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CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
6:30 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: Vice Mayor Steve Harrell
Councilmember Jose Sigala
Councilmember Terry A. Sayre
Councilmember Dennis A. Mederos
COUNCIL ABSENT: Mayor Patrick Isherwood
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Marc Mondell; Assistant City Manager Thomas W.
Gaffery IV; Assistant City Attorney Megan Crouch; Chief Deputy City Clerk Melissa Hermann; Chief Financial Officer Mark Roberts; City Engineer Michael Miller; Public Works Director Trisha Whitfield; Community Services Director Chris Orr; Police Captain Greg Merrill; Fire Chief Michael Ott; Human Resources Director Shonna Oneal; Community Development Director Mario Anaya; Chief Technology Officer Jason Bowling
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Harrell called to order the special meeting of the Tulare City Council at 6:30 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 ITEMS
3.1 Conference with Labor Negotiators (Govt. Code § 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Marc Mondell, City Attorney Mario U. Zamora, Human Resources Director Shonna Oneal
Employee Organization(s): California League of City Employees Association (CLOCEA); Tulare City Professional Fire Fighters Association Non-Management; Tulare City Professional Fire Fighters Association Management
Unrepresented Employee(s): Tulare Fire Battalion Chief Group; Department Head Group
Council recessed to closed session at 6:31 p.m.
4. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 7:01 p.m.
5. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Megan Crouch advised there was no reportable action.
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6. ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Harrell adjourned the special meeting at 7:01 p.m.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Harrell called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 7:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
8. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Jason Bender led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Louis Sparks, Pastor of The River Church.
9. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
9.1 Proclamation for National Library Week – April 6-12, 2025. Councilmember Sayre read and provided a proclamation to Library Manager Heidi Clark proclaiming April 6-12, 2025 as National Library Week in the City of Tulare.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
Councilmember Sayre on behalf of Donnette Silva-Carter provided a reminder regarding the Cars on K event occurring on Saturday, April 5.
Ken Espinosa addressed the Council to inquire about the future of the Cyclum Next Gen Travel Center project due to what Mr. Espinosa described as the money and tax situation as well as current projects running over budget expressing concern with the $750,000 obligation from the City. Mr. Espinosa’s concerns were addressed by City Manager Marc Mondell.
Larry Mendez and family addressed the Council regarding another incident that occurred in the rear of their home at Cross Avenue and Brentwood Street. Mr. Mendez and family requested the City place a guardrail to protect their property.
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
Items 13.3, 13.6, 13.8, 13.11, 13.12, 13.13, 13.14, and 13.15 were removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented except for items 13.3, 13.6, 13.8, 13.11, 13.12, 13.13, 13.14, and 13.15.
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 March 18, 2025 and March 21, 2025. [M. Hermann]
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13.4 State Mandated Reporting.
Recommended Action: Approve a resolution acknowledging receipt of a report made by the Fire Department regarding the inspection of certain required occupancies pursuant to Section 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code. [R. Leonardo]
13.5 Oak Creek Subdivision Phase 3 Notice of Completion.
Recommended Action: Accept the required public works improvements for Phase 3 of the Oak Creek subdivision located east of Mooney Boulevard and south of Seminole Avenue on the east side of Aberdeen Street as complete, 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]
13.7 Emergency Homeless Shelter Modular Buildings Notice of Completion.
Recommended Action: Accept as complete the contract with Pacific Mobile Structures, Inc., Chehalis, WA for work on Project FM0048 - Emergency Homeless Shelter; authorize the City Engineer to sign the Notice of Completion; and direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the Tulare County Recorder’s Office. [B. Cahill]
13.9 Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Contract Contingency Increase.
Recommended Action: Authorize an additional 10% contingency of $44,241.87 for the existing 3-year agreement with Dell Marketing LP licensing of Microsoft software and services under the Microsoft Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) running from July 1, 2024 to July 1st 2027 increasing the contract amount to $176,968 annually for a total 3- year contract not-to-exceed amount of $530,903. [J. Bowling]
13.10 Resolution with Tulare Police Management Group.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving clerical and conforming changes for Tulare Police Management Group (TPMG). [S. Oneal]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
13.3 Acceptance of CalRecycle Rubberized Pavement Grant.
Recommended Action: Accept the 2024-2025 Rubberized Pavement Grant from CalRecycle in the amount of $64,073 and authorize the appropriation of $1,200,000 in Fund 643 fund balance to Project ST0006 – Annual Pavement Management to provide matching funds for a cape seal project. [T. Whitfield]
Council Action: Councilmember Mederos pulled this item for clarification. Public Works Director Trisha Whitfield responded thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
13.6 Fulton Estates Phase 1A Neighborhood Park Reimbursement.
Recommended Action: Approve the use of Quimby Act Park Fee’s to fund the construction of a neighborhood park at the Fulton Estates Subdivision located at the southwest corner of Tulare Avenue (a.k.a., State Route 137) and Oakmore Street. [M.
Miller]
Council Action: Councilmember Mederos pulled this item for clarification. City Engineer Michael Miller provided a response thereto. Councilmember Sigala inquired about what the park would be considered and if there is adequate space for the purpose. Community Development Director Mario Anaya advised the park would be a pocket park. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
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13.8 PK0033 Zumwalt Park Renovation Contract Amendment.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign a $95,250 contract amendment with 4Creeks of Visalia, CA, for additional construction management and inspection services related to CIP Project PK0033 – Zumwalt Park Renovation. [M.
Miller]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about the delays in the construction of the project. City Manager Marc Mondell advised the biggest challenge has been getting the electrical switch gear which has been a problem nationwide. Mr. Mondell stated that the hope is the project is finished by the end of May. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Mederos, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
13.11 Capital Improvements Project Dashboard for April 2025.
Recommended Action: Accept the Capital Improvements Project Dashboard for April 2024. [M. Miller]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire on the status of the Prosperity and West Intersection Improvements Project. City Manager Marc Mondell and City Engineer Michael Miller updated the Council on the status of obtaining the right-ofway and overhang easement required for this project. Councilmember Mederos inquired whether there were any other foreseeable issues that may attribute to further delays. City Engineer Michael Miller advised there should be no other issues that will cause delays.
Councilmember Mederos inquired about the railroad crossing improvements project at J and Prosperity. City Engineer Michael Miller advised that the project will not be moving forward as Union Pacific Railroad advised the City that any modifications to the crossings would trigger further improvements that the City would be responsible for including replacing the crossing arms which blew the project scope out of the water and consequently meant the scope no longer matched the intended purpose of the grant. He further advised that a secondary grant was applied for to cover those additional costs, but the City was unsuccessful in securing that grant. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
13.12 Status Update on Historic Preservation & Demolition Permits Downtown.
Recommended Action: Receive a report providing update on historic preservation activities of the Historic Resources Ad-Hoc Committee. [M. Anaya] Council Action: Staff pulled this item for separate discussion. Community Development Director Mario Anaya provided a status update stating there have been no additional demolition permits issued for the downtown area since the temporary moratorium expired in December. Councilmember Sigala requested that an item be brought back on April 15 for Council to discuss and consider continuing a moratorium through at least July 1. It was the consensus of Council to direct staff to agendize an item on April 15 to discuss and consider a continued moratorium.
13.13 Inyo Avenue and O Street All-way Stop Study.
Recommended Action: Receive update regarding status of Council request for consideration of an all-way stop installation at the intersection of Inyo Avenue and O Street. [M. Miller]
Council Action: Staff pulled this item for separate discussion. Vice Mayor Harrell provided information regarding the reason behind his request to turn the intersection of Inyo Avenue and O Street into an all-way stop, stating that the closure of Kern Avenue in front of Tulare Union High School as the cause of increased traffic at this intersection. City Manager Marc Mondell advised that staff has ordered a study and will bring that information back to Council for further review and consideration. There was no action taken on this item.
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13.14 Changing SR137 Route through Downtown Tulare.
Recommended Action: Receive update regarding status of Vice Mayor Harrell’s request to investigate the potential re-routing of State Route 137 through portions of Downtown Tulare. [M. Miller]
Council Action: Staff pulled this item for separate discussion. Vice Mayor Harrell provided information regarding the reason behind his request to re-route State Route 137 away from the park. Councilmember Mederos stated that he thinks it’s a great idea but is concerned about unintended consequences. There was no action taken on this item.
13.15 Support for a Roundabout at the Intersection of Cartmill Avenue and West Street.
Recommended Action: Receive update regarding status of Councilmember Mederos’ request to initiate a collaborative process with the County of Tulare and the Tulare County Association of Governments to utilize Measure R funding to install a roundabout at the intersection of Cartmill Avenue and West Street. [M. Miller] Council Action: Staff pulled this item for separate discussion. Councilmember Mederos inquired about the status on proceeding with this project and who the lead agency would be. City Engineer Michael Miller provided a response thereto stating it would be appropriate for the City to provide a letter to the County stating the City’s intent to work with them collaboratively to see that intersection improvements are done and provide input regarding a roundabout being a good option. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to direct a letter be drafted and provided to the County as stated by City Engineer Michael Miller.
14. PUBLIC HEARING
14.1 FNC Farming Annexation and Subdivision Project.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution requesting the Tulare County Local Agency Formation Commission take proceedings for annexation No. 2024-01 (East Tulare No. 38 – FNC Farming) and detachment of the property from County Service Area No. 1 and the Tulare Irrigation District; adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2024- 02 to change the existing land use designation from Residential Estate and Rural Residential to Low Density Residential and rural Residential; pass to print an ordinance approving Zone Amendment No. 754, pre-zoning the subject property to the R-1-5 (Singlefamily Residential, 5,000 sq. ft. minimum lot area) and Rural Residential zoning designations; and adopt a resolution certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report with appropriate Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for the FNC Farming Annexation and Subdivision Project.
Presented By: Principal Planner Steven Sopp
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:18 p.m. Allison Schott addressed the Council in regard to a turn pocket on Prosperity Avenue expressing concern for residents to the north of the development being able to access their driveways going eastbound on Prosperity. Ms. Schott also inquired about where the mailboxes would be moved. City Engineer Michael Miller provided a response thereto stating that there is a raised median that will open to Lois Lane and mailbox locations would be determined by the Postmaster, not the City. The public hearing was closed at 8:27 p.m.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired about the park space designated for the development and whether there would be play equipment there or just grass. Community Development Director Mario Anaya advised that Parks staff reviews the park plans to ensure they meet the City standards. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
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14.2 Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Reports.
Recommended Action: Receive and accept the City of Tulare Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Reports for the 2024 calendar year and authorize staff to submit to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Department of Housing and Community Development.
Presented By: Principal Planner Steven Sopp
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:39 p.m. Receiving no public comment, the public hearing was closed at 8:39 p.m.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired what the City can do to help raise the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers. City Manager Marc Mondell provided a response thereto stating that cities all over the state are experiencing similar challenges due to various reasons and stated that the City is currently working on a number of projects to assist in this effort. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
14.3 Farmland Mitigation Ordinance Revisions.
Recommended Action: Adopt Zone Amendment No. 757 approving revisions to the City of Tulare’s Farmland Mitigation Ordinance (Chapter 10.222 of the City of Tulare Municipal Code).
Presented By: Community Development Director Mario Anaya Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:54 p.m. Melody Haigan of Lennar Homes addressed the Council to express support for the proposed ordinance. Darlene Mata addressed the Council to express support for the proposed ordinance. The public hearing was closed at 8:56 p.m.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to approve the item as presented.
15. GENERAL BUSINESS
15.1 Fulton Estates Caltrans Improvements.
Recommended Action: Consider request by Developer of the Fulton Estates Subdivision for City assistance with required improvements to the intersection of State Route 137 (Tulare Avenue) and Oakmore Street.
Presented By: City Engineer Michael Miller
Public Comment: Greg Nunley addressed the Council to propose allowing Bonadelle Neighborhoods to complete frontage improvements on Tulare Avenue and Oakmore and release Bonadelle Neighborhoods to finish their 86 lots which would benefit the City in getting the full improvements on their frontage. Mr. Nunley stated he would take the full burden on the commercial property he owns at the corner and would continue with the study as required by Caltrans and the City could leverage his commercial corner to hold him to paying for the study and his fair share of improvements. Councilmember Mederos inquired what the normal conditions would be which was responded to by City Engineer Michael Miller advising that the City can require improvements and bonding when a project moves forward on that commercial property. Mr. Miller also advised the City has a traffic study that indicates there is a deficiency at that intersection and there is liability and risk to the City if Council took action that would allow new trips at that deficient intersection without any mitigation. Councilmember Mederos expressed concern that the commercial property would sit vacant for an extended period of time and doesn’t want the City to be responsible for something that should be handled as part of the development. City Manager Marc Mondell advised he does not see a risk to the City with what Mr. Nunley is suggesting. Mr. Nunley stated he would agree to let John Bonadelle do his improvement drawings and he will do his improvement drawings in tandem for just the frontage improvements for his corner and if after the study comes back and states they were wrong, City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 1, 2025
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he would sign a development agreement holding him to redo the improvements as presented in the study. John Bonadelle of Bonadelle Neighborhoods addressed the Council advising that what Mr. Nunley is suggesting is a good solution to allow them to move forward with the second phase of their residential project. Darlene Mata addressed the Council to clarify that the ISOAP study would not be able to be performed right away which is causing the delay for Mr. Bonadelle. City Engineer Michael Miller advised the Caltrans was willing to take the City at its word that the intent is to move forward with the realignment and the City would be willing to provide a letter stating as such.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sigala, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood absent) to direct the City Engineer to send a letter to Caltrans regarding the realignment, and direct the City Engineer and legal counsel to draft a development agreement in conjunction with Mr. Bonadelle and Mr. Nunley so that the City can be in a position to adequately secure a performance deed of trust of the development agreement utilizing Mr. Nunley’s property as collateral.
15.2 Food Giveaway Events Downtown.
Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff regarding policy and procedures regarding food giveaway events in Downtown Tulare.
Presented By: Community Development Director Mario Anaya Public Comment: John Harman of the Tulare Downtown Association addressed the Council with concerns over entities holding food giveaway events in the downtown area affecting the surrounding businesses.
Council Action: Questions posed by Council were responded to by staff. It was the consensus of Council to direct staff to work with Mr. Harman on determining an appropriate resolution for the issue and return to Council with a recommendation.
15.3 Mid-Year Budget Review and Approval of Supplemental Appropriation Requests.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving adjustments to the City of Tulare Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Presented By: Chief Financial Officer Mark Roberts; Finance Budget Manager Jacob Del Cid
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Following the presentation of the City’s mid-year budget, it was the consensus of Council to table the remainder of the presentation to the April 15 meeting regarding supplemental appropriation requests.
16. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - NONE SUBMITTED
17. STAFF UPDATES
Staff provided updates on department activities.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Vice Mayor Harrell adjourned the regular meeting at 10:44 p.m.
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These meeting minutes were approved by the Council on April 15, 2025.
Stephen C. Harrell, Mayor Pro Tempore
ATTEST:
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
__________________________________
By Melissa Hermann, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Stephen Harrell (Apr 22, 2025 15:23 PDT)
Stephen Harrell
Council Meeting Minutes 4/1/25
Final Audit Report 2025-04-24
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