City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
January 21, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Martinez called the study session and closed session to order at 5:00 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.
Cheyne Strawn stated he supports a maximum amount of $1600 a month for a city council member stipend.
Bob Ramos provided his suggestions for a council stipend increase.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Discussion of future changes to Council Compensation as allowed under SB329 and consideration of funding options for Council attendance at civic functions.
City Manager Cifuentez discussed potential changes to Council compensation as allowed under SB329 and explored funding options for Council members attending civic functions. Staff presented several options for increasing the Council's compensation and answered questions from the Council. Council Members Regan and Howze expressed their support for raising the stipend to the maximum allowable amount of $1,600 per month. Council Member Kairis expressed concerns about increasing the Council's stipend and requested that the issue be revisited after the budget is finalized.
After much discussion, the Council directed staff to bring this matter to discuss the implementation of a policy.
Mayor Martnez adjourned the study session at 5:52 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2))
3 Potential Cases
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Martinez called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Pastor Stan Plooy.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Martinez.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
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
Staff answered questions from Vice Mayor Paden regarding the lobbyist and Hawk of Hand transactions.
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.
Robert Thayer, Supervisor of the Kings County Board of Supervisors, introduced himself to the council and staff.
Eian Spriggs, the Hanford Chamber of Commerce President, introduced himself.
Donicia Parks requested recognition and a memorial for the K9 Krash.
David Munsey shared his experience with the police department and requested a response from the Mayor.
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.
Consent Items B, C, D, G, H, and I were pulled by the Council. 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 Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze A. Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading the title only.
B. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a Grant of Easement from the City of Hanford to Southern California Edison for Electrical Services South of Lennar Homes Tract 934 at the Southeast Corner of Grangeville Boulevard and 13th Avenue.
C. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of the Notice of Completion for the FY 23/24 Wastewater Treatment Plant Standby Influent Pump Installation Project, with a final project cost of $364,866.03, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file the Notice with the Kings County Recorder's Office.
D. Human Resources: Authorization to Reject Claim for Damages - GHC0078117 PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Parks and Community Services: Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Dudek for professional urban forestry consulting services in the amount of $368,420.40 for Hanford Goes Green Project through the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program.
[Item B]
Pulled by Vice Mayor Paden.
Dir. Albert answered questions from the Council and shared the details of the federal grant.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Utilities and Engineering: Award the advance purchase of Traffic Signal poles and mast arms and signal equipment to JAM Services, Inc. for the low bid price of $111,220.00 for the 12th Avenue at Hume Avenue Traffic Signal Project.
[Item C]
Pulled by Vice Mayor Paden.
Mayor Paden questioned the light at the intersection of 10th Ave. and Lacey Blvd. Public Works Dir. Sterling, and the City Engineer, Lisa Dock, responded to the Council's questions.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Utilities and Engineering: Approval to purchase a Portable Pump for the Storm Utility Division from Bogie’s Pump Systems of Fresno, CA in the amount of $64,891.19 and appropriation of $65,000 from the Storm Drain Capital Fund (0359). [Item D]
Pulled by Vice Mayor Paden.
Vice Mayor Paden questioned the discrepancy in the staff report. Staff provided clarification.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze D. Police: Approval of the overhire, through June 30, 2025 of three (3) Police Cadets using existing salary savings to ensure timely fulfillment of the eight new police officer positions approved under Measure H.
[Item G]
Pulled by Vice Mayor Paden.
Police Chief Huddleston answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
E. Finance: Authorization for the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Professional Services with Financial Credit Network (FCN) for collection activities with professional liability coverage limits below standard city limits.
[Item I]
Pulled by Mayor Martinez.
Dir. Tavarez answered the questions from the Mayor.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze F. Finance: Authorization to Award an Agreement with Elite Medical (Visalia, CA) for an employee shared health clinic and enter into a joint agreement with Hanford Joint Union High School District (HJUHSD) for a term of three years at a city annual costs of approximately $300,000.
[Item H]
Pulled by Council Member Regan.
Dir. Tavarez and City Manager Cifuentez answered questions from Ms. Regan.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Annexation No. 163 Parts 9, 12, 13 and 14: A proposal to annex four separate substantially surrounded county islands with a combined total of 197.15 acres into the City of Hanford from the Kings County jurisdiction. Prezone No. 0001-24, Parts 9, 12, 13, and 14: A proposal to prezone the proposed territory to be annexed consistent with the 2035 Hanford General Plan Land Use Map. CEQA Determination: The project has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), per Categorical Exemption Class 19 (Annexation of areas containing existing public or private structures developed to the density allowed by the current prezoning) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15319(a), and because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). A Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the project in accordance with CEQA. Island 9 is generally located East Lacey Boulevard, South of Southern Pacific Railroad Tracks.
Island 12 is generally located west of 10 ½ Avenue, north of Houston Avenue. Island 13 is generally located west of 10th Avenue, between Idaho and Iona Avenues. Island 14 is generally located west of 11th Avenue, south of Flint Avenue.
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. and called for the staff report. Council Member Regan recused herself. Senior Planner Gabrielle Myers presented the staff report for the Council's review and consideration. The Council asked what would happen if the Council doesn't approve the staff's recommendation. Staff and the City Attorney addressed the questions from the Council. After much discussion, Council Member Kairis made the motion to approve all three staff recommendations.The public hearing was closed at 9:10 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
David Munsey commented on his area of residence.
OPPOSSED:
David Guzman spoke in opposition.
Mr. Randall spoke in opposition to annexing area 12.
Bob Ramos questioned the rezone of Hidden Valley Park. He asked the Council not to approve the annexation.
Luis Ramirez Jr. spoke in opposition.
Al Cason spoke in opposition.
Tony Cotta spoke in opposition to annexing area 12.
Motion to Approve:
1. Certify the Notice of Exemption for the proposed projects, in accordance with CEQA.
2. Introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 01-25, approving Prezone No. 0001-24, Parts 9, 12, 13, and
14. 3. Adopt Resolution 25-02-R, initiating proceedings for Annexation 163 Parts 9, 12, 13, and 14 and direct staff to file the appropriate forms with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Kings County.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Nancy Howze
Lou Martinez
Kimber Regan
CONVENE AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
Mayor Martinez convened as the Successor Agency at 9:13 p.m.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY - PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. Finance: Review And Approval Of the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 25-26) For The Period July 1, 2025 To June 30, 2026, as required by AB 1484 and amendments under SB 107 of Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Successor Agencies.
Finance Analyst Aubrey Balbina presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ADJOURN AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
Mayor Martinez adjourned as the Successor Agency 9:14 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Finance: Adoption of Resolution 25-01-R establishing a Measure H Oversight Board as required by Ordinance 2024-10 and consistent with the voter-approved Sales and Use Tax Accountability Measures.
Finance Director Chris Tavarez discussed Resolution 25-01-R, which establishes an Oversight Board for the council's review and approval. Council Member Regan suggested amending the maximum number of members from nine (9) to eleven (11). Both Vice Mayor Paden and Council Members Kairis disagreed with Ms. Regan. Staff and the City Attorney addressed questions from the Council. After much discussion, the Council approved Resolution 25-01-R with amendments to increase the number of committee members to eleven (11) and establish a process for selecting the members of the Oversight Board.
Motion to amend the number of board members to eleven (11).
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Lou Martinez
Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden
Motion to select committee members by merit and not by district.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze, Mark Kairis
Motion to amend the sections of Resolution 25-01-R to reflect the board terms of eleven (11) committee members (6 three-year terms and 5 two-year terms).
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kairis
Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze, Mark Kairis
Motion to adopt Resolution with the amendments.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairs
Council Member Kimber Regan
Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Dir. Tavarez will bring back a discussion regarding the selection process on February 4, 2025, for the Council's review and direction.
B. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization to reimburse Presidio JJR Bella Vista II 150, LLC and Presidio FFO Bonterra II 160, LLC in the amount of $284,014.51 for Tract 938, Unit 3 additional right of way, street improvements, and water main oversizing in Fargo Avenue and Sangiovese Street, including a credit for uninstalled Sanitary Sewer mains and City Surveyor review of the final map; AND approve an appropriation of $343,655.61 to fulfill the reimbursements from Water Impact Fees and Transportation Impact Fees, and credits to Wastewater Impact Fees and Engineering Special Services account.
City Engineer Lisa Dock presented items B and C for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to approve Items B and C.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization to reimburse Presidio JJR Bella Vista II 150, LLC and Presidio FFO Bonterra II 160, LLC in the amount of $47,209.08 for Tract 928, Unit 4 for street improvements on Fargo Avenue and Centennial Drive, including a credit for uninstalled Sanitary Sewer mains and City Surveyor review of the final map; AND approve an appropriation of $136,013.38 to fulfill the reimbursements from Transportation Impact Fees Fund, and credits to Wastewater Impact Fees and Engineering Special Services account.
City Engineer Lisa Dock presented items B and C for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to approve Items B and C.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
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
During this time, the Council questioned allowing comments on the city's social media platforms, the teen center, the possibility of starting a non-profit and the possibility of assisting the Hanford Chamber of Commerce, the old KART building, the Longfield Center membership fees, and the Code Enforcement appeal process. The City Manager addressed the Council's questions and concerns and informed them that staff will bring back the discussion of the social media policy for the Council's direction the March 4, 2025, study session and the concerns expressed about city fees will be discussed during the Master Fee Schedule review at a future meeting.
The meeting was extend to 10:05 p.m.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
February 4: Regular City Council Meeting
February 17: City offices closed in observance of President's Day February 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 Martinez adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk
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