City of Tulare Page 1 of 2
CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Friday, March 21, 2025
8:00 a.m. Special Meeting
Proper notice of this meeting was given pursuant to Government Code Section 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; Chief Financial Officer Mark Roberts; City Engineer Michael Miller; Public Works Director Trisha Whitfield; Assistant Community Services Director Brian Beck; 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
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the special meeting of the Tulare City Council at 8:04 a.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Cassie Peterson addressed the Council in expressing a desire for a sports facility in Tulare.
3. STUDY SESSION
3.1 Review Past Three Years, Review Fiscal Year 2024/25 Strategic Plan, and Discuss Challenges Ahead.
City Manager Marc Mondell provided an overview of the work accomplished over the past three years and reviewed the current Strategic Plan. Councilmember Sigala expressed a desire for the City to move forward with the Inyo Corridor project as well as the TesoriBella Oaks Improvements requesting an update on the costs of that project.
Councilmember Sigala also expressed a desire to move forward with a regional sports complex that is split up to benefit the entire city and not just one section of the city.
3.2 Presentations on How to Approve the Challenges.
• Potential Entertainment District
o Indoor Sports Recreation Facility
• Municipal Financial Advisor
• Potential Sales Tax Measure
Brian Connolly of Victus Advisors provided a presentation on the market and economic feasibility study for a potential Entertainment District. Councilmember Mederos commented that it’s necessary to bring in electronic charging stations to the Tulare Outlets. Councilmember Sigala inquired whether selecting a site sooner or later and the criteria around selecting the site. Councilmember Sigala also inquired about housing being considered and whether it’s part of the vision. Councilmember Sayre inquired if the City City Council Meeting Minutes Friday, March 21, 2025
City of Tulare Page 2 of 2
would be working with the County on this project. Mayor Isherwood commented on the City’s maintenance issues and how these overlay districts will assist with that. City Manager Marc Mondell and Mr. Connolly provided responses to Council’s questions.
The Council took a short recess at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:01 a.m.
Richard Bernard of FM3 provided a presentation on the recent citywide survey that was conducted regarding budget priority issues. Councilmember Sigala inquired about the timeline to add a measure to the November 2026 ballot. City Attorney Mario U. Zamora provided a response thereto. Councilmember Mederos commented on the need to enhance the City’s public safety and deal with the homeless issue as well as a desire to assist the hospital in completing their project.
Eric Scriven of NHA Advisors provided a presentation on funding sources and CIP goals, financing structures and process, and bonding capacity overview. Councilmember Sigala inquired about the Corporate Yard being listed under Community Benefit Projects. City Manager Marc Mondell and Mr. Scriven provided a response thereto. Mayor Isherwood inquired if the City has a history of Lease Revenue Bonds. City Manager Marc Mondell advised that staff would look into this.
Spencer Street of Townsend Public Affairs provided a presentation regarding legislative and funding updates.
3.3 City Council Projects and Initiatives.
Recommended Action: Provide input and direction to staff in regard to City Council projects and initiatives.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala commented on the Future Agenda Items process and noted there are a few outstanding items that need to be brought back to Council for consideration. Mayor Isherwood advised Council to provide their notes from today’s meeting to staff and himself in order to create a comprehensive list of items that require deeper discussions. Councilmember Sigala inquired when the Inyo Corridor process can begin and what steps need to be taken to move this project forward. Councilmember Sigala also requested that Council direct the Parks & Recreation Commission to start focusing on the sports complex.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Isherwood adjourned the special meeting at 12:00 p.m.
These meeting minutes were approved by the Council on April 1, 2025.
Stephen C. Harrell, Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
__________________________________
By Melissa Hermann, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Stephen C. Harrell (Apr 2, 2025 16:35 PDT)
Stephen C. Harrell
Council Meeting Minutes
Final Audit Report 2025-04-03
Created: 2025-04-02
By: Melissa Hermann ([email protected])
Status: Signed
Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAALhIiZP3BaL_1M5gpuYhsPa7lfT5TKHQ6 "Council Meeting Minutes" History
Document created by Melissa Hermann ([email protected]) 2025-04-02 - 9:37:59 PM GMT
Document emailed to Stephen C. Harrell ([email protected]) for signature 2025-04-02 - 9:38:03 PM GMT
Document emailed to Melissa Hermann ([email protected]) for signature 2025-04-02 - 9:38:03 PM GMT
Email viewed by Stephen C. Harrell ([email protected]) 2025-04-02 - 11:34:10 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Stephen C. Harrell ([email protected]) Signature Date: 2025-04-02 - 11:35:28 PM GMT - Time Source: server Document e-signed by Melissa Hermann ([email protected]) Signature Date: 2025-04-03 - 5:42:24 PM GMT - Time Source: server Agreement completed.
2025-04-03 - 5:42:24 PM GMT