City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
November 4, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
4:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the study session and closed session to order at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL BY THE CITY CLERK:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Study Sessions are considered Special Meetings under the Brown Act. Accordingly, comments from the public are limited to items listed on the agenda (GC 54954.3a). Public Comment will be accepted during each agenda item. A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Michelle King provided a list of questions to the City Clerk. She also commented on the Kings–Tulare HSR Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Connectivity Plan and Cross Valley Corridor (CVC) Rail Service Planning Project, and she questioned how the school district will be affected. She also asked that Kit Carson be included in the working groups for the project.
Andrea Barone commented on the planning of the Kings–Tulare HSR Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Connectivity Plan and Cross Valley Corridor (CVC) Rail Service Planning Project. He also expressed concerns about the lack of connection between the city and the public. He sated he would like to see a large college campus in the city.
Rick Telegan spoke in support of the planning efforts for the Kings–Tulare HSR Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Connectivity Plan and Cross Valley Corridor (CVC) Rail Service Planning Project. He also expressed concerns regarding the cost of the project.
Bob Ramos commented on the 2035 general plan.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Kings County Farm Bureau presentation
Kings County Farm Bureau Executive Director, Dusty Ference, discussed their lawsuit against the State Water Resource Control Board and answered questions from the Council. The presentation was for informational purposes only.
B. Carnegie Museum of Kings County annual report/update to the Hanford City Council Carnegie Museum of Kings County President, Rob Bently, presented the annual report and answered questions from the Council. The Council thanked Mr. Bently for their participation and contribution to the community. The Mayor suggested possibilities to assist the organization financially.
C. Kings–Tulare HSR Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Connectivity Plan and Cross Valley Corridor (CVC) Rail Service Planning Project Presentation Deputy City Manager Jason Waters and Senior Planner Gabrielle Meyrs presented the Kings Tulare HSR Station- Oriented Development (TOD) and Connectivity and Cross Valley Corridor (CVC) Rail Service Planning Project for the Council's feedback. Staff outlined the planning process and clarified the roles of the Planning Commission and the City Council, and responded to questions from the Council. Mayor Paden requested that local school districts and residents in the project area be kept informed and emphasized the importance of public and homeowner outreach.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (GC 54957)
Title: City Attorney
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Paden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Mayor Paden.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Paden.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Recognition of Retired Teachers Week Proclamation (November 2–8) Presented to California Retired Teachers Association, Kings County Division 30 Mayor Paden presented the proclamation to Georgina Snyder.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters within the jurisdiction of the Hanford City Council. This is also the public’s opportunity to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes or to comment on any item on the agenda. State law does not allow the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on the agenda, except that members of the Council or staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights (Gov. Code sec. 54954.2). A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Mr. Bishop commented on an RV in his neighborhood and expressed concerns regarding bonfires on the neighbor's property.
Judy Waytt commented on an RV located at a neighboring property behind her residence and expressed concerns regarding the tenants and the bonfires occurring there. She requested that the City take action to remove the RV due to multiple complaints from neighboring residents.
Jason Reismile commented on a neighboring RV and expressed concerns regarding bonfires on the property, requesting that the City address the matter.
Bob Ramos commented on bonfires occurring on Reddington Street and suggested that the Fire Department follow up. He also commented on the City Attorney agreement and requested that the Council issue a RFP for city attorney services.
Nick Wagner commented on the March 18 meeting and the direction provided by the Council regarding city attorney services.
Mark Pratter commented on the Griswold LaSalle and its representation of the City. He also shared his experience with the firm and expressed concerns regarding the professionalism and courtesy of the city attorneys.
Larry Faria expressed support for issuing an RFP for city attorney services.
Cheyne Strawn spoke in support of an RFP for city attorney services and shared feedback he received from other cities regarding their processes for selecting a city attorney.
Rusty Brookshier expressed support for issuing an RFP for city attorney services.
Francisco Ramirez shared his experience with the city attorney during his time on the City Council.
Andrea Barone spoke in favor of an RFP for city attorney services. He also commented on the illegal activity in the area he lives in and Champions' new facility.
Whitney commented on ICE being in the surrounding cities in Kings County. She expressed her concerns about profiling, privacy and public safety. She asked that the City Council support the safety and privacy of the Hanford community.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
Council Member Martinez requested to pull Items F and G. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
A. Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading the title only.
B. Administration: Approval of Amendment No. 5 of the License Agreement between the Carnegie Museum of Kings County and the City of Hanford to extend the term of the agreement until December 31, 2026.
C. City Attorney: Approval of Settlement and Release Agreement with Guadalupe Celis D. Community Development: Approval of Revised Resolution No. 20-18-R Amending the Previously Approved Resolution Supporting an Application for Funding under the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program.
E. Community Development: Approval of the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-10, approving Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-13, a request to amend Table
17.08.030 Commercial, Office, and Industrial Use Table and 17.96.020 Land use definitions in order to allow Banks or Credit Unions in the C-N, C-R, MX-D, MX-C and MX-N Zones.
F. Public Works: Approval of an approriation of $449,237.50 from fleet reserve fund 0448 and sole source procurement, using Sourcewell Contract #110223 for one (1) side load refuse truck from Haaker Refuse of Hayward, CA in the amount of $449,237.50 and declare refuse truck #341 surplus and authorize the sale of truck #341.
G. Police: Approval of the purchase of an animal control transport body from Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing Inc. (Stockton, CA) and upfitting of unit #119 in the amount of $52,200.90, and appropriation of the total amount from the Fleet Replacement Reserve to cover the cost.
H. Finance: Acceptance and authorization for staff to File the City of Hanford's Quarterly Investment Portfolio and Transactions Reports as of 09/30/25.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Parks and Community Services: Approval to award the on-call Arborist services to West Coast Arborist and Arboreal at a cost not to exceed $120,000 [Item F]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Parks and Community Services Brad Albert provided a brief summary and answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
B. Parks and Community Services: Approval to award the tree procurement and delivery bid to Fonseca Nursery (Hanford, CA) to provide the 600 trees to be planted in conjunction with the City's Urban and Community Forestry grant in the amount of $76,175.95.
[Item G]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Parks and Community Services Brad Albert provided a brief summary and answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Administration: 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.
Community Relations Services Manager Brian Johnson provided a background and the updates for the Council's review and approval. The Council spoke in support of staff's recommendation.
Motion to adopt the Limited Public Forum Social Media Policy.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Motion to adopt Resolution 25-63-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Lou Martinez
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis
B. Administration: 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.
There was a consensus to table the item until the next meeting, when the full Council is present.
COUNCIL REPORTS/GENERAL REPORTS:
Brief information-only reports from City Council and/or Staff, including committee reports and reports by City Council related to meetings attended at City expenses (AB1234).
• Public Works Director Russ Sterling provided an update on signal lights, crosswalk signs, and the stripping project.
• Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert provided a Winter Wonderland update. • The Council discussed the events and meetings they attended.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:
At this time, any Council Member may ask a question for clarification or may request a matter, which is not otherwise scheduled on a City Council agenda, to be placed on a future agenda. The Council Member referring the item shall provide sufficient information as to the nature of the item. The City Council, by concurrence of a majority, may direct the City Manager to put the item on a future agenda. (GOV. CODE SEC. 54954.2)
A. Council Future Agenda Items
The Council directed staff to prepare a future agenda item for discussion on the implementation of an AI policy. Staff will also return with an item for Council approval of an amicus brief in support of the Kings County Farm Bureau.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
November 18: Regular City Council Meeting
November 22: Winter Wonderland opens through January 11, 2025, Tickets and Information
November 28: Hanford Christmas Parade 6:00 pm
November 27 & 28: City Offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.
ADJOURNMENT:
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available to public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office located at 319 N. Douty Street, Hanford, California 93230, during normal business hours. Such agendas are also available at the city’s website, www.cityofhanfordca.com subject to staff’s ability to post the agenda before the meeting. If you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office, 559-585-2515, 319 N. Douty Street, Hanford, California 93230, at least 2 days prior to the meeting {28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II} Mayor Paden adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk