Hanford Insider: ENCORE EPISODE - Chris Tavarez Hanford City Manager

Meeting Hanford’s New City Manager

You're listening to a special encore episode of the Hanford Insider Podcast.

Well, it's great to be able to finally sit down with our new city manager of the city of Hanford, Mr. Chris Tavares. How are you doing, Chris? I'm doing great today, Rob. So, Chris, you're not new to Hanford. You've been in city government here for a few years in Hanford in several positions. But uh, how's it been so far ascending to the city manager spot?

Well, after about five years now, um here in Hanford, um, as you said, in various capacities. And now over the last six months um as interim city manager and as permanent city manager now, um again, very honored to take on that role. Um, but it's been good. Um most recently, I was able to announce appointment of Destiny Borba as the city's new finance director. Um, so we have uh the executive team, all of the department heads in place now, um, having to backfill some positions since she was an internal candidate. Um she's a native of Hanford. She's been with the city going on five years now, too, like me. Um she has a broad experience there. So we're just really looking for uh a finance manager now to come in and take on her old position and help stabilize all of the operations in the finance department. I think that's really important for the city just to have that uh stable finance side. I'm a little by a little bit biased in that regard since my background is in finance, but it is really the root of a lot of our of what we do, of our operations, how do we deliver projects, how do we um add staff, um, and how do we make efficiencies um within the organization? Um so I'm really looking forward to that um uh and excited just to have a good team in place. We have a great staff, we have a great organization going. So all the wheels are turning and a positive uh trajectory, um, and we're really in a great position to deliver things um to the benefit of the residents of Hanford at this point in time.

And we've got a list of about 426 topics that we should get to today, but we don't have that kind of time. So let's hit a few

Measure H And The Project List

of them. A lot of people are really interested in some of the projects that we have going on around town. Uh, we know that as the weather warms up, we're gonna start seeing more crews out doing repairs. But uh, what's in the hopper for these projects that are going on over the next several months?

Uh, you know, I think it's important to note and and to segue into Measure H, uh, thanks to the voters' passage of Measure H, a one cents uh transactions and use tax for the city. Um, one of the exciting things that we've been able to do is first off help improve our roads. Um, we've kicked off a uh road preservation uh program in the city. So that adds in millions of dollars uh otherwise that we wouldn't have been able to do for road preservation. Um we've started design of road rehabilitation projects. Those are a little bit longer because those are full-depth replacement projects typically. So usually it's about a year design, and then we can go out to bid, and and the bidding time is spring, summer of every year because you need warm weather to get those roads done. Um, in conjunction with Measure H, uh, we have a public safety building that we've kicked off uh the design uh phase of that project. And in that regard, recently uh the city council approved the uh purchase of uh $1.1 million uh land in the block of uh Harrison 7th area. So we're really looking at that area to be able to build a public safety building. Um we were hoping some other parcels line up in that area to provide enough room for that uh building. And that will serve all operations in the police department. Um, we'll have our fleet uh there, uh our SWAT hopefully operating out of there. All of the exciting things in the police department um will be there in conjunction with our fire administration um uh staff will be out of that building in the future. And having that in the downtown area, I believe, will really help uh revitalize our downtown area in Hanford. It'll be one of those spearheads of economic activity and a kind of an economic boon, if you will, um, for the downtown area. So we're really excited about that. Um our wastewater improvement project continues to roll. Um, we're in negotiations right now with Optera, who is the design firm um for that project. We have a good portion of the wastewater treatment plant, which is over 50 years old. It's well uh aged uh at this time. Um we've been able to put it together with uh or keep it going with band-aids and duct tape, um, if you will. Uh but it is time to upgrade that section of the plant. Um, without that, we're gonna have um significant problems out there. So it's time to move forward on that project. And in addition to that, we also got to look at very soon expansion of the project from 8 million gallons a day to go to 12 million gallons a day, um, which would take care of the city for decades to come. Um and kind of in the the back end of that, uh, we we need to consider tertiary treatment. That's not part of the current phase of the project with Toptera, um, but that's something on the horizon that we need to look at.

Refuse Rates And Solid Waste Reality

Um refuse rates. Um, we we've recently uh started notifying the public of that need out in that division. And that's an important segment of services that folks in the city uh may take for granted. But being able to pick up your garbage weekly is an essential city service. Um, that fund is actually in the deficit right now. So, as part of the refuse rate study that we did with an outside consulting firm, we asked them to take a look at our operations and recommend efficiencies to us to maximize every dollar that we spend out there. And they came back and said that we're doing a lot right. Um, but there are concerns in our fleet that we need to take a look at. So having the appropriate amount set aside to um renew our fleet as needed, that way we don't have costly repairs on an ongoing basis is important uh for the city. Um it really is an important endeavor in looking at these um rate increases. We nobody ever wants rate increases. It's not something that the city actively like says, hey, how can we take out more from uh the ratepayers? Um, we really want to take as little as we can. Um rates need to be justified. We can only take or ask for what is essential for the operations uh of these services. So looking at the refuse rate rates, which refuse is another way of saying um solid waste. That's our solid waste services, but even our wastewater, we have to ask what's for for appropriate for the ratepayers. Otherwise, it's an illegal um it's illegal for us to ask for anymore.

So let me ask you this. We're talking about the rates for the refuse. And I know that when I was a kid here in Hanford, we'd we'd clear up the lot and we'd throw stuff in the back of the pickup truck and we'd drive out to the dump and throw it in the dirt. But the times that I've been out there now, I I know that that's not a dump, is it?

No, it's not, Rob, and thanks for bringing that up. Um, but it's it's important to note that Kings County um does not have a lot of dump sites. Really, what we have here for the city of Hanford is a transfer station. So all of that gets transferred over to uh sites like Kettleman City. Most of our solid waste actually ends up there. And that is a big reason for the necessity um for these rate increases. There's only so much the city can do um as far as our operations go. But then those costs, which are called tipping fees, uh, once we our our dump trucks dump at these at the transfer station, those tipping fees are only controllable to some extent. Um, unlike other counties that might have a dump site closer to them, we don't. Um so we are held to this cost that until we figure out a better way, uh maybe working with the county um for a closer dump site, um maybe that's a possibility in the future. But that's something that we'll have to partner with them on uh to decrease fees um possibly in the future. Um but that is a big hurdle that we have to um uh adhere to. And another thing too is the state is looking at um our fleet and uh potentially looking in the future of having electrified refuse trucks. And that's a significant challenge in the future. Um we're probably talking a good decade out, but that's something that's on the horizon. And so that we we need to be mindful of that and continue to look for ways to make efficiencies in in what we do in our operations.

East Lacey Timeline And Grant Hunting

I'd like to go back to two projects that you mentioned. You talked about repairing roads and everything, and a lot of people are concerned about East Lacey and the condition of the road. And I know that there's going to be significant work that's going to be done out there between 10th Avenue and Costco, but what kind of timeline are we looking at? I drove down there today and it was it's it's in pretty bad shape.

We're still looking at months out, um, maybe even up to a I think it's next year actually, that we're looking to go out to bid on that project. So there's still a lot of design work to be done. Um, this is upwards of a $15 million project. Most of the funding is in place right now, but staff is actually actively looking for grant opportunities out there to help with components of the project, such as um any landscaping that may go out there. We're looking for grant opportunities out there. Transit components of the project, we're looking for grant opportunities out there, working with uh CART in partnership with them for federal and state money on there. So unfortunately, it's not uh gonna happen this year. Um shovel won't hit the ground this year, but hopefully next year we'll start seeing a phase one, which is the most likely going to be the westward part of the project be done first, and then the eastern portion of the project done afterwards. And most of the eastern portion is uh east of the railroad tracks.

And then the other project, uh going back to the public safety building, I'm trying to envision the building on that property.

Public Safety Building Site Choices

And I know that there were other properties that you looked at maybe, but um the location, uh, can you maybe tell us about some of the locations, other locations that you were looking at, and why this particular location of the public safety building is is the best choice?

Well, yeah, as you noted, we are have looked at a couple of other uh locations, and as part of our environmental review process and just project uh process, um we need to look at other um locations. Um another location we've had our eye on has been in the downtown area, more on the outskirts of the downtown area. Um, but that and compared to where we're looking at right now at 7th and Harris area. Um the area we're looking at now provides more of that direct economic boom we're hoping for for the downtown area. Um there's another location that we were looking really outside of the downtown area. There was a lot of land potentially available there, but there were also other concerns there that maybe it wouldn't have been the greatest location. Um, but no matter what, all of the locations would provide uh a new building for the our police department and fire administration. And that is essential as we continue to grow and as the building that we're in now deteriorates. I mean, unfortunately, we've had uh sewage leakage um uh in in our dispatch areas and throughout the building. So it's just really antiquated, really cramped. Uh the females uh officers don't have uh enough uh locker room space um and and the accessibility um handicap accessibility concerns in the building area are really um of concern and outdated. We just we're just so cramped. And there's you know, I I wouldn't want to have our our police department in a sardine area too long. Um so that's the goal, and I think that's the that's what the voters um stood behind as the Measure H passed. And that's really what uh my goal as city manager is to deliver that um for the community. Um and it really will be a generational impact, I believe, as as generations from now, by having a public safety building more prominent in the downtown area, will make a lasting impact to our city as a sign of delivering uh safety for our city and um providing support to downtown as we continue to grow.

Yeah, I think it's a great location. Uh I'm excited, especially for I've always been a big fan of the downtown East Corridor project. And I really think that that's going to help pave the way for more foot traffic downtown and uh seeing businesses, restaurants go in, and that cart transit facility is amazing. And I think it's it's gonna be a good pairing of uh public service uh buildings.

Downtown Revamp And The RAISE Grant

Another thing that's enhancing downtown is this RAISE grant that the city received. It was like $15 million. Yes, Rob, we're really excited about that.

Um, the CTC in conjunction with Caltrans has given us the go-ahead to get that programmed with KCAG. Um, and what that means is that very soon we'll be able to start working on this $15 plus million dollar project for the downtown area, which will work to enhance uh vehicle safety, pedestrian safety, just the walkability of downtown, which I believe will help um businesses thrive and um grow. We'll we'll be able to entice more businesses in the downtown area and make um more of a regional draw. I mean, we're already the county seat, but the more businesses that we can draw into our city, the better, in my mind. So we're really excited about that. We're gonna start um some more direct stakeholder outreach with the downtown businesses and groups um and and get going on it very soon.

All right. So

Hotel Tax Measure Explained

coming up in June, we have the next election, and we've been hearing a lot about this transient occupancy tax. Can you kind of explain what that is and how it affects the Hanford citizens and maybe those who come from out of town?

Yeah, so a transient transient occupancy tax, currently the city is at 8%. So every time a visitor comes in, typically a visitor comes in from outside of the city, they come into a hotel, they'll have an 8% tax, uh, we call it TOT for short, um charged uh for every night of their stay. So what's being proposed is an increase of that 8% tax to 12%, which would bring roughly about 400,000 of additional revenues into the city for essential city services. So to support our police department, fire department, road work, and and parks and and uh sporting events that come up at our uh sporting facilities, such as the uh youth athletic conference, the Bob Hill Complex, and then our softball complex. Um, there's a lot of tournaments that come in. And so this really, unless unless our residents um want to stay at hotels, this does not directly impact them. So it's it's impacting visitors that come in, but it would help the city um with additional revenues to support all of those areas that I just mentioned, um, which I think is really important for the city and and a good opportunity.

So

Landscape District Fees And Park Care

another opportunity that residents have in some areas of town is we have these landscape assessment districts. And I've been intrigued with these since uh the some of the discussion over parkland in in town, and we talk about these grass medians. I think of uh 11th Avenue, they're uh all the way down from Fargo to Flint, a great, you know, great strip of uh walkability, uh sidewalks, trees, grass, and such. Uh but some neighborhoods have difficulty passing uh these increases in their landscape assessment district fees. And we've seen, you know, we've seen it in social media. People are why is why is the park closed? Why is the grass overgrown? I it's a big topic, but maybe just a couple minutes here, you could kind of explain to the listeners about these landscape assessment districts and how come they're so important to keeping our city beautiful.

Yes, Rob, thank you for bringing this up. So this is an interesting topic because landscape assessment districts, unlike just a normal city park, are funded by the property owners around these districts or in these districts. So the city uh administers them, but it's not general taxpayer money that funds these districts. It is the property owners' uh assessments, their property taxes that pay for uh these districts, uh their maintenance and any improvements in these areas. For the city, um it it does benefit uh us all to see uh a green area, a nice area, um, but it does uh impact these districts even more. Um I I'm sure these folks appreciate having um their landscaping nice. Um some of them have uh uh playgrounds, um, some little parks in in their areas, um, and that's what their assessments pay for. So several of these um districts over the last 10 to 20 plus years sometimes have had a stagnant assessment. And there was what that means is over the past 20 plus years, perhaps, there's been no change in the amount that they pay um for these the maintenance of of their areas. So over time, uh many of these districts have now built up a deficit, and what that means is their revenues don't cover their expenses. So the city has recognized that and said, hey, uh we need to go out to the property owners and let them know it's it's time for uh uh an assessment change if they want to see their districts still up at this higher standard of of service. If they don't, that's a decision um up to the property owners. But then that would mean that they would not have as high of a service and perhaps not the landscaping that they've been accustomed to over the many years of of existence in these districts. Um so our job as as a city is to get the information out there, educate these districts onto what the needs are, um, where they've been at, what the need is, and leave it up to them and for them to decide, and and the city will respect that from there.

Recruiting Restaurants And New Business

I know that when I've talked to previous city managers and the um public information officer, uh Brian, you talk about how the city goes to these ICSC conferences and see, you know, checks out what's out there, what companies are looking, and try to find a good match for the city of Hanford. And we talk about rooftops and stuff. And I know uh there's no big news to announce or anything like that, but where does Hanford stand right now in terms of attracting some of these businesses and restaurants that we've been desiring for so long?

Well, it a lot of times it takes many years, and and I like to use the analogy of a seed is planted and then eventually it'll it'll bloom into something. So I can say right now to you and your listeners that um there are some restaurants in the works uh to potentially be coming into the city that we can't announce quite yet, um, but I think would be an exciting addition to the city and help bring about maybe even a little mean mini economic boom in their areas as they develop. But I I see that as a benefit as as we go out to these conferences where we look for and and talk to these potential businesses. Um, that's a benefit of going to these these conferences. And uh what we see is hopefully to make an announcement this year of some exciting uh businesses, some restaurants coming into town. What a tease.

What a tease. Yeah. Um we're we're definitely excited because we know the potentials there. We see the land, we you know, we envision uh places to go um and you know recreate or uh dine with family and everything. And Hanford's hungry. Hanford's hungry for some nice places. So uh thank you for sharing that information.

Long Game Vision And Closing Thanks

It's been so awesome talking to you. Um I've had the chance to speak with you on several occasions, and it's always a pleasant experience. And I know that in the city manager role, you've gained the support of the staff, uh the city council, uh the leaders, and the citizens of the community. And uh I think you're gonna do a great job here. Thanks a lot, Rob.

Um, I'm really fortunate to um have been appointed into this position and have the support of staff, the organization, city council, and many members of the community that I've been able to reach out to and start working with. I'm excited about the possibilities coming up over the next uh many years and building that foundation for the city. Um I'm excited to be focusing in on infrastructure, which is key to uh bringing about exciting businesses into the city, improving operations that way these businesses can come in, making making uh the city of Hanford really a great place to live and to work and to to bring about um just uh uh really a generational impact. So not just for us, but for our kids, for our grandkids coming in and make us a desired location to want to work, play, live, everything you can think of. That sounds great, Chris. Thank you so much. Thank you.