PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Tulare this 19th day of August 2025, by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Patrick Isherwood, President of the Council
and Ex-Officio Mayor
ATTEST:
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
By Melissa Wilcox, Chief Deputy City Clerk
ATTACHMENT A
City of Tulare
Master Fee Schedule
Planning Application Fees
# Miscellaneous Services and Permit Items Notes GL Account Fees 43 Agricultural Conservation Easement Per Acre 0000000000 $6,500.00 Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: Economic Development & Redevelopment
Submitted by: Jennifer Gomez, Exec. Director of Econ. Dev. & Redevelopment Agenda Title: West Tulare Study
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive a presentation on the findings from the analysis conducted regarding potential commercial development in West Tulare and provide direction to staff thereto.
SUMMARY
The City Council previously directed staff to conduct an analysis of the area near Bardsley and West Streets for potential commercial development. Subsequently, the City contracted with MIG in conjunction with EPS to conduct this service. The scope of work included the collection of key demographic and socioeconomic metrics in the market area, an analysis of spending potential under current conditions, and identifying factors that could improve development potential.
The consultant will provide a presentation of their findings noting that there is currently a lack of commercially zoned properties in this area which could hinder this type of development, and a higher demand is needed to make retail more viable. Therefore, when there is demand and it’s closer in time for development to occur, the consultant recommends annexing and rezoning roughly 10 acres and believes in time that this location could support a small commercial development.
If the Corporation Yard were to be relocated adjacent to or within proximity of this site, it would increase the possibility of attracting new commercial development. In addition, if the City were to bring needed infrastructure to the site, it would make it more attractive to a developer. Then, when the needed metrics have been met to attract retailers and a grocery store, the City will be in a position to quickly move forward with marketing and offer potential incentives.
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff are not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
Item #: 11.1
General Business
ATTACHMENTS
None
Reviewed/Approved:
Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: Economic Development & Redevelopment
Submitted by: Jennifer Gomez, Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment Agenda Title: Downtown Tulare Assistance for Small Town Eateries (TASTE) Program
RECOMMENDED ACTION
(1) Approve the Downtown Tulare Assistance for Small Town Eateries (TASTE) Program Guidelines and Application as presented; and (2) appoint the recommended committee members to oversee the review and evaluation of program applications.
SUMMARY
Many historic downtown buildings, including those in Tulare, remain vacant because they do not meet current building codes. Bringing them up to standard, particularly for restaurant use, requires costly upgrades such as seismic reinforcement, fire safety systems, accessibility improvements, and commercial kitchen equipment. These expenses often discourage investment, limiting dining options and slowing economic activity.
The restaurant and food service industry is vital to a thriving downtown, drawing visitors, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue. The money spent by customers circulates within the community, supporting local businesses, suppliers, and farmers. This creates a positive multiplier effect leading to economic growth. Additionally, local eateries often showcase dishes reflecting a community’s unique culinary traditions and diversity, preserving heritage while encouraging creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. The community not only enjoys delicious meals, but also actively contributes to the economic prosperity, social cohesion, and cultural richness of Tulare.
To encourage this type of investment, the City of Tulare has developed the Downtown Tulare Assistance for Small Town Eateries (TASTE) Program—a two-year initiative designed to support the renovation, expansion, and establishment of eating establishments within a defined downtown target area. This incentive program will help offset rehabilitation costs, support code-required improvements, infill development, and encourage private investment in fixed assets. This initiative also builds on the success of the City’s previous rehabilitation grant program, which brought multiple buildings up to code, attracted new businesses, and increased both foot traffic and revenue in downtown.
The TASTE Program would allocate up to $1 million in total funding, distributed as a combination of reimbursable grants (up to 20% of total funds) and forgivable loans (up to 80% of total funds). Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until fully allocated. Applications will be evaluated within three project categories: (1) New Construction – forgivable loan requests up to $250,000; (2) Existing Building/Space – Tenant Improvements – forgivable loan or grant requests; and (3) Existing Building/Space – No Tenant Improvements – grant requests up to $20,000.
Staff recommend that City Council approve the Downtown TASTE Program Guidelines/ Application and establish the Downtown TASTE Program Review Committee, consisting of the members listed below, to review and evaluate applications.
• Jennifer Gomez, Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment • Gladys Gonzalez, Senior Management Analyst (Economic Development & Redevelopment) • Donnette Silva-Carter, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce • John Harman, Director of the Tulare Downtown Association • A councilmember of Council’s choosing
Item #: 11.2
General Business
This framework will help launch a targeted economic development initiative that supports downtown revitalization, encourages private investment, and expands the City’s dining and cultural offerings.
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
The program would use $1,000,000 of General Fund Surplus Reserves.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
ATTACHMENTS
1. Program Guidelines
2. Program Application
Reviewed/Approved:
1 Downtown Tulare Assistance for Small Town Eateries (TASTE) Program Introduction:
The City of Tulare’s Downtown TASTE Program was established as part of the broader revitalization efforts for the downtown area. The program aims to support the renovation and expansion of existing restaurants/eateries while also encouraging new restaurants to establish a presence in Downtown Tulare.
To support this initiative, the City is committing up to $1 million in funding, which will be distributed as a combination of reimbursable grants and forgivable loans. Up to 20% of the total funding will be allocated for grants, with the remaining 80% reserved for forgivable loans.
The Downtown TASTE Program is a two-year initiative, and funding will be awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis until all available funds are exhausted.
Purpose:
The Downtown TASTE Program is designed to support the revitalization of the Downtown area through renovations, infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of fixed assets.
The Program aims to help expand existing restaurants and attract new dining establishments to the area.
The goal of this initiative is to:
• Provide financial assistance to property and/or business owners (with property owner consent);
• Encourage repairs and improvements using quality materials and skilled workmanship, with an emphasis on addressing safety and code compliance; • Attract new restaurants that diversify local cuisine options and offer unique dining experiences;
• Support the growth and expansion of existing restaurants; and compliment other economic development efforts endorsed by the City Council.
Scope/ Target Area:
For the purposes of this Program, eligible projects must be located on parcels along K Street and L Street between San Joaquin Avenue and Kern Avenue, as well as on parcels along Tulare Avenue and Kern Avenue between J Street and K Street. Please refer to the image 2 below for detailed boundary information.
Eligibility:
• The food establishment business or property must be physically located within a permitted commercial zone in the designated Downtown TASTE Program area of the City of Tulare. All applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project aligns with the permitted uses defined by the City’s zoning regulations. • Food establishment tenants must have a current lease agreement in place with a minimum term of three (3) years. This ensures a sustained presence within the downtown district and supports the long-term goals of the revitalization initiative. 3 Proof of lease, including duration and terms, must be provided at the time of application.
Ineligibility:
• Applicants:
o Food establishments operatingwithout a valid City of Tulare business license, unless the business is actively in the process of obtaining one. In such cases, proof of application must be provided at the time of program submission. o Properties with delinquent taxes
o Properties currently involved in litigation
o Properties under condemnation or in receivership
• Activities:
o Refinancing or consolidating existing debt.
o Reimbursement for expenditures prior to loan/ grant approval. o Routine maintenance.
o Professional services such as feasibility and marketing studies, accounting services, etc.
o Use for working capital or salaries and any other activities that are not consistent with the City’s Downtown Masterplan
ProjectCategories
Applicants are eligible to receive either a grant or a forgivable loan under the Downtown TASTE Program. Each entity must select a single funding type when applying, and funding will not be awarded under both mechanisms for the same project or applicant.
Projects must qualify under one of the following categories:
1. New Construction(Forgivable Loan Requests Only)
a. Qualified entities constructing a new building or development to house their operations are eligible to apply for a forgivable loan of up to $250,000. b. Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:
i. Infrastructure improvements required to meet building code compliance, enabling the addition of a new use to a vacant property. ii. Construction of a new building or structure where no structure currently exists, or where a previous building was demolished to allow for new development.
iii. Expansion of an existing structure through the addition of new square footage intended to attract new industries or generate increased revenue within the Downtown area.
4 2. Existing Building/Space – Tenant Improvements (Both Forgivable Loan and Grant Requests) a. Qualified entities making tenant or building improvements to an existing structure may apply for either a forgivable loanup to $250,000 ora grantup to $20,000, notboth. b. Tenants must obtain written authorization from the property owner or landlord to be eligible for funding under this category.
c. Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:
i. Conversion of vacant buildings into active, revenue-generating uses (intended use must be clearly disclosed in the application). Note: Improvements made solely for the purpose of listing the property for sale are not eligible for grant funding.
ii. Installation of features to improve ADA accessibility and meet current accessibility standards.
iii. Demolition of an existing structure in conjunction with new construction that supports increased activity, new uses, or enhanced revenue generation in the Downtown area.
iv. Exterior improvements, such as the removal and replacement of inappropriate or non-historic elements, or the restoration of original building façades. Ifa tenant is applying, they must have authorization from the property owner/ landlord
3. Existing Building/Space – No Tenant Improvements(Grant Requests Only) a. Qualified entities with a minimum three-year lease may be eligible to apply for grant funding for limited improvements, provided no tenant improvements are being made to the interior or structural elements of the building. Maximum grant amount is $20,000.
b. Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:
i. Repair, replacement, or energy efficiency upgrades to existing, legally conforming permanent signs, as part of a larger improvement project. ii. Purchase and installation of necessary equipment that directly supports business operations.
All improvements made under this Program must comply with the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Downtown Master Plan, and all applicable building codes, sign ordinances, and development and design standards.
Forgivable Loan Terms
As part of the Downtown TASTE Program, qualified applicants may apply for a forgivable loan of up to $250,000 to support eligible improvements or development. 5 Key Terms & Conditions:
• Forgiveness Criteria:
The loan will be forgiven in full the earlier of the business generates sales tax revenue equal to or greater than the loan amount or after ten (10) years from the date of issuance. • Repayment Obligation:
If the business does not meet the required sales tax threshold within the ten-year period, a balloon payment equal to 50% of the original loan amount will become due at the end of Year
10. The remaining 50% will be amortized over the following five years under a structured payment plan.
• Promissory Note:
All loan recipients will be required to sign a promissory note outlining the terms of the loan, including default provisions and repayment obligations. • Default Conditions:
The loan will become immediately due and payable in full if the business is found to be noncompliant with the terms outlined in the promissory note or program agreement, including but not limited to:
o Ceasing operations prior to the loan forgiveness period o Use of funds for ineligible expenses
o Misrepresentation in the application or supporting documentation • Financial Capacity Requirement:
As part of the application process, the business or property owner must provide bank statements or other financial documentation demonstrating adequate funds or financing to complete their project less the City’s funds
• Modifications and Exceptions:
The City reserves the right to modify grant terms at any time and to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
• Deadline to Expend Funds
All awarded funds must be fully expended within 18 months of the award date.
Grant Disbursement Terms
The Downtown TASTE Program offers reimbursable grants of up to $20,000 to support eligible improvements and activities.
Key Terms and Conditions
• Reimbursement Basis:
All grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Applicants must first pay for eligible expenses out of pocket and then submit the required documentation for reimbursement.
6 • Required Documentation:
To receive reimbursement, the applicant must submit:
o Paid invoices clearly itemizing eligible expenses
o Proof of payment, such as bank statements, canceled checks, or credit card receipts
o Any additional supporting documentation requested by the City to verify eligibility
• Maximum Award:
The maximum grant amount available per entity is $20,000. Grant funds may not exceed actual, documented eligible costs.
• Approval Prior to Expenditure:
Only expenses incurred after receiving written project approval from the City will be considered eligible for reimbursement. Costs incurred prior to approval may not be reimbursed.
• Modifications and Exceptions:
The City reserves the right to modify grant terms at any time and to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
• Deadline to Expend Funds
All awarded funds must be fully expended within 12 months of the award date.
Application & Review Process:
To be considered for funding under the Downtown TASTE Program, applicants must complete and submit the full application packet along with all required documentation.
Submissions should be sent to Gladys Gonzalez via email at [email protected].
If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt email within two (2) business days, please call (559) 684-4376 to verify receipt, as the email may be caught in a quarantine or spam folder.
Meetings to discuss project eligibility, scope, or specific questions are strongly encouraged.
To schedule a consultation, please contact Gladys Gonzalez directly.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following materials as part of their application:
• A completed application form
• Color photographs showing existing site/building conditions • Accurate, scaled drawings of the proposed improvements • Any additional documentation necessary to clearly illustrate the visual impact of the proposed project
7 Note: Depending on the scope of work, a building permit may be required. City building permit fees are based on the value of work and may be waived or deferred as part of or in addition to the grant or forgivable loan award (impact fees and other agency fees collected by the City are not able to be waived or deferred). For estimates or more information, applicants should contact the City of Tulare Building Department at (559) 684-4220.
Important: If the applicant is a tenant, written authorization and consent from the property owner or landlord is required as part of the application submission.
Review Process & Timeline
There is no official deadline to apply; however, funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until fully allocated.
Once a complete application is received, it will be reviewed by the Downtown TASTE Program Review Committee. Applicants can generally expect to receive a written decision within four (4) weeks of submission.
The City’s Economic Development Department will conduct quarterly property inspections throughout the term of the funding agreement to ensure compliance with program requirements and to verify that the property remains in active use and in good standing.
Reimbursement Conditions and Limitations
The Review Committee reserves the right to refuse reimbursement in whole or in part for work that:
1. Does not conform to the program or adopted design guidelines
2. Deviates from the proposal submitted with the application and approved by the Review Committee
3. Is not commensurate with the level of workmanship or cost standards customary in the industry
4. Is not completed within the project completion deadline outlined in the executed Grant Reimbursement Agreement
Downtown Tulare Assistance for Small Town Eateries (TASTE) Program Application Applicant Information:
Applicant Name:
Business Name:
Business Tax ID # (if
applicable)
Site Address:
Assessor’s Parcel
Number (APN):
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Mailing Address:
Project Type (please select one of the following 3 categories):
Note: If selecting Existing Building/Space – Tenant Improvements, please indicate which type of incentive you are requesting—grant or forgivable loan. Only one may be selected. ☐ New Construction
(Forgivable Loan
Requests Only)
☐ Existing Building/Space –
Tenant Improvements (Loan or
Grant Requests)
☐Grant Request
☐Forgivable Loan Request
☐ Existing Building/Space –
No Tenant Improvements
(Grant Requests Only)
Estimated Total Project Cost:
Amount Requested:
Private projects may sometimes be subject to California Prevailing Wage Statutes if the project is paid for in part with public funds. It is the recipient's responsibility to determine if prevailing wage statutes apply to their project and, if so, to meet all applicable requirements.
Project Description:
Please describe the proposed improvements and detail how City funding will be used to support the project.
Applicant Statement:
I have reviewed this application and understand the program guidelines in full. I certify that all the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. If I am a tenant, I acknowledge that the property owner must sign below to indicate their approval of this application and any proposed improvements.
Borrower Signature Borrower Name (Print) Date
Property Owner Signature Property Owner Name (Print) Date Please attach the remaining application package items before submitting this application.
Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: City Manager
Submitted by: Marc Mondell, City Manager
Agenda Title: Bicycle Lanes Presentation Request
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and provide direction regarding a request for staff presentation on bicycle lanes.
SUMMARY
On May 21, 2024, it was the consensus of Council to bring an item for discussion, at the request of Councilmember Sigala, regarding a presentation by staff on the necessary steps to complete, stripe, and paint and perhaps add additional bicycle lanes in Council District 1. Staff seeks Council direction on this topic.
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Item Request Form
Reviewed/Approved:
Item #: 11.3
General Business
JOSE SIGALA May 15, 2024 May 21, 2024
Completion, Striping and Painting of Bicycle Lanes in District 1 Dear Council,
I would like to request your support in placing this item on the June 4, 2024 council agenda for a staff presentation on the July 2, 2024 agenda.
This request is to place on the agenda a discussion on directing staff to come back with a staff report detailing the necessary steps to complete, stripe, paint and perhaps add additional bicycle lanes in Council District 1.
This report should include a current map of existing bicycle lanes, the cost to stripe and paint current ones as well as recommendations for additional bicycle lanes.
I appreciate your attention to this matter.
JOSE
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9.2 Future Agenda Item Page 1
Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: City Manager
Submitted by: Marc Mondell, City Manager
Agenda Title: Study Session Request for Inyo Corridor
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and provide direction regarding a request for a study session on the Inyo Corridor.
SUMMARY
On August 5, 2025, it was the consensus of Council to bring an item for discussion, at the request of Councilmember Sigala, regarding scheduling a study session on the Inyo Corridor project and economic development opportunities in West Tulare. Staff seeks Council direction on this topic.
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Item Request Form
Reviewed/Approved:
Item #: 11.4
General Business
Item#: 12.1
Future Agenda Item
-- OPPORTUNITY GROWS HERli --
COUNCIL ITEM REQUEST FORM
The Council Item Request Form is for members of the City Council to submit written requests to the City Clerk's Office for inclusion of an item on a future City Council meeting agenda. At the meeting where the initial written request is heard, discussion shall be limited to whether the item should be added to an agenda and a date, not the merit of the item. A majority vote of the City Council is required for the item to be added to a future Council meeting agenda for action. No more than 10 items may be submitted collectively for consideration by all councilmembers at any regular meeting of the Council, and in that regard, no individual councilmember may submit more than three items for consideration at any regular meeting of the Council. In the event more than 10 items are submitted collectively, no more than two items shall be accepted for consideration from any one councilmember.
NAME OF REQUESTING COUNCILMEMBER
JOSE SIGALA
ITEM TITLE
TODA Y'S DATE
7/27/2025
AGENDA DATE
8/5/2025
Council directs City Manager to conduct a study session on the Inyo Corridor project and economic development opportunities on the westside of Tulare.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF ITEM
Mr. Mayor and Council,
I would like to ask for your support in placing on our August 19, 2025, meeting agenda the following item for discussion and possible action:
• That Council direct the City Manager to schedule a study session at the October 21st council meeting to receive an update status of the Inyo Corridor economic development project, the status of the $500,000 dollars in ARPA funds set aside for the project, and an update on the economic development study being conducted on the westside.
As you are aware, a few years ago the Council dedicated$ 500,000 dollars from ARPA funds for use on the Inyo Corridor to help spur economic development from J street to West street and I was able to use some of the ARPA funds assigend to to pay for the westside economic development study under way.
As the city continues to grow on the eastside of the city, economic development continues to remain stagnant on the westside despite the construction of new homes. The study that is currently being conducted collects data that can be useful in economic development opportunities on the westside.
I strongly believe that the Inyo Corridor economic project along with the study helps move forward economic development opportunities and it would be appropriate to dedicate a study session for this discussion.
Thank you for your consideration.
JOSE SIGALA
Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: City Manager
Submitted by: Marc Mondell, City Manager
Agenda Title: Request for Joint Meeting with COS and TJUHSD Boards
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and provide direction regarding a request for a joint meeting between the College of the Sequoias (COS) Board of Trustees, Tulare Joint Union High School District (TJUHSD) Board of Trustees, and the Tulare City Council.
SUMMARY
On June 3, 2025, it was the consensus of Council to bring an item for discussion, at the request of Councilmember Sigala, regarding scheduling a joint meeting between the COS Board of Trustees, TJUHSD Board of Trustees, and the Tulare City Council. Staff seeks Council direction on this topic.
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Item Request Form
Reviewed/Approved:
Item #: 11.5
General Business
COUNCIL ITEM REQUEST FORM
The Council Item Request Form is for members of the City Council to submit written requests to the City Clerk’s Office for inclusion of an item on a future City Council meeting agenda. At the meeting where the initial written request is heard, discussion shall be limited to whether the item should be added to an agenda and a date, not the merit of the item. A majority vote of the City Council is required for the item to be added to a future Council meeting agenda for action. No more than 10 items may be submitted collectively for consideration by all councilmembers at any regular meeting of the Council, and in that regard, no individual councilmember may submit more than three items for consideration at any regular meeting of the Council. In the event more than 10 items are submitted collectively, no more than two items shall be accepted for consideration from any one councilmember.
NAME OF REQUESTING COUNCILMEMBER TODAY’S DATE AGENDA DATE
ITEM TITLE
BRIEF DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF ITEM
Item #: 14.2
Future Agenda Items
JOSE SIGALA June 12, 2025 June 17, 2025
Joint Meeting between the College of the Sequoias and Tulare Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees
Mr. Mayor and Council,
I would like to request your support in placing an item on the June 3, 2025 council agenda for the Council to consider directing the City Manager and staff to reach out to the College of the Sequoias Superintendent and the Tulare Joint Union High School District Superintendent about our interest in scheduling a joint meeting with our city council in the next few months.
In the past we have had joint meetings that have allowed us to share information about the work we are doing in our respective jurisdictions that interconnect and overlap with each of our respective entities and how we can further collaborate.
This meeting would allow us to continue those discussions and how we can continue to collaborate to support our residents and students. Topics such as educational opportunities, joint facility uses, economic development, transportation, student housing, etc. would be some examples of agenda items.
I would also like to request the opportunity to work with the City Manager to draft an agenda we can present that will accomplish our goal for a productive joint meeting.
Thank you for your consideration.
JOSE SIGALA
Council Member, First District
Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: City Manager
Submitted by: Marc Mondell, City Manager
Agenda Title: Request for AdHoc Committee on Public Transit Corridor
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and provide direction regarding a request to form an adhoc committee to explore the possibility of establishing a public transit corridor between the cities of Corcoran and Tulare.
SUMMARY
On August 5, 2025, it was the consensus of Council to bring an item for discussion, at the request of Councilmember Sigala, regarding the creation of a City Council adhoc committee to explore with the City of Corcoran the possibility of establishing a public transit corridor between the cities of Corcoran and Tulare. Staff seeks Council direction on this topic.
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Item Request Form
Reviewed/Approved:
Item #: 11.6
General Business
Item#: 12.2
Future Agenda Item
-- OPPORTUNITY GROWS HERli --
COUNCIL ITEM REQUEST FORM
The Council Item Request Form is for members of the City Council to submit written requests to the City Clerk's Office for inclusion of an item on a future City Council meeting agenda. At the meeting where the initial written request is heard, discussion shall be limited to whether the item should be added to an agenda and a date, not the merit of the item. A majority vote of the City Council is required for the item to be added to a future Council meeting agenda for action. No more than 10 items may be submitted collectively for consideration by all councilmembers at any regular meeting of the Council, and in that regard, no individual councilmember may submit more than three items for consideration at any regular meeting of the Council. In the event more than 10 items are submitted collectively, no more than two items shall be accepted for consideration from any one councilmember.
NAME OF REQUESTING COUNCILMEMBER
JOSE SIGALA
ITEM TITLE
TODA Y'S DATE
7/27/2025
AGENDA DATE
8/5/2025
Creation of a City Council Adhoc Committee to explore with the City of Corcoran the possibility of establishing a public transit corridor between the cities of Corcoran and Tulare.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF ITEM
Mr. Mayor and Council,
I would like to ask for your support in placing on our August 19, 2025, meeting agenda the following item for discussion and possible action:
• That Council consider creating an Adhoc Committee of Council Members and appropriate staff that will meet with its counterparts in Corcoran to research, discuss, explore, and report out the necessary steps on the possibility of creating a South County Public Transit Corridor pilot program between both cities.
The corridor has the potential to provide residents and students of both cities and the southern parts of Kings and Tulare counties with a connection for the purpose of students attending the Tulare COS campus, embarking on the Amtrak, visiting the Tulare Outlets, supporting each city's businesses, or reaching any other destination in both Tulare and Kings counties.
As you are aware, there has been some investment in public transit that would benefit the residents of both Kings and Tulare counties through Hanford and Visalia. An example is the effort to connect them both once the High Speed Rail project is completed.
Exploring an additional and far less expensive transit corridor between Tulare and Corcoran would be a benefit to both cities and the residents of the southern parts of the respective counties, and it could be operational years ahead of the High Speed Rail project.
I have reached out to Corcoran Council Members about the idea and they have indicated interest.
The creation of the Adhoc committee would be helpful for both cities to develop a plan that can then be presented to the appropriate and respective agencies in both counties for further consideration.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jose Sigala
Staff Report
Meeting: City Council
Date: August 19, 2025
Department: City Manager
Submitted by: Marc Mondell, City Manager
Agenda Title: Consideration of Modifying the Start Time of Regular City Council Meetings
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and consider modifying the start time of regular City Council meetings.
SUMMARY
Currently, regular City Council meetings begin at 7:00 p.m., as established by the City’s municipal code (Section 1.16.010). Frequently, Council meetings have extended beyond 10:00 p.m., with some concluding closer to 11:00 p.m. or later. These extended meetings follow full workdays for both staff and councilmembers, contributing to fatigue and reducing productivity and engagement during the latter portions of the meetings.
Late-running meetings have become increasingly common, and the cumulative effect of long evenings after regular working hours is taking a toll on City staff and councilmembers alike. Many agenda items, including complex and critical discussions, are being held late into the evening when attentiveness and decision-making abilities may be diminished.
To improve overall efficiency and wellness, the Council is being asked to consider adjusting the meeting start time to an earlier hour. Potential options include starting meetings at 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or another time deemed appropriate by the Council. The purpose of such a change would be to allow for the completion of meetings by or before 9:00 p.m. on a regular basis.
The following table provides a sample of cities in the Central Valley that have earlier start times for their regular Council meetings.
City Regular Meeting Days Typical Start Time
Stockton Tuesdays (at least 1x per month) 5:30 p.m.
Merced 1st & 3rd Mondays 6:00 p.m.
Selma 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.
Fowler 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.
Porterville 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.
Lindsay 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.
Farmersville 2nd & 4th Mondays 6:00 p.m.
Lemoore 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.
Bakersfield 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Delano 1st & 3rd Mondays 5:15 p.m.
If the Council reaches consensus on a new start time, staff will return with a proposed ordinance amending the applicable section of the municipal code to formally change the start time of regular meetings. Section 14 of the City’s Charter states that the “Council shall hold regular meetings at least once in each month at such times as they shall fix by ordinance…” Item #: 11.7
General Business
FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item does not require legal review.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Approve with changes
2. Deny
3. Table
ATTACHMENTS
None
Reviewed/Approved: