Agenda Item Wording:
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Truli Building Memorandum of Understanding with the Putignano Sister City Committee - Authorize City Manager to execute a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Putignano Sister City Committee for the use, projects and assigned maintenance of the Truli Building located at Memorial Park.
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Prepared by: Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director, (559) 713-4042, jason.glick@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Putignano Sister City Committee (PSCC) and the City of Visalia for the use, projects and assigned maintenance of the Truli Building as outlined in the MOU.
Summary:
The Putignano Sister City Committee (PSCC) have had access to the Truli building dating back to April 7, 1986. However, there was no formal agreement originally established between the City of Visalia and the Putignano Sister City Committee. Instead, the arrangement for access and maintenance was based on a handshake understanding: the City would maintain the exterior of the Trulli Building, including all utilities, while the PSCC would clean the interior and use the venue for special events and meetings.
It is the desire of staff and members of PSCC to formalize the continued partnership, this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will formalize the arrangement by clearly documenting the responsibilities of each party. The significant terms of the agreement are as follows:
City Responsibilities:
• The City will clean and maintain the exterior of the premises and any permitted improvements or alterations, including painting, exterior fixtures, and lighting.
• Any exterior alterations or improvements by the Committee must be agreed upon in advance and approved in writing by the City Manager.
• The City will cover all utility costs associated with the premises.
• The City will conduct major maintenance and repairs, including repair or replacement of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other primary building systems.
• The City will not be responsible for the rebuilding or repair of the Trulli Building in the event of a catastrophic incident that renders the facility uninhabitable or beyond repair.
PSCC Responsibilities:
• The PSCC will repair any damage to any portion of the premises or any City property located on or about the premises caused by PSCC activities or invitees. All damaged property must be restored to its previous condition.
• The PSCC will obtain City approval, in writing and in advance, for any interior or exterior alterations or improvements. All permits and applicable state and local laws must be adhered to.
• Required maintenance repairs must be submitted to the City in writing and approved before any work begins.
• The PSCC will clean and maintain the interior of the premises and all permitted interior improvements or alterations, including painting, interior fixtures, and lighting.
• The PSCC will host and have volunteers on site, a public event each month to provide cultural education.
Partnership Enhancements
In the spirit of the renewed partnership and in recognition of the community effort that led to the construction of the Trulli Building in 1986, the PSCC will donate $9,400 to the City of Visalia. These funds will support the construction of a bocce ball court at the western edge of Memorial Park, adjacent to the Trulli Building. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be used to install a sign at the entrance of the facility, formally naming the area “Putignano Heritage Piazza.”
The PSCC will cover all material costs associated with the bocce ball court and sign, while the City will provide installation and staff will construct the bocce ball court. The bocce ball court will be owned by the City, with the PSCC having access upon request.
Heritage Display and Access
• The PSCC will display a collection of Putignano heritage items-including photographs and artifacts-within the premises.
• The premises will be open to the public on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• The premises will not be available for public rentals.
• The PSCC may use the premises for meetings and special events with prior written notice to the City.
On December 9, 2025, the Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission recommended to the Visalia City Council to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Putignano Sister City Committee (PSCC) and the City of Visalia for the use, projects and assigned maintenance of the Truli Building as outlined in the MOU.
Background Discussion: At the start of the twentieth century, twenty-five farming families emigrated from Putignano, Italy, and established new lives in Visalia, California. Over time, these Italian American families formed a close-knit community and created a committee known as the Sons of Italy, dedicated to preserving their heritage and fostering cultural pride.
In September 1979, a delegation from the Visalia Sons of Italy committee traveled to Putignano to explore their shared roots and strengthen ties between the two communities. The residents of Putignano warmly welcomed the visitors, who spent ten days immersing themselves in the town’s culture and traditions. On the final day of the visit, Mayor Vinella of Putignano expressed interest in forming an official Sister City relationship, recognizing the deep cultural bonds linking the two cities. The Visalia delegation returned home inspired and eager to turn this idea into reality.
In the spring of 1980, Mayor Pete Peterson and the Visalia City Council embraced the proposal, formally approving the Sister City concept and establishing the Putignano Sister City Committee (PSCC). Composed of Visalia residents, the PSCC devoted itself to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening the growing relationship. News of the Council’s approval was promptly shared with Mayor Vinella and the Putignano City Council.
In November 1980, a delegation from Putignano, including Mayor Vinella and several Council members visited Visalia. During their stay, both City Councils signed an official agreement, formally solidifying the Sister City partnership between Visalia and Putignano.
As the relationship continued to flourish, the PSCC and the City of Visalia collaborated on ways to honor and celebrate this international bond. One of the most meaningful initiatives was the construction of a replica Trulli Building, modeled after the distinctive stone dwellings that many of the original Putignano families once called home. This project was envisioned as a lasting tribute to the shared cultural heritage of the two cities.
Fundraising for the Trulli Building began in 1980, led by the dedicated volunteers of the PSCC. With support from City staff and community members, the committee worked tirelessly for several years to gather the necessary funds and materials. The Trulli Building was ultimately constructed through a partnership between the PSCC and the City of Visalia, reflecting a true spirit of collaboration and community pride.
On April 27, 1986, the Trulli Building was officially dedicated and presented as a gift to the City of Visalia. The ceremony, held at Memorial Park, commemorated a significant milestone in the Sister City relationship and stands today as a symbol of the enduring cultural connection between Visalia and Putignano.
Fiscal Impact: There will not be a fiscal impact as the City has already budgeted for these facility and utility costs into their annual budget.
Prior Council Action: None
Other: N/A
Alternatives: The Council may choose to reject the proposed MOU and provide direction for staff to return at a future meeting with modifications to the document.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Putignano Sister City Committee (PSCC) and the City of Visalia for the use, projects and assigned maintenance of the Truli Building as outlined in the MOU.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/15/2025
Attachments: MOU