City Council Special Meeting
Minutes
May 29, 2025 5:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Martinez called the meeting 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:
Special Meetings under the Brown Act allow for public comments that 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.
William Harmon commented on the recruitment of a new city manager. He also commented on the city's stop lights and infrastructure.
Dave Ayers commented on the recruitment of a new city manager. He also shared his suggestions on the appointment of an interim city manager.
Rusty Brookshier suggested that the city use an outside firm for the city manager recruitment.
Francisco Ramirez commented on his experience during his time on the council when Mr. Cifuentez was appointed.
Bob Ramos stated that he agrees with Mr. Ayers comments regarding the recruitment of a city manager. He spoke in support of the city using a recruiting firm.
Victor Chavarin commented on his experience with hiring an outside firm.
Mark Pratter suggested using a firm to recruit the new city manager.
Craig Johnson agreed with the public, who suggested using a recruiting firm to recruit for the new city manager.
Chris Jordan shared his background and his experience as a police officer. He commented on the selection of a new city manager.
Jim Casteman thanked Mr. Cifuentez for his time and service. He also spoke in support of hiring an outside recruiting firm.
Jeff Mora spoke in support of using a recruiting firm to recruit a new city manager.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
The Council went into closed session at 5:26 p.m.
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT (Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1))
Title: Interim City Manager
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Discussion and Direction regarding appointment of Interim City Manager.
After some discussion, it was a consensus to consider internal candidates for interim City Manager. The Council invited the Executive Directors to submit letters of interest. The Council will conduct interviews at a future public meeting before making a final selection.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Discussion and Direction regarding the recruitment process for the new City Manager.
The Council reached a consensus to hire an external recruitment firm to lead the search for a new City Manager. Council members emphasized the importance of a thorough, transparent, and community-engaged process. The Council directed staff to initiate contact with executive recruitment firms through a Request for Proposal process. Responding firms will be presented at a future meeting for the Council's review and direction.
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 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 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk