City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
September 1, 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.
Chad Draxler commented on freedom of speech and asked for fewer restrictions in the mural ordinance.
STUDY SESSION AND ACTION ITEMS:
A. Direction Regarding Expansion of Zones Eligible for Wall Murals Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the expansion of zones eligible for wall murals for the Council's review and direction. The Council spoke in support of policy option number three, adding PF (Public Facility Zones) and selected commercial zones and directed staff to identify the commercial zones where murals would be appropriate. City Attorney Ty Mizote discussed free speech considerations and who may paint murals. Staff answered questions and will return with a clearer map and revisions based on the Council’s feedback. Staff ensured the Council that they may request further changes before adoption.
B. Discussion About Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in Local Government and Consideration of Future City Guidelines or Policies
Community Relations Manager Brian Johnson provided an overview of staff’s use of AI and related needs, including policy examples. Mr. Johnson also introduced new employee Melissa Farrand, Community Relations Specialist. Council Member Paden shared his experience with the League of California Cities Policy Committee’s meeting discussions and offered suggestions for moving forward with an AI policy. The Council discussed where an AI policy should be included and whether separate policies should apply to staff and elected officials. Council Members expressed concerns about misuse, graphic designs, and reliance on AI by both employees and Council Members. Staff answered questions from the Council and will return with a draft AI policy for the Council’s consideration as an addition to the City Council Handbook.
Mayor Kairis adjourned the Study Session at 5:25 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (GC 54956.9)(d)(1)) City of Hanford v. Puga, et al.
Kings County Superior Court Case No. 26CU0342
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8) APN: 012-041-007
Negotiating Party: Craig Johnson
Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Ty Mizote C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (GC 54956.8) APN: 012-046-005
Negotiating Party: Solis Martin Vieyra & Araujo Fanny Castro Agency Negotiators: Chris Tavarez, Jason Waters, and Nick Matoian 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 Stan Plooy.
FLAG SALUTE:
The flag salute was led by Council Member Regan.
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.
Daniel Leon commented on past incidents involving the Hanford Police Department.
Anna Brookshier commented on Item D and asked about the benefits of the contract.
Margaret Tebbe commented on the mural ordinance and advocated for expanding the zones where murals are permitted.
Glen Gonzalez commented on the Boys and Girls Club and the mural ordinance, expressing interest in having a mural at the Boys and Girls Club.
Susanna Gonzalez, a downtown business owner, commented on the mural ordinance.
Mark Mason introduced himself as the new representative of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and discussed the services the organization provides.
Chad Draxler commented on an interaction he had with a police officer in Civic Park.
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.
Item D was pulled by Council Member Paden. Motion to approve the consent calendar except for the items pulled for separate discussion.
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 August 4, 2026 Meeting C. City Clerk: Approval of the Minutes of the August 18, 2026 Meeting D. Community Development: Adopt Resolution 26-62-R, Approving Historic Resources Permit HRA0023-26 for 240 N. Irwin Street (APN 012-052-004) – Sensory Rock E. Community Development: Adopt Resolution 26-60-R, Approving Historic Resources Permit HRA0024-26 for 104 N. Douty Street (APN 012-054-011) - STIIZY F. Public Works: Approval of Resolution 26-59-R establishing WeatherWeld Roofing Product as the City standard for roofing applications on City-owned buildings.
G. Police: Authorization to apply for the FY26/27 California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control/Office of Traffic Safety (ABC/OTS) Local Law Enforcement Grant in the amount of $22,000 to be used for alcohol enforcement operation overtime costs; and if awarded, approve Resolution 26-57-R for the acceptance of the grant, amend the budget to recognize the grant, appropriate the total amount in the General Fund for the Police Department, and authorize the City Manager or Police Chief to execute the grant agreement.
H. Finance: Authorization for the City Manager to execute a five-year continuing professional services agreement with NHA Advisors, LLC for Municipal Financial Consulting on debt-related services, with costs based on services provided, with total approximate reporting costs of $55,000 over five years plus project-specific costs as agreed upon, primarily funded by the applicable enterprise funds PULLED CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Administration: Approval of Agreement with Retail Strategies, LLC, for three years of retail recruitment services at annual cost of $45,000.
[Item D]
Pulled by Council Member Paden.
Community Relations Manager, Brian Johnson, responded to the questions asked during public comment and 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 PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Utilities and Engineering: Public Hearing and consideration of approval of Resolution 26- 61-R for City of Hanford Wastewater Fee Rate Increase effective September 2, 2026.
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. and called for the staff report. Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Jason Rodrigues, and Allison Lechowicz of LT Municipal Consultants provided background information. Ms. Lechowicz presented the rate study and Proposition 218 process. The Council provided feedback and expressed concerns about aging infrastructure and the need for a rate increase. Staff and Ms. Lechowicz answered Council questions.
Before the vote, the City Clerk reported that 42 written protests had been received, which did not meet the majority protest threshold.
Public Comment:
Anna Brookshier spoke in opposition to the increase.
Bob Ramos spoke in opposition to the increase.
Wade Hoffman spoke in opposition to the increase.
Claudia Saray spoke in opposition to the increase.
Mark Lopes spoke in opposition to the increase.
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: Municipal Code Amendment 13-26, a request by the City of Hanford to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance 26-05, amending Title 15 of the Hanford Municipal Code adding Section 15.57, in order to implement a new Expedited Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Ordinance and create a streamlined EV charging station permitting process, in accordance with Assembly Bills 1236 and 970
Mayor Kairis opened the public hearing at 8:39 p.m.and called for the staff report. Principal Planner Gabrielle Myers presented the staff report and invited questions from the Council. Mayor Kairis closed the public hearing at 8:44 p.m.
Public Comment:
None.
Motion to Approve.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Nancy Howze
Council Member Mark Kairis
Mark Kairis, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, Kimber Regan, Nancy Howze GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Finance: Adoption of Resolution No 26-58-R approving a joint exercise of powers agreement forming the Hanford Financing Authority
Finance Director Destiny Borba provided an overview and introduced Eric Scriven of NHA Advisors, who presented the agreement and related details for the Council’s review and approval. Mr. Scriven invited questions from the Council.
Motion to Approve Resolution 26-58-R approving the joint exercise of powers agreement with CSCDA forming the Hanford Financing Authority.
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: Adopt Resolution No. 26-63-R initiating a long-range strategic planning process, including authorizing staff to return for the formation of a "Blue Ribbon Recreation Advisory Committee" to evaluate potential recreation projects and funding options and appropriate $20,000 from the General Fund (Reserve) for long-range strategic planning services.
During this time, the Council approved to extend the meeting until 9:30 p.m.
Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert and Deputy City Manager Jason Waters discussed the long-range strategic planning process and consideration of formation of a Blue Ribbon Recreation Advisory Committee. The Council provided their input and staff answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 26-63-R initiating a long-range strategic planning process, including authorizing staff to return for the formation of a "Blue Ribbon Recreation Advisory Committee." RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Passed (UNANIMOUS)
Council Member Kimber Regan
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 and the events 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) A. Council Future Agenda Items
Council Member Paden suggested a Study Session to discuss installing a marquee sign near the Plunge. City Manager Tavarez stated that staff will follow up and that a marquee sign can be considered a Capital Improvement Project and discussed during a future budget review.
B. Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
September 5: Free e-waste recycling event at the City Corporation Yard, 900 S. 10th Avenue, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
September 7: City offices closed in observance of Labor Day September 15: Regular City Council Meeting
October 6: Regular City Council Meeting
October 20: 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 9:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Corral
City Clerk