City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
February 20, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the study 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 Travis Paden
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
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.
Margaret Ferreira, a vendor at the Winter Wonderland, spoke in support of the event.
Mark Aguirre, a vendor at Winter Wonderland, spoke in support of the event.
Amory Marple, Executive Director of the Hanford Chamber of Commerce, commented on their sponsorship and how it benefits businesses in Hanford. She also commented on the annual Christmas parade and requested a discussion with the Council regarding assistance from the city with the parade in the future.
Bob Ramos suggested a skyview camera on the Civic Auditorium.
Stella Rubalcava offered her services for the next Winter Wonderland event, and she thanked the Council and staff.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation of the 2023 Winter Wonderland Final Report; Recognition of Winter Wonderland Staff; and Council consideration of an appropriation of $106,679.34 to this year’s budget to help fund the purchase of a new ice rink, which would save the City in future years.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert and Community Relations Manager Brian Johnson presented the Winter Wonderland final report. Dir. Albert thanked the staff, partners, sponsors, and the vendors. Dir. Albert discussed improvements for next season. Staff also recommended purchasing an ice rink rather than renting it. The Council thanked the staff and everyone who participated. Staff answered questions from the Council. After some discussion, the Council directed staff to move forward with the purchase of an ice rink.
Motion to approve the appropriation of $106,679.34 to this year’s budget to pay one of two payments to purchase a new 80’ x 100’ ice rink quoted at $240,160, with the remaining balance to be funded by the fiscal year 24/25 budget.
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. Presentation and Council direction on proposed amendments to the City of Hanford's Municipal Code aimed at addressing camping in City Parks and Public Rights of Way.
City Manager Cifuentez, Police Chief Huddleston, and Deputy City Manager Waters presented the proposed amendments to the camping ordinance for the Council's review and direction. City Attorney Mizote discussed legal remedies, the Martin v. City of Boise case, and voluntary and involuntary shelter requirements. Staff also discussed the impact that the homeless has on the police department. Staff answered questions from the Council. Vice Mayor Kairis provided an update of the Kings County Homeless Collaborative Board meeting and he also discussed KCAO's plans to build a low-barrier shelter. After much discussion, the Council directed staff to bring back the ordinance to implement the amendments regarding publicly owned property.
Mayor Paden called for a 10-minute recess at 7:02 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by John Escalera.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Hanford West High School Senior Class President Aaliyah Hollis.
RECOGNITION:
A. Finance: Recognition of the City of Hanford for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award" for the fiscal years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Budget
Finance Director Chris Tavarez discussed the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and introduced the Finance Department's staff in attendance, Finance Analyst Aubrey Carri, Payroll Analyst Penny Sutphin, Purchasing Agent Lisa Valencia, and Finance Manager Destiny Borba.
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.
Mark Mendez requested to add a re-evaluation of the approval of Bottom's Up Espresso. He also suggested the city update the Municipal Code regarding adult entertainment.
Lynn Barlow commented on Bottoms Up Espresso and turned in a petition against the business opening in the Fargo Ave. and 10th Ave. shopping center.
Nick Wagner questioned the information that he requested from the Council at the last meeting.
Cathy Andes commented on Bottoms Up Espresso and the themed costumes that their employees wear.
Santiago Rodriguez commented on Bottoms Up Espresso and suggested staff research the California business code and he asked the council to revoke their business license.
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.
Motion to Approve.
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. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the December 19, 2023 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the January 16, 2024 Meeting D. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the January 24, 2024 Special Meeting E. City Attorney: Approval of a Real Property Parking Covenant with Kings County Area Public Transit Authority and Authorization for the City Manager to sign the Covenant on the City’s behalf.
F. Administration: Authorization for the use of the City Seal and the Mayor's Signature on a letter, from the California Cities Sustainability Coalition, in support of the group's efforts to delay the implementation or rollback provision of recent C.A.R.B. regulations that went into effect on January 1, 2024.
G. Community Development: Approval of the second reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 24-02, approving 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.
H. Public Works: Award of a contract to the lowest bidder, AdEdge Water Technologies of Duluth Georgia, in the amount of $244,241.18, for Bayoxide media filtration removal, disposal and replacement at well 50, located on the southwest corner of Hanford- Armona Rd and 9th Ave., and Appropriation of $244,250 from the Water Fund (0390) and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the contract.
I. Public Works: Approval of the First amendment to the agricultural lease between the City of Hanford and Phillip Verwey Farms, allowing for Phillip Verwey Farms the right to receive utility services, including but not limited to electrical facilities and apparatus.
J. Finance: Approval of the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 24-01, Amending Municipal Code 2.48 relating to the City's Purchasing System GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Finance: Approval of Resolution No. 24-05-R, formally establishing the the City of Hanford Purchasing Policy.
Finance Director Chris Tavarez and Purchasing Agent Lisa Valencia discussed the city's purchasing policy for the Council's review and approval.City Manager Cifuentez discussed the background and the bid process. Staff answered questions from the Council.
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 B. Finance: Approval of one new firefighter position, at an annual cost of approximately $128,000, to be added to the master personnel budget and funded out of the General Fund in order to support the health and safety of fire personnel.
Finance Director Chris Tavarez discussed the item for the Council's review and approval. Vice Mayor Kairis spoke in support. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
(UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez 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 asked staff if the city could assist the Carnegie Museum with meeting ADA requirements. City Manager Cifuentez addressed his concerns. After a brief discussion about Bottoms Up Espresso, City Attorney Mizote addressed the council's concerns and stated that the city is prepared to enforce the adult business ordinance should they violate the municipal code.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
February 24: Free Fitness Court Class at Hidden Valley Park 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
March 5: Regular City Council Meeting
March 19: regular City Council Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available to public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office located at 319 N. Douty Street, Hanford, California 93230, during normal business hours. Such agendas are also available at the city’s website, www.cityofhanfordca.com subject to staff’s ability to post the agenda before the meeting. If you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office, 559-585-2515, 319 N. Douty Street, Hanford, California 93230, at least 2 days prior to the meeting {28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II} Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk