Planning commission elects Sandy as chair; Jocelyn Lemus named vice chair

The City of Tulare Planning Commission on Feb. 24, 2025, elected a new chair and vice chair for one-year terms after nominations and roll-call votes.

City staff opened the general business item by explaining the commission handbook requires an annual appointment of a chair and vice chair and that nominations and a majority vote suffice to select officers. Commissioners discussed the option of rotating the chair and vice chair annually to provide cross-training and broaden experience.

During nominations, a commissioner said, "I nominate Sandy for chair." The nomination was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote in which Commissioner Lemus, Commissioner Henard, Vice Chair Miller and the chair recorded "aye" responses; the chair then said, "Congratulations. You're the new chair." The transcript records the nominee only by the first name "Sandy." The commission then moved to fill the vice chair seat.

A motion to appoint Jocelyn Lemus as vice chair was made, seconded and approved by roll-call. The transcript shows "aye" votes recorded for Commissioner Henard, Vice Chair Miller, Commissioner Lemus and the chair; the commission declared Jocelyn Lemus the new vice chair.

City staff thanked outgoing chair Chuck McGill for his service, saying, "Thank you, commissioners...outgoing chair, Chuck McGill, who's done a fantastic job." Staff also told commissioners the city will continue to invest in training, including the planning commissioners academy, and encouraged participation in future sessions.

The appointments take effect immediately and are for a one-year term as described in the commission handbook.