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Council hears lengthy public concerns about city-owned buildings and Bambi’s Rescue; staff flags health, safety and billing issues
Summary
At an informational item, staff reported code, electrical and utility compliance issues at city-owned properties (741 and 580 Tulare). Operators of Bambi’s Rescue and residents disputed billed utility charges and claimed prior verbal agreements with former staff; staff warned of liability and asked for inspections and documentation.
City staff told the Parlier City Council on Thursday that inspections of two city-owned properties—741 Tulare and 580 Tulare—identified conditions that may present health and safety issues and that utility and lease provisions have not been fully complied with.
A staff presentation described problems including lack of heating or air conditioning in the structures, exposed electrical wiring, gas service that had been shut off to one building and occupancy that appears not to conform with zoning. Staff also read the lease provision stating that "tenant shall pay all charges for water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone, and all other services and utilities used by tenant and the leased premises during the term of the lease unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing." Staff said there was no written agreement documenting exceptions; there had been verbal arrangements under prior management.
During public comment, Bambi’s Rescue representatives described long-standing operation of their animal rescue at one of the sites and said the group had not received PG&E or SoCalGas bills for the properties and that much work and many out-of-pocket expenses had been undertaken by volunteers and donors. "Never received a PG and E bill all the years of being there," Brenda Prado of Bambi’s said, and Michelle, a Bambi’s representative, described paying water and $50 monthly rent while not having received electrical bills.
Staff provided billing data to the council during the meeting showing combined electricity charges of $13,195 for two structures at 741 Tulare for the prior year (March to March). By contrast, staff said the adjacent civic center (745 Tulare) had separate electric billing totaling about $2,096 for the same period. Acting City Manager David Serta and staff said a PG&E billing reconciliation and a building inspection would be prepared and offered to provide copies of bills and inspection findings to the rescue operators.
City legal counsel and staff warned of potential liability if people or animals are on properties that do not meet building and safety codes; the city attorney said that whether the city or tenant is responsible depends on the terms of the lease and any written agreements. Staff said they would compile documentation, provide historic utility bills on request and pursue inspections to identify needed repairs.
Public commenters and several council members also discussed community needs for animal services, shelter capacity and alternatives if the city requires changes to occupancy. Residents urged more transparency on billing and the enforcement timeline; staff said they will deliver PG&E bill records and code-inspection findings to the operators for review and that next steps could include bringing any proposed enforcement or contract-termination items back before council for action.
