City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
October 7, 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 Caltrans presentation and provided his input.
Chris Perriera commented on the Setback and Accessory Structure Standards.
Alex Dwiggens commented on the Setback and Accessory Structure Standards. He also suggested public outreach and he offered his assistance.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (GC 54956.9 (d)(2))
3 Potential Cases
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9(d)(1))
1 Workers’ Compensation Claim
STUDY SESSION:
A. New Employee introduction: Alvin Dias, Deputy Public Works Director Publc Works Director Russ Sterling introduced and welcomed Alvin Dias.
B. Caltrans Presentation of the SH198 at 9th Avenue Interchange to provide project status Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno provided a brief overview and introduced the Caltrans team. Project Manager Victor Aldama then introduced the Caltrans representatives: Project Manager Ronnie Kier, Senior Environmental Scientist Judith Lopez, Environmental Scientist David Farris, Community Engagement Program Manager Odemi (Mimi) Ibrahim, Senior Right-of-Way Acquisition Specialist Chanin McKeighen, Design Manager Michael Stavropoulos, and Design Project Engineer Mark Bretz. The Caltrans team discussed the Caltrans process, provided a brief overview of the project, and outlined the project objectives, purpose, alternatives, and cost. The team also announced upcoming public scoping meetings and responded to questions from the Council. The Council expressed support for the project and provided input on the preliminary drafts.
C. Consideration and Direction Regarding Residential Setback and Accessory Structure Standards
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters and Senior Planner Gabrielle Meyers presented the recommended updates for the Council’s review and direction. After much discussion, the Council provided feedback, and staff responded to the Council's questions, noting the challenges that come with adding highly specific regulations. By consensus, the Council directed staff to refine the setback standards to ensure they meet legal requirements and to allow open-air structures, with their own definitions, requirements, and permit process. Staff will move forward with the Council’s direction and begin the appropriate steps to amend the Municipal Code related to Residential Setback and Accessory Structure Standards.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 6:31 p.m.
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 my Pastor Mark Curts.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Paden.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Certificate of Recognition – Government Finance Officers Association Award for Budget Preparation
Interim City Manager Chris Tavarez introduced Finance Manager Destiny Borba and Senior Administrative Analyst Sarah Wilborn, and commended the entire finance team for achieving the recognition.
B. Presentation of a plaque to the City Council by Jim Gregory of the Kings County Historical Society, commemorating the Civic Auditorium’s 100th anniversary Mr. Jim Gregory of the Kings County Historic Society presented the Council with a plaque commemorating the Civic Auditorium's 100th Anniversary.
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 the March 18 City Council meeting study session discussion regarding an RFP for city attorney services and questioned why it has not been brought back for action.
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III expressed his concerns about several city issues and stated that council members should not get a raise.
Larry Faria commented on the city's time capsule articles.
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 E was pulled by Mayor Paden. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
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 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 19, 2025 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the September 16, 2025 Meeting D. Administration: Approval of the City Hanford Full-time and Part-time Salary Schedule E. Public Works: Appropriation of $32,151.05 from Fleet Reserves Fund (0448) for the repair of truck #131
F. Public Works: Appropriate additional $41,113 from Fleet Reserve Fund (0448), and approve the purchase of one (1) PB Loader patch truck in the amount of $341,209.41 from PB Loader Corporation, of Fresno, CA, using Sourcewell contract #080521-PBL, and declare patch truck #135 surplus to sell
G. Public Works: Appropriation and approval of the purchase of five (5) utility carts from California Turf Equipment and Supply of Tulare, CA, to be reimbursed with grant funding in the total amount of $100,000 from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD).
H. Utilities and Engineering: Utilities and Engineering: Authorization for the City Manager to approve a Work Order with Interwest Consulting Group for On Call Project Management Services for up to a two year period in the amount of $400,000 with budget billed toward multiple budgeted Capital Improvement Projects.
I. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of a Change Order for additional On Call Construction Inspector Services through the month of October 2025, and Authorization for the City Manager to extend services for up to three additional months at a not to exceed cost of $94,100.
J. Finance: Approval of Blanket Purchase Order for Pre-Sort Center of Stockton, Inc. for final utility billing print and mail services for $58,558.87 PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Community Development: Community Development: 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 06- 25, approving 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. 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).
[Item E]
Pulled by Mayor Paden to recuse himself from voting.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Passed
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
None
Travis Paden
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-10, a request to amend Title 17, Section 17.56.230, Wall mural placement and design criteria: in order to comply with free speech requirements and establish new application process and Introduction of Ordinance 2025-07, approving the zone text amendment.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the proposed Zone Text Amendment for the Council review and approval. Staff and the city attorney answered questions from the Council. After much discussion about the zone restrictions and the enforceable criteria, Mayor Paden motioned to approve to keep it located within the city's MX-D zone only and approve the first reading of Ordinance 25-10.
The public hearing was closed at 7:53 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III commented on the freedom to let people put up murals.
Jennifer Butts spoke in favor, and expressed some concerns about the placement criteria.
OPPOSSED:
Larry Faria questioned the definition of all areas of the city.
Chris Perriera questioned private property murals.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Kimber Regan
B. Community Development: Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-12, a request to amend Title 17, Section 17.56.200, Property maintenance and add Chapter 9.12 – Graffiti: in order to establish regulations for abatement of graffiti on public and private property and Introduction of Ordinance 2025- 08, approving the zone text amendment.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the proposed Zone Text Amendment changes for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 8:18 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
Chris Perriera commented on vandalized areas in the city, and he expressed some concerns about the color of paint used to cover up the graffiti. Public Works Director Sterling, responded to the questions and comments about the color match.
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III commented on the graffiti and provided his suggestions of ways to cover it up.
OPPOSSED:
Justin Adams commented on behalf of Onan Champi, and stated that he disagrees with the municipal code and the graffiti regulations should be removed.
Motion to approve with wording provided by the Planning Commission.
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. Community Development: Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-11, a request to amend Title 17.56.050, 17.56.150,
17.56.155, and 17.56.310 Temporary and Portable Signs: in order to establish the placement, size and materials for portable signs and Introduction of Ordinance 2025-09, approving the zone text amendment.
Mayor Paden opened the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy City Manager Jason Waters presented the proposed Zone Text Amendment for the Council’s review and approval. Staff responded to questions from the Council. After extensive discussion, the Council provided input and voted on several amendments.The public hearing was closed at 9:22 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR:
Steven Olivera thanked staff and the council for communicating with him. He asked that some of the restrictions be removed, and he's open to compromise.
Jorge Kassas from Shogun, spoke in opposition and stated there are a lot of restrictions and he would like to see something that works for him.
OPPOSED:
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III stated there are too many restrictions.
Motion to approve and direct staff to remove the restriction of the 100-foot permanent sign and the sight-triangle criteria for driveway approaches.
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 approve 10 feet of another portable/temporary freestanding sign.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Lou Martinez
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis
Motion to approve 10 feet of a permanent freestanding sign.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Lou Martniez
Council Member Nancy Howze
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis
Motion to approve the introduction and waive the first reading of ordinance 25-09 with amendments.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Nancy Howze
Lou Martniez, Kimber Regan
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Presentation and Discussion of future changes to Council Compensation as allowed under SB329
Interim City Manager Tavarez provided an overview for the Council’s review and direction. After a brief discussion, the Council reached a consensus to table the item until October 21, 2025.
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).
None.
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:
October 12: Hanford Fire Department 2025 Open House, Fire Station 1, 350 W.
Grangeville Blvd. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
October 18: Walk with a Doc at Freedom Park (2000 9 1/4 Avenue, Hanford) 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
October 21: Regular City Council Meeting
October 22: First Open House Event for East Lacey Project City Hall Training Room, 319 N. Douty St. 6:00 p.m.
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 9:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk