City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
June 4, 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 Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
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.
Bob Ramos commented on the selection process for the upcoming District B vacant seat. He spoke in support of Mr.
Brookshier. He also commented on the needs of the city.
Jim Nelson spoke in favor of Russell Brookshier.
Cheyne Strawn spoke in favor of Martin Devine.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Council review of candidates for the upcoming District B vacant seat and Interviews of selected applicants.
Mayor Paden summarized the selection process. The candidates presented their backgrounds and talked about their qualifications. The Council discussed their relationships and connections with some of the candidates before making their selection. The Council selected Russell Brookshier, Martin Devine, Rodney Garcia, Bernardo Marez, and Jack Schwartz to be interviewed. The Council asked each candidate two questions during the interview.
The candidates were dismissed at 5:25 p.m. and Mayor Paden adjourned the study session.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9)(d)(1)) Claim for Damages.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) Potential litigation over right-of-way abandonment.
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) Litigation threatened over development project site claim.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kalish Morrow
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor John Escalera.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Council Member Morrow.
RECOGNITION:
A. Badge Pinning Ceremony and oath of office for the promotion of Sergeant Raymond Dias, Sergeant Jarred Cotta, Corporal Edgar Aguayo, Corporal Troy Smith and Corporal Rolando Jaime.
Chief Huddleston introduced the promoted officers; Sergeant Jarred Cotta, Sergeant Raymond Dias, Corporal Edgar Aguayo, Corporal Troy Smith and Corporal Rolando Jaime. City Clerk Natalie Corral administered that 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.
Sherri Graham, owner of Plan B Tap House commented on the food truck ordinance.
Rob Bently invited the community to the events at the Carnegie Museum.
Jareth Bizieff recognized Nathan Odom for his efforts in the community. He also commented on the downtown businesses.
Jim Carpenter congratulated the officers who were promoted. He also commented on the Krash matter.
Sharon Pegander stated that she is a new resident of the City of Hanford, and she questioned the delay of the Plunge opening.
Morgan Kanae commented on the Krash matter, and she asked that the service dog contract be reviewed.
Donicia Parks commented on the Krash matter. She stated that the city needs a new contract to protect service dogs.
Bob Ramos commented on the Krash matter. He also commented on the ballot measure.
Cynthia, who did not provide her last name, commented on the Krash matter and asked why the dog was not taken to his regular veterinarian.
Kimber Regan commented on bringing new businesses to Hanford, and she asked the Council to focus on the existing businesses in Hanford.
Noor Memon commented on his previous business in a kiosk that was located in Civic Park.
Dave Ayers commented on Consent Item G and requested that it be pulled for further discussion.
Anna Brookshier questioned the June 11, special meeting. City Manager Cifuetez responded to her question.
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 F and J were pulled by Mayor Paden. Item G was pulled during public comment.
Motion to approve except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
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 appointment of Santiago Rodriguez to the Parks and Rec Commission Alternate seat with an unexpired term ending on 12/31/2026.
C. City Clerk: Adoption of Resolutions 24-14-R and 24-15-R, authorizing the Consolidation of the Regular Municipal Election for Hanford City Council Districts B and C on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and request the Kings County Board of Supervisors to authorize the Kings County Registrar of Voters to conduct the election.
D. City Attorney: Approval of the First Amendment to the lease between the City of Hanford and Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc., also known as MSI, for the property located at 426 W. Lacey Blvd.
E. Human Resources: Approval of the annual City of Hanford Salary Schedules, pursuant to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 570.5.
F. Public Works: Authorization to advertise for bids for the FY25 Annual Concrete Improvement Project and pre-authorize the City Manager to award and execute the contract on behalf of the City to the lowest responsible bidder for an amount not to exceed $130,000.00
G. Public Works: Public Works: Approval of a Purchase Order change order (PO 22400342) in the amount of $4,000 with Corcoran Sawtelle & Rosprim, Inc to replace stainless steel sheet on a water truck; for a Purchase Order grand total of $53,995.
H. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of a Grant Deed from San Joaquin Valley Homes Tract 881 Unit 1, Lots 45 & 46 and Authorization for the City Clerk to record said documents with the Kings County Recorder’s Office for the purpose of accepting Landscape Lot dedications.
I. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement for $25,000 in Preliminary Engineering Services with Union Pacific Railroad Company for design of the at-grade crossing on East Lacey Boulevard.
J. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of two (2) Change Orders, totaling $84,340, for East Lacey Boulevard Preliminary Engineering Services with QK to provide NEPA and Traffic Analysis services as required by new state and federal funding secured for the project.
K. Finance: Approval of a professional services agreement with Meeder Public Funds, Inc. to provide investment management services at an annual fee of approximately $58,000 annually for up to five years.
L. Finance: Presentation of the Report on the City of Hanford's Audit of the Financial Statements for the year ending June 30, 2023 (Fiscal Year 2023) M. Finance: Approve a change order request in the amount of $6,800 for the purchase of supplies from HD Supply, Inc in Fiscal Year 2023/2024 (FY 23/24).
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Community Development:
Approval of the second reading and Adoption 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 F]
Pulled by Mayor Paden.
Mayor Paden expressed his concerns regarding the selection process of the Central Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Board. Mayor Paden asked that the language of the selection process be incorporated into the ordinance prior to its approval. Staff clarified any direction from the Council to modify the ordinance during the second reading will cancel the ordinance. The Council directed staff to present a revised ordinance for review and consideration at future meeting. No action was taken.
B. Parks and Community Services: Approval of the naming and dedication of the Freedom Park Playground in memory of Dan Chin, consistent with the Council Adopted Naming Policy.
[Item G]
Pulled during public comment.
City Manager Cifurentez explained that the naming and dedication of the Freedom Park Playground will need to be reviewed by the Parks and Rec Commission before the Council can approve it. The item will be presented to the Council for review at a future meeting after it has been reviewed by the Parks and Rec Commission. No action was taken.
C. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion for the FY 22/23 Civic Auditorium Acoustic Ceiling Texture Replacement, Hardwood Flooring Installation, and Interior Painting Project.
[Item J]
Pulled by Mayor Paden to commend staff for completing the project under budget.
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. Finance: Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution 24-13-R to approve the comprehensive Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 which includes proposed new fees, deletions of fees and increases/adjustments to existing fees.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. and called for the staff report. Financial Analyst Aubrey Carri presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Council Member Martinez questioned some of the new fees. Mayor Paden closed the public hearing at 8:31 p.m.
IN-FAVOR:
None.
OPPOSSED:
Jerry Irons questioned the approval of the Master Fee Schedule. Mayor Paden responded to his comments.
Rose Shapley commented on the public information binder that's available in the library.
Noor Memon commented on the fees.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-12-R, designating a “Project List” for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) gas tax funding for Fiscal Year 2024/25; and Appropriation of Hanford's estimated RMRA funding projection of $1,507,211.
Financial Analyst Alejandro Solorio presented the project for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
B. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Interconnection Agreement(s) with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and Authorization of payment of up to $350,000 to SCE for the design and construction of SCE-owned facilities to accept power generated from a proposed City-ownedSolar Energy Generating Facility at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) located at 10555 Houston Avenue and Appropriation of $350,000 from the Wastewater Treatment Plant/Sewer Fund.
Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno presented the project for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. After some discussion, Council Member Morrow made the motion to approve.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
C. Administration: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-16-R appointing a replacement council member to the District B City Council Seat for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Mayor Paden gave a summary of the interview and appointment process. Council Member Morrow nominated Jack Schwartz, Council Member Martinez nominated Rusty Brookshier, and Mayor Paden and Vice Mayor Kairis nominated Martin Devine. Martin Devine was selected to fill the vacant seat in District B by a unanimous 4/0 vote.
Motion to Approve Resolution 24-16-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kalish Morrow
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Kalish Morrow, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez
D. Administration: Recognition of Departing Council Member Kalish Morrow Mayor Paden thanked Ms. Morrow and presented her with a plaque in recognition for her time as a Council Member.
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
The Council directed staff to bring back potential options for retired K9s for the Council's review and input.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
June 11: Special City Council Meeting
June18: Regular City Council Meeting
June 19: General Election Candidate Information Night, presented by the Kings County Elections Department More Info
July 2: Regular City Council Meeting
July 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 9:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk