Marisa Avalos

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The key discussion centered around a study session regarding the Woodside Homes proposed 115-acre neighborhood development, which requires a general plan amendment as the property is outside the current general plan. The proposer, Woodside Homes, detailed revisions made based on council feedback, including increased lot sizes up to 70x120 feet (8,400 sq ft minimum) and the inclusion of two parks, with one park in Phase One. A potential dog park was also contemplated. Discussions also covered traffic flow, noting the need to evaluate ingress/egress on Lacy Street for Phase Four access, and the proposal to utilize a shallow, dual-use storm drain basin that could also serve as a park amenity. The development is planned in four phases, expected to take seven or eight years to complete, with approximately 430 total units proposed.

The meeting included the recognition and administration of the oath of office for the newest planning commissioner, Tom Reed. A public comment period was held, though no comments were provided at that time. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing and consideration for Tentative Parcel Map number 2025-03 and Plan Unit Development number 2025-01 for the property at 109 Hamlet Street. This application seeks to divide the site into four parcels with lot sizes and widths less than standard minimums, necessitating the PUD override. Discussions covered the tree mitigation requirements for several large oak trees, the proposed layout of four single-family dwellings (two single-story and two two-story homes), lot dimensions, and potential sales prices of approximately $350,000 per unit. The commission also addressed the location of garages and the resulting street parking impact.

The meeting featured a ceremonial presentation recognizing the Lore Volunteer Fire Department for their 100th consecutive year of donating a Christmas tree, highlighting the deep local history of the tradition dating back to 1919. The council also conducted a study session regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate, discussing the possibility of an increase from the current 8% rate, which has remained unchanged since 1988, noting that surrounding cities have rates between 10% and 12%. Furthermore, the council reviewed the traffic light schedule for three key intersections: Bush and 19th and a Half, Hanford and Liberty, and Cinnamon and 19th. All three locations are slated to receive full stoplights with pedestrian push buttons and emergency response recognition. The engineering design for these projects is nearly complete, with construction scheduled to occur simultaneously between June and August.

The agenda for this meeting included standard proceedings such as call to order, invocation, and roll call. Key items involved approval of the Consent Calendar, which included the approval of the second reading for an Ordinance adopting Planned Unit Development No. 2025-01 located at 109 Hamlet Street, and approvals for various task orders related to the Daphne Storm Drain Improvement Project and design/bid services for the Liberty Drive and Glendale Avenue Sewer Lift Station. The New Business section included discussions regarding adjusting City Council stipends consistent with Government Code Section 36516 and the appointment of a member to the Kings County Commission on Aging. The session concluded with a Closed Session to discuss labor negotiations and initiate civil and criminal action related to a specific property.

The meeting commenced with introductory remarks, an invocation, and the pledge of allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for Council Member Lions' father. Agenda adjustments included moving item 4-3 to the next meeting and requesting item 4-7 be pulled from the consent calendar. Ceremonial presentations included recognizing Bruce German as Employee of the Month for December 2025 and proclaiming January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to honor Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California. The study session focused on a review of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), currently at 8%, and gathering council direction on a potential increase. Discussions centered on raising the tax to 10%, 11%, or 12% to generate additional general fund revenue, considering competitiveness with neighboring municipalities like Hanford, and acknowledging that any increase requires voter approval.