April 22 Newsletter
Council approves HOME, CDBG funding for Oval improvements, multi-family rental development: The City Council approved using a portion of the discretionary Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, up to $95,000 in estimated program income anticipated to be received this year. The funds will go toward any shortfall if the City is awarded a State Housing Related Park Grant for Oval Park improvements of lighting, security cameras and fencing. An additional $192,695 from the 2014-15 Action Plan CDBG funding, and $100,000 from the reallocation of CDBG from the Splash Pad project, will be allocated toward the Oval Transportation Project. Council also approved $1.8 million in HOME Community Housing Development Organization funding toward the Self Help Enterprise 36-unit multi-family rental development project known as Visalia Village, at Highland Avenue between Riggin and Ferguson Street. To read the staff report, click here.
City to establish customized website to provide quotes for solar systems: The City Council authorized the City to proceed as a local sponsor to establish a customized Visalia EnergySage website, an online search site to assist local consumers in obtaining quotes for new solar systems. The site provides the tools necessary to effectively compare bids, such as price comparison of the various financing methods, and other educational materials. Staff will work with EnergySage to conduct outreach to local vendors to invite them to participate in the program as a supplier. There is no cost to participate, providing an affordable, low-risk approach to connecting residents and businesses with information to make informed decisions about purchasing a solar-energy system. To view the staff report, click here.
Valley Oak Golf Course sees reduction in rounds, increase in revenues: The City Council reviewed the annual report presented by CourseCo representatives at the April 21 meeting. Even with a slight reduction in rounds, net income increased by almost $100,000 and the course continues to cover operational costs when including CIP funds. Revenue per round increased over the prior year by $1.36 with increases in green fees, cart fees, and food and beverage operation. CourseCo is considering alternative uses for the course as golf continues to decline in the industry. The newest trend is Foot Golf, which debuted about 5 years ago in Europe. The hybrid soccer and golf sport is growing in the U.S. Council approved creating an 18-hold multi-use course on the existing 9-hole Oaks Course (the nine holes impacted by the watering reductions in the City's new ordinance that took effect April 17) for the purpose of creating FootGolf at Valley Oaks and to introduce a new short course for beginning players, youth and families. To read the staff report, click here.
Applications accepted for City committees, commission: The City of Visalia is accepting applications from interested citizens for its City committees and commissions. Here is a list of current vacancies.
Citizens Advisory Committee – acts as a liaison between the general public and the City Council concerning community issues. The committee currently has a vacancy for one alternate member. Disability Advocacy Committee – advises the City on the needs of disabled people. The committee promotes physical, social, communication and attitudinal access for every citizen of Visalia. The committee currently has a vacancy for one regular member and two alternates. Environmental Committee – heightens environmental awareness and conservation in Visalia. Issues addressed include air quality, hazardous waste, recycling, water conservation and all other natural resources. The Committee currently has a vacancy for two regular members and one alternate member. Historic Preservation Committee – administers and carries out the standards and specifications of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and promotes historic preservation including encouraging building owners to initiate preservation efforts. The Committee currently has a vacancy for two alternate members. North Visalia Neighborhood Advisory Committee – serves as a liaison between the City and the North Visalia community. It is a forum for citizen complaints, problems and provides recommendations to the City Council. The committee has vacancies for six regular members and four alternates. Parks and Recreation Commission – advises the City Council and staff in matters pertaining to parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. The Commission has a vacancy for one regular member and two alternates. Waterways and Trails Committee – advises on matters related to the Bikeway Master Plan and the Waterway and Trail Master Plan. The Committee has vacancies for two regular members and four alternate members. Tulare Mosquito Abatement District Board – monitors, controls, abates and otherwise controls mosquitos. The Board currently has one vacancy representing the City of Visalia.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and kept for a period of two years. If you have further questions you may visit the City’s website www.ci.visalia.ca.us, Committees/Commissions” to view the informational handbook and application or you may contact the City Clerk’s Office (559) 713-4512.
General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report Available for Public Review & Comment: The City of Visalia has prepared a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate impacts associated with the Draft General Plan Update and Draft Climate Action Plan. People can read these documents on the General Plan Update Website at http://www.visaliageneralplanupdate.com. Print copies are also available for reading at the City of Visalia Planning Division, 315 E. Acequia Avenue; at the Visalia City Hall, 707 W. Acequia Avenue; and at the Visalia Branch Library, 200 W. Oak Avenue. Comments may be submitted on the Draft Program EIR to the Planning Division from March 31, 2014 to May 14, 2014. For more information or to submit comments, please contact Brandon Smith at 713-4636 or by email at [email protected].
Dia De Los Ninos on Sunday: Celebrating its 24th year, Dia De Los Ninos will focus on healthy living and playing. With fun interactive games and activities for kids of all ages, there will be dance performances, live music, prize and fitness activities. The fun begins at 1 and goes to 4 pm Sunday, April 27, at the Manuel F. Hernandez Community Center. For more fun activities sponsored by the Visalia Parks & Recreation Department, go to www.liveandplayvisalia.com.
Drug Take Back Day on Saturday: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies are providing the public with an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication (including pet medication), both in pill and liquid form as well as unused vitamins. The Visalia Police Department will be open from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, April 26, at 303 E. Johnson St. Place pills, capsules, and tablets of unwanted medication and vitamins into a zip-lock plastic bag. Keep liquid medication in its original container. Medication from hospitals, pharmacies, doctor's offices, etc., will not be accepted. The event is free and the public is encouraged to drop off all unwanted medication and vitamins. For information, call 713-4216.
City to establish customized website to provide quotes for solar systems: The City Council authorized the City to proceed as a local sponsor to establish a customized Visalia EnergySage website, an online search site to assist local consumers in obtaining quotes for new solar systems. The site provides the tools necessary to effectively compare bids, such as price comparison of the various financing methods, and other educational materials. Staff will work with EnergySage to conduct outreach to local vendors to invite them to participate in the program as a supplier. There is no cost to participate, providing an affordable, low-risk approach to connecting residents and businesses with information to make informed decisions about purchasing a solar-energy system. To view the staff report, click here.
Valley Oak Golf Course sees reduction in rounds, increase in revenues: The City Council reviewed the annual report presented by CourseCo representatives at the April 21 meeting. Even with a slight reduction in rounds, net income increased by almost $100,000 and the course continues to cover operational costs when including CIP funds. Revenue per round increased over the prior year by $1.36 with increases in green fees, cart fees, and food and beverage operation. CourseCo is considering alternative uses for the course as golf continues to decline in the industry. The newest trend is Foot Golf, which debuted about 5 years ago in Europe. The hybrid soccer and golf sport is growing in the U.S. Council approved creating an 18-hold multi-use course on the existing 9-hole Oaks Course (the nine holes impacted by the watering reductions in the City's new ordinance that took effect April 17) for the purpose of creating FootGolf at Valley Oaks and to introduce a new short course for beginning players, youth and families. To read the staff report, click here.
Applications accepted for City committees, commission: The City of Visalia is accepting applications from interested citizens for its City committees and commissions. Here is a list of current vacancies.
Citizens Advisory Committee – acts as a liaison between the general public and the City Council concerning community issues. The committee currently has a vacancy for one alternate member. Disability Advocacy Committee – advises the City on the needs of disabled people. The committee promotes physical, social, communication and attitudinal access for every citizen of Visalia. The committee currently has a vacancy for one regular member and two alternates. Environmental Committee – heightens environmental awareness and conservation in Visalia. Issues addressed include air quality, hazardous waste, recycling, water conservation and all other natural resources. The Committee currently has a vacancy for two regular members and one alternate member. Historic Preservation Committee – administers and carries out the standards and specifications of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and promotes historic preservation including encouraging building owners to initiate preservation efforts. The Committee currently has a vacancy for two alternate members. North Visalia Neighborhood Advisory Committee – serves as a liaison between the City and the North Visalia community. It is a forum for citizen complaints, problems and provides recommendations to the City Council. The committee has vacancies for six regular members and four alternates. Parks and Recreation Commission – advises the City Council and staff in matters pertaining to parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. The Commission has a vacancy for one regular member and two alternates. Waterways and Trails Committee – advises on matters related to the Bikeway Master Plan and the Waterway and Trail Master Plan. The Committee has vacancies for two regular members and four alternate members. Tulare Mosquito Abatement District Board – monitors, controls, abates and otherwise controls mosquitos. The Board currently has one vacancy representing the City of Visalia.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and kept for a period of two years. If you have further questions you may visit the City’s website www.ci.visalia.ca.us, Committees/Commissions” to view the informational handbook and application or you may contact the City Clerk’s Office (559) 713-4512.
General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report Available for Public Review & Comment: The City of Visalia has prepared a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate impacts associated with the Draft General Plan Update and Draft Climate Action Plan. People can read these documents on the General Plan Update Website at http://www.visaliageneralplanupdate.com. Print copies are also available for reading at the City of Visalia Planning Division, 315 E. Acequia Avenue; at the Visalia City Hall, 707 W. Acequia Avenue; and at the Visalia Branch Library, 200 W. Oak Avenue. Comments may be submitted on the Draft Program EIR to the Planning Division from March 31, 2014 to May 14, 2014. For more information or to submit comments, please contact Brandon Smith at 713-4636 or by email at [email protected].
Dia De Los Ninos on Sunday: Celebrating its 24th year, Dia De Los Ninos will focus on healthy living and playing. With fun interactive games and activities for kids of all ages, there will be dance performances, live music, prize and fitness activities. The fun begins at 1 and goes to 4 pm Sunday, April 27, at the Manuel F. Hernandez Community Center. For more fun activities sponsored by the Visalia Parks & Recreation Department, go to www.liveandplayvisalia.com.
Drug Take Back Day on Saturday: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies are providing the public with an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication (including pet medication), both in pill and liquid form as well as unused vitamins. The Visalia Police Department will be open from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, April 26, at 303 E. Johnson St. Place pills, capsules, and tablets of unwanted medication and vitamins into a zip-lock plastic bag. Keep liquid medication in its original container. Medication from hospitals, pharmacies, doctor's offices, etc., will not be accepted. The event is free and the public is encouraged to drop off all unwanted medication and vitamins. For information, call 713-4216.