OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting - September 8, 2026: Parks Master Plan, Transit Route Elimination, Data Center Moratorium, and Housing Plans

City Council — Tuesday, September 8, 2026
BodyVisalia, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 8, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:26:50

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good afternoon and welcome to the Visaya City Council work session.

0:05

We're gonna go ahead and uh have our roll call.

0:08

Um, Councilmember Nelson is out today, and then I think we are expecting Councilmember Soto to be here shortly.

0:14

Um, we are gonna start this meeting um by uh actually having a special presentation.

0:20

So um, can we have our speaker come forward, please?

0:45

Although I may look a little pregnant at Ratchet, I'm sorry, guys, but I've got important things to say.

0:53

Um, I'd ask Ms.

0:55

Cavilia if I could have my two minutes of time, and I'm gonna try to do it without crying.

1:00

Don't look at me.

1:03

I just want to let you guys know that when I was in high school.

1:07

You started with the city win.

1:10

So fine.

1:14

Oh, can you hear me better now?

1:16

So when I was in high school, I watched my mom make a total career change.

1:21

She went back to school, she got a college degree, and she became the best version of herself.

1:29

Um if my dad was here, he would be up here giving a funny speech and making you guys all laugh.

1:36

But I watched my mom start as a thousand-hour employee with the city of Viselia, which is huge because I also was a thousand-hour employee back in 2008 for Viselian Police Department, and so I know how it is to live off that minimum wage and the hours that the city gives you just to make ends meet, and to do that with the family.

1:58

I was a kid.

1:59

She wasn't a kid, she was a grown woman with almost grown kids.

2:03

But I watched her transform her life from yard sale signs to shopping carts, which I've been personally victimized by the shopping cart ordinance.

2:15

Let's talk about don't park in Viarta on the north side of the Target shopping center, because you will not get your shopping cart back.

2:23

Um but she has done so much that goes to show me as a young adult, um, we'll say medium age adult, that if you put your mind to something, you can really do it.

2:35

I watched her develop the sweep team.

2:38

I watched her take over and fill in for some parks and rec and some other nonsense that I didn't quite understand.

2:45

But nothing makes me more happy to go see her live the rest of her best life.

2:50

She is going to become a vacation Barbie.

2:54

She is she is trading in her shopping cards and her yard sale signs for suit cases and passports.

3:02

And I know she's sad about leaving, but I've learned a lot from her.

3:07

I know my brother has.

3:09

You've got two kids that have been part of city government because of her.

3:13

And um, I'm gonna step back right now because I promised Leslie that I would only do two minutes, and now it's Garrett's turn.

3:28

All right, so uh my mom Tracy is retiring this week.

3:32

Um, she's been in public service uh longer than I've been alive, so which is uh not that long.

3:40

Um specifically, she's been with the city of Isaiah since I was very young, uh, decades later.

3:46

Uh I can look back and see the impact that my mom has had on the uh city of Isaiah.

3:51

I have not been directly impacted by the shopping cart ordinance, but I do here apparently it's a thing.

3:56

Uh I am a public servant myself.

3:58

I've worked in um multiple cities, and what I can tell you about working in all those places that no one I've ever crossed paths with uh is cut from the same cloth as my mom.

4:08

So uh she's an innovator, she thinks critically.

4:12

Uh still have multiple programs in the city that have led to blight reduction and increased safety and uh overall improved life for everyone who lives in the city.

4:22

My mom's a leader, she's uh looked out for her people, led by example and committed herself entirely to a career.

4:29

She's extraordinarily intelligent.

4:31

I can tell you that to this day as a grown man who supervises his own people that she proofreads multiple documents for me.

4:37

Uh because she no one does it better than she does.

4:40

Uh Vicelli will not be the same without her.

4:43

And I know that you all will have trouble replacing her, and I think you know that because uh she is impossible to replace.

4:49

No one will do her job better than she does.

4:52

Uh my mom loves this city, and all of you that she's worked with.

4:55

If you see her, please congratulate her on her well-earned retirement.

5:00

And from all of us who have uh lived in this city during their lives, thank you, mom.

5:05

Thank you.

5:18

Good afternoon, Mayor, Council members, ladies and gentlemen.

5:23

My name is Ruth Bill Monty, and I am with the city of Kermit, but also a board of directors.

5:30

Can you hear me?

5:31

But also board of directors for Region Three for the Code Enforcement Association of the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers.

5:42

And it is my pleasure to recognize Tracy, neighborhood preservation manager as one of our officers of the month, but not just that.

5:53

Tracy has been an outstanding person in leadership, dedication to code enforcement for I'm sure more than 20 years, as long as I've known her.

6:06

One of the things too that stands out with Tracy is that she's always helped me in time of need when I needed some questions answered or maybe a form.

6:15

She was there.

6:22

Tracy has been a KCO member for almost 18 years, has served an incredible 14 years with KCO board of directors, which again region three.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation███████████████████████23%
Affordable Housing███████████████15%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Procedural███████████11%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Technology and Innovation███████7%
Public Safety████4%
Homelessness███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Visalia City Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Visalia City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, starting with a 4:00 PM work session followed by a 7:00 PM regular session. The meeting included a special recognition, a presentation on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a public hearing on eliminating Transit Fixed Route 17, approval of the CAPER, a public hearing on the Prohousing Designation application, adoption of an urgency ordinance temporarily banning new data center development, and a public hearing on the 5-Year PLHA Plan. All votes were 4-0 with Councilmember Steve Nelsen absent.

Special Presentation / Recognition

  • Tracy, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, was recognized for her 20+ years of service. Several speakers, including her children and a representative from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers, praised her leadership, innovation, and dedication. Tracy thanked the council and community for their support. Council members expressed gratitude and noted her high standards.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jim Reeves (Visalia) commented on the police department's automated license plate reader (ALPR) policy, noting that the policy requires review and approval before data sharing, but a public records request showed 309 agencies accessed data 507,696 times in May 2026, suggesting the policy should be updated to reflect actual practice.
  • Irene Lappin (Visalia) spoke about crime, referencing Proposition 47 and a large brawl at an MMA event on August 22, 2026, at the Visalia Convention Center. She criticized the convention center manager and recommended terminating her and ending fight events there.
  • Maria Gillian (Visalia) expressed concerns about eliminating Route 17, asking about alternative transit, microtransit plans, and whether the route served only Amazon workers. She also questioned how funds would be redirected.
  • Eric Elliott (Visalia) asked for more information on microtransit alternatives and the city's plans for on-demand services.
  • Irene Lappin (second appearance) commented on the Prohousing application, stating the 450-page document was illegible when enlarged on the city website and requested a readable format.
  • Charity Payanis (Visalia) spoke against data centers, urging a complete ban rather than a temporary moratorium.
  • Jordan Higueretta (Portaville, UCLA student) supported the data center moratorium, citing concerns about utility costs, water use, and the influence of utility companies. He asked council to extend the moratorium and call for a permanent ban.
  • Paul Arista (Visalia, Central Valley DSA) supported the moratorium, noting data centers consume 100 million gallons of water per year and produce noise up to 90 decibels, threatening agriculture and quality of life.
  • Joan Quadra (Visalia) opposed data centers, citing noise and inability to sell homes near such facilities on the East Coast.
  • Rita Henry (Visalia) supported a total ban on data centers, emphasizing water, environment, and future generations.
  • Stephanie Thiesen (Visalia, 35-year resident) supported the moratorium and urged a permanent ban, noting her work in farming and dairy.
  • Ashley (Visalia) thanked Councilmember Poochigian for bringing the moratorium forward and supported a permanent ban.
  • Tobias (Visalia, online) thanked the council for addressing AI data centers, cited Alphabet's $5.6 billion loss from AI infrastructure, and opposed data centers due to water, utility costs, and heat waves.
  • Joe Delgado (online, Visalia) commended the council for the moratorium and urged a permanent ban, noting the county is also considering a moratorium.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved by a single motion (4-0). Items included: authorization to read ordinances by title; record final maps for Willow Springs Unit 3, Elliott Subdivision Phase 2A, and Tentative Parcel Map 2025-15; joint letter supporting tort reform; PRISMHealth MOU amendment; delegate designation for Cal Cities conference; land fallowing program contracts; landscape maintenance contract award; purchase of a wheel loader and tractor; designation of property into public right-of-way; appraisal services contract; Community Services Employment and Training agreement; Building Advisory Committee appointment; grant applications for transit buses; letter of support for Hanford High-Speed Rail maintenance facility.

Discussion Items

1. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Presentation

  • Mike Setz from PROS Consulting presented key findings from the 2026 Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment. Highlights include:
    • Park assessments: overall good condition, but opportunities to reinvest in courts, playgrounds, paths, and shade. Harold's Grove and Seven Oaks need focused attention.
    • Community engagement: over 120,000 touchpoints, 420 statistically valid surveys (margin of error ±5%, 95% confidence), 182 participants in public meetings/focus groups, 672 website contributions.
    • 93% of residents use parks annually (national average 81%), 60% visit at least once a week.
    • Top barrier to use: lack of restrooms (also top maintenance concern).
    • Top benefits residents see: improves physical and mental health, reduces crime.
    • Satisfaction with parks is 42% (national benchmark 63%), indicating work needed.
    • Top priorities for investment: trails/loop walking paths, restroom improvements, general repair/maintenance, indoor walking/recreation, new aquatic center. Plaza Park Raceway had low support.
    • Communication preferences: Facebook, city website, Instagram, email.
    • Council members discussed the need for upkeep (especially mowing), multi-use facilities, indoor recreation, shade, and addressing restroom cleanliness. Vice Mayor Wynn noted the need for better indoor facilities and asked about comments on Harold's Grove (transient activity). Mayor Taylor said the data will help plan future funding and design of the East Side Regional Park (200+ acres).
  • Received presentation unanimously (4-0). No formal action taken aside from acceptance.

2. Proposed Elimination of Transit Fixed Route 17

  • Staff reported that Route 17 (serving the Visalia Industrial Park) had extremely low ridership—on average one rider every three hours—and operating costs of $8,000 per year. A three-year grant funding the route has been exhausted. Public engagement (July 21–September 8) yielded 14 comments: 9 opposed, 2 supportive, 3 neutral. The largest employers indicated few employees use the route. Microtransit (Visalia Connect) and future Cross Valley Corridor improvements were presented as alternatives. Route 15 may be adjusted to serve some needs. Councilmember Soto asked about adding an Amazon stop to Route 15; staff said proximity may be difficult but will take it back for discussion. Public hearing: two speakers expressed concerns but staff explained the low ridership and alternative options. Motion to approve elimination passed 4-0. Staff will present the Short Range Transit Plan update on September 21, 2026.

3. 2025 Public Hearing and CAPER Approval

  • Margie Perez presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2025/26. Total CDBG resources: $1.9 million; expenses/accomplishments included 476 homeless individuals counted in point-in-time count, 13 individuals assisted via permanent supportive housing, 84 via fair housing workshops, 49 via housing flex funds, 93 via Eden House transitional housing, 3 single-family home repairs, 394 code enforcement citations (355 corrected), and Lincoln Oval Park improvements. HOME resources: $741,000; Rancho Colegio (80 units, 11 HOME-assisted, 20 farmworker set-aside) completed January 2026. Public hearing held, no public comments. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-58 passed 4-0.

4. Prohousing Public Hearing (First Hearing)

  • Brandon Smith explained the state's Prohousing Designation Program, which offers non-competitive funding (base $750,000 + up to $500,000 bonus) for housing projects. The city already meets 26 policies (38 points) plus enhancement factors (18 points) for a total of 56 points, well above the 30-point threshold. Public participation period runs August 21–September 21, 2026. Council members noted this is effectively mandatory for future grant eligibility. No action required at this hearing; second public hearing and potential adoption set for September 21, 2026. Public comment: Irene Lappin requested readable document format. Staff will address.

5. Urgency Ordinance – Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Development

  • Paul Brunell and City Attorney Jim Coons presented the urgency ordinance (Ordinance 2026-10) imposing a 45-day moratorium on accepting, processing, or issuing permits for new data center development, including communication equipment buildings as defined in city code. Findings cite potential impacts on public health, safety, welfare, water, energy, noise, and changing land use patterns. The moratorium can be extended twice: first for up to 10 months and 15 days, then for an additional year. Councilmember Soto requested extending the 15-minute public comment limit; the mayor allowed more time (total ~13 minutes used). Public testimony: 10 speakers (in person and online) strongly supported the moratorium, many urging a permanent ban. No speakers opposed. Motion to adopt the urgency ordinance required a 4/5 vote; passed 4-0.

6. Public Hearing on 5-Year PLHA Plan

  • Margie Perez presented the draft 5-Year Plan (FY 2025/26–2029/30) for Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funds. Total estimated five-year allocation: $2.29 million. Proposed allocations: 65% for Visalia Navigation Center operations, 15% for temporary emergency shelter (warming center), and 15% for Eden House bridge housing. Accomplishments from FY 2024/25: navigation center served 244 unduplicated clients (299 duplicated), warming center assisted 727 individuals, Eden House assisted 93 homeless individuals. Council discussed senior housing (Crescent Meadows, 80 units for seniors 62+, 24 set aside for homeless veterans). Public hearing held, no public comments. Motion to proceed with proposed allocations and direct staff to return for adoption on September 21, 2026, passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Parks Master Plan: Received presentation. Staff will proceed with next phases: level of service analysis, operational assessments, cost estimates, and funding strategies.
  • Transit Fixed Route 17: Eliminated effective at council-designated date (likely October 2026). Resources to be redirected to more efficient services.
  • CAPER: Approved (Resolution 2026-58).
  • Prohousing Application: First public hearing held. Second hearing and potential adoption on September 21, 2026.
  • Data Center Moratorium: Adopted (Ordinance 2026-10) for 45 days, effective immediately. City will research impacts and may extend.
  • 5-Year PLHA Plan: Council endorsed proposed activity allocations. Final adoption scheduled for September 21, 2026.
  • Next Meeting: Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM at 707 W. Acequia.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon and welcome to the Visaya City Council work session. We're gonna go ahead and uh have our roll call. Um, Councilmember Nelson is out today, and then I think we are expecting Councilmember Soto to be here shortly. Um, we are gonna start this meeting um by uh actually having a special presentation. So um, can we have our speaker come forward, please? Although I may look a little pregnant at Ratchet, I'm sorry, guys, but I've got important things to say. Um, I'd ask Ms. Cavilia if I could have my two minutes of time, and I'm gonna try to do it without crying. Don't look at me. I just want to let you guys know that when I was in high school. You started with the city win. So fine. Oh, can you hear me better now? So when I was in high school, I watched my mom make a total career change. She went back to school, she got a college degree, and she became the best version of herself. Um if my dad was here, he would be up here giving a funny speech and making you guys all laugh. But I watched my mom start as a thousand-hour employee with the city of Viselia, which is huge because I also was a thousand-hour employee back in 2008 for Viselian Police Department, and so I know how it is to live off that minimum wage and the hours that the city gives you just to make ends meet, and to do that with the family. I was a kid. She wasn't a kid, she was a grown woman with almost grown kids. But I watched her transform her life from yard sale signs to shopping carts, which I've been personally victimized by the shopping cart ordinance. Let's talk about don't park in Viarta on the north side of the Target shopping center, because you will not get your shopping cart back. Um but she has done so much that goes to show me as a young adult, um, we'll say medium age adult, that if you put your mind to something, you can really do it. I watched her develop the sweep team. I watched her take over and fill in for some parks and rec and some other nonsense that I didn't quite understand. But nothing makes me more happy to go see her live the rest of her best life. She is going to become a vacation Barbie. She is she is trading in her shopping cards and her yard sale signs for suit cases and passports. And I know she's sad about leaving, but I've learned a lot from her. I know my brother has. You've got two kids that have been part of city government because of her. And um, I'm gonna step back right now because I promised Leslie that I would only do two minutes, and now it's Garrett's turn. All right, so uh my mom Tracy is retiring this week. Um, she's been in public service uh longer than I've been alive, so which is uh not that long. Um specifically, she's been with the city of Isaiah since I was very young, uh, decades later. Uh I can look back and see the impact that my mom has had on the uh city of Isaiah. I have not been directly impacted by the shopping cart ordinance, but I do here apparently it's a thing. Uh I am a public servant myself. I've worked in um multiple cities, and what I can tell you about working in all those places that no one I've ever crossed paths with uh is cut from the same cloth as my mom. So uh she's an innovator, she thinks critically. Uh still have multiple programs in the city that have led to blight reduction and increased safety and uh overall improved life for everyone who lives in the city. My mom's a leader, she's uh looked out for her people, led by example and committed herself entirely to a career. She's extraordinarily intelligent. I can tell you that to this day as a grown man who supervises his own people that she proofreads multiple documents for me. Uh because she no one does it better than she does. Uh Vicelli will not be the same without her. And I know that you all will have trouble replacing her, and I think you know that because uh she is impossible to replace. No one will do her job better than she does. Uh my mom loves this city, and all of you that she's worked with. If you see her, please congratulate her on her well-earned retirement. And from all of us who have uh lived in this city during their lives, thank you, mom.

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