City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
June 20, 2023 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the study session and closed session to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL BY THE CITY CLERK:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Travis Paden
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Study Sessions are considered Special Meetings under the Brown Act. Accordingly, comments from the public are limited to items listed on the agenda (GC 54954.3a). Public Comment will be accepted during each agenda item. A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Dave Ayers complemented Officer Mark Carillo and the police department staff for their efforts with homeless issue.
Kimber Regan expressed her concerns about the homeless people downtown near her business. She suggested sending them to more homeless-friendly areas.
Bob Ramos commented on Officer Carillo's presentation. He also commented on overgrown weeds in the city.
Larry Farriera said that he appreciates the opportunity to make a public comment after each of the study session presentations. He also shared his opinion of a homeless shelter in the city.
Nick Wagner commented on the study session presentation.
Mark Pratter said he does not like the change to the study session public comment period.
Officer Carillo addressed the public comment about the weeds.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Update on the City’s efforts related to Homelessness including staff efforts to address the concerns of businesses and residents and efforts towards the development of a low barrier shelter
City Manager Cifuentez provided a brief background of the Council's direction regarding the development of a low-barrier shelter in the city. Officer Mark Carillo provided his background and discussed his experience on the HART team. He also discussed service calls related to the homeless. Chief Sever discussed regulating the homeless population and the police department's protocol. He also discussed the level of service the police department can provide. Staff and City Attorney Mizote answered questions from the Council. The Council discussed businesses affected by the homeless population, and the need for a low-barrier shelter. Council Member Sharp spoke in favor of developing a low-barrier shelter in the city. After much discussion, the Council thanked staff for the presentation. City Manager Cifuentez assured the Council staff would work with business owners and the refuse department to work on a plan for future clean cleanups. No formal action was taken.
Mayor Paden adjourned to closed session at 6:45 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION (GC 54956.8) APN: 012-062-012
Negotiating Party: Kings County Area Public Transit Agency Agency Negotiators: Mario Cifuentez and Ty Mizote
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION (GC 54956.8) APN: 014-230-030
Negotiation Party:Thomas G. Loogman, Robert A. Loogman, Colette M. Quinn, John M.
Loogman, Jr., Lisa M. Askins, and Trudy N. Simas
Agency Negotiators: Mario Cifuentez, Ty Mizote, and Brad Albert CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Travis Paden
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor Johnny Escalera.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Paden.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
City Attorney Ty Mizote discussed the direction staff received from Council during the closed session regarding the proposed modified terms and condititions for the purchase of the property from Latis LLC for the Heroes Park project. The City is requesting an extension of the time to close escrow. In exchange, the other party is requesting an increase in the deposit amount to $300k.
COUNCIL REPORTS/GENERAL REPORTS:
Brief information-only reports from City Council and/or Staff, including committee reports and reports by City Council related to meetings attended at City expenses (AB1234).
Mayor Paden moved Council Reports and Comments to the end of the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters 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. State law does not allow the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on the agenda, except that members of the Council or staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights (Gov. Code sec. 54954.2). A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Dennis Ham expressed his concerns regarding Consent Item B, and requested that it be pulled for separate discussion.
Bob Ramos commented on Consent Item B and expressed his concerns regarding the loan from the Fleet Replacement Reserve Fund.
Amy Minor, player agent for Hanford Youth Baseball League, introduced herself and commented on Bob Hill Youth Sports Center. She discussed their program. She requested help from the city with the concession stand and restrooms. City Manager Cifiuentez responded to the comment and discussed future updates for the field.
Noor Memon commented on the Bastille and the Old Courthouse. He wants to know what's happening to the building.
Rosa (did not state her last name) expressed her concerns about a homeless camp near her home. She also provided pictures and suggested that the Council go see the camp for themselves.
Art Brieno commented on the study session presentation and expressed his concerns regarding homeless camps in the city. He also commented on Consent Item B.
Dave Ayers expressed his concern regarding Conset Item B, and requested that it be pulled.
Onan Champi commented on General Business Item A and asked the Council to reject the approval. He discussed the work he completed for the project. Approving the project will affect his compensation for the project.
Mark Pratter asked why the study session public comment period was changed. He also commented on Hidden Valley Park.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
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 and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
Items B, C, E, and F, were pulled from the consent calendar. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Mark Kairis
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez A. Procedural Waiver: Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading title the only.
B. Community Development: Historic Resources Permit HRA0001-23: a request to replace the canopy of the existing shoe shine stand within Civic Park. The property is designated as a contributing building within the Historic Overlay Zone. The project is located at 323 N. Irwin St. (APN 010-265-001)
C. Fire: Authorization for the City Manager to execute a Governing Body Authorization Letter, on behalf of the City Council, authorizing the City of Hanford to apply for grant funding, up to a maximum of $25,000, to fund the purchase of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the Hanford Fire Department.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Administration: Approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Great Valley Holdings, LLC and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents for the purpose of purchasing the property located at 330 N. Harris Street, more commonly known as the Social Security Building, for a purchase price of $4,450,000. And authorize a loan to the General Fund from the Fleet Replacement Reserve Fund for up to $4.6 million (to include closing costs) with terms and conditions as stated in this report. [Item B]
Pulled during public comment.
City Manager Cifuentez discussed the background and answered questions from the Council. Council Member Sharp spoke in favor of the purchase.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Diane Sharp
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez B. City Attorney: Approval of the City's formal response to the 2022-23 Grand Jury Report on City of Hanford Parks
[Item C]
Pulled by Mayor Paden.
The Mayor requested a modification. He would like for the response to include all schools.
Motion to Approve as amended.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez C. Parks and Community Services: Approve appropriation of $2,452,065 in the General Fund for the newly established Hanford Boys and Girls Club to be fully funded by the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program and authorization for the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of the Sequoias to manage and operate the club.
[Item E]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert and addressed the questions from Council Member Martinez.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez D. Public Works: Request to Set July 18, 2023 as a public hearing and adoption of Resolution No. 23-12-R to establish a Rule 20A Underground Utility District on East Lacey Boulevard from Jessie Avenue to East of Wilson Lane. [Item F]
Council Member Sharp pulled the item to recuse herself.
Public Works Director Jim Ross addressed the error in the staff report, staff is not requesting to approve the resolution at this time.
Motion to Approve as modified.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN;
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Finance: Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution 23-15-R to approve the comprehensive Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24 which includes proposed new fees, deletion of fees and increases/adjustments to existing fees.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. and called for the staff report. Financial Analyst Aubrey Carri presented the staff report and answered questions from the Council.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
None.
OPPOSSED:
Art Brieno questioned Fire Department inspections, airport fees, facility fees, and Code Compliance fees. He also expressed his concerns regarding the need for a Senior Center.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed (4 to 1)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Mark Kairis
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden
Lou Martinez
Mayor Paden closed the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
B. Finance: Public Hearing to adopt Resolution 2023-19-R for the City of Hanford Fiscal Years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 two-year budget
Mayor Payden opened the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. and called for the staff report. Finance Manager Destiney Borba presented the staff report and answered questions from the Council. Staff also presented a preview of the digital budget book. The Council commended the staff for their hard work.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
Art Brieno commented on the digital budget book.
OPPOSSED:
Bob Ramos commented on the digital budget, and questioned the cannabis funds. He also expressed his concerns regarding the need for a senior center.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
Mayor Paden closed the public hearing at 8:40 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion for the Police Department Parking Lot Expansion Project for a final project cost of $573,749.19, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder Office.
Deputy Public Works Director Jim Ross requested to postpone the discussion and approval until the next regular meeting.
Motion to Continue.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez B. Finance: Adoption of Resolution 23-16-R establishing the 2023/2024 appropriations limit of $88,428,441 for the City of Hanford's General Fund
Finance Manager Chris Tavarez discussed the appropriation limits and invited questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Travis Paden
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS::
At this time, any Council Member may ask a question for clarification, make an announcement, or report briefly on their activities. In addition, subject to Council Policies and Procedures, they 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)
A. Council Future Agenda Items
During this time, the council discussed the events and meetings they attended. The Council also addressed the public comments.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
June 21: Kings County Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics - Kings County Government Center Click here for more info
June 23: Dive In Theater at the Plunge, doors open at 7:30 p.m. The movie begins at dusk: Strange World
July 4: Holiday-Cancelled City Council meeting/City offices will be closed July 7: Dive In Theater at the Plunge, doors open at 7:30 p.m. The movie begins at dusk:
Rumble
July 14: Movies in the Park, Hidden Valley Park. The movie begins at dusk: Puss and Boots
July15: Walk with a Doc at Freedom Park 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
July 18: Regular City Council Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ Natalie Corral
Natalie Corral
City Clerk