City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
February 6, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
4:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the study session and closed session to order at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL BY THE CITY CLERK:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
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 Longfield Center and expressed his concerns regarding the day camp. He also commented on the proposed gym divider.
Chris Jordan commented on his experience in the community and shared his background. Mr. Jordan expressed his concerns regarding the lack of resources and opportunities in the city.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation to the City Council regarding the Operation and Programs for the Longfield Community Center and Direction from Council regarding future uses and improvements as appropriate.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert, discussed the Longfield Center and the current programmed uses of the facility for the Council's direction regarding future uses and improvements. Dir. Albert presented a solution for accommodating the use of the basketball courts during camp. The Council discussed the community's concerns, public school programs, and the Boys and Girls Club. Dir. Albert answered questions from the Council. The Council directed staff to move forward with the intallation of the power drop-down net.
B. Community Development: Presentation and Council discussion and Input regarding the City's RAISE Grant Application project scope that will provide infrastructure improving walkability, safety and sustainability in the downtown and nearby alleys.
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the RAISE Grant application that will provide infrastructure improving walkability, safety, and sustainability in the downtown and nearby alleys for the Council's review. Dep. Waters also discussed the next steps and the application deadline and invited questions from the Council. The Council thanked staff for the presentation. The presentation was informational only. No action was required.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 5:20 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9)(d)(1))
1 Workers Compensation Claim.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2))
3 Potential Cases.
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 Mark Kairis
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Sheri Winterowd.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by the Sierra Pacific Junior Class President, Caroline Newell.
RECOGNITION:
A. Recognition of the invocation volunteers:
Mark Curts, Sylvia Gaston, Bobby Guerra, Johnny Escalera, Ignacio Valdez, John Malogi, Jay Rublacava, Lori Niles, Albert Toralez, Rich Johnson, Bud Haskell, Shannon Brown, Tim Brown, Andrea Lott, and Sherri Winterowd.
Mayor Paden presented the volunteers in attendance with certificates of appreciation.
B. Badge Pinning Ceremony and Oath of Office for Officer Daniel Ortega.
Captain Lutz introduced Officer Daniel Ortega, and the City Clerk, Natalie Corral, administered the oath of office.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
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.
Before the Mayor opened the public comment period, City Attorney Ty Mizote addressed the public's concerns about Bottoms Up Espresso, the new business opening in the shopping center on 10th Ave and Fargo Ave.
Mark Mendez expressed his concerns about Bottoms Up Expresso opening in Hanford. He requested the city take action and revoke their business license.
Lynn Barlow, owner of the Sunshine Friends Learning Center day care, expressed her concerns regarding Bottoms Up Espresso opening up next door to her business. She provided the council with a petition against this business opening in Hanford.
Garrett K. Jones commented on Bottoms Up Espresso.
Michelle Soeiro, owner of Donut Café, expressed her concerns regarding Bottoms Up Espresso opening up in the same shopping center where her business is located.
A resident of Hanford (she did not provide her name), commented on the home located on 5th and Douty and expressed her concerns about the homeless people who have established residence. She also commented on the cars that speed in her neighborhood.
Santiago Rodriguez commented on Bottoms Up Espresso. He also said a prayer.
Nicolas Coleman expressed his concerns regarding the resources available for veterans.
Shah Nahal commented on Bottoms Up Espresso opening in Hanford.
Christina Varges expressed her concerns regarding Bottoms Up Espresso opening in Hanford.
Anna Brookshier questioned consent item H and asked that it be pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion.
Joseph Garcia commented on Bottoms Up Espresso and stated the city does not want the business here.
Lisa Ekk expressed her concerns regarding Bottoms Up Espresso opening in Hanford.
Thomas King asked that the Council not allow Bottoms Up Espresso coffee shop to open in the city.
Bob Ramos commented on Bottoms Up Espresso. He also commented on the sale of Council Member Sharp's home.
A letter from Jennifer Butts was read by another community member regarding Bottoms Up Expresso.
Lynn Nelson commented on Bottoms Up Espresso.
Diane Sharp addressed Bob Ramos' comment.
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.
Council Member Martinez pulled consent Items D and G and Item H was requested to be pulled during public comment.
Motion to approve except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
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. Administration: Approval of Supplemental Services Agreement No. 1 with Brandley Engineering for the preparation and completion of a detailed Pavement Maintenance Management Plan/Pavement Evaluation Study for the Hanford Municipal Airport for a contract amount Not to Exceed $170,000, to be funded 95% through Federal and State grants.
C. Administration: Approval of a new 3-year Service Agreement with Main Street Hanford at an annual compensation amount of $81,090, which remains unchanged from the previous contract.
D. Public Works: Approval of an increase to the Purchase Order for the purchase of fuel for City-owned equipment and vehicles, from Van Der Pol Enterprises up to $80,000 annually
E. Public Works: Appropriate $193,902 from the Refuse Fund (0307) and approve sole source awards for the purchase of various sized front load refuse plastic commercial bins from Toter LLC in the amount of $74,074.26 and various metal commercial bins from Wastquip in the amount of $119,827.15 due to the familarity of both vendors and the City of Hanford's refuse bin specifications.
F. Finance: Acceptance and authorization for staff to File the City of Hanford's Quarterly Investment Portfolio and Transactions Reports as of 12/31/2023.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Community Development: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-04-R Approving an Amendment to the Standard Agreement issued under the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Program Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV)
[Item D]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Housing Analyst Sandra Lerma presented the resolution for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez B. Police: Approval of the Hanford Police Department's Canine Conditions of Acceptance contract between the City of Hanford and the Department's Canine Handlers, and Authorization for the Police Chief to execute the Agreements. [Item G]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Interim Police Chief Amoroso presented the item for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez C. Finance: Authorization for the City Manager to execute an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank for banking and Lockbox services at an annual cost of approximately $135,000 for a term of three years, with an option to extend by two years. [Item H]
Requested to be pulled by the public during public comment.
Finance Manager Destiny Borba discussed the item for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Public Works: Public Hearing and consideration of approval of Resolution 24-03-R for City of Hanford wastewater rate adjustments effective March 1, 2024.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. and called for the staff report. Lechowicz + Tseng Municipal Consultants, Project Manager Alison Lechowicz provided a brief presentation for the Council's review. Ms. Lechowicz, also clarified that the recommendation only includes sewer rates. She also answered questions from the Council.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
None.
OPPOSED:
Rusty Brooksheir spoke in opposition.
Anna Brooksheir spoke in opposition.
Mayor Paden closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m.
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. Community Development: Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed Zone Text Amendment No. 2024-01, a request to amend Title 17, Section 17.56.230 of the Hanford Municipal Code in order to comply with free speech requirements and establish a new application process for murals and Introduction of Ordinance 24-01, approving the ZTA.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:34 p.m.and called for the staff report. Deputy City Manager Jason Waters presented the staff report and invited questions from the Council. After a brief discussion, Council Member Morrow motioned to approve Zone Text Amendment No. 2024-01.
IN-FAVOR:
None.
OPPOSSED:
None.
Mayor Paden closed the public hearing at 8:42 p.m.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez CONVENE AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
Mayor Paden adjourned the regular meeting at 8:44 p.m and convened as the Successor Agency.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY - PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. Finance: Review And Approval Of The Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 24-25) For The Period July 1, 2024 To June 30, 2025.
Finance Analyst Aubrey Carri presented the staff report for the Council's review and appoval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
(UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Mark Kairis
Travis Paden, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Diane Sharp, Lou Martinez ADJOURN AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
Mayor Paden adjourned as the Successor Agency and reopened the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Public Works: Authorization to reimburse Woodside 06N, LP, in the amounts of $546,798.00 for the city park land acquisition and improvements for the city neighborhood park located within Tract No. 929, Unit No. 1; AND $94,189.10 for the purchase and dedication of right of way and street improvements on 13th Avenue located outside of development boundaries; AND approve an additional appropriation of $546,798.00 from the Parks Impact Fee Fund, and $94,189.10 from the Transportation Impact Fee Fund to fulfill the reimbursements; AND approve an additional appropriation of $12,800.00 from the Park Impact Fee Fund for Parks Department staff to provide and install solar powered safety lighting and a drinking fountain at Tract 929 neighborhood park.
Public Works Director Russ Sterling invited questions from the Council.
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 B. Public Works: Authorization to reimburse Presidio JJR Sterling Oaks 104, LLC in the amount of $672,607.51 for the City Park land acquisition and park improvements located within Tract No. 865, Unit No. 1; and approve an additional appropriation of $522,607.51 from the Parks Impact Fee Fund to fulfill reimbursements.
Public Works Director Russ Sterling invited questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez C. Finance: Introduction of Ordinance No. 24-01, Amending Municipal Code 2.48 relating to the City's Purchasing System
Finance Manager Destiny Borba, and Purchasing Agent Lisa Valencia presented the ordinance for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. The Council thanked the staff and welcomed Lisa Velncia.
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 D. Administration: Discussion of Council Options and direction from the City Council Action related to the upcoming vacant Council seat in District C.
City Manager Mario Cifuentez discussed the pending resignation of Council member Sharp and presented the Council with the options to fill the upcoming vacancy in District C. The Council expressed some concerns about leaving the seat vacant. After some discussion, it was the consensus to leave the seat vacant until filled through the General Election process on November 5, 2024.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairis
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:
At this time, any Council Member may ask a question for clarification or may request a matter, which is not otherwise scheduled on a City Council agenda, to be placed on a future agenda. The Council Member referring the item shall provide sufficient information as to the nature of the item. The City Council, by concurrence of a majority, may direct the City Manager to put the item on a future agenda. (GOV. CODE SEC. 54954.2)
A. Council Future Agenda Items
Council Member Martinez expressed some concerns regarding the lighting at the skate park and at the Longfield Center.
Staff will follow up.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
February 19: City offices closed in observance of Presidents' Day February 20: Regular City Council Meeting
March 5 & 19: Regular City Council Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk