City of Tulare Page 1 of 7
City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 5, 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 (arrived at 5:42 p.m.; left at 10:49 p.m.), Terry A. Sayre, Dennis A. Mederos Staff Present: City Manager Marc Mondell; Assistant City Attorney Nick Matoian; 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 (remote); Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment Jennifer Gomez; Human Resources Director Janie Venegas; Budget Finance Manager Jacob Del Cid; Housing and Grants Manager Alexis Costales; Management Analyst Irene Santos; Senior Civil Engineer Michael Winton
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Isherwood called to order the regular meeting of the Tulare City Council at 5:34 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 491 North M Street.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
City Manager Mondell led the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation was given by Mickey Grogan, Pastor of Abundant Life Center.
3. PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
3.1 Proclamation for National Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2026. Councilmember Sayre read a proclamation proclaiming May 2026 at National Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Tulare and presented it to representatives from Tulare County Office of Education.
3.2 Proclamation for Professional Municipal Clerks Week, May 3-9, 2026. Councilmember Mederos read a proclamation proclaiming May 3-9, 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week in the City of Tulare and presented it to Chief Deputy City Clerk Wilcox.
3.3 Proclamation for National Police Week (May 11-16, 2026) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, 2026). Vice Mayor Harrell read a proclamation proclaiming May 11-16, 2026 as National Police Week and May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the City of Tulare and presented it to Police Chief Ynclan.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Donnette Silva, Tulare Chamber of Commerce CEO, provided various Chamber updates.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) Update. Derek Winning, Executive Director of TCRTA, provided an update on transit services in the City of Tulare. Questions posed by Council were responded to by Mr. Winning
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 5, 2026
City of Tulare Page 2 of 7
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 8.3, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14, 8.18, and 8.19 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 8.3, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14, 8.18, and 8.19.
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 April 21, 2026. [M. Wilcox]
8.4 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-03.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance 2026-03 approving Zone Amendment No. 771. [S.
Sopp]
8.5 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinances 2026-04 and 2026-05.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance 2026-04 approving an amendment to the City’s Zoning ordinance to add Chapter 10.83 By-Right Approvals; and adopt Ordinance 2026-05 amending the Zoning Map of the City being a part of Section 10.06.040 (Zone Amendment No. 772). [M. Anaya]
8.6 Temporary Yard Sale License and Fee Waiver.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution waiving the yard sale license and associated $6.80 fee for May 15-17, 2026 for a citywide yard sale event. [T. Gaffery]
8.7 Sorrento Subdivision Notice of Completion.
Recommended Action: Accept the required public works improvements for the Sorrento subdivision located on the southwest corner of Cartmill Avenue and Mooney Boulevard, authorize the City Engineer to sign a Notice of Completion (NOC), and direct the City Clerk to file the NOC with the Tulare County Recorder’s Office. [M. Miller]
8.8 Tulare Irrigation District Common Use Agreement - Main Canal.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a pipeline crossing common use agreement with Tulare Irrigation District (TID) for a 12-inch water main crossing located east of State Route 99, where the South Tamarack Street alignment crosses TID’s Main Canal, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M. Miller]
8.9 Tulare Irrigation District Common Use Agreement – Westside Ditch.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a pipeline crossing common use agreement with Tulare Irrigation District (TID) for an 8-inch water main crossing of TID’s Westside Ditch located at the intersection of West Street and Justice Avenue, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M. Miller] City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 5, 2026
City of Tulare Page 3 of 7
8.10 Property Acquisition for CIP Project EN0088 Prosperity & West Traffic Signal.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Certificate of Acceptance for a portion of the property located at 1210 W. Prosperity Avenue (APN 164-130- 006) conveyed to the City by grant deed for CIP Project EN0088 Prosperity & West Traffic Signal; and authorize the release of payment from escrow for acquisition of the property. [M. Miller]
8.11 Purchase of One 2026 Ford Police Interceptor.
Recommended Action: Award the purchase of one new/unused 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (K8A) AWD vehicle to National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville, CA using Sourcewell Contract No. 081325-NAF in the amount of $57,810.91. [T. Whitfield]
8.15 SB 1 Transportation Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2027.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution identifying the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds available through Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) that have been programmed into the City of Tulare's Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2027, and a list of proposed projects that will utilize those funds. [M. Miller]
8.16 Grant of Easement Along the West Side of Oakmore Street south of Tulare Avenue.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Grant of Easement and Certificate of Conveyance to Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for installation and maintenance of SCE utilities located within Landscaping Outlot D of Phase 2 of the Fulton Estates subdivision, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [M. Miller]
8.17 Release of Recorded Agreements for Tesori and Bella Oaks Subdivisions.
Recommended Action: Approve the Release of Interest in Agreements between the City of Tulare and Del Lago Place, LLC, associated with the Tesori and Bella Oaks subdivisions, and authorize the City Manager to execute said release. [M. Miller]
8.20 Storm Drain Lift Station 1 and 4 Rehabilitation – Design Contract.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to sign a task order with Provost & Pritchard in the amount of $353,000 for design, construction documents, bidding assistance, construction support, and related services associated with Maple and D Street Storm Drain Lift Station Upgrade (SD0019) and Tulare High School Farm Storm Drain Lift Station Upgrade (SD0020) projects; approve change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% ($35,300) of the task order amount; and approve a resolution authorizing General Fund CIP Project SD0020 and the appropriation of $291,225 in General Fund CIP fund balance. [J. Bowen]
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
8.3 Agreement for After School Program (B.E.S.T. Club).
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the Agreement for After School Program (B.E.S.T. Club) between the City of Tulare and the Tulare City School District effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. [B. Beck] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire how school sites are picked for the program and who sets the maximum number of students allowed to participate. Community Services Director Orr stated the cap is set by the school due to capacity at the particular site and ratio of supervisors to students. Mr. Orr also stated that other after school programs are offered at other school sites which is why B.E.S.T. Club is not at those sites. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Councilmember Sayre, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.12 Development Impact Fee Fund Reports.
Recommended Action: Review and accept the Annual Development Impact Fee Fund Reports for fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025. [M. Roberts] City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 5, 2026
City of Tulare Page 4 of 7
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about projects planned using DIF funds. Chief Financial Officer Roberts provided response thereto. Councilmember Sigala requested a column added to future reports that show the expenditures. Staff advised they would look into this and include it, if possible. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.13 Annual Military Equipment Use Report.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Military Equipment Use Inventory Report in accordance with California Assembly Bill 481, determine that said report meets all standards for approval set forth in Government Code Section 7071(d), and approve the renewal of Military Equipment Use. [R. Guerrero]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about equipment needs following the recent incident in Porterville and whether there was any need for additional vehicles.
Police Chief Ynclan responded thereto. It was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.14 HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program Funds.
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement between the City of Tulare and the Housing Authority of the County of Tulare involving an appropriation of $184,350 in HOME Program funds for a Tenant Based Rental Assistance Activity; approve the Program Guidelines for the City’s HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance activity; and authorize the City Manager and/or their designee to execute said agreement and all related materials. [A. Costales] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire about a pilot program for renters to build home equity and setting aside funds to work toward this pilot program which was addressed by Housing and Grants Manager Costales. Mayor Isherwood advised that HOME funds cannot be used for this purpose. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.18 Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee.
Recommended Action: Approve establishment of the Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee; approve the proposed membership to include Vice Mayor Harrell, Councilmember Sigala, Parks and Recreation Commissioners Lupe Mendoz and Eric Farrenkopf, and Tulare City School District Board Members Melissa Janes and Willard Epps; approve the committee’s goals, public engagement process, and overall timeline as outlined in this report; and direct City staff to facilitate the committee’s meetings, public outreach, survey distribution, and final reporting to the City Council. [M. Mondell]
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item to inquire whether there will be a joint use agreement with the Tulare City School District. City Manager Mondell advised that there have been discussions and something that the City and District will work toward, but it will not be part of this effort. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
8.19 Subsidy Request for Hispanic Latin Concert – 2026 Concert Series.
Recommended Action: Approve a subsidy of $132,000 from the General Fund unassigned fund balance account to subsidize a proposed September Hispanic Latin concert in partnership between the City, Spade Entertainment, and the ROOX Agency. [M. Mondell] Council Action: Councilmember Sigala pulled this item for staff to present. Following staff presentation and discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
9.1 Vacancy and Recruitment Retention Efforts.
Recommended Action: Conduct a public hearing on position vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts mandated by California Government Code 3502.9.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 5, 2026
City of Tulare Page 5 of 7
Presented By: Human Resource Director Venegas; Management Analyst Santos Public Comment: The public hearing was opened at 7:14 p.m. Receiving no comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m.
Council Action: There was no action taken on this matter.
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.1 Sales Tax Measure Workshop.
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation and provide feedback and direction to staff regarding a potential 1 cent general sales tax measure, including preliminary priorities for revenue allocation, review of the draft ballot language tested in the FM3 survey, and reaffirming the Council’s direction to proceed with placing the measure on the November 2026 ballot.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell; Richard Bernard of FM3; Eric Scriven of NHA Advisors Public Comment: Randy Dodd, CEO of the Tulare Local Healthcare District, addressed the Council to convey that the hospital would be out of compliance if the tower is not completed and that completing it is imperative to the long-term survival overall of the hospital.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala would like to consider adding “investing in youth/gang prevention” to the ballot language. Following discussion, staff advised they would work with the consultant to come up with alternative language for Council consideration. It was the consensus of Council to continue pursuing a ballot measure for the November 2026 General Municipal Election and agreed to the one cent sales tax.
10.2 Tulare Avanza Report by IncludUs Labs.
Recommended Action: Review the draft Tulare Avanza report by IncludUs Labs and provide any feedback or direction to staff and the consultant; and offer input on priorities, community engagement considerations, or areas Council wishes to emphasize for Phase II planning.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell; Bacilia Angel of IncludUs Labs Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: There was no action taken on this matter.
10.3 Entertainment District Master Developer.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate a Pre-Development Planning Agreement for an Entertainment District Master Developer as recommended by the Master Developer RFQ Selection Committee.
Presented By: Executive Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment Gomez Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.
10.4 Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Capital Improvement Program Review.
Recommended Action: Review the City of Tulare Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Capital Improvement Program and provide direction thereto.
Presented By: City Engineer Miller
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell, and unanimously carried to table item 10.4 and 10.5 to the May 19 meeting.
10.5 Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary 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 Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala requested a detailed printout of the budget and inquired when councilmembers will be able to request budget items. City Manager Mondell responded thereto. See Council Action for item 10.4.
City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 5, 2026
City of Tulare Page 6 of 7
Item 10.6 was taken out of order and heard directly after item 10.7.
10.6 Cross Avenue Traffic Calming Presentation.
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation regarding traffic calming measures and their potential application to Cross Avenue between Blackstone Street and Lincoln Street and recommended Project phasing.
Presented By: City Engineer Miller; Senior Civil Engineer Winton Public Comment: Larry and Sandra Mendez addressed the Council expressing support for staff’s recommendations. Steve Celentano addressed the Council stating that the recommended measures at Brentwood and Cross are unnecessary.
Council Action: It was the consensus of Council to proceed with staff’s recommendations as presented.
Item 10.7 was taken out of order and heard directly after item 10.1.
10.7 Business Park-Inland Port Advisory Committee Formation.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution establishing the Business Park-Inland Port Advisory Committee and approving the bylaws.
Presented By: City Manager Mondell
Public Comment: Hugo, a resident of Matheny Tract, addressed the Council expressing disagreement with having City staff on the committee and would like the Council to consider the community as he would like his community to be protected from heavy-duty traffic. Emma De La Rosa of Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability stated she would like the bylaws adoption to be delayed to provide an opportunity for Matheny Tract residents to provide input, all residents should be invited to apply to be part of the working group and be involved in the creation of the group’s objective, the group should create and adhere to a code of conduct, all members should be able to suggest items for the agenda, and the group should contain an equal number of residents and city-county staff. Euler Torres stated he spoke with several Matheny Tract residents who support becoming part of the City.
Council Action: Councilmember Sigala stated he did not agree with having City staff as voting members of the committee. It was moved by Vice Mayor Harrell and seconded by Councilmember Sigala to table this matter. The motion failed with a 2-3 vote (Councilmember Sayre, Councilmember Mederos, and Mayor Isherwood voted no). Councilmember Mederos suggested increasing Matheny Tract resident participation from five to eight members to provide balance. It was moved by Councilmember Mederos, seconded by Vice Mayor Harrell and carried 4 to 1 (Councilmember Sigala voted no) to approve the formation of the committee as amended to increase the number of Matheny Tract residents to eight members and have Councilmembers Sigala and Sayre serve as the Council representatives.
11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - NONE SUBMITTED
12. STAFF UPDATES
There were no updates provided.
13. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
13.1 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Gov. 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 Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2): 1 case City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 5, 2026
City of Tulare Page 7 of 7
13.3 Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code § 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Attorney Zamora, City Manager Mondell, Assistant City Manager Gaffery, Deputy City Manager/CTO Bowling, Human Resources Director Venegas Employee Organization(s): Tulare Fire Chief Officer Group; California League of City Employees Associations (CLOCEA)
13.4 Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of Case: City of Tulare v. Raul A. Guerrero, et al., Tulare County Superior Court Case VCU327182
Staff advised that items 13.1, 13.2, and 13.3 would be rescheduled. Council recessed to closed session at 10:49 p.m.
14. RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened from closed session at 10:52 p.m.
15. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Matoian advised the City Council voted unanimously (Councilmember Sigala absent) to dismiss the lawsuit (Tulare County Superior Court Case VCU327182) without prejudice.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business to discuss, Mayor Isherwood adjourned the regular meeting at 10:52 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 May 5, 2026, as approved by the Tulare City Council.
Marc Mondell, City Clerk
By Melissa Wilcox, Chief Deputy City Clerk