City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
August 5, 2025 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 4:00 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.
Bob Ramos commented on the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) ballot measure and shared his concerns. He also shared his suggestions for the East Lacey Corridor Project.
Cheyne Strawn expressed his concerns regarding the timing of the potential tax measure.
Rusty Brookshier spoke in opposition of the Transient Occupancy Tax increase.
Chris Perriera spoke in opposition to a Transient Occupancy Tax increase. He also commented on street medians and the city's setback regulations. Mr. Perriera answered questions from Mr. Kairis regarding a permit for the structure on his property.
Judy Scott spoke in support of the design concept for the East Lacey Corridor Project.
Onan Champi expressed his concerns about the design concept for the East Lacey Corridor Project and stated that the businesses on East Lacey are fenced in and not welcoming businesses.
Whitney Britton commented on her experience with the Planning division. She commented on the city's setback regulations.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation to the City Council regarding the timing of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) ballot measure.
Finance Manager Destiny Borba and Senior Financial Analyst Sarah Wilburn presented the staff report for Council feedback and direction. After some discussion, the Council directed staff to wait until the June election to place the Transient Occupancy Tax measure on the ballot.
B. Update and Presentation to the City Council for adoption of the East Lacey Corridor Project and Design concept.
Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno, City Engineer Lisa Dock, and Assistant Engineer Jaklin Hart presented the East Lacey Corridor project and design concept for Council’s review. Ms. Dock outlined the project background and timeline, while Dir. Senteno discussed the design approach and funding. Council Members Howze and Kairis expressed support for the project, and Mayor Paden along with Council Member Regan raised questions about the design, community outreach, and traffic flow. Staff addressed the concerns and confirmed they will reach out to businesses in the project area. No formal action was taken. The next step will be a public workshop before the project returns to the Council for further review.
C. Presentation to City Council and Discussion related to City Setback Regulations Deputy City Manager Jason Waters explained what setbacks are, why they matter, and how other cities handle them. He also talked about possible changes and the impacts those changes might have. Fire Chief Perkins shared the safety reasons behind setback rules and highlighted requirements from the California Fire Code. Council Member Kairis suggested making the complaint process simpler. The Council gave their input on how setbacks should be measured, and suggested following the approaches used by other cities. The Council suggested continuing the discussion at a future meeting with staff's recommendations for the Council's review and direction.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 6:50 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8) APN: 012-151-001, 012-151-002, 012-151-006, 012-151-008, 012-151-009, 012-151-011, 012-151-014, 012-151-015, 012-162-003, 012-171-001, 012-171-002, 012-171-003 Negotiating Party: Valero Energy Corporation
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Ty Mizote B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) 1 potential case.
C. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT (GC 54957)
Title: City Manager
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:30 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:
During this time, Kanye Walden read a poem.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Larry Faria.
RECOGNITION:
A. Badge Pinning Ceremony and Oath of Office for Officer Mathew Novielli and new Sergeants Rolando Jaime and Chad Medeiros.
Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston introduced Officer Mathew Novielli and recognized the new Sergeants, Rolando Jaime and Chad Medeiros. City Clerk Natalie Corral administered the Oath of Office.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
City Attorney Mizote reported that closed session items A, B and C were not discussed during closed session and the Council will go back into closed session at the end of the meeting.
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.
Noor Memon commented on the Bastille. He stated that he has an interested buyer.
Chris Perreira asked that Code Enforcement leave him alone until the Council makes a decision on the setback regulations.
Bob Ramos commented on the city's my Hanford app. He also questioned the airport's fuel situation.
Jack Schwartz questioned the MOUs on the consent calendar and requested that they be pulled for separate discussion. He also questioned the public safety building project.
Rusty Brookshire asked about the status of the code enforcement cases for Rick Conway and Onan Champi.
Rodolfo Pinero provided the Council with a letter regarding a code violation. Mayor Paden suggested that Mr. Pinero contact staff regarding his concerns.
Anna Brookshire commented on the public safety building project.
Steven Olivera commented on the feather flag provisions.
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 Items F, G, L and N. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Nancy Howze
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. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the June 4, 2025, Special Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the June 17, 2025 Meeting D. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the June 19, 2025, Special Meeting E. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the July 1, 2025, Meeting F. Community Development: Approval of mural No. 0005-25, a request by Ladies Room Beauty Parlor to paint a mural onto the existing west-facing exterior wall of the Ladies Room Beauty Parlor. The property is located at 109 1/2 W. Eighth St. (APN 012-053- 004).
G. Community Development: Approval of the Second reading and Adoption of Ordinance 25-03, approving Prezone No. 0014-25 a request to prezone Annexation 166 as a combination of 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 Low- Density Residential designation on the 2035 Hanford General Plan Land Use Map. The site is a substantially surrounded county island, totaling 93.56 acres, generally located south of Fargo Avenue, north of Leland Way, west of 9 ¼ Ave.
H. Public Works: Approval of a sole source purchase of 36 Carmanah R920-MX rapid flashing beacons (RFB), from JAM Services, for pedestrian safety improvements in the amount of $274,738.50
I. Public Works: Approval a sole source purchase of sixteen (16) Carmanah solar-powered radar feedback signs from JAM Services of Livermore, CA in the amount of $94,827.
J. Public Works: Approval of the purchase of thirty (30) video detection systems for $721,465.95, purchase of thirty (30) Cobalt controllers for $136,326.38 and the purchase of thirty-five (35) Zinc Blue battery backups for $328,522.86 from Econolite of Anaheim, CA in an effort to upgrade signalized intersections in the City of Hanford, for a grand total of $1,186,315.19
K. Fire: Approval to purchase a replacement Battalion Chief Pick-up Truck from Keller Ford (Hanford, CA) and upfitting in the amount of $110,210.37, and appropriation of an additional $30,210.37 from the Fleet Replacement Reserve to cover the total cost.
L. Police: Authorization to accept the Homeland Security Grant, which was awarded through the County of Kings, in the amount of $39,500, amend the budget to recognize the grant, appropriate this amount in the General Fund for the Police Department, and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement.
M. Police: Approval of a 47-month contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for $148,568.32 to purchase (8) TASER 10s, (8) body-worn cameras, licensing for Axon software and Evidence.com and ongoing support and maintenance for new police officer positions funded through Measure H.
N. Finance: Adoption of Resolution Nos. 25-46-R and 25-47-R to update the authorized signatories on City bank checking accounts and investment accounts PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Human Resources: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hanford Professional Firefighters Local 3898, IAFF Professional Firefighters Unit with changes to wages, benefits, and other working conditions, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
[Item F]
Pulled during public comment.
Interim City Manager Chris Tavarez addressed the questions during public comment.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Human Resources: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hanford Police Officers Association with the changes to wages, benefits, and other working conditions, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. [Item G]
Pulled during public comment.
Interim City Manager Chris Tavarez addressed the questions during public comment.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Public Works: Approval of the purchase of ten (10) drinking fountains from Ferguson Enterprises LLC of Fresno CA, in the amount of $80,789.66, to be installed at various parks and a landscape assessment district located within the City of Hanford and utilize existing appropriation in Measure H and appropriate landscape assessment district funding of $8,079 from LAD 0403 (Vineyard)
[Item L]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Public Works Director Russ Sterling responded to questions from the Council. Mr. Martinez requested fountains at Coe Park and Lacey Park and raised concerns about the existing fountains at those locations. Mayor Paden questioned the design of the proposed fountains. By consensus, the Council directed staff to table the purchase to allow additional time for planning and budgeting. The item will be brought back at a later date for Council review and approval.
D. Public Works: Approval of the purchase of twenty-four (24) Internally Illuminated Street Signs (IISS) from JAM Services of Livermore, CA for the amount of $58,666.09. [Item N]
Pulled by Council Member Regan.
Public Works Director Russ Sterling provided a background of the project and responded to questions from Council Member Regan.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of a professional services agreement with Darden Architects Inc (Fresno, CA) for the full design of the City’s new Public Safety Building in the amount of $6,850,615, plus approval of a 10% contingency in the amount of $685,062 using Measure H Funds, and approval of a purchase order in the amount of $1,689,187 to begin Phase I for Planning and Project Assessment.
Utiltities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno provided background of the project, and Assistant Engineer Jaklin Hart presented the scope, purpose, and overview. Staff also recommended changes to expand the scope, and outlined what was added. Ms. Hart also discussed the City Council’s role in the project’s success, the anticipated timeline, and the fiscal impact. The Council thanked staff for the presentation.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Community Development: Review and Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Feather Flag Provisions in the Sign Ordinance and Direction from Council as appropriate.
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters presented the proposed amendments and the process requirements for the Council's review and direction. After much discussion, the Council provided their input and direction to move forward with a municipal code amendment.
The Council returned to closed session at 9:29 p.m.
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) None.
A. Council Future Agenda Items
Two downtown businesses regarding the expectations of the landscaping and trees. Direction to staff to inform
Chris Announcement - Acting Finance Director.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
August 19: Regular City Council Meeting
September 1: City offices closed in observance of Labor Day September 2: Canceled Regular City Council Meeting
September 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} Closed Session Action Report: None.
Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 9:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk