City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
April 21, 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 4:03 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.
Cheyne Strawn expressed concerns about increased taxes and stated that the community is frustrated with repeated tax rate hikes.
Judy Scott shared feedback she has received from the community and stated that she does not support asking residents for additional funding. She expressed concerns about the park becoming a regional park and that the community prefers walking and biking trails.
William Harmon questioned why the property has not been returned to parkland use. He stated that residents on Rogers Road believe the park concept is unnecessary and commented that the exercise area is not being used.
Mickey Stoddard commented on his involvement with the Parks and Rec Commission, Parks Master Plan, and the development of Hidden Valley Park.
.
Mark Pratter stated that there is no community consensus supporting a tax increase. He stated that little progress has been made since the previous council direction on the park and suggested completing improvements with limited funding.
Bob Ramos talked about a discussion regarding the donated land and expressed concern that there may be an intent to sell it. He emphasized the need to preserve parkland for the community. He also provided recommendations for the project.
Rusty Brookshire stated that Hidden Valley Park needs to be completed.
Anna Brookshire provided suggestions for financing the park and expressed her concerns with the tax increases.
She suggested using Measure H funds.
Francisco Ramirez referenced the 2021 Council direction to keep the property as parkland. He also questioned the cannabis tax revenue and questioned how those funds are being used. He stated that the revenue should provide additional support for the Hidden Valley Park project. He stated that he supports expanding park amenities.
City Attorney Ty Mizote shared information regarding the City’s purchase of Hidden Valley Park in 1967 and clarified that the property was purchased, not donated.
STUDY SESSION:
A. Presentation on a potential ballot measure to fund large-scale parks and recreation capital projects, prioritizes the proposed capital projects, provide feedback, and consider an appropriation of $33,250 from the General Fund for professional polling services with FM3, which may be fully or partially reimbursed.
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.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert provided background information and discussed major projects and funding options. FM3 consultant Nathan Henry discussed the recommendation to conduct polling services and reviewed the challenges related to the city’s needs and the cost of developing the land. Following discussion, Dir. Albert and Mr.
Henry answered questions from the Council. By consensus, the Council provided direction to move forward with polling services through FM3.
Mayor Kairis adjourned the Study Session at 5:15 p.m.
Motion to Approve
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Kimber Regan
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9)(d)(1)) Linda Rose Moon v. City of Hanford, et al., Kings County Superior Court Case No. 25CU0514.
B. 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 C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(4)) 1 Potential case.
D. 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 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 Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
INVOCATION:
The invocation was led by Adam Mederios.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Council Member Martinez.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
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.
Estephanie Madrigal provided two packets to be given to the Chief of Police and the City Manager.
Daniel Leon commented on an incident involving one of his family members. He also spoke about findings in surrounding police departments.
Kayla Castaneda commented on the process of becoming a food vendor and stated that the requirements of the Kings County Health Department are conflicting. She also provided copies of an email sent to city staff containing additional information.
Anna Brookshire questioned the grant funds that were approved at the last meeting.
Bob Ramos commented on General Business Item B and expressed support for the item. He also stated he does not support the cost of jet fuel.
Larry Faria stated he does not support a jet fuel upgrade at this time.
Onan Champi commented on the Urban Forest Master Plan and spoke in opposition.
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:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Kimber Regan
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 March 3, 2026 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the March 17, 2026 Meeting D. Public Works: Award of a three (3) year contract for City Uniform Services to Vestis Uniforms and Workplace Supplies in the amount of $66,503.53 per year, with two (2) one-year options to extend the contract, at an agreed-upon price.
E. Police: Approval of the purchase of two (2) 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Administration Vehicles from Sager Dodge (Hanford, CA), five (5) 2026 Dodge Durango Patrol Vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group (Watsonville, CA), and required upfitting from Cook's Communications for all vehicles for a total cost of $575,708.90, and an appropriation of $5,708.90 from the Fleet Replacement Reserves to fully fund the purchase.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Kings Garden Apartments TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act)
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. and called for the staff report. Housing Analyst Sandra Lerma presented the staff report for the Council’s review and approval. Staff clarified the requirements from the city. Travis Cooper of the Finance Authority, attending virtually, answered questions from the Council. The public hearing was closed at 7:23 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howz
Kimber Regan
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Parks and Community Services: Adoption of the Urban Forest Master Plan The Parks and Community Services Director, Brad Albert, provided background information for revisiting the item and discussed the city’s goals. Kevin Cullinen, Dudek Project Manager, addressed concerns expressed during the public comment period at a previous City Council meeting. Director Albert and Mr. Cullinen emphasized that the document is a living, working document that will continue to be updated. They further clarified that the document is a plan, not an adopted ordinance.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Travis Paden
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Kimber Regan
B. Public Works: Authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with Cushman Contracting Services of Goleta, CA in the amount of $2,140,290 for the construction of the Hanford Municipal Airport fueling island project and review, discuss, and approve proposed funding options, appropriation(s) from the General Fund and Airport Facility Trust and potential reimbursement.
Council Member Paden recused himself from the discussion and vote.
Finance Manager Destiny Borba and Public Works Director Russ Sterling presented the recommendations for the Council’s review and approval. Council Member Martinez spoke in favor of including jet fuel. City Manager Tavarez clarified the recommendations and options and mentioned that Council Member Regan supports both recommendations.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Lou Martinez
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Nancy Howze
Kimber Regan
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 Members 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) None.
A. Council Future Agenda Items
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
May 5: Regular City Council Meeting
May 12: Special City Council Meeting
May 19: 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 Kairs adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk