MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Pro Tem Scott Funk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The flag salute was recited by all present.
ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Jose L. Rios Mayor/Chair Remote
Scott Funk Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Present
Liz Silva Council/Agency Member Present
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency Member Present
Paul Miller Council/Agency Member Present
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Sherlyn Flores (via zoom) and Autumn Escobedo (via zoom).
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager René L. Mendez, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriguez (via zoom), Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Carmen Gil, (via zoom), Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant II Anabel Almanza, Administrative Assistant I Noemi Gregorio, Police Chief Keith Wise (via zoom), Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Director Mark Hartunian, Fire Chief Jason Muscio (via zoom), and Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins.
* Successor Agency Item
Mayor Pro Tem Funk read the following notice:
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING COVID-19
Based on guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the California Governor’s Office, in order to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, please do the following:
• You are strongly encouraged to observe the live stream of the City Council meetings at http://cityofgonzales.granicus.com/viewpublisher.php?view%20id=2 or join the meeting via zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85168347489 or enter the Zoom ID: 851 6834 7489. • If you choose not to attend the City Council meeting but wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item, please submit your comment via email by 12:00p.m. on Tuesday, January 18th prior to the Council meeting. Please submit your comment to the City Clerk at [email protected].
Your comment will be placed into the record at the Council meeting. • If you attend the City Council meeting in person and are not vaccinated, you will be required to maintain appropriate social distancing, ie, maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and other individuals, and wear a face covering.
• If you are watching the live stream of the Council meeting online and wish to make either a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item as it is being heard, please submit your comment, limited to 250 words or less, to the City Clerk at [email protected]. Every effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. Comments received after an agenda item will be made part of the record if received prior to the end of the meeting.
• If you are watching via zoom, please use the Raise Hand function. You will be allowed three minutes for your comments.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
2. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council for a period not to exceed three minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council will listen to all communications, but may take no action.
Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Director Hartunian introduced Administrative Assistant Noemi Gregorio, a new employee for the City of Gonzales.
Ms. Gregorio said she was excited to be here and the Council welcomed her.
City Attorney Rodriquez asked if Item 21 could be moved before consent agenda for discussion first.
The Council concurred to move and discuss Item 21 first.
21. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-08, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Use of Remote Teleconferenced Meetings of the City Council Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report for Item 21.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Resolution No. 2022-08
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Paul Miller, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
CONSENT AGENDA
3. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - December 6, 2021 Minutes
4. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #46129-46291
5. Approve Successor Agency Warrants #1592-1593
6. Building Department Activity Report
7. Community Development Department Activity Report
8. Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Activity Report
9. Fire Department Activity Report
10. Police Department Activity Report
11. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
12. Recreation Department Activity Report
13. Accept $13,088 in Funding from the Monterey County Health Department Safe Travels Via Salinas Grant to Further the Efforts to Reduce Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries and Fatalities Due to Collision by Providing Further Pedestrian Safety Education; and Amend the FY 2021-2022 Budget (Fund 100) by Increasing Revenues by $13,088 in Grant Proceeds (Object Code 5637)
14. Consider Approval of the City’s Standard Contract with Peckham & McKenney Executive Search for Recruitment Services for the Position of Community Development Director for an Amount not to Exceed $25,500; and authorize the City Manager to Sign it
15. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-02, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving an Application for Rural Recreation and Tourism Program Grant Funds for the Community Center Complex; and Authorize the City Manager to Submit Grant Documents to the State Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-03, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Gonzales and the Painters & Allied Trades, District Council 36, on Behalf of CalPro, the California Professional Employees, Local Union #2345 for 2022 thru 2024
17. Consider Approval of Adopt Resolution No. 2022-04, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Gonzales and the Gonzales Police Officers Association for the period covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024; and Resolution No. 2022-05, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Gonzales and the Gonzales Police Supervision Association for the period covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024
18. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-06, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing the 2022-2024 Level of Benefits for Miscellaneous and Fire Safety Employees; and Resolution No. 2022-07, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing the 2022-2024 Level of Benefits for Management Employees
19. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-09, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing a Three-Year On-Call Consultant List for Planning Services, and Authorizing Execution of Non-Exclusive Agreements with Harris & Associates for an Amount not to Exceed $120,000 for Planning Support and Staff Augmentation Services; and HR & Associates for an Amount not to Exceed $35,000 for Planning Support Including Preparation of LAFCO Applications for Proposed Annexations
*
*
20. Consider Approval of Resolution No. SA-2022-01, Adopt Resolution No. SA-2022-01, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 22-23 for the Period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
In regards to Item 16, City Manager Mendez mentioned that he wanted to inform that the union has not been able to hold their vote yet on the changes, and the voting will be held Thursday. In the event the Council approves this, it will be conditioned on them approving this.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Consent Agenda Items
MOVER: Paul Miller, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller City Manager Mendez requested Item 25 from regular agenda be pulled as staff still needs to tighten a few things up, and will bring it back at the next Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk announced Item 25 was pulled for a future meeting.
REGULAR AGENDA
21. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-08, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Use of Remote Teleconferenced Meetings of the City Council Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361
This item was considered before the consent agenda items, and it was approved.
22. Consider Approval of Proclamation No. 2022-01 Proclaiming the City's 75th Anniversary of Incorporation
Staff Report: Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil presented the staff report and read the proclamation.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
23. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-01, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Supporting the Blue Zones Project Monterey County Staff Report: Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil presented the staff report.
Tiffany DiTullio, Blue Zones Project Monterey County Executive Director, presented a powerpoint presentation explaining what the Blue Zones Project consisted of, sustainable change in Monterey County, improving individual well-being, healthy and sustainable choices, community policy impact on healthy choices, and next steps. *
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Paul Miller, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
24. Consider Adoption, Waive Reading and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2021-129, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Adding Chapter 5.30 to Title 5-Public Health and Safety of the Gonzales City Code for Organic Waste Disposal Reduction, Recycling and Solid Waste Collection
Staff Report: City Manager Mendez presented the staff report.
Patrick Mathews, Salinas Valley Recycles General Manager, answered some questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk opened the public hearing at 6:39pm.
Public Hearing: No comments came forward.
Being there no comments from the public, Mayor Pro Tem Funk closed the public hearing at 6:39pm.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Paul Miller, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
25. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-10, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Prequalified Design-Build Entity Teams Shortlisted for the Community Center Complex Project, and Authorize Staff to Issue the Request for Proposals to the Shortlisted Design-Build Entity Teams After Council Approves the Design Criteria This item was pulled for a future Council meeting.
26. Consider Making the Three Existing 8-Month Limited Term Firefighter Positions Permanent Staff Report: Fire Chief Muscio presented the staff report.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
27. Update on COVID-19
Staff Report: City Manager Mendez reported on the level of positivity and impact on the testing.
Fire Chief Muscio updated on the quarantine guideline changes, rate of the omicron variant, workforce standards, and the increase of covid related responses.
Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil updated on assisting with the vaccinations, being the only City taking on testing thanks to the partnership with the County and Community Foundation, limited testing due to running out of tests, staff shortage due to covid, supporting testing at the school, and vaccines available at the pharmacy.
Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Director Hartunian updated on the City's systems and programs staff is working on to provide appropriate safeguards and measures for the community and employees to not lock down City Hall, like other municipalities do.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
28. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division
No report.
b. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
Mayor Pro Tem Funk reported on the discussion about the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan; and elaborated on the 6th cycle regional housing needs allocation methodology. c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy reported on the hybrid meetings, contracts with other organizations, and ticketless program extension.
d. City & School Joint Steering Committee
No report.
e. Economic Development Committee
City Manager Mendez reported on the contract that is still being finalized.
29. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioner Flores and Escobedo announced their virtual meeting this week to plan for some projects.
Council Member Worthy announced the food pantry this Friday at the Community Church. She thanked everyone for the wonderful activities that they had in December.
Council Member Silva said she had a great time at the events that were held in December, and it was fun. She gave a shout out to our Community Health Workers, Firemen, and Public Works staff who have been awesome always, but especially the last two years with the additional duties during the pandemic. She thanked them and said this continues to make her proud. She asked everyone to stay healthy and safe and indicated it was their personal choice, but encouraged people to get vaccinated and boosted because this is a horrible disease.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked Public Works for the help at the bridge every morning. He said he his family walked over to the pharmacy to get boosted and it was great to have that resource here in town. He thanked staff for assisting the pharmacist.
Council Member Miller echoed everyone’s comments. He praised staff for coming together with the community and continuing to serve them while the pandemic. He liked brining the Firefighters full time. He agreed with getting vaccinated being a personal choice, but he noted the statistics of the hospitalizations and deaths are unvaccinated people, and encouraged people to think about their community.
Mayor Rios talked about his gift to the cemetery that Mr. Barba mentioned and the tools that Rotary donated to the cemetery and thanked them for the large donation to the district. He said he never thought he would get covid, but the vaccine and booster have to do with the level of his symptoms which he feels really good, but will follow the isolation guidelines and re-test before going out to make sure the community stays healthy. He thanked staff for all they are doing and he is very happy to see some additional staff at the Fire Department and he would like to have more because there are a lot of kids out there that want to be in our department.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
30. Oral Communications
City Manager Mendez mentioned staff is working on a few projects like the street project, which will be brought back in the near future and will be done this fiscal year. Another item that will be brought forward are some changes to the organization. He informed that Greenfield was also celebrating their 75th Anniversary so maybe we can do some joint thing as part of the celebration.
Police Chief Wise reported on the background phase for new officers.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk