March 4 Newsletter

Other Council action: Authorized the City Manager to award a contract with planning consultants Dyett & Bhatia to prepare a Sign Ordinance Update at a cost not to exceed $49,990; authorized a professional services agreement with Provost & Prichard Consulting Group for $189,600 for the design of the Visalia Parkway Crossing of the Packwood Creek Project which completes the roadway section of the Parkway between Dans Street and County Center Drive, and; approved the 2014 Federal Legislative Agenda for the City of Visalia.

Tourism to Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Parks creates over $123 million in economic benefit: A new National Park Service report shows that nearly 1.7 million visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2012 spent over $123 million in communities near the park, including Visalia. That spending also supported 1,541 jobs in the local area. "National Park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service," said Park Superintendent Woody Smeck. He added that the parks plan to expand their tourism efforts by developing a marketing plan before the Centennial celebration of the National Park Service in 2016. This would involve working closely with chambers of commerce, agencies, and other organizations, including the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, click here.

Building permits up 14% for first two months of 2014: Building permits for the first two months of 2014 were up 14%, thanks to an 18% increase in new single family dwelling permits and a 20% bump in new commercial permits. Total value of permits was up 5% with a total of $20,844,304. That includes a 910% jump for new commercial permits, from $74,000 in 2013 to $747,200 in 2014.

Work on Houston Avenue widening project this week: Scheduled lane closures on Lover’s Lane and McAuliff Street are scheduled through Friday, March 7, part of the current widening project for State Route 216 (Houston Avenue). Crews will be working to remove and replace curbs and gutters in this area. Northbound and Southbound #2 lane (right lane) of McAuliff from Sumter Court to State Route 216 (Houston Avenue) will be closed from 6 am to 6 pm through Friday, March 7^th. Northbound and Southbound #2 lane (right lane) of Lover’s Lane from Sweet Avenue to Golden West Avenue will be closed from 6 am to 6 pm through Friday. Signal lights at the intersection of Lover’s Lane and State Route 216 and the intersection of McAuliff Street and State Route 216 are fully operational. Due to the high volume of traffic during school drop-off and pick-up, commuters are reminded to be aware of pedestrians and pay close attention to road construction vehicles and personnel. Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area during project work hours and use alternate routes when possible.

Water Conservation Plant Groundbreaking March 27: The City will embark on the largest Public Works project in its history with the $147 million upgrade of its Water Conservation Plant. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the plant at 7579 Avenue 288 in Visalia. The project will upgrade the City's wastewater treatment and affords the opportunity for significant recycling of water in and around Visalia. The project is being funded through a low-interest loan from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Office Hours with Council member Shuklian Wednesday: Councilmember Amy Shuklian will hold her March office hours on Wednesday, March 5 for Visalia residents to discuss issues of concern. Walk-ins are welcome from 5 to 5:45 p.m. in the conference room at City Hall, at 707 W. Acequia Ave. Appointments from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. can be scheduled in advance by contacting Lauri Aguilar at 713-4322. Shuklian also can be reached through 713-4400, then enter 8313, or by email at [email protected].