[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6530502,"mediaKeyId","3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c","parentId",3654296,"title","Hanford council asks staff to draft regulated allowance for feather flags after code enforcement briefing","audioSeconds",1841,"startMs",16000,"endMs",1857000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c&start=16&end=1857","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c/thumbnail_16000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6530502/Hanford/Kings-County/California/Hanford-council-asks-staff-to-draft-regulated-allowance-for-feather-flags-after-code-enforcement-briefing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530502-a83e03e1bfc04a3355239e659de84d9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448627&Signature=KOZ7xflDbUmG-7oP1AZRBTuTCW7OQHgr5MH6syNaybKrV7dchtgYCX5WWxd2tznfIZtPgM5uyiW41FQDzFh2EmmYAg8vJOu8djTOoW1Om4BKxghVwTqFjLEBtEMd1O~WHoxxicdS7B-Sc0FCm4nzWIwat4-k~MAkQtvsE9nHecJrI5wya2df9f0cXpBIdQXGOG5-LHvVJ72GUW1jJR1YQXHw7fOjegpkrVMMNsYL5Q13dWxzUq--nPbXkO3N-m5I8j2s6bKpiWr3aiJmhZaIysdbuMAotN0RouGL0oS6ce74RChnyIfP3iE6hy96uLHXm1SlrM1nypNdh1~X1QJFrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hanford","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","Hanford City Council on Tuesday directed staff to draft amendments to the municipal code to allow feather flags in commercial areas under defined conditions after a staff presentation on how the city enforces sign and other code violations.

The discussion grew out of a report by city code staff that reviewed enforcement practices, the difference between notices of violation and citations, and examples of how other nearby cities regulate feather flags. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; it asked staff to return with specific draft language and options.

Why it matters: Council members and business owners said feather flags are a low‑cost way for small businesses to advertise. Other council members and staff warned that removing limits could produce clutter, safety problems in the right‑of‑way and enforcement inconsistencies unless rules set clear parameters.

Staff presentation and enforcement context
Jason (staff presenter) introduced the item and said code compliance’s primary goal is voluntary compliance. Gavino Barrera, who “oversees code compliance,” and Tom Webb, who “oversees the building and code compliance division,” joined him for the briefing.

Barrera told the council that most cases are resolved after a notice of violation: 96.6% of code cases in 2024 were resolved after a notice without citation, staff said. About 3.4% of cases led to citations and 0.6% of violations resulted in a paid citation; staff reported roughly 2,000 notices of violation in 2024. Barrera described a door‑tag outreach approach and said staff typically tries to work with residents and businesses before assessing fines.

“Citations are the last resort,” Barrera said, describing the notice as a “heads up” that explains the specific code section and gives time to comply.

What other cities do
Staff reviewed how neighboring jurisdictions treat feather flags: several ban them outright, while others allow them under conditions. Examples cited by staff include Visalia (where temporary sign rules limit height, area and setbacks), Farmersville (one per business, business hours only) and cities that treat feather flags as temporary signs with strict time or spacing limits. Staff said they did not identify any jurisdiction that allows unrestricted use without conditions.

Council questions and direction
Councilmembers pressed for practical rules that protect safety and avoid micromanaging responsible businesses. Councilmember House said she favored allowing flags with clear rules on spacing, maintenance and limiting encroachment into the right‑of‑way, and suggested business‑hours display. Vice Mayor Paden and Councilmember Regan emphasized storefront limits, standards for tattered or faded flags, and setbacks from the curb or intersections. Several councilmembers noted complaints had been received from other businesses about excessive or poorly maintained flags.

Public comment and enforcement status
Several business owners spoke in favor of allowing regulated use. Steven Olivera, who identified himself as a Hanford business owner, told the council he brings flags in at night because they will be stolen if left out and said his peers supported allowing clean, well‑maintained flags.

Barrera reported that enforcement of the current feather‑flag provisions (enforcement that began April 1) resulted in notices to 67 parcels; staff said all 67 parcels were now in compliance and 9 citations were issued during that process. Staff indicated they had given a grace period for a new code to be implemented.

Next steps and limits on enforcement
Council gave staff direction to return with draft municipal code language that would allow feather flags under specified conditions rather than a blanket repeal of the ban. Council identified topics to be included in the draft ordinance: minimum setback from the public right‑of‑way, limits tied to storefront frontage (a cap on number per linear foot of frontage or a fixed maximum), display during business hours (with discussion about 24‑hour exemptions for truly 24‑hour businesses), standards for maintenance and appearance, spacing and distance from intersections, and clear enforcement processes.

Council and staff also agreed on interim enforcement priorities: staff said it would not proactively target compliant businesses while ordinance language is developed and negotiations are ongoing.

What remains unresolved
Staff will return with specific draft code language, comparative ordinance examples and an implementation plan (setbacks, permit or permit‑exempt approach, and enforcement protocols). No change to the municipal code took effect at the meeting; existing code remains in force until council adopts an amendment.

Provenance: Meeting discussion and public comment on code enforcement and feather flags were presented by code compliance staff beginning with the staff presentation on enforcement approach and later returned to during the council’s discussion of potential municipal code changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Hanford - City Council - Jun 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Hanford City Council on Tuesday directed staff to draft amendments to allow feather flags in commercial areas under defined conditions after a staff presentation on code enforcement and how nearby cities regulate temporary signs.","taxTitle","Hanford, Kings County, California","taxId",4030,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6530493,"Hanford Youth Baseball asks council for fee relief; city agrees to pause fee assessments during negotiations",1604,6105000,7709000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c&start=6105&end=7709","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c/thumbnail_6105000.jpg","/articles/6530493/Hanford/Kings-County/California/Hanford-Youth-Baseball-asks-council-for-fee-relief-city-agrees-to-pause-fee-assessments-during-negotiations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530493-af272895670ae366736ee8cae4b3c638/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448627&Signature=hQHNhZayYxaqbjNiuFPLqF7ItWC9e2ts48ih9YacRQhqzCtyenn7MQPGOHlC4d5Qd51yWCFiUHsRqVidryS7SJj~c3m9DzsLtjAtJCccUcyG4RLxO-mlihrCgCEs33mp9MWc9Bk8ayWk3pwx7LnS7TYYV0i6SPMJ7RTSnv0V-D~dlvT1YkZAdS0wgLn5kXXFE1jyRJjoBke3bUtJDbshUP0~So2j~RSHLmbWlCPbBEtAa3YN5FdmjUzDIH~WcbkeJ3yTyJKfYZunNQ8tqo2U8kxWhGHTiQzqb3kCnEvdKEADdl0-3Ct4JPTDMSu8xpK1vxN3Qa22bWSyYyAwPyO-sA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Hanford Youth Baseball and other volunteers asked the City Council to exempt or give credit to the league for field‑use fees contained in the newly adopted master fee schedule.

Why it matters: Hanford Youth Baseball said it contributes volunteer labor, tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and maintenance, and community programming; the league said new field use fees would force higher program costs. Council and staff agreed to pursue a written agreement that credits league contributions and defines responsibilities before assessing new fees.

What the leagues told the council
League representatives said their organization spends tens of thousands of dollars annually on field maintenance and equipment and that modest line‑item expenditures (for example, board polo shirts and a logo redesign) amount to a small share (league representatives cited 1.5% of their funds, approximately $2,000) of their budget. Amy Minor, a league volunteer, asked the council to create an exception for Hanford Youth Baseball or to credit league maintenance toward fees.

City response and council action
Parks staff said they will work with league leadership. Brad (Parks & Recreation Director) and the city manager met with league representatives during the day; staff later confirmed on the record that the city would not assess the new fees while staff and the league pursue a written agreement. Two councilmembers volunteered to help as liaisons to speed negotiations.

What was requested and next steps
League leaders requested a fee exemption or a credit system that recognizes volunteer maintenance and equipment purchases. Staff committed to: 1) negotiating a written agreement that defines use, maintenance credits and equipment responsibilities; 2) not charging the new fees while negotiations proceed; and 3) returning to council with a proposed agreement and, separately, a comparative report on tournament fees used by similar cities.

Clarifying details from the meeting
League leaders said they documented roughly $40,000 in equipment and maintenance expenses and that contested board expenditure items were a small share of the league’s budget. Staff said concession/snack bar operations and equipment responsibilities are part of discussions; staff also committed to working on a longer‑term plan for capital replacements (nets, equipment) and possible CIP funding.

Outcome
No final council vote on fee exemptions was taken. Council adoption of the master fee schedule proceeded as described in the budget item, and staff held the assessment of youth sports field fees in abeyance pending the written agreement process.","League leaders said volunteer maintenance and thousands in equipment justify fee credits; city staff committed to not assess the new field fees while negotiating a written agreement and council members offered to assist as liaisons.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6530498,"Hanford council adopts two‑year budget and master fee schedule; delays new tournament fee decision",0,8935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c&start=8935&end=8935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654296-c19a0c2ad599b93a2344a352af15455c/thumbnail_8935000.jpg","/articles/6530498/Hanford/Kings-County/California/Hanford-council-adopts-twoyear-budget-and-master-fee-schedule-delays-new-tournament-fee-decision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530498-41132df9ad2fe591040b0ebf3f1a9f9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448627&Signature=PjibLHNpgYd25fbdwyQ2fuTCZPp2oC3N2Gjbye8v8DC-StCjn3aNSWOQ0cP~JMHoFrjnauRhkPqID4vuiY2NgJnsleFpMEwiM~sKy6z6IVUXqExcZj4gMekWT83vhIiwP9VE9tPtqpkEk7KetSCGyVmKbRehQ~8JrTV~71PYhhPkHGY05QvWSw89kz62Sb5XoNxhD9eOie-ggxLTN0SD3Tte6tJ9b6tK~1lkT8qSlipo8tkESptIUUuv5beVk8GD50n18TAzkmS~lZQ5JZ4RMOKVJn78dDHWRxhfretIZqeRiksf1JCzVJpt3sF1odo-CIvmGoFwEphu44BkOByKtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hanford City Council on Tuesday adopted a balanced two‑year city budget and the annual master fee schedule, and approved the Gann appropriations limit, after public hearings and staff presentation.

The council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 and 2026–27 budgets and a capital improvement program that staff said totals roughly $37.6 million in FY2025–26 and $44.3 million in FY2026–27. Council also adopted the master fee schedule and the annual appropriations (Gann) limit by roll‑call votes; each measure passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The budget and fee schedule set spending priorities, fund Measure H public‑safety hires and capital projects, and fix user fees and permit charges that affect residents, community groups and businesses.

Key votes and actions
- Adoption of FY2025–26 and FY2026–27 biennial budget (Resolution 25‑29‑R): council voted 5–0 to adopt the two‑year budget and the capital improvement program, which includes funding for Measure H positions and city reserves.
- Adoption of the master fee schedule (Resolution 25‑31‑R): council voted 5–0 to adopt updates to fees, including changes to temporary use and fireworks booth inspections (consolidated into one fee) and a number of parks and recreation fees. The council directed staff to return with a separate review of tournament fees for ballfields; staff noted they would bring comparable city fee data for council consideration.
- Adoption of the Gann appropriation limit for FY2025–26 (Resolution 25‑32‑R): council voted 5–0.

Council direction on youth sports field fees
Public testimony from Hanford Youth Baseball representatives and other volunteers raised concerns about new field use fees and the value of volunteer maintenance and investments made by leagues. League representatives asked for an exception to the proposed fees and for credit toward city costs for field maintenance the league performs.

City staff told the council that, per direction at the meeting, the city will not assess the new fees while staff and the league negotiate a written agreement that addresses use, maintenance credits, and equipment. Parks staff and the city manager said they would work with league leadership; Vice Mayor Paden and another councilmember offered to assist as council liaisons. The council instructed that a future agenda item compare tournament fee practices at comparable cities (Visalia, Madera, Clovis and Tulare were mentioned) before finalizing any change to tournament charges.

Other notable items
- Fire department temporary use/fireworks inspection fees were consolidated into a single application and fee to reduce costs for non‑profits. Staff estimated the combined fee will save applicants roughly $137.56 compared with separate charges previously required.
- Senior membership waivers were added for Longfield Center users aged 60 and older; staff said no processing fee will be charged for the identification card used for tracking.

How the votes went
Roll call votes on the budget, master fee schedule, and Gann appropriation limit passed unanimously (5–0). Specific mover/second names were not recorded in the public transcript for each motion; minutes list the council members present and the roll call outcomes.

What happens next
Staff will implement the adopted budget and fee changes with effective dates noted in the resolutions (most changes effective July 1 or 30 days after second reading where applicable). Staff will return with a standalone report and recommended rates for sports‑tournament field use for council consideration.","The City Council unanimously approved the city's two‑year budget and related resolutions including the master fee schedule and Gann appropriation limit. Council also directed staff to withhold assessing youth sports field use fees while negotiating written agreements with partner leagues; a separate review of tournament rates will be scheduled.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hanford council asks staff to draft regulated allowance for feather flags after code enforcement briefing

Hanford Youth Baseball asks council for fee relief; city agrees to pause fee assessments during negotiations

Hanford council adopts two‑year budget and master fee schedule; delays new tournament fee decision