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ACTION MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TULARE
September 20, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tulare was held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Tulare Public Library and Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Dennis A. Mederos, Terry A. Sayre, Stephen C. Harrell, Patrick Isherwood, Jose Sigala
STAFF PRESENT: Marc Mondell, Josh McDonnell, Mario Zamora, Fred Ynclan, Michael Ott, Janice Avila, Traci Myers, Diego Ibanez, Michael Miller, Trisha Whitfield, Jason Glick, Nick Bartsch, Michael Powers, Alexis Costales, Manny Correa, Clay Roberts, Jason Bowling, Melissa Hermann
I. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Mederos called the regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Mayor Mederos led the pledge of allegiance and an invocation was given by Vice Mayor Sayre.
III. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
1. Resolution of Commendation for the Gong Family. Mayor Mederos presented a resolution of commendation to Steve Gong on behalf of the Gong Family.
2. Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month, September 2022. Vice Mayor Sayre presented a proclamation proclaiming September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month in the City of Tulare to Noah Whitaker from the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency.
3. Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2022.
Mayor Mederos presented a proclamation proclaiming September 15-October 15, 2022 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Tulare.
Mayor Mederos called a recess at 7:26 p.m. following Proclamations & Recognitions.
The meeting reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
IV. CITIZEN COMMENTS - Mayor Mederos requested those who wish to speak on matters not on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the Council, or to address or request a matter be pulled from the Consent Calendar to do so at this time. He further stated comments related to General Business matters would be heard at the time that matter is addressed on the agenda.
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Reverend Janice Hill of Tulare First Congregational Church and Susan Burley of Encore Theatre performed a short skit highlighting their love for Tulare and closed with comments on Reverend Janice Hill’s retirement.
Paul Atlas, Tulare business owner, raised concerns over the emergency homeless shelter location.
Cassidy Dolin, Tulare resident, raised concerns over the state of the city, especially with the homeless encampments and crimes.
Donnette Silva-Carter, Tulare Chamber of Commerce CEO, provided updates on current Chamber events.
Michael Mendoza, Tulare at Mission Oak, spoke about the students’ efforts on securing the approval for a Japanese Internment Camp Memorial to be located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell stated there were no communications.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilmember Harrell, seconded by Councilmember Sigala, and unanimously carried that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved as presented with the exception of items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, and 18.
1. Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
2. Approve minutes of the August 16, 2022, special and regular meetings. [Submitted by: M. Hermann]
3. Adopt Ordinance 2022-12 revising Section 9.48.060 to the City of Tulare Municipal Code to allow for the parking of large commercial vehicles under contract with the Tulare Police Department’s Tow Service Agreement or a Tow Service Agreement with any other public agency to park service vehicles in residential districts. [Submitted by: M. Zamora] Mayor Mederos pulled this item to recuse himself due to a business conflict. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Harrell, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Mederos recused) to approve the item as presented.
4. Accept the monthly investment report for July 2022. [Submitted by: D.
Ibanez]
5. Approve a list of pre-qualified consultants for on-call construction management, engineering and inspection services; and authorize the City Manager to enter into consultant professional service contracts, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager, with 4Creeks, Inc. of Visalia, CA, NV5, Inc., of Fresno, CA, 8498
and CCME, Inc., of Fresno, CA for a period of up to two years with three (3) annual renewals available. [Submitted by: M. Powers] Councilmember Sigala pulled items 5, 6, 7, and 8 to inquire about efforts to expand opportunities to minority and women-owned businesses. Senior Project Manager Nick Bartsch provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve items 5, 6, 7, and 8 as presented.
6. Approve a list of pre-qualified consultants for on-call construction surveying services; and authorize the City Manager to enter into consultant professional service contracts, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager, with Lane Engineers, Inc. of Tulare, CA, 4Creeks, Inc. of Visalia, CA, Provost & Pritchard of Visalia, CA, QK Inc. of Visalia, CA and Guida Surveying, Inc. of Fresno, CA for a period of up to two years with three (3) annual renewals available. [Submitted by: M. Powers]
7. Approve a list of pre-qualified consultants for on-call geotechnical engineering and materials testing services; and authorize the City Manager to enter into consultant professional service contracts, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager, with NV5 West, Inc. of Bakersfield, CA; Krazan & Associates, Inc. of Clovis, CA; Smith-Emery of Hanford, CA; Kleinfelder of Fresno, CA; Blackburn Consulting of Fresno CA; Consolidated Testing Laboratories, Inc. of Exeter CA; and BSK Associates of Fresno, CA for a period of two years with three (3) annual renewals available. [Submitted by: M. Powers]
8. Approve a list of pre-qualified consultants for on-call labor compliance and monitoring services; and authorize the City Manager to enter into consultant professional service contracts, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager, with Labor Consultants of California of Hanford, CA, QK of Visalia, CA, and Silveira Consulting of Galt, CA for a period of up to two years with three (3) annual renewals available. [Submitted by: M. Powers]
9. Award the purchase of three (3) new/unused 2023 Ford Ranger (R4E) XL 2WD SuperCrew vehicles to National Auto Fleet Group, of Watsonville, CA using Sourcewell Contract No. 091521-NAF in the amount of $96,294.96, which includes all fees, tax and shipping. [Submitted by: T. Whitfield]
10. Award the purchase of six (6) new/unused 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility K8A vehicles to National Auto Fleet Group, of Watsonville, CA using Sourcewell Contract No. 091521-NAF in the amount of $318,736.20, which includes all fees, tax and shipping. [Submitted by: T. Whitfield] 8499
11. Review and confirm the City Council and Board of Public Utilities appointments to the Tulare Irrigation District (TID) and City of Tulare Joint Operations Committee. [Submitted by: T. Whitfield]
12. Accept receipt of Fiscal Year 2021 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) in the amount of $186,340.00 for the Tulare Fire Department to replace Self-Contained-BreathingApparatus. [Submitted by: M. Ott]
13. Authorize the purchase of 29 Bendix King BKR5000 handheld radios, 4 Bendix King BKNGM150-R mobile radios and accessories from Vincent Communications of Fresno, CA using the Bendix King CA NASPO contract #00318 for $92,175.38. [Submitted by: M. Ott]
14. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Grant of Easement and Certificate of Conveyance to Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for installation and maintenance of SCE utilities located within landscaping lots of Phase 1 of the Liberty Hill subdivision and a City-owned lot (APN 174 010 014), subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [Submitted by: M. Miller]
15. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Grant of Easement and Certificate of Conveyance to Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for installation and maintenance of SCE utilities located within landscaping lots of Phase 1 of the Oakcrest subdivision, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [Submitted by: M.
Miller]
16. Final acceptance of public works improvements for Phases 2 and 3 of The Greens at Oak Creek subdivision, located along the east side of Mooney Boulevard (State Route 63) south of Seminole Avenue. [Submitted by: M.
Miller] This item was pulled and tabled at the request of staff.
17. Approve a short-term deferred improvement agreement with D.R. Horton CA3, Inc., allowing the construction of Mooney Boulevard (State Route 63) frontage improvements for Phases 2 and 3 of The Greens at Oak Creek subdivision to be deferred for a maximum of one (1) year. [Submitted by: M.
Miller]
18. Accept Engineering/Project Management Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) Dashboard for September 2022. [Submitted by: N. Bartsch] Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire on the status of the project for traffic signals at West and Prosperity. Senior Project Manager Nick Bartsch and City Manager Marc Mondell provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously carried to accept the dashboard.
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19. Approve a list of pre-qualified consultants for on-call water well design services, and authorize the City Manager to enter into consultant professional service contracts, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager, with Carollo Engineers, Inc. of Fresno, CA, and Provost & Pritchard of Visalia, CA, for a period of up to two years with three (3) annual renewals available. [Submitted by: M. Powers]
20. Award the purchase of five (5) new/unused 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (K8A) AWD hybrid vehicles to National Auto Fleet Group, of Watsonville, CA using Sourcewell Contract No. 091521-NAF in the amount of $254,953.55, which includes all fees, tax and shipping. [Submitted by: T.
Whitfield]
21. Authorize the City Manager to complete and execute, after the close of escrow, the documents necessary to purchase property located as a portion of APN 168-340-002 in the amount of $6,900 for public right-of-way required by Project EN0074, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [Submitted by: M. Powers] VII. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS OR ITEMS OF INTEREST – G.C. 54954.2(a)(3) Council reported out on recent events and discussed items of interest.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARING - Comments related to Public Hearing items are limited to three minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by the Council.
1. Adopt a resolution approving the 2021 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) as presented; and authorize the City Manager or his designee to submit the CAPER to HUD on behalf of the City of Tulare. [Submitted by: A. Costales] Senior Housing and Grants Specialist Alexis Costales provided a presentation for Council consideration. Mayor Mederos opened the public hearing at 8:38 p.m. Receiving no public comment, the public hearing was closed at 8:39 p.m. It was moved by Councilmember Isherwood, seconded by Councilmember Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
IX. GENERAL BUSINESS - Comments related to General Business items are limited to three minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by the Council.
1. Receive a Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Council Travel Fund balance and Community Improvement Fund balance update; and adopt a resolution approving the appropriation of the Community Improvement Fund balances from Fiscal Year 2021/2022 to the Community Improvement Funds for Fiscal Year 2022/2023. [Submitted by: D. Ibanez] Chief Financial Officer Diego Ibanez provided a report for Council consideration. It was moved by 8501
Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Mayor Mederos, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
2. Approve the suggested amendment to Section 2.04.030 (Appointments and Qualifications) of the Tulare Municipal Code in regard to the appointment process and qualifications for members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. [Submitted by: M. Hermann] Chief Deputy City Clerk Melissa Hermann provided a report for Council consideration. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Harrell, and unanimously carried to pass to print the ordinance as presented.
3. Select Councilmember seats by lot for members on the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Committee on Aging for appointment purposes. [Submitted by: M. Hermann] Chief Deputy City Clerk Melissa Hermann provided a report for Council consideration. Each councilmember drew names for both the Parks and Recreation Commission and Committee on Aging as follows:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Member Name Term Expiration Council Seat
Lori Fishbough 12/31/2023 Council Seat 1 (Sigala)
Mike Jamaica 12/31/2025 At-large
Craig Hancock 12/31/2025 Council Seat 5 (Isherwood)
Nicholas Sherwood 12/31/2023 Council Seat 3 (Harrell)
W. Eric Farrenkopf 12/31/2023 Council Seat 2 (Sayre)
Manuel Caceres 12/31/2025 At-large
Armando Da Silva 12/31/2023 Council Seat 4 (Mederos)
Committee on Aging
Member Name Term Expiration Council Seat
Pam Malloy 12/31/2023 Council Seat 1 (Sigala)
Jackie Zupp 12/31/2025 Council Seat 5 (Isherwood)
Vacant 12/31/2023 Council Seat 2 (Sayre)
Albert Lemus 12/31/2025 Council Seat 3 (Harrell)
Jevon Price 12/31/2025 Council Seat 4 (Mederos)
It was moved by Councilmember Harrell, seconded by Councilmember Sigala, and unanimously carried to accept the results of the seats drawn as indicated above.
4. Adopt a resolution designating a “no commercial parking” zone on a segment of Prosperity Avenue across the frontage of 1902 W. Prosperity Avenue; and authorize the installation of corresponding signage. [Submitted by: M. Miller] City Engineer Michael Miller provided a report for Council consideration. Al Silva, Tulare resident, provided comment in favor of the signage. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Sigala, 8502
seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
5. Authorize the City Manager to complete and execute documents necessary to purchase property located at the northeast corner of Walnut Ave and O Street in Tulare (APN 181-070-062) in the amount of $360,000.00 for the use as a temporary homeless encampment area, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager; and receive a presentation and provide direction to staff regarding the proposed temporary homeless encampment area to be located on said property. [Submitted by: M. Correa and M. Miller] City Manager Marc Mondell provided a report for Council consideration. Following discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Sayre and seconded by Councilmember Harrell to approve the item as presented. The motion carried 5 to 0 by rollcall vote as follows:
AYES: Vice Mayor Sayre; Councilmember Harrell; Councilmember Sigala; Councilmember Isherwood; Mayor Mederos
6. Adopt a resolution approving the allocation of expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds toward selected time-sensitive councilmember-identified programs and projects. [Submitted by: J.
McDonnell] Deputy City Manager Josh McDonnell provided a report for Council consideration. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Isherwood, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as amended to include the following: (1) $5,000 to the Japanese Internment Camp Memorial by Mayor Mederos; (2) $5,000 to the Tulare Historical Museum by Mayor Mederos; and (3) $5,000 to Grandma’s House by Mayor Mederos, bringing the total allocation for this resolution to $254,039.00.
7. Adopt a resolution to prescribe, revise and collect fees, tolls, rates, rentals, or other charges for services and facilities related to water, sanitation, storm drainage, or sewerage systems. [Submitted by: M. Zamora] City Attorney Mario Zamora provide a report for Council consideration. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Isherwood, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
X. STAFF UPDATES AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – GC 54954.2(a)(3) Staff provided updates to Council. There were no future agenda items requested or approved.
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XI. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Mederos adjourned the regular meeting at 10:04 p.m.
President of the Council and Ex-Officio
Mayor of the City of Tulare
ATTEST:
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Chief Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of the
Council of the City of Tulare