City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
March 17, 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.
Bob Ramos questioned the electricity cost for Winter Wonderland.
Ken Silva commended the staff for the Winter Wonderland event. He also commented on past social events previously held at the airport, and stated that it's not fun out there anymore.
Tom Buford commented on the fuel service at the city's airport and responded to questions from the Council.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Recognition of Employees of the Year and Service Award Recipients The Council and Department heads recognized the employees of the year and the years of service employees in attendance.
B. Presentation of the 2025/2026 Winter Wonderland Final Report and appropriate $48,114 in the General Fund to reinvest into Civic Park.
Parks and Community Services Department staff, Director Brad Albert, Recreation Manager Adam Ramos, Administrative Analyst Tash Lawag, and Recreation Coordinator Brittany Parreira provided an overview and shared highlights for the 2025/2026 Winter Wonderland season. Dir. Albert also discussed efforts to improve recovery between sessions and explored more efficient processes for overall event operations. The Council commended staff and provided feedback and suggestions on revenue options and events for the upcoming year.
Motion to approve the appropriation of $48,114 to the General Fund to reinvest in Civic Park.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Presentation on Hanford Municipal Airport operations and an update on the fuel island project.
Public Works Director Russ Sterling and Airport Manager Bob Loogman provided an update on airport operations and the fuel island project at Hanford Municipal Airport. City Manager Tavarez noted the potential need for a General Fund contribution and emphasized the importance of keeping this in consideration as the project moves forward. The Council spoke in support of resuming fuel services at the airport and discussed available options for moving forward. By consensus, the Council directed staff to proceed with both Jet A fuel and the Aviation Fuel Island Project. Staff will return with the item for formal approval at a future meeting.
Mayor Kairis adjourned the study session at 6:12 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8) APNs: 012045001, 012045010, 012045004, 012045005, 012046019, 012046005, 012046006, 012046007, 012045001, 012045009, 012045008, 012045007, 012045006, 012045007
Negotiating Party: Solis Martin Vieyra & Araujo Fanny Castro, Miya Farms, PRE 4 LLC,
MCMASTER, WILLIAM T & KATHLEEN S H/W, EBERT JEANNINE, ALANIS, RICHARD &
LINDA TRUST,
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Nick Matoian B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (GC 54957.6)
Agency designated representatives:
Chris Tavarez and Destiny Borba
Employee Organization(s): EMEA, GEMA, PUMA. and HPOA
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 Youth Pastor Tyler Jones.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Kairis.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Recognition of Mia Grace Steinfeld – Our Little Miss World Queen 2026 Titleholder (Ages 10–12)
The Council presented Mia Grace Stienfeld with a certificate of recognition.
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 airport operations and stated that he agrees with the Council's direction provided during the study session. Mr. Ramos also questioned the litigation cases.
Ken Silva commented on Consent Item N, and questioned the city's transportation needs.
Sam Patel questioned the action taken by Council on the TOT Measure. The City Manager responded.
Marc Ropher, Senior VP of OPTERRA, commented on the wastewater treatment plant, and a meeting he had with city staff to address concerns. He also thanked the city for their consideration.
Onan Champi pulled Consent Item H and requested that it be rejected. He commented on the community outreach event, stating that he was not impressed. He also expressed concerns regarding code violations and questioned the research efforts.
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.
Consent Items C, H, and N were requested to be pulled. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Travis Paden
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 February 17, 2026 Meeting C. Administration: Authorize the mayor to sign a letter reflecting the City is against state budgets that would take away control of local revenues and development near High- Speed Rail Station locations
Pulled by Council Member Paden for clarification. City Manager Tavarez answered his questions.
Motion to approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze D. Human Resources: Approval of previously approved City of Hanford Salary Schedules reflecting effective dates
E. Human Resources: Amendment to the General Employees Management Association (GEMA) Memorandum of Understanding.
F. Human Resources: Amendment to the Professional Upper Management Association (PUMA) Compensation and Benefits Summary
G. Community Development: Acceptance of the mandated General Plan Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2025 and Authorization for the submittal to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
H. Parks and Community Services: Adoption of the City of Hanford's 2026 Urban Forest Master Plan
Pulled during public comment.
Dir. Albert addressed the public comments in opposition to the Urban Forest Master Plan and answered questions from the Council. After a brief discussion, the Council agreed to table the item for a future discussion.
Motion to table.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kimber Regan
Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
I. IT: Authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year agreement with RingCentral in the amount of $25,760.40 annually for City telecommunication services, and approve one- time implementation and support services with Global CTI in the amount of $21,600 J. Public Works: Purchase of four (4) 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV trucks from Keller Chevrolet of Hanford, CA in the amount of $248,240.72 funded by fleet reserve funds and related enterprise funds, and approval of an appropriation of $14,780 from Fleet Reserves (0448) to fully fund the purchase.
K. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of a Purchase Order with Interwest Consulting Group for Civil Engineering Plan Check Review Services for Copper Ridge Tract 945 Improvement Plans (SDIP25-0011), not to exceed $55,400.00.
L. Utilities and Engineering: Recordation of final parcel map for Tentative Parcel Map No. 0011-24, subdividing an existing 6.82-acre parcel at the southwest corner of 9 1/4 Avenue and East Myrtle Street into two parcels.
M. Utilities and Engineering: Waiver of the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 26-02 for the formation of Community Facilities District No. 2026-3 (Public Maintenance Services)
N. Utilities and Engineering: Make a determination for Unmet Transit Needs there are no areas within the City of Hanford with unmet public transit needs which could reasonably be met by the expansion of the existing transit system or by the establishment of a new system, Adopt Resolution No.26-09-R regarding the public transit needs within the City of Hanford, Approve the filing of a Notice of Exemption document, and Authorize the City Manager to sign and submit a claim for the TDA/LTF funds and any subsequent amended claims.
Pulled during public comment.
Dir. Senteno clarified the public comment portion of the staff report and announced the dates and location. He also encouraged the public to attend.
Motion to approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze O. Police: Authorization to apply for the FY26/27 Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program grant through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in the amount of $32,718.00 to be used for alcohol enforcement operation overtime costs and for the purchase of equipment for alcohol enforcement operations.
P. Fire: Authorize acceptance and appropriation for the 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) through the Kings County Office Emergency Services (KCOES) in the amount of $20,000.00 for the purchase of a communications repeater and the City Manager to execute grant documents.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Public Maintenance Services) Amendment of Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. and called for the staff report. Assistant Engineer Steve Coodey presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. The public hearing was closed at 7:58 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
Motion to approve 26-15-R, 26-16-R and 26-17-R.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Motion to approve Ordinance 26-03.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. City Attorney: Approval of the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Escrow Instructions for a purchase price of $1.5 million and Authorization for the Mayor and City Manager to Execute Necessary Documents for the Purchase of Kings County APNs 012- 045-006 and 012-045-007 from the Richard and Linda Alanis Trust dated December 13, 2005, with personal property included, and appropriation of $200,000 in the Fleet Operations Fund, and approximately $1.3 million in Measure H Funding.
It was the Council's consensus to review this item before the consent calendar. City Attorney Nick Matoian provided the details of the agreement for the Council review and approval.
Motion to approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
Passed
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Lou Martinez
B. Human Resources: Amendment to the Executive Management Employees Association (EMEA) Compensation and Benefits Summary
HR Manager Sarah Cardoza and HR Senior Analyst Brenda Garcia presented the EMEA Compensation and Benefits Summary for the Council's review and approval.
Motion to approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Finance: Approval of an additional Appropriation of $532,350 in the General Fund and $689,363 across all Other Funds for the Mid-Year amendment to the 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget and addition of one (1) FTE Building Inspector I/II to the Personnel Master Budget
Finance Director Destiny Borba presented the Mid-Year amendment and the request for additional appropriation of $532,350 in the General Fund and $689, 363 across all Other Funds for the Council's review and approval. The Council provided their feedback and thanked staff.
Motion to approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Lou Martinez
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).
A. INFORMATION REPORT — FEBRUARY WARRANT REGISTER
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) None.
A. Council Future Agenda Items
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
March 24: Special City Council Meeting — Planning Workshop 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the City Hall Training Room
March 25: Council Connect with Mark Kairis 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Hanford Mall March 30-April 3: Spring Camp Register Here
April 3: Easter Egg Hunt in Civic Park 10:00 am - 2:00 pm April 7: Regular City Council Meeting
April 17: Mother + Son Dance 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tickets and Information April 18: Father + Daughter Dance 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tickets and Information April 21: Regular City Council Meeting
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 8:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk