City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
September 16, 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 4:01 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.
Sharon Peganarm thanked the Fire Department for thier service. She also commented the Plunge operating hours.
John Chamberlain, Kings County Fire Captain, introduced himself and emphasized the importance of working collaboratively with the Fire Department.
Jim Castleman commented on the Hardscaping Project and the importance of involving the community. He spoke in opposition to adding a design to the hardscape.
Rusty Brokeshier asked the Council to leave Civic Park the way that it is.
Judy Scott suggested keeping the hardscape in Civic Park simple and agrees that the Council should take the publics feedback into consideration.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Hanford Fire Department Annual Report for calendar year 2024 Fire Chief Perkins presented the Fire Department's Annual Report for calendar year 2024 for the Council's review and feedback.Chief Perkins answered questions from the Council.
B. The Hanford Plunge - Facility evaluation, repairs, improvements, and ongoing maintenance and appropriation from the General Fund Reserve to pay for the needed Plunge repairs for $237,600.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert presented the facility evaluation, repairs, improvements and ongoing maintenance with the request for an appropriation of $237,600 from the General Fund reserve to pay for the needed repairs for the Council's approval. The Council expressed concerns about depleting the Capital Reserves. Staff answered questions from the Council and after much discussion, it was the consensus to appropriate the funds from the general fund so that reserves are not depleted completely.
Motion to approve the amended appropriation amount of $325,014.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Civic Park Hardscaping Project — Provide direction on the feasibility of the project, proposed community engagement, project timeline and budget Parks and Communication Services Director Brad Albert, Community Relations Manager Brian Johnson, and Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno presented the Hardscaping project for the Council's review and direction. Staff answered questions from the Council and after much discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to reach out to the community with a survey for their suggestions and feedback.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 6:15 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8)
Property: 009-050-046-000 SOC COM Soccer Complex
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez and Ty Mizote
Negotiating Party: Steve Mendoza, Kings Rehabilitation Center Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
Property: 010-310-004-000 Youth Athletic Conplex (YAC)
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez and Ty Mizote
Negotiating Party: Kings County
Under Negotiation: Terms
Property: 010-264-001-000 and 010-271-017-000
Agency Negotiator: Chris Tavarez and Ty Mizote
Negotiating Party: Kings County
Under Negotiation: Terms
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2))
1 Potential Case.
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 Gymnast from Lee’s United Gymnastics for Achieving National Championship Titles and the presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Lee Pinkstaff for His Exemplary Leadership, Mentorship, and Dedication to Generations of Youth in Hanford and Kings County
The Council recognized Lee United Gymnastics Gymnast and the owner, Mr. Lee Pinkstaff, for their achievements at the National Championship.
B. Recognition of CMTA Investment Policy Certification Granted to the City of Hanford Interim City Manager Chris Tavarez recognized Destiny Borba and the entire Finance Department for receiving the CMTA Investment Policy Certification.
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.
Chris Perriera commented on the setback regulations. He also commented on the fire department's services.
Jennifer Schnell with TNT, introduced herself and spoke in support of the "It's not worth it" campaign.
Adrea Barone commented on the illegal activity in his area. He asked for more police patrolling in his neighborhood.
Ana Brookshier questioned the reimbursement resolutions in the general business section.
Noor Memon stated that he has not received a response from the city manager or the city attorney about the kiosk.
City Attorney Ty Mizote responded to Mr. Noor's comments regarding the rental agreement of the city's kiosk.
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 August 5, 2025 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Reappointment of Planning Commissioners Dennis Ham and Jim Nelson and Parks and Rec Commissioners Sheldon Blackwell and Judy Scott to serve new full terms.
D. Public Works: Authorization for City Manager to execute Supplemental Services Agreement #3 with Brandley Engineering for general engineering and consulting services for $50,000 and agreement #4 for construction management services for the closure of the underground fuel tank for $46,000 and an appropriation of $83,200 from the Airport Operation Fund.
E. Utilities and Engineering: Award a contract to Archer Civil Construction, LLC of Tulare, CA in the amount of $1,129,567.05 for the 12th Avenue at Hume Avenue Traffic Signal Project
F. Utilities and Engineering: Stonehaven Tract 940-Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Public Safety Services) G. Utilities and Engineering: Stonehaven Tract 940-Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Public Maintenance Services) H. Police: Approval of annual contract for fiscal year 2025-2026, with the Hanford Joint Union High School District and the Kings County Office of Education, for their School Resource Officer Program
I. Police: Approval of the Appropriation of $93,316.09 from the General Fund for the Purchase of Firearms for the Police Department
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Public Hearing and approve submission of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2024 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025) and adopt Resolution 25-55- R Authorizing and Approving the 2024-2025 CAPER.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. and called for the staff report. Housing Analyst Sandra Lerma presented the CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the Council's review and approval.The public hearing was closed at 7:39 p.m.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
B. Community Development: A Public Hearing related to:
1) General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01: a request to change the general plan designation from Highway Commercial to Service Commercial and High-Density Residential on approximately 39.16 acres.
2) Rezone No. 2022-01: a request to change the zoning on 39.16 acres from C-H Highway Commercial to C-S Service Commercial and R-H High-Density Residential with a Planned Unit Development overlay.
3) Planned Unit Development No. 2022-01: a request to allow blended zoning for a master planned medical and mixed-use development, including the future construction of 15 buildings consisting of medical outpatient clinic services, a hotel and conference center, specialized education, retail, medical office, skilled nursing and assisted living, and multi-family residential uses, as well as a bio infiltration basin, associated open space, circulation and parking, and infrastructure improvements. 4) Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 2023-93: a request to certify that the project will have a less than significant impact with the incorporation of mitigation measures.
The project is located between 11th and 12th Avenues along Glendale Drive, north of Highway 198 (APN 011-060-007, 011-060-008, 012-290-040, 012-290-042, and 012- 290-054).
Mayor Paden recused himself. Vice Mayor Howze opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. and called for the staff report.
Senior Planner Gabielle Meyers presented the general plan amendment for the Council's review and approval. The Council provided their feedback.The public hearing was closed at 8:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
Steve Brant, representing the property owners, spoke in favor.
Andrea Barone spoke in favor.
Rex Swayze spoke in favor.
OPPOSSED:
None.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
C. Utilities and Engineering: Public Hearing to Consider Approval of an Energy Services Contract with OPTERRA Energy Services for the Design and Construction of certain Energy Conservation-Related Improvements at the City of Hanford's Wastewater Treatment Facility's (WWTF) and Adoption of Necessary Findings under Government Code §4217 up to an estimated not to exceed fee amount of $63,122,800 Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. and called for the staff report. Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno introduced the project team and presented the staff report, noting that the contract will be submitted at a future meeting and a revised resolution was provided. The Opterra representatives discussed the project. Alison Lechowicz (LT Municipal Consultants) discussed the Sewer Rate Update and related financial factors. Erik Scrivin (NHA) addressed bond funding and the Prop 218 process. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 9:40 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
None
OPPOSSED:
Adrea Barone suggested a flat rate increase or a temporary rate increase.
Motion to Approve the revised resolution 25-54-R making the findings in accordance with GC 4217.10 and direct staff to move forward with the project.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Finance: Adoption of Resolution No 25-53-R a "reimbursement resolution" which allows for, but does not require, the City to reimburse cash expenditures for the public safety facility project with low-cost tax-exempt bonds in the future for an approximate principal amount of $50 million
Break 9:40 pm -9:45 pm
Finance Manager Destiny Borba presented and discussed the reimbursement resolutions 25-52-R and 25-53-R for the Council's review and approval. Ms. Borba answered questions from the Council.
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. Finance: Adoption of Resolution No 25-52-R a "reimbursement resolution" which allows for, but does not require, the City to reimburse cash expenditures for a wastewater treatment plant improvement project, including a solar energy generation component with low-cost tax-exempt bonds in the future for an approximate principal amount of $75 million.
Finance Manager Destiny Borba presented and discussed the reimbursement resolutions 25-52-R and 25-53-R for the Council's review and approval. Ms. Borba answered questions from the Council.
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 C. Public Works: Approval of the purchase of twelve (12) drinking fountains from Most Dependable Fountains, Inc, of Arlington TN, in the amount of $53,266.83, 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 $4,898.31 from LAD 04-03 (Vineyard) Public Works Director Russ Sterling presented the project for the Council's review and approval. Dir. Sterling addressed the Mayor's concerns.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze D. Fire: Illegal Fireworks update, discussion and direction for the Hanford Fire Department on developing the “It’s Not Worth It” Campaign
Fire Chief Daniel Perkins presented the background and an illegal Fireworks update for the Council's review and direction. The Council spoke in support of an ordinance update and directed staff to move forward with the “It’s Not Worth It” Campaign.
Motion to Approve option #3 "It's Not Worth It" Campaign.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
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).
A. INFORMATION REPORT - AUGUST 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
Mayor Paden expressed concerns regarding the possible need for installing cameras in all city parks. Staff confirmed that there are cameras currently at all the main parks.
Council Member Regan raised a safety concern regarding Leoni Street, requesting consideration of adding a sidewalk and crosswalks.
It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a future study session for an update from the Kings County Farm Bureau, presented by Executive Director Dusty Ference.
The Council reconvened to closed session at 10:35 p.m.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
October 4 & 5: Renaissance Faire in Civic Park
October 7: Regular City Council Meeting
October 7: Hanford Night Out 4:00 p.m. in Civic Park
October 13: Fire Department Open House at Fire Station 1 10:00 am - 2:00 pm October 21: Regular City Council Meeting
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
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 11:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk