Report: Balance Sheet by Position
Account: City of Hanford (446861)
As of: 09/30/2025
Identifier Security Description Original Units Current Units Currency Asset Type Original Cost Matures Book Value Market Value CCYUSD US DOLLAR 3,804.37 3,804.37 USD Receivable 3,804.37 09/30/2025 3,804.37 3,804.37 4496261892 Wells Fargo Commercial Checking 250,014.56 250,014.56 USD Bank Deposits 250,014.56 --- 250,014.56 250,014.56 4496895186 Wells Fargo Bank 17,890.00 17,890.00 USD Bank Deposits 17,890.00 --- 17,890.00 17,890.00 7248MEED UMPQUA Bank 4,106,018.18 4,106,018.18 USD Bank Deposits 4,106,018.18 --- 4,106,018.18 4,106,018.18 31846V567 FIRST AMER:GVT OBLG;Z 127,824.24 127,824.24 USD Money Market Funds 127,824.24 --- 127,824.24 127,824.24 4496895186A Wells Fargo Stagecoach Sweep 6,714,796.19 6,714,796.19 USD Money Market Funds 6,714,796.19 --- 6,714,796.19 6,714,796.19 CACLASS CALIFORNIA CLASS 24,971,202.60 24,971,202.60 USD LGIP 24,971,202.60 --- 24,971,202.60 24,971,202.60 TCIP TCIP 1,191,227.80 1,191,227.80 USD LGIP 1,191,227.80 --- 1,191,227.80 1,191,227.80 02582JKP4 AXCMT-252-A 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD Asset-Backed Securities 999,981.90 04/15/2030 999,981.90 1,009,343.55 16144BAD0 CAOT-241-A4 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD Asset-Backed Securities 1,012,539.06 10/25/2029 1,012,539.06 1,021,122.69 161571HZ0 CHAIT-251A-A 1,875,000.00 1,875,000.00 USD Asset-Backed Securities 1,874,962.31 07/15/2030 1,874,962.31 1,888,279.78 17305EHA6 CCCIT-25A1-A1 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Asset-Backed Securities 1,499,593.05 06/21/2030 1,499,593.05 1,514,088.87 437918AC9 HONDO-241-A3 1,750,000.00 1,739,928.66 USD Asset-Backed Securities 1,759,842.69 08/15/2028 1,759,842.69 1,755,960.85 89238DAD0 TART-24A-A3 1,437,000.00 1,437,000.00 USD Asset-Backed Securities 1,444,465.66 10/16/2028 1,444,465.66 1,446,927.49 89240JAD3 TART-25A-A3 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD Asset-Backed Securities 999,959.90 08/15/2029 999,959.90 1,010,937.67 09659BYE4 BNP PARIBAS NY 11/14/25 1,575,000.00 1,575,000.00 USD Commercial Paper 1,523,923.62 11/14/2025 1,523,923.62 1,566,645.50 13607FEJ1 CDN IMPERIAL 05/18/26 520,000.00 520,000.00 USD Commercial Paper 504,302.35 05/18/2026 504,302.35 506,636.58 53948AZ87 LLOYDS BK NY BR 12/08/25 2,255,000.00 2,255,000.00 USD Commercial Paper 2,184,884.54 12/08/2025 2,184,884.54 2,236,939.96 023135CG9 AMAZON.COM 3.450 04/13/29 '29 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,446,375.00 04/13/2029 1,446,375.00 1,478,325.00 037833ET3 APPLE 4.000 05/10/28 '28 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,496,805.00 05/10/2028 1,496,805.00 1,508,370.00 06055JMY2 BOFAML 4.500 08/06/27 '26 MTN 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,000,000.00 08/06/2027 1,000,000.00 998,400.00 06406FAE3 BONY MELLON 2.450 08/17/26 '26 MTN 2,183,000.00 2,183,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 2,095,898.30 08/17/2026 2,095,898.30 2,154,249.89 166756AR7 CHEVRON USA 3.850 01/15/28 '27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,481,790.00 01/15/2028 1,481,790.00 1,500,195.00 191216DJ6 COCA-COLA 1.500 03/05/28 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,368,090.00 03/05/2028 1,368,090.00 1,421,280.00 194162AT0 COLGATE 4.200 05/01/30 '30 1,750,000.00 1,750,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,753,675.00 05/01/2030 1,753,675.00 1,764,350.00 24422EYE3 JOHN DEERE CAP 4.550 06/05/30 MTN 1,750,000.00 1,750,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,745,590.00 06/05/2030 1,745,590.00 1,777,212.50 30303M8G0 META PLATFORMS 3.500 08/15/27 '27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,465,755.00 08/15/2027 1,465,755.00 1,493,625.00 437076DB5 HOME DEPOT 4.875 06/25/27 '27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,520,715.00 06/25/2027 1,520,715.00 1,525,275.00 46625HRV4 JP MORGAN 2.950 10/01/26 '26 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,945,840.00 10/01/2026 1,945,840.00 1,980,780.00 532457CP1 LILLY 4.150 08/14/27 '27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,503,225.00 08/14/2027 1,503,225.00 1,510,140.00 58933YBQ7 MERCK & CO 4.150 09/15/30 '30 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,500,180.00 09/15/2030 1,500,180.00 1,501,680.00 69371RS80 PACCAR 4.600 01/31/29 MTN 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,510,230.00 01/31/2029 1,510,230.00 1,528,695.00 69371RT22 PACCAR 5.000 05/13/27 MTN 906,000.00 906,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 924,772.32 05/13/2027 924,772.32 921,864.06 713448EL8 PEPSICO 2.625 07/29/29 '29 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,390,560.00 07/29/2029 1,390,560.00 1,427,595.00 713448GB8 PEPSICO 4.600 02/07/30 '30 1,250,000.00 1,250,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 1,247,075.00 02/07/2030 1,247,075.00 1,277,500.00 89236TMY8 TOYOTA MOTOR CRD 4.600 01/08/27 950,000.00 950,000.00 USD Corporate Bonds 958,141.50 01/08/2027 958,141.50 957,799.50 3132XGY34 FH WN2529 2,745,000.00 2,745,000.00 USD MBS 2,745,000.00 12/01/2028 2,745,000.00 2,781,453.46 3137BP4K2 FH-KIR1-A2 2,500,000.00 2,500,000.00 USD MBS 2,438,325.00 03/25/2026 2,438,325.00 2,481,483.28 3137FJEH8 FHMS K-081 A2 3.9 08/25/2028 2,500,000.00 2,500,000.00 USD MBS 2,486,816.41 08/25/2028 2,486,816.41 2,497,967.98 3137FTBM8 FH-K108-A2 500,000.00 500,000.00 USD MBS 445,625.00 03/25/2030 445,625.00 451,341.14 3137HJ5Y9 FHMS K-534 A2 4.7 11/25/2029 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD MBS 1,495,132.50 11/25/2029 1,495,132.50 1,533,594.80 3137HLJA1 FHMS K-540 A2 4.513 02/25/2030 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD MBS 999,972.00 02/25/2030 999,972.00 1,016,377.04
Report: Balance Sheet by Position
Account: City of Hanford (446861)
As of: 09/30/2025
Identifier Security Description Original Units Current Units Currency Asset Type Original Cost Matures Book Value Market Value 3140HRBM4 FN BL0043 2,000,000.00 1,762,662.20 USD MBS 1,729,336.88 10/01/2028 1,729,336.87 1,735,152.77 3140LCLV1 FN BS2139 1,000,000.00 976,506.55 USD MBS 873,210.47 07/01/2028 873,210.47 909,084.68 3140NWHC2 FN BZ2026 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD MBS 1,488,750.00 10/01/2029 1,488,750.00 1,502,370.50 3140NXC50 FN BZ2791 500,000.00 500,000.00 USD MBS 499,453.13 01/01/2030 499,453.13 505,389.50 010878BH8 ALAMEDA CNTY CALIF 3.599 08/01/29 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 1,469,655.00 08/01/2029 1,469,655.00 1,481,743.50 13034AL81 CALIFORNIA INFRASTRUCTURE & 1.235 10/01/27 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 909,700.00 10/01/2027 909,700.00 950,616.00 13063DC48 CALIFORNIA ST 1.700 02/01/28 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 1,875,640.50 02/01/2028 1,875,640.50 1,904,126.00 13063DMB1 CALIFORNIA ST 3.050 04/01/29 1,530,000.00 1,530,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 1,466,290.80 04/01/2029 1,466,290.80 1,487,450.70 76913CBD0 RIVERSIDE CNTY CALIF PENSIO 3.120 02/15/29 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 956,970.00 02/15/2029 956,970.00 970,467.00 79765RP29 SAN FRANCISCO CALIF CITY & 3.100 11/01/27 '26 1,285,000.00 1,285,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 1,253,273.35 11/01/2027 1,253,273.35 1,265,595.22 79768HJN9 SAN FRANCISCO (CITY & COUNT 4.655 10/01/27 '2 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 1,513,755.00 10/01/2027 1,513,755.00 1,522,366.50 899154AZ1 TULARE CNTY CALIF PENSION O 3.959 06/01/27 600,000.00 600,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 592,098.00 06/01/2027 592,098.00 599,238.00 91412GXU4 UNIVERSITY CALIF REVS 3.909 05/15/29 145,000.00 145,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 140,636.95 05/15/2029 140,636.95 144,643.59 977100HW9 WISCONSIN ST GEN FD ANNUAL 4.346 05/01/29 1,250,000.00 1,250,000.00 USD Municipal Bonds 1,257,062.50 05/01/2029 1,257,062.50 1,266,056.25 14042RVH1 CAPITL ONE NA 4.800 11/03/25 250,000.00 250,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 250,000.00 11/03/2025 250,000.00 249,897.22 15118RW37 CELTIC BANK 3.900 05/20/27 249,000.00 249,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 248,626.50 05/20/2027 248,626.50 248,695.06 25460FDU7 DIRECT FEDERAL 4.700 11/03/25 250,000.00 250,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 250,000.00 11/03/2025 250,000.00 249,875.04 61768ET78 MORGAN PVT BNK 4.350 03/13/28 250,000.00 250,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 250,000.00 03/13/2028 250,000.00 247,283.56 747133CN4 PYRAMAX BANK 3.950 10/22/26 245,000.00 245,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 244,755.00 10/22/2026 244,755.00 244,824.22 798186P22 SAN JOSE CALIF UNI SCH DIST 1.014 08/01/27 1,200,000.00 1,200,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 1,097,064.00 08/01/2027 1,097,064.00 1,143,169.20 89235MRG8 TOYOTA FINL SVGS 4.000 04/10/28 245,000.00 245,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 244,387.50 04/10/2028 244,387.50 244,474.19 90355GLP9 UBS USA 4.350 03/13/28 250,000.00 250,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 250,000.00 03/13/2028 250,000.00 247,333.71 91334AAE3 UHCU 4.750 11/04/25 250,000.00 250,000.00 USD Negotiable CD's 250,000.00 11/04/2025 250,000.00 249,885.60 3130AKGN0 FHLBANKS 1.020 11/30/28 '25 1,650,000.00 1,650,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,469,077.50 11/30/2028 1,469,077.50 1,508,463.00 3130AKU61 FHLBANKS 0.750 01/27/26 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,901,248.00 01/27/2026 1,901,248.00 1,978,440.00 3130AL5A8 FHLBANKS 0.900 02/26/27 '25 750,000.00 750,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 712,635.00 02/26/2027 712,635.00 720,232.50 3130ALUK8 FHLBANKS 3.000 03/30/26 '25 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 971,150.00 03/30/2026 971,150.00 994,670.00 3130ANGH7 FHLBANKS 1.750 08/16/27 '26 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 938,940.00 08/16/2027 938,940.00 968,280.00 3130APY33 FHLBANKS 1.900 12/14/26 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 931,700.00 12/14/2026 931,700.00 977,530.00 3130AUU36 FHLBANKS 4.125 03/13/26 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,500,670.49 03/13/2026 1,500,670.49 1,501,650.00 3130AV5P3 FHLBANKS 4.375 03/08/30 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,522,500.00 03/08/2030 1,522,500.00 1,534,020.00 3130AVBC5 FHLBANKS 4.500 03/12/27 500,000.00 500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 502,795.44 03/12/2027 502,795.44 505,325.00 3130AWTQ3 FHLBANKS 4.625 09/11/26 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,009,590.00 09/11/2026 1,009,590.00 1,008,000.00 3133EKS64 FED FARM CR BNKS 2.040 09/24/29 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 910,670.00 09/24/2029 910,670.00 938,030.00 3133EL5U4 FED FARM CR BNKS 1.120 09/01/28 '25 500,000.00 500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 447,030.00 09/01/2028 447,030.00 461,765.00 3133EMHZ8 FED FARM CR BNKS 1.125 06/01/29 '25 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,754,260.00 06/01/2029 1,754,260.00 1,807,940.00 3133EMYY2 FED FARM CR BNKS 1.600 05/11/29 '25 2,025,000.00 2,025,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,813,306.50 05/11/2029 1,813,306.50 1,865,754.00 3133ENSF8 FED FARM CR BNKS 2.870 03/21/29 '25 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,438,260.00 03/21/2029 1,438,260.00 1,446,315.00 3133ETBF3 FED FARM CR BNKS 4.000 04/01/30 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,493,220.00 04/01/2030 1,493,220.00 1,513,215.00 3134GWZ82 FREDDIE MAC 0.590 10/08/25 '25 MTN 2,500,000.00 2,500,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 2,391,160.00 10/08/2025 2,391,160.00 2,498,200.00 880591FE7 TVA 3.875 08/01/30 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD U.S. Agencies 1,992,380.00 08/01/2030 1,992,380.00 2,006,460.00 9128284V9 US TREASURY 2.875 08/15/28 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 1,446,093.75 08/15/2028 1,446,093.75 1,469,765.63
Report: Balance Sheet by Position
Account: City of Hanford (446861)
As of: 09/30/2025
Identifier Security Description Original Units Current Units Currency Asset Type Original Cost Matures Book Value Market Value 912828V98 US TREASURY 2.250 02/15/27 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 969,531.25 02/15/2027 969,531.25 980,937.50 91282CGC9 US TREASURY 3.875 12/31/27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 1,500,878.91 12/31/2027 1,500,878.91 1,508,203.13 91282CGJ4 US TREASURY 3.500 01/31/30 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 1,469,472.66 01/31/2030 1,469,472.66 1,487,343.75 91282CGQ8 US TREASURY 4.000 02/28/30 475,000.00 475,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 472,495.12 02/28/2030 472,495.12 480,566.41 91282CKJ9 US TREASURY 4.500 04/15/27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 1,523,964.84 04/15/2027 1,523,964.84 1,518,574.22 91282CKR1 US TREASURY 4.500 05/15/27 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 1,524,726.56 05/15/2027 1,524,726.56 1,519,628.91 91282CNN7 US TREASURY 3.875 07/31/30 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD U.S. Treasuries 2,026,562.50 07/31/2030 2,026,562.50 2,012,187.50 --- --- 144,727,777.94 144,456,875.35 USD --- 141,897,805.13 --- 141,897,805.13 143,410,449.04 * Weighted by: Market Value
* Holdings Displayed by: Position
Report: GAAP Transaction Detail
Account: City of Hanford (446861)
Date: 07/01/2025 - 09/30/2025
* Does not Lock Down
Account Identifier Description Original Units Current Units Currency Coupon Rate Transaction Type Entry Date Settle Date Post Date Final Maturity Broker/Dealer Price Principal Amount City of Hanford - Operating 06055JMY2 BANK OF AMERICA CORP 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 USD 4.500 Buy 07/29/2025 08/06/2025 08/06/2025 08/06/2027 D. A. DAVIDSON & CO 100.000 1,000,000.00 (1,000,000.00) City of Hanford - Operating 13063DC48 CALIFORNIA ST 950,000.00 950,000.00 USD 1.700 Buy 09/29/2025 09/30/2025 09/30/2025 02/01/2028 PERSHING LLC 95.388 906,186.00 (908,832.81) City of Hanford - Operating 13607FEJ1 Canadian Imperial Holdings, Inc. 520,000.00 520,000.00 USD 0.000 Buy 08/21/2025 08/22/2025 08/22/2025 05/18/2026 RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC 96.981 504,302.35 (504,302.35) City of Hanford - Operating 161571HZ0 CHAIT 2025-1 A 1,875,000.00 1,875,000.00 USD 4.160 Buy 07/18/2025 07/25/2025 07/25/2025 07/15/2030 J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC 99.998 1,874,962.31 (1,874,962.31) City of Hanford - Operating 3137FJEH8 FHMS K-081 A2 2,500,000.00 2,500,000.00 USD 3.900 Buy 06/27/2025 07/02/2025 07/02/2025 08/25/2028 MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC 99.473 2,486,816.41 (2,487,087.24) City of Hanford - Operating 3137FTBM8 FHMS K-108 A2 500,000.00 500,000.00 USD 1.517 Buy 06/27/2025 07/02/2025 07/02/2025 03/25/2030 MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC 89.125 445,625.00 (445,646.07) City of Hanford - Operating 58933YBQ7 MERCK & CO INC 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 USD 4.150 Buy 09/03/2025 09/15/2025 09/15/2025 09/15/2030 D. A. DAVIDSON & CO 100.012 1,500,180.00 (1,501,217.50) City of Hanford - Operating 880591FE7 TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD 3.875 Buy 08/18/2025 08/19/2025 08/19/2025 08/01/2030 AMHERST PIERPONT SECURITIES 99.619 1,992,380.00 (1,994,748.06) City of Hanford - Operating 91282CNN7 UNITED STATES TREASURY 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 USD 3.875 Buy 09/10/2025 09/11/2025 09/11/2025 07/31/2030 RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC 101.328 2,026,562.50 (2,035,407.61) City of Hanford - Operating 06063HMT7 Bank of Baroda, New York Branch (198,000.00) (198,000.00) USD 0.650 Maturity 07/22/2025 07/22/2025 07/22/2025 07/22/2025 Maturity 100.000 (198,000.00) 198,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 29278TRA0 Regions Bank (245,000.00) (245,000.00) USD 0.500 Maturity 08/29/2025 08/29/2025 08/29/2025 08/29/2025 Maturity 100.000 (245,000.00) 245,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 3130AERV4 FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS (2,000,000.00) (2,000,000.00) USD 3.125 Maturity 09/12/2025 09/12/2025 09/12/2025 09/12/2025 Maturity 100.000 (2,000,000.00) 2,000,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 3130B2CF0 FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS (1,000,000.00) (1,000,000.00) USD 4.500 Maturity 08/12/2025 08/12/2025 08/12/2025 08/12/2025 Maturity 100.000 (1,000,000.00) 1,000,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 319461DB2 Enterprise Financial Services Corp (249,000.00) (249,000.00) USD 0.400 Maturity 09/30/2025 09/30/2025 09/30/2025 09/30/2025 Maturity 100.000 (249,000.00) 249,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 549104RJ8 Luana Savings Bank (250,000.00) (250,000.00) USD 0.450 Maturity 07/29/2025 07/29/2025 07/29/2025 07/29/2025 Maturity 100.000 (250,000.00) 250,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 58404DHQ7 Medallion Bank (250,000.00) (250,000.00) USD 0.550 Maturity 07/30/2025 07/30/2025 07/30/2025 07/30/2025 Maturity 100.000 (250,000.00) 250,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 86944BAF0 SUTTER HEALTH (874,000.00) (874,000.00) USD 1.321 Maturity 08/15/2025 08/15/2025 08/15/2025 08/15/2025 Maturity 100.000 (874,000.00) 874,000.00 City of Hanford - Operating 3133EMVH2 FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANKS FUNDING CORP (2,000,000.00) (2,000,000.00) USD 1.570 Sell 07/18/2025 07/21/2025 07/21/2025 04/05/2028 PERSHING LLC 93.940 (1,878,800.00) 1,888,045.56 City of Hanford - Operating 91282CHB0 UNITED STATES TREASURY (500,000.00) (500,000.00) USD 3.625 Sell 08/21/2025 08/22/2025 08/22/2025 05/15/2026 RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC 99.730 (498,652.35) 503,528.37 City of Hanford - Operating 91282CLN9 UNITED STATES TREASURY (1,500,000.00) (1,500,000.00) USD 3.500 Sell 09/03/2025 09/04/2025 09/04/2025 09/30/2029 STONEX FINANCIAL INC./BD RATES 99.535 (1,493,027.34) 1,515,547.83 City of Hanford OHS CACLASS CALIFORNIA CLASS (5,000,000.00) (5,000,000.00) USD 5.480 Withdraw 07/31/2025 07/31/2025 07/31/2025 09/30/2025 Direct 1.000 (5,000,000.00) 5,000,000.00 --- --- --- (1,221,000.00) (1,221,000.00) USD 3.986 --- --- --- --- 10/30/2026 --- --- (1,199,465.12) 1,220,917.81
Report: City of Hanford Treasurer's Report
Account: City of Hanford (446861)
As of: 09/30/2025
Diversification / Security Sector Identifier % of Portfolio YTM @ Cost Days to Maturity Face Amount / Shares Market Value Original Cost Receivable CCYUSD 0.003% 0.00 0 3,804.37 3,804.37 3,804.37 Bank Deposits --- 3.082% 0.00 1 4,373,922.74 4,373,922.74 4,373,922.74 Money Market Funds --- 4.822% 0.07 1 6,842,620.43 6,842,620.43 6,842,620.43 LGIP --- 18.438% 4.16 1 26,162,430.40 26,162,430.40 26,162,430.40 Commercial Paper --- 2.969% 4.39 79 4,350,000.00 4,310,222.03 4,213,110.51 Negotiable CD's --- 2.174% 4.39 545 3,189,000.00 3,125,437.80 3,084,833.00 U.S. Agencies --- 16.703% 4.10 892 24,925,000.00 24,234,289.50 23,700,592.93 Corporate Bonds --- 18.573% 4.30 994 26,789,000.00 26,727,335.95 26,354,717.12 Municipal Bonds --- 8.059% 4.17 1017 11,810,000.00 11,592,302.76 11,435,082.10 U.S. Treasuries --- 7.705% 3.84 1065 10,975,000.00 10,977,207.03 10,933,725.59 MBS --- 10.713% 4.35 1090 15,484,168.75 15,414,215.14 15,201,621.38 Asset-Backed Securities --- 6.759% 4.49 1450 9,551,928.66 9,646,660.89 9,591,344.57 --- --- 100.000% 3.89 730 144,456,875.35 143,410,449.04 141,897,805.13
14.A.
AGENDA
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: 11/4/2025 AGENDA SECTION: GENERAL BUSINESS
SUBJECT:
Adoption of Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy and adoption of Resolution 25-63-R, amending the Handbook of Rules and Procedures to include the addition of personal social media usage for elected and appointed officials.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy and adopt Resolution 25-63-R, amending the Handbook of Rules and Procedures to include the addition of personal social media usage for elected and appointed officials.
Recommended Motions:
Motion 1: I move to adopt the Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy and direct staff to allow commenting on the City's social media sites.
Motion 2: I move to adopt Resolution 25-63-R, amending the Handbook of Rules and Procedures to include the addition of Chapter 5, Section 3 for personal social media usage for elected and appointed officials.
BACKGROUND:
In March of this year, City Council directed staff and the city attorney to move forward with creating the City’s first social media policy that would allow public commenting again by designating the City’s social media sites as limited public forums. A limited public forum is one of several types of forums courts take into consideration when analyzing a government’s restriction of speech on public property.
As the city attorney has explained, a limited public forum structure would allow the City to impose viewpoint-neutral limits on social media comments or even further limit comments to the topics raised by the City through its posts (Council favored the latter approach). In addition to hiding or deleting off- topic comments, the City can hide or delete comments that are not protected by the First Amendment, such as obscene or defamatory speech. A key requirement of the Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy (attached) is that these rules be displayed as a disclaimer on every City social media account. It reads in part:
This account is intended to be a limited forum for communication and discussion between the City of Hanford and members of the public about specific topics. The City of Hanford reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments, including, without limitation, those comments that are not topically related, comments that are not protected speech under federal or state law, including, without limitation, profane or obscene language, sexual content, threats, defamatory statements, the
encouragement of illegal activity, violations of the legal ownership interests of another party, solicitations of commerce, statements in support or opposition to political candidates or ballot propositions, content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination, information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems, or other statements violating the City of Hanford Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy.
Beyond simply setting up a framework for how the public comments or otherwise interacts with the City through social media, the Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy also establishes standards for the effective management of the City’s social media accounts by an Administrator, defined as the City Manager or his or her designee. While the policy references authorized users (i.e. other City employees who manage City social media pages), City staff has determined any provisions specific to these users should be included in the City’s Administrative Regulation related to social media (AR
1.30) versus this policy. Similarly, new language related to personal social media use by all City employees will be incorporated into the AR document. In the coming months, arrangements will be made for affected employee bargaining units to review and comment on these proposed changes to the AR before adoption by the City Manager, since they relate to employee working conditions and disciplinary matters.
In the meantime, staff believes Council could lead by example and implement a set of standards related to their personal use of social media. Resolution 25-63-R would amend the Handbook of Rules and Procedures to include the addition of Chapter 5, Section 3 regulating personal social media usage by elected and appointed officials. This section also lays out the disciplinary measures Council has at their disposal for addressing any violations of this section.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NONE
ATTACHMENTS:
1. LIMITED PUBLIC FORUM SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY (DRAFT)
2. RESOLUTION 25-63-R
3. HANDBOOK OF RULES AND PROCEDURES (AMENDED)
4. HANDBOOK OF RULES AND PROCEDURES (REDLINE)
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Handbook of Rules and Procedures-Amended
2. Handbook Resolution 25-63-R
3. Handbook of Rules and Procedures-Redline
4. Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy
HANDBOOK OF
RULES AND
PROCEDURES
HANFORD CITY
COUNCIL
PREFACE
As provided by California Government Code Section 36813, the City Council of the City of Hanford established the Handbook of Rules and Procedures contained therein. The Handbook shall be in effect upon adoption by the City Council and shall remain in effect until such time as it is amended or new rules are adopted in the manner provided herein.
In addition to the Handbook of Rules and Procedures, the City Council has included in this document other information which may be useful to the City Council, Commissions, administrative staff, and the general public. This document is to be known as “The Handbook of Rules and Procedures of the City Council of the City of Hanford.”
Adopted: June 21, 2016
Resolution: 16-31-R
Amended: June 6, 2017
Resolution: 17-34-R
Amended: August 15, 2017
Resolution: 17-44-R
Amended: July 7, 2020
Resolution: 20-14-R
Amended: November 7, 2023
Resolution: 23-46-R
Amended: April 15, 2025
Resolution: 25-13-R
Amended: November 4, 2025
Resolution: 25-63-R
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES
A. The City of Hanford .............................................................................. 1 B. Council Elections .................................................................................. 1 C. Vacancies ............................................................................................. 2 D. Mayor/Vice Mayor Selection ................................................................. 2 E. Mayor as Presiding Officer and Duties Thereto .................................... 2 F. Vice Mayor ............................................................................................ 2 G. Compensation ...................................................................................... 3 H. City Manager ........................................................................................ 3 I. City Clerk ............................................................................................... 3 J. City Attorney........................................................................................... 4 K. Triangle of Policy, Process & Product ................................................... 5 L. Municipal Code ..................................................................................... 5 M. Interference in Staff Functions ............................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2 – CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
A. Rules of Order ...................................................................................... 6 B. Regular Meetings ................................................................................. 6 C. Special Meetings .................................................................................. 6 D. Study Sessions ..................................................................................... 6 E. Closed Sessions ................................................................................... 7 F. Emergency Meetings ............................................................................ 8 G. Agenda ................................................................................................. 8 H. Call to Order ......................................................................................... 8 I. Quorum .................................................................................................. 8 J. Lack of Quorum ..................................................................................... 8 K. Rules of Discussion .............................................................................. 9
1. Motions ............................................................................................ 9
2. Voting ............................................................................................... 9
3. Abstention/Recuse: Conflict of Interest ............................................ 9
4. Tie Votes ........................................................................................ 10 L. Recognition to Speak, Council Member ............................................. 10
1. Interruptions ................................................................................... 10
2. Public Hearings .............................................................................. 10 M. Council Members’ Obligation After Absence ...................................... 10 N. Adjournment of Meeting ..................................................................... 10 O. Recess ............................................................................................... 11 P. Agenda Items of Order ....................................................................... 11 Q. Audio Recordings ............................................................................... 11 R. Video Recordings ............................................................................... 11 S. Agenda Format for Meetings .............................................................. 11
T. Components of Meeting ...................................................................... 12
1. Public Comments .......................................................................... 12
2. Staff Communications ................................................................... 12
3. Consent Calendar ......................................................................... 12
4. Public Hearings ............................................................................. 12
5. General Business .......................................................................... 13
6. Council Reports/Comments .......................................................... 13 U. Ordinances ......................................................................................... 13 V. Resolutions ......................................................................................... 14 W. Recognitions/Proclamations .............................................................. 14 X. Minutes ............................................................................................... 14 Y. Appeals .............................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 3 - DECORUM
A. Enforcement of Decorum .................................................................... 15 B. Conduct in the City Council Chambers ............................................... 15
1. Council Chambers Defined ........................................................... 15
2. Council Dais .................................................................................. 15
3. Rules of Decorum for the Public .................................................... 15
4. Rules of Conduct and Safety......................................................... 16
5. Removal from the Council Chambers ........................................... 16 C. Courtesy ............................................................................................. 16
1. Council Members .......................................................................... 16
2. Public Speakers ............................................................................ 16 D. Disciplining a Disruptive Member ....................................................... 17 E. Noise in the Lobby .............................................................................. 18 F. Distribution of Literature and Other Materials
in City Council Chambers .................................................................. 18
CHAPTER 4 – PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER
ACCOLADES
A. Purpose .............................................................................................. 19 B. Guidelines .......................................................................................... 19 C. Policy .................................................................................................. 19
CHAPTER 5 – ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
A. Rules and Procedures Administration ................................................ 21
1. Review of City Council Rules and Procedures .............................. 21
2. Adherence to Rules and Procedures ............................................ 21
3. City Attorney as Rules and Procedures Advisor ............................ 21 B. Conflict with City Municipal Code, Administration Policies, State or Federal Law .......................................................................... 21 C. Personal Social Media Usage…………………………………………….21
1 CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION, POWERS AND DUTIES
A. THE CITY OF HANFORD
The City of Hanford has a City Council/City Manager form of government.
Under this form of government, the elected City Council sets the policies for the operation of the Hanford City Government. The Council is responsible to the citizens for:
• Establishing community-wide goals that address short- and long-range needs.
• Formulating policies that define a course of action that shape city operations.
• Providing quality services within available resources.
• Acting as a link between the professional staff and local citizens.
City Council members are local leaders. The electorate expects the Council to set the tone and direction for municipal operations. Strategic planning and goal setting are the tools that enable a Council to define their vision and determine methods for accomplishing their goals.
The administrative responsibility of the C ity rests with the City Manager , who is appointed by the City Council. The City Manager has the responsibility to apply and administer Council’s policies through the day-to-day operation of the City. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the city and directs the totality of city operations.
Teamwork between the Council and the City Manager is a key element of the council-manager form of government. The pooling of skills is essential to resolve the many complex problems that face the City today. The council-manager form of government seeks to enhance the effectiveness of local policy-making and municipal operations by bringing together skilled lawmakers, community representatives, and experts in municipal administration and management.
B. COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The City Council consists of five (5) members, elected by district. Each Council Member serves four-year staggered terms, without limit. Elected Officials serve until his/her successor has been elected and qualified. Elections are held in November of even numbered years.
2 C. VACANCIES
Vacancies on the City Council shall be filled in accordance with California Government Code 36512.
California Government Code Section 36502 specifies the conditions under which a vacancy occurs.
D. MAYOR/VICE MAYOR SELECTION
Following a General Municipal Election, the Mayor and Vice-Mayor shall be selected at the meeting where election results are confirmed, and the new City Council members are seated. (This meeting will either be in late November or early December).
In alternating years (i.e. when there is no General Municipal Election) the Mayor and Vice-Mayor shall be selected at the first Regular City Council meeting in December. The selection process is conducted pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order as Rosenberg’s Rules is silent on the matter.
Consistent with Robert’s Rules, the City Attorney shall oversee the nominations and elections of the Mayor and Vice-Mayor. Council members may nominate one or more candidates. The different names shall be repeated by the City Attorney as they are made, and then the vote is taken on each in the order in which they were nominated, until one is elected. The nominations need not be seconded. These positions typically serve a period of one (1) year.
Although the Mayor and the Vice-Mayor have additional ceremonial, parliamentary and administrative responsibilities as described below and elsewhere in this Handbook, with respect to the establishment of policies, voting, and in other significant areas, all members are equal.
E. MAYOR AS PRESIDING OFFICER AND DUTIES THERETO
The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the City of Hanford for all ceremonial purposes and by the Governor for military purposes. In the time of public danger or emergency, the Mayor may, with the consent of the City Council, cause order to be maintained and enforce laws. The Mayor shall act as the Presiding Officer at all meetings of the City Council and perform such other duties consistent with the office as may be imposed by the City Council. The Mayor may move, second, and debate from the Chair, subject to such limitations of debate as are imposed on all Council Members by these rules and shall not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a Council Member as such Presiding Officer. The Mayor shall possess no veto power.
The Mayor shall preserve strict order and decorum at all times. The Mayor shall state each item coming before the City Council, and shall upon conclusion of said
3 presentation related thereto call for the vote. Following the vote, the Mayor shall announce the results of the vote. The Mayor is eligible to vote on all motions, and shall direct the order of participation of Council Members. The Mayor shall, in all instances, have the last chance to speak. The Mayor shall sign all ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City Council during the Mayor’s presence. The Mayor shall sign all agreements and/or contracts, except where otherwise instructed or set forth by policy.
F. VICE MAYOR
In the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall possess and perform the power and duties of the Mayor. In that capacity, the Vice Mayor shall sign ordinances and resolutions adopted in his/her presence. The Vice Mayor shall also sign all agreements and/or contracts, except where otherwise instructed or set forth by policy.
G. COMPENSATION
Salaries for the City Council Members may be fixed in accordance with Section 36516 of the Government Code of the State of California. Council Members may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as allowed by Government Code Section 36514 and any resolutions or ordinances adopted by the City.
H. CITY MANAGER
The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for the overall administration of the City in response to the policies and programs established by the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for forecasting the program and service needs of the City and its related financial, personnel, and capital improvement requirements. The City Manager is a significant liaison with the community and other levels of government.
I. CITY CLERK
The City Clerk is appointed by the City Manager and is the local official for elections, local legislation, the Public Records Act, the Political Reform Act, and the Brown Act (open meeting laws). The City Clerk, in consultation with the City Attorney, ensures that actions are in compliance with all federal, state and local statutes and regulations and that all actions are properly executed, recorded, and archived.
The statutes of the State of California prescribe the basic functions and duties of the City Clerk, and the Government Code and Election Code provide precise and specific responsibilities and procedures to follow.
4 The Office of the City Clerk is a service department within the municipal government upon which the City Council, all city departments, and the general public rely on for information regarding the operations and legislative history of the city. The City Clerk serves as the liaison between the public and City Council and provides related municipal services. The City Clerk provides clerical support to the City Council.
J. CITY ATTORNEY
The City Attorney, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for providing necessary legal services and guidance to the City Council, the City Manager, department heads, and city boards, commissions and committees to ensure that city functions are performed on a sound legal basis.
In the event that it is deemed necessary and in the best interest of the City to contract for either Special or Conflict Counsel to act in the place of the City Attorney, the City Manager shall bring forth a recommendation to the City Council for approval at a regular or special meeting and be designated to execute the necessary documentation to facilitate those contracts. If outside legal counsel is required due to a reason other than a conflict of interest affecting the City Attorney, the City Manager shall confer with the City Attorney regarding the hiring of Special Counsel.
Communications from the City Attorney’s Office may be confidential and shall be treated as attorney-client privilege. Only the City Council, as an entire body, may waive the privilege, and not individual Council Members.
During the normal course of a Council Member carrying out the duties of office, it is common practice to discuss issues or ask questions of city staff, including the City Attorney. For the purpose of this policy statement, the intent is to regulate an individual Council Member’s authority to cause work to be performed by the City Attorney.
When an individual Council Member poses a question to the City Attorney, the City Attorney shall estimate the amount of time required to answer the question.
In the event the City Attorney believes the amount of time for research involved in answering the question will generate a bill in excess of $600.00, the City Attorney will notify the Council Member that the answer will exceed policy limitations. If the submitting Council Member continues to seek an answer to the question, the Council Member will pose the question to the Council, as a body, at a Council Meeting and must obtain a consensus of the majority of the Council Members present at the meeting in order for the City Attorney to work on the question.
Legal work involving questions or inquiries that require less than $2,500.00, per year, in billable hours by the City Attorney may be authorized by the submitting Council Member without the need of obtaining the Council’s approval.
5 K. TRIANGLE OF POLICY, PROCESS & PRODUCT
The City Council establishes the Policy—establishing vision and direction for the community’s future.
The City Clerk, in consultation with the City Attorney oversees the Process— ensuring that the decision-making process complies with federal, state, and local regulation and that it is properly recorded.
The City Manager provides the Product—which is the primary reason for the existence of local government: to provide services to the taxpayer that the taxpayers cannot (or will not) provide for themselves.
L. MUNICIPAL CODE
The Hanford Municipal Code sets forth the regulatory, penal and administrative laws of general application to the city. These laws are enforceable by the City, and violation constitutes a misdemeanor or infraction.
Other directives and policies of the City Council are recorded in resolutions or by minute action of the Council.
M. INTERFERENCE IN STAFF FUNCTIONS
The City Council shall deal with the administrative services of the City through the City Manager, except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the City Council nor any member thereof, shall give orders to subordinates of the City Manager.
No member of the City Council shall publicly criticize or censure any staff member of the City, and shall instead relay any criticism of a staff member privately through the City Manager.
The City Council shall deal with the Office of the City Attorney only through the City Attorney or his/her designees, except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the City Council nor any member thereof, may give orders to subordinates of the City Attorney without the City Attorney’s consent.
6 CHAPTER 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
A. RULES OF ORDER
The City Council shall determine its own rules of order and amend them from time to time or adopt new rules as it deems necessary. The City of Hanford shall follow Rosenberg’s Rules of Order and incorporate the procedures set forth in this chapter.
The City Attorney acts as the parliamentarian and advises the Mayor when points of order are raised.
B. REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the City Council shall be open to the public and held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The business to be considered during the council meeting is detailed on a printed agenda. State law (the Ralph M. Brown Act) requires that public notice be given at least 72 hours before the regular meeting indicating the time and place of the meeting. An agenda of each meeting is posted at City Hall. Regular meetings may be adjourned or continued to a specified time and place.
Whenever the day fixed for any regular meeting of the City Council falls upon a day designated as a holiday, such meeting may be held at the same hour on the next succeeding day, not a holiday, as if it were a regular meeting or the meeting may be cancelled.
C. SPECIAL MEETINGS
A special meeting may be ordered whenever the public business may require it or upon the request from three members of the City Council. Whenever a special meeting shall be called, notice of such meeting shall be provided at least 24 hours prior to the time of the meeting pursuant to State law.
Ordinances may not be adopted at special meetings; only urgency ordinances may be adopted at such meetings. Items not listed on the agenda shall not be considered at the special meeting.
D. STUDY SESSIONS
The City Council may meet in a “study session” for the purpose of acquiring information on a particular subject(s) and collaborating with the public through individual public comment periods. These sessions are considered special meetings and shall be open to the public and comply with the Brown Act.
Additionally, as special meetings, Council may act upon an item contained in the
7 agenda and may provide formal direction to staff consistent with the agenda wording for each item.
E. CLOSED SESSIONS
Consistent with Government Code Section 54954.2 the Council may hold closed sessions during any regular or special meeting, or any time otherwise authorized by law to consider or hear any matter which is authorized by State law to be heard or considered in closed session.
The general subject matter for consideration shall be expressed in an open meeting before such session is held. After closed session the legislative body must reconvene to open session and may be required to disclose action taken, if any.
Closed sessions may be held to discuss certain matters specified by law, including:
• Personnel matters to consider the appointment, employment, performance, or dismissal of a public employee
• Matters of national and public safety
• Labor negotiations
• License applications by persons with criminal records • Real estate negotiations
• Anticipated litigation
The legislative body in a closed session can consider only matters covered in its agenda descriptions. City Council Members shall keep all written materials and verbal information provided to them in closed session in complete confidence in accordance with Government Code section 54963. No mention of information in these materials should be made to anyone unless allowed by this statute.
If the City Council in closed session has provided direction to city staff on proposed terms and conditions for any type of negotiations whether it be related to property acquisition or disposal, a proposed or pending claims or litigation, and/or employee negotiations, all contact with the other party should be by the designated representative handling the negotiations or litigation. A Council Member should not have any contact or discussions with the other party or its representative(s) involved concerning the negotiation during this time and not communicate any discussion conducted in closed sessions. All public statements, information, press releases, should be handled by the designated representative or spokesperson.
Government Code Section 54963 (a) – (f) outlines the injunctive relief and disciplinary actions that may be imposed on those who divulge confidential
8 closed session discussions, without first receiving authorization from the legislative body.
F. EMERGENCY MEETINGS
Emergency meetings may be called by the City Council with one-hour notice to its members and local news media. The City Council may not meet in closed session during an emergency meeting. Except for the 24-hour notice requirement, the special meeting requirements set forth above shall apply in emergency meetings.
G. AGENDA
In order to facilitate the orderly conduct of the business of the citizens of Hanford, the City Manager and City Clerk shall set the agenda, in addition to any direction by the City Council. The City Clerk shall arrange such matters as may have been timely provided, for inclusion in the agenda. Copies of the agenda are available at City Hall and at the council meeting, as well as posted on the city’s website.
H. CALL TO ORDER
The meetings of the City Council shall be called to order by the Mayor, or in the Mayor’s absence, by the Vice Mayor. In the absence of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the meeting shall be called to order by the most senior Council Member present. This person shall serve as the Council’s presiding officer until the arrival of the Mayor or Vice Mayor, or until adjournment of the meeting.
I. QUORUM
Three members of the City Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of a quorum shall be sufficient to pass any action taken by the City Council except on such matters, which, by law, require a greater majority. All ordinances require at least three affirmative votes. Approval of resolutions and all orders for the payment of money also require an affirmative vote by a majority of the entire Council.
J. LACK OF QUORUM
If a majority of the City Council are absent from any meeting, the remaining members of the City Council may declare the meeting adjourned or if no member of the City Council is present, the City Clerk may adjourn the meeting. If a meeting is adjourned for less than five calendar days, no new agenda need be posted so long as a new item of business is not introduced. A copy of the order of adjournment must be posted within 24 hours after the adjournment, at or near the door of the place where the meeting was held.
9 K. RULES OF DISCUSSION
1. Motions
Action items listed on the council agenda in accordance with applicable law or added as an action item on a council agenda, in accordance with applicable law, may be voted on by the council.
Following a presentation of the item by staff, the Mayor will open discussion to the City Council for questions and comments. When there appears to be no further discussion or all of the Council Members have had the opportunity to speak, the Mayor may call for a motion.
Motions may be made by any member of the council, including the presiding officer, providing that before a motion is offered by the presiding officer, the opportunity for making a motion should be offered to the other members of the council. Any member of the council, other than the person offering the motion, may second a motion. Following a motion and a second, and any further discussion, the Mayor shall call upon the City Clerk for the vote.
2. Voting
The City Council utilizes an electronic voting system. In the absence of an electronic voting system, the clerk shall ask for votes by “voice vote” on all matters before it, unless a roll call vote is required by law or is requested by the Mayor. Unless a Council Member states that he or she is not voting, silence shall be recorded as an affirmative vote. The Presiding Officer shall announce the results of the vote.
A majority, also known as a simple majority, is a subset of a group that is more than half of the members present.
A two-thirds majority means that two-thirds of the quorum must agree to the proposition. It is much stronger than a simple requirement. In the event of an absence the vote would have to be unanimous.
3. Abstention/Recuse: Conflict of Interest
Council Members shall disqualify themselves if they have a financial conflict of interest or any other disqualification prescribed by law in a matter before the City Council. In such event, they may not participate in the discussion or the vote. Council Members shall state the specific reason for such disqualification. The disqualified Council Member shall leave the Council dais and exit the Chambers to the West Wing room until
10 the conclusion of the agenda item unless applicable State law or regulations permit otherwise.
It should be noted, however, a Council Member may speak as a member of the public, on his/her own behalf – as opposed to on behalf of someone else – on a matter that directly affects his/her financial interest even when conflicted out. Thus, while a Council Member would have to disqualify him/herself on a matter affecting a piece of property in which the Council Member has a financial interest, he/she could address the Council, speaking to what the impact would be to his/her property.
In some instances, a Council Member may determine that it is appropriate to abstain from voting on a matter even though no financial conflict of interest exists. If a City Council member abstains from voting, their vote will count as a negative. A Council Member is counted as present for quorum purposes, but his/her abstention is effectively a negative vote.
For example, if a matter requires three affirmative votes for approval and one Council Member abstains, at least three other Council Members must cast affirmative votes for the matter to be approved.
4. Tie Votes
A tie vote results in a lost motion. In such an instance, any member of the Council may offer a motion for further action. If there is no action by an affirmative vote, the result is no action. If the matter involves an appeal, and affirmative vote does not occur, the result is that the decision appealed stands as decided by the decision-making person or body from which the appeal was taken.
L. RECOGNITION TO SPEAK, COUNCIL MEMBER
Every Council Member desiring to speak shall address the Mayor and, upon recognition by the Mayor, shall confine his or her remarks to the item coming before the City Council.
1. Interruptions:
A Council Member, once recognized, may voice concerns, comments or ask staff to provide explanation or clarification of the item before the City Council, without interruption, unless out of order with the rules and procedures established herein and/or the Mayor call the item to order.
2. Public Hearings:
Council Members should not speak to the merits of an issue, other than to ask questions, until the public comment has been closed.
11 N. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Regular meetings shall conclude no later than 9:00 p.m., unless the time is extended by a majority consensus of the Council.
The Mayor shall adjourn the meeting. In the instance of the lateness of the hour the Mayor may also adjourn the meeting to a date and time specific to continue discussions on either the remainder of the agenda or on a specific item for discussion.
O. RECESS
At any point during a meeting the Mayor may call for a brief recess.
P. AGENDA ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
The Mayor may, with the consent of the City Council, modify the order of the agenda at the meeting, if such modifications would promote fluidity in the process and discussions.
Q. AUDIO RECORDINGS
All regular meetings (except closed sessions) of the City Council are audio recorded, as well as special meetings. Workshops or meetings that require extensive interaction with the public, staff, and City Council may not be recorded if the length of the meeting is anticipated to be unusually long or if simultaneous discussions are expected to occur.
R. VIDEO RECORDINGS
All regular meetings (except closed sessions) of the City Council are video recorded, as well as any special meetings held in the Council Chambers. The City of Hanford allows the use of additional recordings as long as they are not being disruptive to the proceedings or to those in attendance. Any equipment being used should not block aisles, exits, or the view of others. If the use of equipment is determined to be disruptive by the legislative body, the use of said equipment may be banned. Council has identified an area against the East wall of the Chambers, just south of the Director’s box, where all video camera equipment should be setup for recording.
S. AGENDA FORMAT FOR MEETINGS
The agenda format for the Hanford City Council will be prepared to allow for an efficient method to conduct city business. The format and order of business will be established by the City Clerk, unless modifications are approved by the City Council.
12 T. COMPONENTS OF MEETING
The following sections of a regular meeting agenda shall set forth the guidelines of decorum for each respective section of the agenda.
1. Public Comments
For regular meetings, this is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters within the jurisdiction of the Hanford City Council, including matters listed on the meeting’s agenda and other matters not appearing on the agenda. For special meetings, citizen comments are, pursuant to the Brown Act (Government Code § 54950, et seq.) limited to matters on the agenda, and public comment will be accepted after each agenda item.
The Council cannot legally discuss or take official action on citizen requests that are introduced under this section.
This is also the time for citizens to comment on items listed under the Consent Calendar or General Business, or to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes. Comments related to Public Hearing items will be heard at the time the item is discussed.
Each speaker will be allowed three minutes. As a courtesy, but not required, the speaker should state his/her name and provide their city of residence.
Any documents submitted by a member of the public to the City Clerk for the purposes of handing out to the City Council will be distributed and made a part of the record. The City Clerk will not read the documents out loud, but note who the correspondence was from.
2. Consent Calendar
All 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, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
3. Public Hearings
A public hearing is only required where a specific law or ordinance applicable to the item expressly requires a hearing or a hearing is required for constitutional reasons (usually to ensure "due process"). Sometimes the decision is made to hold a public hearing even though one is not required by law. In this case, the agenda documents will state that the public hearing is optional. Staff will open the item by providing a report , then the Mayor will open the hearing to public comments. Public comments are subject to the rules and regulation of the Hanford Municipal
13 Code. After closing public comments, the Mayor will allow the Council to provide questions or comments to the staff prior to making a motion.
Once public comments are closed it is inappropriate for the public to speak except to answer an inquiry of a Council Member addressed through the Mayor. However, public comments may be re-opened by a majority approval by the Council to hear new information.
4. General Business
Any other remaining items requiring action may be placed in this section.
Items that do not need action, but are to provide informational or receive direction from the City Council may also be placed under General Business.
5. Council Reports/General Reports
Brief, information-only reports, from City Council and/or Staff may provide updates to the City Council on major events or projects that may be of public interest. This is also the time for Council members to provide committee reports and to report on any meetings attended at the City’s expense.
6. Items for Future Agendas
Any Council Member 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.
U. ORDINANCES
Ordinances are the laws of the municipality. City councils are given the power to pass ordinances by Government Code Section 37100 as long as those ordinances are not in conflict with the laws and Constitution of the State of California or the United States. Approval of an ordinance requires a first reading or introduction and a second reading and adoption, with at least five days between readings (except an urgency ordinance). The passage of an ordinance requires the affirmative votes of at least three (3) council members. The ordinance or a summary is then published in the local newspaper and becomes effective thirty (30) days later. The thirty (30) day time frame is known as a referendum period. A referendum period is required by state law and is a time frame in which any citizen can file a petition challenging the legality of a recently adopted ordinance. An ordinance is an action that can be repealed or amended only by a subsequent ordinance.
In matters deemed by the C ity Council to warrant immediate action to preserve peace, public safety or health, an urgency/ emergency ordinance may be passed immediately upon introduction at either a regular or special meeting, and can be effective immediately.
14 V. RESOLUTIONS
A resolution sets forth the action of the council on certain types of policy, procedural, or administrative matters. It requires only one reading and may be changed by subsequent resolution.
W. RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
The City Council may recognize individuals, organizations, or activities during the meetings. Other organizations may also present recognitions to the City.
X. MINUTES
The City Council utilizes summary minutes, which include the motions made, action taken, and a brief summary of council, staff and/or public comments. The audio recording may be used for reference, but it is not the official record of the meeting.
The City Clerk shall prepare the Minutes, and upon approval of the City Council, it shall become the official record.
Y. APPEALS
The filing of an appeal shall have the effect of staying the issuance of any permit or action until such time as the matter on appeal is resolved. If there are subsequent items to come before the Council that are subject to the outcome of the appeal, those items shall be listed following the item for appeal on the agenda, the decision of which shall be factored upon the Council’s decision on appeal.
15 CHAPTER 3
DECORUM
A. ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
The City Manager shall designate the Chief of Police, or his/her designated representative as a sergeant-at-arms when necessary to attend City Council meetings for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum in the City Council Chambers, lobby, or other designated meeting location. Upon instructions from the Mayor, the sergeant-at-arms shall eject any person from the City Council Chambers, in conformance with State law.
B. CONDUCT IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Council Chambers Defined
Council Chambers shall be, in addition to the usual and customary meeting location, any location or facility wherein a majority of the legislative body may meet for an open and public meeting as defined by the Brown Act, whether it be a regular meeting, special meeting, or emergency meeting.
2. Council Dais
The City Council seating area, most commonly referred to as the Council Dais is restricted to Council and city staff at all times. Loitering or the dissemination of materials are not permitted in the area directly in front of the City Council seating area, commonly referred to as the well, unless invited by a Council Member to step forward. Written or photographic materials are to be handed to the City Clerk for dissemination to the Council, and made part of the record.
3. Usage of Electronic Communication Devices at the Dais It shall be the policy of the City Council that City Council Members, and any other members of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees, shall not use electronic communications (i.e.text, emails) with anyone in the public, or between themselves, while at the dais and/or participating in a public meeting. Nothing in this policy shall preclude a Council Member from having their phone on the dais with them in the event of an emergency.
4. Rules of Decorum for the Public
Members of the audience shall not engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct, including the utterance of loud, threatening or abusive language, clapping, whistling, and stamping of feet or other acts which disturb, disrupt, impede or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the city meeting infeasible. A member of the audience engaging in any such conduct shall, at the discretion of the presiding officer or a majority of the City Council,
16 be subject to ejection from the meeting per Government Code Section 54954.3(c).
5. Rules of Conduct and Safety
When the City Council is in session, all persons present must preserve safety and order. Members of the public should sit in the seats provided, subject to ADA compliance, unless addressing the Council or entering or leaving the Council Chambers. Members of the public shall not block the aisles or exits in any manner. Members of the public should not bring audible equipment into the Council Chambers, including cellular phones or pagers, without first either turning said equipment off or to a silent mode.
6. Removal from the Council Chambers
Any person who commits the following acts in respect to a meeting of the City shall be removed from the Council Chambers per Government Code Section 54957.9.
(a) Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior toward the City or any member thereof, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting; and,
(b) A breach of the peace, boisterous conduct or violent disturbance, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting; and,
(c) Disobedience of any lawful order of the Mayor, which shall include an order to be seated or to refrain from addressing the City Council; and,
(d) Any other unlawful interference with the due and orderly course of said meeting.
C. COURTESY
1. Council Members
Council Members shall accord the utmost courtesy to each other, city employees and the public appearing before the City Council, and shall refrain at all times from rude and derogatory remarks, public criticism of staff, remarks as to integrity, abusive comments and statement as to motives and personalities.
2. Public Speakers
Members of the public have the right to attend City Council meetings and to address the City Council on specific agenda items and under the Public Comments section of the agenda. The right of the public to address the City Council includes their right to criticize the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the City, and the acts or omissions of the City Council members. Criticisms that do not relate to city business will not be tolerated.
17 While the City Council meeting is in session, all persons must preserve order and decorum. A person who addresses the City Council under a specific agenda item or under Public Comments may not engage in speech or conduct which is likely to provoke others to violent or riotous behavior, which disturbs the peace of the meeting by loud and unreasonable noise, which is outside of the Council’s jurisdiction, repetitive, or which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of any City Council meeting.
The Mayor or other presiding officer shall request that a person who is breaching the rules of decorum cease such conduct. If, after receiving such a warning, the person persists in breaching the rules of decorum, the Mayor or other presiding officer may order the person to leave the City Council meeting. If such person does not leave, the Mayor or presiding officer may request any law enforcement officer who is on duty at the meeting as sergeant-at-arms to remove the person from the Council Chambers. In the event there is no one from law enforcement present, the Mayor or presiding officer may direct the City Manager to contact law enforcement.
D. DISCIPLINING A DISRUPTIVE MEMBER
If one member engages in disruptive behavior, it is the responsibility of the City Council to remind the disruptive member about their duties. The failure of the governing body to deal with a misbehaving member or commissioner can also have legal consequences for the locality. For example:
1. A City Council member or Commissioner that mistreats staff members by using inappropriate language, asking the staff member to perform personal tasks, hugging or touching staff in an inappropriate manner, etc. may be putting the locality at risk for a lawsuit alleging harassment or a hostile work environment. If the governing body does not take appropriate steps to avoid the appearance of agreement with the objectionable behavior of a fellow member or commissioner, the inappropriate behavior may be considered to have been sanctioned by the governing body.
2. A member that leaks a confidential legal opinion of the local government attorney can result in the loss of the attorney client privilege and with the loss of the attorney client privilege it is possible the opinion can be used in court against the locality. In order to protect the attorney client privilege the other members of the governing body need to take affirmative action against the member that leaked the opinion.
In some instances meeting one-on-one outside of a public meeting can rectify a misunderstanding or correct inappropriate behavior. The manner in which a situation is addressed may be on a case by case basis. If the behavior continues
18 or if the actions are more severe, the City Council may determine other methods of discipline.
The Mayor, with the approval by a majority of the Council, may remove a Commissioner from their seat. Similarly, a Council Member may be removed from his or her standing committee assignments as well as assignments to outside committees.
One of the most common forms of discipline is for the governing body to “censure” a fellow council member. A censure is a public statement condemning the member’s inappropriate behavior with the hopes of reforming him or her so that he or she will not behave in the same way again. Members can be censured for misconduct at meetings, failing to follow proper procedures, violating confidentiality, illegal or immoral conduct, absenteeism, lying, disloyalty, working against the organization, conspiracy, and violating other values that the Hanford City Council holds dear. With a consensus of the Council, a censure may be placed on a future agenda. Censures are then approved by a resolution.
E. NOISE IN THE LOBBY
Noise emanating from the lobby outside the City Council Chambers which disrupts City Council meetings shall not be permitted.
F. DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE AND OTHER MATERIALS IN CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
No person, other than city staff, shall distribute flyers, leaflets, placards or other literature or circulate any petition within the City Council Chambers.
Flyers, leaflets, placards or literature may only be distributed to the Council by a member of the public under Public Comments, or by a project applicant/appellant pertaining to city business as may be referenced on the agenda, by approaching the City Clerk and requesting such material be distributed on their behalf.
Hand-held signs are permitted in the Council Chambers, but they cannot block the view of others in the audience or prevent the public from freely entering or exiting the room.
19 CHAPTER 4
PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER ACCOLADES
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform procedures, criteria, and identify authority.
B. GUIDELINES
The following are basic guidelines for recognition.
Proclamations – Generally proclaims certain periods of time (days, weeks, or months) in honor of an event or activity. Proclamations also may recognize individuals for extraordinary contributions they have made to the community.
They contain several biographical or informational paragraphs. Examples include Fire Prevention Week, Arbor Day, and American Red Cross Month.
Certificates – Certificates are prepared in response to the type of recognition desired and are to express appreciation for exemplary service or performance to individuals, teams, or organizations.
Other Tokens of Appreciation – These items include various forms of Hanford memorabilia and are distributed at the discretion of individual City Council Members, City Clerk or City Manager. For example, the City Clerk is often contacted for lapel pins and forwards them to the requesting parties.
C. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of Hanford to recognize individuals and/or organizations for their
outstanding performance, or honor special events and
dates with proclamations, certificates, plaques, or other tokens of appreciation in accordance with the criteria set forth below.
1. Request for proclamations, certificates or plaques from City Council Members, city
departments, residents, and local organizations must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office, in writing, at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
2. Requests should specify:
(a) Reason why recognition should be granted; and
(b) Information that will assist the Mayor, City Council, or City Manager in arriving at a decision.
3. Requests by individuals or organizations for proclamations or certificates of
recognition/appreciation are subject to approval by the
20 Mayor and City Manager. The Mayor and City Manager will determine if it will be presented at a City Council meeting or will direct the City Clerk to forward the accolade to the recipient.
4. All requests for plaques, framed certificates, or custom gifts to visiting officials/dignitaries, elected officials, individuals or organizations shall be approved by the Mayor and City Manager.
5. Individual Council Members shall have the discretion to direct the City Clerk to prepare certificates (not framed) or another token of appreciation that he or she will personally present.
6. Requests for plaques, gifts or awards to city employees for dedicated service to the city
shall be approved by the City Manager.
7. The Mayor and City Manager shall have the discretion to determine the appropriate type of honor for special or unusual circumstances that may arise and may warrant deviation from this policy.
21 CHAPTER 5
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
A. RULES AND PROCEDURES ADMINISTRATION
1. Review of City Council Rules and Procedures – The Council will review and revise the Handbook of Rules and Procedures as needed.
2. Adherence to Rules and Procedures – During City Council discussions, deliberations and proceedings, the Mayor bears the primary responsibility to ensure that the City Council, staff and members of the public adhere to the Council’s adopted protocol.
3. City Attorney as Rules and Procedures Advisor – With the consensus of a majority of the Council, the City Attorney may be directed to interpret the City Council’s adopted Rules and Procedures and proposed changes.
B. CONFLICT WITH CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, ADMINISTRATION
POLICIES, STATE OR FEDERAL LAW
If there is any conflict contained hereinabove with the City Municipal Code, Administration Policies, State or Federal Law, such laws shall prevail.
C. PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE
City elected and appointed officials are not prohibited from using social media platforms to express their opinions and views. However, postings and user profiles on an official’s personal social media accounts must not state or imply that the views, conclusions, statements, or other content contained therein are official statements, positions, or communications of the City, or that they represent the views of the City. If it can reasonably interpreted that the official is speaking on behalf of the City, the official shall provide a disclaimer on the account stating that their opinions and views do not reflect the opinions and views of the City (e.g., “The postings on this page are m y own and do not represent the City of Hanford’s positions, strategies, or opinions .”). This disclaimer aids in protecting a City official’s lawful rights, but the use of a disclaimer does not shield against discipline for violations of this policy.
If a City official’s conduct on a social media platform adversely affects their performance or the performance of their fellow officials or is detrimental to the mission and function of the City, or otherwise adversely affects members of the public served by the City, City employees, or the City’s interests, the City Council may take disciplinary action against the official. Disciplinary action against an official appointed by the Council may include removal from the body to which the official is appointed, and discipline of an elected official may include censure, as
22 defined in this Handbook.
Officials will not display the City of Hanford seal or other official City logos, emblems, or patches on their personal social media accounts.
City officials shall utilize non -work email addresses and phone numbers when establishing personal social media accounts.
The provisions of this section apply to all social media accounts utilized by City officials, including accounts that an official maintains for personal, non- City use and to accounts that an official utilizes to communicate with the public in his or her capacity as a City official.
RESOLUTION 25-63-R
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HANFORD AMENDING
THE HANDBOOK OF RULES AND PROCEDURES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HANFORD
WHEREAS, a set of standards related to personal social media usage by elected and appointed City officials is a critical component of the City’s effort to implement social media standards for all users; and
WHEREAS, these standards of conduct protect the City’s brand reputation, further its mission, help build positive and trusting relationships between the City and community members, and contribute to a clear, consistent and effective voice when communicating about City projects, initiatives, changes, conflicts, shortcomings, successes and more; and
WHEREAS, this Handbook addition contains potential consequences for violations of these standards of conduct by elected and appointed officials; and
WHEREAS, this Handbook may be amended by resolution to modify or establish other policies relative to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hanford does hereby approve the attached amended Handbook of Rules and Procedures.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of , 2025 by
the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
TRAVIS PADEN
MAYOR of the City of Hanford
Attest:
NATALIE CORRAL
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF KINGS ) ss
CITY OF HANFORD )
I, Natalie Corral, City Clerk of the City of Hanford, do hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hanford held on the day of , 2025.
Date:
City Clerk
HANDBOOK OF
RULES AND
PROCEDURES
HANFORD CITY
COUNCIL
PREFACE
As provided by California Government Code Section 36813, the City Council of the City of Hanford established the Handbook of Rules and Procedures contained therein. The Handbook shall be in effect upon adoption by the City Council and shall remain in effect until such time as it is amended or new rules are adopted in the manner provided herein.
In addition to the Handbook of Rules and Procedures, the City Council has included in this document other information which may be useful to the City Council, Commissions, administrative staff, and the general public. This document is to be known as “The Handbook of Rules and Procedures of the City Council of the City of Hanford.”
Adopted: June 21, 2016
Resolution: 16-31-R
Amended: June 6, 2017
Resolution: 17-34-R
Amended: August 15, 2017
Resolution: 17-44-R
Amended: July 7, 2020
Resolution: 20-14-R
Amended: November 7, 2023
Resolution: 23-46-R
Amended: April 15, 2025
Resolution: 25-13-R
Amended: November 4, 2025
Resolution 25-63-R
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES
A. The City of Hanford .............................................................................. 1 B. Council Elections .................................................................................. 1 C. Vacancies ............................................................................................. 2 D. Mayor/Vice Mayor Selection ................................................................. 2 E. Mayor as Presiding Officer and Duties Thereto .................................... 2 F. Vice Mayor ............................................................................................ 2 G. Compensation ...................................................................................... 3 H. City Manager ........................................................................................ 3 I. City Clerk ............................................................................................... 3 J. City Attorney........................................................................................... 4 K. Triangle of Policy, Process & Product ................................................... 5 L. Municipal Code ..................................................................................... 5 M. Interference in Staff Functions ............................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2 – CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
A. Rules of Order ...................................................................................... 6 B. Regular Meetings ................................................................................. 6 C. Special Meetings .................................................................................. 6 D. Study Sessions ..................................................................................... 6 E. Closed Sessions ................................................................................... 7 F. Emergency Meetings ............................................................................ 8 G. Agenda ................................................................................................. 8 H. Call to Order ......................................................................................... 8 I. Quorum .................................................................................................. 8 J. Lack of Quorum ..................................................................................... 8 K. Rules of Discussion .............................................................................. 9
1. Motions ............................................................................................ 9
2. Voting ............................................................................................... 9
3. Abstention/Recuse: Conflict of Interest ............................................ 9
4. Tie Votes ........................................................................................ 10 L. Recognition to Speak, Council Member ............................................. 10
1. Interruptions ................................................................................... 10
2. Public Hearings .............................................................................. 10 M. Council Members’ Obligation After Absence ...................................... 10 N. Adjournment of Meeting ..................................................................... 10 O. Recess ............................................................................................... 11 P. Agenda Items of Order ....................................................................... 11 Q. Audio Recordings ............................................................................... 11 R. Video Recordings ............................................................................... 11 S. Agenda Format for Meetings .............................................................. 11
T. Components of Meeting ...................................................................... 12
1. Public Comments .......................................................................... 12
2. Staff Communications ................................................................... 12
3. Consent Calendar ......................................................................... 12
4. Public Hearings ............................................................................. 12
5. General Business .......................................................................... 13
6. Council Reports/Comments .......................................................... 13 U. Ordinances ......................................................................................... 13 V. Resolutions ......................................................................................... 14 W. Recognitions/Proclamations .............................................................. 14 X. Minutes ............................................................................................... 14 Y. Appeals .............................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 3 - DECORUM
A. Enforcement of Decorum .................................................................... 15 B. Conduct in the City Council Chambers ............................................... 15
1. Council Chambers Defined ........................................................... 15
2. Council Dais .................................................................................. 15
3. Rules of Decorum for the Public .................................................... 15
4. Rules of Conduct and Safety......................................................... 16
5. Removal from the Council Chambers ........................................... 16 C. Courtesy ............................................................................................. 16
1. Council Members .......................................................................... 16
2. Public Speakers ............................................................................ 16 D. Disciplining a Disruptive Member ....................................................... 17 E. Noise in the Lobby .............................................................................. 18 F. Distribution of Literature and Other Materials
in City Council Chambers .................................................................. 18
CHAPTER 4 – PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER
ACCOLADES
A. Purpose .............................................................................................. 19 B. Guidelines .......................................................................................... 19 C. Policy .................................................................................................. 19
CHAPTER 5 – ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
A. Rules and Procedures Administration ................................................ 21
1. Review of City Council Rules and Procedures .............................. 21
2. Adherence to Rules and Procedures ............................................ 21
3. City Attorney as Rules and Procedures Advisor ............................ 21 B. Conflict with City Municipal Code, Administration Policies, State or Federal Law ........................................................................ ..21 C. Personal Social Media Usage…………………………………………….21
1 CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION, POWERS AND DUTIES
A. THE CITY OF HANFORD
The City of Hanford has a City Council/City Manager form of government.
Under this form of government, the elected City Council sets the policies for the operation of the Hanford City Government. The Council is responsible to the citizens for:
• Establishing community-wide goals that address short- and long-range needs.
• Formulating policies that define a course of action that shape city operations.
• Providing quality services within available resources.
• Acting as a link between the professional staff and local citizens.
City Council members are local leaders. The electorate expects the Council to set the tone and direction for municipal operations. Strategic planning and goal setting are the tools that enable a Council to define their vision and determine methods for accomplishing their goals.
The administrative responsibility of the C ity rests with the City Manager , who is appointed by the City Council. The City Manager has the responsibility to apply and administer Council’s policies through the day-to-day operation of the City. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the city and directs the totality of city operations.
Teamwork between the Council and the City Manager is a key element of the council-manager form of government. The pooling of skills is essential to resolve the many complex problems that face the City today. The council-manager form of government seeks to enhance the effectiveness of local policy-making and municipal operations by bringing together skilled lawmakers, community representatives, and experts in municipal administration and management.
B. COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The City Council consists of five (5) members, elected by district. Each Council Member serves four-year staggered terms, without limit. Elected Officials serve until his/her successor has been elected and qualified. Elections are held in November of even numbered years.
2 C. VACANCIES
Vacancies on the City Council shall be filled in accordance with California Government Code 36512.
California Government Code Section 36502 specifies the conditions under which a vacancy occurs.
D. MAYOR/VICE MAYOR SELECTION
Following a General Municipal Election, the Mayor and Vice-Mayor shall be selected at the meeting where election results are confirmed, and the new City Council members are seated. (This meeting will either be in late November or early December).
In alternating years (i.e. when there is no General Municipal Election) the Mayor and Vice-Mayor shall be selected at the first Regular City Council meeting in December. The selection process is conducted pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order as Rosenberg’s Rules is silent on the matter.
Consistent with Robert’s Rules, the City Attorney shall oversee the nominations and elections of the Mayor and Vice-Mayor. Council members may nominate one or more candidates. The different names shall be repeated by the City Attorney as they are made, and then the vote is taken on each in the order in which they were nominated, until one is elected. The nominations need not be seconded. These positions typically serve a period of one (1) year.
Although the Mayor and the Vice-Mayor have additional ceremonial, parliamentary and administrative responsibilities as described below and elsewhere in this Handbook, with respect to the establishment of policies, voting, and in other significant areas, all members are equal.
E. MAYOR AS PRESIDING OFFICER AND DUTIES THERETO
The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the City of Hanford for all ceremonial purposes and by the Governor for military purposes. In the time of public danger or emergency, the Mayor may, with the consent of the City Council, cause order to be maintained and enforce laws. The Mayor shall act as the Presiding Officer at all meetings of the City Council and perform such other duties consistent with the office as may be imposed by the City Council. The Mayor may move, second, and debate from the Chair, subject to such limitations of debate as are imposed on all Council Members by these rules and shall not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a Council Member as such Presiding Officer. The Mayor shall possess no veto power.
The Mayor shall preserve strict order and decorum at all times. The Mayor shall state each item coming before the City Council, and shall upon conclusion of said
3 presentation related thereto call for the vote. Following the vote, the Mayor shall announce the results of the vote. The Mayor is eligible to vote on all motions, and shall direct the order of participation of Council Members. The Mayor shall, in all instances, have the last chance to speak. The Mayor shall sign all ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City Council during the Mayor’s presence. The Mayor shall sign all agreements and/or contracts, except where otherwise instructed or set forth by policy.
F. VICE MAYOR
In the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall possess and perform the power and duties of the Mayor. In that capacity, the Vice Mayor shall sign ordinances and resolutions adopted in his/her presence. The Vice Mayor shall also sign all agreements and/or contracts, except where otherwise instructed or set forth by policy.
G. COMPENSATION
Salaries for the City Council Members may be fixed in accordance with Section 36516 of the Government Code of the State of California. Council Members may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as allowed by Government Code Section 36514 and any resolutions or ordinances adopted by the City.
H. CITY MANAGER
The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for the overall administration of the City in response to the policies and programs established by the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for forecasting the program and service needs of the City and its related financial, personnel, and capital improvement requirements. The City Manager is a significant liaison with the community and other levels of government.
I. CITY CLERK
The City Clerk is appointed by the City Manager and is the local official for elections, local legislation, the Public Records Act, the Political Reform Act, and the Brown Act (open meeting laws). The City Clerk, in consultation with the City Attorney, ensures that actions are in compliance with all federal, state and local statutes and regulations and that all actions are properly executed, recorded, and archived.
The statutes of the State of California prescribe the basic functions and duties of the City Clerk, and the Government Code and Election Code provide precise and specific responsibilities and procedures to follow.
4 The Office of the City Clerk is a service department within the municipal government upon which the City Council, all city departments, and the general public rely on for information regarding the operations and legislative history of the city. The City Clerk serves as the liaison between the public and City Council and provides related municipal services. The City Clerk provides clerical support to the City Council.
J. CITY ATTORNEY
The City Attorney, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for providing necessary legal services and guidance to the City Council, the City Manager, department heads, and city boards, commissions and committees to ensure that city functions are performed on a sound legal basis.
In the event that it is deemed necessary and in the best interest of the City to contract for either Special or Conflict Counsel to act in the place of the City Attorney, the City Manager shall bring forth a recommendation to the City Council for approval at a regular or special meeting and be designated to execute the necessary documentation to facilitate those contracts. If outside legal counsel is required due to a reason other than a conflict of interest affecting the City Attorney, the City Manager shall confer with the City Attorney regarding the hiring of Special Counsel.
Communications from the City Attorney’s Office may be confidential and shall be treated as attorney-client privilege. Only the City Council, as an entire body, may waive the privilege, and not individual Council Members.
During the normal course of a Council Member carrying out the duties of office, it is common practice to discuss issues or ask questions of city staff, including the City Attorney. For the purpose of this policy statement, the intent is to regulate an individual Council Member’s authority to cause work to be performed by the City Attorney.
When an individual Council Member poses a question to the City Attorney, the City Attorney shall estimate the amount of time required to answer the question.
In the event the City Attorney believes the amount of time for research involved in answering the question will generate a bill in excess of $600.00, the City Attorney will notify the Council Member that the answer will exceed policy limitations. If the submitting Council Member continues to seek an answer to the question, the Council Member will pose the question to the Council, as a body, at a Council Meeting and must obtain a consensus of the majority of the Council Members present at the meeting in order for the City Attorney to work on the question.
Legal work involving questions or inquiries that require less than $2,500.00, per year, in billable hours by the City Attorney may be authorized by the submitting Council Member without the need of obtaining the Council’s approval.
5 K. TRIANGLE OF POLICY, PROCESS & PRODUCT
The City Council establishes the Policy—establishing vision and direction for the community’s future.
The City Clerk, in consultation with the City Attorney oversees the Process— ensuring that the decision-making process complies with federal, state, and local regulation and that it is properly recorded.
The City Manager provides the Product—which is the primary reason for the existence of local government: to provide services to the taxpayer that the taxpayers cannot (or will not) provide for themselves.
L. MUNICIPAL CODE
The Hanford Municipal Code sets forth the regulatory, penal and administrative laws of general application to the city. These laws are enforceable by the City, and violation constitutes a misdemeanor or infraction.
Other directives and policies of the City Council are recorded in resolutions or by minute action of the Council.
M. INTERFERENCE IN STAFF FUNCTIONS
The City Council shall deal with the administrative services of the City through the City Manager, except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the City Council nor any member thereof, shall give orders to subordinates of the City Manager.
No member of the City Council shall publicly criticize or censure any staff member of the City, and shall instead relay any criticism of a staff member privately through the City Manager.
The City Council shall deal with the Office of the City Attorney only through the City Attorney or his/her designees, except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the City Council nor any member thereof, may give orders to subordinates of the City Attorney without the City Attorney’s consent.
6 CHAPTER 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
A. RULES OF ORDER
The City Council shall determine its own rules of order and amend them from time to time or adopt new rules as it deems necessary. The City of Hanford shall follow Rosenberg’s Rules of Order and incorporate the procedures set forth in this chapter.
The City Attorney acts as the parliamentarian and advises the Mayor when points of order are raised.
B. REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the City Council shall be open to the public and held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The business to be considered during the council meeting is detailed on a printed agenda. State law (the Ralph M. Brown Act) requires that public notice be given at least 72 hours before the regular meeting indicating the time and place of the meeting. An agenda of each meeting is posted at City Hall. Regular meetings may be adjourned or continued to a specified time and place.
Whenever the day fixed for any regular meeting of the City Council falls upon a day designated as a holiday, such meeting may be held at the same hour on the next succeeding day, not a holiday, as if it were a regular meeting or the meeting may be cancelled.
C. SPECIAL MEETINGS
A special meeting may be ordered whenever the public business may require it or upon the request from three members of the City Council. Whenever a special meeting shall be called, notice of such meeting shall be provided at least 24 hours prior to the time of the meeting pursuant to State law.
Ordinances may not be adopted at special meetings; only urgency ordinances may be adopted at such meetings. Items not listed on the agenda shall not be considered at the special meeting.
D. STUDY SESSIONS
The City Council may meet in a “study session” for the purpose of acquiring information on a particular subject(s) and collaborating with the public through individual public comment periods. These sessions are considered special meetings and shall be open to the public and comply with the Brown Act.
Additionally, as special meetings, Council may act upon an item contained in the
7 agenda and may provide formal direction to staff consistent with the agenda wording for each item.
E. CLOSED SESSIONS
Consistent with Government Code Section 54954.2 the Council may hold closed sessions during any regular or special meeting, or any time otherwise authorized by law to consider or hear any matter which is authorized by State law to be heard or considered in closed session.
The general subject matter for consideration shall be expressed in an open meeting before such session is held. After closed session the legislative body must reconvene to open session and may be required to disclose action taken, if any.
Closed sessions may be held to discuss certain matters specified by law, including:
• Personnel matters to consider the appointment, employment, performance, or dismissal of a public employee
• Matters of national and public safety
• Labor negotiations
• License applications by persons with criminal records • Real estate negotiations
• Anticipated litigation
The legislative body in a closed session can consider only matters covered in its agenda descriptions. City Council Members shall keep all written materials and verbal information provided to them in closed session in complete confidence in accordance with Government Code section 54963. No mention of information in these materials should be made to anyone unless allowed by this statute.
If the City Council in closed session has provided direction to city staff on proposed terms and conditions for any type of negotiations whether it be related to property acquisition or disposal, a proposed or pending claims or litigation, and/or employee negotiations, all contact with the other party should be by the designated representative handling the negotiations or litigation. A Council Member should not have any contact or discussions with the other party or its representative(s) involved concerning the negotiation during this time and not communicate any discussion conducted in closed sessions. All public statements, information, press releases, should be handled by the designated representative or spokesperson.
Government Code Section 54963 (a) – (f) outlines the injunctive relief and disciplinary actions that may be imposed on those who divulge confidential
8 closed session discussions, without first receiving authorization from the legislative body.
F. EMERGENCY MEETINGS
Emergency meetings may be called by the City Council with one-hour notice to its members and local news media. The City Council may not meet in closed session during an emergency meeting. Except for the 24-hour notice requirement, the special meeting requirements set forth above shall apply in emergency meetings.
G. AGENDA
In order to facilitate the orderly conduct of the business of the citizens of Hanford, the City Manager and City Clerk shall set the agenda, in addition to any direction by the City Council. The City Clerk shall arrange such matters as may have been timely provided, for inclusion in the agenda. Copies of the agenda are available at City Hall and at the council meeting, as well as posted on the city’s website.
H. CALL TO ORDER
The meetings of the City Council shall be called to order by the Mayor, or in the Mayor’s absence, by the Vice Mayor. In the absence of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the meeting shall be called to order by the most senior Council Member present. This person shall serve as the Council’s presiding officer until the arrival of the Mayor or Vice Mayor, or until adjournment of the meeting.
I. QUORUM
Three members of the City Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of a quorum shall be sufficient to pass any action taken by the City Council except on such matters, which, by law, require a greater majority. All ordinances require at least three affirmative votes. Approval of resolutions and all orders for the payment of money also require an affirmative vote by a majority of the entire Council.
J. LACK OF QUORUM
If a majority of the City Council are absent from any meeting, the remaining members of the City Council may declare the meeting adjourned or if no member of the City Council is present, the City Clerk may adjourn the meeting. If a meeting is adjourned for less than five calendar days, no new agenda need be posted so long as a new item of business is not introduced. A copy of the order of adjournment must be posted within 24 hours after the adjournment, at or near the door of the place where the meeting was held.
9 K. RULES OF DISCUSSION
1. Motions
Action items listed on the council agenda in accordance with applicable law or added as an action item on a council agenda, in accordance with applicable law, may be voted on by the council.
Following a presentation of the item by staff, the Mayor will open discussion to the City Council for questions and comments. When there appears to be no further discussion or all of the Council Members have had the opportunity to speak, the Mayor may call for a motion.
Motions may be made by any member of the council, including the presiding officer, providing that before a motion is offered by the presiding officer, the opportunity for making a motion should be offered to the other members of the council. Any member of the council, other than the person offering the motion, may second a motion. Following a motion and a second, and any further discussion, the Mayor shall call upon the City Clerk for the vote.
2. Voting
The City Council utilizes an electronic voting system. In the absence of an electronic voting system, the clerk shall ask for votes by “voice vote” on all matters before it, unless a roll call vote is required by law or is requested by the Mayor. Unless a Council Member states that he or she is not voting, silence shall be recorded as an affirmative vote. The Presiding Officer shall announce the results of the vote.
A majority, also known as a simple majority, is a subset of a group that is more than half of the members present.
A two-thirds majority means that two-thirds of the quorum must agree to the proposition. It is much stronger than a simple requirement. In the event of an absence the vote would have to be unanimous.
3. Abstention/Recuse: Conflict of Interest
Council Members shall disqualify themselves if they have a financial conflict of interest or any other disqualification prescribed by law in a matter before the City Council. In such event, they may not participate in the discussion or the vote. Council Members shall state the specific reason for such disqualification. The disqualified Council Member shall leave the Council dais and exit the Chambers to the West Wing room until
10 the conclusion of the agenda item unless applicable State law or regulations permit otherwise.
It should be noted, however, a Council Member may speak as a member of the public, on his/her own behalf – as opposed to on behalf of someone else – on a matter that directly affects his/her financial interest even when conflicted out. Thus, while a Council Member would have to disqualify him/herself on a matter affecting a piece of property in which the Council Member has a financial interest, he/she could address the Council, speaking to what the impact would be to his/her property.
In some instances, a Council Member may determine that it is appropriate to abstain from voting on a matter even though no financial conflict of interest exists. If a City Council member abstains from voting, their vote will count as a negative. A Council Member is counted as present for quorum purposes, but his/her abstention is effectively a negative vote.
For example, if a matter requires three affirmative votes for approval and one Council Member abstains, at least three other Council Members must cast affirmative votes for the matter to be approved.
4. Tie Votes
A tie vote results in a lost motion. In such an instance, any member of the Council may offer a motion for further action. If there is no action by an affirmative vote, the result is no action. If the matter involves an appeal, and affirmative vote does not occur, the result is that the decision appealed stands as decided by the decision-making person or body from which the appeal was taken.
L. RECOGNITION TO SPEAK, COUNCIL MEMBER
Every Council Member desiring to speak shall address the Mayor and, upon recognition by the Mayor, shall confine his or her remarks to the item coming before the City Council.
1. Interruptions:
A Council Member, once recognized, may voice concerns, comments or ask staff to provide explanation or clarification of the item before the City Council, without interruption, unless out of order with the rules and procedures established herein and/or the Mayor call the item to order.
2. Public Hearings:
Council Members should not speak to the merits of an issue, other than to ask questions, until the public comment has been closed.
11 N. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Regular meetings shall conclude no later than 9:00 p.m., unless the time is extended by a majority consensus of the Council.
The Mayor shall adjourn the meeting. In the instance of the lateness of the hour the Mayor may also adjourn the meeting to a date and time specific to continue discussions on either the remainder of the agenda or on a specific item for discussion.
O. RECESS
At any point during a meeting the Mayor may call for a brief recess.
P. AGENDA ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
The Mayor may, with the consent of the City Council, modify the order of the agenda at the meeting, if such modifications would promote fluidity in the process and discussions.
Q. AUDIO RECORDINGS
All regular meetings (except closed sessions) of the City Council are audio recorded, as well as special meetings. Workshops or meetings that require extensive interaction with the public, staff, and City Council may not be recorded if the length of the meeting is anticipated to be unusually long or if simultaneous discussions are expected to occur.
R. VIDEO RECORDINGS
All regular meetings (except closed sessions) of the City Council are video recorded, as well as any special meetings held in the Council Chambers. The City of Hanford allows the use of additional recordings as long as they are not being disruptive to the proceedings or to those in attendance. Any equipment being used should not block aisles, exits, or the view of others. If the use of equipment is determined to be disruptive by the legislative body, the use of said equipment may be banned. Council has identified an area against the East wall of the Chambers, just south of the Director’s box, where all video camera equipment should be setup for recording.
S. AGENDA FORMAT FOR MEETINGS
The agenda format for the Hanford City Council will be prepared to allow for an efficient method to conduct city business. The format and order of business will be established by the City Clerk, unless modifications are approved by the City Council.
12 T. COMPONENTS OF MEETING
The following sections of a regular meeting agenda shall set forth the guidelines of decorum for each respective section of the agenda.
1. Public Comments
For regular meetings, this is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters within the jurisdiction of the Hanford City Council, including matters listed on the meeting’s agenda and other matters not appearing on the agenda. For special meetings, citizen comments are, pursuant to the Brown Act (Government Code § 54950, et seq.) limited to matters on the agenda, and public comment will be accepted after each agenda item.
The Council cannot legally discuss or take official action on citizen requests that are introduced under this section.
This is also the time for citizens to comment on items listed under the Consent Calendar or General Business, or to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes. Comments related to Public Hearing items will be heard at the time the item is discussed.
Each speaker will be allowed three minutes. As a courtesy, but not required, the speaker should state his/her name and provide their city of residence.
Any documents submitted by a member of the public to the City Clerk for the purposes of handing out to the City Council will be distributed and made a part of the record. The City Clerk will not read the documents out loud, but note who the correspondence was from.
2. Consent Calendar
All 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, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
3. Public Hearings
A public hearing is only required where a specific law or ordinance applicable to the item expressly requires a hearing or a hearing is required for constitutional reasons (usually to ensure "due process"). Sometimes the decision is made to hold a public hearing even though one is not required by law. In this case, the agenda documents will state that the public hearing is optional. Staff will open the item by providing a report , then the Mayor will open the hearing to public comments. Public comments are subject to the rules and regulation of the Hanford Municipal
13 Code. After closing public comments, the Mayor will allow the Council to provide questions or comments to the staff prior to making a motion.
Once public comments are closed it is inappropriate for the public to speak except to answer an inquiry of a Council Member addressed through the Mayor. However, public comments may be re-opened by a majority approval by the Council to hear new information.
4. General Business
Any other remaining items requiring action may be placed in this section.
Items that do not need action, but are to provide informational or receive direction from the City Council may also be placed under General Business.
5. Council Reports/General Reports
Brief, information-only reports, from City Council and/or Staff may provide updates to the City Council on major events or projects that may be of public interest. This is also the time for Council members to provide committee reports and to report on any meetings attended at the City’s expense.
6. Items for Future Agendas
Any Council Member 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.
U. ORDINANCES
Ordinances are the laws of the municipality. City councils are given the power to pass ordinances by Government Code Section 37100 as long as those ordinances are not in conflict with the laws and Constitution of the State of California or the United States. Approval of an ordinance requires a first reading or introduction and a second reading and adoption, with at least five days between readings (except an urgency ordinance). The passage of an ordinance requires the affirmative votes of at least three (3) council members. The ordinance or a summary is then published in the local newspaper and becomes effective thirty (30) days later. The thirty (30) day time frame is known as a referendum period. A referendum period is required by state law and is a time frame in which any citizen can file a petition challenging the legality of a recently adopted ordinance. An ordinance is an action that can be repealed or amended only by a subsequent ordinance.
In matters deemed by the C ity Council to warrant immediate action to preserve peace, public safety or health, an urgency/ emergency ordinance may be passed immediately upon introduction at either a regular or special meeting, and can be effective immediately.
14 V. RESOLUTIONS
A resolution sets forth the action of the council on certain types of policy, procedural, or administrative matters. It requires only one reading and may be changed by subsequent resolution.
W. RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
The City Council may recognize individuals, organizations, or activities during the meetings. Other organizations may also present recognitions to the City.
X. MINUTES
The City Council utilizes summary minutes, which include the motions made, action taken, and a brief summary of council, staff and/or public comments. The audio recording may be used for reference, but it is not the official record of the meeting.
The City Clerk shall prepare the Minutes, and upon approval of the City Council, it shall become the official record.
Y. APPEALS
The filing of an appeal shall have the effect of staying the issuance of any permit or action until such time as the matter on appeal is resolved. If there are subsequent items to come before the Council that are subject to the outcome of the appeal, those items shall be listed following the item for appeal on the agenda, the decision of which shall be factored upon the Council’s decision on appeal.
15 CHAPTER 3
DECORUM
A. ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
The City Manager shall designate the Chief of Police, or his/her designated representative as a sergeant-at-arms when necessary to attend City Council meetings for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum in the City Council Chambers, lobby, or other designated meeting location. Upon instructions from the Mayor, the sergeant-at-arms shall eject any person from the City Council Chambers, in conformance with State law.
B. CONDUCT IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Council Chambers Defined
Council Chambers shall be, in addition to the usual and customary meeting location, any location or facility wherein a majority of the legislative body may meet for an open and public meeting as defined by the Brown Act, whether it be a regular meeting, special meeting, or emergency meeting.
2. Council Dais
The City Council seating area, most commonly referred to as the Council Dais is restricted to Council and city staff at all times. Loitering or the dissemination of materials are not permitted in the area directly in front of the City Council seating area, commonly referred to as the well, unless invited by a Council Member to step forward. Written or photographic materials are to be handed to the City Clerk for dissemination to the Council, and made part of the record.
3. Usage of Electronic Communication Devices at the Dais It shall be the policy of the City Council that City Council Members, and any other members of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees, shall not use electronic communications (i.e.text, emails) with anyone in the public, or between themselves, while at the dais and/or participating in a public meeting. Nothing in this policy shall preclude a Council Member from having their phone on the dais with them in the event of an emergency.
4. Rules of Decorum for the Public
Members of the audience shall not engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct, including the utterance of loud, threatening or abusive language, clapping, whistling, and stamping of feet or other acts which disturb, disrupt, impede or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the city meeting infeasible. A member of the audience engaging in any such conduct shall, at the discretion of the presiding officer or a majority of the City Council,
16 be subject to ejection from the meeting per Government Code Section 54954.3(c).
5. Rules of Conduct and Safety
When the City Council is in session, all persons present must preserve safety and order. Members of the public should sit in the seats provided, subject to ADA compliance, unless addressing the Council or entering or leaving the Council Chambers. Members of the public shall not block the aisles or exits in any manner. Members of the public should not bring audible equipment into the Council Chambers, including cellular phones or pagers, without first either turning said equipment off or to a silent mode.
6. Removal from the Council Chambers
Any person who commits the following acts in respect to a meeting of the City shall be removed from the Council Chambers per Government Code Section 54957.9.
(a) Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior toward the City or any member thereof, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting; and,
(b) A breach of the peace, boisterous conduct or violent disturbance, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting; and,
(c) Disobedience of any lawful order of the Mayor, which shall include an order to be seated or to refrain from addressing the City Council; and,
(d) Any other unlawful interference with the due and orderly course of said meeting.
C. COURTESY
1. Council Members
Council Members shall accord the utmost courtesy to each other, city employees and the public appearing before the City Council, and shall refrain at all times from rude and derogatory remarks, public criticism of staff, remarks as to integrity, abusive comments and statement as to motives and personalities.
2. Public Speakers
Members of the public have the right to attend City Council meetings and to address the City Council on specific agenda items and under the Public Comments section of the agenda. The right of the public to address the City Council includes their right to criticize the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the City, and the acts or omissions of the City Council members. Criticisms that do not relate to city business will not be tolerated.
17 While the City Council meeting is in session, all persons must preserve order and decorum. A person who addresses the City Council under a specific agenda item or under Public Comments may not engage in speech or conduct which is likely to provoke others to violent or riotous behavior, which disturbs the peace of the meeting by loud and unreasonable noise, which is outside of the Council’s jurisdiction, repetitive, or which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of any City Council meeting.
The Mayor or other presiding officer shall request that a person who is breaching the rules of decorum cease such conduct. If, after receiving such a warning, the person persists in breaching the rules of decorum, the Mayor or other presiding officer may order the person to leave the City Council meeting. If such person does not leave, the Mayor or presiding officer may request any law enforcement officer who is on duty at the meeting as sergeant-at-arms to remove the person from the Council Chambers. In the event there is no one from law enforcement present, the Mayor or presiding officer may direct the City Manager to contact law enforcement.
D. DISCIPLINING A DISRUPTIVE MEMBER
If one member engages in disruptive behavior, it is the responsibility of the City Council to remind the disruptive member about their duties. The failure of the governing body to deal with a misbehaving member or commissioner can also have legal consequences for the locality. For example:
1. A City Council member or Commissioner that mistreats staff members by using inappropriate language, asking the staff member to perform personal tasks, hugging or touching staff in an inappropriate manner, etc. may be putting the locality at risk for a lawsuit alleging harassment or a hostile work environment. If the governing body does not take appropriate steps to avoid the appearance of agreement with the objectionable behavior of a fellow member or commissioner, the inappropriate behavior may be considered to have been sanctioned by the governing body.
2. A member that leaks a confidential legal opinion of the local government attorney can result in the loss of the attorney client privilege and with the loss of the attorney client privilege it is possible the opinion can be used in court against the locality. In order to protect the attorney client privilege the other members of the governing body need to take affirmative action against the member that leaked the opinion.
In some instances meeting one-on-one outside of a public meeting can rectify a misunderstanding or correct inappropriate behavior. The manner in which a situation is addressed may be on a case by case basis. If the behavior continues
18 or if the actions are more severe, the City Council may determine other methods of discipline.
The Mayor, with the approval by a majority of the Council, may remove a Commissioner from their seat. Similarly, a Council Member may be removed from his or her standing committee assignments as well as assignments to outside committees.
One of the most common forms of discipline is for the governing body to “censure” a fellow council member. A censure is a public statement condemning the member’s inappropriate behavior with the hopes of reforming him or her so that he or she will not behave in the same way again. Members can be censured for misconduct at meetings, failing to follow proper procedures, violating confidentiality, illegal or immoral conduct, absenteeism, lying, disloyalty, working against the organization, conspiracy, and violating other values that the Hanford City Council holds dear. With a consensus of the Council, a censure may be placed on a future agenda. Censures are then approved by a resolution.
E. NOISE IN THE LOBBY
Noise emanating from the lobby outside the City Council Chambers which disrupts City Council meetings shall not be permitted.
F. DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE AND OTHER MATERIALS IN CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
No person, other than city staff, shall distribute flyers, leaflets, placards or other literature or circulate any petition within the City Council Chambers.
Flyers, leaflets, placards or literature may only be distributed to the Council by a member of the public under Public Comments, or by a project applicant/appellant pertaining to city business as may be referenced on the agenda, by approaching the City Clerk and requesting such material be distributed on their behalf.
Hand-held signs are permitted in the Council Chambers, but they cannot block the view of others in the audience or prevent the public from freely entering or exiting the room.
19 CHAPTER 4
PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER ACCOLADES
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform procedures, criteria, and identify authority.
B. GUIDELINES
The following are basic guidelines for recognition.
Proclamations – Generally proclaims certain periods of time (days, weeks, or months) in honor of an event or activity. Proclamations also may recognize individuals for extraordinary contributions they have made to the community.
They contain several biographical or informational paragraphs. Examples include Fire Prevention Week, Arbor Day, and American Red Cross Month.
Certificates – Certificates are prepared in response to the type of recognition desired and are to express appreciation for exemplary service or performance to individuals, teams, or organizations.
Other Tokens of Appreciation – These items include various forms of Hanford memorabilia and are distributed at the discretion of individual City Council Members, City Clerk or City Manager. For example, the City Clerk is often contacted for lapel pins and forwards them to the requesting parties.
C. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of Hanford to recognize individuals and/or organizations for their
outstanding performance, or honor special events and
dates with proclamations, certificates, plaques, or other tokens of appreciation in accordance with the criteria set forth below.
1. Request for proclamations, certificates or plaques from City Council Members, city
departments, residents, and local organizations must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office, in writing, at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
2. Requests should specify:
(a) Reason why recognition should be granted; and
(b) Information that will assist the Mayor, City Council, or City Manager in arriving at a decision.
3. Requests by individuals or organizations for proclamations or certificates of
recognition/appreciation are subject to approval by the
20 Mayor and City Manager. The Mayor and City Manager will determine if it will be presented at a City Council meeting or will direct the City Clerk to forward the accolade to the recipient.
4. All requests for plaques, framed certificates, or custom gifts to visiting officials/dignitaries, elected officials, individuals or organizations shall be approved by the Mayor and City Manager.
5. Individual Council Members shall have the discretion to direct the City Clerk to prepare certificates (not framed) or another token of appreciation that he or she will personally present.
6. Requests for plaques, gifts or awards to city employees for dedicated service to the city
shall be approved by the City Manager.
7. The Mayor and City Manager shall have the discretion to determine the appropriate type of honor for special or unusual circumstances that may arise and may warrant deviation from this policy.
21 CHAPTER 5 6
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
A. RULES AND PROCEDURES ADMINISTRATION
1. Review of City Council Rules and Procedures – The Council will review and revise the Handbook of Rules and Procedures as needed.
2. Adherence to Rules and Procedures – During City Council discussions, deliberations and proceedings, the Mayor bears the primary responsibility to ensure that the City Council, staff and members of the public adhere to the Council’s adopted protocol.
3. City Attorney as Rules and Procedures Advisor – With the consensus of a majority of the Council, the City Attorney may be directed to interpret the City Council’s adopted Rules and Procedures and proposed changes.
B. CONFLICT WITH CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, ADMINISTRATION
POLICIES, STATE OR FEDERAL LAW
If there is any conflict contained hereinabove with the City Municipal Code, Administration Policies, State or Federal Law, such laws shall prevail.
C. PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE
City elected and appointed officials are not prohibited from using social media platforms to express their opinions and views. However, postings and user profiles on an official’s personal social media accounts must not state or imply that the views, concl usions, statements, or other content contained therein are official statements, positions, or communications of the City, or that they represent the views of the City. If it can reasonably interpreted that the official is speaking on behalf of the City, the official shall provide a disclaimer on the account stating that their opinions and views do not reflect the opinions and views of the City (e.g., “The postings on this page are my own and do not represent the City of Hanford’s positions, strategies, or opinions.”). This disclaimer aids in protecting a City official’s lawful rights, but the use of a disclaimer does not shield against discipline for violations of this policy.
If a City official’s conduct on a social media platform adversely affects their performance or the performance of their fellow officials or is detrimental to the mission and function of the City, or otherwise adversely affects members of the public served by the City, City employees, or the City’s interests, the City Council may take disciplinary action against the official. Disciplinary action against an official appointed by the Council may include removal from the body to which the official is appointed, and discipline of an elected official may include censure, as defined in this Handbook.
22 Officials will not display the City of Hanford seal or other official City logos, emblems, or patches on their personal social media accounts.
City officials shall utilize non -work email addresses and phone numbers when establishing personal social media accounts.
The provisions of this section apply to all social media accounts utilized by City officials, including accounts that an official maintains for personal, non- City use and to accounts that an official utilizes to communicate with the public in his or her capacity as a City official.
CITY OF HANFORD
LIMITED PUBLIC FORUM
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
1 I. PURPOSE AND APPLICATION
Social media is an increasingly important form of communication, information sharing, and community engagement for the City of Hanford. It should be approached and utilized in combination with other communication channels, both digital and non-digital, and in keeping with the City’s branding and professional standards.
The purpose of this policy is to establish and maintain general standards and responsibilities for the acceptance and effective use of the City’s social media platforms.
This policy applies to members of the public who comment or otherwise interact with the City through its social media channels.
A. Terms & Definitions
“Administrator” means the Cit y Manager or the City Manager’s designee , who is responsible for the City’s social media use, management, oversight, and compliance.
“Social media” means Internet -based resources that integrate user -generated content and user participation, and allow for content publication, social interaction, and online community development across a large platform. These include but are not limited to social networking sites, mobile apps, microblogging sites, photo- based and video -sharing sites, wikis, blogs, news sites , and Internet -based messaging sites. For the purposes of this policy, the terms “social media account,” “social media channel” and “social media site” are used interchangeably.
“Visitor” or “public user” means members of the public who read and otherwise use City social media accounts and channels.
II. SOCIAL MEDIA STANDARDS
A. General
1. The City’s official website (https://www.hanfordca.gov) is and will remain the primary online source for all City information. Social media platforms shall be used in conjunction with the City’s website whenever appropriate and generally shall be used to complement and extend the distribution of public information rather than serve as the primary source.
2 2. Social media is not acceptable as a primary method of information dissemination during an emergency. In matters of emergency, social media may be used to complement and extend the broadcast of information but only after adherence to standard emergency public information protocols.
3. No City department or City agency may establish or terminate a City social media identity, account, profile, page, or site without approval of the Administrator. All new social media tools proposed for City use shall require the same approval.
4. All official City social media profiles must clearly identify the pages as created and managed by the City and, if applicable, the individual department, agency, or division of the City.
5. When possible, posts to City social media accounts should include links directing users back to the City’s official website for further information, online services, or official statements from the City (e.g., news releases, newsletters, and project and pr ogram webpages).
6. Only authorized users identified by the Administrator shall have permission to create, publish, post on, or remove a public post or comment from any official City social media channel. The Administrator will maintain a roster of approved users and shall have the authority to remove a user from said roster.
7. Public users of City social media channels should immediately encounter links to the City’s official website and, when appropriate, links to the City webpage(s) of the specific agency or department related to the social media channel.
B. Mandatory Notices
The following disclaimer or a link to this policy shall appear on every social media official City account.
This account is intended to be a limited forum for communication and discussion between the City of Hanford and members of the public about specific topics. The City of Hanford reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments , including, without limitation, those comments that are not topically related, comments that are not protected speech under federal or state law, including, without limitation, profane or obscene language, sexual content, threats, defamatory statements, the encouragement of illegal activity, violations of the legal ownership interests of another party, solicitations of commerce, statements in support or opposition to political candidates or ballot propositions, content that promotes,
3 fosters, or perpetuates discrimination, information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems, or other statements violating the City of Hanford Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy.
Any content posted may be subject to public disclosure upon request.
Activity on this account is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws regulations and policies.
The City disclaims any and all responsibility and liability for any statements posted by a public user to any City social media account.
The public is advised that: (i) comments posted by a member of the public are the opinion of t he commentator or poster only, and the posting of comments does not imply the City’s endorsement or agreement, nor do public comments necessarily reflect the opinions or polices of the City; and (ii) the posts of public users that contain defamatory statements may result in injury to others, which may result in personal liability to the party posting a defamatory statement.
The City neither guarantees the authenticity, accuracy, appropriateness nor security of external links, websites, or content linked thereto.
All use of and comments on City social media sites by members of the public are governed by the City of Hanford Limited Public Forum Social Medi a Policy and may be hidden or removed if determined to be in violation of the Policy or otherwise warranted.
Statements posted by members of the public to the City’s social media sites in no way constitute a form of statutory notice to the City. All statutory notices to the City must be provided and delivered to the City in the manner described by applicable law.
III. ADMINISTRATION
A full inventory of the City’s official social media accounts shall be maintained by the Administrator.
The Administrator shall also maintain an up-to-date list of login and password information for all official City social media accounts and provide a copy of the same to the City’s IT Division.
4 The Administrator may establish guidelines for password security for all social media accounts in addition and consistent with platform -specific password guidelines. All City accounts not in compliance with such password guidelines shall develop new, compliant passwords.
The Administrator may immediately edit or remove content from any of the City’s social media accounts if it is determined by them that the content violates the policies in this document or represents a security risk (e.g., malware).
A. Editing and Removing City-Generated Posts from City Pages.
It is never the City’s preference to remove City-generated content from its social media pages. In certain circumstances, however, it may be necessary to remove posts to ensure the provision of up-to-date and accurate information and compliance with this Policy. Whenever possible, City - generated posts should be edited rather than deleted. Any questions should be directed to the Administrator.
When it is not possible for a post to be edited or updated, City -generated social media posts may be removed from City pages under the following circumstances:
1. Information in the post is incorrect, contains spelling or grammatical errors, or is misleading.
2. The act of posting a separate retraction or update would not be a sufficient solution.
3. The post does not meet the requirements of this Policy.
Archiving shall occur before a comment is hidden or deleted.
When removing a post is warranted, a corrected version should be posted as soon as possible after deleting the original content.
B. Monitoring Public Comments.
Social media accounts encourage the exchange of information and ideas, allowing public users of City social media accounts to ask questions and voice their opinions. Some of these comments may be inappropriate and violate the terms of this Policy. The Administrator has the authority and ability to hide or remove a comment, post, photo, etc. and/or block visitors or public users, though this is not the City’s preference and should only be done in a manner consistent with this Policy.
In cases where comments are hidden or removed, the individual commentator will receive a direct message explaining the relevant terms of this Policy and the reasons behind the removal. In such circumstances, public users should be invited to repost their comment in accordance with the City’s policies.
5 The City will attempt to monitor comments on social media channels during work hours as time permits. Comments may only be hidden or removed if they violate this Policy. Before hiding or deleting a comment, the Administrator should verify the violation. If necessary, the y will confer with the City Attorney. Once a violation is confirmed, the comment can be hidden/deleted, and the public user can be contacted.
Comments in violation of the City’s policy should be hidden from the page to the extent feasible.
If a social media platform does not offer a “hide” option, comments in violation of this Policy will be deleted. Archiving shall occur before a comment is hidden or deleted.
A public user may be blocked from the City’s social media account s for a period of thirty (30) calendar days if the user violates this Policy on three (3) separate occasions during a ninety (90) calendar day period. For purposes of counting violations, the Administrator will notify the user of a violation of this Policy. If a public user is blocked and is subsequently reinstated, the public user may be blocked for a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days if the public user violates this Policy o n three (3) separate occasions within one (1) year of the user’s reinstatement. If a public user is blocked twice and is subsequently reinstated, the public user may be blocked for a period of one (1) year after the user’s second reinstatement if the user violates the Policy on three (3) separate occasions within one (1) year of the user’s second reinstatement. A public user may be blocked for successive one (1) year periods if the user violates this Policy on three (3) separate occasions within one (1) year of a user’s reinstatement.
Public users shall not be blocked and content on the City’s social media accounts shall not be deleted simply because they are critical of the City or its officials or employees, or because the City or an authorized user dislikes what the content says or r epresents. Content may be deleted only when it violates this Policy.
C. Documentation.
The Administrator will have the authority to create the following , which are consistent with and complement this Policy, for each authorized social media channel to ensure threshold levels of activity, content quality, message uniformity, and brand integrity:
1. Channel-specific standard operating procedures.
2. City and departmental branding standards.
3. Overarching design standards.
4. Outline of intended purpose and use for each channel.
D. Approved Social Media Platforms.
6 X (formerly Twitter)
YouTube
Nextdoor
TikTok
E. New Accounts Proposals.
Requests to develop new social media accounts, pages, or profiles or to employ a new social media platform that has not yet been approved should be made in writing to the Administrator. Proposals should outline the following information clearly and succinctly:
1. Name of channel and/or platform.
2. Rationale for development.
3. Proposed departmental manager for the channel.
4. Summary of the intended use, including types of content to be disseminated, proposed account name or handle, tentative posting schedule, standards for monitoring of comments, etc.
IV. SOCIAL MEDIA POSTING AND COMMENTING POLICY
The following governs all posts and comments on City social media sites.
A. Generally
Any individual accessing, browsing, and using a City social media site, whether as a visitor or an administrator, unequivocally accepts the policies (“Policies”) set forth in this document.
The City maintains the right to modify these Policies in any way without notice. Modification may include, without limitation, elimination of the public comment function from the City’s social media accounts. Any modification is effective immediately upon posting the modification on the City’s Social Media Policy webpage unless otherwise stated. Continued use of a City social media site following the posting of any modification signifies acceptance of such modification.
The City operates and maintains its social media sites as a public service to provide information about City programs, services, projects, policies, issues, events , and activities. The City assumes
7 no liability for any inaccuracies that associated social media platforms may contain and does not guarantee that City social media sites will be uninterrupted, permanent, or error-free.
A. Posting and Commenting
Although posts and comments are encouraged on City social media sites that allow posts and comments, these sites are limited public forums and a re moderated by the Administrator. All posted content (e.g., comments, photos, links, etc.) must be related to the subject of the original post being commented upon.
The following limitations and restrictions apply to both the administration of City social media accounts and public user content (e.g., posts to pages, comments, etc.). The following activities are unacceptable and are prohibited on all of the City’s social media accounts and shall be promptly hidden or removed:
1. Any use of social media that does not comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, or with the Policies set forth herein or elsewhere.
2. Profane, obscene, violent, or pornographic content or language, including, without limitation, sexually explicit images, cartoons, and jokes , that are not protected speech under federal or state law.
3. Any content that is fraudulent.
4. Content that is discriminatory on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or me ntal health disability, sexual orientation, or any other classification protected under state or federal law.
5. Political statements, messages, symbols, or other images, including, without limitation, content in support or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures, except when sharing or otherwise communicating a formal action, endorsement, or policy position of the Hanford City Council.
6. Religious statements, including, without limitation, comments that endorse or oppose any type of religious opinions or activities.
7. Defamatory or personal attacks that are not protected speech under federal or state law.
8. Threats to any person or organization.
9. Encouragement of violence.
8 10. Solicitations of commerce, including, but not limited to, advertising of any business or product for sale except as allowed in City marketing plans or determined by the City to be essential to economic development.
11. Encouragement of illegal conduct.
12. Harassment or content that constitutes and/or facilitates stalking.
13. Conduct in violation of any federal, state, or local law.
14. Posts and comments not related to the original posted topic, including, without limitation, random or unintelligible comments.
15. Repetitive content.
16. Anything that contains confidential information or information that compromises the security of City networks or information systems.
17. Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of City employees or facilities or the public.
18. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of another party, including, without limitation, intellectual property rights.
19. Content that violates the right to privacy.
20. Comments which may reasonably interfere with, inhibit, or compromise law enforcement investigations, police tactics, police responses to incidents, and/or the safety of police staff and officers.
21. Content that violates the terms of use governing the social media platform.
22. Hyperlinks to content prohibited under this Policy.
Additionally, the City is prohibited from doing any of the following:
1. Posting content that could reasonably be foreseen as creating a negative impact on the credibility of the City or its employees or which inhibits the City in carrying out its purpose or attaining its objectives.
2. Posting any personal grievance about the internal operations of the City or the specific conduct of supervisors or peers that may disrupt the workforce or interfere with the working relationships or efficient workflow.
Comments posted by public users are the opinion of the commentator or poster only, and the posting of comments does not imply the City’s endorsement or agreement, nor do public comments
9 necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the City. The City is not responsible or liable for any statements or content posted to a City social media account by a public user. Each public user shall be solely liable for the content that they post to the City’s social media accounts.
The City does not claim or assert any ownership interest in any of the material posted by a public user, but, by posting or submission of any materials to a social media page of the City, a public user is granting the City a royalty- free, non-exclusive, and perpetual license to display it on the City’s social media page in the City’s sole discretion.
Public user communications made through City social media sites in no way constitute a form of legal or official notice or comment to the City. All statutory notices to the City must be provided and delivered to the City in the manner described by applicable law.
All content posted to the City’s social media pages are bound by the Terms of Service of the corresponding service provider, and the City reserves the right to report any violation of such Terms of Service to the service provider for purposes responsive action.
B. Interacting with Other Social Media Accounts
Interacting with other social media accounts can be a useful tool in informing residents about City activities, policies, and issues. However, the Administrator should utilize sound judgment when interacting with non-City social media accounts because those interactions may be misinterpreted. “Interacting,” as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, “like(s),” “post(s),” “comment(s),” “tweet(s),” or “following” on social media platforms. For example, “liking” or “re -posting” on Facebook and “following” or “re-tweeting” on X (formerly known as Twitter) can be perceived as an endorsement of that person, account, message, or thing. Simil arly, “un- liking” or “un- following” can be perceived as a rejection of that person or thing. “Liking,” or other connections between the City and another person or organization does not imply endorsement of that person or organization or that person’s or organization’s actions or comments
The City must do the following when interacting with non-City social media accounts:
1. Read all information in the original post and any other relevant post thoroughly before interacting with it to ensure that it enhances community knowledge about City activities, issues, policies, and priorities.
2. Interact with information that is consistent with the City’s goals.
3. Clearly identify the external source of the information (e.g., post, tweet, link, etc.).
10 C. Links and Embedded Content
Links to other sites from City social media sites : The City may provide links to other websites or social media profiles as a resource to public users. However, once public users click on such links and leave the City’s site, the P olicies in this document no longer apply, and the City is not responsible for the content that appears on such pages.
Links by other entities to City social media sites: Advanced permission to link to City social media sites is unnecessary. However, entities or individuals linking to official City social media sites may not, in any way without advanced approval, suggest a relationship or affiliation with the City or that the City endorses, sponsors , supports, or recommends their organization, opinions, causes, events, products, services, or site content.
Embedded content from City social media sites on other sites: Use of material and information from the City’s social media sites is subject to the intellectual property provisions below. Content embedded from any City social media site shall not be misrepresented in any way. The use of content embedded from City social media sites on third-party sites will not, in any way, imply the City’s endorsement, support, sponsorship, or approval of the site without explicit City approval.
D. Intellectual Property Policy
Materials made available via City social media sites , including, without limitation, City seals, emblems, and logos, are the property of the City and are intended for informational purposes only.
Any re-use, transmission, duplication, or distribution of any material found on an official City social media site may occur only with the City’s written consent . Commercial use of material found on City social media sites is prohibited without the express written consent of the City.
Material available on City social media sites may not be used for any non-governmental purpose.
14.B.
AGENDA
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: 11/4/2025 AGENDA SECTION: GENERAL BUSINESS
SUBJECT:
Consider approval of an updated City Attorney Legal Services Contract with Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin, L.L.P. and the City of Hanford and authorize the Mayor to execute an updated agreement for a flat monthly fee of $52,000 or consider alternatives, including issuance of a Request for Proposals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation:Consider approval of an updated City Attorney Legal Services Agreement with Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin, L.L.P. and the City of Hanford and authorize the Mayor to execute an updated agreement for a monthly flat fee of $52,000 for "City Attorney Basic Services." OR
Alternative Recommendation: Consider issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for City Attorney Legal Services for city attorney basic services and/or litigation services.
Recommended Motion: I move to approve the updated City Attorney Legal Services Agreement with Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin, L.L.P. and the City of Hanford, which is attached to the staff report, and authorize the Mayor to execute the updated agreement for a monthly flat fee of $52,000 for "City Attorney Basic Services."
OR
Alternative Motion: I move to direct staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for City Attorney Legal Services for city attorney basic services and/or litigation services.
BACKGROUND:
This item is continued from the October 21, 2025 meeting. After discussion by City Council, the draft agreement is amended to include termination of the agreement at any time (30 day notice) with a simple majority action by City Council. In addition, based on discussion by City Council, an alternative motion is presented for City Council to consider the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for city attorney basic services as specified in the draft agreement and/or litigation-related services.
The firm Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP (Griswold LaSalle) has provided legal services as City Attorney under contract with the City of Hanford since 2007 (starting as special counsel in 2006).
The current agreement was last updated in 2011. In early 2022, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP). In May 2022, the City Council received eight proposals, but the Council elected to forego interviews and to continue under Griswold LaSalle's existing contract. In March 2025, City Council requested an item for discussion of Griswold LaSalle's services and on June 17, 2025, after
a presentation in open session, the City Council by consensus directed that staff negotiate an updated agreement with Griswold LaSalle. This item is now being brought back to City Council based on that direction.
Based on the direction of City Council at the June 17, 2025 meeting, Staff is recommending approval of this updated agreement for a variety of reasons, including the following:
1) The institutional knowledge of City operations and history Griswold, LaSalle brings to the table.
With over 18 years of experience with the City of Hanford and based in Hanford, their local presence and city knowledge brings value.
2) Griswold LaSalle has vast knowledge of public agency law as it represents nine Valley cities and many other local agencies.
3) Recurring training the firm provides including ethical training, management training, and training on new laws as they become effective, etc.
4) $52,000 monthly flat fee is $624,000 annually, which is within the current established budget for legal services within the proposed "City Attorney Basic Services", this offers a predictable budgetary figure for the City.
5) Proposed flat fee for "City Attorney Basic Services" and the hourly rates for "City Attorney Special Services" are agreed to until June 30, 2027, which shows commitment to stable rates. 6) Griswold LaSalle is a full-service firm able to handle the City's legal service needs, including litigation and personnel if needed.
The updated agreement includes:
A. City Attorney Basic Services: Includes general services in section 2A of the proposed agreement B. City Attorney Special Services: May include services in section 2B of the proposed agreement, including but not limited to Right of Way Agent services, Pre-Litigation/Litigation services, and personnel matter services.
C. No termination date, but may terminate with 30 days notice and a 3/5th (simple majority) vote of City Council
Currently, the City contracts with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW) for personnel matter services, including labor negotiations. The City may contract with other firms for services in 2B, on a project- by-project basis or issue a Request for Proposals for more specialized services such as litigation work. The alternative motion presented to City Council is in response to City Council's discussion on October 21, 2025 to consider issuance of an RFP for services currently provided by Griswold, LaSalle. Issuance of an RFP would provide the City with an updated listing of interested and potentially qualified firms to provide services to the City and in line with the updated scope of services presented at this meeting in the draft agreement. Proposals are intended to seek out the most qualified and best fit firm for the City. Costs may be considered as part of the evaluation process.
If an updated agreement is approved, staff will proceed with execution and filing of the Agreement.
The City Manager will provide administration and performance review of the City Attorney services and any other action as directed by the City Council.
If the alternative motion is approved, staff will proceed with issuance of an RFP to allow interested firms propose to provide the City of Hanford basic city attorney services and/or litigation services as outlined in the draft agreement being discussed at this meeting.
City Council may consider other alternative motions as desired.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Based on the existing budget for City Attorney services, a monthly flat fee of $52,000 will be paid through the period of June 30, 2027. Thereafter, the monthly flat fee will be based on the budget as approved by City Council. Services provided outside the general scope of services (included in the flat fee) will be billed to the City at rates as established in the agreement and as updated beginning July 1, 2027.
Alternatively, if an RFP is issued, interested firms will be advised of the existing budget the City has for city attorney services and presented with a potential framework of hours to assume for annual services for a flat fee proposal and hourly rates for any special legal services provided (such as litigation).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025.10.28 Griswold Version City Atty Contract (redline-clean)
CITY ATTORNEY LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This City Attorney Legal Services Agreem ent (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin LLP (“Firm”) and the City of Hanford (“City”).
RECITALS
A. The City desires to retain Firm as the City Attorney; and B. Firm has the legal competence, experi ence, and qualifications to provide professional legal services required by City; now therefore:
AGREEMENT
1. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by this reference.
2. Scope of Services. Firm agrees to perform basi c legal services for City and to do so in a timely, efficient, competent, and effective manner. Firm shall provide advice, consultation, and representation in all matters of municipal affairs listed in this scope of services. It shall be the duty, obligation, and responsibility of Firm, in a skilled and professional manner, to perform legal services as requested by City. Firm shall provide all legal services in a competent manner as required by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California.
(a) City Attorney Basic Services Defined. City hires Firm to provide "City Attorney Basic Services" as defined herein below to the City. Firm shall be the exclusive provider of the City Attorney Basic Services as desc ribed herein. The serv ices provided shall include:
(i) Attend all regular meetings, and special meetings as needed, of the City Council and the City Planning Commission. The attorney's duties in this connection shall be to render advice and opinions with respect to all legal matters which arise during any such meeting.
(ii) Consult with and provide legal advi ce, written updates, including written opinions where appropriate, to Council members and designated City staff on all matters, as needed, including but not limited to: review and interpretation of City Municipal Code, state General Law or federal laws or regulations as they relate to City activities; response and recommendations related to public records act requests; the processing of public work s contract bids and related matters; and assistance with environmental revi ew activities of the City, including application and interpretation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to City projects and, when requested, private development projects. (iii) Attend meetings of other boards, commissions, committees, and staff of the City, when requested to do so by the City Council or the City Manager.
(iv) Review and/or prepare ordi nances, resolutions, orders , contracts, agreements, forms, notices, declarati ons, certificates, deeds, leases, and other legal documents required by the City.
(v) Conduct legal work pertaining to proper ty acquisition, property disposal, public improvements, public rights of way and easements, and matters relating to public utilities; activities related to the negotiati ons for the acquisition or disposition of real property shall not be included within this scope of work. (vi) General City Property: Serving as the City’s Right of Way Agent for non- Capital Improvement Project matters, including, but not limited to, negotiations for the acquisition or disposition of Real Estate or Right of Way interests. (vii) Sustainable Groundwater Ma nagement Act (SGMA)/Water Rights/Groundwater Fees.
(b) City Attorney Special Services. The followi ng activities shall not be considered City Attorney Basic Services. The Firm shall perform “City Attorney Special Services” at the request of the City or, alternatively, shall receive written approval from the City Manager prior to the commencement of City Attorney Special Services.
(i) Capital Improvement Projects: Serving as the City’s Right of Way Agent, including, but not limited t o, negotiations for the acqui sition or disposition of Real Estate or Right of Way interests.
(ii) Pre-litigation work involving the anticipated prosecution or defense of civil or administrative actions. Such work includes, without limitation, assessment and formulation of defense regarding claims filed against City pursuant to the California Government Claims Act, work performed in anticipation of civil or administrative actions pursued on the C ity’s behalf, and work performed in preparation for quasi-judicial administrative proceedings (e.g., appeal hearings occurring under the City Municipal Code ). Any new claims against the City received by City Attorney shall be forwarded directly to the City Manager and Risk Personnel for review and assignment if applicable; no work or research shall be conducted until assigned.
(iii) Litigation, which is defined as: any matter involving actions filed on behalf of or against the City in the state or federal court system, and any matter involving a quasi-judicial administrative proceed ing. Such work includes, without limitation, pursuit of Code Enforcement abatement warrants, pursuit or defense of restraining orders, and representation of the City at administrative appeal hearings occurring under the City Municipal Code.
(iii) Manage and coordi nate the work of all litigation counsel as directed by the City Council and City Manager or required by Excess General Liability Pool, including review, updates, budget estimates and tracking of litigation counsel billing statements before presentment to the City for payment. (iv) Consultation with the City Manage r or the City Human Resource Manager regarding personnel matters.
3. Compensation.
(a) City agrees to pay Firm FIFT Y-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($52,000.00) per month for the provision for City Attorney Basic Services, for the period beginning October 26, 2025 through June 30, 2027. For the period after June 30, 2027, the compensation payable for City Attorney Basic Services will be established by the Hanford City Council when the Council adopts or amends the City’s budget.
(b) City agrees to pay Firm per hour of attorney time and per hour for non-attorney time as stated in Exhibit “A” for City Attorney Special Services. For the period after June 30, 2027, the billing rates for attorney and non-a ttorney time for City Attorney Special Services shall be established through schedules approved by the City Manager.
(c) All general office overhead, including c opying, facsimile, postage, local courier, telephone charges, library, software services (excluding online database fees incurred by the Firm for legal research performed for the City), insurance and administrative costs, and local mileage charges, but excluding travel more than 25 miles fr om Hanford, shall be included at no cost within the City Attorney Basic Services. Firm will charge out-of-pocket expenses associated with City Attorney Special Services (e.g., filing, expert witnesses and consultants, court reporters, se rvice of process, and copying of documents), and travel expenses related to out-of-town City-related business.
(d) Firm will bill the City on a monthly basi s with itemization and detail sufficient to meet City's accounting needs. Firm and City will specify detail necessary for accounting purposes prior to the commencement of legal services pursuant to this agreement. Firm will provide one set of bills for payment per month but may request payment of such bills through up to two separate payments. Billing shall be accounted for in one-tenth hour increments.
(e) City will pay all bills as required by th is Agreement within THIRTY (30) days of receipt. If the City does not comply with th ese requirements, Firm may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the City.
4. Assignment of Personnel. General Counsel under this Agreement shall be Ty N. Mizote.
(a) City, by and through its City Council, doe s hereby appoint Ty N. Mizote as City Attorney. The Firm and Mr. Mizote shall serve solely at the pleasure of the City Council.
The appointment of Mr. Mizote as City Attorney shall remain in effect during the term of this Agreement. As may be required, Mario Zamora shall serve as the City’s Assistant City Attorney in the even t of Mr. Mizote’s absence. Th e City Council may terminate the appointment, with or without cause.
(b) It is understood that othe r attorneys employed by Firm will be utilized regularly, and from time to time, to satisfy the Firm’s obligations hereunder. The City Attorney shall not miss two or more consecutive meetings of the City Counc il without prior approval of the City Manager.
5. Term and Termination.
5.1. This Agreement shall be effective October 26, 2025, subject to approval by the City Council at a duly scheduled meeting thereafter and shall continue in full force and effect unless otherwise terminated earlier by one of the parties. Firm may be contacted following termination of the Agreement for clarification and consultation on matters covered during performance of the scope of services. Any additional legal services rendered as a result of such contact will be billed in accordance this Agreement.
5.2. City reserves the right to discharge Fi rm and terminate this Agreement at any time. Termination of this agreement requires a super simple majority (34/5 th) vote by City
Council. In the event of such discharge or termination, the City shall compensate Firm for services rendered and expenses incurred up to and including the date of termination. City shall terminate services and/or the Agreement by delivering to Firm a written notice specifying the extent to which services and/or the Agreement are terminated and the effective date of the termina tion. Notice of termination sha ll be mailed or emailed as follows:
Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin LLP
Attn: Mario U. Zamora
[email protected]
111 E. 7th St.
Hanford, CA 93230
5.3. Firm may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving C ity not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice. If Firm elects to terminate this Agreement, Firm shall take reasonable steps to avoid reasonably foreseeable prejudice to City’s rights which may arise from Firm’s services hereunder, as required by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California. Notice of Termination shall be mailed or emailed as follows:
City of Hanford
Attn: City Manager
319 N. Douty
Hanford, CA 93230
Upon receipt of a te rmination notice, Firm shall (1) promptly discontinue all services affected (unless the notice directs otherwise) and (2) deliver to the City all records, reports, and files of the City in accordance wi th the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California.
6. Performance Review
(a) Annual Performance Review. On or about April 1st each year during the term of this Agreement, the City Council shall audit and review the performance and legal fees of Firm and its members or associates in furnishing the services provided hereunder, and the compensation provisions hereof. The parties may agree to changes or amendments heret o, including, but not necessarily limited to, changes in compensation provisions, which changes or amendments shall be
evidenced by written amendment or by minute order evidencing motion duly made and carried by the City Council. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to prevent or inhibit more frequent review of performance, compensation, or other matters relating to this Agreement or otherwise inhibit the free and candid exchange of views between the parties hereto, to the end that the legal interests of City shall best be served and Firm shall fairly be compensated for legal services rendered.
(b) Compensation and Scope Review. It is understood that the compensation provision of this Agreement is based on the current workload assigned by the City to the Firm. In the event that significantly more or less work is required to adequately perform the indicated Scope of Services, the parties agree to confer annually on or about April 1st before the period starting July 1, 2027 (and every July 1 thereafter), regarding increase or decrease in either the Scope of Services, the compensation provisions of this Agreement, or both.
7. Assignment of Agreement
Firm shall not assign or transfer any interest in, nor delegate any duties thereof in this Agreement. Any assignment or delegation without express written consent of the City shall be void.
8. Insurance and Indemnification.
7.1. During the term of this Agreement, Firm shall maintain and pay all premiums required to keep in force polic ies satisfying the insurance re quirements identified in the attached Exhibit “B,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
7.2. To the furthest extent allowed by law, Firm shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers from any and all loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, costs, and damages (whether in contract, tort, or strict liability, incl uding but not limited to personal injury, death at any time, and property damage), and from any and all claims, demands, and actions in law or equity (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation e xpenses) that arise out of, pertain to, or related to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of Firm, its principals, officers, agents, and employees in the performance of this Agreement. The obligations under this paragraph are in addition to and are not limited by any insurance which Firm is otherwise required to maintain under this Agreement. This duty to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
9. Independent Contractor. In pe rformance of the work, dutie s and obligations assumed by Firm under this Agreement, it is mutually understood and agreed that Firm, including any and all of Firm’s principals, officers, agents, and employees, will, at all times, be acting and performing as an independent contractor, and shall act in an independent capacity and not as servant, employees, agent, partner, or a ssociate of City. Because of its status as an independent contractor, Firm and its employees shall ab solutely have no right to employment rights and benefits available to City employees. Firm shall be solely liable and responsible for providing to, or on beha lf of, its employees all legally-required employee benefits. In addition, Firm shall be solely responsible and hold City harmless
from all matters related to payment of Firm’s employees, including compliance with social security, withholding, and all other regulations governing such affairs.
10. Compliance with Law. Firm shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and directives. In particular, Firm shall comply with all Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Ba r of California, conf identiality laws and regulations, and conflict of interest laws and regulations.
11. Miscellaneous.
11.1. Consent. Whenever in this Agreemen t the approval or consent of a party is required, such approval or consent shall be in writing and shall be executed by a person having the express authority to grant such approval or consent.
11.2. Governing Law. The parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed and construed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
11.3. Required License and Professional Credentials. Firm and personnel providing legal services shall maintain all licenses a nd professional credentia ls necessary for the provision of such services. Firm shall promptly notify City of changes of status or events that might impact the provision of legal services to City.
11.4. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be deemed to be in de fault on account of any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement, which directly results from an Act of God or an act of a superior governmental authority.
11.5. Headings. The paragraph headings are not a part of this Agreement and shall have no effect upon the construction or interpretation of any part of this Agreement.
11.6. Incorporation of Docu ments. All documents c onstituting the Agreement documents described in Section hereof and all documents which may, from time to time, be referred to in any duly executed amendmen t hereto are by such reference incorporated in the Agreement and shall be deemed to be part of this Agreement.
11.7. Integration. This Agreement and any amendments hereto between the parties constitute the entire Agreement between the parties. There are no other prior oral or written agreements between the parties that are not incorporated in this Agreement.
11.8. Modification of Agreement. This Ag reement shall not be modified or be binding upon the parties unless such modification is agreed to in writing and signed by the parties.
11.9. Provision. Any agreement, covenant , condition, clause , qualification, restriction, reservation, term, or other stipulation in the agreement shall define or otherwise control, establish or limit the performance requ ired or permitted or to be required of or permitted by either party. All provisions, whether covenants or conditions, shall be deemed to be both covenants and conditions.
11.10. Severability. If a court of competen t jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this Agreement is void or unenforceable, the provisions of this Agreement not so affected shall remain in full force and effect.
11.11. Venue. In the event that suit is brought by either party hereunder, the parties agree that trial of such action shall be venued exclusively in th e state courts of California in the County of Kings or in the United States District Court for th e Eastern District of California.
11.12. Recovery of Costs. The prevailing party in any action brought to enforce the terms of this Agreement or arising out of this Agreement may recover its reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred or expended in connection with such action against the non-prevailing party.
11.13. Equal Opportunity Employment. Fi rm represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discrimina te against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age.
Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination. Firm shall also comply with all relevant provisions of City’s programs or guidelines currently in effect as identified and provided to Firm by City.
12. Signatures. The individuals executing this Agreement represent and warrant that they have the right, power, legal capacity, and authority to enter into and to execute this Agreement on behalf of the respective legal entities of Firm and City.
Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin
LLP
Mario U. Zamora
Date: __________________________
City Of Hanford
Travis Paden, Mayor
Date: __________________________
ATTEST
Natalie Corral, City Clerk
Exhibit “A”
Billing rates
RMD $350
JLL $325
RLC $325
TNM $305
MRJ $295
MUZ $280
RSM $270
MNC $250
CDS $245
LVS $235
NMM $220
MCE $210
AMB $210
Legal Analyst $185
Summer Clerk $165
Paralegal II $165
Paralegal I $155
Legal Assistant $90
File Clerks $60
Exhibit “B”
a. Firm, at Firm’s own cost and expense, shall procure and maintain, for the duration of this Agreement, the following insurance policies.
i. Workers Compensation Coverage. As required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with a limit of no less than ONE MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($1,000,000) per accident for bodily injury or disease.
ii. Commercial General Liability (CGL) Coverage. Insurance Services Office (ISO) Form CG 0001, including products and comp leted operations, property damage, bodily injury, and personal & advertising injury wi th a limit of no less than TWO MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($2,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage, and a general aggregate limit of no less than FOUR MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($4,000,000).
iii. Professional Liability Coverage. Firm will maintain Professional Liability coverage with limits no less than TWO MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($2,000,000) per occurrence or claim, and TWO MI LLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($2,000,000) policy aggregate.
If Firm maintains higher lim its than the minimums shown a bove, City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by Firm.
Firm’s insurance policies shall be “occurr ence” policies and not “claims-made” coverage except for Professional Liability Coverage. “Claims-made” policies must satisfy the following requirements: (i) the retroactive date of covera ge must be shown and mu st precede the effective date of the contract; (ii) coverage shall be maintained and evidence of coverage must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of the contract work; and (iii) if coverage is canceled or non-renewed and not replaced with another claims -made policy form with a retroactive date preceding the contract effective date, Firm must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of work.
Firm may use Umbrella or Excess Policies to pr ovide the liability limits as required in this Agreement. This form of insurance will be a cceptable provided that all of the Primary and Umbrella or Excess Policies shall provide all of the insurance coverages herein required, including, but not limited to, primary and non-contributory, additional insured, deductibles and self-insured retentions, indemnity, and defense requirement s. The Umbrella or Excess policies shall be provided on a true “following form” or broader coverage basis, with coverage at least as broad as provided on the underlying insurance. No insu rance policies mainta ined by any additional insureds, whether primary or exce ss, and which also apply to a lo ss covered hereunder, shall be called upon to contribute to a loss until Firm’s primary and excess liability policies are exhausted.
b. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. City may require Firm to purchase coverage with a lower deductible or retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention. A lternatively, City may require Firm to provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to City guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.
c. The policies are to contain, or be endo rsed to contain, the following provisions:
i. City and its officers, officials, em ployees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of Firm including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations and products used by Firm. Gene ral liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to Firm’s insurance at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or if not available, through the addition of both CG 20 10, CG 20 26, CG 20 33 or CG 20 38 and CG 20 37 if a later edi tion is used. The cove rage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to City and its officers, officials, employees or volunteers.
ii. For any claims related to this cont ract, Firm’s insurance coverage shall be primary coverage at least as br oad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 with re spect to City and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by City and/or its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be in excess of Firm’s insurance and shall be non-contributory.
iii. Each insurance policy required abov e shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled, except with notice to City.
Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII.
Firm shall furnish the City with original certificates a nd amendatory e ndorsements or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Firm’s obligation to provide them. City reserves the right to require co mplete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time.
d. Firm hereby grants to City and its of ficers, officials, employees, and volunteers a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of Firm may acquire against the City and/or its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers by virtue of th e payment of any loss under such insurance. Firm agrees to obtain endorsements necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.
Council Future Agenda Items
Originated
Date Item Originator Staff Lead Date Estimate
9/16/2025 Wastewater Treatment Facility Utilities and
Engineering
Frank
Senteno
12/2/2025
10/29/2025 Lacey Avenue Improvement Project
Update
Interim City
Manager
Chris Tavarez 11/18/2025
10/30/2025 City Council Reorganization Interim City
Manager
Chris Tavarez 12/2/2025