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City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 21, 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 (left at 9:08 p.m.), Jose Sigala, Terry A. Sayre
City Council Absent: 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; Principal Planner Steven Sopp
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the Tulare City Council at 5:36 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Members of the Tulare Veterans Memorial District led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Councilmember Sayre.
3. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
3.1 Proclamation for National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026. Mayor Isherwood read and presented a proclamation to Library Manager Heidi Clark proclaiming the week of April 19-25 as National Library Week in Tulare.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Lacy, on behalf of the Del Lago neighborhood, expressed gratitude to the City and Tulare Police Department for their efforts in help to resolve the group home issue.
Courtney Nolan, owner of Soul Good, expressed gratitude to the City regarding the grant her business received through the TASTE program which allowed them to upgrade their kitchen. Ms. Nolan also expressed gratitude to Tulare Police Department for their responsiveness in Downtown Tulare.
Inquizitive Bike Club members expressed gratitude to the City for allowing them to use Zumwalt Park for their first annual Autism Awareness event held over the weekend.
Jaclyn Bedient addressed the Council regarding a missing person from Tulare and her belief of misclassification of the case by the Tulare Police Department and requested the reclassification and an internal affairs review.
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5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Tulare Chamber of Commerce Update on the Tulare Business Innovation Zone. Donnette Silva, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, provided an update and next steps on the Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ).
6. COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Marc Mondell advised there were no communications.
7. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council reported on recent events and discussed items of interest.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 8.6 and 8.9 were removed from the Consent Calendar.
It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and carried 4 to 0 (Councilmember Mederos absent) to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as presented except for items 8.6 and 8.9.
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 meeting of March 30, 2026 and regular meeting of April 7, 2026. [M. Wilcox]
8.3 Grant Deed Associated with Bardsley Sidewalk Project.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to sign the Certificate of Acceptance accepting a portion of the property at 3136 East Bardsley Avenue, APN 172-040-034, located on the north side of Bardsley Avenue associated with CIP Project EN0078, Bardsley Sidewalk Improvement Project. [M. Miller]
8.4 Fleet Management Software Replacement.
Recommended Action: Approve a sole source agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for purchase and implementation of Fleet Management software for a maximum total contract value of $113,622.00, subject to minor or clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager; authorize the City Manager or designee to approve contract change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% ($11,362.20); and adopt a resolution to appropriate $124,984.20 from the Equipment Replacement Fund. [J. Bowling]
8.5 CSJVRMA Pass-Through Reimbursement.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to reflect a pass-through reimbursement in the amount of $170,268.76 to the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA). [T. Gaffery]
8.7 Agreement Regarding Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Funds.
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement between the City of Tulare and County of Tulare to appropriate a total of $770,139 in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funds for a project implemented by Kings View, Inc.; and authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute said agreement and all related materials. [A. Costales] City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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8.8 F&C Farming Subdivision Temporary Turnaround Easements.
Recommended Action: Accept Grants of Easement from F&C Farming and SJV Horizontal, LLC for temporary turnarounds for Phase 1 of the F&C Farming Subdivision and direct the City Clerk to record the same. [M. Miller]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
8.6 Update on Yard Sales.
Recommended Action: Receive and file an update on yard sales. [T. Gaffery] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item for clarification and expressed a desire to have permits and fees waived for residents to hold a citywide yard sale on May 16 and 17. Staff stated a resolution could be brought back at the next meeting which would waive the permit and fee for that weekend. There was a consensus of Council to move forward as discussed.
8.9 Assignment of Impact Fee Credits Agreement.
Recommended Action: Approve an Assignment of Impact Fee Credits Agreement between BN Tulare LP, Quest Equity LLC, and the City of Tulare, subject to minor or clarifying changes approved by both the City Attorney and the City Manager. [T. Gaffery] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item for clarification at which staff responded to. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and 4 to 0 (Councilmember Mederos absent) carried to approve the item as presented.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
9.1 General Plan Amendment No. 2026-01 and Zone Amendment No. 771.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2026-01; Pass to print an ordinance approving Zone Amendment No. 771; and adopt a resolution to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Sherwood South Tentative Subdivision Map, General Plan Amendment No. 2026-01, and Zone Amendment No. 771.
Presented By: Principal Planner Sopp
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 6:46 p.m. Receiving no comment, the public hearing was closed at 6:47 p.m.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired about the multi-family housing specifically if there are plans to partner with a non-profit or market rate. Traci Myers of 4Creeks, on behalf of the developer, stated the developer is not currently planning to partner with non-profits and will be market rate. Councilmember Sigala inquired about plans to place exercise equipment near the play equipment in the park. Ms. Myers stated the developer is open to that. Councilmember Sigala expressed desire to connect the development to the Santa Fe Trail. Mayor Isherwood asked whether the subdivision map had been presented to Council prior to this item. Principal Planner Sopp explained that the Planning Commission is the approving party for subdivision maps and the Council is only approving the General Plan amendment and Zone amendment. Mayor Isherwood also inquired about design standards. City Manager Mondell advised staff will be working on this and bringing an item back to Council sometime this year. Mayor Isherwood questioned when traffic calming elements should be incorporated in the development. City Engineer Miller provided a response thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 4 to 0 (Councilmember Mederos absent) to approve the item as presented.
9.2 2025 Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Reports.
Recommended Action: Receive and accept the City of Tulare Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Reports for the 2025 calendar year and authorize staff to submit to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Department of Housing and Community Development.
Presented By: Principal Planner Sopp
Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 7:12 p.m. Receiving no comment, the public hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m.
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Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired if this item and 9.3 need to be approved today.
Staff advised that this item was due to be submitted to the State on April 1 and is an annual report.
The next item, 9.3, is updated every eight years. Councilmember Sigala inquired about previously approved General Plan amendments and whether those have been analyzed to see why the City is not adding to the lower-income housing numbers. Principal Planner Sopp advised the purpose of the Housing Element is to remove any impediments. Mayor Isherwood inquired about staff’s process to ensure capacity for new developments. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and carried 4 to 0 (Councilmember Mederos absent) to approve the item as presented.
9.3 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving 1) an amendment to the City’s Zoning ordinance to add Chapter 10.83 By-Right Approvals; 2) an amendment to the General Plan land use designation (from Medium-Density Residential, to High-Density Residential) for 10 acres of Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 149-070- 008 to meet the Housing Element Adequate Sites requirement for the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); 3) rezone (from R-M-2 to R-M-4) for 10 acres of Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 149-070- 008 to meet the Housing Element Adequate Sites requirement for the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); 4) an addendum to the certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the City's 2014 General Plan; and 5) the 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element and actions proposed in the Housing Plan.
Presented By: Community Development Director Anaya
Public Comment: The public hearing opened at 8:07 p.m. The following addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed rezoning of APN 149-070-008: Trisha Dean, Shawn Dean, Daisy Zawaski, Krista Cunningham, Luis Ruvalcaba, and Gabriella.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala inquired whether the expectation of future multi-family development at the Del Lago parcel would be multistory. Staff advised that it is dictated by density.
Mayor Isherwood expressed a need to address development standards to address the specific concerns voiced during the public hearing. Vice Mayor 21800 advised he couldn’t support the rezone at this point. Staff addressed concerns voiced by residents and Council. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and carried 3 to 1 (Councilmember Mederos absent; Vice Mayor Harrell voted no) to pass-to-print an ordinance approving an amendment to the City’s Zoning ordinance to add Chapter 10.83 By-Right Approvals; 2) adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the General Plan land use designation (from Medium-Density Residential, to High-Density Residential) for 10 acres of Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 149-070-008 to meet the Housing Element Adequate Sites requirement for the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); 3) pass-to-print an ordinance to rezone (from R-M-2 to R-M-4) for 10 acres of Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 149- 070-008 to meet the Housing Element Adequate Sites requirement for the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); 4) adopt an resolution approving an addendum to the certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the City's 2014 General Plan; and 5) approving the 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element and actions proposed in the Housing Plan. It was the consensus of Council to direct staff to bring the development standards to Council for review in the near future.
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.1 Economic Development Quarterly & September Updates.
Recommended Action: Receive an update on economic development activities.
Presented By: Executive Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment Gomez Public Comment: There was no public comment.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala requested that the Inyo Corridor Project be added to future updates. This item was informational; therefore, no action was taken.
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10.2 City Attorney Review Process.
Recommended Action: Discuss the request submitted by Mayor Isherwood regarding developing a performance review process for the contracted City Attorney and provide direction to staff thereto.
Presented By: Mayor Isherwood
Public Comment: There was no public comment.
Council Action: It was the consensus of Council to direct staff to develop a process for evaluating the City Attorney and bring back to Council for review and direction.
Item 10.3 was taken out of order and heard directly after Consent Calendar.
10.3 Honoring “Radio Louie” Aguilar.
Recommended Action: Discuss the request submitted by Vice Mayor Harrell to recognize and honor “Radio Louie” Aguilar and provide direction to staff thereto.
Presented By: Vice Mayor Harrell
Public Comment: Lorraine Epperson, great niece of Louie Aguilar, expressed a desire to have the plaque installed at Zumwalt Park as suggested.
Council Action: Vice Mayor Harrell stated Zumwalt Park would be the most appropriate location for a plaque. Mayor Isherwood suggested the pavilion at Zumwalt Park would be a good spot for a plaque. It was the consensus of Council to recommend a bronze plaque with the text provided by Vice Mayor Harrell (option 1). This recommendation would go to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and other suggestions and/or recommendations which will be brought back to Council for final approval.
10.4 AchieveIt Strategic Plan Review.
Recommended Action: Review the draft strategic plan document and provide direction thereto.
Presented By: Assistant City Manager Gaffery
Public Comment: There was no public comment.
Council Action: There was no action taken on this item.
11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - NONE SUBMITTED
12. STAFF UPDATES
Staff provided updates on department activities. City Manager Mondell provided an update including the release of the Request for Qualifications for the Corporation Yard project, the Cesar Chavez Memorial Park committee formation which will be brought back on May 5, the pavement management study which has been slightly delayed, the splash pad hours at Zumwalt Park (turned on for the weekends in May and on every day following Memorial Day), and clarified the watering schedule has not changed since 2021 due to recent conversations on social media.
13. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
13.1 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of Case: VCU317197 Laborers International Union of North America Local 294 and People of the State of California, Ex Rel. Rob Bonta, Attorney General of the State of California v. City of Tulare
13.2 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)(2): 1 case
13.3 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Initiation of litigation pursuant to Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)(4): 2 cases Staff advised that items 13.1 and 13.2 would be rescheduled to a future meeting. Council recessed to closed session at 9.29 p.m. to discuss item 13.3.
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14. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 9.47 p.m.
15. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no reportable action.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 9:47 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 21, 2026, as approved by the Tulare City Council.
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
By Melissa Wilcox, Chief Deputy City Clerk