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City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
City Council Chamber, 491 North M Street, Tulare, California Proper notice of this regular meeting of the Tulare City Council was given pursuant to California Government Code Section 54954.2.
City Council Present: Mayor Patrick Isherwood, Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell, Jose Sigala, Terry A.
Sayre, 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; Deputy City Manager/Chief Technology Officer Jason Bowling; 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; General Services Director Manny Correa; Community Development Director Mario Anaya; Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment Jennifer Gomez; Human Resources Director Janie Venegas; Budget Finance Manager Jacob Del Cid
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the Tulare City Council at 5:35 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Councilmember Mederos led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Dennis Sunderland, Pastor of Tulare Bethel Church.
3. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
3.1 Proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2026. Councilmember Sayre read and presented a proclamation to Grisel Rivera with the Tulare County Child Abuse Prevention Council proclaiming April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Tulare.
3.2 Proclamation for National Donate Life Month, April 2026. Mayor Isherwood read and presented a proclamation to Leo Hernandez with Donor Network West proclaiming April 2026 as National Donate Life Month in the City of Tulare.
3.3 California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) Awards of Excellence Presentation. Mel Johnson, Region 3 Representative on the State Board for CPRS, presented awards of excellence to staff for the Letters to Jack Skellington Program (Innovation Award of Excellence) and the Zumwalt Park renovation project (Park Planning Award of Excellence).
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Eric Ferreira, Tulare Fire Department, shared praise for administration regarding the negotiation process.
Ester Vasquez addressed the Council regarding the I Street and Cross Avenue intersection as well as the E Street and San Joaquin intersection, expressing concern for safety and requested additional stop signs.
Bruce Young addressed the Council regarding the continued closure of the social service building and lack of access to necessary services.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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Charles Byrd addressed the Council regarding the condition of the alleyways in Lincoln Tract.
Rhonda Quintero addressed the Council by telephone to request support for a citywide yard sale event.
Alberto Aguilar addressed the Council regarding the Brown Act and his belief there was a recent violation.
Donnette Silva, Tulare Chamber of Commerce CEO, addressed the Council to share upcoming Chamber events.
Lidia Huerta Donabed addressed the Council to request changing the start time of Council meetings back to 7 p.m.
Ethel Shaver addressed the Council regarding the need to invest in the Meitzenheimer Community Center.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Status of Public Health Presented by Local Health Agencies. Presentations regarding services provided and affects of the recent legislation were provided by Malorie Barragan of Family Healthcare Network, Graciela Soto Perez of Altura Centers for Health, and Tim Haydock, Katia Soto, and Daniel Ruiz of Adventist Health.
6. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell advised staff received several emails from Lidia Huerta Donabed regarding various concerns.
7. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council reported on recent events and discussed items of interest.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 8.4, 8.6, 8.17, 8.20, and 8.21 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 8.4, 8.6, 8.17, 8.20, and 8.21.
8.1 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.
8.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes of the special and/or regular meeting of March 17, 2026. [M. Wilcox]
8.3 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-02.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance 2026-02 approving the addition of Section 120of Chapter 4 of Title 4 of the Tulare Municipal Code providing a streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations in accordance with California Government Code section 65850.7. [M. Zamora]
8.5 Tulare City Professional Fire Fighters Association Management Group MOU.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Tulare and Tulare City Professional Fire Fighters Association Management Group for the term of July 1, 2025 through City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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June 30, 2028; amending the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Salary Schedule; and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to update the Salary Schedule accordingly. [J. Venegas]
8.7 Capital Improvements Project Dashboard for April 2026.
Recommended Action: Accept the Capital Improvements Project Dashboard for April 2026. [M.
Miller]
8.8 CIP Project FM0048 Homeless Shelter Construction Contract Amendments.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to sign contract amendments related to City Project FM0048 Emergency Homeless Shelter with Guida, Inc. in the amount of $18,450 for additional construction surveying services, and Superior Construction in the amount of $126,726.60 for additional street reconstruction on O’Neal Avenue between K Street and O Street; authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 5% of the amended contract amounts; and authorize a corresponding increase of up to $145,176.60 to the General CIP Fund appropriation in accordance with the revised CIP Project Sheet. [M. Miller]
8.9 Kensington Estates Phases 1 & 2 Oversize Construction Reimbursement.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an oversized construction reimbursement agreement with Presidio JJR Kensington 111, LLC, a Delaware Limited Partnership for construction costs associated with Phases 1 & 2 of the Kensington Estates subdivisions that are eligible for reimbursement in accordance with Chapter 8.64 of the Municipal Code, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M. Miller]
8.10 Kensington Estates Phase 3 Oversize Construction Reimbursement.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an oversized construction reimbursement agreement with Presidio JJR Kensington 100, LLC, a Delaware Limited Partnership for construction costs associated with Phase 3 of the Kensington Estates subdivision that are eligible for reimbursement in accordance with Chapter 8.64 of the Municipal Code, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M. Miller]
8.11 Willow Glen Phase 4 Oversize Construction Reimbursement.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an oversized construction reimbursement agreement with Presidio JJR Cypress Park 155, LLC, a Delaware Limited Partnership for construction costs associated with Phase 4 of the Willow Glen subdivision that are eligible for reimbursement in accordance with Chapter 8.64 of the Municipal Code, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M.
Miller]
8.12 Willow Glen Phase 5 Oversize Construction Reimbursement.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an oversized construction reimbursement agreement with Presidio JJR Cypress Park 155, LLC, a Delaware Limited Partnership for construction costs associated with Phase 5 of the Willow Glen subdivision that are eligible for reimbursement in accordance with Chapter 8.64 of the Municipal Code, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M.
Miller]
8.13 Notice of Completion for CIP Project EN0103 Tulare/Morrison Roundabout.
Recommended Action: Accept as complete the contract with Cen Cal Construction of Bakersfield, CA., for work on CIP Project EN0103 Tulare/Morrison Roundabout; and 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. [M. Miller] City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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8.14 Resolution of Intent Regarding Realignment of Oakmore Street.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution of intent regarding the future realignment of Oakmore Street north of Bardsley Avenue. [M. Miller]
8.15 Conditional Final Map Acceptance for Phase 1 of the F&C Farming Subdivision.
Recommended Action: Conditionally approve the final map and subdivision improvement agreement for Phase 1 of the F&C Farming 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 June 8, 2026. [M. Miller]
8.16 Development Impact Fee Update and Nexus Study.
Recommended Action: Approve a Professional Service Agreement with NBS Government Finance Group of Temecula, CA in the amount of $129,800 for completion of a Development Impact Fee Update and Nexus Study, subject to minor or clarifying changes approved by both the City Attorney and the City Manager; authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% ($12,980); and adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget appropriating $142,780 from multiple Development Impact Fee Funds. [J. Bowling]
8.18 Fiscal Year 2025 Housing Successor Annual Report.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2025 Housing Successor Agency Annual Report. [M. Anaya]
8.19 Fire Department Grant Fund Use.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget authorizing an increase of $191,980 to Fire Department Grant Fund and use of Fire Department Grant Fund balance for the purchase of Fire Prevention and Safety Grant and State Homeland Security Grant items. [M. Ott]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
8.4 Tulare City Professional Fire Fighters Association Non-Management Group MOU.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Tulare and Tulare City Professional Fire Fighters Association Non-Management Group for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028; amending the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Salary Schedule; and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to update the Salary Schedule accordingly. [J. Venegas] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to express his gratitude for the service of the Tulare Fire Department personnel as well as for staff for keeping Council apprised of the needs of the Department. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.6 Santa Fe Commons I, L.P. and Self-Help Enterprises Agreement.
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement between the City of Tulare and the Santa Fe Commons I, L.P. and Self-Help Enterprises to appropriate a total of $544,671 as an operating subsidy for the Santa Fe Commons rental housing project; and authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute said agreement and all related materials. [A. Costales] Council Action: This item was pulled by Mayor Isherwood who stated he needed to recuse himself due to a conflict of interest (employed by Self-Help Enterprises). With no discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Harrell, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Mayor Isherwood recused) to approve the item as presented.
8.17 Request for Qualifications for Corporation Yard Master Planning.
Recommended Action: Authorize staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit qualified consultants to prepare a Corporation Yard Master Plan. [T. Whitfield] City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item for clarification regarding site review and potential impact to neighborhoods near the new Corporation Yard. Staff advised that review would be part of the study as outlined in the RFQ. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.20 First Amendment to Tripepi Smith Professional Services Agreement.
Recommended Action: Approve a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates in the amount of $54,570 for on-call public relations services and sales tax information campaign services [M. Wilcox]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire if councilmembers have access to the firm to perform specific work for outreach in their districts. City Manager Mondell requested that councilmembers send him an email with specific requests. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.21 Construction Award EN0088 Prosperity and West Traffic Signal Improvements.
Recommended Action: [M. Miller] Award and authorize the City Manager to sign contracts related to City Project EN0088, Prosperity and West Traffic Signal Project; and authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of each contract amount and approve the revised project sheet.
Services Contractor Amount
Construction Contract 99 Pipeline $3,082,653.94
Construction Inspection NV5 $378,854.40
Geotechnical Testing Krazan $21,870.00
Surveying QK $35,440.00
Labor Compliance Next Level Compliance $18,251.00
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about a list for minority businesses which was responded to by staff indicating there is a State registry that staff refers to.
It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.1 Cesar Chavez Memorial Park.
Recommended Action: Establish a Council subcommittee composed of at least two Councilmembers and two Park and Recreation Commissioners to work with staff to collect community input regarding the future of Cesar Chavez Memorial Park and related signage; and provide direction on immediate signage management and next steps for potential park renaming.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell
Public Comment: Lidia Huerta Donabed, Alberto Aguilar, Victor Gonzalez, Roberto Bustos, Ethel Shaver, and Lupe Mendoza addressed the Council regarding this topic.
Council Action: Ownership of the property as well as maintenance agreements between the School District and City were questioned, and staff stated they would research and provide that information to Council prior to holding a committee meeting. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to establish a committee selecting Vice Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Sigala to sit on the committee. It was the consensus of Council to leave the monument covered for now to avoid potential vandalism.
The Council recessed at 8:49 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
9.2 Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Review.
Recommended Action: Review the preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 budget and provide direction thereto.
Presented By: Chief Financial Officer Roberts; Budget Finance Manager Del Cid City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Questions posed by Council were responded to by staff. Mayor Isherwood requested the amount related to the Police Department that is included in the total 33% vacancy consideration be broken out wanting to understand the impact if the Police Department was fully staffed. Councilmember Sigala inquired about Measure I revenue projection and whether the City is spending more than that projection or not. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala to remove the $250,000 allocation for the concert series from the Budget. The motion died for lack of a second.
9.3 TCAG Board of Governors Representative Selection.
Recommended Action: Appoint a new primary and alternate representative on the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) Board of Governors.
Presented By: Chief Deputy City Clerk Wilcox
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to appoint Mayor Isherwood as the primary representative and Councilmember Sayre to remain as alternate.
10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
10.1 Establishing a Citywide Yard Sale Weekend.
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.
10.2 Establish Policy for Councilmembers to Appeal Planning Commission Decisions.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: There was no consensus of Council to have staff add this item to a future agenda.
10.3 Study Session on Proposed Tax Measure.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to add to a future agenda or take no action.
Submitted By: Councilmember Sigala
Council Action: There was no consensus of Council to have staff add this item to a future agenda as there is already a planned study session.
11. STAFF UPDATES
Staff provided updates on department activities. City Manager Mondell advised that the City of Tulare is now the seventh fastest growing city in the State of California. He also advised the City is partnering with Tulare County Office of Education on a Prop 64 grant largely for youth education surrounding cannabis sales.
12. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
12.1 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Initiation of litigation pursuant to Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)(4): 3 cases Council recessed to closed session at 9:52 p.m.
13. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 10:38 p.m.
14. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no reportable action.
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15. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 10:38 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special and/or regular meeting held on April 7, 2026, as approved by the Tulare City Council.
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
By Melissa Wilcox, Chief Deputy City Clerk