City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 7, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
4:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the study session to order at 4:00 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
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.
Item A:
Jim Nelson expressed his concerns about the day he received the National Community Survey in the mail.
Bob Ramos commented on the National Community Survey.
Item B:
Dennis Ham commented on the cannabis dispensaries.
Anna Brookshier shared her experience on the Revenue Measure Committee.
Bob Ramos stated that he does not support a revenue measure at this time. He also shared his concerns regarding a potential sales tax increase.
Rusty Brookshier stated that he does not support a revenue measure at this time. He also shared his concerns regarding a potential sales tax increase.
Victor Chavarin Jr. spoke in favor of a revenue measure. He also discussed the importance of having an oversite committee.
Rose Bently thanked the Council and shared her experience on the Revenue Measure Committee and spoke in favor of a revenue measure.
Adrea Barone shared his experience on the Revenue Measure Committee. He also expressed his concerns about a potential sales tax increase.
Jack Schwartz stated that the city needs a strategic plan for a sales tax increase.
Kimber Regan commented on a potential sales tax increase and stated that the Council has lost the trust of the community.
Jim Nelson stated that the Council has lost the respect and trust of the community. He also commented on the needs of the city.
Rob Benty commented on the Revenue Measure Committee goals. He also commented on the condition of the streets, illegal fireworks, and calls for service.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation to City Council on the results of the National Community Survey
Community Relations Manager Brian Johnson presented the results of the National Community Survey for the Council's review and feedback. The Council thanked the staff for the presentation, and staff answered questions from the Council.
No action was taken, the presentation was informational only.
B. Report from the City of Hanford Revenue Measure Committee Chair and Vice-Chair regarding the Committee's confirmation that there is a need for potential revenue measure
The Revenue Measure Committee Chair Martin Devine and Vice Chair Cheyne Strawn discussed the Revenue Measure Committee's timeline, city tax rates, and statewide comparison. They also addressed the need for a potential revenue measure and highlighted the city's department needs. The Council expressed gratitude to the committee and provided their feedback. No action was taken; the presentation was for informational purposes only. Staff will present an action plan for the Council's review and direction at a future meeting.
C. Presentation to Council regarding a variety of Zoning Ordinance Clean-Up Items and direction on future amendments
It was the consensus of the Council to table the item because of the time constraint.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 6:24 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 Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kalish Morrow
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor Bobby Guerra.
FLAG SALUTE:
The invocation was led by Mayor Paden.
RECOGNITION:
A. Proclamation for recognition of "Municipal Clerks Week," May 5-11, 2024
Mayor Paden presented City Clerk Natalie Corral with a proclamation in honor of Municipal Clerks Week.
B. Badge Pinning Ceremony and Oath of Office for Fire Chief Daniel Perkins and Fire Marshal Nikkie Chamberland.
City Manager Cifuentez introduced Fire Chief Daniel Perkins and Fire Chief Perkins introduced Fire Marshal Nikki Chamberland. The City Clerk 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 meetings and events they attended.
City Attorney Ty Mizote gave an update on the pending litigation regarding Paula Lofgren case.
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 the area of the description on Consent Calendar item G. He stated that the item needed to be corrected.
Carlos Hudgins commented on the availability of the animal control officer.
Carolyn Hudgins complained about her neighbors' dogs. She commented on the availability of the animal control officer and requested a discussion about the enforcement of the leash law be added to a future agenda.
Mary Ellen Banevedes commented on the public hearing regarding the proposed removal of the mid-block crosswalks.
Eddie Fanasi commented on the proposed removal of the mid-block crosswalks. He asked that the crosswalks not be removed.
Rose Shapley commented on the double yellow lines on the streets. She also commented on the removal of the streetlights on Seventh Street, the leash law, animal control, and zoning.
Jim Carpenter thanked Krash for his service. He stated that the citizens need to know what happened to Krash.
Dana Jansen shared her experience of walking in the downtown area. She commented on the roundabout project and removal of the crosswalks.
Donicia Parks commented on the Krash matter and expressed her concerns about euthanization of the dog. She requested that a discussion about the K9 retirement policy be added to a future agenda.
Liz Wagner shared her experience of attending City Council meetings. She also commented on the roundabout project.
Nick Wagner commented on the roundabout project. He also expressed his concerns about the Council's discussion to move forward on the project. City Attorney Ty Miztoe responded to Mr. Wagner's comment.
Morgan Kanae expressed her concerns about the Krash matter.
Steve Benavides commented on the animal control procedures and expressed concerns regarding animal control not being available after hours.
Paul Borba commented on the roundabout project and the removal of traffic lights in the downtown area.
Noor Memon commented on the kiosks that were removed from Civic Park.
Bob Romas commented on the Krash matter. He questioned the cannabis sales tax. He also commented on General Business Item C and expressed concerns regarding the approval of the service agreement.
Anna Brokeshier expressed her concerns regarding the approval of General Business item B.
Andrea Barone shared his concerns about the trust that he has in the City Council. He also commented on the Krash matter.
Jamie Varela expressed her concerns about the availability of the animal control officer.
Alfred Benavides provided his background and commented on the high speed rail, Superior Dairy, and the roundabout project.
Martin Devine commented on a tree behind his mothers house and commended Parks Manager Levi Winebrenner for his quick response.
Onan Champie commented on a zoning issue that Mr. Waters assisted with. He also suggested a roundabout on 10th and Ivy Street and expressed concerns about the homelessness issue.
Kimber Regan commented on the homelessness issue. She also shared her concerns about the roundabout project.
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, F, G, H, I, L, and M were pulled by Council Member Martinez and Mayor Paden. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
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 the title only.
B. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the March 19, 2024 Meeting.
C. City Clerk: Appointment of Jim Nelson to the Planning Commission Alternate seat with a term ending on 12/31/2026.
D. Administration: Approval of the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 24-04, Amending Section 2.20 and Repealing Section 2.28 of the Hanford Municipal Code, thereby dissolving the Parking and Traffic Commission.
E. Public Works: Authorization to advertise for bids for the FY 24 Pavement Resurfacing Treatment Project and Pre-Authorization for the City Manager to award and execute the contract on behalf of the City to the lowest responsible bidder providing project bid is within current budget appropriation.
F. Public Works: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-11-R, Authorizing the Fleet Division Superintendent to make applications for, sign assurances for, and administer the Zero- Emission Electric Vehicle Replacement Incentive Program and the Zero-Emission Landscaping Equipment (ZELE) Voucher Program.
G. Utilities and Engineering: Approve an appropriation of $18,548.92 from the Storm Drain Operations Fund for the Mussel Slough lift station and authorization to pay the associated SCE Energy Usage Invoice in the amount of $18,548.92.
H. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of a Change Order increase for Potholing Services, with QK, Inc, in the amount of $49,088.36 for the East Lacey Boulevard Phase 1 and Phase 2 Design Services.
I. Police: Authorization to accept the Homeland Security Grant, which was awarded through the County of Kings, for portable radios in the amount of $55,448, and an amendment to the General Fund budget to recognize $55,448 in grant fund revenue, and Appropriation of $55,448 in the General Fund for a capital improvement project for this portable radio project for the Police Department, and Authorization for the City Manager to execute the grant agreement.
J. Finance: Acceptance and authorization for staff to File the City of Hanford's Quarterly Investment Portfolio and Transactions Reports as of 03/31/2024.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the April 2, 2024 Meeting. [Item C]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Mr. Martinez did not attend the April 2, 2024, City Council meeting.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
Passed
Council Member Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden
Lou Martinez
B. Administration: Approval of a letter of support, on behalf of the City of Hanford, for AB2661 (Soria) Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan.
[Item F]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Staff provided clarification.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
C. Community Development:
Introduction of Ordinance No. 24-05, amending Chapter 3.28 of the Hanford Municipal Code to allow for the reestablishment of the Central Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Board as required by the Hanford Municipal Code in order to bring the Board's make-up in line with other City Committees/Commissions. [Item G]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
City Manager Cifuentez and Deputy City Manager Waters answered questions from Council Member Martinez.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
D. Parks and Community Services: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-10-R, Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application up to $1.2 million, conduct negotiations, execute and submit documents on behalf of the City of Hanford for the California Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant.
[Item H]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Dir. Albert answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
E. Public Works: Approval of the 2nd amendment to the 1600 acre lease between the City of Hanford and Philip Verwey Farms to allow for a credit of $31.00 per acre, to Philip Verwey Farms, for discing services of City-owned property. [Item I]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Dir. Sterling answered questions from Council Member Martinez.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
F. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion for Tract No. 929 Unit No. 1, near the Northeast corner of 13th Ave and Devon St., and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest and file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder’s Office.
[Item L]
Pulled by Mayor Paden.
Dir. Sterling answered questions from Mayor Paden.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
G. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion for Tract No. 928 Unit No. 4, near the Southeast corner of Centennial Drive and Fargo Avenue, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest and file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder’s Office.
[Item M]
Pulled by Mayor Paden.
Dir. Sterling answered questions from Mayor Paden.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Approval and Adoption of Community Development Block Grant Draft Consolidated Plan for 2024-2028 and Draft Annual Action Plan for 2024- 2025.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. and called for the staff report. Housing Analyst Sandra Lerma presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 9:14 p.m.
IN-FAVOR:
Betsy McGovern-Garcia spoke in support of the action plan.
Art Brieno commented on the need for low income housing.
Noor Memon commented on the Bastille.
OPPOSED:
Rose Shapley commented on the need to provide assistance to low-income residents.
Andrea Barone questioned the funding.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
B. Public Works: Conduct a Public hearing to accept comments regarding the propsed removal of nine (9) mid-block crosswalks as recommended by Interwest Consulting Group and Authorize for City staff to begin the removal of the mid-block crosswalks.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 9:15 p.m. and called for the staff report. Public Works Director Russ Sterling presented the project for the Council's review and direction. Staff answered questions from the Council. After much discussion, the Council provided direction to staff on the removal of specific mid-block crosswalks. The public hearing was closed at 10:20 p.m.
Motion to approve the removal of all mid-block crosswalks except the crosswalk located on 6th Street between Irwin Street and Douty Street.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kalish Morrow
GENERAL BUSINESS:
It was the consensus of the Council to postpone all General Business Items for a special meeting scheduled on May 16, 2024.
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:
May 6 - June 1: Public Works' Annual Spring Clean-Up Event More Info May 21: Regular City Council Meeting
June 4: Regular City Council Meeting
June 18: 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