City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
June 16, 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.
Victor Chavarin Jr. provided his background and expressed concerns regarding a potential tax increase. He also stated that other city projects should be prioritized over developing additional parkland.
Mark Pratter commented on the polling results and stated that there are alternative ways to fund the project. He provided the Council with a property list, and questioned whether assessed land could be sold to generate revenue.
STUDY SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS:
A. New Employee introduction: Officer Alex Arciga, Dispatchers, Amanda Dominguez, Hyasha Crumpton, Oscar Escalera, CSO Armando Ornelas and K9 Ace (with partner Manuel Pasillas)
Police Chief Huddleston introduced the Police Department's newest employees, Officer Alex Arciga, Dispatchers, Amanda Dominguez, Hyasha Crumpton, Oscar Escalera, CSO Armando Ornelas and K9 Ace (with partner Manuel Pasillas).
B. Recreation and Community Services: Receive a presentation from FM3 Research and the Trust for Public Land, discuss the polling results, and provide policy direction regarding whether to proceed with a recreational funding measure for the November 2026 ballot, not proceed, or defer consideration to a future election cycle Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert provided background information on the project, and Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed its current status. Curtis Below, Partner with FM3, presented the polling results and findings. He stated that the polling indicated it would be challenging for a ballot measure to be approved in the November 2026 election but noted that the research provided valuable information for future planning. Nathan Henry, Finance Director with Western Conservation Finance, presented funding options and recommended deferring the ballot measure until 2028 to allow additional preparation. The Council discussed potential approaches for moving the project forward and considered the available options.
The Council directed staff to return to council at a future date with a proposed plan to move forward with a ballot measure in 2028 and an appropriation request for Council consideration and direction.
Motion to direct staff to move forward with the Council's direction.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Nancy Howze, Kimber Regan, Lou Martinez CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION:
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
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9)(d)(1))
Viking Ready Mix Sales, LLC v. Rudy Rabino, et al. (Kings County Case No. 25CU0015) 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 Sylvia Gaston.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Police Chief Huddleston.
CLOSED SESSION ACTION REPORT:
None.
RECOGNITION:
A. Recognition of the Sierra Pacific High School Girls Track and Field Team for Winning the CIF Central Section Division II Championship
The Council recognized the Sierra Pacific High School Girls Track and Field Team and Coaches with certificates of recognition.
B. Recognition of the Hanford West High School Varsity Softball Team for Winning the CIF State Division III Championship
The Council recognized the Hanford West High School Girls Softball Team and Coaches with certificates of recognition.
Coach Hernandez and Coach Vasquez expressed gratitude to the athletes and thanked the Council.
During this time, the Council, by consensus, approved extending the meeting until 10:00 p.m.
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.
Dan Leon commented on an incident in 2001. He stated that he has evidence for this incident. Addressed the arrest of his son.
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 I, J, L, M, N,O, and P. Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar except for the items pulled for separate consideration.
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. Administration: Adoption of Resolution 26-40-R, Conflict of Interest Code, designating the filing obligations for designated employees.
C. City Clerk: Adoption of Resolutions 26-44-R and 26-45-R, authorizing the Consolidation of the Regular Municipal Election for Hanford City Council Districts A, D, and E on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and request the Kings County Board of Supervisors to authorize the Kings County Registrar of Voters to conduct the election.
D. City Attorney: Approval of the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement for $325,000 (Measure H Capital Fund - 0011) with Escrow Instructions and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Necessary Documents for the Purchase of Kings County Assessor’s Parcel Number 012-046-005 from Martin Vieyra Solis and Fanny Castro Araujo.
E. Community Development: Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO's) $50,000 or greater for the Community Development Department for a total amount of $200,000 for fiscal year 2026/2027.
F. Community Development: Adoption of Resolution No. 26-42-R, Authorization to Submit a HOME Investment Partnerships Program Income Application to Continue the First-Time Homebuyer Program and Allow for the Future Implementation of a HOME-Funded Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000 G. Recreation and Community Services: Approval of a Blanket Purchase Order (BPO) for the Recreation and Community Services Dept with Sysco Foods for $102,000 for fiscal year 2026/2027.
H. Public Works: Approval of thirty-six (36) blanket purchase orders (BPO's) over $50,000, for divisions within Public Works Department and Utilities and Engineering Department, for a total amount of $10,283,533, previously approved in the adopted fiscal year 2026/2027 budget.
I. Public Works: Award a contract to Cal Valley Construction, Inc., of Fresno Ca., for the FY 26-27 Pavement Resurfacing Treatment (Manhole and Valve Cover Adjustment), funded by Measure H Capital Fund (0011), in the amount of $150,650.00 and approve a 15% contingency of $22,597.50.
J. Utilities and Engineering: Award a contract for the Project Development design phase for the Grangeville Boulevard at the BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project to TRC Engineers, Inc. of Rancho Cordova, CA in the amount of $2,068,297.70, establish a project contingency of $210,000.00 and project management cost of $124,200.00 for a total project cost of $2,402,497.70; and appropriate $332,497.70 from the TDA Fund (0050) for the additional amount necessary to complete this phase.
K. Utilities and Engineering: Conditional authorization for staff to record the final subdivision map for Tract No. 881-3 Live Oak East Hidden Oaks Unit No. 3, a 128-lot subdivision located at the southeast corner of Hume Avenue and 12th Avenue.
L. Utilities and Engineering: Authorization to file a Notice of Completion (NOC) for the Site Preparation, Utility Coordination/Connection, and Paving for the Bob Hill - Youth Athletic Complex Prefabricated Restroom and Concession Building Project with Todd Companies of Visalia, California
M. Utilities and Engineering: Adoption of Resolution 26-38-R designating the Fiscal Year 2026/27 “Project List” for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) gas tax funding; and Appropriation of Hanford's estimated RMRA funding projection of $1,718,248 from the Gas Tax-RMRA fund (0045)
N. Utilities and Engineering: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Carollo Engineers of Fresno, CA as Owners Advisor to provide Plan Check and Construction Management Support Services for the Opterra Design- Build Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTF) Energy Upgrades and Improvements Project for a estimated fee of $2,691,390 funded partially by Wastewater Impact Fees Fund (0186) in the amount of $500,000 and the remaining by Wastewater Capital Fund (0362) contingent upon Prop 218 passing.
O. Police: Approval of annual contracts for fiscal year 2026-2027, with the Hanford Joint Union High School District, the Kings County Office of Education and Pioneer Union Elementary School District for their School Resource Officer Program in the total amount of $642,000 paid by the School Districts.
P. Police: Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO's) $50,000 or greater for the Police Department for a total amount of $705,000 for fiscal year 2026/2027.
Q. Finance: Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO's) $50,000 or greater for the Finance Division for a total amount of $256,000 for fiscal year 2026/2027.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Public Works: Approval of Resolution 26-37-R, authorizing the City Manager or Airport Manager to apply for, accept, and execute applications for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant (AIG) in the amount of $493,449, FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) in the amount of $2,779,228, and the California Department of Transportation Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Caltrans Matching Grant in the amount of $138,961; and amend the budget to recognize the grant funding, appropriate $3,479,563 from the Airport Capital Fund (0301) including a local match of $67,925 contingent on grant award.
[Item I]
Pulled by Council Member Paden to recuse himself from the vote.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
Passed
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Travis Paden
B. Public Works: Award a contract to VSS International, Inc., of West Sacramento, Ca., for the FY 26-27 Pavement Resurfacing Treatment (Single and Double Fiberized Slurry Overlay) funded by Measure H Capital Fund (0011), in the amount of $933,120.00 and approve a 15% contingency of $139,968.00.
[Item J]
Pulled by Council Member Paden. Public Works Director Sterling provided clarification.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Nancy Howze
AYES: Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Public Works:
Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into an annual contract for landscape maintenance of Landscape Assessment Districts within Coordinate 1 to Perfect Care Landscape and Maintenance, of Tulare, CA, for an annual not to exceed amount of $92,613.00. [Item L]
Pulled by Council Member Paden.
Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias responded to the questions from Council Member Paden.
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. Public Works: Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into an annual contract for landscape maintenance of Landscape Assessment Districts within Coordinate 2 to Perfect Care Landscape and Maintenance, of Tulare, CA, for an annual not to exceed amount of $167,113.00.
[Item M]
Pulled by Council Member Paden.
Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias responded to the questions from Council Member Paden.
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 E. Public Works: Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into an annual contract for landscape maintenance of Landscape Assessment Districts within Coordinate 3 to Clean Cut Landscape Management, of Clovis, CA, for an annual not to exceed amount of $166,533.
[Item N]
Pulled by Council Member Paden.
Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias responded to the questions from Council Member Paden.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Travis Paden
F. Public Works:
Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into an annual contract for landscape maintenance of Landscape Assessment Districts within Coordinate 4 to Clean Cut Landscape Management, of Clovis, CA, for an annual not to exceed amount of $221,239.00. [Item O]
Pulled by Council Member Paden.
Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias responded to the questions from Council Member Paden.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Lou Martinez
Council Member Howze
Mark Kairis, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze
Travis Paden
G. Public Works:
Award and authorization for the City Manager to enter into an annual contract for landscape maintenance of Landscape Assessment Districts within Coordinate 5 to Dangi's Landscape & Tree Service, of Hanford, CA, for an annual not to exceed amount of $126,315.00. [Item P]
Pulled by Council Member Paden.
Deputy Public Works Director Alvin Dias responded to the questions from Council Member Paden.
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 PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Finance: Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution 26-41-R to approve the comprehensive Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27 which includes proposed new fees, deletions of fees and increases/adjustments to existing fees.
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. and called for the staff report. Analyst Aubrey Balbina presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:54 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 B. Community Development: Community Development: Roadway Abandonment No. 2026- 01, a request by San Joaquin Valley Homes to abandon approximately 8,145 square feet of right-of-way, Millerton Street, an undeveloped street. The project is located east of S.
Alpine Avenue, along Millerton Street.
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. and called for the staff report. Principal Planner Gabrielle Myers presented the staff report for the Council's review and approval. Staff responded to questions from the Council. Mayor Kairis closed the public hearing at 8:04 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 GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. City Clerk: Adoption of Resolution 26-39-R, Amending the City Council Handbook of Rules and Procedures to Establish a Remote Participation Disruption Policy and Public Comment Registration Procedures
City Clerk Natalie Corral presented an overview of the recommended Handbook Amendments for the Council's review and approval. Staff answered questions from the Council.
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 B. Public Works: Adoption of Resolution No. 26-36-R, approving the Annual Engineer's Report and Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments as outlined, pursuant to Chapter 3 of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972. The proposed assessments outlined in the Engineer's Report are less than or equal to the authorized maximum assessment for each landscape assessment district, and set July 21, 2026, as the Public Hearing date to consider the increases in assessments as proposed.
Public Works Director Russ Sterling provided an overview of the Landscape Assessment Districts and the proposed assessments. Staff requested the Council's review and approval of Resolution No. 26-36-R, approving the Annual Engineer's Report, declaring the City's intention to levy and collect assessments, and setting July 21, 2026, as the public hearing date to consider the proposed assessment increases. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Kimber Regan
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze C. Utilities and Engineering: Presentation on a Wastewater Rate Study and Authorization to proceed with a Proposition 218 process and set the Hearing Date & Time for August 18, 2026 at 7pm for a proposed Wastewater Rate increase.
Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno, Alison Lechowicz of Lechowicz & Tseng Municipal Consultants, and Christian Sprunger of NHA Advisors presented the Wastewater Rate Study and requested authorization to initiate the Proposition 218 process and set a public hearing date. Staff presented two options for the Council's consideration and provided a recommendation. Staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve Option 2: No Capitalized Interest.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
Passed
Council Member Travis Paden
Council Member Martinez
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan
Nancy Howze
Motion to approve the Prop 218 Process.
RESULT:
MOVER:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Travis Paden
SECONDER:
AYES:
Council Member Nancy Howze
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze D. Finance: Mid-Cycle 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget Review and additional appropriation of $1,256,261 in the General Fund, maintaining a balanced budget with cost reductions, deferrals and increased revenues; and $10,629,688 across all Proprietary and Other Funds for necessary operational and capital needs; and addition of three (3) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) - Senior Fire Inspector, Fire Inspector, and Senior Civil Engineer to the Personnel Master Budget that are offset by revenues and project funding.
Recess: 9:30 p.m. - 9:35 p.m.
During this time, the Council approved to extend the meeting to 10:30 p.m.
Finance Director Destiny Borba and Finance Manager Eekhong Franco presented the City's financial outlook, including the budget cycle, current budget status, general revenue trends, and summary budget changes. Staff answered questions from the Council.
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).
The Council discussed the meetings an events they attended.
A. INFORMATION REPORT — MAY 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
Council Member Paden requested a future agenda item to discuss Facebook monetization and a potential amendment to the City's Social Media Policy. The Council reached a consensus to bring the item back for future discussion.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
June 24: Candidate Information Night hosted by the Kings County Elections Department More Information
June 25: Hanford Connect Summer Safety Special 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Civic Auditorium
July 3: City offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day July 4: Hanford's Freedom Fest & Fireworks Show 6:00pm - 10:00pm at the Hanford Softball Complex Get Tickets Online
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 Kairis adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk