City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
December 17, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
AMENDED
4:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Martniez 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 Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Nancy Howze
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:
Kim Harmon provided her suggestions for forming the oversight board.
Bob Ramos questioned the spending plan.
Item B:
William Harmon commented on the park's noise and expressed his concerns about the required mitigation wall. He also stated that it makes no sense to put a parking lot in the park and that it does not need more trees.
Mickey Stoddard provided his suggestions for the development of Hidden Valley Park.
Mark Pratter commented on the development phases and the cost.
Jack Schwartz asked about the dog park and the parking lot. He also suggested a public survey regarding the expansion.
Victor Chavarin Jr. shared his experience at Hidden Valley Park and emphasized on the importance of being able to use the park for recreational purposes.
Bob Ramos commented on the park impact fees.
Kim Harmon expressed her concerns about the lack of progress in the past two years. She also provided her suggestions on how Hidden Valley Park should be developed.
Judy Scott shared her ideas for developing the park. She also emphasized how important it is for youth organizations to use the park.
Jim Castleman congratulated the new council members. He also shared his suggestions and asked that the Council keep the development of the park simple.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Council discussion of the criteria and process necessary for the formation of the Measure H Citizens Oversight Board.
Finance Director Chris Tavarez provided the background and discussed the possible composition of the Measure H Board for the Council's review and direction. After much discussion, the Council came to the consensus to form an advisory board that will consist of nine (9) members appointed at-large through an application process and interview with the Council. Five (5) members of the board shall serve an initial three (3) year term, and four (4) members of the Board shall serve an initial two (2) year term. Board members may serve up to two (2) consecutive terms. Members who serve two (2) consecutive terms may not be reappointed to the Board for at least one (1) year from the last date served. Staff will bring back a resolution for the Council's review and approval, formally establishing The Measure H Oversight Board detailing the board's composition, term limits, and responsibilities.
Mayor Martinez adjourned the study session at 6:29 p.m.
B. Presentation to the City Council regarding the next steps in the process for the Hidden Valley Park expansion and more detail related to Phasing Options for the preferred Concept.
[Item B was presented before Item A]
Parks and Community Service Director Brad Albert, Deputy City Manager Jason Waters, Senior Planner Gabrielle Myers, and Greg Mendonca from the Urban Tree Foundation discussed the process for rezoning, the scope of work, funding options, and the design for the Hidden Valley Park expansion project. City Manager Cifuentez noted that an environmental study is needed to determine the scope of work for the project. Staff presented three phases for the Council's review and input. The Council provided feedback regarding the pond, traffic patterns, and the park amenities.
Staff answered questions from the Council. City Attorney Ty Mizote discussed the legalities regarding the use of impact fees. After much discussion, the Council instructed staff to move forward with Phase 1 as the final project and include adding extra amenities and support features, along with staff's recommendation to proceed with the environmental study for the ultimate buildout.
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 Martinez called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Nancy Howze
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Vice Mayor Paden.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Council Member Kairis.
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.
A. INFORMATION REPORT - NOVEMBER WARRANT REGISTER
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 commented on the downtown improvement project and provided his suggestions. He also questioned the ARPA funds. City Manager Cifuentez responded to Mr. Ramos' comments.
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.
Item C was pulled by Vice Mayor Paden. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
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: Adoption of Resolution 24-49-R, Declaring Canvass of Results of the Votes Cast and Statement of Election Results for Measure H.
C. Community Development: Approval of the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 24-11, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hanford approving Zone Text Amendment No. 0007-24, a request by the City of Hanford to conduct a comprehensive amendment to the Hanford Municipal Code Title 17, as directed by the City Council of the City of Hanford. Changes include various land use changes, definition changes and updates, regulation changes, spelling and grammar edits, as well as legally advised edits. Location: Citywide
D. Public Works: Authorization for the Public Works Director (and/or designees) to submit and accept a SWIFR (Solid Waste and Recycling Infrastructure) Grant application up to $5 million and execute and submit documents on behalf of the City of Hanford to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
E. Police: Approval of the acceptance of the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $18,614, and amendment of the Police Department's operating budget by appropriation of the same amount in the General Fund.
F. Fire: Approval of the appropriation of $80,811 of Ambulance Fine monies in account 0511-300550 to be used for various essential equipment purchases for the Hanford Fire Department
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Parks and Community Services: Approval to Convert Part-Time Sports Coordinator positions to a new Full-Time Sports Coordinator Position for Parks and Community Services Department, Softball Complex.
[Item C]
Pulled by the Vice Mayor Paden. He questioned the responsibilities of the employee. Dir. Albert answered questions from Mr. Paden.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Recommendation that the City Council Reject all Bids for the Downtown Traffic and Pedestrian Improvement Project due to financial constraints and re-allocate any and all ARPA Funds related to the project as recommended among the other agenda items presented this same evening and/or to the alternatives previously approved by City Council for obligation by 12/31/24.
Utility and Engineering Director Frank Senteno presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. He also addressed the public comments and clarified the project's location.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
ABSENT: Nancy Howze
B. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with Todd Companies, located in Visalia, CA, for Site Preparation, Utility Coordination/Connection, and Paving work to prepare for the installation of a Prefabricated Restroom and Concession Stand building at the Bob Hill Youth Athletic Complex, in the amount of $495,700 (CIP Project No. 821611) and re-appropriation of additional ARPA Funds to fund elements of the overall project.
Associate Engineer Jacklin Hart discussed the project for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. City Manager Cifuentez clarified the rules of the ARPA funding.
1. Motion to authorize the City Manager to award the construction contract for the Site Preparation, Utility Coordination/Connection, and Paving for the Youth Athletic Complex Prefabricated Restroom and Concession Building Project to Todd Companies of Visalia, CA in the amount of $495,700.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
2. Motion to authorize the City Manager to award Add Alt A1 in the amount of $58,057 to Todd Companies for the installation of concrete pads beneath the bleachers, bringing the total contract amount with Todd Companies to $553,757.00 and re-appropriate $376,588.00 in ARPA funds as outlined in this presentation, including the building addition change order and contract amendment.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
3. Motion to approve a Change Order with Structure Cast for building addition, and issue a contract amendment with 4- Creeks to complete the necessary site plan adjustments as detailed in the presentation.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kimber regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
4. Motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for construction staking with 4-Creeks in the amount of $12,000.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
5. Motion to authorize the City Manager to approve changes and/or change orders as necessary within the project budget.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
C. Administration: Authorization to award a scope of work to Crawford and Bowen Planning, Inc. to prepare the environmental studies and reports for the Hidden Valley Park expansion, at a cost not to exceed $69,400, to be funded through the City's American Rescue Plan Act allocation
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze.
D. Council: Receive and discuss the list of Committees and Boards that have representation appointed directly by the Council and approval of the proposed appointments through a formal vote.
The Council discussed the committees and boards that have representation appointed directly by the Council and approved the proposed assignments.
Kings Economic Development Corporation
Primary: Mark Kairis
Alternate: N/A
Kings County Association of Governments
Primary: Lou Martinez
Alternate: Travis Paden
Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KART)
Primary: Lou Martinez
Alternate: Travis Paden
Kings County Abandoned Vehicle Authority
Primary: Lou Martinez
Alternate: Travis Paden
Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO)
Primary: Nancy Howze
Alternate: Travis Paden
Kings Waste and Recycling Authority (KWRA)
Primary: Mark Kairis
Alternate: Lou Martinez
Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Primary: Kimber Regan
Alternate: N/A
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
E. Council: Review and Approve of the 2025 Calendar of City Council Meetings The Council reviewed and approved the 2025 City Council meeting calendar with the recommended cancellations.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
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
It was a consensus to direct staff to bring back future agenda items on impact fee usage and to open the comment section on the city's social media platforms.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
December 21: Toy Giveaway at the Longfield Center 8:00 am - 12:30 pm (Toy donation Drop off location: Fire Station 1 350 W. Grangelville Blvd.) December 23–January 10: Kids Winter Camp Enroll here
December 24-January 1: City Offices will be closed in observance of the holidays 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 Martinez adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk