City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
August 19, 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 patrolling officers at the Thursday Night Market Place.
Judy Scott commented on the increase in patrolling officers in the area where she lives. She also commented on the landscape Assessment Districts and suggested that the Council allow staff to perform their duties and work with a consultant.
Dennis Ham provided suggestions for educating the community about the Landscape Assessment Districts.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation to the City Council of the Mid-Year Crime Statistics for the Hanford Police Department
Police Chief Huddleston and Police Captain Lutz presented the Mid-Year Crime Statistics for the Hanford Police Department and responded to questions from the Council.
B. Landscape Assessment Districts: Past, present, and future Directors Brad Albert, Russ Sterling, Frank Senteno, Destiny Borba, and Parks Manager Levi Winebreanner discussed the Landscape Assessment Districts. Staff explained why some districts are under-serviced and outlined the process for increasing annual assessments, including public hearings, community outreach, and the potential formation of a working group. Mayor Paden and Vice Mayor Howze expressed concerns about hiring a firm to assist. Staff emphasized the importance of selecting the right consultant, engaging influencers, and prioritizing education and outreach to ensure successful ballots. No formal action was taken. The Council directed staff to proceed with recommendations to rescope Wildan’s agreement, have the Engineer’s Report completed by the City’s Utilities & Engineering and Finance Departments, develop a detailed plan for balloting deficient districts, establish comprehensive criteria, and form a LAD working group.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 5:44 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2))
3 Potential Cases.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (GC 54957.6)
Agency designated representatives: Chris Tavarez and Destiny Borba Employee Organization(s): SEIU
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 Lori Niles.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Paden.
RECOGNITION:
A. Recognition of the Hanford Youth Baseball 11U All Stars – Cen Cal State Tournament Undefeated Champions & Pacific Southwest Regional Qualifiers The City Council recognized the Hanford Youth Baseball 11U All Stars for their accomplishments.
B. Recognition of the 2025 18U Tri-County All-Star Team – Babe Ruth 16-18U World Series Champions
The City Council recognized the 2025 18U Tri-County All-Star Team – Babe Ruth 16-18U World Series Champions.
C. Oath of Office for the Fire Department's Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteers: Michael Rodriguez, Beverly Rodriguez, Christine Leach, Christine Whitacre, Dennis Ham, Janette Ramos, Kathryn Egan Bare, Kristine Scott, Randy Hatfield, Robert Bentley, and Erik Brotemarkle.
Fire Chief Perkins introduced the volunteers and City Clerk, Natalie Corral, administered the oath of office.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
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.
Dennis Ham commented on graffiti abatement and enforcement, and expressed concerns regarding the enforcement of vandalism.
Marshall Grice commented on graffiti abatement and provided the Council with a handout regarding graffiti removal.
Chris Ying apologized for a social media post that contained misinformation.
D. Womack commented on the East Lacey Project and expressed concerns about the effect the project will have on his business.
Noor Memon shared his background and commented on the old kiosk in the park.
Bailey Womack expressed concerns regarding the widening of the street for the East Lacey Project and asked how the city plans to acquire the land.
Steven Olivera commented on the East Lacey Project and expressed concerns about its impact on parking.
George Casis commented on the East Lacey Project and expressed concerns about losing street parking.
Kimberly Grow shared her recent experience with a predator who contacted her child. She stated that she was disappointed with the response from the Hanford Police Department.
Rusty Brookshier commented on the East Lacey Project. He also stated the City needs new legal representation. He additionally asked why the airport is not selling gas.
Bob Ramos commented on the Council’s direction to obtain a new law firm. He also spoke about the Helena lawsuit and settlement.
Victor Chavarin Jr. commented on the water system at the softball complex and shared that they proposed hosting the USA 2027 Western Nationals.
Kristi Amos commented on the East Lacey Project and spoke in opposition.
Adam Mederios introduced the 1776 organization, and expressed concerns regarding the Council’s responses to public comments during the meeting. He invited the Council to attend their meetings to answer community questions.
Leonard Diaz commented on the East Lacey Project and spoke in opposition.
William Harmon shared his concerns about the People’s Ditch and the safety of children who access the ditch. He also spoke in opposition to the East Lacey Project.
Thomas Benedict commented on the East Lacey Project, expressed concerns, and suggested the city focus on other issues.
Pedro Macedo commented on the East Lacey Project and expressed concerns about how his business will be affected.
Rose Hamlin commented on the East Lacey Project expressed her concerns.
Onan Champi commented on the City staff members who assisted him with a site visit to resolve some issues. He also commented on the East Lacey Project.
Mayor Paden and Interim City Manager Tavarez addressed the comments regarding the East Lacey Project.
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.
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 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 July 15, 2025 Meeting C. Community Development: Approve Sole Source Contract for JR Construction Inc. in the amount of $128,479.53 for Phase Two of Community Development Remodel Project (CIP 825620) included in Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
D. Parks and Community Services: Approval of Minor Design Modifications to the Plunge Mural (Mural 0004-25) Following City Council Approval of the Original Design on May 6, 2025.
E. Public Works: Pre-authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the lowest responsible bidder for Flint Ave (Joshua Street and 11th Avenue) sidewalk construction, for an amount not to exceed $253,701.
F. Public Works: Authorization to award a contract to PARC Environmental for the abandonment of one (1) underground fuel tank located at Hanford Municipal Airport in the amount of $83,369.72 and additional appropriation from the Airport Operation Fund.
G. Public Works: Approval of purchase and installation of a WILO Duplex Booster System for the Hanford Learning Center Softball Complex for a total amount of $88,101.23, with 50% ($44,050.61) of total cost reimbursed through an existing agreement with the Hanford Joint Union High School District (HJUHSD).
H. Fire: Approval of the purchase of additional software licenses from Tyler Technologies, in the amount of $43,200, to support the Fire Division in conducting fire-related inspections and additional Appropriation of $43,200 in the General Fund and $43,200 to revenue account 16110000-494300 to offset the cost of the purchase.
I. Fire: Approval to purchase two (2) Auto Extrication units and accessories from L N Curtis & Sons in the amount of $65,898.27 from the General Fund per the approved Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2026.
J. Police: Approval of a sole source purchase of a FARO evidence scanning machine, required accessories, and software license from FARO Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $73,119.15 from the General Fund per the approved Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2026.
K. Finance: Acceptance and authorization for staff to File the City of Hanford's Quarterly Investment Portfolio and Transactions Reports as of 06/30/25.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Break 8:50 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
A. Finance: Appropriation of $17,774,550 from the City’s Water Fund for the previously approved Water Meter Replacement Project
Financial Senior Analyst Sarah Wilburn and Finance Manager Destiny Borba provided an update on the Water Meter Replacement Project. Staff answered from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Martinez
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis
B. Consideration of Alternatives for Graffiti Abatement and Enforcement During the Public Comment period, the Council approved (5/0) opening another public comment period for this item.
Public Comment:
Judy Scott commented on the county's services, and stated they're not free.
Dennis Ham commented on the county's services.
William Harmon expressed his concerns about the people who are doing the graffiti.
Onan Champi requested that graffiti regulations be taken out of the Municipal Code.
Bob Ramos expressed concerns about the needs of elderly residents.
Marshall Brice stated that the city needs to be responsible for graffiti abatement.
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters reviewed the current process and several recommendations for the Council's consideration. Council Member Regan suggested utilizing the graffiti abatement service provided by the Kings County Probation Office for future needs. Staff addressed questions and concerns from the Council. After much discussion, the Council reached consensus to proceed with Policy Option 4 and to modify the noticing process to allow additional time.
Motion to approve policy option number four (4).
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
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).
A. INFORMATION REPORT - JULY WARRANT REGISTER
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
None.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
September 1: City offices closed in observance of Labor Day September 2: Canceled City Council Meeting
September 6: Catfish Crawl at Hidden Valley Park 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Register Here 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} Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk