SO WHAT'S THE PLAN?

On February 25, 2013, the city council met in special session to consider certain decision points regarding the new draft General Plan for Visalia’s future development.  Visalia’s last general plan was enacted in 1991.  Since then, Visalia has grown by over 50,000 people.  This draft was vetted thoroughly over a three-year time span by a task force comprised of twenty five members of Visalia’s business community, with hearings held by the planning commission before coming to the council. A U.S. Supreme Court Justice is reported to have said that the Supreme Court isn’t final because it’s infallible, but that it’s infallible because it’s final.  The same goes for the Visalia City Council in this case, ultimately the final decision rests with the council to vote as it determines to be in the best interests of our local citizens.

Amongst the decisions made by the council at this meeting was to have three tiers for opening up more residential land for development in Visalia.  Visalia has an inventory of 5,600 units of approved vacant residential land inside the current city limits.  A few years ago, when Visalia’s real estate market was red hot, such an inventory wouldn’t have lasted very long.  However, under current market conditions, this represents more than a ten-year supply of housing inventory.  The council decided that for the first tier, with a few exceptions, no additional lands will be annexed into the city for development purposes until many of those lots have been built out.  Once the city has less than a ten-year inventory (estimated to be when Visalia has grown to 135,000), then additional land may be annexed into the city limits.  This second tier build-out will allow certain properties on the fringes of the city limits to be annexed into the city until our population reaches 178,000, at which time the third tier would be opened up for annexation and development.  This plan predicts that by the year 2030, Visalia will have grown to 210,000!

Other decisions made included reaffirming the 200 foot setback reserve on West 198 known as the Scenic Corridor and allowing development behind such setback once the tier requirements are met, opening up south Mooney Boulevard beyond Packwood Creek to Avenue 272 (Mooney Grove) for regional retail development, and not developing further regional retail at the corner of Caldwell and Highway 99, but instead holding that land along with the land south of the airport in a reserve for future councils to consider.  As I spoke with many people in the business and retail community, it became clear that Visalians are not ready for regional retail development at Highway 99.  However, keeping that area in reserve allows Visalia to control its own destiny should a future special use present itself, particularly when Visalia pushes past 210,000 in population.  Again, the whole point of the general plan update is to attempt to peer into the future, to plan for future growth in a controlled way, while allowing the free market to meet the demands of growth.  The decisions that were arrived at by majority vote will not mean immediate development in any particular location, especially in this down economy, but will instead direct future growth as the economy continues to turn around and demand increases.

Let me make an additional observation regarding the Stonebridge neighborhood citizens who attended all the meetings regarding the General Plan over the last three years, conducted their own studies and let their views be known regarding development at the northwest corner of Lovers Lane and Walnut.  These citizens were effective advocates.  Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with all their positions, it was refreshing to see them participate in the political process.

With the preliminary draft General Plan being completed, the next step is for an environmental impact report to be prepared, time for additional public input and comment, and future public hearings by the Planning Commission before the final General Plan is adopted by the City Council.  My personal time estimate is that this process will not be concluded before 2014.

Finally, for those citizens who have followed the discussion and decisions to date, you may not agree with everything that’s been decided, but as a whole I believe that Visalians will support this General Plan.  As the late great mayor of New York City Ed Koch once said, “If you agree with me on nine out of twelve issues, vote for me.  If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve issues, see a psychiatrist!” 

                                                                                    Warren Gubler

                                                                                    Visalia City Councilmember

                                                                                    (559) 713-4400 ext. 3313

                                                                                    wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us

                                 

BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?

A popular song during the Great Depression was “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”  The City of Visalia is now asking its citizens if they can spare approximately four and a half times that amount.

Old timers will remember the flooding of downtown Visalia in the 1950's.  Patrons of Merle’s may recall the vintage photographs on the walls there showing prior floods in Visalia over the years.

Visalia is at the confluence of a number of rivers and channels, including the St. John’s, Mill Creek, Packwood Creek and others that originate from the Kaweah River. That’s why this area is known as the Kaweah Basin. Flooding was quite common here until the construction of Terminus Dam, which was completed by the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers in 1962, to provide flood control and water for irrigation.  A project to raise Kaweah Lake 21 feet was completed in 2004, which included six 21-foot tall fuse gates and spillway.  The City Council took a field trip to view the dam improvements a few years ago, it certainly is an impressive piece of dam engineering!

However, even with these precautions taken upstream, we can’t let our guard down.  In more recent times, due to heavy rains and runoff, Visalia experienced flooding in 2006 and 2010.  The December 2010 storm caused flooding in the subdivision right across the street from my home.  Our public safety personnel did a good job containing the water damage, it could have been a lot worse.  The January 2006 storm event caused over $500,000.00 worth of damage to private property, and an estimated $2.5 million of damage to public property.  Twenty-four hundred sandbags were used by homeowners and city staff.  The December 2010 storms brought with them $2 million of damage to public property, and 3,000 sandbags were used, although no damage to private property was reported fortunately.

Visalia property owners currently pay a monthly fee of 48 cents per parcel or dwelling unit, which fee was used to help enlarge Kaweah Lake, and which has been charged to Visalia property owners since 1997.  Now that that project, which has been crucial to regional flood control efforts, has been completed, Visalians can choose to have a portion of that 48 cent fee (43 cents thereof) redirected to the city to be used to help reduce the risk of local flooding.  (The remaining 5 cents will continue to go towards maintenance of the Kaweah Lake project.)  By the time you read this article, you should have received a ballot from the city asking property owners to continue the 43 cent portion of the storm water fee for a new city use.  Other portions of the storm water maintenance fee will not be affected and are not subject to this ballot.  Likewise, flood insurance costs and requirements will not be affected by the outcome of the vote.  The city is merely requesting authorization to use these funds locally to help reduce chances of future flooding.

The city’s storm maintenance systems includes 40 storm ponding basins, 310 miles of storm pipe, 4,130 manholes, 45 pump stations, and 45 miles of channels, including Mill Creek, Packwood Creek, Modoc Ditch and Evans Ditch.  In particular, these channels need to be maintained and cleaned out on a regular basis to allow for the free flow of water through them.

If you have not already done so, please vote “yes” to authorize this 43 cent per parcel fee to be redirected for use locally to help reduce the risk of flooding.  And don’t forget to return your ballot by March 18 so that it can be counted and your voice heard.  For additional information regarding this project and vote, visit reduceflooding.com.  Brother, can you spare 4 ½ dimes?



If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember

BITS AND PIECES

Live Video Stream
Not long ago, I was asked about when council meetings would be aired live by video.  That day has now arrived.  A live video stream of all Visalia City Council meetings held at the council chambers is now being provided by the city.  During the scheduled meeting times, go to the City’s website at www.ci.visalia.ca.us, click on “City Government” at the top of the page, then go to “Council Live Video Stream.”  You can view city council meetings in the comfort of your own home on your computer.  Again, this is a live feed such that you need to be watching during the actual council meeting.  Of course, we invite the public to attend in person whenever they can, but it’s nice that modern technology has brought this live video stream alternative to us.

Recycling
The city again ran their free annual fall yard waste recycling event, put on by the Visalia Solid Waste department.  From November 23 through Jan 5, citizens of Visalia were able to dispose of their yard waste compostables at no cost, by delivering them to the Tulare County Compost Biomass location on South Lovers Lane, or West Coast Wood Industries off West 198.  For gardeners like myself, this convenience was greatly appreciated.  It’s an opportunity to clean up our yards and prune our dormant trees and bushes during the winter months.  I anticipate that the city will have a similar program again in the springtime.  Kudos to Visalia Solid Waste for this outstanding program.  At the same time, the city provided for free Christmas tree recycling at various locations around the city.  These trees were composted and will be used for landscaping city medians and parks.  Mark your calendar for April 13, 2013, the next free “dump on us” event at the Visalia City Yard located at 335 N. Cain Street.

Cal-State All-Star Football Game
On December 22, 2012, 100 of the top high school football players throughout the State of California converged upon Visalia for an all star game at Mineral King Bowl.  With these players come their families who stay in local hotels and shopped and dined in Visalia.  By some estimates, this game, scheduled during the usually slow month of December in Visalia, generated spin-off business of over one million dollars.  Additionally, we were entertained by these top-ranked high school football players, most of which have already accepted future scholarships in the college ranks.  Thanks to all who helped make this event a success.  These are the types of signature events we want to encourage in Visalia, particularly on an annual basis.  We have the facilities, scenery and weather to compete for the tourist dollars.

Building Permits Up
Through November 2012, the number of permits for new homes was up 26%, with a 19% increase in valuation.  New commercial permits were up 31%.  Likewise, for the third quarter, we witnessed a substantial increase in sales tax revenues generated in the city.  I predict that the last quarter of 2012, which includes the holiday shopping season, will continue that trend upwards.  Remember to buy local.

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember

2013: ARE WE THERE YET?

In early December, my son Edmund returned from serving for two years in the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico as a missionary.  This got me thinking about the end of the Mayan “long count” calendar on December 21, 2012, which marks the conclusion of a 5,126 year era.  Some believe that this date may mark the end of civilization as we know it.  I was glad to have my son home before then.  I thought about not even bothering to write this article for the January edition of Direct Magazine, since the predicted catastrophe is set to occur prior to the publication date. However, because I am a naturally cautious person and don’t like to take chances, I decided to write this article in advance for publication anyway, just in case we survive.

If you are now reading this published article, that means that my gamble paid off, and we have made it to 2013!  As is my tradition, on behalf of the city I’d like to start the new year by looking back at the accomplishments of 2012.

INDUSTRIAL PARK
VWR cut the ribbon for its new 500,000 square foot facility in November.  This medical supply distribution center should be fully operational by the new year, employing 100.  Sorma USA, an agricultural packaging company based in Italy has established its first U.S. presence here in Visalia by leasing 42,000 square feet.  They will initially hire 11 workers, and plan to add a manufacturing component in a few years.  MWI, which distributes veterinary supplies, has expanded and relocated to a larger 80,000 square foot facility.  Peninsula Packaging, a provider of custom thermoformed plastic packaging products, leased 175,000 square feet to use as a finished goods warehouse.  Perfection Pet Food and VF Outdoors both expanded their existing facilities a total of approximately 100,000 square feet.  Mor Furniture For Less opened its new central California warehouse facility here.  Future growth and expansion in the industrial park includes California Dairies, EdenIQ and Gateway Business Park.  Mainland Skate will be doubling their existing warehouse space as well. Kaweah Container recently announced the purchase of a 174,000 sf plant, and will be adding 75 jobs.

MOONEY BOULEVARD
Dick’s Sporting Goods recently opened in the old Food 4 Less center, and Walmart opened its doors in the former Costco building.  In the same shopping center, BevMo! celebrated its grand opening in October, and a new El Pollo Loco restaurant will soon be locating next door.  Harbor Freight moved to a larger location.  Me & Ed’s move to Packwood Creek, and All Pro Pizza relocated to Me & Ed’s former location.  Surf-Thru Car Wash opened in August.  At the Visalia Mall, Francesca’s Collections and Yogurtland recently opened along with G By Guess.  Fresno Coin Gallery and Kirkland’s Home Decor have also found new homes on Mooney.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
New additions include Stacey’s Boutique, Fatte Albert’s Pizza, Char-cu-te-rie, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, Jimmy John’s, and Bravo Farms Restaurant in the old Wagon Wheel location.  Chase Bank opened a new branch next to the Marriott, and Tulare County Probation and TCAG have moved downtown as well.  The exciting new Imagine U Museum (corner of Tipton and Oak) continues in the planning stages.  Everyone wants to be downtown!

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
A new 35,000 square foot Walmart Neighborhood Market is under construction and will be opening soon at the corner of Demaree and Goshen.  In addition to construction jobs, 60 permanent positions will be created by this new store.  The Plaza Drive interchange project continues under construction, and the widening of 198 between Visalia and Hanford nears completion.  Visalia’s water conservation plant upgrade is nearing design completion, and at a cost of $110 million will be the largest public works project in this city’s history.  The new Kiwanis Park at McAuliff and Tulare opened in November.



THIS PLACE MATTERS
In October, the 101 year old Visalia Cemetery Chapel received a plaque as part of the Historic Recognition Program.  If you’ve never taken the time, drop by the cemetery office and ask for a brief tour.  This beautiful building with its stained glass windows is well worth the visit.

2012 turned out to be a good year in Visalia after all.  Glad we’re all still here for an even better 2013.  Happy New Year!

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember

GIFTS OF THE SEASON

When I was a young boy, at Christmas time my mom would always remind me that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Still, I always looked forward to opening gifts and checking my stocking by the fireplace.  William A. Ward expressed, “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘thank you’?”

At this holiday season, we tend to reflect back on the blessings and gifts of the past year.  On behalf of Visalia, let me express thanks for the “gifts” that we have been recipients of.

Visalia is thankful to have been recently awarded a $1.998 million dollar grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the construction of storm drainage and flood management facilities, to reduce the potential of localized flooding in our downtown.  Those of you who lived here in the 1950's will remember Mill Creek overflowing in that area and the resultant flooding.  This grant funding will be used to expand the existing storm drain basin with about 70,000 additional cubic yards of water storage in the former Soroptimist Park at Douglas Avenue, and will include new storm drain trunk lines along Burke Avenue from Mineral King north to Race and west to Tipton, reducing the amount of storm water discharged into Mill Creek.  The project includes the construction of a 1.6 acre storm water basin next to the existing Jennings Ditch in the east downtown area.  This grant/gift does have a few strings attached, and requires a 20% match from the city, which will be funded from the city’s storm drain fund.

Effective October 1, 2012, the City of Visalia’s rating in the FEMA community rating system has been reclassified to a Class 8.  The classification results in a 10% discount on standard A flood  insurance policies and a continued 5% discount on standard X flood insurance policies.  While these discounts do not apply to property owners with preferred risk policies (PRP), FEMA has recently issued a memorandum extending the PRP eligibility program indefinitely.  Every little bit helps.

We’re thankful for the $200,000.00 gift the city recently received from the local Rotary Clubs Foundation, to be applied towards building a new water features playground at Recreation Park.  The balance of the project will be paid for from CDBG grant funds and potentially some additional parks and recreation funds.  This new splash pad will be fun for families and children, especially those on the north side, for many years to come.  It is wonderful to receive this type of a donation from civic-minded organizations and individuals.

We’re thankful that the city was able to balance its budget for the next two years without dipping further into reserves.  Sales tax revenues and property values are starting to pick up.  We have hope for a better economy in 2013, and give thanks that we aren’t Stockton.

We’re thankful to have good city staff and public safety officers who keep the city functioning and our community safe.  I’m thankful for the hardworking members of the city council and city manager I have the privilege of working with.

We thank the local churches, citizens of all faiths, and service clubs, who turned out on Make a Difference Day, Arbor Day, and at other events, and donated their time and money to keep Visalia thriving.  We give thanks to the Celebrant Singers, those ambassadors from Visalia who spread good cheer around the world.  Of course, we want to say thank you to all the teachers, coaches, and others who work with our youth to educate them, and to instill in them principals of good citizenship.  We don’t want to forget the hardworking parents and families who support those youth, and who comprise this great community.  Thank you to the Kings/Tulare Continuum of Care on Homelessness and the Rescue Mission for the 5th annual Project Homeless Connect, which recently fed, clothed, repaired bikes, gave haircuts, provided medical services and more to 372 of our local homeless.  Don’t forget to thank all of our non-profits by donating to them.

In each of our lives we’ve received many gifts to be thankful for.  As G.B. Stearn said, “silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”  So, at this holiday season, let us all reflect upon the gifts which we have received in 2012, and give thanks to all those who have given so much.


Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
directfromwarren.blogspot.com

WHY I'M VOTING "YES" FOR DISTRICT ELECTIONS

On the November 2012 ballot, voters will have the opportunity to vote for district elections for Visalia city council.  By definition, in a district-based election, candidates live in the district, and voters elect one council member in the district they live in.  It is contemplated that Visalia would have five such districts.  Currently, Visalia has an at-large election system whereby candidates can live anywhere in the city and all voters vote for all council members.  While there may be some arguments in favor of the at-large system, in this article I address the reasons why I’m voting to change to district elections:

1. District elections have worked well locally.  There are various voting models to choose from.  It’s not a question of right or wrong, but instead it’s a question of what fits the community.  The Visalia Election ProcessTask Force, which was made up of local volunteers/voters, studied the issue and recommended going to district elections, based upon city size and demographics.  The district election system has been around for a long time.  The Visalia School Board, Kaweah Delta and Tulare District Hospitals, the COS Board, Tulare County Supervisors, the Tulare City Council and others are currently elected by district.

2. District elections are more economical and should improve citizen access.  The time and financial expense of running in a district election rather than city wide is considerably less.  Elected officials who have run under both systems indicate a preference for district elections because they can more easily communicate with their district constituents, rather than spending large sums of money on expensive citywide advertising.  City council members elected by district should be more responsive to the needs of their district, and if not, can easily be replaced.  However, it’s up to the voters to make sure that they elect a council member from their district who will also be in tune to the needs of the city as a whole.

3. The California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) was enacted in 2001, containing a presumption in favor of district elections.  It seeks to protect members of race, color or language minority groups; the legal standard is “whether there has been racially polarized voting.”  Based upon the data and statistics provided to our Visalia Election Process Task Force, I am not persuaded that there has historically been racially polarized voting in Visalia.  Positive examples include former Mayor Jesus Gamboa who ran successfully three times, and Able Maldonado, who ran unsuccessfully for California Lieutenant Governor, but who was supported by the vast majority of Visalia’s electorate.  Some minority candidates have not been successful here, but I attribute that to factors such as lack of name recognition, lack of campaign experience or community involvement, party affiliation, and so forth.  However, the reality is that in the 160 years of Visalia’s existence, minority ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asians and others, have been under-represented on the city council.  Anything we can do to make access to the city council more available to qualified citizens of all races is a step in the right direction.

4. Visalia and other cities have been threatened with lawsuits by law firms, unions and other special interest groups for sundry political reasons and for financial gain, if we don’t convert to district elections.  While I believe that Visalia could successfully defend such a suit, based upon the lack of evidence of racially polarized voting here, I don’t want to spend one penny of hard-earned taxpayer money, especially in this economy, on lawyers and litigation.  Under the CVRA, if a court finds racially polarized voting, a city has to pay not only its own attorney’s fees and costs, but also those of the complaining party, which will be substantial.  However, even if the city prevails, it still has to pay its own attorney’s fees and costs.  Either way, it could cost millions.  What a waste of city financial resources!  Visalia is large now and will continue to grow larger, increasing the desirability of district elections on the merits.  While Visalia has successfully defended itself many times in the past against spurious lawsuits, there simply is no reason to waste taxpayer money on litigation under these circumstances, only the lawyers would win.

Implementing district elections for Visalia city council is the right thing to do based upon our city’s size, to increase the odds of electing qualified candidates of all backgrounds, and to increase citizen input and access.  It’s time that Visalia moves forward with district elections.


Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us

DONUTS AND DISCUSSION

The reason I compose this article each month  is to inform our Visalia citizens about what’s going on down at city hall, and to hopefully provide an objective view and peek behind the scenes.  The city tries to be transparent and informative, there is no skullduggery or hidden agenda.  Elected city officials and employees are human beings just like you, and are trying to serve our community.  After all, we actually live here too, we’re your neighbors, and we also want what’s best for the city.

City council members are always available by telephone, email or personal contact.  In recent times, our current mayor, Amy Shuklian, has scheduled office hours at city hall once a month for the public.  I suspect that there may be some who might not know their way around city hall or might feel uncomfortable initiating contact with a council member.  To supplement the foregoing, and to reach out further into the community on an informal basis, I have started what I call “Donuts and Discussion.”  D and D is held on Saturday mornings, to accommodate those early birds who may not be able to take off from work otherwise.  The idea is to hold these meet and greets at different locations around town and to make it as convenient as possible for the public to attend.  Our first D and D was held at the Donut Factory, Etc. on North Demaree in July, and our next one was hosted by Panera Bread on South Mooney in September.  I appreciate the graciousness of the owners of these businesses to allow us to come in and hold these get-togethers there

At the D and D’s we’ve held so far, we’ve had some interesting issues and discussions.  Topics which have been brought up by those attending have included district elections, pension reform, landscaping and subdivision issues, graffiti, sales tax, code enforcement, Agenda 21, and a city survey.  I, along with my invited city official, am available to answer questions, or to address issues that citizens may have that relate to them personally or that are of citywide concern.  To date, Fire Chief Mark Nelson and Police Chief Colleen Mestas have been my invited guests.  In addition to the invited city official, other department heads and city staff have dropped by on their own to say “hi” and to be available for questions.  Nancy Loliva, our community relations manager, has been invaluable in assisting to set these gatherings up.  Her efforts and those of others of the city who have attended, are appreciated.  In some instances, I or city staff have followed up in subsequent telephone calls and emails to the attendees regarding the concerns which they have raised.

I’d like to invite each of you to come to our next Donuts and Discussion, which will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012, 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Vallarta Supermarket in their bakery/cantina area, 3112 N. Dinuba Blvd. with assistant city manager, Mike Olmos.  Please feel free to drop by for a few minutes to say “hi,” to let us know how we can be of help to you, and to enjoy a donut or pastry with us.

Tuning in to Council Meetings
I recently received an email from local resident Sharon Doughty, asking if city council meetings are televised.  I replied that due to current budget constraints, “no.”  I anticipate that in the future this will happen.  We know that not everyone has the time to personally attend these bi-monthly meetings.  All agenda items and staff reports are put on the city’s website in advance of each council meeting for public perusal.  If you want to hear firsthand what is discussed, go to the city’s website at www.ci.visalia.ca.us, click on “City Government” and then select “Agendas.”  Pick the prior city council meeting that you’re interested in, and click on the agenda item which you want to know more about.  Not only can you read the entire staff report there, but you can also listen to a recording of the city council discussion on each particular agenda item.  

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member