Clovis City Council Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Clovis City Council met on November 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations recognizing Sikh Heritage Month and Family Caregivers Month, public comments on traffic safety and an online accuser, approval of a consent calendar, a public hearing on building code updates, a detailed General Plan update presentation, and council discussion on a potential Sex Offender Housing Inspection Enforcement Licensing and Disclosure (SHIELD) Act. The council also entered closed session for labor negotiations, existing litigation, and a city manager performance evaluation.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 through 8 were approved unanimously in a single vote. Item 4 (Business Organization of Old Town first quarter report) was noted with appreciation. Councilmember Ashback commented on Item 7 (Roadway Safety Action Plan) that the map does not adequately address rural-urban interface issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kristen Crane (Boward Avenue) raised concerns about traffic hazards at the intersection of Low Cannon and Herndon/Bullard, and also mentioned the passing of Central Valley icon Dolores Huerta.
• Paul Flores (online, Porterville resident) spoke during public comments after the consent calendar, directing questions to Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pierce regarding a sustained campaign of online accusations by Christina Mansfield. He asked Pierce to publicly address the pattern of allegations, including claims of surveillance, threats, and involvement with a Proud Boys gang. Flores stated that Mansfield has been arrested and has criminal proceedings suspended under Penal Code 1368 for mental competency. The council did not respond substantively, noting they do not address such matters.
• Sikh community members (Sukhbir Singh Bandal, Gurjit Singh, and others) spoke in support of the Sikh Heritage Month proclamation, emphasizing the community's contributions to Clovis and the importance of education against hate.
• Sue Hammond and Oscar Maciel (SEIU 2015 and IHSS providers) spoke in support of the Family Caregivers Month proclamation, highlighting the essential role of in-home supportive services and the need for greater recognition and funding.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: The council unanimously adopted proclamations declaring November 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and Family Caregivers Month. Councilmembers shared personal stories of Sikh community history and the value of caregivers.
• Public Hearing – Ordinance Amending Title 8 (Building Regulations): Building Official Jesse Newton presented a brief update to remove outdated and redundant sections of the municipal code related to building regulations. The council approved the introduction of the ordinance unanimously.
• General Plan Update: Ben Richie (DeNovo Planning Group) provided an update on the General Plan update process. He reported that the project is on schedule and within budget, with the adoption target of end of 2027. The GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee) has held 10 meetings. The Land Use Alternatives Report is nearly complete and will be published by end of November 2026. Two public workshops are planned for January 2027, followed by a GPAC meeting and joint council/planning commission workshops in February 2027. Council direction on the preferred land use map is expected in March 2027. Councilmember Basco raised concerns about historic preservation and ensuring the old town committee is engaged; staff confirmed the GPAC has considered the committee's recommendations and will continue to involve them.
• City Manager Comments: City Manager Andrew Haussler encouraged voting in the upcoming election, highlighted a Thursday workshop on missing middle housing, a scavenger hunt, and Peg Boss nominations.
• Council Comments:
  • Councilmember Ashback reported that the traffic light at Peach and Ashland has been activated.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Pierce reported on "Operation No Tricks or Treats" resulting in two arrests for possession of child sexual abuse material. She proposed directing staff to explore a local "SHIELD Act" to regulate sex offender housing, citing county and city of Fresno efforts.
  • After discussion, the council reached consensus to direct staff to prepare a primer/white paper on legal options, needs, and implications, with a report expected in the first quarter of 2027. Mayor Vong cautioned against moving too quickly, noting potential lawsuits and the need to avoid creating homelessness.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 3-8).
• Public Hearing – Ordinance: Approved introduction of ordinance amending Title 8 (building regulations).
• General Plan Update: Received and filed; next steps include public workshops in January 2027 and council direction on land use map in March 2027.
• SHIELD Act Direction: Council directed staff to prepare a written assessment of legal options, enforcement capabilities, and community needs regarding sex offender housing, to be presented in early 2027. No formal ordinance or act was adopted.
• Closed Session: The council entered closed session for conference with labor negotiators (all bargaining units and unrepresented employees), existing litigation (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Product Liability Litigation), and a public employee performance evaluation (City Manager). No reportable action was expected.