Board introduces Jan Bowen and hears that Kia Basin plan was accepted by state reviewers

Board members introduced Jan Bowen as the city’s incoming assistant public works director and heard a water‑management update that staff said the Kia Basin plan was accepted by state reviewers.

Trisha introduced Jan Bowen and said he will start effectively Dec. 15 and that he formerly worked in the city engineering department. Jan Bowen described himself as a licensed civil engineer with degrees in mechanical and civil engineering and about 20 years’ experience that includes municipal design and development services; he said he has worked for the City of Tulare for roughly nine years.

A board member (Speaker 2) reported that the Kia Basin submittal went to Sacramento for review to determine whether the basin would be placed under state probation or remain under the Department of Water Resources’ oversight. "So our plan was accepted," the board member said, adding that reviewers were complimentary of the team’s process; the member said the basin had been rejected twice previously and that the third submission succeeded.

Staff also announced an upcoming meeting on Dec. 18 and said the Jan. 1 meeting would likely be canceled, with the board probably reconvening on Jan. 15.

The board adjourned at 4:20 p.m.