Mayor Mark Kairis Breaks Down the May 19 City Council Decisions

Welcome And Meeting Overview

You're listening to a special episode of the Hanford Insider Podcast, featuring a wrap-up of recent City Council actions with Mayor Mark Kyrus. Hello, Hanford. I'm your Mayor Mark Kyrus. We had a packed and productive May 19th Hanford City Council meeting. So let's get into the highlights.

$59.9M Wastewater Plant Modernization

First, after months of intensive negotiations, we authorized $59.9 million contract amendment with Optera Energy Services for energy-related improvements at our wastewater treatment facility. This is more than a repair. It's total modernization. One portion of the project is already complete. Optera built a new solar facility at the plant earlier this year, ahead of the key deadline. But there's much more work to be done, including the replacement of our 1949 trickling filter plant with the high-efficiency oxidation ditch, as well as upgrades to our existing ditch. We're looking at approximately $400,000 in annual energy savings. But beyond the dollars, this is also about safety. We are eliminating the use of pressurized gaseous chlorine, a major hazardous liability, and switching to a safer, bleach-like solution. This project, which is expected to be completed by 2029, lays the foundation that will eventually allow us to expand our capacity from 8 to 12 million gallons per day as our population grows.

Housing Element Adopted For Compliance

Speaking of growth, we held an important public hearing regarding our 2024 to 2032 housing element. Through this state-mandated plan, the City of Hanford must identify the housing needs of all economic segments of our community and describe how it intends to facilitate the preservation and development of adequate housing to meet those needs. I'm proud to say we have officially adopted this plan, moving us into full compliance with the state. I also want to echo the praise from the State Department of Housing and Community Development, who gave special recognition to our own very our very own Gabrielle Myers for her incredible perseverance in getting this document across the finish line.

Landscape District Votes And Tradeoffs

We held three other public hearings related to proposed assessment increases for our landscape assessment districts, also known as LADs. After a comprehensive education and information effort by city staff, which included on-site community meetings, residents of Gateway Estates, Hyde Park, and Crystal Springs voted against raising their assessment amounts to properly maintain the shared spaces in their neighborhoods. Unfortunately, as a result, maintenance in those spaces will be reduced to a lack of funding.

Quail Run Pushes For Reballot

On a more positive note, we heard from some passionate residents of Quail Run Estates, LED. In April, they also voted down the assessment increase. But thanks to a grassroots petition that followed, the Hanford City Council reached a consensus on Tuesday to have a future discussion on reballoting the LED.

CDBG Plan And Meals On Wheels

We also approved our annual action plan for the federal community development block grant funding the city receives and then allocates to different organizations and programs that benefit low and moderate income homes. One example is the Kings County Commission on Aging, which uses the CDBG funding they receive to benefit senior citizens in many ways, including the Meals on Wheels program.

Hanford Connect Wins Sustainability Award

Lastly, we celebrate at Hanford receiving the American Planning Association Central California Section 2026 Resilience and Sustainability Award for our Hanford Connect plan. The full plan was completed in December and is available to read in full on our website at www.hanfordca.gov slash HanfordConnect.

Next Council Meeting And How To Join

Our next city council meeting is scheduled for June 2nd. I hope you will join us in person or online at www.hanfordca.gov. Thanks for watching. See you next time.