CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
May 3, 2022 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Morrow called the study session and closed session to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL BY THE CITY CLERK :
Present: Kalish Morrow, Diane Sharp, Francisco Ramirez, Amanda Saltray, Art Brieno.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Comments from the public are limited to items on the agenda (GC 54954.3a). A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating y our name and providing your city of residence.
None.
STUDY SESSION:
Adoption of Resolution No. 22 -20-R, implementing a Reserve and Pension Funding Policy for the City of Hanford
Finance Director Chris Tavarez provided a background and discussed the poli cy update. He also discussed the options for the Council's consideration and direction. Staff answered questions from the Council. The Council discussed the option to increase the General Fund Reserve goal. Vice Mayor Sharp commented on unexpected costs or projects and spoke in support of the recommendation. Staff addressed the Council's comments. After a lengthy discussion Vice Mayor Sharp motioned to approve with the modification of a 20% General Fund Reserve goal.
The Council convened to closed session at 5:40 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Diane Sharp, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION (gc 54956.9 (d)(1)):
Helena v. City of Hanford
Kings County Case No. 17C0102
Darlene Mata v, City of Hanford
Kings County Case No. 22C0077
Glen-Smith v. City of Hanford
Kings County Case No. 21C0037
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Morrow called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Diane Sharp Vice Mayor Present 4:17 PM
Art Brieno Council Member Present 4:24 PM
Kalish Morrow Mayor Present 4:16 PM
Amanda Saltray Council Member Present 4:24 PM
Francisco Ramirez Council Member Present 4:20 PM
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Jay Rubacalva.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Morrow.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS:
Brief information -only reports from City Council and/or Staff, including committee reports and reports b y City Council related to meetings attended at City expenses (AB1234).
Mayor Morrow, Vic e Mayor Sharp, and Council Members Ramirez and Saltray discussed the meetings and events they attended.
Angie Dow discussed the upcoming UBER transit pilot service provided by KART.
Council Member Brieno had nothing to report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters not on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the Hanford City Council. This is also the public’s opportunity to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes or to comment on any item on the agenda. Comments related to Public Hearing items will be heard at the time the item is discussed.
A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Elizabeth Salvatore commented on the Vintage Estates project and the request for a crash gate on Muscat Place. She provided pictures to the Council. She also reque sted more time for the residents to prepare the proper paperwork to allow more time before the street is opened.
Michelle Wiser commented on the BMX event and thanked the city and staff for their support.
Hanford resident supports Elizabeth Salstore.
Dennis Ham commented on the firework ordinance.
Nick Wagner commented on the TEFRA approval public hearing. He expressed his concerns regarding the residents that will be affected by the Northstar project.
Angie Dow addressed some of the public comment s made at the last City Council meeting and discussed the services that KART will be providing.
Lou Martinez commented on the Hidden Valley Park Fitness Center and questioned the cost of the project. He also commented on the 18 acres adjacent to Hidden Valley Park.
Bob Ramos commented on the Hidden Valley Park Fit ness Center. He also addressed Vice Mayor Sharp's comments regarding the Northstar project at the last City Council meeting.
Jeni Lefler spoke in favor of the firework ordinance.
Michael Quinn would like to know the status of 18 acres adjacent to Hidde n Valley Park. He also commented on the public use of city school grounds.
Able Navado of Caring for Kids Foster Care Agency shared his concerns regarding the firework ordinance and the possible effect it will have on firework fundraises.
A Hanford resident commented on a narrow street in her neighborhood.
Valerie Keller questioned the difference between legal and illegal fireworks.
Stella Yarbrough commented on the Northstar project and illegal fireworks.
City Attorney Ty Mizote addressed the comments made regarding the Vintage Estates project.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one mot ion.
There will be no separate discussion of t hese matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
Item E was pulled by Vice Mayor Sharp, and Items G and H was pulled by Council Member Brieno.
Motion to approve except the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Diane Sharp, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Amanda Saltray, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
A. PROCEDURAL WAIVER: Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading title the only.
B. City Clerk: Denial of a claim for damages and authorization for the City Clerk to send out notification of such to Rich Olson.
C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the November 2, 2021 Meeting D. Administration: Second reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 22 -05, Amending Chapter 2.36 of the Municipal Code to create an Alternate seat on the City's Planning Commission.
E. Authorization for the Director of Public Wor ks to send a letter to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), requesting the extension of sewer service for one dwelling in the County of Kings without annexation by the City of Hanford. (APN 014-242-046, 9877 Sierra Drive).
F. Public Works: Permi ssion to Advertise the FY 21/22 Bonneyview Basin - Sand Slough Basin Project and Pre -Authorize the City Manager to award and execute the contract on behalf of the City to the lowest responsible bidder providing project bid is within current budget appropriation.
G. Public Works: Approval of a Deferred Payment Agreement with Robert B. Needham and Barbara F. Needham, Trustees of the Needham Family Trust dated February 12, 2015, for future payment of the 12th Avenue Benefit District Fees for undeveloped portion of property located at 8539 12th Avenue and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Agreement and the City Clerk to record the Agreement with the Kings County Recorder’s Office.
H. Police: Second reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 22 -03 and Compliance Policy 705 for Military equipment reporting as mandated by the State under AB481.
PULLED ITEMS :
1. Community Development: Historic Resources Permit 2022-01, a request by Valley Strong Credit Union to alter the façade of an existing storefront. The property is designated as a noncontributing building within the Historic Overlay Zone. The project is located at 216 W. Eighth St. (APN 012- 022-008).
[Item E]
Pulled by Vice Mayor Sharp.
Vice Mayor Sharp pulled the item because she did not want to vote on it due to a potential conflict of interest.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Art Brieno, Council Member
SECONDER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
AYES: Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
ABSTAIN: Sharp
2. Public Works: Authori zation to reject all bids and Re -Advertise the Police Activities League Parking Lot Project
[Item G]
Pulled by Council Member Brieno.
Public Works Director John Doyel answered questions from Council Member Brieno and discussed the new advertisement.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Art Brieno, Council Member
SECONDER: Amanda Saltray, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
3. Public Works: Approval of a Notice of Completion for the Hidden Valley Park Fitne ss Pad Project at a total construction cost of $212,654.50 and authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest and file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder's Office. [Item H]
Public Works Director John Doyel and Parks and Commun ity Services director answered questions from Council Member Brieno and addressed the comments made during public comment.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Art Brieno, Council Member
SECONDER: Amanda Saltray, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Public Hearing to Consider the Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for 2022-2023
Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. and called for the staff repor t. Administrative Analyst Sandra Lerma provided an overview of the grant and discussed the timeline. Ms. Lerma answered questions from the Council.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR
Lou Martinez spoke in favor and suggested providing tutoring services held at COE Park. He also addressed the need for a crosswalk on Harris Street near Lincoln School.
Jack Schwartz suggested adding the grant details for rehabs and for the use of the rental assistance program.
OPPOSED
None.
Council Member Brieno discussed th e possibly using funds for tutoring. He also shared his experience on a school board. Ms. Lerma discussed the budget for the Sunrise apartments. She als o provided a breif update for the rental assistant funds.
Motion to approve.
Mayor Morrow closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
SECONDER: Diane Sharp, Vice Mayor
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
B. Community Development: Roadway Abandonment No. 2021-01: Adoption of Resolution No. 22- 18-R approving the vacation and abandonment of approximately 7,995 square feet of right -of- way and Order of the City Council of the City of Hanford to abandon approximately 7,994 square feet of right-of-way, an alley (“China Alley,” portion) located south of East Eighth Street between North Harris and North Brown Streets.
Mayor Morrow opened the publi c hearing at 8:03 p.m. and called for the staff report. Senior Planner Gabrielle Myers and contractor Jenna Chulagarian discussed the project. Vic e Mayor Sharp clarified the China Alley portion of the report. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Public Comment:
None.
Motion to approve.
Mayor Morrow closed the public hearing at 8:09 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
SECONDER: Art Brieno, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
C. Community Development: Roadway Abandonment No. 2022-01: Adoption of Resolution No. 22- 19-R and Order of the City Council of the City of Hanford to abandon approximately 2,252 square feet of right -of-way, an alley (“Civic Center,” portio n) located south of Center Street between North Irwin and North Douty Streets.
Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 8:09 p.m. and called for the staff report. Con tractor Jenna Chulagarian discussed the project and invited questioned from the Council.
Public Comment:
Bob Ramos commented on the completion date and the parking lot area.
Motion to approve.
Mayor Morrow closed the public hearing at 8:14 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amanda Saltray, Council Member
SECONDER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Fire: Introduction of Ordinance No. 22 -01 Amending most sections of Chapter 8.1 1 of the Hanford Municipal Code ILLEGAL FIREWORKS to update definitions, aba tement procedures, penalties and re-identify the Hearing Body.
Fire Chief Pendergrass clarified that the ordinance pertains to illegal fireworks. He discussed the changes to the ordinance. City Council Member Ramirez suggested increasing the fine. City Att orney addressed Council Member Ramirez's suggestion. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
SECONDER: Diane Sharp, Vice Mayor
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
B. Public Works: Authorization to Award a contract to VSS International, Inc. Of Sacramento CA, in the amount of $1,170,000.00, establish a construction contingency of $94,830.76, approve a scope of work change order for a net decrease of $221 ,692.40, and re -appropriate the Gas Tax funds from the Reclamite Seal Treatment Budget to the Pavement Resurfacing Treatment Budget in order to fully fund the Project.
Public Works Director John Doyel invited questions from the Council.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Diane Sharp, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
C. Public Works: Authorization to Award a Contract to 4Creeks Engineering of Visalia, Ca., in the amount of $71,861.00 and approve an additional appropriation of $14,900.00 from the TDA Fund to fully fund the preparation of the Local Roadway Safety Plan.
Public Works Director invited questions from Council and discussed the State grant the city received.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
SECONDER: Amanda Saltray, Council Member
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
D. Public Works: Authorization to Award a contract to MAC General Engineering of Exeter CA, in the amount of $1,176,870.70, establish a construction contingency of $117,700.00; allocate the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (C RRSAA) Fund contribution of $243,000.00 to this project; and approve an additional appropriation of $189,000.00 from the Storm Drain Capital Reserves to fully fund the Emma Lee Lane Reconstruction Project
Public Works Director John Doyel answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Francisco Ramirez, Council Member
SECONDER: Diane Sharp, Vice Mayor
AYES: Sharp, Brieno, Morrow, Saltray, Ramirez
COUNCIL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
At this time, any Council Member, s ubject to Council Policies and Procedures, may request staff to report back to the Council at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. (GOV. CODE SEC. 54954.2)
Council Future Agenda Items
The Council addressed Elizabeth Salvatore’s public comment and discussed the Vintage Estates Subdivision and the abandonment process. Dir. Doyel answered questions from the Council.
The Council also discussed Tax Measure F. It was the Co uncil Consensus to direct staff to prepare a resolution opposing Tax Measure F.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Morrow adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk