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CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
6:00 p.m. Special Meeting
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Proper notice of this meeting was given pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2 and 54956.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Patrick Isherwood
Vice Mayor Steve Harrell
Councilmember Jose Sigala
Councilmember Terry A. Sayre
Councilmember Dennis A. Mederos
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Marc Mondell; City Attorney Mario U. Zamora; Chief Deputy City Clerk Melissa Hermann; Assistant City Manager Josh McDonnell; Chief Financial Officer Mark Roberts; City Engineer Michael Miller; Public Works Director Trisha Whitfield; Community Services Director Chris Orr; Police Chief Fred Ynclan; Fire Chief Michael Ott; Human Resources Director Shonna Oneal; Community Development Director Mario Anaya; Chief Technology Officer Jason Bowling; Safety, Compliance & Facilities Officer Manny Correa; Senior Management Analyst Gladys Gonzalez
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the special meeting of the Tulare City Council at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no public comments.
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING
3.1 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2): 1 case Council recessed to closed session at 6:02 p.m.
4. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 7:19 p.m.
5. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Mario U. Zamora advised there was no reportable action.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Isherwood adjourned the special meeting at 7:19 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 7:19 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
8. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Chief Ynclan led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Nick Anthony, Spiritual Care Pastor of Tulare First Baptist Church.
9. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
9.1 Recognize Members of the Tulare Athletic Boxing Club for Achievements. Mayor Isherwood provided certificates of recognition to Jazmin Guerrero, Adrian Espinoza, Josue Ceja, and Patrick Ayers.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
Patricia Rocha, Curator and Director of the Tulare Historical Museum, addressed the Council in regard to the recent press release on the partnership of Cyclum and the City of Tulare in developing at the Mefford Field Airport. Ms. Rocha expressed concern over the preservation of the Mefford Field Hangar and offered assistance in the design and redevelopment process. City Manager Marc Mondell provided clarification on the project.
Euler Torres addressed the Council in regard to the recent raids occurring and questioned whether the City is cooperating and/or participating in these raids. Mr. Torres also expressed his excitement for the completion of the new amphitheater.
11. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell advised there were no communications.
12. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council reported out on recent events and discussed items of interest.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 13.6 was removed from the Consent Calendar by Council.
It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented except for item 13.6.
13.1 Waive the reading of ordinances and approve reading by title only.
Recommended Action: Approve the reading by title only of all ordinances and that further reading of such ordinances be waived.
13.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes of the special and/or regular meeting of January 7, 2025. [M. Hermann]
13.3 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-02.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance 2025-02 to adopt the Tulare City Police Department Policy regarding the use and inventory of military equipment as required in Assembly Bill 481. [J. Hamlin]
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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13.4 Acceptance of Grant and Administrative Agreement for Cycle Park.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant (G24-03-04-G01) offer from the State of California Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OMHV) to the Tulare Cycle Park operating expenses not to exceed $459,199 for the year 2025 and to sign all applicable paperwork thereof. [M. Correa]
13.5 Police Department Access Controls and Lobby Reconfiguration.
Recommended Action: Authorize the establishment of a Technology CIP appropriation of $79,703 and use of Technology CIP for purchase and installation of Access Controls for the Police Department; and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract for $72,457 for the purchase and installation of Access Controls for the Police Department with NTM Productions of Visalia California, utilizing the cooperative purchasing agreements “CA Entity PEPPM Contract #535122-190; Authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders up to 10%, or $7,246, of the original contract amount. [J. Bowling]
13.7 Notice of Completion for Public Works Offsite Storm Drain Improvements.
Recommended Action: Accept as complete the required public works offsite storm drain improvements for the Cartmill Commons commercial development located at the southwest corner of Cartmill Avenue and Akers Street (a.k.a., Gem Street); authorize the City Engineer to sign a Notice of Completion (NOC); and direct the City Clerk to file the NOC with the Tulare County Recorder’s Office. [M. Miller]
13.8 Grants of Easement for 709 Academy Avenue.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute Grants of Easement from Cheryl Bickel, Trustee of The David C. Safina and Loyce Safina Trust dated November 21, 2005, for public utility and pedestrian access purposes along the north frontage of 709 Academy Avenue (APN-170-161-027); and authorize the City Manager or his designee to sign the Certificate of Acceptance for the same. [M. Miller]
13.9 Police Department Citizen Complaint Review Board Annual Report.
Recommended Action: Accept the Police Department Citizen Complaint Review Board annual report for calendar year 2024. [J. Stanley]
13.10 Purchase of One Chevrolet Truck for the Police Department.
Recommended Action: Award the purchase of one new/unused 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck to National Auto Fleet Group, of Watsonville, CA using Sourcewell Contract No. 091521-NAF in the amount of $51,027.99, which includes all fees, tax, and shipping. [T. Whitfield]
13.11 Allocation of Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) Grant.
Recommended Action: Approve the allocation of one-time Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) grant funds in the amount of $147,000 to an existing shower and hygiene services provider under the Encampment Resolution Funding Second Round Project according to the terms and conditions of the HHIP Program and those specified in Tulare County Agreement No. PA15478. [M. Anaya]
13.12 Cartmill Commons Offsite Storm Dain Improvements Oversize Agreement.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an oversized construction reimbursement agreement with UG2 Tulare CA, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership for construction costs associated with the Cartmill Commons commercial development that are eligible for reimbursement in accordance with Chapter 8.64 of the Municipal Code, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager; authorize a transfer from the Storm Drain Facilities Development Impact Fee Fund (Fund 301) to the General Fund (Fund 001) of $406,649.30; and City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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authorize the establishment of $406,649.30 appropriation in the General Fund Oversize Liability – Principal (001-4751-8206) account for the payment of the reimbursement attributable to new growth. [M. Miller]
13.13 Memorandum of Understanding with Tulare Police Officers Union.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Three-Year Memorandum of Understanding (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027) by and between the City of Tulare and the Tulare Police Officers Union (TPOU). [S. Oneal; M. Zamora]
13.14 Salary Schedule Amendment.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution amending the City’s 2024/25 salary schedule. [S. Oneal; M. Zamora]
13.15 City Manager Marc Mondell Employment Agreement.
Recommended Action: Approve the Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement with City Manager Marc Mondell. [M. Zamora]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
13.6 Parking Lot Sub-Lease Modification Agreement.
Recommended Action: Approve a sub-lease modification agreement between Dennis A.
Mederos and Cathy M. Mederos, Husband and Wife, individually and doing business as DAMCO Investments; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the City. [M. Correa]
Council Action: Councilmember Mederos pulled this item to recuse himself due to a conflict of interest stating he is a party to the agreement. Mr. Mederos stepped down from the dais and addressed the Council in regard to this item providing history on the original agreement. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Councilmember Mederos recused) to approve the item as presented.
14. GENERAL BUSINESS
14.1 Downtown Tulare Property-Based Improvement District.
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation by NBS Consulting regarding the Downtown Tulare Property-Based Improvement District (PBID) and appoint a committee to assist with outreach efforts.
Presented By: City Manager Marc Mondell; Senior Management Analyst Gladys Gonzalez; NBS Consultants Sandra Burkhart and Michelle Angerich-Valentine Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented including the appointment of a committee to assist with outreach efforts to include Mayor Isherwood, who would serve as chair, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tulare Downtown Association, Senior Management Analyst Gladys Gonzalez, and City Manager Marc Mondell.
14.2 Southeast Tulare Transportation Infrastructure Improvements.
Recommended Action: Receive report regarding anticipated transportation infrastructure improvements in the southeast portion of the City.
Presented By: City Engineer Michael Miller
Public Comment: Patty Rocha addressed the Council in regard to the intersection of Mooney Boulevard and Cross Avenue and the issue of pedestrian safety.
Council Action: This item was informational; therefore, there was no action taken.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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14.3 Loan Agreement with International Agri-Center.
Recommended Action: Approve the proposed Loan Agreement, Promissory Note, Security Agreement, and Short Form Deed of Trust and Assignment of Rents between the City of Tulare and International Agri-Center and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Presented By: City Manager Marc Mondell; City Attorney Mario U. Zamora Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired as to why Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) could not loan the money to the Agri-Center directly. City Manager Marc Mondell stated that, from his discussions with TCAG, it was made clear to him that TCAG would only loan the money to the City, not to the private party. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos and seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell to approve the item as presented. Mayor Isherwood called for a roll call vote. The motion passed 5 to 0 as follows:
Ayes: Councilmember Mederos, Vice Mayor Harrell, Councilmember Sayre, Councilmember Sigala, Mayor Isherwood
Noes: None
14.4 Council Representation on Local and Regional Boards and Committees.
Recommended Action: Approve appointments of the City Council representatives to local and regional boards and committees.
Presented By: Chief Deputy City Clerk Melissa Hermann
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the following appointments:
Board/Committee Sigala Sayre Harrell Mederos Isherwood
Agri-Center Board Liaison X
Tulare County Council of Cities X
Tulare County Association of
Governments (TCAG) X Alt.
Tulare County Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCo) X* X*
Tulare Downtown Association Board
of Directors X
City Employee Health Insurance
Committee X
City Investment Committee X
Teens-On-Board Liaison X
Tulare Irrigation District Joint Comm. X*
Mid-Kaweah Groundwater
Sustainability Agency (MKGSA)
Board
Alt. X*
Tulare County Task Force on
Homelessness X Alt.
Tulare County Economic
Development Corporation Board of
Directors (City Manager is primary)
Alt.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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Board/Committee Sigala Sayre Harrell Mederos Isherwood
Tulare County Regional Transit
Agency Board of Directors X Alt.
San Joaquin Valley Unified Air
Pollution Control District Citizens
Advisory Committee
X*
San Joaquin Valley Special City
Selection Committee X
Tulare County City Selection
Committee (mayor selects alternate) X
15. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
15.1 Changing SR137 Route from M Street to Inyo to O Street to Inyo.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Vice Mayor Harrell
Council Action: It was the consensus of Council to have staff add this item to a future agenda.
16. STAFF UPDATES
Staff provided updates on department activities.
17. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
17.1 Conference with Labor Negotiators (Govt. Code § 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Mondell, Assistant City Manager McDonnell, Human Resources Director Oneal, City Attorney Zamora Employee Organization: Police Department Management Group Council recessed to closed session at 9:40 p.m.
18. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 10:15 p.m.
19. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Isherwood advised there was no reportable action.
20. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 10:15 p.m.
These meeting minutes were approved by the Council on February 4, 2025.
Patrick Isherwood, President of the Council
and Ex-Officio Mayor
ATTEST:
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
________________________________
By Melissa Hermann, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Patrick Isherwood (Feb 5, 2025 16:26 PST) Melissa Hermann (Feb 5, 2025 16:54 PST) Council Meeting Minutes
Final Audit Report 2025-02-06
Created: 2025-02-05
By: Melissa Hermann ([email protected])
Status: Signed
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