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CITY OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tulare Public Library & Council Chamber
491 North M Street, Tulare
Tuesday, August 5, 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 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 Brandon West; Community Development Director Mario Anaya; Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment Jennifer Gomez; Deputy City Manager/Chief Technology Officer Jason Bowling; General Services Director Manny Correa
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the special meeting of the Tulare City Council at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. STUDY SESSION
2.1 Presentation on Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update and Gopher Abatement in Parks.
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation by staff and provide direction thereto.
Presented By: Community Services Director Orr; City Manager Mondell Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Following City Manager Mondell’s presentation on the proposed Elk Bayou Regional Park redevelopment project, Council expressed an openness to the concept of recreational amenities while preserving the natural sanctuary. Following the gopher abatement presentation, it was the consensus of Council to approve a total budget of $45,000 (an additional $23,000) in Fiscal Year 2026 for gopher abatement in the parks.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Isherwood adjourned the special meeting at 7:15 p.m.
4. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the City Council at 7:26 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Jason Bender led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Councilmember Sayre.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 5, 2025
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6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Barbara Harrell, President of the Tulare Hospital and Community Health Foundation, shared information about the upcoming Proud to Wear Pink event.
Donnette Silva-Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for the proposed Downtown Tulare restaurant incentive program.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell advised there were no communications.
8. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council reported on recent events and discussed items of interest.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 9.6 and 9.9 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 9.6 and 9.9.
9.1 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.
9.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes of the special and/or regular meeting of July 15, 2025. [M. Wilcox]
9.3 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-09.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance 2025-09 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 R1-20 (Single-family Residential, 20,000 sq. ft. minimum lot area) to R-1-4 (Low Density Residential). [S. Sopp]
9.4 Committee on Aging Appointment.
Recommended Action: Confirm Vice Mayor Harrell’s appointment of Ken Espinoza to the Committee on Aging to fill a vacancy with a term ending December 31, 2025. [M. Wilcox]
9.5 Adding Annexed Territory to Council District.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution adopting the revised City Council Election District Boundaries to include the recently annexed territory through the FNC Farming Annexation Project to Council District 5. [M. Wilcox]
9.7 Asphalt Contract with Deer Creek.
Recommended Action: Award and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Jaxon Enterprises, DBA Deer Creek Asphalt (Deer Creek), of Redding, CA in the amount of $68.00/ton for 3/8” Plant Run Cold Mix with Oil, $63/ton for ½” Plant Run Cold Mix with Oil and $61.00/ton for ½” Hot Asphalt Concrete; subject to minor conforming or clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney. [T. Whitfield]
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9.8 Deferral of Development Impact Fees for Chipotle at Sequoia Marketplace.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving a deferral of impact fees, pursuant to Section 8.56.080 of the Tulare Municipal Code, as requested by NFDI-1SM LLC (Property Owner) in the sum of $55,615.32, pertaining to the development of the property located at 2258 East Bardsley Avenue, Tulare CA 93274 (APN 172-150-026). [M. Anaya]
9.10 Equipment Agreement with Setton Farms, Inc.
Recommended Action: Approve a ten-year agreement with Setton Farms, Inc. for refilling of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses owned by Setton Farms, Inc. [M. Ott]
9.11 City of Tulare Aircraft Fuel Concessionaire Agreement with Valley Air Crafts.
Recommended Action: Approve a five-year agreement with Valley Air Crafts for operation of City of Tulare Fuel Dispensing Equipment and Facilities and sale of aviation fuels at the Mefford Field Airport. [M. Correa]
9.12 Settlement and Release Agreement Associated with Bardsley Sidewalk Project.
Recommended Action: Approve the Settlement and Release Agreement in the matter of 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, Tulare County Superior Court Case No. VCU321920. [M. Zamora]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
9.6 2025/2026 DBE Program Implementation Agreement.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Engineer to execute the 2025/2026 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Implementation Agreement with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). [M. Miller]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about a list of DBE firms being available. Staff provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
9.9 Correction to Resolution Declaring Surplus Property.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution repealing Resolution 2024-65 due to a clerical error, which inadvertently listed the same parcel number twice, and declaring approximately five acres of City-owned property located between K Street and Highway 99 just south of Commercial Avenue (APNs 191-350-010 and 191-350-017) as surplus property pursuant to Government Code Section 65402. [G. Gonzalez]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about property swapping.
Staff provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
10.1 Placing Public Improvement Loans on Tax Roll.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution placing costs associated with connection of existing improved properties to the City’s water and/or wastewater systems, and/or the construction of sidewalks, gutters, pavement, driveways, and curbs on existing improved properties within the City on property tax rolls in installments.
Presented By: Chief Financial Officer Roberts
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 7:58 p.m. Adrian Herrera addressed Council expressing concern with ensuring the property owners are aware of the amounts being placed on the tax roll. Mr. Herrera’s concern was addressed by staff. Receiving no other public comments, the public hearing was closed at 8:00 p.m.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
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10.2 Zone Amendment 762: TMC 10.38 Historic Cultural Landmarks Ordinance.
Recommended Action: Pass-to-print an ordinance approving Zone Amendment 762, repealing and reenacting Chapter 10.38 (Historic Cultural Landmark and Historic Neighborhood Overlay Zone) of the Tulare Municipal Code.
Presented By: Community Development Director Anaya
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:04 p.m. Receiving no public comments, the public hearing was closed at 8:04 p.m.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired what is in place to protect potentially historic murals. Councilmember Mederos echoed that concern. Staff stated that there is a mural ordinance, and Council may elect to review and revise that ordinance at another time, if it chooses. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
10.3 Historic-Cultural Landmark Nomination for Tulare First United Methodist Church.
Recommended Action: Adopt an ordinance approving Zone Amendment 763, designating the Tulare First United Methodist 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, as described herein.
Presented By: Community Development Director Anaya
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 8:15 p.m. Chris Harrell (member of the advisory committee) and John Jones (applicant) addressed the Council in support of this designation. Receiving no other public comments, the public hearing was closed at 8:20 p.m.
Council Action: It was moved by Vice Mayor Harrell, seconded by Mayor Isherwood, and unanimously carried to pass to print an ordinance approving Zone Amendment 763, designating the Tulare First United Methodist 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, as described herein.
11. GENERAL BUSINESS
11.1 Healthcare Presentation Request.
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide staff direction regarding a future presentation by local healthcare providers on the possible impacts of the recent passage of the federal funding bill.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell; Councilmember Sigala Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala advised the direction would be for staff to contact the local healthcare providers, including Kaweah Health, Adventist Health, Altura, and Family Healthcare Network, to provide an approximately 30-minute presentation regarding the impact they are facing with recent passage of the federal funding bill. Following discussion, it was the consensus of Council to direct staff to contact local healthcare providers to schedule a presentation to include the status of healthcare in Tulare as well as the impact of the federal funding bill.
11.2 Downtown Restaurant Incentive Program.
Recommended Action: Provide staff with direction regarding the potential development and implementation of a Downtown Restaurant Incentive Program.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell
Public Comment: John Harman of the Tulare Downtown Association addressed the Council in support of the program, stating that possibly a hybrid approach may work (loans and grants).
Adrian Herrera, Downtown business owner, addressed the Council in support of the program, speaking to the success of his business that was the recipient of a Downtown grant.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala requested to limit the amount to $200,000 for projects as well as transparency in the process of selecting projects. Staff was directed to bring back City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 5, 2025
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options for both grants and loans including an outline of what would be involved in a loan program. There was a consensus of Council to ensure the program was accessible for both big and small projects.
11.3 Loan Agreement with Faria Family II Limited Partnership.
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 Faria Family II Limited Partnership and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell; City Attorney Zamora Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala expressed concern with the increase in costs over the years and each party paying their fair share. Mr. Sigala also inquired when the funds would be available and how funds would be disbursed expressing concern with the parties earning interest on the funds prior to invoices being paid. Staff provided responses thereto. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mederos and seconded by Mayor Isherwood. The motion was passed 4 to 1 to approve the item as presented as follows:
Ayes: Dennis A. Mederos, Patrick Isherwood, Terry A. Sayre, Steve Harrell Noes: Jose Sigala
11.4 Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance Revisions.
Recommended Action: Pass to print an ordinance repealing and replacing Sections 8.52.010,
8.52.030, 8.52.060, and 8.52.070 of Chapter 8.52 (Preservation of Heritage Trees) of the Tulare Municipal Code.
Presented By: Community Services Director Orr
Public Comment: There were no public comments
Council Action: It was moved by Vice Mayor Harrell, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Study Session on Inyo Corridor Project and Development Opportunities on Westside.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve this item be added to a future agenda.
12.2 AdHoc Committee for Possible Transit Corridor Between Tulare and Corcoran.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 1 (Mayor Isherwood voted no) to approve this item be added to a future agenda.
12.3 Amend Section Y of Chapter 2 of the Council’s Handbook of Rules & Procedures.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Sigala and seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell to approve this item be added to a future agenda. The motion failed 2 to 3 (Councilmember Sayre, Councilmember Mederos, and Mayor Isherwood voted no).
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 Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Initiation of litigation pursuant to Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)(4): 1 case Council recessed to closed session at 10:10 p.m.
15. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 10:52 p.m.
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Zamora advised there was no reportable action.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 10:52 p.m. in honor of recent Police Department retirees Matt Machado and Tammy Thomas.
These meeting minutes were approved by the Council on August 19, 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 (Aug 27, 2025 06:56:39 PDT)
Council Meeting Minutes
Final Audit Report 2025-08-27
Created: 2025-08-21
By: Melissa Wilcox ([email protected])
Status: Signed
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