City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
July 1, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Paden 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.
Onan Champi asked for clarification of the project.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Update on the Low Barrier Shelter Navigation Center by Kings Community Action Organization
Juan Torres, KCAO Special Projects Administrator, and Jeff Garner, KCAO Director, presented an overview of the project and discussed its purpose, timeline, and budget for the Council’s review. Mr. Torres and Mr. Garner also responded to questions from the Council.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 5:45 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (GC 54957.6)
Agency designated representatives: Mario Cifuentez and Chris Tavarez Employee Organization(s): EMEA, GEMA, PUMA, SEIU, HPOA, and Fire
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 Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Nancy Howze
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor Johnny Escalera.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Paden.
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 consent calendar items E, F, G, H and I. He also commented on the Helena settlement.
Rusty Brookshier commented on the Helena settlement. He stated that the city needs a new city attorney.
Anna Brooksier commented on the planning of an Independence Day event.
Yvette Novia, owner of Samurai Sushi, asked for the city's assistance with the air conditioner unit in the restaurant.
Mayor Paden referred her to Main Street Hanford and small business development.
Noor Memon asked if the city could put a kiosk in the park for him to use.
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III commented on the city's parks.
Chris Perriera commented on the city's setback requirements, and he asked the city to reconsider the zoning.
Anthony Garcia commented on the vandalism on his trash bins and the speeding in the area he resides in. The Police Chief addressed his concerns.
Onan Champi commented on the graffiti ordinance. He requested that the Council review and amend the ordinance.
Justin Adams commented on vandalism on the property. He also stated he supports Mr. Champi's 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 D was pulled by the Coucil. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
(UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Travis Paden, Nancy Howze, Kimber Reagn, Lou Martinez, Mark Kairis A. Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading the title only.
B. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the May 29, 2025, Special Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the June 3, 2025 Meeting D. Community Development: Approval of two blanket purchase orders over $50,000 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 for Community Development Department, for the amount of $210,000.
E. Public Works: Approval of appropriation, not to exceed $128,750 from the Refuse Operating Fund 0306 account 749500 Professional and Special Services; and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with R3 Consulting Group, Inc. of Roseville, CA, not to exceed $128,750 for a prop 218 rate study and an operations and efficiency study in the City of Hanford Refuse Division.
F. Public Works: Approval of the purchase of one (1) Cimline M1 150 gallon crack sealing machine from Haaker Equipment of La Verne, CA in the amount of $81,741.67 and appropriation of $81,741.67 from Fleet Reserve Fund 0448 to cover the purchase.
G. Police: Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO's) and Purchase Orders (PO's) over $50,000 for the Police Department in the combined amount of $437,297 for fiscal year 2025/2026.
H. Finance: Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO's) $50,000 or greater for the Finance Division in the amount of $362,000 for fiscal year 2025/2026.
I. Finance: Adoption of Resolution 25-39-R approving the City of Hanford's annually updated Investment Policy for FY 2025-2026
J. Council: Approval of the appointment of Vice Mayor Nancy Howze to the Kings County Association of Governments (KCAG), the Kings County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority (KCAVASA), and the Kings Area Regional Transit (KART) Boards, replacing former Mayor Lou Martinez's representation on these boards.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Human Resources: Approval of the recommendation of the Council Subcommittee to select Bob Murray and Associates to conduct an extensive search for the position of City Manager and authorize City staff to enter into a contract with said firm. [Item D]
The item was pulled by Council Member Kairis to provide clarification to the community regarding the selected firm and the reasoning behind its selection.
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: Public Hearing to accept public comment and Adoption of Resolution No. 25-34-R approving the Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025.
Mayor Payden opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. and called for the staff report. Housing Analyst Sandra Lerma presented the 2025 Action Plan for the Council's review and approval. Ms. Lerma answered questions from the Council.
The Council provided their input and spoke in support of the action plan. The public hearing was closed at 7:54 p.m.
Public Comment:
OPPOSSED
Bob Ramos suggested using some of the funds to repair the Plunge slide.
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III suggested the funds be used for the Plunge repairs and housing for the homeless.
Noor Memon suggested funds be used for a senior citizens program.
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 B. Community Development: Annexation No. 166, Island #15: A proposal to annex a substantially surrounded county island, totaling 93.56 acres, into the City of Hanford from the Kings County jurisdiction.
Prezone No. 0014-25: A proposal to prezone the proposed territory to be annexed as R- L-12 Low-Density Residential (12,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size) and R-L-5 Low-Density Residential (5,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size) consistent with the 2035 Hanford General Plan Land Use Map.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy City Manager Jason Waters presented the project for the Council's review and approval. The public hearing was closed at 8:07 p.m.
Public Comment:
OPPOSSED
Onan Champi spoke in opposition and commented on the LAFCO policy guidelines. He stated there should be sufficient police services for the annexations.
Motion to certify the Notice of Exempt, in accordance with CEQA.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-03, approving Prezone No. 0014-25 RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairs
Council Member Nancy Howze
AYES:
NAYS:
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Lou Martinez
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-37-R, initiating proceedings for Annexation No. 166 and direct staff to file the appropriate forms with the Local Agency Formation Commission (KCAO) of Kings County.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze Lou Martinez
C. Parks and Community Services: A public hearing to consider the Adoption of Resolution 25-38-R Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments as outlined in the 2025/2026 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.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:08 p.m. and called for the staff report. Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert, Public Works Director Russ Sterling, and Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno presented the resolution along with the Annual Engineer's Report for the Council's review and consideration. Staff responded to questions from the Council. Mayor Paden expressed concerns about the Engineer’s Report and the current level of service. After some discussion the Council directed staff to bring back a study session to discuss a process for making improvements to the LADs. The public hearing was closed at 9:00 p.m.
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 D. Utilities and Engineering: Public Hearing Regarding Annexation of Billingsley Subdivision Tract 937, and the Lunaria Subdivision Tract 938 into Community Facilities District No.
CFD 2025-1 (Public Safety Services) Under the Mello Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 and Related Actions including adoption of Resolutions as necessary.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:44 p.m. and called for the staff report. Wildan Senior Project Manager Susana Hernandez and Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno discussed the item for the Council's review and approval. The City Clerk announced the total number of votes cast for and against the measure. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 9:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-19-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-20-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-21-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to introduce and waive the first reading and adopt Ordinance 25-03.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze E. Utilities and Engineering: Public Hearing Regarding Annexation of Billingsley Subdivision Tract 937 into Community Facilities District No. CFD 2025-2 (Public Maintenance Services) Under the Mello Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 and Related Actions including adoption of Resolutions as necessary.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 9:01 p.m. and called for the staff report. Wildan Senior Project Manager Susana Hernandez and Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno discussed the item for the Council's review and approval. The City Clerk announced the total number of votes cast for and against the measure. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 9:08 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
Motion to approve Resolution 25-22-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to approve Resolution 25-23-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to approve Resolution 25-24-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to introduce and waive the first reading and adopt Ordinance 25-04.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Finance: Adoption of Resolution 25-37-R to present to voters a measure to amend the municipal code and increase the transient occupancy tax by four percent.
Finance Manager Destiny Borba and Senior Administrative Analyst Sarah Wilburn presented resolution 25-37-R, to present to voters a measure to amend the municipal code and increase the transient occupancy tax by four percent for the council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze 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).
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 several projects, and Council Member Martinez expressed concerns regarding the operating hours of the Plunge. The Council also directed staff to bring back a future discussion on a potential amendment to the graffiti ordinance, as well as an annual report from the Fire Department.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
July 4: City offices closed in observance of Independence Day July 15: Regular City Council Meeting
August 5: Regular City Council Meeting
August 19: 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 9:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk