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CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
5:00 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 Thomas W. Gaffery IV; 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; Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment Jennifer Gomez; Office of Safety, Compliance & Facilities Officer Manny Correa
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the special meeting of the Tulare City Council at 5:14 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. STUDY SESSION
2.1 Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Review.
Recommended Action: Review the City of Tulare Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget and provide direction thereto.
Presented By: City Manager Marc Mondell, Chief Financial Officer Mark Roberts, Finance Budget Manager Jacob Del Cid
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Vice Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Sigala requested to add Fire Station 64 to the projects list. City Manager Marc Mondell agreed to add this to the list of future projects. Councilmember Mederos inquired about the Women’s Clubhouse project.
City Manager Marc Mondell stated that the total presented on the list includes funds for the property acquisition of both the Women’s Clubhouse location and Rotary Skate Park location. It was the consensus of Council to maintain the budget for the Women’s Clubhouse item for the land acquisition. It was the consensus of Council to label the following projects as top priority: Old Library Building Demolition, ADA Compliance Upgrades – City Facilities, Annual Transportation – Pavement Management, Annual Transportation – Maintenance, Corporation Yard Master Plan, City Wayfinding Improvements, Centennial Parking Lot, Station 61 Concrete Project, and Parks Master Plan Implementation. Council indicated a desire to have a balanced operating budget directing any excess funds to the projects that have been indicated as top priority. It was the consensus of Council to include $5,000 for each councilmember’s Travel Budget and City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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$5,000 for each councilmember’s Community Improvement Budget. It was the consensus of Council to add $50,000 for The Arts.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Isherwood adjourned the special meeting at 7:00 p.m.
4. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 7:12 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Mayor Isherwood led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Micah Thiesen, Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Free Church.
6. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
6.1 Proclamation for Dairy Month – June 2025. Councilmember Mederos read a proclamation recognizing and proclaiming June 2025 as Dairy Month in the City of Tulare.
6.2 Proclamation for LGBTQ Pride Month – June 2025. Mayor Isherwood read and presented a proclamation to Carlos Mendoza recognizing and proclaiming June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of Tulare.
6.3 Recognition for 2025 CenCal American Planning Association Planning Award.
Carolina Ilic, CenCal APA Awards Coordinator, presented the Award of Excellence in the Comprehensive Plan Award category for the City of Tulare Downtown Master Plan which was prepared by City staff and MIG. This award was accepted by Community Development Director Mario Anaya and Assistant City Manager Thomas W. Gaffery IV on behalf of the City.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Patty Rocha, Director and Curator of the Tulare Historical Museum, addressed the Council in regard to a letter submitted requesting the City to remove and trim trees on the property where the museum is located. The letter also requested the Council consider extending the ground lease an additional 50 years (current lease expires in 2032) or negotiate a buyout of the land. City Manger Marc Mondell advised the Council that the City is in receipt of a letter from the Historical Society requesting solar be installed on the property and for the City to provide assistance with that. Mr. Mondell advised that ENGIE is currently evaluating that request, and he will provide a response to all requests once that is completed.
Brock Neeley addressed the Council regarding the documents provided to the Council (The Gay Agenda and history of Harvey Milk) and the expressed concern over the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk. Mr. Neeley requested a letter of opposition be sent to Congressmen Valadao and the Secretary of Defense.
Linda Maloy, Vicki Gordon, Vicki Gilson, Xavier Avila, and Mary Zepeda addressed the Council regarding the Tulare Public Cemetery District Board and the issues surrounding said Board and the cemetery. They also requested the Council draft a letter to the Board of Supervisors to request changing the board members from appointed to elected.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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8. PRESENTATIONS
8.1 Zumwalt Park Renovation – Tulare Adventist Health Amphitheater. This item was moved to the beginning of the meeting, following the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation.
The City Council recognized City Manager Marc Mondell for the Zumwalt Park Renovation Project. Mr. Mondell provided an overview of the completed project, highlighted the upcoming shows, and recognized all the hours put into the project by City staff.
9. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell advised there were no communications.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council reported on recent events and discussed items of interest.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 11.5, 11.7, and 11.8 were removed from the Consent Calendar.
It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented except for items 11.5, 11.7, and 11.8.
11.1 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.
11.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes of the special and/or regular meeting of June 3, 2025. [M. Hermann]
11.3 Monthly Investments Report.
Recommended Action: Accept the monthly investments report for March 2025. [M.
Roberts]
11.4 Surplus of Retired K-9.
Recommended Action: Surplus Police K-9 “Leo” and authorize the sale of same to his former handler, Police Corporal Paul Miranda, for the purchase price of $1.00. [F. Ynclan]
11.6 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-06.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance 2025-06 designating the First Congregational Church property as a City of Tulare Historic-Cultural Landmark and adding it to the Local Register of Historic-Cultural Landmarks pursuant to Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 10.38. [M. Anaya]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
11.5 Ratify Solid Waste Rates.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution ratifying the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners Resolution 2025-03 establishing new solid waste rates effective July 1, 2025. [T. Whitfield]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item in order to have staff provide an explanation of the process. Public Works Director Trisha Whitfield provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Mederos, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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11.7 Full Reconveyance for Tulare Local Healthcare District Properties.
Recommended Action: Authorize the mayor to sign a substitution of trustee and full reconveyance releasing the City’s rights and interests for APNs 170-340-038 and 170- 340-035, properties owned by the Tulare Local Healthcare District which were held as security for the line of credit issued in 2019 as represented in the recorded Short Form Deed of Trust and Assignment of Rents. [M. Hermann]
Council Action: Councilmember Mederos inquired as to why the Council was not being requested to release all properties associated with the original deed of trust. City Attorney Mario U. Zamora provided a response thereto. It was agreed that staff would bring an item in the near future to release the remaining parcels. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as amended, only releasing APN 170-340-038 since APN 170-340-035 was not listed on the original deed of trust.
11.8 Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments.
Recommended Action: Approve the report filed by the Tulare Downtown Association Board of Directors as the appointed Advisory Board for the Parking and Business Improvement Area; and adopt a resolution of intention to levy an annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2026 and set a public hearing to levy the proposed assessments on June 17, 2025. [M. Roberts]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to comment about the report provided and the low percentage of businesses paying their assessments. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
12. PUBLIC HEARING
12.1 Historic-Cultural Landmark Nomination for the Tulare Elks Building.
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation, conduct a public hearing, and pass to print an ordinance designating the Tulare Elks Building as a City of Tulare Historic-Cultural Landmark and adding it to the Local Register of Historic-Cultural Landmarks pursuant to Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 10.38.
Presented By: Community Development Director Mario Anaya Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 10 p.m. Chris Harrell and Michael Limas spoke in support of this action. The public hearing was closed at 10:04 p.m.
Council Action: It was moved by Vice Mayor Harrell, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
12.2 Historic-Cultural Landmark Nomination for Tulare Union High School Campus.
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation, conduct a public hearing, and pass to print an ordinance designating the Tulare Union High School Campus, Buildings, Olympic Cauldron, Football/Track Stadium, and Community Auditorium as City of Tulare HistoricCultural Landmarks and adding them to the Local Register of Historic-Cultural Landmarks pursuant to Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 10.38.
Presented By: Community Development Director Mario Anaya Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 10:13 p.m. Chris Harrell spoke in favor of this action. The public hearing was closed at 10:15 p.m.
Council Action: Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
12.3 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, Analysis of Impediments Documents, Citizen Participation Plan, and Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Action Plan.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, Analysis of Impediments, Citizen Participation Plan, and Fiscal Year 2025 Community City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (AAP) to allocate approximately $302,000 to public infrastructure and facility improvements, $106,000 to services for people experiencing homelessness, $250,000 to affordable housing preservation, and $142,000 to CDBG program administration; and authorize the City Manager or their designee to submit the same to HUD on behalf of the City of Tulare.
Presented By: Housing and Grants Specialist Norveen Brar; Housing and Grants Manager Alexis Costales
Public Comment: Mayor Isherwood advised he would be recusing himself from this item due to a conflict of interest and left the room. The public hearing was opened at 10:43 p.m.
Receiving no public comments, the hearing was closed at 10:43 p.m.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood recused) to approve the item as presented.
Item 12.4 was taken out of order and heard prior to 12.1 through 12.3.
12.4 Appeal of Conditional Use Permit 2025-05.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution denying the applicant’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2025-05.
Presented By: Community Development Director Mario Anaya Public Comment: Vonn Christenson spoke on behalf of his clients, appellants and property owners Madram and Nasser Shuaibi. Brisa Prado spoke on behalf of the Jalisco’s Tacos and translated for Juan Carlos, the owner of Jalisco’s Tacos, as he addressed the Council. The public hearing was opened at 9:17 p.m. Brisa Prado provided translation services for those present who spoke in support of Jalisco’s Tacos. Mr. Shuaibi addressed the Council in regard to the issues surrounding the relocation of Jalisco’s Tacos from his property to a neighboring property. The public hearing was closed at 9:32 p.m.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Sigala and seconded by Councilmember Mederos to approve the item as presented, denying the applicant’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit 2025-05. Mayor Isherwood called for a roll call vote. The motion passed 5 to 0 as follows:
Ayes: Councilmember Sigala, Councilmember Mederos, Councilmember Sayre, Vice Mayor Harrell, Mayor Isherwood
Noes: None
The Council took a short recess at 9:41 p.m. and reconvened the meeting was reconvened at 9:50 p.m.
13. GENERAL BUSINESS
13.1 Emergency Shelter Operator Term Sheet & Preliminary Operating Budget.
Recommended Action: Review and approve a term sheet and accompanying preliminary operating budget, precedent to entering into a final and comprehensive service agreement with Lighthouse Rescue Mission regarding the City’s emergency shelter project.
Presented By: City Manager Marc Mondell; Community Development Director Mario Anaya; Safety, Compliance and Facilities Officer Manny Correa Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was the consensus of Council to table this item to June 17, 2025.
13.2 Tulare Avenue and Oakmore Street Intersection Deferred Improvement Agreement.
Recommended Action: Consider a Deferred Improvement Agreement with the developer of the Fulton Estates project at the southwest corner of Tulare Avenue (SR-137) and Oakmore Street.
Presented By: Assistant City Manager Thomas W. Gaffery IV City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was the consensus of Council to table this item to June 17, 2025.
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
14.1 All-way Stop at Coelho and Cross.
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.
14.2 Joint Meeting with College of the Sequoias and Tulare Joint Union High School District.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: It was the consensus of Council to have staff add this item to a future agenda.
14.3 Measure Y Allocation for Youth Programs and Initiatives.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: There was not a consensus of Council to add this item to a future agenda.
15. STAFF UPDATES
Staff provided updates on department activities.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 11:09 p.m.
These meeting minutes were approved by the Council on June 17, 2025.
Patrick Isherwood, President of the Council
and Ex-Officio Mayor
ATTEST:
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
__________________________________
By Melissa Wilcox, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Patrick Isherwood (Jul 1, 2025 08:07 PDT)
Minute 06032025
Final Audit Report 2025-07-01
Created: 2025-06-25
By: Melissa Wilcox ([email protected])
Status: Signed
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