MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL,
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY, AND
GONZALES ELECTRIC AUTHORITY
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jose L. Rios.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The flag salute was recited by all present.
ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Jose L. Rios Mayor/Chair Present
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
Sherlyn Flores.
Unexcused absence: Autumn Escobedo.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager René L. Mendez, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Carmen Gil, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant I Noemi Gregorio, Police Chief Keith Wise, Assistant City Manager Mark Hartunian, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, and Finance Director Mike Howard. * Successor Agency Item
Gonzales Electric Authority Board Item
PUBLIC NOTICE
This meeting is being conducted consistent with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The public may participate in person or online via zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83043115275 or call 1-1669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 830 4311 5275. If you wish to make either a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, please use the Raise Hand function. You will be allowed three minutes for your comments.
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 limited to 250 words or less by 12:00p.m. on Monday, June 6th to the City Clerk at [email protected]
PRESENTATIONS
2. Certificates of Recognition – Gonzales High School Softball and Track & Field Mayor Rios presented the Certificates of Recognition to the High School Softball Team, Track & Field Team and Coaches. Mayor Pro Tem Funk presented each athlete with a free pizza voucher from Luigi's.
3. Certificates of Recognition – Fairview Middle School Girls 7th Grade Soccer Team Mayor Rios presented the certificates of recognition to the Girls Soccer Team and the Coach. Mayor Pro Tem Funk presented each athlete with a free pizza voucher from Luigi's.
4. Resolutions Recognizing City Manager Rene Mendez
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez presented a Resolution to City Manager Rene Mendez on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. He shared his sentiments and the partnerships built, and thanked him for all the work committed for everyone in South County.
Anna Velasquez and Marissa Hernandez, on behalf of the Offices of Senator Caballero and Assembly Member Rivas, presented a resolution recognizing City Manager Rene Mendez's efforts and expressed their sentiments. Ms. Velasquez thanked him for his journey in South County, leadership, and progressiveness. On her behalf as the Mayor of the City of Soledad, she thanked him for his leadership and said they will continue what he has created here.
The Gonzales City Council presented Resolution No. 2022-39 to City Manager Rene Mendez. Each member read whereas sections of the resolution.
City Manager Mendez thanked his Wife, the City, staff, the youth, Maria Orozco, the coaching, countless Councils, and several Mayors. He also thanked the community for being an amazing community and helping him raise his two boys. He had the honor and privilege to work with a remarkable Council and thanked them for the privilege of serving this community and giving him and his family a home that they could never imagined.
Maria Orozco expressed to City Manager Mendez that it was a pleasure working with him throughout the years as the Mayor of the City of Gonzales. She elaborated on the time she and the Council were looking for a City Manager and the qualities they wanted to see in a City Manager; someone who would be engaged in the community, had experience in working with a diverse community, actively involved in the City and throughout the years he had exceeded those qualities.
She added that his commitment, dedication, and community involvement, not only at the local level but regional, state and national level, and through his efforts, we have been in the map, have
accomplished many projects and programs for our community and have taken the lead in some of those projects that are being recognized as the little City that could. On behalf of all those who have benefited from all of the wonderful things that we have been able to do for our residents, Ms. Orozco thanked him for the many years of service to the City of Gonzales and for always going above and beyond to make sure our residents received the very best. She concluded it was an honor working with him and she considered herself a part of his family and congratulated him in his new career.
Henry Martinez Sr. said he already told Rene that it was nothing personal, they had their disagreements, but he treated him with respect and hoped he didn't push him too hard. He thanked him for his service and hoped it went well.
Roman Barba commented Rene was a good neighbor and he knows he fought many projects but he wished he would be here for the Community Center Project since he started it, and the community want him to end it. He thanked him.
Cindy Aguilar thanked Rene as the City Manager and Tennis Coach for being involved with the youth and doing things for them. She said it was a very exciting experience for the youth to have the opportunity to spend time with him. She said being part of the Youth Council and involved in it, she felt she was valuable and what she had to say mattered and that’s something she has taken very closely as she transitions into different spaces. She added that’s part of this experience and being able to spend time with him and getting to see some years of his legacy that he left here in Gonzales.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
5. 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.
Henry Martinez Jr., 114 Tenth Street, commented about doing the part at the 4th of July for 10 years and volunteering for 25 years and has gotten recognition from others but never form the City, and he’s getting tired. He said this may be his last year and asked for a reason why to keep going.
Henry Martinez Sr. asked if they were ready to storm the school here in Gonzales to save the kids instead of taking cars from dead people. He commented about a past active shooter incident and robbery.
Roman Barba commented about the passing of John Martinez and the book he gave him. He talked about catering trucks, painted trees, filthy sidewalks and trailers taking up parking space.
Maria Mata, Pueblo Unido de Tateposco, commented in Spanish and City Manager Mendez translated. She extended an invitation to the entire Council especially Mayor Rios and City Manager Mendez to a gathering with the Cocula President Miguel Angel Ibarra Flores this Sunday, June 12th at the St. Theodore’s Hall from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. He’ll be here talking to all the residents of Tateposco, listening to their suggestions, concerns, petitions, and needs. She said it would be a great honor if one representative from the City could be there. The people of Tateposco thanked them in advance.
Council Member Worthy asked if there were questions from Gonzales.
Ms. Mata responded he was here to listen to the people of Tateposco about any concerns, thoughts or needs, and it would be an honor for them to have City representatives.
Council Member Silva asked if there were more than two Council Members in attendance, would that be a conflict.
City Attorney Rodriquez responded no because that was a social gathering.
CONSENT AGENDA
6. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - May 16, 2022 Minutes
7. Approve the City Council - Special Meeting - May 31, 2022 Minutes
8. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #46980-47118
9. Consider Request for the Waiver of Application Fees for a Fireworks Sales Permit Application Submitted by Shield Bearers and Spartan 300 Club
10. Consider Approval of Approval of an Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and Health Career Connection Inc. for a 10-week Paid Summer Internship for the Summer of 2022 Free of Cost to the City of Gonzales; and Authorize the City Manager to Sign it
11. Consider Approval, and Allow the City Manager to Sign an Extension to the Agreement for the Private/Public Partnership with T-Mobile for 1,745 HotSpots as Part of our “Universal Broadband for All” Initiative for Another 2 Years for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $635,319.60
12. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-33, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales authorizing execution of a consulting services agreement between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for CEQA Services for the Gloria Road Cooler Project – Phase 1 Scope of Work
13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-34, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Establishment and Maintenance of Bank Accounts for Municipal Funds and Repealing Resolutions in Conflict Herewith
14. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-35, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund
15. Update on the Status of the Microgrid Project
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council/Agency Member
SECONDER: Paul Miller, Council/Agency Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
REGULAR AGENDA
16. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolutions Confirming Diagrams and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments for Each Assessment District Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez mentioned this item was noticed and staff decided to extend it to the following meeting to provide adequate time because of the holidays. He said this is just continuing the matter to June 20th but we have to take public comments tonight.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:02pm.
Public Hearing: No comments came forward.
Being there no comments from the public, Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:02pm.
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
17. Presentation on the T-Mobile’s Continued Commitment to Working in Partnership with the City of Gonzales
Staff Report: Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil presented the staff report.
Derek Casebolt, West Region Director T-Mobile for Government, provided a powerpoint presentation explaining their vision, commitment to the City, network advantage, 5G capabilities, connecting public safety departments, priority access and preemption, partnership and the future partnership on the Community Center Complex. He thanked City Manager Mendez for all he did to provide free internet access to the community.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
Informational Item. No action required.
18. Public Hearing to Consider 1) Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-32, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Adopting the City of Gonzales Development Impact Fee Nexus Study Dated May 6, 2022, and 2) Introduce and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2022-133, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending Chapter 1.48- “Impact Mitigation Fees” of the Gonzales City Code and hold public hearing Staff Report: Assistant City Manager Hartunian presented the staff report.
James Edison, Willdan Financial Services, presented a powerpoint presentation explaining what a development impact fee is, basic methodology, impact fees categories, impact fee zones, land use scenario, cost allocation methods, fee program methodologies, major planned facilities, maximum justified impact fee schedule, current fee schedule, and change compared to the current fee schedule.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:44pm.
Public Hearing: There was none.
Being there no comments from the public, Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:44pm.
Glenn Pace, Pembrook Development, mentioned they have been working on the financial part of this with City staff for so many years and he believed we got to a position where it’s a doable thing and it’s needed. He added that they worked through all the infrastructure studies for a number of years and came up with some numbers that would work, as well as provide the services that the City is going to need for this growth that includes sewer, circulation, water, and all the things that go along with it. He said they feel comfortable now that the numbers are doable.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] RESOLUTION NO. 2022-32
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Paul Miller, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2022- 133
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
19. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the discussion of the 101 corridor and access lanes, Chualar River bridge, and Abbott and Highway 101.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios didn't attend the meeting.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva asked the Mayor to ask TAMC about the status on fixing the Gonzales River Road bridge. She announced the next meeting on June 16th at 6pm here in the Council Chambers, and they will be dark in July.
d. Measure K Oversight Committee
Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil reported on the meeting they had on May 17th with Measure X Committee, to discuss the proposed tax measures, and recommended projects for the budget. Council Member Worthy reported on the recommendation at the last meeting on the new measure and the new list. They are looking for a member for the Measure K Committee.
e. Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability
Public Works Director Dobbins couldn't attend the meeting. f. City's 75th Anniversary Committee
Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil reported on the May 26th meeting regarding the planning of the 4th of July 5k run, float, and giveaways; and gearing up for the October 15th celebration.
20. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioner Flores reported on the last GYC meeting where they expressed their key takeaways; and what they have been doing with the Mental Health Survey at the High School.
Council Member Miller congratulated all the 8th grade and High School graduates.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk congratulated all the graduates in town and it was great to see some college students returning. He thanked City Manager Mendez for his time.
Council Member Worthy reiterated what City Manager Mendez has done for the City and for her sons who look up to him and respect him. She told him he knew how George feels about him and had a great time when they visited the Sister City in Mexico. She told him he’ll always have a special place in their hearts. She thanked him for all his years of service on behalf of the Worthy family.
Council Member Silva congratulated all the students who came this evening to receive the awards and was glad they will be enjoying a free pizza from Luigi’s. She congratulated all the graduates from kinder to college, and preschoolers. She reminded the residents to watch out for kids when they’re playing now that they will be out of school. She thanked everyone who supported the Legion’s barbecue on Memorial Day which was a huge success. She said she left a message with Public Works Director Dobbins regarding the painting of the trees at the corner of Alta and Seventh Streets at the place of business. She also asked for an update on the Community Center and the street paving. She thanked City Manager Mendez for always being supportive of everything people suggest from her bottom of her heart. She said she always enjoyed the one-onone meetings, and he does have a big vision. She wished him well.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
21. Oral Communications
City Manager Mendez reported on the awards banquet for the seniors where they reported over $700,000 of awards issued to the seniors; Council going dark the first meeting in July; school board almost done with the Superintendent search; meetings with Interim CBO; and monitoring the mask mandates. He thanked the Council and said it was an honor to serve this community.
Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Gil reported on the pool activities this and next week; covid testing at the technology center in front of the Joint Use Gym, and helping with medical enrollment.
Public Works Director Dobbins reported on the street rehabilitation program opening bids this week on the street slurry seal; and tomorrow is the deadline to receive proposals for the City’s website.
Fire Chief Muscio reported on taking care of the slough areas early in the morning; heat advisory this weekend; and arrangements at the graduations and opening a cooling center if needed.
Assistant City Manager Hartunian reported on the major projects coming up because of the adoption of the fees item this evening. He told City Manager Mendez it was a pleasure and honor to be his Assistant City Manager and thanked him for letting him be his partner.
Police Chief Wise reported on the helmet distribution and fittings for several hundred kids and family members; Officers doing in school classroom safety presentations; and community engagement activities this summer.
Mayor Rios congratulated all the graduates and prayed they came back to the community. He thanked City Manager Mendez for his time and especially his amazing wife because she definitely has a set of wings somewhere because she put up with everything all these years. He gave him kudos for his two great kids/athletes who will be amazing men and hoped he came back and maybe join the Council. He thanked him and his family.
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk