City of Tulare Page 1 of 2
City Council Meeting Notice & Agenda
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. Special Meeting
City Council Chamber, 491 North M Street, Tulare, CA 93274 www.tulare.ca.gov
Mission Statement
To promote a quality of life making Tulare the most desirable community in which to live, learn, play, work, worship and prosper.
Regular City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Council Chamber, located inside the Tulare Public Library, 491 North M Street, Tulare. Meetings are subject to cancellation. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
City Council meetings are open to the public at the physical address listed above. You may attend these meetings in person or remotely through the City’s official remote platform as described below.
Members of the public may address the City Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City of Tulare.
Those wishing to speak are encouraged to complete a Public Comment Card and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. You may also submit written comments via e-mail to [email protected]. Please include your name and reference the agenda item you are commenting on, if any. Written comments received that do not specify an agenda item will be marked for the Public Comment section of the agenda. Emails received by noon on the date of the meeting will be provided to the City Council at the meeting and made part of the record of proceedings but will not be read aloud.
Comments by the public are limited to three minutes per speaker, unless otherwise extended by the Council. At the start of any agenda item, the mayor may limit the number of speakers or the time allotted per comment, depending on the number of participants and length of the agenda. When called upon to speak, begin by stating your name and city of residence.
Meeting agendas and related documents are available at www.tulare.ca.gov/agendas. Copies are also available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 411 E. Kern Avenue, Second Floor, during regular business hours.
Individuals who require accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services necessary to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk's Office at (559) 684-4200 or [email protected]. The e-mail subject line should read "ADA Accommodation Request" or "Language Assistance" and the e-mail should include your name, address, telephone number, and a description of the request.
Remote Participation
Link to Join: https://bit.ly/3OE8hfz
Telephone Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 810 7902 3401
Persons attending the meeting remotely will have the opportunity to provide comments at the appropriate times during the meeting. To speak during a public comment period, press *9 on your phone to raise your hand or click “Raise Hand” in the webinar. At the appropriate time, you will be prompted to unmute yourself and asked to identify yourself when providing public comment.
City Councilmembers
Patrick Isherwood, Mayor
Steve Harrell, Vice Mayor
Jose Sigala
Terry A. Sayre
Dennis A. Mederos
City Council Meeting Agenda Tuesday, October 13, 2026
City of Tulare Page 2 of 2
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Tulare is hereby called pursuant to section 54956 of the California Government Code.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENT - Comments at a special meeting are limited to items listed on the special meeting agenda. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes per item. For those that wish to provide public comment while attending the meeting remotely, press *9 on your phone to raise your hand or click “Raise Hand” in the webinar.
3. GENERAL BUSINESS
3.1 City Council Vacancy and Appointment Process.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution declaring a vacancy in the City Council District 3 seat resulting from the passing of Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell on October 8, 2026; and provide direction to staff regarding the process and timeline for filling the vacancy pursuant to Section 9 of the Tulare City Charter.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Tulare City Council is Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 491 North M Street, Tulare.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AGENDA
I, Melissa Wilcox, City Clerk & Public Affairs Director for the City of Tulare, do hereby certify, in conformance with Government Code Sections 54956, that the foregoing agenda was posted for public review on Monday, October 12, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Item #: 3.1
General Business
Staff Report
City Council
Date: October 13, 2026
Department: City Attorney
Submitted by: Mario U. Zamora, City Attorney
Agenda Title: City Council Vacancy and Appointment Process
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution declaring a vacancy in the City Council District 3 seat resulting from the passing of Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell on October 8, 2026; and provide direction to staff regarding the process and timeline for filling the vacancy pursuant to Section 9 of the Tulare City Charter.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Not Applicable
SUMMARY
Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell passed away on October 8, 2026, creating a vacancy in the District 3 seat on the Tulare City Council. Vice Mayor Harrell was elected to the City Council in November 2020, and his current term was scheduled to expire in December 2028.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 1770(a), an elective office becomes vacant upon the death of the incumbent. Section 9 of the Tulare City Charter provides that a vacancy in an elective office shall be filled by appointment of the City Council within 30 days of the vacancy occurring. If the Council does not fill the vacancy within that period, the authority to make the appointment transfers to the Mayor.
The vacancy occurred on October 8, 2026. The 30th calendar day following the vacancy is November 7, 2026.
Section 9 further provides that an individual appointed to fill the vacancy must be a qualified elector of District 3. The appointee will serve until the next general municipal election, when voters will elect a successor. Because ballots for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election have already been issued, the vacancy cannot be placed on that ballot. Accordingly, the appointee will serve through the 2028 General Municipal Election and remain in office until the election results are certified and the elected successor is sworn into office.
To facilitate the appointment process, staff recommends that the Council consider soliciting applications from eligible District 3 residents and conducting interviews at a public meeting before making an appointment.
If the Council wishes to proceed with an application and interview process, staff requests direction on the following:
• Application period: Establish the dates for accepting applications from interested residents. • Application requirements: Determine whether to use the City's existing application for boards, commissions, and committees, with modifications appropriate for a City Council vacancy, or develop a separate application.
• Candidate interviews: Determine whether to conduct interviews, establish a standard set of interview questions, and identify the meeting date and format. • Appointment: Establish a date for the Council to consider applicants and make an appointment within the timeframe established by the City Charter.
Given the limited timeframe, staff recommends an expedited application period followed by a special meeting for candidate interviews and consideration of an appointment. Staff would publicize the vacancy through the City's website, social media platforms, and other available communication channels to encourage participation by eligible District 3 residents.
The proposed process is intended to provide interested residents an opportunity to apply while allowing the Council sufficient time to review applicants and make an appointment. Staff will proceed in accordance with the direction provided by the Council.
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).
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest.
LEGAL REVIEW
This item and the accompanying resolution have been prepared and reviewed by the City Attorney's Office.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Tulare City Charter Section 9
Reviewed/Approved: MM
RESOLUTION 2026-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TULARE
DECLARING A VACANCY IN ELECTIVE OFFICE (COUNCIL DISTRICT 3) DUE TO THE PASSING OF VICE MAYOR STEPHEN C. HARRELL AND ESTABLISHING A PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE TO FILL THE VACANCY BY APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 9 OF THE CITY CHARTER WHEREAS, the City Council and the residents of the City of Tulare mourn the passing of Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell, who served the community with distinction as the Council Member representing District 3; and
WHEREAS, the passing of Vice Mayor Stephe C. Harrell on Thursday, October 9, 2026 has created a vacancy in the elective office of City Council Member for District 3; and WHEREAS, Section 9 of the City Charter provides that a vacancy in any elective office, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled by appointment by the City Council within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs, with the appointee holding office until the next general Municipal Election; and WHEREAS, Section 9 of the City Charter further mandates that all appointees shall be qualified electors of the district which was vacated; and
WHEREAS, Section 9 of the City Charter specifies that if the City Council fails to agree or for any other reason does not fill such vacancy within thirty (30) days after its occurrence, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish an open, fair, and transparent application and interview process to select a qualified elector from District 3 to fill the unexpired term in full compliance with the City Charter and the Ralph M. Brown Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Tulare, as follows:
Section 1. Declaration of Vacancy. Pursuant to Section 9 of the City Charter, the City Council hereby formally declares that a vacancy exists in the elective office of City Council Member representing District 3, effective October 8, 2026, due to the passing of Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell.
Section 2. Determination to Fill Vacancy by Appointment. The City Council hereby elects to fill said vacancy by appointment in accordance with Section 9 of the City Charter. The individual appointed shall hold office until the next general Municipal Election on November 7, 2028, at which time a successor shall be chosen by the electors.
Section 3. Candidate Qualifications. Applicants for the vacant position must be qualified electors (registered voters) residing within Council District 3 at the time application materials are submitted and throughout the duration of the appointment.
Section 4. Timeline and Procedure for Appointment. The City Council hereby adopts the following schedule and procedure for receiving applications, conducting interviews, and making an appointment:
1. Application Period Opens: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
2. Application Deadline: October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the deadline).
3. Verification of Eligibility: November 2, 2026 (City Clerk verifies candidate voter registration and district residency).
4. Council Meeting (Interviews & Appointment): November 3, 2026 at 5:30 P.M.
Resolution 2026-XXX
Section 5. Direction to City Clerk. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to:
a. Publish notice of the vacancy and application process in a newspaper of general circulation, on the official City website, and at designated public posting places. b. Prepare application packets, including candidate questionnaires and instructions. c. Coordinate with the County Registrar of Voters to verify that applicants are qualified electors residing within Council District 3.
d. Publish an agenda for the candidate review and appointment for an open public meeting of the City Council prior to the expiration of the 30-day statutory window.
Section 6. Reservation of Mayoral Appointment Authority. If the City Council fails to make an appointment on or before November 8, 2026, authority to fill the vacancy shall immediately devolve upon the Mayor pursuant to Section 9 of the City Charter.
Section 7. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Tulare this 13th day of October 2026, by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Patrick Isherwood, President of the Council
and Ex-Officio Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Wilcox, City Clerk
The presence of an electronic signature certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy as approved by the Tulare City Council.
VACANCIES
Section 9. (As Amended April 13, 1971; June 5, 2012) A vacancy in any elective office, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled by appointment by the Council, such appointee to hold office until the next general Municipal Election, when a successor shall be chosen by the electors for the unexpired term. All appointees shall be qualified electors of the district which was vacated. If the Council fails to agree or for any other reason does not fill such vacancy within thirty (30) days after the same occurs, then such vacancy shall be filled by the Mayor; provided, however, that if for any reasons the seats of a majority of the Council shall become vacant, then the City Clerk shall call a special election at once to fill the vacancies for the unexpired terms, and the same shall be conducted as herein provided for general Municipal Elections.
If any officer of the City shall remove from the City, or absent himself/herself therefrom for more than thirty (30) days consecutively without the permission of the Council, or shall fail or qualify, or shall resign, or be convicted of a felony, or be adjudged insane, his/her office shall thereupon become vacant.