The Tulare City Planning Commission on Nov. 10 approved a modified conditional use permit to allow exterior changes, 10 new parking spaces and a new south entrance for a convenience store at 140 East Tulare Avenue; commissioners also discussed concentrations of ABC (takeout alcohol) licenses downtown and scheduled leadership transitions and training opportunities.

Discussion Points

•Chair Miller raised concern about three takeout alcohol sellers in close proximity downtown.
•Commissioners raised questions about timed parking, shared public parking, and why exterior work occurred without prior approval.
•Consent calendar approved by voice vote.
•CUP 2026-20 approved on roll call with vice chair recused.
•Staff and commissioners discussed timing and process for council appointment and commission officer elections.
•Staff explained exterior changes, ten new parking spaces, new south entrance, landscaping and CEQA exemption.
•Staff offered accommodations and will provide sign-up information.
•Staff presented a voluntary webinar opportunity for commissioners.
•Staff said policy options could include thresholds or ordinance revisions, dependent on council direction and enforcement data.
•Vice Chair Lemus announced this was her last commission meeting and will join the City Council.

Decisions

•Approval of CUP 2026-20 with listed conditions
•Consent calendar approved; CUP 2026-20 approved subject to conditions.

Directions

•Applicant to submit professional landscape and irrigation plans meeting city water-efficiency standards before final approvals.
•Applicant to submit required landscape and irrigation plans as conditions of approval.
•Interested commissioners to email staff or speak after the meeting to register.
•Planning staff to continue monitoring compliance and coordinate with code enforcement as needed.
•Staff to monitor concentrations of ABC licenses and bring back options or suggested ordinance language if warranted.
•Staff to monitor council appointment and return officer-election timing to the commission when appropriate.

Nov

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 11/10/26

Tulare County Board of Supervisors held its Nov. 10, 2026 meeting. Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing National Nurse Practitioner Week, heard multiple public commenters pressing for higher IHSS wages and presented petitions, approved the consent calendar 5-0, and adjourned to a closed session after a supervisor declared a financial conflict for an IHSS item.

Discussion Points

•Board issued a proclamation recognizing NP Week.
•Clerk announced closed session need; Chair disclosed financial conflict under Govt. Code §87100 and recused themself from IHSS A.
•No items were pulled from the consent calendar; board approved by a single motion.
•NP leaders highlighted statewide and local workforce numbers and the role of nurse practitioners in primary and behavioral health.
•Speakers presented petitions (200 signatures) and data points (more than 8,800 providers in county).
•Sustainable Corridors initiative exploring signage/branding and wayfinding for highways 190, 198, 65 and 99.
•Townsend and others met with Edison leadership to discuss grid resilience and preparation ahead of weather risks.
•Workers and advocates said IHSS staffing and access are at risk if wages are not increased.

Decisions

•Chair will not attend or review non-public information for closed-session item IHSS A.
•Consent calendar approved 5-0.
•Proclamation recognized Nov. 8–14, 2026 as National Nurse Practitioner Week in Tulare County.

Nov

Tulare Board of Public Utilities Commissioners Meeting - November 5, 2026

Staff presented and the Board of Public Utilities approved multi-year farm leases and reclamation agreements to continue using reclaimed water on city-owned farmland, authorized a $33,723 change order for a lift-station rehabilitation, and heard staff promotions and local election updates.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of retirement and internal promotions within solid waste and water divisions.
•Contractor found worse drywall conditions requiring additional remediation for epoxy lining; contractor proposed $33,723 change order; project funded by wastewater CIP with limited discretionary funds remaining.
•Council appointments and preliminary election returns (Measure A) discussed as informational items.
•Staff described a two‑year lease with option to extend, 20% crop profit share, use of reclaimed effluent, historical revenues (2022 ~$484,000; last year just under $400,000) and role of compost under state requirements.
•Staff described three property owners under contract to take reclaimed water (Clarks; the Bavarias; Robert Saenz) totaling about 2,000 acres and noted one property sale removed a parcel from the map.

Decisions

•Board approved the reclamation agreements for a two‑year term.
•Board approved the two‑year renewal of the farm lease and management agreement with Ron Clark Farms.
•Board authorized the change order by voice vote.

Directions

•Staff to continue exchange modeling and report on WDR or parcel‑addition requirements as needed.
•Staff to provide a precise acreage figure and continue urban strategic plan/exchange modeling with TID.
•Staff to recruit externally for vacated positions and to present new solid waste manager at a future meeting.
•Staff to review contractor's potential claim for bypass expenses and report back if the claim is valid.

Nov

Tulare City Council Meeting

Tulare City Council met Nov. 3 to conduct public comment, interview four candidates for the District 3 vacancy and appoint Kathleen Nesper; council discussed a long-term lease with Union Pacific (tabled), downtown PBIA assessment collections, and directed staff to pursue a pilot utility-users-tax cap for large consumers.

Discussion Points

•Apenga requested city follow-up on contractor work and inspection sign-offs; suggested savings by removing library security contract.
•Association requested city help to improve collection of PBIA assessments to sustain downtown programs.
•Candidates repeatedly named roads, public safety, economic development and health care as primary issues.
•Council debated waiting for audits vs. adopting a temporary cap now to set a negotiating baseline.
•Council members emphasized balancing district advocacy with citywide responsibilities and cited Nesper’s nonprofit governance experience.
•Council requested a plan for the skateboard park and clarification on restrooms and amenities.
•Federal land-grant constraints make outright purchase complicated; a long-term lease paid upfront could lock in city use and make grant-seeking feasible.
•Land O'Lakes requested relief citing prior cap history; staff noted the city needs audit work to know revenue impact.
•Staff suggested administrative steps and a longer study of fee methodology and billing consolidation.

Decisions

•Appoint Kathleen Nesper to District 3 seat (motion passed 4–0).
•Direction given to staff; formal ordinance or resolution to be considered on return.
•Information gathered from interviews used in subsequent council deliberations.
•Item tabled to allow further staff negotiations.

Directions

•Council endorsed researching options and bringing recommendations back.
•Staff to draft a resolution for a pilot cap of $175,000 per utility for FY 2026–27 and to return with completed audits and legal language.
•Staff to investigate contractor work and inspection sign-off on cited sidewalk locations.
•Staff to seek railroad response to request for nominal conveyance at end of lease and to return with additional details and options.
•Staff to work with downtown association to prepare proposals and return to council.

Nov

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 11/03/2026

Tulare County Board of Supervisors met on Nov. 3, 2026. The board issued a proclamation for National Adoption Awareness Month, approved a recorder-notification ordinance to implement SB 255, passed the consent calendar (items 6–16), heard supervisor updates including $33 million in FEMA awards, and recognized the county's pet of the month.

Discussion Points

•He proposed the board write thank-you letters to federal officials, to be placed on the next agenda.
•McCarrie described $33,000,000 in FEMA awards and credited local advocacy and partners.
•Rivas described adoption outcomes and the county\u0019s commitment to permanency.
•Staff described Moto's temperament and adoption readiness and publicized a shelter event.
•Steve Wise presented technical details of an automated match between Tyler and Megabyte to generate notices under SB 255.
•Supervisor McCarrie asked about disclosure to law enforcement and timing; staff said the assessor can transmit notifications to the district attorney for investigation.
•Supervisors publicly thanked adoption-unit staff and partner organizations.

Decisions

•Board agreed to return Jan. 10 with a letter item (action: place on next agenda).
•Board approved the ordinance amendment 4–0 with one absence.
•Consent calendar approved; ordinance amendment approved.

Directions

•Staff to prepare an agenda item for the next board meeting to draft thank-you letters.
•Staff to set up online intake form and coordinate with GSA print services.

Nov

Flood Control Commission Meeting - 10/21/26

Tulare County Flood Control Commission met to hear public comment about Deer Creek flood risks, adopt a remote-attendance resolution, set a new meeting location, and receive staff reports on FEMA applications, pump replacement priorities and emergency permitting under the governor's and county declarations.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners agreed to let staff choose logistics for hybrid participation.
•Commissioners discussed the process for periodic renewal under current law.
•Commission recognized limits of the Flood Control Commission's authority and noted Board of Supervisors has declaration power.
•Current room has one-way video; Government Plaza provides two-way teleconferencing capacity.
•FEMA review of Deer Creek White River study is pending and staff hope for notification in November.
•Other agencies (Army Corps, State Water Board, DWR) may still impose requirements even under emergency declarations.
•Provost & Pritchard recommended a suite of alternatives for Avenue 196 including upstream storage and piping upgrades; county to partner with Friant Water Authority for pumping rights.
•Public comment requested direct meetings with Deer Creek management and emergency routing options.
•Staff explained how state and county emergency declarations speed permitting for preventative work and enable a routine maintenance agreement with Fish and Wildlife.
•Staff explained the Board of Supervisors' prior approval and the need for staff on-site for public access.
•Staff noted the need for field verification because inventory lists do not always match on-site equipment.
•Staff reported about 30 HCD/CDBG applications tied to March 2023 storm projects for pumps and roadway protection.

Decisions

•Adopted Government Plaza as regular meeting location.
•Resolution to allow remote attendance passed on voice vote.

Directions

•Chair indicated willingness to meet with Deer Creek general manager Jack Mitchell; staff to discuss county council and Rob (county surveyor) involvement on Deer Creek matters.
•Staff to arrange and distribute hybrid meeting logistics for future meetings.
•Staff to complete field assessments and prepare for implementation pending funding agreements.
•Staff to continue negotiating routine maintenance agreement and to monitor state agency guidance; share GIS files and maps of prioritized channel segments with commissioners.
•Staff to follow up with FEMA on application status and to continue negotiations with Friant Water Authority; implement pump upgrades as funding/agreements allow.
•Staff to provide remote meeting link and physical meeting location information for next meeting.

Oct

Planning Commission Meeting - 10/28/2026

Tulare County Planning Commission considered multiple land-use items on Oct. 28, 2026, including a contested special-use permit for an agricultural hauling business (continued to Jan. 13, 2027) and several zone variances and parcel maps that were approved.

Discussion Points

•Caltrans has approved encroachment design; proposed landscaping to reduce visual impact.
•Commissioners discussed thresholds for traffic studies and whether the ag‑service definition allows some mechanical work.
•Introduction of new planner Phil Goldie and brief background.
•Need for taller wall due to adjacent state highway elevation and noise attenuation.
•No public opposition recorded in the staff report.
•Opponents asserted the record lacks required environmental and traffic studies and presented photos showing torn‑down trucks and waste oil.
•Parcel divided by county road; staff determined mandatory variance findings could be made.
•Parcel map heard in consolidated parcel map hearing; no public pull requested.
•Parcel split intended for family distribution; LAMP septic density compatibility confirmed.
•Private vehicular access easement will require improvements per county standard.
•Staff recommended conditional approval with CEQA Class 1 exemption and operational conditions.

Decisions

•Approval recorded 8–0.
•Conditional approval granted 8–0.
•Hearing continued to Jan. 13, 2027; no final decision on CEQA exemption or permit.
•Meeting adjourned; next meeting Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.
•PZV26‑021 conditionally approved 8–0.
•PZV26‑045 conditionally approved; building permits pending variance.

Directions

•Continue the item to Jan. 13, 2027 for further review; staff to compile submitted evidence and prepare any needed supplemental analysis.

Oct

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10/27/2026

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 27, 2026, receiving a legislative update, adopting an agricultural/residential zoning text amendment (Ordinance 352), approving a claims-processing agreement with Family Services amid public concerns, continuing a Williamson Act item to Nov. 17, and holding a Truth Act forum where residents urged fuller reporting of ICE activity in county facilities.

Discussion Points

•Board agreed to continue hearing
•Board authorized defense with reservation of rights
•Board discussed and voted to approve the contract
•Change in poultry/animal-unit calculations
•Closed‑session legal briefing on pending litigation
•Increase in mail notification radius from 300 to 1,200 feet
•Local impacts of SB1115 and implications of AB2494 veto
•Potential special sessions for wildfire and AI policy
•Presentation of 2025 ICE request/transfer statistics
•Public commenter noted contract language and audit risk for Family Services
•Public comments urging inclusion of courthouse activity and sensitive‑location protections
•Removal of obsolete mobile‑home zone and admin updates
•Review of 2026 session results including bills signed and vetoed
•Staff requested continuance to prepare notices and materials
•Zoning matrix to clarify allowed uses

Decisions

•Adopted Ordinance 352 and certified the EIR
•Approved contract as presented
•Defense authorized 5-0
•Hearing continued to Nov. 17, 2026

Directions

•Board to review public comments and consider whether to request additional reporting from sheriff/courts
•Counsel to defend named individuals
•Staff to continue monitoring bills flagged by presenters
•Staff to monitor notification radius effectiveness and return with cleanup if necessary
•Staff to read notice and prepare materials for Nov. 17

Oct

Assessment Appeals Board Meeting - 10/22/2026

The Tulare County Assessment Appeals Board convened, confirmed a quorum, and handled multiple agenda withdrawals and a stipulation for SJV Biodiesel LLC; the transcript does not specify the meeting date. The board accepted withdrawals (including Ladar Sudu Investment Inc.), approved a multi-case stipulation with assessed-value adjustments, and approved the withdrawal calendar.

Discussion Points

•Assessor (as identified by the Chair) read fixed improvement, personal property and net taxable values for four application files.
•Chair announced quorum and new member Peter Sherwood; staff observers were recognized.
•Chair introduced the withdrawal and asked for a motion.
•Committee member moved to accept the stipulation; motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
•Committee member moved to accept the withdrawal; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
•Items 7 and 8 were presented as withdrawn and accepted by motion.
•The withdrawal calendar was accepted by motion and voice vote.

Decisions

•Items 7 and 8 recorded as withdrawn; withdrawal calendar accepted.
•Ladar Sudu Investment Inc. appeal (application 2024-00082) moved to withdrawal calendar
•Stipulation approved for SJV Biodiesel LLC application numbers 2024-00169 through 2024-00172

Oct

Homeless Task Force

Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness met on October 21 to form an ad hoc allocation committee for HAP Round 7, hear presentations on the 2026 housing bond proposal and coordinated entry capacity, review El Niño preparedness for unhoused populations, and confirm meeting logistics for November.

Discussion Points

•Bond funds can be leveraged with federal tax credits to complete projects.
•Bond totals and allocations (approx. $11.25 billion total; various program pots including PSH and CalVet).
•CDAA is not yet authorized but can be requested after a storm that meets state damage thresholds.
•Concern that some HUD renewal funding may lapse, risking availability of 32 PSH beds.
•Coordinated entry eligibility categories (HUD categories 1–4) and documentation needs (homeless verification letters, IDs, disability forms).
•County proclaimed an emergency to coordinate El Niño preparedness; this mobilizes state support and can expedite permitting and response.
•Formed an ad hoc committee with five members to review and recommend allocations once state totals are final.
•Local providers should prepare to apply to capture regional allocations.
•Members were asked to fill alternate/proxy slots on circulated roster to preserve quorum.
•Partners should report unmet needs among the unhoused to the EOC so resources can be staged.
•Several PSH and rapid rehousing projects listed with bed counts and many reported as nearly full.
•State HAP 7 allocations remain provisional and may change; guidance likely to prioritize interim housing.
•Venue availability for November 18 must be confirmed; staff to email the final location.

Decisions

•Ad hoc committee approved; committee membership confirmed.
•Minutes approved; Nov. 18 meeting date retained pending venue confirmation.

Directions

•Clerk to file approved minutes into the record.
•Partners to continue outreach, HMIS enrollment and document‑readiness efforts so referred households are eligible when openings appear.
•Partners to report unmet needs immediately to Noah/EOC; county will publish guidance materials and coordinate resource staging.
•Staff (Noah) to convene the committee and circulate allocation spreadsheets when available.
•Staff to notify members about the confirmed meeting location and circulate alternate forms.
•Task-force members to monitor Prop 1 developments and prepare partners to apply for competitive funds.

Oct

Tulare City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Tulare City Council met Oct. 20, 2026. The meeting opened with a dedication to the late Vice Mayor Steve Harrell, included public comment about a proposed Matheny Tract/business-park ("inland port") and committee formation, a corrected appropriation and vote on South K Street improvements, adoption of a 2026 pavement management report for planning, an economic-development update, and approval of an amended employment agreement for the city manager.

Discussion Points

•Chamber recognition naming Harrell 2025 Man of the Year.
•City Engineer explained the corrected appropriation and reasons (waterline work, compaction delays, elevation fixes, consultant oversight).
•City Manager said the city has hired a consultant and will form an advisory committee and commission technical studies.
•Consultant presented condition metrics and funding scenarios; council questioned multi‑year presentation and district allocation.
•Council questioned staffing and asked for corrected staff-report details.
•Extended council and community reflections about Vice Mayor Harrell’s biography and civic contributions.
•Key contract changes: term extension, base salary, merit and CPI provisions, deferred compensation and one‑time performance payment.
•Legal counsel clarified a compensation cap tied to comparable county positions.
•Reported Q3 developments, building permit counts and event attendance.
•Residents expressed environmental and outreach concerns about the proposed inland port and annexation for Matheny Tract.
•Staff outlined potential funding sources (grants, DIF, CFD) and staffing constraints for project oversight.
•Staff shared outreach plans including business toolkit and story maps.

Decisions

•Approved an additional appropriation of $256,032 for South K Street improvements.
•Council adopted the amended and restated employment agreement for the City Manager, effective immediately.
•Council adopted the report as a planning framework (non-binding prioritization tool).
•No annexation or formal action taken; project remains in exploratory phase.

Directions

•Add the monthly bulletin to the city website and continue business outreach.
•Consider CFD or funding mechanisms for new subdivisions to reduce long‑term maintenance burden.
•HR to amend the master salary schedule and implement compensation changes; staff to notify payroll.
•Staff to continue community outreach and post clarifying details on the project webpage; form a committee to vet technical/environmental work.
•Staff to correct staff report subcategory breakdowns and report back as work progresses.
•Staff to present multi‑year scenario totals and district/allocation options at January workshop.

Oct

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10/20/2026

A Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 20, 2026, began with a brief recess after a telephone call‑in outage. The board adopted proclamations recognizing National 4‑H Week and Community Planning Month, approved a SoCalGas relocation agreement adjustment for an SR‑280 widening project, and appointed Dr. Casey Ennis as director of local behavioral health services.

Discussion Points

•Bach detailed the county's planning totals and described the four‑pillar strategy linking planning to grant eligibility and corridor protection.
•Board approved the not‑to‑exceed increase so relocation work can proceed.
•Board members welcomed and congratulated the appointee.
•Dr. Ennis emphasized leadership, service mandates, and the need to continue quality behavioral‑health services.
•McCarrie highlighted a successful FEMA response after a pointed letter and credited reforms at TCRTA for improved audit results.
•RMA staff cited inflation and pending final costs from SoCalGas as reasons to increase the authorization.
•Staff described Teams/service‑bridge audio issues that prevented call‑in public input and steps they were taking to restore service.
•Supervisors acknowledged the work and signed a proclamation recognizing Community Planning Month.
•Townsend summarized TCAG workshop and Caltrans project presentations.
•UC Cooperative Extension summarized program reach and volunteer support.
•Vanderpool announced a LAFCO vacancy and encouraged applications.
•Youth speakers recounted personal development through 4‑H activities.

Decisions

•Appointment approved 5–0; no start date or budget actions recorded in the meeting transcript.
•Informational reports only; no board action taken during these reports.
•Motion to approve agreement amendment passed 5–0.
•Open session resumed once service was restored; no formal board action was required for the interruption.
•Proclamation recognizing Community Planning Month adopted.
•Proclamation recognizing National 4‑H Week was adopted; no formal policy decision followed.

Oct

Tulare Board of Public Utilities Commissioners Meeting

The Tulare Board of Public Utilities held a regular meeting addressing the Matheny Tract sewer memorandum of agreement with Tulare County, groundwater exchange modeling with Tulare Irrigation District, additional funding for K Street water service replacements, a council vacancy appointment process, and routine reports; the board approved the listed items and recessed to a closed session with no reportable action.

Discussion Points

•City participation in Mid Kaweah GSA urban strategic planning; trade-offs between purple-pipe reuse infrastructure vs. exchanges with TID; suspension of previous recharge agreements while studying exchange alternatives.
•Council declared seat vacant; application window opened; staff screening process; interview and appointment timeline.
•History of 2011 MOU and LAFCO condition; county lead due to county island status; state funding described as loans/grants; roles of Provost & Pritchard and outreach partners; resident sign-ups and optional connection costs.
•Reason for forced-account costs (unanticipated water service impacts and contractor negotiation outcome); difference between initial estimate and final forced-account invoice; funding source confirmation.
•Value of vendor contacts and technical information gained at WEFtec; staff found potential solutions for irrigation meter issues.

Decisions

•Application period opened through Oct. 29; potential appointment Nov. 3.
•Board approved item 6.1 subject to attorney adjustments.
•Board approved item 6.2; staff to execute modeling contract and report results.
•Board approved the additional $202,318 for the K Street water service replacements.

Directions

•Approve additional funds and continue invoice oversight.
•Approve funding share for modeling and proceed with contract execution with Montgomery & Associates in partnership with TID.
•Approve MOA subject to city attorney edits; staff to finalize and bring final agreement for signature after county and state reviews.
•Staff to follow up with vendors and bring recommendations for meters or technology as appropriate.
•Staff to screen applicants and provide candidate packets to council; council to interview Nov. 3.

Oct

Planning Commission Meeting 10/14/2026

Tulare County Planning Commission on Oct. 14, 2026 approved three land-division items — a tentative parcel map (PPM26-023), a zone variance with a tentative map (PZV26022 / PPM26-016), and a zone change with tentative map (PZC25009 / PPM26-025) — and heard a director's report on CEQA, Goshen and Matheny sewer work.

Discussion Points

•APA conference showed proposals to streamline CEQA for certain housing projects; SB 45 was mentioned.
•Clerk explained that parcel-map items are heard in one public hearing and can be pulled for separate hearings on request.
•Goshen EIR technical studies and a fiscal study are nearing completion.
•Matheny sewer design funded by a grant is advancing to 100% design with anticipated construction contract in ~3 months and service by 2029.
•No public opposition reported; public notice mailed and published with 10-day comment period.
•Staff explained previous remand to planning commission after the Lindsay Strathmore Irrigation District reported it had not received notice; staff added a detachment condition at the district\u0002s request.
•Staff noted mandatory findings for variance given special circumstances (size, shape, topography).

Decisions

•Adopt CEQA exemption and approve zone variance and tentative parcel map.
•Approve CEQA categorical exemption and conditionally approve tentative parcel map PPM26-023
•Recommend approval of PZC25009; approve PPM26-025.

Directions

•Forward recommendation to Board of Supervisors with detachment condition included.
•Schedule informational presentation on data centers before year-end.

Oct

Tulare City Council Meeting

The Tulare City Council met in a special session Oct. 3, 2026 to declare a vacancy in District 3 following the death of Vice Mayor Steven C. Harrell and to set an expedited application and interview timeline for filling the seat. Council adopted a resolution setting application deadlines and interview procedures; the meeting included public comment and announcements about Harrell's memorial service.

Discussion Points

•City Charter requires appointment within 30 days or mayor appointment; staff recommended expedited application and special meeting for interviews.
•Council agreed to standardized interview questions compiled by clerk; each councilmember to submit questions to clerk.
•Council debated application closing date (options: Oct. 28, 29, 30) and agreed to use clerk's existing application materials.
•Speakers highlighted Harrell's community contributions and attendance at local events such as Pink Sunday and MLK Unity marches.
•Timmons thanked officials for attendance and a donation to the Pink Sunday worship experience and asked for community support in remembrance and awareness.

Decisions

•Council announced funeral services for Oct. 15 and observed a moment of silence.
•Resolution declaring the District 3 vacancy adopted 4-0; application deadline set for Oct. 29, 2026 and process for interviews confirmed.

Directions

•City Clerk to vet applicants, confirm eligibility and schedule interviews for council consideration.
•Staff to publicize vacancy via city website, newspaper and social media and to accept applications through Oct. 29, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Oct

Tulare County Water Commission Meeting 10/12/2026

Tulare County Water Commission met on October 12 to discuss a temporary moratorium on large data centers, county preparations for a possible El Niño emergency, remote meeting rules for subcommittees, SGMA/Sigma updates, and well registration and flood-control work. Commissioners approved a motion to allow subcommittees to seek remote meeting authority from the Board of Supervisors.

Discussion Points

•Brown Act change removes requirement to post agenda location for remote participants at private residences.
•County to post resources and use guidance to accelerate eligible projects.
•DWR released Prop funding guidance but the eligible applicant structure is unclear.
•East GSA has launched well registration to identify and protect domestic and irrigation wells.
•Need for pause to craft permanent regulations addressing water, energy, noise, emergency response and agricultural impact.
•Reported well counts and tank installations; funding for self‑help program remains uncertain.
•Staff clarified remote rules do not apply to staff or some elected officials and Board approval is required for commissioners to meet remotely.
•State guidance classifies certain channel clearance as emergency work allowing post‑work reporting.
•Tule Subbasin remains probationary; state notices and drafts expected in early months next year.

Decisions

•Commission voted to forward the motion to the Board of Supervisors.
•Interim moratorium remains in effect through 08/17/2027; potential one‑year extension available.

Directions

•Post workshop presentation and guidance on the county resource page; issue letters to property owners about maintenance obligations.
•Staff to keep commissioners updated with the well map and program metrics; reappointment notices to be circulated in March.
•Staff to monitor DWR guidance, share documents and updates with commissioners.
•Staff to prepare formal action to deliver to the Board of Supervisors requesting authority for subcommittees to meet remotely.
•Staff to research other jurisdictions, consult utilities and water agencies, and prepare draft zoning amendments and CEQA analysis.

Oct

Tulare City Council Meeting

Tulare City Council met Oct. 6, 2026; council issued proclamations (Hispanic Heritage Month, Fire Prevention Week), heard multiple public commenters urging a moratorium on data centers and transparency around fairground contracts, approved a historic‑landmark designation for the Frew House, adopted a general plan/zoning amendment for the Cartmell Crossings area, and approved an economic development implementation roadmap. Staff also received a presentation on a regional Sportsplex feasibility study and reported NEPA clearance on a Highway 99 extension utility project.

Discussion Points

•Council requested clarity on transit coordination and park amenities and discussed development standards and planning commission roles.
•Cross Avenue final plans delivered; Page interchange waterline relocation to be bid next week.
•Market scan found a gap in tournament‑grade outdoor rectangular and diamond fields; comparable facilities typically have at least eight fields.
•NEPA clearance achieved; staff coordinating with Caltrans to secure federal construction authorization.
•Preliminary operating model showed a typical operating gap; revenue strategies (naming rights, parking, concessions) could reduce the gap.
•Public concerns over potential environmental impacts of data centers (water, air, grid).
•Requests for transparency regarding payments to Spade Entertainment and questions about contractor accountability and contract extensions.
•Staff presented architectural history linking the property to James Frew and discussed Mills Act eligibility.
•Staff proposed initial BEAR program tools purchased with repurposed funds; further funding requests will be separate agenda items.
•Staff summarized EIR addendum and need for Acre Street realignment.
•Ten strategic priorities presented, including downtown placemaking, financing tools and agritourism.
•Two build options presented: full 16‑field complex or a 12‑field hybrid with convertible fields to save on footprint and capital cost.

Decisions

•Council adopted the general plan amendment and passed an ordinance to print to amend the zoning map.
•Council authorized staff to implement the roadmap and to use $33,000 in departmental funds for near‑term BEAR tools.
•Council passed to print an ordinance to designate the Frew House as an historic cultural landmark.
•No council action taken on moratorium or promoter accountability at this meeting.
•No council budget vote tonight; staff to proceed with procurement steps.
•Presentation accepted as informational; no funding or site decision taken.

Directions

•Addendum to remain part of record for future approvals.
•Authorize staff to proceed with roadmap and return individual proposals and budget requests as needed.
•Council requested further analysis on phasing, site selection, operator models and coordination with other local venues such as the International AgriCenter.
•Proceed to bid once federal authorization and plan scheduling are complete.
•Staff may follow up on public records and provide information; the council noted it cannot act on items not on the agenda at the same meeting.
•Staff to coordinate with the transit authority during site plan review and to ensure parks requirements are met under ordinance.
•Staff to draft ordinance and return for formal adoption at a future meeting.

Oct

Board of Supervisor's Meeting 10/06/2026

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors held its October 6, 2026 regular and special meeting, issuing proclamations (Centenarian Day, Banned Books Week, Filipino American History Month, Fire Prevention Week), approving multiple consent items and contracts, receiving the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report, and ratifying a local emergency proclamation for a developing El Niño event.

Discussion Points

•Allegations of fraud and life‑safety failures at a property were raised.
•Board members asked clarifying questions about scope and lessons from 2023 floods.
•CAO Jason Britt explained the proclamation and delegation.
•Education and enforcement activities for Fire Prevention Week were reviewed.
•Gross production figures and top commodities presented; staff explained data sources and differences between gross and net values.
•Officials emphasized safe charging messaging for lithium‑ion devices.
•Public commenter raised concerns about deletion of vendor contract requirements from state model policy, high per-client costs, lack of competitive bidding, and AHP ethics disclosure exceptions.
•Recognition of centenarians and library freedoms; community presentations on Filipino American History Month.
•Supervisor interrupted the commenter and the chair asked for contact information.

Decisions

•Approved Turning Point, Friendship Manor, and AHP agreements (each 5–0).
•Board adopted Fire Prevention Week proclamation.
•Board adopted proclamations for Centenarian Day, Banned Books Week and Filipino American History Month.
•Ratify local emergency proclamation and approve delegation (5–0).

Directions

•Continue improving acreage tracking and explore Land IQ mapping.
•County staff to follow up with the commenter for evidence and clarification.
•Delegate authority to the general services director and the resource management agency director limited to emergency purchases to protect life/property or county operations.
•Encourage public institutions to observe designated weeks and months and coordinate outreach.
•HHSA and county staff to contact public commenter(s) and provide detailed procurement/contract information and follow-up on specific allegations.
•Public outreach via schools, social media and community events to emphasize safe charging.

Oct

Tulare County Legislative Subcommittee Meeting - 9/15/26

Contains Tulare County Water Commission meeting discussing recent state bills affecting water systems, concerns about data centers and local moratoriums, and scheduling for future meetings.

Discussion Points

•AB 2739 fund creation and distribution shares
•Amendment requires maximum-day, maximum-month, average-year water estimates
•Calendar and IT notification issues causing missed invites
•Language now includes 'good faith estimate' for projected water use
•Local moratorium status and the need for planning analysis
•Need for transparent water plans from data-center developers
•Need to clarify funding sources and rulemaking for AB 2739
•Plan to circulate county legislative platform for committee input
•Process to request Board permission for remote attendance
•Summary of 2026 bills and chapter/enrollment status
•Unclear source of initial principal and need for rulemaking

Decisions

•Follow-up requested; no recommendation yet
•No formal action taken; committee requested follow-up research
•No regulatory change adopted by commission; staff follow-up requested
•Schedule a follow-up meeting to finalize committee comments before the Board of Supervisors deadline
•Tentative early-October meeting date set; staff to follow up

Directions

•Chair to circulate legislative platform and collect comments
•Staff to monitor moratorium renewals and the planning department's evaluations
•Staff to research seed funding sources and rulemaking timeline
•Staff to research unresolved funding/principal source for AB 2739 and report back
•Staff to review amended language and report back with implications for local reviews
•Staff to send targeted invitation to commissioners and circulate legislative platform materials

Sep

Planning Commission Meeting - September 22, 2026

Tulare Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The commission approved two conditional use permits — a pawnshop relocation and an ABC license expansion for a downtown restaurant — and heard commissioner announcements and brief staff updates.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner announced candidacy and upcoming departure; colleagues congratulated the announcement.
•Commissioners asked about layout changes and potential impacts; staff said no layout changes and emphasized Condition 13 (no live music).
•Commissioners expressed support for reusing a long-vacant building and for improved parking.
•Consent calendar passed by voice vote.
•Motion to approve was made and carried by unanimous recorded 'aye' votes.
•Staff described hours, zoning, and CEQA exemption; translator/community member identified the applicant as Daisy and noted she operates the restaurant.
•Staff presentation described property, zoning, CEQA exemption, and operations; applicant emphasized parking.
•Staff recognized Vice Chair Jocelyn Lima's upcoming City Council service and thanked her for contributions.
•Two CUPs were approved with roll-call ayes.

Decisions

•Conditional Use Permit 2026-16 approved subject to conditions in Resolution No. 5564.
•Conditional Use Permit 2026-17 approved subject to conditions in Resolution No. 5563.
•CUP 2026-16 approved; CUP 2026-17 approved; consent calendar approved.

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