Visalia City Council Meeting - June 15, 2026

Meeting Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 Work Session: 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Regular Session: 7:00 PM – 8:50 PM Location: City Council Chambers, 707 W. Acequia, Visalia, CA Presiding: Vice Mayor Liz Wynn (Mayor Brett Taylor absent) Council Members Present: Brian Poochigian, Steve Nelsen, Emmanuel Hernandez Soto, Liz Wynn

This meeting covered a work session on a new neighborhood park design and illegal fireworks enforcement, followed by a regular session that included a public hearing and adoption of the biennial budget, recertification of the Measure T tax plan, a zoning change from parkland to commercial use, approval of contested assessments, and a consent calendar of 37 routine items.

Work Session & Action Items

1. Conceptual Park Approval – Pearl Wood Property

Parks and Recreation Director Jason Glick, City Engineer Chris Crawford, and John McGee of Quad Knopf presented three conceptual designs for a new 5.5-acre neighborhood park at the Pearl Wood property. The park is located off Road 148 in Cameron Creek. Public input meetings in spring 2025 identified top amenities: walking path with lights, BMX pump track, pickleball courts, restrooms, adventure playground, and amphitheater. After reductions from a January 20, 2026 council meeting (saving $897,000), the project budget was approximately $6.6 million. Three new designs ranged from $5.9 million to $6.1 million. Staff recommended Conceptual Design No. 2 ($5.9 million) featuring two pickleball courts moved away from homes to reduce noise, a mini-pitch, nature playground, lit walking path, open green space with backstop, and trail along the basin. Council discussion focused on keeping the park appropriate for a neighborhood (not over-activating it) and moving the playground closer to the backstop to serve families with children in activities. Council Member Poochigian noted that siblings often use playgrounds during practices.

Vote: Motion by Council Member Nelsen, seconded by Council Member Poochigian, to approve Conceptual Design No. 2 with the revision to move the playground closer to the backstop. Passed 4-0 (Mayor Taylor absent).

2. Fire Department Illegal Fireworks Presentation

Fire Marshal Corbin Reed and Fire Chief Dan Griswold presented proactive efforts for Independence Day, including a safe-and-sane campaign, social media, utility bill mailers, 10 dedicated city staff call-takers for fireworks reports (operating from the EOC to reduce 911 burden), and joint VPD-fire patrols. Current fines: $2,000 first offense, $3,000 second, $4,000 third (tracked over 3 years). In 2025, 73 citations were issued. A reward system for information leading to arrests of illegal fireworks sellers was implemented in 2024; one reward was issued. Council discussed increasing fines (with possible $1,000 increase per tier) and reward amounts for future years, noting that Porterville now has higher fines. They also discussed coordinating social media messaging with Animal Services. The city’s third annual Independence Spectacular at Riverway Sports Park will include a fireworks show and an F-35 flyover from Lemoore Naval Air Base. No formal action required; staff will return with potential ordinance amendments for future years. Public comment from Jim Reeves questioned the effectiveness of raising fines and the need for 10 call-takers, but staff clarified call-takers are city staff on overtime and the system reduces 911 burden.

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comment:

• Sonia Sanchez (District 5) – Requested an update on emergency access and evacuation concerns for the River Run neighborhood, which relies on one primary access route via McAuliff Street and St. Johns Parkway, adjacent to Golden West High School. She cited concerns about 160 new homes under construction (Larks Bar subdivision) and suggested extending River Run Street to East Houston Avenue for a second access route. City Engineer Chris Crawford was asked to follow up.
• Irene Lapin – Criticized past city planning decisions, including tree planting in residential zones without maintenance plans, the Tulare Avenue “rehab” project that she said failed to attract bicyclists, and spending on Four Creeks videos that received negative public feedback. She urged more responsible planning.
• Harmeet Singh – Filed a formal complaint against City Manager Leslie Caviglia, alleging she hung up on him during a recorded phone call after failing to answer questions about his property citation. He requested an investigation.

Public Comment on Consent Calendar:

• Irene Lapin (on Item 6) – Questioned the selection of Love to Ride (based in Georgia) for a $1.3 million consultant contract for bike lane non-infrastructure programs. She asked about the bid evaluation, comparison to Tulare Avenue bike lanes, public input, and the concept of “transportation behavior modification.”

Public Hearing Comments:

• Harmeet Singh (on Contested Special Assessments) – Disputed the citation process, stating staff did not properly review his case and that he has pigeons, not chickens.
• Maria Guillén (on Budget) – Questioned whether departments submit visionary funding requests beyond conservative budgeting, and expressed hope for major community impacts.
• Maria Guillén and Jim Reeves (on Zoning Change) – Expressed disappointment about converting 21 acres of parkland to commercial use, noting the area could use a recreation center or park, and that the city would pay higher prices for future parkland.

Discussion Items

Consent Calendar – 37 items approved in one motion except those pulled. Council Member Poochigian pulled Items 5 and 6; Council Member Nelsen pulled Items 15 and 28; Vice Mayor Wynn pulled Item 34. Items pulled were individually discussed and voted:

• Item 5: Encampment Grant Application – Authorized staff to apply for Encampment Resolution Program Round 5 up to $5,000,000 for operational funds for the Visalia Navigation Center (interim shelter) and permanent housing at Majestic Gardens and Sequoia Village, plus services coordination. Council clarified that the 48-hour removal notice applies only to code enforcement for large nuisances, not to police operations addressing criminal activity. Police Chief Jason Salazar said it will have limited impact on police. Vote: 4-0
• Item 6: Consultant Contract to Love to Ride – Three contracts totaling $1,269,317 ($425,127 for Highland Community connectivity, $428,113 for Santa Fe Street bike lanes, $416,077 for Goshen-Visalia corridor connection) for non-infrastructure programs. Associate Engineer Cody McLaughlin explained the selection process: three staff scored proposals; Love to Ride scored highest on understanding scope, education, infrastructure, funding requirements, and digital presence. They will partner with local advocates. The majority of funding comes from grants. Vote: 4-0
• Item 15: Goshen Community Services District Wastewater Agreement – Updated service agreement with capacity caps and a 10-year planning horizon. Council Member Nelsen expressed concern about “good faith” notification of flow increases, but Public Works Director Nick Bartsch and Legal Counsel Ken Richardson clarified that the new agreement establishes a maximum capacity and enforcement mechanisms. Vote: 4-0
• Item 28: Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) Dues – Authorization to pay $30,000 for the second half of FY 2025/26. Council Member Nelsen opposed, citing lack of results over 13 years. Council Member Poochigian supported, noting recent reorganization and a new consultant. Vote: 3-1 (Nelsen dissenting; Mayor Taylor absent)
• Item 34: ASPCA Grant Application – Authorized application for up to $100,000 to fund supplies and subsidize approximately 700 Trap-Neuter-Release cat surgeries and 100 large canine spay/neuter procedures. Vice Mayor Wynn expressed strong support. Vote: 4-0

Regular Items and Public Hearings:

1. Contested Special Assessments – Resolution 2026-44 to place six contested assessments on the Tulare County secured property tax roll. Financial Analyst Ruth Pena reported that after the June 1, 2026 public hearing, staff reviewed each contested case and found proper notification; payments are due by June 30, 2026, or they will be placed on the tax roll. The six parcels include three code enforcement cases, two utility billing, and one animal control. Paul Bernal clarified that the property owner (Harmeet Singh) received a permit for pigeons after a citation; the contested assessment relates to an earlier animal citation not appealed. Vote: 4-0

2. Fiscal Year 2026/27 & 2027/28 Biennial Budget Adoption – Finance Director Renee Nagel and Budget Analyst Amee Swearingen presented the budget: total appropriations of $408.7 million (Year 1) and $358.8 million (Year 2). General fund revenues projected at $112.8 million (FY26/27) and $116.4 million (FY27/28), with surpluses of $2.4 million and $5.6 million respectively. Public safety comprises 67% of general fund (including tax measures), which is average compared to similar-sized cities. The budget includes 21 new full-time positions (total 742 FTEs), 194 capital projects in special revenue and capital funds, and over 200 divisions. Sales tax growth projected at 2.5% annually; property tax at 3%. The emergency reserve is maintained at 30% of operations. Council praised staff’s thoroughness. Vote: 4-0

3. Measure T District Tax Recertification – Required annual recertification of the quarter-cent sales tax for police and fire services (60% police, 40% fire). The plan has funded two police precincts, 23 police officers, and 13 firefighters. Maintenance-of-effort calculation shows general fund spending for police and fire is $7.7 million above the previous year’s level. The five-year forecast shows police Measure T surpluses each year, but fire Measure T shows deficits in later years unless vacancies are held. Vote: 4-0

4. Public Hearing and Ordinance Adoption – Zoning Change – General Plan Amendment No. 2025-02 and Change of Zone No. 2025-03 to re-designate a 21-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Akers Street and Riggin Avenue from Parks/Recreation (QP) to Commercial Mixed Use (C-MU). Principal Planner Brandon Smith explained that the site was designated parkland since 2010, but the city plans to use proceeds from its sale to fund park improvements elsewhere. Four potential sites for a 5-to-12-acre community park in the Northwest Quadrant have been identified, and a Parks Master Plan is underway (expected 2027). The zoning change allows flexible commercial, office, or residential uses; parks are allowed conditionally. Vote: 4-0

5. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Rates and Fees – Resolution 2026-02 adopting the annual rate and fee schedule. Standard CPI increase of 3.09% (California CPI); construction cost index decrease of -0.79% (affecting impact fees); business taxes increase 3.23% (based on 3-year U.S. CPI average). Effective dates: July 1, 2026 for most fees; August 10 for parks and recreation program fees (to align with fall registration); August 14 for impact fees (60-day notice). Vote: 4-0

Key Outcomes

• Approved Conceptual Design No. 2 for the Pearl Wood neighborhood park, with playground moved closer to backstop (4-0).
• Received the fireworks presentation; staff directed to bring back potential fine and reward increases for future years.
• Approved Encampment Resolution Round 5 grant application up to $5,000,000 (4-0).
• Approved consultant contracts with Love to Ride totaling $1,269,317 (4-0).
• Approved updated wastewater service agreement with Goshen Community Services District (4-0).
• Approved payment of $30,000 in TCEDC dues (3-1).
• Approved ASPCA grant application for up to $100,000 for animal surgeries (4-0).
• Adopted Resolution 2026-44 for placement of six contested special assessments on the tax roll (4-0).
• Adopted the FY 2026/27 & 2027/28 Biennial Budget via Resolution 2026-39 (4-0).
• Recertified the Measure T Expenditure Plan for FY 2026/27 (4-0).
• Adopted General Plan Amendment 2025-02 and first reading of Ordinance 2026-04 to change zoning on 21 acres at Akers and Riggin to Commercial Mixed Use (4-0).
• Adopted Resolution 2026-02 updating the city’s rates and fees schedule (4-0).
• Reported from Closed Session: City acquired property for the Caldwell Widening Project (Santa Fe to Lovers Lane) for $30,000, closing date June 2, 2026.
• Next Regular Meeting: Monday, July 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM.