City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
March 19, 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 Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Lou Martinez
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.
Dennis Ham commented on the number of Parking and Traffic Commission meetings that were canceled. He also expressed his concerns about the regular items that are reviewed and approved by the Parking and Traffic Commission.
Bob Ramos commented on the city's committees. Mr. Ramos suggested a quarterly Parking and Traffic Commission meeting rather than eliminating it completely. He also commented on a potential sales tax measure.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Discussion and Council direction regarding City Commissions pertaining to the formation of the commissions, the duties of the commissions and the number of commissioners.
City Manager Cifuentez provided a brief overview and answered questions from the Council. After much discussion, the Council directed staff to dissolve the Parking and Traffic Commission. Parking and Traffic Commission agenda items will now be presented and reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Council also discussed increasing the number of commissioner seats on the Parks and Rec and Planning Commissions. There was a consensus to keep the commissions at five (5) commissioner seats and one (1) alternate commissioner seat. The remaining Parking and Traffic Commissioners will be invited to participate in the recruitment process for the other two commissions. The City Manager will bring back a municipal code amendment to dissolve the Parking and Traffic Commission Council's review and approval.
B. Review of the FY 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget and Council Approval of an additional Appropriation of $850,400 in the GF and $226,570 across all other funds for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year Budget
Finance Director Chris Tavarez and Finance Manager Destiny Borba presented the FY 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. The Council thanked staff and Vice Mayor Kairis motioned to approve mid-year amendments to the 2023-24 Fiscal Year Budget to appropriate an additional $850,400 in the General Fund and $226,570 across all Other Funds for the execution of city operations.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden
Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 5:05 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) 1 Case.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Diane Sharp
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor Lori Niles.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by the Sierra Pacific Senior Class President Isabel Rojas.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Recognition of Former Mayor Marcie Buford in Honor of National Women's History Month
Mayor Paden presented former Mayor, Marcie Buford with a certificate of recognition in honor of National Women's History Month.
B. Badge Pinning Ceremony and Oath of Office for Officers Maritza Juarez, Kevin Wheat, and Priscilla Valdovinos.
Chief Huddleston introduced Police Officers Maritza Juarez, Kevin Wheat, and Priscilla Valdavinos and City Clerk Natalie Corral administered the oath of office.
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 events and meetings they attended.
City Manager Cifuentez introduced the new Fire Chief Daniel Perkins.
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.
Nanette Villarreal commended the police officers who responded to a call involving her family members.
Jack Schwartz provided an update on the Carnegie Museaum's restoration project and announced the upcoming events.
Anna Brookshier commented on the ARPA funds and questioned three (3) projects that will be funded by the ARPA funds. She also commented on General Business Item D.
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 March 5, 2023 Meeting C. Utilities and Engineering: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-07-R regarding the unmet public transit needs within the City of Hanford and authorization for the City Manager to sign and submit claims for LTF funds and any subsequent amended claims required.
D. Finance: Approval of sole source award and professional services agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maulin, Metz & Associates (FM3) for polling services for a potential revenue measure for $32,250, appropriate the funding out of the General Fund and partner with Trust for Public Land for a 50% financial contribution GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. PUBLIC COMMENT - SPECIFIC TO THE DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Bob Ramos shared the feedback from the downtown business owners.
Les Vierra spoke in opposition to roundaboutd in the downtown area.
Dennis Ham spoke in favor of the four-way stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Bret Brakeman commented on the community's input about the roundabout.
Dora Jacobs spoke in opposition to the roundabout at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Elena Andoliaga spoke in favor of a four-way stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Judy Scott spoke in favor of the roundabout at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Jackie Ray suggested other locations in the city for a roundabout.
William Harmon spoke in opposition to a roundabout at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Cheyne Strawn spoke in favor of a four-way stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Susan Davis expressed her concerns about the street racing. She suggested other intersections for a roundabout.
Martin Devine expressed his concerns regarding ADA compliance and parking.
Jamie Barela expressed her concerns regarding proper signage and the safety of drivers.
Kimber Regan commented on the meeting held at City Hall and expressed her concerns about design immunity, property value, and the project area.
Brian Fagundes commented on the downtown improvement project and the other aspects of the design. He also provided design suggestions.
Mike Casenza spoke in favor of a four-way stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Angel Rodriguez spoke in support of a four-way stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Rusty Brookshier suggested that Council Member Sharp recuse herself. He also spoke in opposition to roundabouts.
Craig Johnson spoke in opposition to the roundabout at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Jim Nelson spoke in favor of a four-way stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street. He also suggested Council Member Sharp recuse herself from voting on the project.
Nick Wagner spoke in opposotion to the roundabout at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
B. Community Development: Presentation regarding the final design elements and direction from Council on the intersections, mid-block crossings, sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and street furniture within the scope of the Downtown Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements Project
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the project's background and presented the final design elements for the Council's direction on the intersections, mid-block crossings, sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and street furniture with the scope of the Downtown Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements. He also addressed the concerns of the public regarding parking stalls. Before the Council discussed the intersection on Seventh Street and Douty Street, the Council provided direction for the other design elements. The Council discussed the project's history, the engineering reports, design immunity, and the importance of selecting the safest option for the community. Council members Morrow and Sharp spoke in favor of the roundabout. Mayor Paden suggested the funding be used to address other areas and projects. The Interwest Consultants answered questions from the Council. City Attorney Ty Mizote addressed the traffic signals at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street. He also discussed design immunity. After a lengthy discussion, Council Member Morrow motioned to approve the project as recommended, with the amendment to include three (3) roundabouts. The motion was not seconded. Mayor Paden motioned to focus on the beautification in the downtown area and redirect the funds to other places, seconded by Council Member Martinez. Vice Mayor Kairis and Council Member Sharp questioned the Mayor's motion. The City Attorney discussed using the ARPA funds for safety issues and projects.
The Mayor discussed other unsafe areas downtown that need to be addressed. Staff addressed the Mayor's concerns.
After much discussion, Council Member Morrow made a substitute motion to approve the project to with one (1) roundabout at the intersection of Seventh Street and Douty Street.
Substitute motion to approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Diane Sharp
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
During the discussion, the Council approved to extend the meeting to 10:20 p.m.
C. Council: Review and discuss the committees that will have a vacancy due to the resignation of Diane Sharp and make new Appointments as appropriate.
The Council reviewed and discussed the committees that will have a vacancy due to the resignation of Diane Sharp, and assigned new council members.
• Kalish Morrow was assigned to Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KART), and Kings County Abandoned Vehicle Authority, with Travis Paden as the alternate.
• Lou Martinez was assigned to Kings Waste Recycle Authority (KWRA), with no alternate. • Mark Kairis was assigned to the Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency, with no alternate.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Lou Martinez
Diane Sharp, Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
The Council approved extending the meeting to 10:30 p.m.
D. Administration: Council discussion regarding the possible Censure of Council Member Lou Martinez.
Break 10:15 p.m. - 10:17 p.m.
Council Member Sharp discussed why she requested the discussion of a possible censure of Council Member Martinez.
The Council discussed complaints involving staff and Council Member Martinez. Ms. Sharp recommended an independent investigation into the matter. The City Attorney answered questions from the Council.
Council Member Sharp motioned to task the city attorney with hiring an investigator for the complaints about Mr.
Martinez's behavior that were brought to the City Manager's attention.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Council Member Diane Sharp
Council Member Kalish Morrow
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
None.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
March 29: Egg Hunt in Civic Park 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Online registration required April 2: Food Truck Takeover in Civic Park 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
April 2: Regular City Council Meeting
April 6: Free Fitness Court Class at Hidden Valley Park 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
April 16: 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 10:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk