City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
July 18, 2023 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY 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 Travis Paden
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
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.
Bob Ramos commented on the downtown beautification project budget. He does not agree with the presented process. He also commented on the development of Heroes Park Project.
Dennis Ham questioned the budget of the Hidden Valley Project.
Brian Fugundes commented on the process of developing the Hidden Valley land into additional parkland.
Robert Bently thanked the Council for moving forward with the Hidden Valley Project. He also questioned the city's outreach effort regarding the project. The Parks and Community Services Director, Brad Albert, responded to his question.
Art Brieno expressed the importance of having more basketball courts in city parks. He also commented on the design phase of Hidden Valley Park.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation to Council regarding the official results of the Community Surveys for Hidden Valley Park and a report on the next steps and projected costs for the project.
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters and Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert discussed the project requirements, time frame and the survey results for the Council's review and direction. The Council provided their input and discussed the community outreach events, the budget, and questioned the ARPA funds. Staff addressed the questions from the Council. Staff will bring back conceptual designs for the Council's review and direction in 6 to 9 months.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 6:15 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor Mark Curts.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Council Member Kalish Morrow.
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).
The Council discussed the meetings and events they attended.
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 commented on consent item N, the purchase of a fire engine, and requested that it be pulled for separate discussion.
Larry Faria commented on the proposed location of the homeless shelter and requested that the project be shared with the public.
Todd Nelson expressed his concerns regarding General Business Item B, the approval of the MOU pertaining to the annexation.
Singh Shaygan, a developer of a new business in Hanford, expressed his concerns regarding the proposed location of a homeless shelter in Hanford and he asked the Council to keep the public informed.
Bob Ramos commented on consent item E, and requested that it be pulled for separate discussion. He also commented on the areas in the city with weeds, the proposed homeless shelter, and the Longfield Center.
Richard Tipton commented on Vice Mayor Kairis's social media post. He also commented on the homeless shelter location and disagreed with it.
Onan Champi thanked the city for the help and support they provided regarding the approval of the NOC on the agenda. He also commented on general business item B.
Anna Brookehsire questioned the resolution on consent item E.
Kimber Regan commented on the location of the homeless shelter and spoke in opposition. She also commented on Council Member Kairis's social media post.
Stephanie Magnia, Director of the Kings Art Center, spoke in support of the consent item G, approval of the requested mural to be painted on the exterior wall of an existing building.
Dr. Enrique shared his suggestions to assist with the growing homeless issue in Hanford. He also stated that he enjoys living in Hanford.
Adre Barona commented on the homeless issue in Hanford and compared it to bigger cites. He also commented on the illegal fireworks in his neighborhood.
Art Brieno requested to pull item P for clarification. He also commented on a homeless camp in the city.
Leticia Hinojosa, Executive Director of Programs for the Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance spoke in support of consent item E, and announced that she was available for questions.
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 C, E, F, N, O, and P were pulled from the consent calendar. Motion to Approve the consent calendar, except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
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: Approval of the Minutes of the June 6, 2023 Meeting C. City Attorney: Approval of the City's formal response to the 2022-23 Grand Jury Report Regarding Homeless Issues
D. Community Development: Approval of Mural No. 0001-23: a request by the Kings Art Center to paint a mural onto the exterior wall of an existing building. The property is located at 605 N. Douty Street. (APN 010-221-021)
E. Parks and Community Services: Adoption of Resolution 23-24-R, approving the Annual Engineer's Report and Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 as outlined in the Annual Engineer’s Report, which has been prepared pursuant to Chapter 3 of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972. The proposed assessments outlined in the Engineer’s Report are less than or equal to the authorized maximum assessment for each landscape assessment district.
F. Public Works: Approval of a purchase order with Martin Merietta for the purchase of asphalt material in the amount of $120,000.
G. Public Works: Approval of purchase order to Ennis Flint Inc. for the purchase of traffic marking paint, not to exceed $79,110.
H. Public Works: Approval of the Final Map, Subdivision Agreement and acceptance of Easements for Tract No. 928, Unit No. IV (Fargo Avenue, Centennial Drive & Sangiovese Street)
I. Public Works: Approval of the Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for Tract No. 915, Unit No. 1, with Enclave Developers, LLC, and Acceptance of all easements and dedications offered for public use; and Acceptance of the Enclave 66 Hanford Homeowners Association Maintenance Manual for Tract No. 915, Unit No. 1.
J. Public Works: Approval of the Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for Tract No. 915, Unit No. 2, with Enclave Developers, LLC, and accept all easements and dedications offered for public use; and adopt the attached Resolution 23-25-R Annexing Additional Properties to Assessment District No. 19-02; and adopt the attached Resolution 23-24-R Restructuring Properties within Assessment District No. 19-02; and accept the attached Enclave 66 Hanford Homeowners Association Maintenance Manual for Tract No. 915, Unit No.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the June 20, 2023 Meeting [Item C]
Pulled by Mayor Paden.
Mayor Paden questioned an error in the minutes. City Clerk Natalie Corral provided clarification.
Motion to Amend.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
B. Community Development: Adoption of Resolution 23-21-R, Supporting the request of $287,500 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) State of California’s 2020 Community Development Block Grant program for unclaimed Corona Virus Response (CDBG-CV) that has been made available for previous Construction Project Grantees.
[Item E]
Pulled by the public during public comment.
Housing Analyst Sandra Lerma-Martinez and KCAO IPSS Director Joey Cox answered questions from the Council and the public.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Lou Martinez
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
C. Community Development: Historic Resources Permit HRA0002-23: a request by Guacamole World to enlarge the existing building and construct a patio for a restaurant.
The property is designated as a noncontributing building within the Historic Overlay Zone. The project is located at 125 S. Harris St. (APN 012-046-005) [Item F]
Pulled by the public during public comment.
Staff addressed the concerns expressed by the public and answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
D. Fire: Approval of the purchase of a Pierce Impel Fire Engine from Golden State Apparatus for $998,843.
[Item N]
Pulled by the public during public comment.
Fire Chief Pendergrass addressed the concerns expressed by the public, and answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
E. Finance: Adoption of the City of Hanford fiscal year 2023-24 Investment Policy [Item O]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Finance Director Tavarez discussed the updates for the Council's review and consideration.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Diane Sharp
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
F. Finance: Approval of purchase orders over $50,000 for the Finance Department and all departments for a total of $308,587 for fiscal year 2023/2024 [Item P]
Pulled by the public during public comment.
Finance Director Chris Tavarez discussed the purchase orders for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
(UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Travis Paden
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Public Works: Public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 23-12-R for the purpose of establishing a Rule 20A Underground Utility District on East Lacey Boulevard from Jessie Avenue to East of Wilson Lane.
Council Member Sharp recused herself. Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. and called for the staff report. Public Works Director Jim Ross presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. Staff also addressed the questions and comments from the public.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
Art Brieno questioned the area of the project.
Onan Champi spoke in favor of the project.
OPPOSSED:
None
Mayor Paden closed the public hearing at 8:16 p.m.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Travis Paden
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. City Attorney: Adoption of Resolution No. 23-23-R, establishing the Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 tax levy amount for Community Facilities District 2022-01 (Live Oak) and Direction from Council regarding the types of services that future that will be included in Community Facilities Districts
Finance Director Chris Tavarez and Finance Analyst Aubrey Carri discussed the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 tax levy amount for Community Facilities District 2022-01 for the Council's review and approval. Staff and the City Attorney addressed the Council's questions and concerns. City Manager Cifuentez addressed the Council's concerns and suggested bringing back a study session for discussion and direction about moving forward with a subdivision policy. After much discussion, Council Member Sharp made the motion to approve.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Passed
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Diane Sharp
Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis
B. Community Development: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hanford and Kings County, pertaining to the annexation of the remaining "substantially surrounded islands" within the City of Hanford.
Council Member Sharp recused herself. Deputy City Manager Jason Water and Senior Planner Gabrielle Myers discussed the MOU for the Council's review and approval. Mayor Paden expressed his concerns about the residents in the area that were not notified. After much discussion, Mayor Paden moved to table the item.
Motion to Table.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Passed
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
C. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion of the Police Activities League Parking Lot Expansion Project for a total final project cost of $491,945.31, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder's Office.
Public Works Director Jim Ross discussed the project for the Council's review and consideration. Dir. Ross addressed the Council's questions and concerns.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Lou Martinez
Travis Paden, Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
D. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion for the Police Department Parking Lot Expansion Project for a final project cost of $593,749.19, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder of Office.
Public Works Director Jim Ross discussed the project for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Kalish Morrow, Lou Martinez, Diane Sharp
Mark Kairis
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
Council Member Sharp discussed the Candice Jelelwer's incident and commended the Police Department. Council Member Lou Martinez would like the Plunge hours to be extended.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
July 21: Dive In Theartre at the Plunge, 7:30 p.m. $3.00 Admission July 22 and 29: Free Fitness Court Classes 9:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m. Hidden Valley Park July 28: Movies in the Park in Civic Park, "Minions: The Rise of Gru". The movie begins at dusk.
August 1: Regular City Council Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Natalie Corral
City Clerk