MINUTES
Special Meeting
TULELAKE CITY COUNCIL
May 26, 2026 - 5:00PM
Mayor Tom Cordonier called the meeting to order at 5:00PM. Mayor Pro Tem, Penny Velador and Council Members, Margie Cordonier, Patricia Taylor and Teresa Williams were present. Also in attendance were Chief Resilience Officer, Jenny Coelho; Director of Public Works, Jose Perez; City Hall Administrator, Aissa Martinez; City Clerk, Anna Perez and Chief of Police, Tom Hoy. Assistant City Admin, Christian Marquez; Finance Director, Whitney Cantrell; Library Branch Manager, Kailee Wood and City Treasurer, Sara Luscombe were absent.
DISCUSSION OF NUISANCE ABATEMENT AT 514 C STREET, 522 C STREET, 406 FOURTH STREET, 424 FOURTH STREET Chief of Police, Tom Hoy asked both sides to engage in a controlled discussion so the City could reach its desired outcome. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to exchange information. He also wanted the Council to know that John Puliz had not harassed any of the individuals who had been hired to work on his property. Chief of Police, Tom Hoy said that all he wanted was for the meeting to remain peaceful. Council Member Williams asked whether proof of service had been provided and how much notice had been given. City Hall Administrator, Aissa Martinez stated that the three City staff were not involved in that process and therefore did not know the details. She mentioned that the one that did the work for that was Chief Resilience Officer, Jenny Coelho. Jenny explained that notice of the public hearing had been posted throughout town for 30 days and that the properties in question were included in the notice. She added that the Council had approved moving forward and had consulted with their attorney before proceeding. City Attorney, Margret Long said she went through the court to have everything proper, and able to move forward with just the court order. John Puliz stated that the warrant did not authorize the contractor to perform the work currently being conducted. He clarified that his concern was not related to the trees or his historic items. Mayor Pro Tem Velador asked why he would not want the trees removed. John responded that he was unaware of any planned activity until the day before his property was fenced. Council Member Taylor stated that the property constituted a significant biohazard.
John agreed that the brush presented a fire hazard but maintained that the live trees did not. Council Member Cordonier stated that the condition of the property posed a major fire hazard to the community. John disagreed, stating that he did not believe that assessment was realistic. Mayor Pro Tem Velador commented that she would not want to live near a property containing broken vehicles and accumulated debris. Public Works Director, Jose Perez stated that the property was a fire hazard and noted that a representative from the fire department had previously informed the Council that any resulting incident could create liability for the City. Council Member Taylor stated that she believed John had been aware of the matter for some time and was not just learning about it. John replied that he did not believe that was the case and requested that his personal property not be removed. Mayor Cordonier read Paragraph 2 of the warrant into the record. Mayor Pro Tem Velador stated that if the property were hers, she would take responsibility for maintaining and cleaning it. Council Member Cordonier asked City Attorney, Margaret Long how many notices had been returned or refused. City Attorney Margaret responded that four notices of violation had been sent.
Mayor Pro Tem Velador asked when the first notice was recorded. It was noted that the first attempt had been made approximately 15 years ago, and that the issue had been ongoing for more than a decade. Mr. Puliz stated that he believed he should have received legal notice. Mayor Pro Tem Velador stated that she did not want the City to appear like a junkyard. Council Member Taylor asked Mr. Puliz whether he would like to have his properties cleaned up. Mr.
Puliz requested additional time from the Council, stating that he would clean up the trees himself. Council Member Teresa asked if Mr. Puliz had a location where the equipment could be stored, covered, and moved outside the City rather than being dispersed throughout the community, it would help address concerns. Mr. Puliz responded that he had available space in Newell. Mayor Pro Tem Velador stated that the City had attempted to contact Mr. Puliz regarding the matter approximately 11 years ago. She further commented that she considered him a smart man, a good citizen, and someone who was aware of the situation. Chief of Police, Tom Hoy stated that the situation had been difficult for everyone involved. He acknowledged that both Mr. Puliz and his father had contributed positively to the City over the years. He also noted concerns raised by the fire department regarding potential liability to the City if a fire-related incident were to occur. Council Member Williams asked whether the bid process had been publicly advertised. Chief Resilience Officer, Jenny Coelho responded that the City had used regular vendors. Mr. Puliz requested additional time to seek legal counsel regarding the matter. Chief of Police, Tom Hoy asked whether addressing the current area would resolve concerns regarding John's other properties. Director of Public Works, Jose Perez stated that the City's authority under the current warrant was limited to the corner of Fourth Street and C Street and that work could only be performed within that area.
No action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cordonier made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:52PM. Council Member Cordonier seconded the motion.
All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion 26-82)
for Cordone
om Cordonier, Mayor
Attest:
Anna Perez, City Clerk
Minutes of May 26, 2026