City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
June 18, 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 4:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL BY THE CITY CLERK:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Martin Devine
Council Member Travis Paden
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 ballot measure. He shared his concerns regarding the draft ballot language.
Valerie Castles thanked the Council for her appointment to the Revenue Measure Committee. Ms. Castles shared her experience on the committee and spoke in favor of a tax measure.
Victor Chavarin Jr. commented on the needs of the city. He spoke in favor of an oversight committee and provided his suggestions on forming the committee.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Council review of Draft Ballot Language for the Resolution and Ordinances necessary for a Potential Revenue Measure and direction from Council regarding any proposed changes.
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters and Community Relations Manager Brain Johnson discussed draft ballot language for a potential revenue measure, as well as resolutions and ordinances for the council to review and provide direction. Randle Communications Director, Michael Lienhard, attended the meeting via Zoom to answer questions from the Council. Staff answered the council's questions and concerns, and the council shared their feedback. City Attorney Mizote mentioned one correction needed in the ballot language before it is finalized. Staff will bring back a resolution to authorize calling for a general election to submit a revenue measure to the voters, to appear and be printed on the ballot.
B. Presentation of the proposed City of Hanford Fire Department Guiding Documents:
Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Response Coverage and Direction from Council as appropriate.
Fire Chief Daniel Perkins presented the Fire Department's Guiding Documents for the Council's review, and addressed their questions. The presentation was informational, and no action was required from the Council.
The Mayor adjourned to the study session at 5:16 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9)(d)(1)) Paula Lofgren v. City of Hanford
Kings County Case No. 21C0188
Mendoza, et al. v. City of Hanford, Fabian Avalos
Eastern District of California Case No. 1:21-cv-00721
Dutton, et al v. City of Hanford, et al
Kings County Case No. 23CU0185
B. 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 Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Martin Devine
Council Member Travis Paden
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by retired Commander Raynard Allen, Chaplain USN.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Council Member Devine.
RECOGNITION:
A. Westland Water District Representative Jason Mendez presents scholarship awards to Isabella Silva, Brayson Gillio, and Sofia Godinho.
Jason Mendez, Westland Water District Representative, presented awards to Hanford High School students Isabella Silva, Bryson Gillio, and Sofia Godinho.
B. Recognition of Dispatcher of the Year Stephanie Hernandez
Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston recognized Stephanie Hernandez as the recipient of the Dispatcher of the Year Award.
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. At this time, the Mayor addressed some concerns brought to his attention regarding the city's investment portfolio.
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.
Bob Ramos suggested that Consent Item J not be voted on until after the discussion of General Business item B.
Rose Shapley commented on the city budget, and she requested a hard copy. She also commented on the city's facilities and the availability of city staff.
Noor Memon provided his background and commented on the old kiosk in Civic Park. He also asked for a space to rent to work in.
Ana Brookshier commented on the budget for the sports complex and questioned the invoice descriptions on the warrant registers. She also requested that the warrant register be published in a different format.
Rob Bently, representative of the Carnegie Museum, provided an update of their car show event. He also thanked the volunteers.
Valerie Castles, a Revenue Measure Committee Member, spoke in support of consent Item J.
Michelle Brown, Director of Main Street Hanford, provided an update on Main Street's events, facade grants, and promotional initiatives for the downtown businesses.
Amory Marple asked the Mayor for clarification about his comments on June 4th regarding the advisory Council. She also mentioned the Christmas Parade and plans to reach out to the city regarding their participation in the parade.
Raynard Allen shared the details of the support group services at Adventist Health.
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.
The Council pulled consent items B, C, G, and L for separate discussion. Consent Item J was moved to General Business.
Motion to Approve the consent calendar except for the items that were pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Martin Devine
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
A. Procedural Waiver: Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading title the only.
B. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of the Notice of Completion for the Hanford Airport FBO Building Roof Restoration Project, for a final project cost of $56,060.00, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file said Notice with the Kings County Recorder's Office.
C. Fire: Approval of a renewal of the Services Agreement, between City of Hanford and County of Fresno to provide emergency dispatch services for the Hanford Fire Department at an annual cost of $256,320 the first year with annual increases.
D. Fire: Adoption of Resolution No. 24-19-R, formally adopting the Kings County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).
E. Police: Approval of payment in the amount of $70,000.00 from the City of Hanford Police Department to the Kings County Fire Department due to an onsite compliance assessment performed by California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES).
F. Police: Approval of amended annual contracts for the 2024-2025 school year, with the Pioneer Union Elementary School District, Kings County Office of Education, Hanford Joint Union High School District, and Hanford Elementary School District for the School Resource Officer Program.
G. Finance: Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO's) over $50,000 for the Finance Division in the amount of $484,420 for fiscal year 2024/2025 PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Public Works: Approval of twenty-four (24) Annual Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO) over $50,000 for various divisions in the Public Works Department for a total of $7,799,106.43, which is already approved in the FY24/25 Budget. [Item B]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
B. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with Structure Cast, of Bakersfield, CA, for the design, construction, and installation of a Prefabricated Restroom and Concession stand building at the Youth Athletic Complex for the amount of $585,079 (CIP Project No. 821611). .
[Item C]
Pulled by Mayor Paden. Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno, answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
C. Police: Approval of the renewal of the existing contract with AXON Enterprises, Inc. for body cameras and tasers at an annual cost of $210,478.73 for a 5-year contract term. [Item G]
Pulled by Mayor Paden. Police Captain James Lutz answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
D. Finance: Adoption of Resolution 24-18-R establishing the 2024/2025 appropriations limit of $90,635,466 for the City of Hanford's General Fund
[Item L]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez. City Manager Cifuentez provided clarification.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Parks and Community Services: Adoption of Resolution 24-17-R, Approving the Annual Engineer's Report and Intention to Levy for Fiscal Year 2024/20205 and Collect Assessments as outlined in the Annual Engineer's Report, which has been prepared pursuant to Chapter 3 of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972. The proposed assessments outlined in the Engineer's Report are less than or equal to the authorized maximum assessment for each landscape assessment district, and set July 2, 2024, as the Public Hearing date to consider the increases in assessments as proposed.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert provided the Council with an updated resolution, and discussed the Annual Engineer's Report and Intention to Levy for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 for the Council's review and approval. Mayor Paden commented on the level of service, and questioned the funding for the districts. Dir. Albert addressed his questions and concerns.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Martin Devine
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
B. Finance: Council review and Final Approval of the Revenue Measure Expenditure Plan which specifies the uses of the proceeds of the potential transactions and use (sales) tax Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the final Revenue Measure Expenditure Plan for the Council's review and approval. City Manager Cifuentez discussed the changes to the plan approved by the Revenue Measure Committee.
Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Martin Devine
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
C. Finance: Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Randle Communications (Sacramento, CA) for $72,500 for potential ballot measure information outreach services and appropriate the amount in the General Fund.
[Consent Item J]
The Council requested the item be moved to General Business to be discussed after the review and approval of the Revenue Measure Expenditure Plan. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Martin Devine
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
D. Council: Further Council discussion about the Central Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Board and proposed amendments to the Municipal Code regarding the board composition and how it's filled.
City Manager Cifuentez presented the proposed amendments regarding the board composition and how it's filed for the Council's review and input. Mayor Paden requested that language regarding the selection process of district representatives be added to the ordinance. City Manager Cifuentez assured that he would add the suggested language to the ordinance. Staff will also bring back a discussion about the selection process for the Council's input direction.
Motion to approve as amended.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
E. Council: Review and discuss the committees that will have a vacancy due to the resignation of Kalish Morrow and make new Appointments as appropriate.
The Council made new appointments to the boards and committees that had vacancies due to the resignation of Kalish Morrow.
• Martin Devine will be the primary representative for the King County Association of Governments (KCAG), Kings County Abandoned Vehicle Authority, and Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KART). • Mark Karis will be the primary representative for Kings Economic Development Corporation. He will also be the primary for the Kings Waste and Recycling Authority (KWRA) and Lou Martinez will be the secondary.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Martin Devine
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
Vice Mayor Kairis announced an upcoming presentation by the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance. The Council directed staff to schedule future study sessions to discuss adding the monthly warrant registers to the agenda, options for a city app, and an update on Hidden Valley Park.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
June 22: 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run 9:00 am Kings County Government Center 1400 W. Lacey Blvd. More info
July 2: Regular City Council Meeting
July 4: City offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day 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 9:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk