Visalia City Council Meeting - September 21, 2026

The Visalia City Council held a work session at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026. The work session featured presentations on the Visalia Unified School District’s Measure Z school bond (November 2026 ballot), a draft Short-Range Transit Plan/Reimagine Study proposing major route changes and a tiered microtransit system, and an update on the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, for which Visalia becomes eligible in May 2027. The regular session included public comments, a consent calendar (with one item pulled and approved), a first reading of an abandoned shopping cart ordinance, a public hearing for a 306-unit affordable housing bond, a second Prohousing Designation hearing, adoption of the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) 5-year plan, and approval of a $46,489 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for nine Flock automated license plate reader cameras—passed 3-1.

Work Session Items

• Visalia Unified School District Measure Z Presentation (26-0175): Superintendent Kirk Schirm and Chief Business Officer Nathan Hernandez presented a $158 million general obligation bond (4 cents per $100 assessed value, ~$120/year for average homeowner) to fund critical infrastructure (roofs, HVAC, bathroom modernization), modernization of up to 12 schools, and career technical education. They explained the shift from a planned fifth high school to focusing on existing facilities due to enrollment changes and cost. Council members expressed support and asked about oversight and bonding rates. No action was taken.
• Short-Range Transit Plan/Reimagine Study Presentation (26-0135): Consultant Jarrett Walker (JWA) and team presented a draft network consolidating routes to increase frequency, including two 15-minute corridors (Mooney Boulevard and Tulare Avenue/Cypress), improved connections with Tulare via Mooney, and a tiered Visalia Connect microtransit system (lifeline service for areas >0.5 mile from fixed routes at $1.75 fare, plus a premium on-demand service with higher fare). The plan projects 74% more jobs reachable within 45 minutes on weekdays. Public engagement runs through October 2026, with adoption expected early 2027 and implementation in early 2028. Council provided direction and received the report (4-0).
• Essential Air Service Program Overview (26-0148): Airport Manager Jody Miller and City Manager John Greiner presented the EAS program, noting Visalia’s eligibility to return in 2027 after a 10-year opt-out in 2016. Potential carriers include Surf Air, Southern Airways Express, Boutique Air, Contour Airlines, and local Flight Level APA. The program guarantees 12 round trips per week, with fares estimated $100–$250 one-way. The city may need to address firefighting equipment and TSA screening. Council approved creation of an ad hoc committee (two council members and an alternate) to review carrier proposals and conduct community outreach (4-0).

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–11 were approved in one motion (4-0), including ratification of ordinances by title only, IT services contract, cash and investment report, Measure R funds reallocation, parcel map, ABC-OTS grant, water reclamation facility HVAC design, advisory committee appointment, turbo blower purchase, future parking lot discussion, and landscape maintenance contract.
• Item 12 (Water conservation transition to California Water Service) was pulled by the Mayor for a staff correction; Council approved it 4-0 after clarification.

Public Comments & Testimony

• April Lancaster (Visalia) urged transparency regarding a forensic audit of Downtown Visalians, citing $287,573.62 in employee tax liabilities paid by the organization while employees received full wages. She noted that Council Member Steve Nelsen was executive director during the period.
• Bill Yack (Visalia) announced a new volunteer program “RAKE” (Really Actually Keeping Everything Clean) to complement the city’s “SWEEP” program, focusing on trash pickup beyond public rights-of-way.
• Maria Guillen (Visalia) reflected on a September 8, 2026 meeting where public comment on a data center item was limited to 15 minutes; she accepted responsibility for a misunderstanding but urged the council to extend grace to public speakers.
• Irene Lappin (Visalia) requested technology classes for seniors, especially for using transit apps, and questioned the lack of signage for recently painted street markings.
• Alicia Campos (Visalia) expressed urgent concern about child safety and Sheriff Mike Boudreau, alleging a substantiated CPS report of sexual abuse; she opposed Flock cameras, claiming they put data into the hands of predators.
• Michelle Kenner (Visalia) asked for fixed-route fare revenue data and raised concerns about the half-mile walk distance for seniors and disabled riders under the proposed transit plan.
• Eric Elliott (Visalia) suggested making monthly passes available at more locations (e.g., coffee shops) to increase ridership.
• Lisa Alvarado (online) supported fare-free transit for a trial period and urged considering in-house bus drivers.
• Jeff Poole (Visalia) called the abandoned shopping cart ordinance a “joke.”
• Maria Guillen (Visalia, on PLHA) urged moving beyond funding to restore dignity for unhoused people.
• Susie Ward (Visalia, Executive Director of Visalia Homeless Center) thanked staff and expressed concern about extended weather events affecting the warming center budget.
• Kathy Connolly (Visalia) opposed Flock cameras, citing nationwide misuse for stalking and privacy invasion; called for outside oversight of audits.
• Irene Clark (Visalia) argued Flock cameras violate Fourth Amendment rights, citing the Supreme Court’s Chattery v. United States decision on cell phone location data, and noted that the public CSV audit file no longer shows search reasons.
• Brett Rogers (Visalia) raised cybersecurity concerns, stating Flock cameras can track devices via Bluetooth and have insecure hardware.

Discussion Items & Public Hearings

• Short-Range Transit Plan Public Comments (26-0134): Consultant Alvaro Cavalletis summarized the draft plan and outreach schedule (tabling events at senior center, transit center, Town Meadows, College of the Sequoias). The survey is open through October 2026. Council received the report and public comments (4-0).
• Abandoned Shopping Cart Ordinance (26-0105): Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Reedman presented the first reading of Ordinance 2026-11, increasing the retrieval fine from $50 to $100 per cart and requiring physical containment systems for new or significantly remodeled facilities. Public outreach was conducted. Council approved first reading (4-0).
• TEFRA Public Hearing – Caldwell Apartments (26-0143): Housing Specialist Margie Perez presented a proposal for the California Municipal Finance Authority to issue up to $75 million in bonds for a 306-unit affordable housing project (Caldwell Apartments) at Caldwell and Lovers Lane. The city will receive $18,000–$25,000 in fees for affordable housing. Resolution 2026-62 was adopted (4-0).
• Prohousing 2nd Public Hearing (26-0170): Planner Brandon Smith and Perez reported the city scored 56 out of 30 minimum points for the state Prohousing Designation, which would unlock up to $1.25 million in incentive funds. Outreach included emails, events, and legal ads. Council adopted Resolution 2026-68 to submit the application (4-0).
• PLHA 5-Year Plan (26-0109): Perez presented the Permanent Local Housing Allocation 5-year plan (FY 2025–26 to 2029–30) allocating 65% to the Navigation Center, 15% to a warming center, 15% to Eden House bridge housing, and 5% to administration. Estimated total funding ~$2.7 million. Council adopted Resolution 2026-60 and authorized submission (4-0).
• JAG Grant for Flock Cameras (26-0110): Police Chief Jason Salazar and Captain Andy Swarthout presented the request to accept $46,489 from the 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG program to fund nine existing Flock license plate reader cameras (total citywide: 22 planned, 13 operational). Swarthout addressed myths, reported weekly audits, and noted 84 stolen vehicle arrests attributed to Flock in 2025. Public speakers raised privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns. Council Vice Mayor Wynn and Council Member Poochigian supported; Council Member Hernandez Soto opposed, citing potential for profiling and the need for warrants. Motion passed 3-1 (Nelson absent).

Key Outcomes

• Ad hoc committee formed to review EAS carrier proposals and lead community outreach (members to be selected by Mayor, including an alternate).
• Shopping cart ordinance introduced on first reading; final adoption pending second reading.
• Caldwell Apartments bond resolution approved, enabling up to $75 million in tax-exempt financing for 306 affordable units.
• Prohousing Designation application authorized; submission deadline after responding to public comments.
• PLHA 5-year plan adopted; staff authorized to execute contracts and submit to HCD.
• Flock camera funding approved, continuing the program for nine cameras through JAG grant (3-1 vote).
• Transit plan public comment period opened; council will receive survey results in late 2026 for final plan guidance.
• Consent calendar approved 4-0 with item 12 individually approved (water conservation transition).
• Next meeting: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM.