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CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Proper notice of this meeting was given pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2.
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 Wilcox; 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 Battalion Chief Pablo Reynoso; Community Development Director Mario Anaya; Executive Director of Economic Development &
Redevelopment Jennifer Gomez
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Mayor Isherwood led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Caleb Byron, Pastor of Tulare First Baptist Church.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rene Salazar addressed the Council expressing concern with ICE agents in Tulare and inquired how the City will respond.
Veronica Torres addressed the Council to introduce the non-profit Inquizitive Bike Club and shared upcoming events.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Tulare County Economic Development Corporation Annual Update. Airica De Oliviera, President and CEO of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation provided an update on activity for the year.
4.2 Tulare Chamber of Commerce Annual Report. Donnette Silva-Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, along with Freddie Gonzalez and Jacob Fraga, provided an update on Chamber activity for the year.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell advised there were no communications.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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6. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council reported on recent events and discussed items of interest.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 7.3, 7.5, and 7.8 were removed from the Consent Calendar.
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 items 7.3, 7.5, and
7.8. 7.1 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.
7.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes of the special and/or regular meeting of June 17, 2025 and June 25, 2025. [M. Wilcox]
7.4 2025/2026 KTAAA Agreements.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign agreements with the Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging for the City of Tulare to provide nutritional services through the 2025/2026 K/TAAA Senior Nutrition Program. [B. Beck]
7.6 Construction Contracts for Project EN0074 – Cross Avenue Improvements.
Recommended Action: [M. Miller] Award and authorize the City Manager to sign contracts related to the construction of CIP Project EN0074 - Cross Avenue Improvement Project; and authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of each contract amount.
Task Description Contractor Amount
1 Construction Contractor 99 Pipeline of Porterville, CA $1,320,761.56 2 Construction Inspection 4 Creeks of Visalia, CA $314,350 3 Materials Testing Krazan of Clovis, CA $40,520
4 Construction Surveying 4 Creeks of Visalia, CA $29,300 5 Labor Compliance Labor Consultants of California of
Hanford, CA
$15,300
7.7 CEQA Notice of Exemption for Project EN0074 – Cross Avenue Improvements.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Notice of Exemption for the Cross Avenue Improvement Project; authorizing the City Manager or designee to file the CEQA Notice of Exemption. [M. Miller]
7.9 Monthly Investments Report.
Recommended Action: Accept the monthly investments report for April and May 2025. [M. Roberts]
7.10 Conditional Final Map Acceptance for Phases 4, 6 and 7 of the KCOK Ranch Subdivision.
Recommended Action: Conditionally approve the final map and subdivision improvement agreement for phases 4, 6 & 7 of the KCOK Ranch subdivision for recordation, and accept all easements and dedications offered to the City subject to receipt of the signed final map, all fees, and other required items prior to September 13, 2025. [M. Miller]
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7.11 2025 Cape Seal Project.
Recommended Action: [A. Bettencourt] Award and authorize the City Manager to sign contracts related to the City’s 2025 Cape Seal Project; and authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of each contract amount.
7.12 Appointment to the Library Board.
Recommended Action: Confirm the mayor’s appointment of Lisa Hollingshead to the Library Board for a term of three years (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028). [M. Wilcox]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
7.3 New City Logo on Water Tower.
Recommended Action: Award and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group in the amount of $79,825 to paint the new logo on the old Water Tower located on O Street at Tulare Union High School; and authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% ($7,982.50). [T. Whitfield]
Council Action: Councilmember Mederos pulled this item to request to table it until the City considers a wayfinding package. Vice Mayor Harrell voiced concern about spending money on this project as he doesn’t believe it is necessary. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 1 (Vice Mayor Harrell voted no) to table this item and include it for consideration as part of the wayfinding package.
7.5 Appropriation for the Implementation of Homeless Prevention Service.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing the establishment of a Housing Successor Agency Fund (711) appropriation of up to $21,000 and use of Housing Successor Agency Fund (711) balance for operating costs associated with a homeless prevention and rapid rehousing service administered by Family Services of Tulare County; and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute a service agreement and other materials as necessary with Family Services of Tulare County. [A. Costales] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire if it is the intent to continue drawing down Housing Successor Agency funds for this purpose or if this is a one-time draw. Community Development Director Mario Anaya provided a response thereto. It was moved by Mayor Isherwood, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
7.8 Federal and State Advocacy Services.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for federal and state advocacy services for a term from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with a monthly fee of $7,000 ($84,000 annually). [M.
Mondell]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to express his gratitude to Townsend Public Affairs for their efforts in lobbying for the City. Mr. Sigala also requested that a workshop be scheduled in October or November for Townsend Public Affairs to discuss the legislative process and recommendations of bills for the City to pursue. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented and to schedule a workshop as requested by Councilmember Sigala.
Task Description Contractor Amount
Cape Seal Contractor VSS International of West Sacramento, CA $984,325 Labor Compliance Labor Consultants of California of Hanford, CA $5,100 City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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8. PUBLIC HEARING
8.1 Zone Amendment No. 758.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution to adopt the initial study/mitigated negative declaration prepared for the Santa Fe West Tentative Subdivision Map and Zone Amendment No. 758; and pass to print an ordinance approving Zone Amendment No. 758 changing the existing zoning designation from R-1-6 (Single-family Residential, 6,000 sq. ft. minimum lot area), R-1-12.5 (Single-family Residential, 12,500 sq. ft. minimum lot area) and R-1-20 (Single-family Residential, 20,000 sq. ft. minimum lot area) to R-1-4 (Low Density Residential).
Presented By: Principal Planner Steven Sopp
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:28 p.m. Matt Ainley of 4Creeks who represents the developer addressed the Council to state he was available to answer questions the Council may have. The public hearing was closed at 8:29 p.m.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired about the park dedication as well as the bike lanes. Staff provided responses thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Sayre, seconded by Councilmember Mederos, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.2 Landscape Maintenance Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution confirming diagram and landscape maintenance assessments and levying assessments for Fiscal Year 2026 and authorize the City Manager to execute a Compliance Certification and Hold Harmless Statement in connection thereto.
Presented By: City Engineer Michael Miller
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:48 p.m. Receiving no comments, the public hearing was closed at 8:49 p.m.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired about including traffic calming measures in the assessments. City Engineer Michael Miller provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.1 Zumwalt Park Amphitheater Use of Naming Rights Funds.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing an increase of up to $400,000 to the General Fund Community Services Venue Operations account (100-310-301-306- 310-5213) appropriation and use of General Fund fund balance to offset a portion of current concert operational expenses with the fund balance replenished as Zumwalt Park Amphitheater naming rights funds are received.
Presented By: City Manager Marc Mondell; Todd Speelman of Spade Entertainment Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala expressed concern with authorizing additional funds for the concert series and suggested forming an ad hoc committee to oversee the budget and planning of the concert series. After a lengthy discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Sayre, seconded by Councilmember Mederos, and carried 4 to 1 (Councilmember Sigala voted no) to approve the item as presented.
9.2 Farmland Mitigation Ordinance Implementation.
Recommended Action: Council to receive an update on the status of the Farmland Mitigation Ordinance implementation following the recently adopted revisions.
Presented By: City Manager Marc Mondell; Assistant City Manager Thomas W. Gaffery IV; Dolores Taylor representing Great Valley Land Trust Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: This item was informational only; therefore, no action was taken.
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9.3 Economic Development Quarterly and June Updates.
Recommended Action: Receive the Economic Development Quarterly and June Updates. This item is informational only; therefore, no action is required.
Presented By: Economic Development & Redevelopment Director Jennifer Gomez Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: This item was informational only; therefore, no action was taken.
9.4 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 Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: This item was not considered; therefore, no action was taken.
10. CONVENE JOINTLY AS TULARE CITY COUNCIL AND TULARE CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE TULARE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
10.1 Amended ROPS for the July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 Period.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution of the Successor Agency to the former Tulare Redevelopment Agency approving and adopting the amended Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026 period (ROPS 25-26).
Presented By: Chief Financial Officer Mark Roberts; City Manager Marc Mondell Public Comment: There were no public comments.
City Council/Successor Agency Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
11. ADJOURN AS TULARE CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND REMAIN SEATED AS THE TULARE CITY COUNCIL
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Direct Staff to Draft Policy for Tulare Police Department to Seek Proper Identification of Masked Federal Agents.
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 to add this item to a future agenda.
12.2 Presentation by Tulare Healthcare Providers on the Status of Access to Healthcare.
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.
12.3 Planning and Research for New Multi-Diamond Softball Park on Westside.
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 to add this item to a future agenda.
13. STAFF UPDATES
Staff provided updates on department activities.
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14. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
14.1 Conference with Labor Negotiators (Govt. Code § 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Mondell, City Attorney Zamora, Assistant City Manager Gaffery
Employee Organization(s): Tulare Professional Firefighter Association (Management); Tulare Professional Firefighter Association (Non-Management) Unrepresented Employee(s): Fire Battalion Chief Group
14.2 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of Case: City of Tulare v. Guillermo Contreras Rios and Lorena Amezcua Castillo, Trustees of the Guillermo Contreras Rios and Lorena Amezcua Castillo Living Will and Trust dated October 11, 2024, Case No. VCU321920
Council recessed to closed session at 10:46 p.m.
15. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 11:08 p.m.
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Mario Zamora advised there was no reportable action.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 11:08 p.m.
These meeting minutes were approved by the Council on August 5, 2025.
Patrick Isherwood, President of the Council
and Ex-Officio Mayor
ATTEST:
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
__________________________________
By Melissa Wilcox, Chief Deputy City Clerk