City Council Meeting - Study Session @ 6 p.m.; Regular Meeting @ 7 p.m.
Regular MeetingTulare, CA · March 16, 2021
Minutes
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ACTION MINUTES OF TULARE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF TULARE
March 16, 2021
A study session of the City Council, City of Tulare was held on Tuesday, March
16, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., in the Tulare Public Library & Council Chambers, 491 North
“M” Street.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Dennis A. Mederos, Terry A. Sayre (via Zoom), Jose Sigala,
Stephen C. Harrell, Patrick Isherwood (6:04 p.m.)
STAFF PRESENT: Rob Hunt, Mario Zamora, Josh McDonnell, Michael Miller, Darlene
Thompson, Trisha Whitfield, Wes Hensley, Luis Nevarez (6:24 p.m.), Traci Myers, Janice
Avila, Nick Bartsch, Clay Roberts, Jason Bowling, Roxanne Yoder
6:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Mederos called closed session to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. CITIZEN COMMENTS - Comments from the public are limited to items listed on the
agenda (GC 54954.3a). Speakers will be allowed three minutes. Please begin your
comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
There were no public comments.
III. STUDY SESSION
a. Receive, review, discuss and provide direction on the Tulare City Council’s
Strategic Planning Session Report. [Submitted by: R. Hunt] City Manager
Rob Hunt provided an introduction of the item and Facilitator Patrick Ibarra (via
Zoom) who reviewed the Strategic Planning Summary Report with the Council for
comment and direction. The Council reviewed the Summary Report and
provided direction thereto.
IV. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION
Mayor Mederos adjourned the study session at 6:55 p.m.
A regular session of the City Council, City of Tulare was held on Tuesday,
March 16, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., in the Tulare Public Library & Council Chambers, 491
North “M” Street.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Dennis A. Mederos, Terry A. Sayre (via Zoom), Jose Sigala,
Stephen C. Harrel, Patrick Isherwood
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STAFF PRESENT: Rob Hunt, Mario Zamora, Josh McDonnell, Michael Miller, Darlene
Thompson, Trisha Whitfield, Wes Hensley, Luis Nevarez, Traci Myers, Janice Avila,
Clay Roberts, Jason Bowling, Nick Bartsch, Jim Funk, Brian Beck, Jon Hamlin, Rodnie
Roberts, Roxanne Yoder
V. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Mederos called the regular session to order at 7:03 p.m.
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Council Member Sigala led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor Mederos led a
moment of silence in recognition of those that have lost their lives to Covid.
VII. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mayor Mederos requested those who wish to speak on matters not on the agenda
within the jurisdiction of the Council, or to address or request a matter be pulled from
the consent calendar to do so at this time. He further stated comments related to
general business matters would be heard at the time that matter is addressed on the
agenda.
There were no public comments.
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications.
IX. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and
unanimously carried that the items on the Consent Calendar be approved as
presented with the exception of item 4.
(1) Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
(2) Approve minutes of March 2, 2021 special/regular meeting(s) [Submitted
by: R. Yoder]
(3) Accept a grant deed from Caroline Farrar Grey and William R. Farrar Jr. for
land associated with the expansion of an existing City storm drain basin
located near the southeast corner of Seminole Avenue and Spyglass
Street, and authorize the City Manager or his designee to sign a Certificate
of Acceptance for the same. [Submitted by: M. Miller]
(4) Adopt Resolution 2021-09 designating a portion of a City owned parcel
located in the southwest corner of Cartmill Avenue and the future Gem
Street alignment as public street rights-of-way, and accepting the resulting
public street segments into the city street system. [Submitted by: M. Miller]
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City Manager Rob Hunt pulled the item for staff to provide clarification. City
Engineer Michael Miller provided a brief report advising of revisions to both the
Resolution and staff report with regard to the name of the street alignment. With
no discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sigala, seconded by Council
Member Isherwood to adopt Resolution 2021-09, as amended per staff’s
clarification.
(5) Authorize the City Manager to complete and execute the documents
necessary to purchase property located at the southwest corner of West
Street and Pleasant Avenue as a portion of APN 168-031-010 in the amount
of $1,400.00 for the use of public right-of-way for Project EN0084 – Pleasant
Avenue Improvements Project, subject only to minor conforming and
clarifying changes acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager.
[Submitted by: J. Funk]
(6) Adopt Resolution 2021-10 setting the Maximum Utility User’s Tax at
$12,780.00 per utility for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
[Submitted by: D. Thompson]
X. SCHEDULED CITIZEN OR GROUP PRESENTATIONS
(1) Presentation to Women Honorees in recognition of International Women’s
Day & Women’s History Month 2021. Mayor Mederos noted that Vice Mayor
Sayre’s nominee will be recognized at the April 6 meeting. Council Member
Sigala honored Graciela Soto; Council Member Isherwood honored Judy Silicato;
Council Member Harrell honored Jan Smith; and Mayor Mederos honored
Connie Conway.
(2) PowerPoint presentation by Kaweah Delta Healthcare District regarding the
opening of the new Tulare Health Clinic. Gary Herbst, Chief Executive Officer
Kaweah Delta Health Care District, provided a PowerPoint presentation updating
the Council on the new Kaweah Delta Healthcare District Tulare Health Clinic.
XI. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS OR ITEMS OF INTEREST - G.C. 54954.2(3)
XII. GENERAL BUSINESS
Comments related to General Business Items are limited to three minutes per
speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by the
Council.
(1) Public Hearing:
a. Public hearing to adopt Resolution 2021-11 for the establishment of an
underground utility district encompassing West Street between 165 feet
south of Pleasant Avenue and 480 feet north of Pleasant Avenue, and
Pleasant Avenue between 110 feet west of West Street and 165 feet east
of West Street. [Submitted by: M. Miller] City Engineer Michael Miller
provided a report for the Council’s review and consideration. Mayor Mederos
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opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. Virgil Davis addressed the Council
with questions as to the length of the project and area traffic congestion. Staff
responded thereto. With no further comments, Mayor Mederos closed the
public hearing at 8:12 p.m. With no further discussion, it was moved by
Council Member Sigala, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously
carried to adopt Resolution 2021-11, as presented.
b. Public Hearing to adopt Resolution 2021-12 ordering improvements for
Assessment District 2021-01 for the Oakcrest subdivision located on the
north side of Tulare Avenue, east of Enterprise Street. [Submitted by:
M. Miller] City Engineer Michael Miller provided a report for the Council’s
review and consideration. Mayor Mederos opened the public hearing at 8:16
p.m. With no public comment, Mayor Mederos closed the public hearing at
8:16 p.m. Questions and comments posed by Council were addressed by
staff. Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sigala,
seconded by Council Member Harrell, and unanimously carried to adopt
Resolution 2021-12, as presented.
(2) Community & Economic Development:
a. Receive a presentation on the City of Tulare Housing Element and
General Plan Annual Progress Reports for 2020 and authorize staff to
submit to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and
Department of Housing and Community Development on or before April
1, 2021. [Submitted by: M. Anaya] Community & Economic Development
Director Traci Myers provided a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the City’s
Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Reports for 2020.
Informational item only (submittal authorized by the Planning Commission).
(3) Engineering:
a. Award and authorize the City Manager to sign contracts related to City
Project EN0090 – Sequoia-Spruce Tracts Improvements, a street and
utility improvement project on Spruce St., Sierra Ave., Sequoia Ave.,
Dayton St., and Kern Ave.; 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 scope and
budget [Submitted by: N. Bartsch]:
1. Contractor 99 Pipeline, Inc. of Porterville, CA $6,045,366.78
2. Construction Surveying Lane Engineers of Tulare, CA $ 109,400.00
3. Materials Testing NV5 of Bakersfield, CA $ 102,479.00
4. Construction Inspection NV5 of Bakersfield, CA $ 402,600.00
Senior Project Manager Nick Bartsch provided a report for the Council’s
review and consideration. Questions and comments posed by Council were
addressed by staff. Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member
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Isherwood, seconded by Vice Mayor Sayre, and unanimously carried to
approve the item as presented.
(4) City Manager:
a. Update, discussion and receive direction, if necessary, regarding
COVID-19, etc. [Submitted by: R. Hunt] City Manager Rob Hunt provided a
brief update for the Council’s review and consideration.
b. Receive an update on the United States Treasury Department’s
Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist households that are
unable to pay rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Submitted
by: T. Myers] Community & Economic Development Director Traci Myers
provided an update for the Council’s review and consideration. Questions
and comments posed by Council were addressed by staff.
c. Receive staff recommendations for provision of service changes
proposed as Tulare County moves into the COVID-19 “Red Tier” of the
States’ Blueprint for a Safer Economy, and provide direction as
appropriate. [Submitted by: J. McDonnell] Deputy City Manager Josh
McDonnell provided a PowerPoint presentation for the Council’s review,
consideration, and direction. Questions and comments posed by Council
were addressed by staff. With no further discussion, it was moved by Vice
Mayor Sayre, seconded by Council Member Isherwood, and unanimously
carried to approve the staff recommendations, as presented.
XIII. STAFF UPDATES AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – GC 54954.2(3)
Council Member Sigala requested and received consensus for a future item advising
on the number of outstanding utility accounts and respective amounts.
XIV. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Mederos adjourned the regular meeting at 9:21 p.m.
President of the Council and Ex-Officio
Mayor of the City of Tulare
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Chief Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of the
Council of the City of Tulare
Agenda
On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in California
due to the threat of COVID-19. On March 12 and 18, 2020, the Governor issued
Executive Order N-25-20 and N-29-20, which temporarily suspends portions of the
Brown Act addressing the conduct of public meetings.
As such, Tulare City Council Meetings may include teleconference participation by
some or all of the City Council Members and City staff. Pursuant to Executive Order
N-20-20, teleconference locations utilized by City Council Members shall not be
accessible to the public and are not subject to special posting requirements.
For those individuals who choose not to shelter in place and attend the Council
meeting, in an effort to promote social distancing, seating in the Council Chamber
has been reduced to 12 available seats on a first come, first served basis.
Meetings will be available for public viewing via YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWZiv2o7do1JY0OvGe1_aw/videos
If you are sheltering in place, and wish to provide public comment during the meeting
you may do so by calling 559-366-1849, if you receive a busy signal please
continue to call until you are able to get through.
Note: There will be approximately a 20 second delay in broadcast for viewers. If
viewing from YouTube and calling in please mute your speakers.
AGENDA
TULARE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
Study Session 6:00 p.m.
Regular Session 7:00 p.m.
TULARE PUBLIC LIBRARY & COUNCIL CHAMBERS
491 North “M” Street
MISSION STATEMENT
TO PROMOTE A QUALITY OF LIFE MAKING TULARE THE MOST DESIRABLE COMMUNITY IN
WHICH TO LIVE, LEARN, PLAY, WORK, WORSHIP AND PROSPER.
Meeting audio will be uploaded to the City’s website www.tulare.ca.gov, no later than the Friday following
the meeting, barring any technical difficulties, accessible by selecting the appropriate meeting date
on the City Meeting Calendar page.
6:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
TULARE CITY COUNCIL
March 16, 2021
Page 2
II. CITIZEN COMMENTS - Comments from the public are limited to items listed on the
agenda (GC 54954.3a). Speakers will be allowed three minutes. Please begin your
comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
III. STUDY SESSION
a. Receive, review, discuss and provide direction on the Tulare City Council’s
Strategic Planning Session Report. [Submitted by: R. Hunt]
IV. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION
7:00 p.m. (or immediately following Study Session)
V. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
VII. CITIZEN COMMENTS
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters, not on the agenda within
the jurisdiction of the Tulare City Council. The Council Members ask that you keep
your comments brief and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate
courtesy, is welcome. The Council cannot legally discuss or take official action on
citizen request items that are introduced tonight.
This is also the time for citizens to comment on items listed under the Consent
Calendar or to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion
purposes. Comments related to general business/city manager items or public
hearing items will be heard at the time the item is discussed or at the time the Public
Hearing is opened for comment.
In fairness to all who wish to speak, each speaker will be allowed three minutes, with
a maximum time of 15 minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by Council.
Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your
city of residence.
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
Communications are to be submitted to the City Manager’s Office 10 days prior to a
Council Meeting to be considered for this section of the Agenda. No action will be
taken on matters listed under communications; however, the Council may direct staff
to schedule issues raised during communications for a future agenda. Citizen
comments will be limited to three minutes, per topic, unless otherwise extended by
Council.
AGENDA
TULARE CITY COUNCIL
March 16, 2021
Page 3
IX. CONSENT CALENDAR
All Consent Calendar Items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made, in
which event the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and
voted upon by a separate motion.
(1) Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
(2) Approve minutes of March 2, 2021 special/regular meeting. [Submitted by: R.
Yoder]
(3) Accept a grant deed from Caroline Farrar Grey and William R. Farrar Jr. for land
associated with the expansion of an existing City storm drain basin located near
the southeast corner of Seminole Avenue and Spyglass Street, and authorize the
City Manager or his designee to sign a Certificate of Acceptance for the same.
[Submitted by: M. Miller]
(4) Adopt Resolution 2021-09 designating a portion of a City owned parcel located
in the southwest corner of Cartmill Avenue and the future Gem Street alignment
as public street rights-of-way, and accepting the resulting public street segments
into the city street system. [Submitted by: M. Miller]
(5) Authorize the City Manager to complete and execute the documents necessary
to purchase property located at the southwest corner of West Street and
Pleasant Avenue as a portion of APN 168-031-010 in the amount of $1,400.00
for the use of public right-of-way for Project EN0084 – Pleasant Avenue
Improvements Project, subject only to minor conforming and clarifying changes
acceptable to the City Attorney and City Manager. [Submitted by: J. Funk]
(6) Adopt Resolution 2021-10 setting the Maximum Utility User’s Tax at $12,780.00
per utility for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. [Submitted by: D.
Thompson]
X. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS
(1) Presentation to Women Honorees in recognition of International Women’s Day &
Women’s History Month 2021.
(2) PowerPoint presentation by Kaweah Delta Healthcare District regarding the
opening of the new Tulare Health Clinic.
XI. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS OR ITEMS OF INTEREST – G.C. 54954.2(3)
AGENDA
TULARE CITY COUNCIL
March 16, 2021
Page 4
XII. GENERAL BUSINESS
Comments related to General Business Items are limited to three minutes per
speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by the
Council.
(1) Public Hearing:
a. Public hearing to adopt Resolution 2021-11 for the establishment of an
underground utility district encompassing West Street between 165 feet south
of Pleasant Avenue and 480 feet north of Pleasant Avenue, and Pleasant
Avenue between 110 feet west of West Street and 165 feet east of West
Street. [Submitted by: M. Miller]
b. Public Hearing to adopt Resolution 2021-12 ordering improvements for
Assessment District 2021-01 for the Oakcrest subdivision located on the north
side of Tulare Avenue, east of Enterprise Street. [Submitted by: M. Miller]
(2) Community & Economic Development:
a. Receive a presentation on the City of Tulare Housing Element and General
Plan Annual Progress Reports for 2020 and authorize staff to submit to the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Department of Housing and
Community Development on or before April 1, 2021. [Submitted by: M.
Anaya]
(3) Engineering:
a. Award and authorize the City Manager to sign contracts related to City Project
EN0090 – Sequoia-Spruce Tracts Improvements, a street and utility
improvement project on Spruce St., Sierra Ave., Sequoia Ave., Dayton St.,
and Kern Ave.; 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 scope and budget [Submitted by: N. Bartsch]:
1. Contractor 99 Pipeline, Inc. of Porterville, CA $6,045,366.78
2. Construction Surveying Lane Engineers of Tulare, CA $ 109,400.00
3. Materials Testing NV5 of Bakersfield, CA $ 102,479.00
4. Construction Inspection NV5 of Bakersfield, CA $ 402,600.00
(4) City Manager:
a. Update, discussion and receive direction, if necessary, regarding COVID-19,
etc. [Submitted by: R. Hunt]
AGENDA
TULARE CITY COUNCIL
March 16, 2021
Page 5
b. Receive an update on the United States Treasury Department’s Emergency
Rental Assistance Program to assist households that are unable to pay rent
or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Submitted by: T. Myers]
c. Receive staff recommendations for provision of service changes proposed as
Tulare County moves into the COVID-19 “Red Tier” of the States’ Blueprint
for a Safer Economy, and provide direction as appropriate. [Submitted by: J.
McDonnell]
XIII. STAFF UPDATES AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – GC 54954.2(3)
XIV. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Brown Act, if you need special assistance to
participate in the meeting, including the receipt of the agenda and documents in the agenda package in
an alternate format, please contact the City Manager’s Office (559) 684-4200. Notification 48 hours prior
to the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this
meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35, 104 ADA Title II), and allow for the preparation of documents in the
appropriate alternate format.
[Note: Pursuant to Government Code 54957.5 - Effective 7/1/08 Documents produced and distributed
less than 72 hours prior to or during an open session of a regular meeting to a majority of the legislative
body regarding any item on the agenda will be made available for public inspection at the meeting and at
the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall located at 411 East Kern Avenue during normal business hours.]
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