Clovis City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

The Clovis City Council met on September 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Key actions included approval of a policy establishing timing requirements for off-site infrastructure improvements tied to development entitlements, and cancellation of the September 21, 2026 council meeting. The meeting also featured a proclamation recognizing U.S. Constitution Week and public comments on various topics.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Approved final acceptance and authorization to record Notice of Completion for CIP 13-22 Leonard Avenue Bridge Replacement (final cost $1,726,436.48).
• Approved Resolution 26___ annexing miscellaneous properties to Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.
• Approved bid award for CIP 25-15 Reservoir 4 Tank Liner to Cal Sierra Construction, Inc. in the amount of $787,967.00; authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comments: Brian Wilson (Bergen Avenue, Clovis) thanked the council and city for the September 11 remembrance event, noting that his photos did not show the old town seal on the water tank as placed. Stephen Travino (address on border) recalled the unity of government following 9/11 and expressed concern about current political division.
• Public Comments on Item 6 (Off-Site Infrastructure Policy):
  • Brian Wilson (469 Bergen) asked about county road considerations in traffic studies, questioning whether improvements on one side of a road would account for both sides when residents travel both directions.
  • Darren Rose (Building Industry Association, BIA) expressed support for the policy, noting collaboration with the city and stating it provides clarity and does not significantly change the development process.
  • Mike Prandini (2062 Alamos, Clovis; former BIA president/CEO) spoke in support, emphasizing that builders seek certainty in timing requirements. He noted that liquidated damages can be included in subdivision agreements without needing council action, and that police and fire departments already review traffic studies for safety issues. He supported approval with minor clarifications discussed by council.

Discussion Items

• Item 6: Policy on Timing of Off-Site Infrastructure Improvements for Entitlements to Maintain Public Safety

  • City Engineer Thad Avery presented the policy, which formalizes council direction from April 13, 2026. The policy establishes a framework requiring traffic studies and supplemental studies to define timing of off-site improvements. It includes a good faith standard for developers and allows the city to halt permit issuance if improvements are not completed per schedule. The policy was developed with industry input, including meetings on January 5, January 13, June 12, June 25, and August 19, 2026. The BIA submitted a letter of support after revisions.
  • Councilmember questions focused on: whether the policy addresses current issues like Shepherd/Sunnyside/Fowler (Avery clarified it does not); how timing would work for large versus small projects; the absence of liquidated damages and performance bonds (Avery noted the city can revoke permits for non-compliance, and liquidated damages could be increased with council backing); coordination with third-party utilities (e.g., PG&E) where the city lacks direct authority; and application to water, sewer, and other utility improvements beyond traffic.
  • Discussion on Section 5.3: Councilmember Bessinger suggested clarifying that delays impacting public safety can be addressed via interim improvements under Section 6 or Section 7. Councilmember Pierce asked whether police/fire can override a traffic study on urgency; Avery said the traffic study is the primary document but police and fire provide input, potentially influencing the study.
  • Councilmember Basgall expressed concern about the county road interface, calling it an ongoing issue. Councilmember Bessinger noted the policy helps with developer accountability but does not solve county coordination. The mayor highlighted that the policy adds timing to existing nexus requirements, not new improvements.
  • A motion was made to approve the policy with an amendment to Section 5.3 adding "or Section 7" after "Section 6" for clarity. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously (5-0).

• Item 7: Change of Council Meeting Schedule

  • City Manager Andrew Haussler recommended canceling the September 21, 2026 meeting due to consolidated items. The council approved the cancellation unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Policy on Timing of Off-Site Infrastructure Improvements (Item 6) with an amendment to Section 5.3 clarifying that delays may be addressed under Section 6 or Section 7. Vote: 5-0.
• Approved: Cancellation of the September 21, 2026 regular City Council meeting (Item 7). Vote: 5-0.
• Closed Session: The council adjourned to closed session for anticipated litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)). No reportable action was taken at the meeting; a report was expected after the meeting.

Proclamations and Presentations

• Proclamation Recognizing U.S. Constitution Week (September 17-23, 2026) was presented to representatives from the local chapter.

City Manager Comments

• Provided a photo of the water tower with logo, lit through the end of the year.
• Upcoming events: Clovis Mobile Rec tour at San Gabriel Park and Thorburn Park; General Plan Advisory Committee meeting (Sept. 17) on open space, parks, police, and fire; Letterman Trail ribbon cutting (Sept. 29); Clovis Fest; Clovis Night Out (Oct. 3) with drone show themed "America 250."

Council Comments

• Councilmember Basgall: Thanked staff for opening Minnewawa Avenue and Shepherd; requested an update on the car lot on Clovis Avenue (staff reported potential transfer to a new development group, dealers still on but delayed). Thanked the 9/11 committee.
• Councilmember Bessinger: Attended an affordable housing summit; highlighted AI for streamlining affordable housing project approvals. Noted need for denser housing done "the Clovis way."
• Councilmember Ashbeck: Thanked staff for the 9/11 event. Raised concerns about SB 9 development at Armstrong and Gettysburg, asking for clarity on whether all lots will have four houses per lot or just the westernmost ones. Requested a workshop on SB 9.
• Councilmember Pierce: Echoed thanks for 9/11 events; highlighted the 25th anniversary and the impact of the ceremony (including recorded 9/11 calls). Praised the speaker series at Clovis Veterans Memorial District. Thanked public utilities and the multimedia team for the water tower lighting event.
• Mayor Moonatua: Welcomed new businesses (Wayland Construction, Nourish, Breach Fitness). Recognized Clovis Unified's America 250 initiative and school 9/11 events at Red Bank Elementary.