City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
May 19, 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 - LATE
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 AND ACTION ITEMS:
A. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Opterra Energy Services for the combined Solar Photovoltaic and WWTF Energy-Related Improvement Project for a contract amount of $59,987,749, subject to contractual adjustment and contingent upon successfully passing a Prop 218 Wastewater Rate Increase and Acquisition of Project financing, and authorize the City Manager to issue a Limited Notice to Proceed for engineering, and additional appropriation of the contract amount in the Wastewater Fund with up to $2 million of the contract amendment amount from the Wastewater Impact Fee Fund; and direct Staff to return to City Council for approval of a Prop 218 Rate Fee Study.
Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno provided an overview of the project. Dir. Senteno introduced the Opterra representatives in attendance and invited them to provide additional information regarding the proposed services and project implementation. Staff and Opterra representatives reviewed the recommendation and outlined the anticipated timeline for the next steps and answered questions from the Council. After a brief discussion, Council Member Paden made the 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 HowzeTh
The Mayor Kairis adjourned to the study session at 5:26 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-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (54956.9 (d)(4))
1 Potential 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 by Pastor Mark Curts.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Mayor Kairis.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Receive the CenCal APA 2026 Resilience and Sustainability Award for the Hanford Connected, Kings-Tulare High-Speed Rail Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan
CenCal APA Awards Coordinator Christine Chavez presented the award to Deputy City Manager Jason Waters.
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 talked about a conference he attended in 1983 and he commented on a police incident. He also provided a packet for the City Manager and the Chief of Police.
Shelby Houge commented on Quail Run Park and spoke in support of the assessment increase, and proposed a re- ballot.
Chris Ying talked about a letter that was put on his front door regarding a sober-living house in a residential area.
Regina Santiago commented on Quail Run Park, and spoke in support of a re-ballot.
Becky Thompson commented on Quail Run Park. She spoke in support of a re-ballot.
Yamet (last name not stated) commented on Quail Run Park and spoke in support of a re-ballot.
David Marits commented on Quail Run Park and 11th Ave landscaped areas. He spoke in support of a re-ballot.
Council Member Paden addressed the public comments regarding Quail Run Park and commended the community for their efforts. He requested that the matter be brought back for a future discussion regarding a potential re- balloting process. By Council consensus, staff was directed to place the item on a future agenda for discussion.
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.
The Council pulled Items H and I. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
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. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the April 7, 2026 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the April 21, 2026, Meeting.
D. Community Development: Approval of Resolution No. 26-31-R Renewing Participation in the 2027 Kings County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Fee Program E. Community Development: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Historic Resources Application HRA0022-26 for 295 N. Redington Street (APN 012-052-001) – Kindred Care F. Community Development: Road Abandonment No. 2026-01, a recommendation to adopt Resolution 26-24-R, a Resolution of Intention to Vacate 8,145 square feet of dedicated street right-of-way on Millerton Street (an undeveloped road) and set June 16, 2026 as the date for public hearing. Location: The project is located on Millerton Street, east of S.
Alpine Avenue, Tract 881 Unit II.
G. Recreation and Community Services: Approval of a Change Order in the amount of $25,000 with Sysco Foods for the Purchase of Softball Concessions Product Increasing the Total Blanket Purchase Order to $73,000, and an additional appropriation of $20,000 from the General Fund to be offset by Concession Revenues.
H. Utilities and Engineering: Approval of a Notice of Completion for Tract No. 881 Unit 1 located at the southeast corner of Alpine Avenue and Hume Avenue and the Sand Slough Interconnect Project located on Houston Avenue west of Alpine Avenue and a reimbursement to Presidio JJR Hidden Oaks II 130, LLC in the amount of $399,726.12 from the Storm Drain Fund for the construction of the improvements.
I. Public Works: Authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with HFI Inc of Los Angeles, CA for the exterior painting of the Longfield Center, Coe Park Building, and City Hall in the amount of $60,700 to be funded by the Building Reserves Fund.
J. Public Works: Approval and authorization for the City Manager to execute amendment #6 with Brandley Engineering for completion of phase 1 and phase 2 of the Hanford Municipal Airport Fuel Island Project in an amount not to exceed $262,000 K. Public Works: Approval of a Notice of Completion for the Hanford Municipal Airport HJO Airport Fuel Station Closure Project and authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest and file said Notice with Kings County Recorder’s Office.
L. Finance: Acceptance and authorization for staff to File the City of Hanford's Quarterly Investment Portfolio and Transactions Reports as of 03/31/26.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Adoption of Resolution 26-29-R authorizing the submission of a grant application for the Centennial Drive Safety Improvements Project in the amount of $6,343,000 through California Transportation Commission's Active Transportation Program (ATP), and amend the budget to recognize the grant funding, appropriate $6,343,000 from the Gas Tax fund (including 11.47% local match of $727,543), if the ATP Grant is awarded to the City; and appropriate $49,960 from the Gas Tax Fund for grant writing consultant services from Ardurra Consulting [Item H]
Pulled by Mayor Kairis.
Dir. Senteno provided clarification.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Mark Kairis
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze B. Utilities and Engineering: Adoption of Resolution No 26-28-R authorizing the submission of a grant application for the East Lacey Boulevard Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements project in the amount of $15,000,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, and amend the budget to recognize the grant funding, appropriate $15,000,000 from the Gas Tax-RMRA Fund (including 20% local match of $3,000,000), if the SS4A grant is awarded to the City. [Item I]
Pulled by Council Member Paden to abstained from voting.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Travis Paden
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Community Development: Public Hearing to Consider the Approval of the Annual Action Plan FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. and called for the staff report. Housing Analyst, Sandra Lerma, presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council.
The public hearing was closed at 7:56 p.m.
Public Comment:
Bobbi Wartson spoke in support of the Annual Action Plan funding. She also answered questions from the Council.
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 B. Community Development: PUBLIC HEARING: General Plan Amendment 2026-01: A request to conduct a public hearing and recommend approval of a General Plan Amendment to replace the adopted 2016-2024 Housing Element with the 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element and authorize City staff to submit the 6th Cycle Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for certification.
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. and called for the staff report. Principal Planner Gabrielle Myers presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. The public hearing was closed at 8:19 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
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. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Hyde Park 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 PH at 8:21 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:29 p.m.
Public Comments:
None.
The Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District (LAD) ballot results were 0 votes approved and 2 votes disapproved.
The City Clerk certified the results, and the proposed increase did not pass. Therefore, the increase will not be placed on the 2026–27 Kings County property tax roll.
D. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Crystal Springs 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 8:29 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. The public hearing was closed at 8:37 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
The Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District (LAD) ballot results were 5 votes approved and 16 votes disapproved.
The City Clerk certified the results, and the proposed increase did not pass. Therefore, the increase will not be placed on the 2026–27 Kings County property tax roll.
E. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Portofino 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.
Staff addressed a typo in the ballot and advised the district would be re-balloted in July.
F. Public Works: PUBLIC HEARING – To receive ballots and public testimony on proposed funding changes/assessment increases for 2026/27 of the Gateway 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 8:40 p.m. and called for the staff report. Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. The council discussed the current funding available for the district and the challenges of these assessments. The public hearing was closed at 8:55 p.m.
Public Comments:
None.
The Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District (LAD) ballot results were 9 votes approved and 16 votes disapproved.
The City Clerk certified the results, and the proposed increase did not pass. Therefore, the increase will not be placed on the 2026–27 Kings County property tax roll.
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. At the Council's request, Public Works Director Russ Sterling provided a brief report on the community event involving local churches and an update on the 12th Avenue project.
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
No additional items were proposed.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
May 25: City office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day June 2: Regular City Council Meeting
June 16: Regular City Council Meeting
July 4: Hanford's Freedom Fest & Fireworks Show 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm @ Hanford Softball Complex
July 7: Canceled Regular City Council Meeting
July 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 Mayor Kairis adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk