CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
1 I
l
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Monday, June 24,2024
5:00 p.m. Special Meeting
Proper notice of this meeting was given pursuant to Government Code Section 54956 COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Terry A. Sayre
Councilmember Jose Sigala
Councilmember StePhen C. Harrell
Councilmember Dennis A. Mederos
COUNCIL ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Vice Mayor Patrick lsherwood
City Manager Marc Mondell; City Attorney Mario U. Zamora (via Zoom), Chief Deputy City Clerk Melissa Hermann; Assistant City Manager Josh McDonnell; Police Chief Fred Ynclan;
Community Development Director Mario Anaya
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sayre called to order the special meeting of the Tulare City Council at 5:04 p.m. in the Council Chamber located a|491 North M Street'
2. GENERAL BUSINESS
2.1 Demolition of Historic Advance Building Downtown.
Recommended Action: Discuss the imminent demolition of the historic Advance building downtown; discuss recommendations provided by Councilmember Harrell which includes placing a 6-month moratorium on the issuance of demolition permits (for non-life safety issues) in downtown, requiring staff to notify Council immediaiely of any demolition permit applications received, and raising the cost of demolition permits; and provide direction to staff'thereto.
Presented By: Councilmember Harrell; City Manager Marc Mondell; Community Development Director Mario AnaYa
Public Comment: Chris Harrell addressed the Council regarding the work of the Ad Hoc Committee on Historic Preservation underway in regard to historic preservation in Tulare and provided background information on the historic Advance Building also known as the Ham Building. Jocelyn Limas addressed the Council regarding demolition of old buildings and reviewing the process for issuing demolition-permits. Don Lebaron addressed the Council regarding the old Ham Building and the rights of property owners. Xavier Avila addressed the Council expressing concern over the possible demolition of the old Ham Building.
Council Action: Councilmember Mederos expressed concern that the property owner of the building in question was not contacted regarding this meeting. There was also concern regarding the rights of property owners. City Attorney Mario U.
Zamora advised of possible risk to the City if the City tries to revoke the demolition permit stating that the City doesn't have the authority to rescind the permit or make any changeJ to it. City Manager Marc Mondell stated he would personally reach out to the property owner and discuss possible alternatives. Councilmember Sigala City of Tulare Page 1 of 2
City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24,2024
3 inquired if there is an expiration date tied to demolition permits and if there are different tiers for encroachment permits. Community Development Director Mario Anaya responded thereto. lt was the consensus of Council to direct staff to contact the property owner of the old Ham Building to see if they are willing to delay demolition and work out alternative solutions. lt *as moved by Couniitmemner Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Harrell, and carried a io 0 (Vice Mayor lshenvood absent) to place a 6-month moratorium from today's date on ih" issuance of demolition permits (for non-life safety issues) in downtown and direct staff to immediately notify City Council of any demolition permit applications received with the caveat that staff will add an item to a future agenda iegarding this issue as soon as possible.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sayre adjourned the special meeting at 6.14 p.m.
These meeting minutes were approved by the council on July 2,2024.
Terry A.
and Ex-Officio Mayor
a
yre, P dent of the Council
ATTEST
Marc ndell
By Melissa Hermann,
City of Tulare Page 2 of 2