How the Council Works

The Visalia City Council generally meets the first and third Monday of each month at 4 p.m. for a Work Session and 7 p.m. for the regular session. Meetings are normally held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 707 W. Acequia, Visalia, CA 93291. The agenda for each meeting is posted at City Hall and is available for review the Friday prior to the Monday council meeting at 4:00 p.m. The City Council can only take action on items on the scheduled agenda. 

Public Comment

The City Council welcomes participation at Council Meetings. Members of the public may address the Council on any item of interest to the public that is scheduled on the Agenda. There is a portion of the council meeting devoted to public comment. This is an opportunity for the members of the public to address the City Council on any matter within the City Council's jurisdiction that is not listed on the Agenda. In fairness to all who wish to speak, each speaker from the public is generally allowed three minutes.

Matters considered by the council take the form of ordinances, resolutions, contracts and leases. Approval of items requires majority support (i.e. three out of five council members must support the request to be approved).

Ordinances

An ordinance sets out a permanent law that continues in force until the ordinance is repealed. Two readings are required before an ordinance can be finally approved. The first reading occurs when the proposed ordinance is introduced. Staff introduces the ordinance, provides background, and reason(s) for recommendation. At a second meeting, staff brings the ordinance back to council for adoption. Once adopted, the Ordinance takes effect after 30 days.

Resolutions

A resolution differs from an ordinance in several ways. A resolution is non-legislative action, is less formal than an ordinance, and deals with matters of a special or temporary character, usually relating to a statement of policy regarding the administrative business of the city. Examples of resolutions recently before the council include, approving a final map for tracts, annexation of proposed tracts, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement.