City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
April 7, 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.
None.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Annual Comparison of Hanford Police Department Operational Statistics – 2024 and 2025
It was the Council's consensus to meet in Closed Session before the Study Session. The Study Session was reconvened at 4:23 p.m.
Police Chief Huddleston and Captain Lutz presented the Annual Comparison of Hanford Police Department Operational Statistics for 2024 and 2025 for the Council's review and feedback. Staff responded to questions from the Council. No action was required, the presentation was for information purposes only.
B. Heroes Park update and funding discussion and potential action to decline the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant from the National Park Service for approximately $1.9 million for Phase 1 of the Heroes Park project, which is $4 million less than the requested amount, saving the City approximately $4 million in unfunded construction costs
Presenting staff: Assistant Engineer Robert Buchanon, Associate Engineer Jaklin Hart, Park and Community Services Director Brad Albert and Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno.
Staff discussed the schedule risk associated with the LWCF obligation and recommended declining the LWCF Grant for Phase 1 of the Heroes Park Project to achieve savings in unfunded construction costs. Staff responded to questions and comments from the Council. After much discussion and feedback, the Council provided direction.
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
Council adjourned the Study Session at 5:43 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 LEGAL COUNSEL-PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8) Address: 109 E. Eighth Street
Negotiating Party: Carnegie Museum of Kings County
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Ty Mizote C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9(d)(1)) Request for Settlement Authority for workers compensation claim HAN240012 D. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(2)) 1 Case.
E. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (GC 54956.9(d)(4)) 1 Case.
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 Dr. Pat Newton.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by
RECOGNITION:
A. Proclamation Celebrating Arbor Day and the planting of new trees at city parks.
Mayor Kairis presented the proclamation to the Parks Division Staff.
B. Proclamation declaring April as Financial Literacy Month in the City of Hanford Mayor Kairis presented the proclamation to Valley Strong Representatives Debbie Willams and Jason Usher.
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.
Daniel Leon commented on false charges against a mentally disabled man and stated he intends to file a lawsuit. He also provided a handout regarding his public comment.
Dan Fonteno introduced himself and stated that he is a lobbyist interested in participating in related activities. He also commented on the Farmers’ Equity Act.
Alex Dwiggins commented on General Business item A and spoke in support of staff's recommendation.
Bob Ramos commented on the East Lacey Blvd. project and provided his suggestions about how it could be improved.
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, 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. Public Works: Purchase of one (1) 2026 Ford F-250 from Keller Ford of Hanford, CA in the amount of $58,888.29 and approval of appropriation of $58,889 from Fleet Reserves (0448) to fully fund the purchase.
C. Utilities and Engineering: Second reading and adoption of 26-03 for levying special taxes within the City of Hanford Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Public Maintenence Services)
D. Police: Authorization to apply for the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety (PH&S) Grant Program for up to $1,000,000 to be used to fund the total compensation of a Cannabis Enforcement Officer (CEO) and related expenses for the full five-year grant term and to purchase a patrol vehicle for the CEO; and if awarded, approve Resolution 26-19-R for the acceptance of the grant, amend the budget to recognize the grant, appropriate up to $1,000,000 in the General Fund for the Police Department, and authorize the City Manager or Police Chief to execute the grant agreement.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Quail Run Estates Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District in the City of Hanford. Following close of Public Hearing, ballots will be opened and tabulated, with results certified and reported prior to the close of the City Council Regular Session. Authorization for staff to implement assessment changes based on certified results.
Mayor Kairis opened the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m. and called for the staff report. Public Works Director Russ Steling and Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. The Council discussed the process of increasing fees and emphasized that it is necessary. The Council also commended staff for their outreach efforts. The public hearing was closed at 7:47 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR
Rebecca Thomas spoke in support of the increase and thanked the city for the public outreach.
Shelby Hauge spoke in support of the fee increase.
OPPOSED
Lannette Hefly spoke in opposition.
LAD ballot results were 42 votes approved, 55 votes disapproved, and 1 unmarked ballot. The results were certified by the City Clerk and did not pass the proposed increases to the balloted Landscape & Lighting Maintenance District for placement on the 2026/27 Kings County property tax roll.
B. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Cielo En Tierra Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District in the City of Hanford. Following close of Public Hearing, ballots will be opened and tabulated, with results certified and reported prior to the close of the City Council Regular Session. Authorization for staff to implement assessment changes based on certified results.
Mayor Kairis opened the Public Hearing at 7:48 p.m. and called for the staff report. Public Works Director Russ Steling and Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 8:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
IN-FAVOR
Alex Dwiggins spoke in favor.
OPPOSED
None.
LAD ballot results were 6 votes approved and 20 votes disapproved. The results were certified by the City Clerk and did not pass the proposed increases to the balloted Landscape & Lighting Maintenance District for placement on the 2026/27 Kings County property tax roll.
C. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on the proposed rate increase for the City of Hanford Refuse Division. Following the close of the Public Hearing, ballots will be opened and tabulated, with results certified and reported prior to the close of the City Council Regular Session. Authorization for staff to implement rate increases based on certified results.
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. and called for the staff report. Public Works Director Russ Sterling presented the staff report for the Council's review and feedback. City Manager Tavarez discussed the current staff need for additional staff. Council emphasized the need to improve the City’s trash management practices, increase public education on waste disposal methods, and address the associated costs. They also discussed the concern about potential privatization. The public hearing was closed at 9:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
Ken Hartright spoke in opposition.
Bob Ramos questioned the cannabis tax revenue and the Measure H funds. He also expressed concerns regarding the tax increases.
Nick Wagner questioned the cannabis tax revenue. He also asked if developers could pay some of the city's costs.
Omar Juaciao provided his feedback about the current refuse services.
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 GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Authorize a Change Order for $565,000.00 to the existing Professional Engineering Services contract with QK for Complete Streets Design services on East Lacey Boulevard (10th Avenue to Sierra Drive) The meeting was approved to be extended until 9:30 p.m.
City Engineer Lisa Dock discussed the design change for the council's review and approval. She also addressed the Council's questions and comments. Council Members Paden and Regan provided their input on the design.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Administration: Authorization to apply for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP) Round 2 Grant through the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) for $2.5 to $4 million to enhance the East Lacey Corridor Improvement Project; and if awarded, amend the budget to recognize the grant and appropriate in the Gas Tax Fund.
Community Relations Manager Brian Johnson and Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno discussed the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP) Round 2 Grant to enhance the East Lacey Corridor Improvement Project. Vice Mayor Howze spoke in support of the grant. Council Member Paden expressed concerns and stated that he did not support the median trees. Staff responded to questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Parks and Community Services: Receive the presentation of the proposed July 4th Hanford's Freedom Fest & Fireworks Show, adopt proposed fees as outlined in the report, and appropriate $77,000 from the General Fund to support the event and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract with Fireworks America The meeting was approved to be extended until 10:10 p.m.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert discussed the event and proposed fees for the Council's review and approval. The Council provided input on the entry revenue suggestions.
The Council recommended that there is no entry fee for children and seniors. After much discussion, the Council provided their input and recommendations.
Motion to Approve as amended. (Youth (0–17) and Seniors (65+) Free) RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Travis Paden
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).
Council Member Paden requested that the Council Reports/General Reports section be moved earlier on the agenda to allow Council Members to give their reports earlier in the meeting rather than at the end. City Manager Tavarez advised that discussion of this item would return on May 5, 2026.
A. INFORMATION REPORT — MARCH 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)
A. Council Future Agenda Items
None.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
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
2026 National Community Survey Now Available More Information and Survey 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 10:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk