City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
December 2, 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.
None.
STUDY SESSION:
A. GIS System Modernization Update and Demonstration of New Capabilities Deputy City Manager Jason Waters provided a brief overview and introduced Brock Sylor, Senior Consultant/Senior Project Manager of Lagon and Assistant Planner, Maddison Faria. Mr. Sylor provided a project update and showed how the program could be used by staff and the public, and answered questions from the Council.
B. Presentation from R3 Consultants on the Prop 218 Rate Study for the Refuse Division and set a hearing date for consideration for approval
Public Works Director Russ Sterling introduced staff and the consultant and presented the rate study. Council Member Kairis discussed KWRA and the need for a future fee increase and expressed support for proceeding with a rate increase. The Council provided direction to move forward with Scenario number 2, a 5-year rate adjustment and advised city staff to issue Prop 218 notices to the public and begin the 45-day review period and, following the review period, adopt a resolution accepting the 2025 Solid Waste Rate Study and approve the new solid waste rates effective April 1, 2026. The Council also directed staff to conduct community education and outreach.
Mayor Paden adjourned the study session at 5:32 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) 2 Potential cases.
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 Roger McCort.
FLAG SALUTE:
Flag Salute was led by Bri Abell.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Badge Pinning Ceremony and Oath of Office for Police Department Promotions for Lieutenant Chad Allen, Sergeant Larry Leeds, Corporal Daniel Todd, Corporal Kevin Wheat, and Corporal Sean Paul Crain.
Chief Huddleston introduced the officers and City Clerk Natalie Corral administered the oath of office.
B. Recognition of the Sierra Pacific High School Girls’ Water Polo Team for Winning Their First Central Section Championship
Mayor Paden presented certificates to the students in attendance.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters within the jurisdiction of the Hanford City Council. This is also the public’s opportunity to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes or to comment on any item on the agenda. State law does not allow the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on the agenda, except that members of the Council or staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights (Gov. Code sec. 54954.2). A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Bob Ramos commented on the Council's vote on the agreement for city attorney's services and expressed his disappointment of the decision.
Francisco Ramirez commented on business fraud happening in the city.
Several people, including Cynthia Martinez, and Claudia (who did not share her last name), brought forth their concerns about Cajitamex, claiming the business stole their money. The Police Chief addressed their comments.
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III commented on the Cajitamex matter.
REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL-SELECTION OF THE MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR:
City Attorney Ty Mizote explained the process of selecting a Mayor and Vice Mayor. Mr. Mizote called for nominations for Mayor and Vice Mayor. Council Member Martinez nominated Travis Paden for Mayor. Vice Mayor Howze nominated Mark Kairis for Mayor. Travis Paden asked to be withdrawn from the nomination. Council Member Paden nominated Nancy Howze for Vice Mayor.
Motion to approve Mark Kairis for Mayor.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
None
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Motion to approve Nancy Howze for Vice Mayor.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
None
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
RECESS:
7:54 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
A. Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading the title only.
B. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the October 7, 2025 Meeting C. Administration: Authorize the Mayor to Execute a Letter of Support in lieu of an Amicus Brief in support of Kings County Farm Bureau legal efforts related to water with the State D. Community Development: Approval of the purchase of two (2) 2026 Ford Maverick vehicles for Code Compliance Division from Keller Ford of Hanford, CA in the total amount of $62,229.50 fully funded by Measure H.
E. Community Development: Waiver of second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025- 08, approving Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-12, a request to amend Title 17, Section
17.56.200, Property maintenance and add Chapter 9.12 – Graffiti: in order to establish regulations for abatement of graffiti on public and private property.
F. Community Development: Waiver of second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025- 09, approving Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-11, a request to amend Title 17.56.050,
17.56.150, 17.56.155, and 17.56.310 Temporary and Portable Signs: in order to establish the placement, size and materials for portable signs.
G. Community Development: Waiver of second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025- 07, approving Zone Text Amendment No. 2025-10, a request to amend Title 17, Section
17.56.230, Wall mural placement and design criteria: in order to comply with free speech requirements.
H. Public Works: Approval and authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with BDM Inc. of Hanford, California in the amount of $133,811.25 for the supply and installation of twelve (12) HVAC units located at City Hall.
I. Utilities and Engineering: Utilities and Engineering: Approval to increase a current service contract with 4Creeks, Inc. in the total amount of $56,200.00 for the Preliminary Design of the intersection of Grangeville and 9th Avenue
J. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization for the City Manager to execute a “One Time Only Agreement for the Positive Location of Underground Utilities” with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
K. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization for the City Manager to execute the purchase of an Internal Lift Screw Pump for installation at the Wastewater Treatment Facility from Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, in the amount of $1,325,000 and Appropriation of $450,000 from the Wastewater Fund (0362) to cover approximately 30% of the purchase price.
L. Finance: Review and Approval of the Annual Report for Development Impact Fees pertaining to City of Hanford Impact Fees for Parks, Circulation, Fire Protection, Police Protection, Storm Water System, Water System, Wastewater System, and Refuse/Recycling for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and Amendment to Title 15 of the Hanford Municipal Code.
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m and called for the staff report. Building Official Mitch Couch presented the staff report for the Council review and approval. Staff requested approval to continue the public hearing until December 16, 2025.
Public Comment:
Raymond Douglas Ibarra III stated he wants fewer regulations.
Motion to the Introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-12, adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Motion to Approve to continue the public hearing to the December 16, 2025, Council Meeting.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Fire: Proposed changes to the Hanford Municipal Code regarding illegal fireworks, definitions, and application of administrative citation fines.
Fire Chief Perkins provided a background and presented the proposed changes to the municipal code. The Council thanked the Chief and his staff for all their hard work.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
B. Community Development: Direction on Advertising Planning Commission Vacancies and Appointment Procedures
Deputy City Manager Jason Waters presented options for advertising Planning Commission vacancies and outlined the appointment procedures for Council review and direction. The City Council directed staff to proceed with advertising three vacancies, and compile applications for a subcommittee that would include the Mayor, Vice Mayor and staff to select qualified applicants to be interviewed by the City Council at a future date.
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).
The Council discussed the meetings and events they attended. They also commended the staff for an excellent Christmas parade and thanked them for their hard work.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:
At this time, any Council Member may ask a question for clarification or may request a matter, which is not otherwise scheduled on a City Council agenda, to be placed on a future agenda. The Council Member referring the item shall provide sufficient information as to the nature of the item. The City Council, by concurrence of a majority, may direct the City Manager to put the item on a future agenda. (GOV. CODE SEC. 54954.2)
A. Council Future Agenda Items
None.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
December 16: Regular City Council Meeting
December 19: Hanford Police Department and Central California Blood Center's 2025 South Valley Battle of the Badges — 425 N. Irwin Street, 10 am to 2:00 pm December 24 – January 1: City Offices Holiday Closure.
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 Kairis adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk