BUT OF HANFOR
PLANNING TOMORROWS
INC. 1801
CALIFORNI
City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
January 20, 2026 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty St.
4:00 PM CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Kairis called the study session and closed session to order at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL BY THE CITY CLERK:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Nancy Howze
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Study Sessions are considered Special Meetings under the Brown Act. Accordingly, comments from the public are limited to items listed on the agenda (GC 54954.3a). Public Comment will be accepted during each agenda item. A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your city of residence.
Judy Scott commented on the cost of performing the services in-house.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Receive a report on the City of Hanford Landscape and Lighting Districts and authorize staff to bring back the district balloting at the April 7, 2026, Council Meeting during a Public Hearing to receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Quail Run Estates, Portofino, Gateway Estates, Crystal Springs, Cielo en Tierra, and Hyde Park Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts, and provide feedback on issuance of a maintenance request for bids.
Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias provided an overview of the Landscape and Lighting Districts and requested authorization for staff to return to the April 7, 2026, meeting with the district balloting for a public hearing.
Deputy Dir. Dias answered questions from the Council. After some discussion, Council Member Paden made the motion to approve.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Travis Paden
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Finance: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report presentation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025
The Finance Team, Finance Manager Destiny Borba, Analyst Aubrey Belbina, Payroll Analyst Penny Sutphin, and Accountant David Chang presented the Annual report for the Council's review and feedback. Staff answered questions from the Council. The presentation was for informational purposes only and no action was required.
Mayor Kairs adjourned the Study Session at 5:03 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) 2 Potential Cases.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8) APNs: 012045001, 012045010, 012045004, 012045005, 012046019, 012046005, 012046006, 012046007, 012045001
Negotiating Party: Solis Martin Vieyra & Araujo Fanny Castro, Miya Farms, PRE 4 LLC Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Ty Mizote APNs: 012083001, 012083010, 012083009, 012083008, 012083007, 012083006, 012083012, 012083011, 012083003, 012083004, 012083005, 012083001 Negotiating Party: Lacey Milling Co., Padilla, Jesus
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Ty Mizote C. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT (GC 54957(b)(1)):
Title: City Manager
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Kairis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Absent:
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Kimber Regan
Council Member Nancy Howze
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Pastor Lori Niles.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Kairis.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
City Attorney Ty Mizote reported on the City Manager recruitment and the proposed agreement, which will be discussed and considered under General Business.
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.
Carolyn Hudgins and Paula Massey thanked the Council for attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration event.
Amanda Stone, Coordinator for the Kings County Arts Council, spoke about supporting local arts in the community and provided the Council with an informational packet.
Andrea Barone expressed concerns regarding the Copper Ridge Mixed-Use Project.
Anna Brookshier commented on the Lacey Project and requested that the community be informed and involved earlier in the process. She also commented on the rate study and requested that it include dollar amounts.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
Item I was pulled by Council Member Martinez. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Travis Paden
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze A. Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading the title only.
B. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the October 21, 2025 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the November 4, 2025 Meeting D. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Meeting E. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the December 2, 2025 Meeting F. 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.
G. 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.
H. 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.
1. Public Works: Authorization for the City to accept and appropriate funding for an FAA Airport Improvement Program grant (AlP), once the grant offer is received, for the Hanford Municipal Airport, in the amount of $857,000 for reconstruction of the south transient ramp, phase 1 and removal of Taxiway B and a segment of Taxiway D and authorization for the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement. A total appropriation in the Airport Fund of $857,000. $96,907 of local matching funds will be required contingent on the grant award.
J. Public Works: Affirm approval and appropriation from the General Fund reserve for emergency repairs on Fire Engine #164 in the amount of $63,712.72 from Betts Truck Parts and Service of Fresno CA.
K. Public Works: Approval of the Notice of Completion for the FY 24-25 Pavement Resurfacing Treatment (Single and Double Fiberized Slurry Overlay) Project, with a final sub-project cost of $936,588.01, and Authorization for the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file the Notice with the Kings County Recorder's Office.
L. Utilities and Engineering: Intent to Form Community Facilities District No. 2026-3 (Public Maintenance Services)
M. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of the Notice of Completion for Tract No. 934 Unit, at the Southeast corner of 13th Ave and Grangeville Blvd., in the City of Hanford N. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of the reimbursement for Tract 928, Units 1 & 2 to Presidio JJR Bella Vista II 150, LLC and Presidio FFO Bonterra II 160, LLC for street improvements and park land and storm basin acquisition and improvements in the amount of $969,886.34; and, further approve an appropriation of $667,340.91 from the Park Impact Fees Fund 0180 and $119,353.13 from the Storm Drain Impact Fees Fund 0184 to fulfill the reimbursement.
O. Police: Approval of the purchase of two Dodge Durango police-package patrol vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group in the amount of $121,550.50 pursuant to Sourcewell Contract No. 091521-NAF, authorization of vehicle upfitting by Cook's Communications in the amount of $87,339.64, and an appropriation from the Fleet Reserve Account in the total amount of $208,890.14.
P. Police: Approval of the purchase of a slicktop Dodge Durango and upfitting from National Auto Fleet Group (Sourcewell Contract 091521-NAF) and Cook's Communication in the total amount of $88,705.81, and an appropriation from the Fleet Replacement Reserve in the amount of $27,748.18 to cover costs not reimbursed by the FY25/26 California Highway Patrol (CHP) grant.
Q. Police: Adoption of Resolution No. 26-02-R to authorize the acceptance of an award of $482,016 in grant funding from the California Department of Justice for tobacco enforcement, amend the budget to recognize the grant, appropriate this amount in the General Fund for the Police Department, and authorize the Police Chief to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
R. Fire: Approval and authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with Cook's Communications (Fresno, CA) in the amount of $361,802.13 for the supply and delivery of Mobile and Portable Radios to the Fire Department funded under the Measure H Fire Communications Update Project.
S. Finance: Approval of Resolution 25-74-R, Amendments to the City of Hanford Purchasing Policy
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Recreation and Community Services: Youth Athletic Complex (YAC) Facility Use Agreement with Hanford Youth Baseball, pending modifications, which are approved by the City Attorney, that are consistent with provisions contained in the draft. [Item I]
Pulled by Council Member Martinez.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert provided a brief background for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Travis Paden
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Continued Public Hearing for the Copper Ridge Mixed Use Project. The project proposes the phased development of a 650-unit subdivision with a
5.45-acre commercial portion, through Tentative Subdivision Map 00012-24. Additional project components include:
1. Annexation 165, in order to annex 141.85 acres into the City limits from the Kings County Jurisdiction.
2. General Plan Amendment No. 0009-24: to change the land use designation from Low- and Medium-Density Residential to Medium-Density Residential (78.16 acres) and Neighborhood Mixed Use (5.45 acres).
3. Prezone No. 0013-24: to prezone the properties as R-M (78.16 acres), MX-N (5.45 acres), R-L-5 (51.92 acres) and C-N (6.32 acres);
4. Planned Unit Development No. 0037-24: to allow various deviations from the regulation of the R-M Medium-Density Residential zone district; and
5. Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 2025-73: a request to certify that the project will have a less than significant adverse impact on the environment with the incorporation of mitigation measures.
The Project site is located north of Grangeville Boulevard and east of 9 ¼ Avenue. (APNS 014-143-022, -069, -078, 014-830-010, -011, and -013 to - 018).
Before the public hearing was opened, Council Member Paden recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Mayor Kairis opened the continued public hearing at 7:37 p.m. and called for the staff report. Principal Planner Gabrielle Myers presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Deputy City Manager Jason Waters addressed the traffic concerns that were expressed at the last meeting. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 8:12 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR
Greg Nunley, of N&M Tulare LLC, addressed the Council's questions and comments.
Melody Haigh, Entitlements Manager at Lennar, spoke in favor.
Alex Dwiggins, Civil Engineer with QK, spoke in support of the project and addressed questions regarding traffic concerns.
OPPOSITION
Andrea Barone stated that the City is not addressing existing issues in the area and that it would be reckless to move forward with the proposed development.
Bob Ramos stated that he is not opposed to the project but expressed concerns about the water supply for new developments.
1. Motion to certify Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 2025-73 (SCH# 2024121093) for the project.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Mark Kairis
SECONDER: Council Member Nancy Howze
AYES: Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ABSTAIN: Travis Paden
2. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-68-R, initiating proceedings for Annexation No. 165 and direct staff to file the appropriate application with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Kings County.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ABSTAIN: Travis Paden
3. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-69-R, approving General Plan Amendment No. 0009-24.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Mark Kairis
AYES: Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ABSTAIN: Travis Paden
4. Motion to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-13, approving Prezone No. 0013-24.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ABSTAIN: Travis Paden
5. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-70-R, approving Tentative Subdivision No. 0012-24 (TT 945), as amended.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ABSTAIN: Travis Paden
6. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-71-R, approving Planned Unit Development No. 0037-24, as amended.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Mark Kairis
SECONDER: Council Member Nancy Howze
AYES: Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ABSTAIN: Travis Paden
CONVENE AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
Mayor Kairis convened as the Successor Agency at 8:17 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT-SUCCESSOR AGENCY :
Any person may directly address the Board at this time on any item on the agenda, or on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board. A maximum of three minutes is allowed for each speaker.
None.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. Review And Approval Of the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) For The Period July 1, 2026 To June 30, 2021, as required by AB 1484 and amendments under SB 107 of Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Successor Agencies.
Finance Analyst Aubrey Balbina presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Travis Paden
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze ADJOURN AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
Mayor Kairis adjourned as the Successor Agnecy at 8:19 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Public Works: Designation of a Public Hearing date for the City of Hanford Solid Waste rate study.
Public Works Director Alvin Dias and Refuse Supervisors Nick Mechem and Tyler Martinez provided background information and an overview of the presentation previously given on December 2, 2025. They also requested that March 17, 2026, be established as the public hearing date for the proposed Prop 218 Rate Increase Scenario 2. The next step will be to issue Prop 218 notices to the public and begin the 45-day review period. The Council provided feedback, and staff responded to questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Travis Paden
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Finance: Approval of the 2026 Solar Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement and an Escrow and Account Control Agreement and the City Manager to execute such actions.
Finance Manager Destiny Borba provided an overview of the project. NHA Advisor Christian Sprunger discussed the background and project for the Council's review and approval. Staff and Mr. Sprunger answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Nancy Howze
SECONDER: Council Member Travis Paden
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Human Resources: Approval of the City of Hanford Salary Schedules Human Resources Manager Sarah Cardoza and Senior Human Resources Analyst Brenda Garcia presented the Salary Schedules for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Travis Paden
SECONDER: Council Member Nancy Howze
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze D. City Attorney: City Manager Employment Agreement
It was the consensus of the City Council to move the item before the Consent Calendar.
City Attorney Ty Mizote presented the agreement for the Council's review and approval. He recommended modifying Section 8, Termination of Agreement, Severance and General Release Agreement, Expiration of Agreement, to clarify the timely written notice to the employee and the severance provisions. Mr. Mizote answered questions from the Council. The Council Members commended Mr. Tavarez and shared their comments.
Motion to approve the agreement with the recommended modification.
RESULT: Passed (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Travis Paden
SECONDER: Council Member Lou Martinez
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze COUNCIL REPORTS/GENERAL REPORTS:
Brief information-only reports from City Council and/or Staff, including committee reports and reports by City Council related to meetings attended at City expenses (AB1234).
The Council discussed upcoming meetings and events they plan to attend and provided updates on relevant City business.
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:
January 28: Council Corner 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Me-n-Ed's, 2483 N. 10th Avenue. More Information
February 3: Regular City Council Meeting
February 11: City/County Coordinating Meeting
February 17: Regular City Council Meeting
February 19: City offices will be closed in observance of Presidents' Day 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 |1} Mayor Kairis adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk