comment period and scheduling a public hearing for a future meeting.
Council discussed the proposed elimination of Route 17, including the cost analysis and transportation options available for the remaining riders.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to approve as recommended, opening a 30-day public comment period and scheduling a public hearing at a future meeting for further consideration. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
2. 26-0060City Department Fourth of July post report - Receive a report summarizing the 2026 activities related to community
engagement and public safety.
Fire Marshal Corbin Reed and Parks and Recreation Director Jason Glick presented a PowerPoint summarizing the City's 2026 Fourth of July community engagement activities and public safety efforts, including legal fireworks sales, illegal fireworks enforcement, and the City's Annual Independence Spectacular.
Staff also reported that five lost animals were recovered, two of which were reclaimed by their owners.
Council discussed the report and thanked staff for the presentation and their efforts in making the event a success.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM (Or, immediately following Work Session)
Mayor Taylor adjourned to closed session at 5:49 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced that the meeting was being conducted in accordance with the teleconferencing requirements of Senate Bill 707. He noted that teleconference access information for remote public participation was included on the posted agenda.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
INVOCATION LED BY PAUL PASION -GONZALES, NEIGHBORHOOD
CHURCH
SPECIAL PRESENTATION / RECOGNITION
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time for general public comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. Each speaker tonight may speak for up to 3 minutes during this general comment period on a matter that is not on this agenda.
The public may also make one comment for up to 3 minutes prior to the consideration of the Consent Calendar, and immediately before any regular agenda item is heard. The Council asks that you keep you comments concise and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome.
Each speaker will be allowed three minutes and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
Public comment was received from Linda Martinez, Maria Guillén, Irene Lapin, and Mikki K.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion.
This is the time for members of the public to provide public comment on an item on the Consent Calendar. Comments will not be taken individually by the public if an item is pulled by a Council Member. Each speaker is allowed up to 3 minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling you name and providing your city of residence.
A motion was made by Council Member Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Poochigian, to approve the Consent Calendar as read. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
1. 26-0005Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
This Consent Item was approved.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
2. 26-0038Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-04 pertaining to the approval of Change of Zone No. 2025-03: A request by the City of Visalia to change the zoning designation on a 21-acre parcel from QP (Quasi-Public) to CMU (Commercial Mixed Use). The site is located on the northwest corner of Akers Street and Riggin Avenue, within the City limits of Visalia (APN: 077-100-103).
This Consent Item was approved.
*correction made to Ordinance number, revised number is 2026-09
3. 25-0828Record final map- Request authorization to record the final map for Belissa Phase 2 subdivision located at the northwest corner of North Demaree Street and West Pratt Avenue (108 lots); and the annexation of Belissa - Phase 2 into the Landscape and Lighting District No. 25-09 “Belissa” (Resolution Nos. 2026-51 and 2026-52 required).
This Consent Item was approved.
4. 25-0851Declare surplus City property and authorize disposition process - Request for Council to adopt Resolution No. 2026-41, declaring certain real property located on APN 077-100-103 (Akers and Riggin) as surplus property and authorize the property to be made available for purchase proposals and/or development proposals from qualified entities in accordance with California Government Code Section 54220. (Resolution 2026-41 required) This Consent Item was approved.
5. 26-0022Authorization to accept the Office of Traffic STEP grant - Authorize the Visalia Police Department to accept the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant in the amount of $189,525 awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, appropriate $39,525 from the General Fund and authorize the Visalia Chief of Police to execute the grant agreement.
This Consent Item was approved.
6. 26-0023Fire Department personal protective equipment (PPE) contract - Authorize the City Manager to enter a one-year contract with All Star Fire Equipment for structural firefighting turnout gear in an amount not to exceed $120,000 annually, with four additional one-year options to renew.
This Consent Item was approved.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
7. 26-0046Authorize the City Manager to issue a sole source purchase order to Cummins, Inc. - Authorize the City Manager to issue a sole source purchase order to Cummins, Inc., for the
commissioning and startup of the renewable power generation system at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility, in the amount of $251,757, and the appropriation of $260,000 from Wastewater Fund.
This Consent Item was approved.
8. 26-0028Award Design Contract - Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with 4Creeks, Inc. for design services for the fleet maintenance shop improvements and expansion project in the amount of $147,255.
This Consent Item was approved.
9. 26-0032Authorization to Award Contract for Central Valley Regional Bomb Squad Vehicle Replacement - Authorization to award a contract to Lynch Diversified Vehicles in the amount $436,397 to replace the Central Valley Regional Bomb Squad Vehicle and appropriate $4,800 from Police Unclaimed Funds.
This Consent Item was approved.
10. 26-0033Award Design Contract - Authorize the City Manager to award a professional design services contract to 4Creeks, Inc. in the amount of $667,446 to advance the 30% design to final plans, specifications and estimates for the widening of Shirk Street between Walnut Avenue and Noble Avenue and authorize the City Manager to execute a Measure R supplemental agreement with the Tulare County Transportation Authority in the amount of $726,600.
This Consent Item was approved.
11. 26-0034Notice of completion - Authorization to file the notice of completion for the Evans Ditch culvert replacement on Conyer Street project.
This Consent Item was approved.
12. 26-0037Consider the Tulare six-lane and Paige Avenue Interchange Caltrans mitigation agreement - Approve Caltrans funding agreement for operation of the Mooney Avenue bus rapid transit segment of the Cross Valley Corridor project.
This Consent Item was approved.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
13. 26-0040Citizens Advisory Committee Appointment - Approve the Citizens Advisory Committee’s recommendation to appoint Scott Feil to fill vacant position on the Citizens Advisory Committee for a term ending June 2028.
This Consent Item was approved.
14. 26-0043Service Agreement for after school club for Visalia Unified School District - Authorize City Manager to execute an
agreement with Visalia Unified School District to provide an after-school club for Crowley elementary school students at the city operated Manuel F. Hernandez Community Center.
This Consent Item was approved.
15. 26-0054Notice of completion - Request authorization to file a notice of completion for the Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project.
This Consent Item was approved.
16. 26-0055Award annual contract for landscape and irrigation repair services at various City owned locations - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to JC Land Management for an annual amount not to exceed amount of $45,000.
This Consent Item was approved.
17. 26-0029Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to award a contract and approve a long-term lease agreement for 408 acres of open ground to Correia Custom Farming Inc. - First reading of Ordinance No. 2026-08 to authorize the City Manager to award a contract and approve a long-term lease agreement for 408 acres of open ground to Correia Custom Farming
This Consent Item was approved.
18. 25-0829Notice of Completion - Request authorization to file a notice of completion for Carleton Acres Phase 1A subdivision, located on the north side of Riggin Avenue between Shirk Street and Denton Street; containing 73 residential lots.
This Consent Item was approved.
REGULAR ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Comments related to regular Items and Public Hearing Items are limited to three minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item. The Mayor may reasonably limit or extend the public comment period to preserve the Council's interest in conducting efficient, orderly meetings.
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
1. 25-0871Ordinance Adoption - First reading and public hearing for Ordinance No. 2026-05, adding Chapter 4.04, “Commercial Cannabis Activity” to the Visalia Municipal Code, rescinding Chapter 5.66, amending Chapter 8.64, and approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01, and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-42, establishing the application and selection process for both storefront and non-storefront retail cannabis business license applications.
City Attorney Jim Koontz, Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal, and Economic Development Manager Devon Jones presented a PowerPoint regarding the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-05 establishing the regulatory framework for commercial cannabis activity, approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01, and adopting Resolution No. 2026-42 establishing the application and selection process for storefront and non-storefront retail cannabis business license applications.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed at 7:37 p.m.
Council discussed the proposed ordinance and application process, including revising the proposed community benefits requirement from a minimum annual contribution of $50,000 or 1% of annual gross receipts, whichever is greater, to $75,000 or 1.5% of annual gross receipts, whichever is greater.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to introduce the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-05, approve Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-42, as amended to revise the community benefits requirement to a minimum annual contribution of $75,000 or 1.5% of annual gross receipts, whichever is greater. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
2. 26-0044Appeal of Planning Commission Action - An appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Clements Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5606, Tentative Parcel Map No. 2025-13, and Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-24, with respect to conditions regarding curb, gutter, sidewalk, and related frontage improvements along Lovers Lane and sidewalks within the proposed gated subdivision. The project applicant and appellant is D.R. Horton. The project is located on a ±78.11-acre site located on the east side of South Lovers Lane Avenue, north of Caldwell Avenue (APN: 127-020-020 and -021).
Principal Planner Jarred Olsen and Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal presented a PowerPoint regarding the appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of Clements Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5606, Tentative Parcel Map No. 2025-13, and Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-24.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m.
Public comment was received from Aman Narwal, Steven Brandt, and Dave Crinklaw.
Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
Council discussed the appeal, including the required Lovers Lane frontage improvements and the proposed sidewalks within the gated subdivision, as well as neighborhood connectivity, walkability, maintenance, and development standards. Council also discussed considering the two issues raised in the appeal separately.
A motion was made by Council Member Steve Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Brian Poochigian, to grant the appeal related to the required Lovers Lane frontage improvements. The motion carried unanimously.
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
A motion was made by Council Member Emanuel Hernandez Soto, seconded by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, to deny the appeal related to the required sidewalks within the proposed gated subdivision. The motion carried by the following vote:
Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz WynnAye:
Brian Poochigian, Brett TaylorNo:
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
3. 26-0019Consideration of General Plan amendment, prezone ordinance adoption, and annexation - A public hearing and consideration for the following actions requested by D.R. Horton related to the project located on ±78.11 acres on the east side of South Lovers Lane Avenue, north of Caldwell Avenue (APN: 127-020-020 and -021):
1. Adoption of Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for General Plan Amendment No. 2025-04, and
Annexation/Prezone No. 2025-04 (Resolution No. 2026-46);
2. Approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2025-04, a request to reconfigure the land use designations on the parcels, in addition to amending the Circulation Element to realign the “K” Avenue Collector alignment to follow the Sunnyside Avenue alignment between Lovers Lane and Road 148 (Resolution No. 2026-50);
3. Initiation of Proceedings for Annexation No. 2025-04, consisting of:
a. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 2026-07, a request to prezone the subject property to R-1 (Single-Family Residential zone), R-M-2 (Multi-family residential zone - 3,000 square foot minimum site area), R-M-3 (Multi-family residential zone - 1,200 square foot minimum site area), and QP
(Quasi-public zone) to be consistent with the land use
designation changes proposed in General Plan Amendment No. 2025-04; and,
b. A request to annex said parcels into the City limits of Visalia and detach from County Service Area No. 1 and the
Consolidated Water District and authorizing the City Manager to sign and enter into a Pre-Annexation Agreement (Resolution No. 2026-51).
Principal Planner Jarred Olsen and Planning and Community Preservation Director Paul Bernal presented a PowerPoint regarding General Plan Amendment No. 2025-04, Prezone No. 2025-04, and Annexation No. 2025-04 for the Clements Ranch project.
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing at 8:26 p.m. Public comment was received from Steven Brandt, representing the applicant. There being no further comments, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing at 8:27 p.m.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Liz Wynn, seconded by Council Member Steve Nelsen, to Adopt. The motion carried by the following vote:
Brian Poochigian, Brett Taylor, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel
Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn
Aye:
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Visalia City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 20, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. 26-0018Upcoming City Council Meetings
Monday, August 3, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Monday, August 17, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia
Note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change, check posted agenda for correct details. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in meetings contact 713-4512.
Written materials relating to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda are available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia CA 93292, during normal business hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Reyna Rivera
Chief Deputy City Clerk