MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL,
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY, AND
PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022
5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jose L. Rios.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The flag salute was recited by all present.
ROLL CALL - City Council
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 Excused
ROLL CALL - Planning Commission
Attendee Name Title Status
Gloria Velasquez Chair Absent
Adrian Paco Commissioner Present
Ernesto Mancera Commissioner Present
Myrna Morales Commissioner Present
* Successor Agency Item
STAFF PRESENT
Interim City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Development Services Technician/Administrative Analyst Alejandra Flores, Administrative Assistant II Miranda Uribe, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
Mayor Rios informed he had a little accident and asked Mayor Pro Tem to run the meeting on his behalf.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk read the following:
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/86277560285 or call 1-1669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 862 7756 0285. 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, August 1st to the City Clerk at [email protected]
JOINT ITEM WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION
2. Self-Introduction of the D.R. Horton Team and of their Interest in the D’Arrigo 138.4 Project Site, Formerly Known as Rincon Villages
Interim City Manager Gil gave a background about the plans D.R. Horton has for the community.
Adam Foster, D.R. Horton, introduced John Culligan.
John Culligan, D'Arrigo Brothers Company, said it's been a while since he has been in front of the Council. He thanked the Council, Planning Commission and staff for hosting this meeting and receive a short presentation. He elaborated on the parcel that has been annexed in the City over 10 years ago and the conversations he has had over the years with developers. He said they were very excited and believe they have the players here to make this happen.
Adam Foster and Avery Jones, D.R. Horton, thanked Interim City Manager Gil and Public Works Director/City Engineer Dobbins for their time. They introduced their company and presented information via powerpoint on the subject property of 130 acres on the east side of town, and explained the project objectives. They wanted to hear from the community and mentioned they can be reached after this presentation at 925-285-7990 or [email protected] and 925-332- 6737 or [email protected].
Council/Commission Discussion: General discussion took place and D.R. Horton answered questions.
Public Comments: Henry Martinez Sr. talked about D’Arrigo Brothers dropping the ball a few years ago and making them pay for a bond; wanted contracts and a guarantee if they pulled back again; trail ways inviting crimes; and parking situation.
Maria Orozco talked about being excited to see this housing project coming back after many years she heard while she was in the Council; encouraged having workshops for first time home buyers to get information to families on how they can qualify for homes and process; wanting an opportunity to have a first-time home buyer program to help families with financial assistance; and doing community outreach.
Henry Martinez Jr. talked about these homes being expensive; people from the bay pushing out local residents; and now not being the time to build.
Mike Rianda, owner of the property south of this development, welcomed the D.R. Horton group to town; envisioned this project for a long time; hoping it comes to fruition this time because we have to grow; and thanked the group for the information.
Mayor Rios told Mr. Rianda that as part of this project we may need access to La Gloria Road, and asked him if he would be willing to help with that.
Mr. Rianda responded that he already talked to them and they have all that worked out.
Rosa Rodriguez concurred with Mayor Rios about the traffic on Harold Parkway and talked about the need for another way to get out through Gloria Road; needing another public safety station; and wanted to see another shopping center and more amenities.
Interim City Manager Gil thanked D.R. Horton for coming out and said today was an introduction, they will begin to gather input, and the Council will be hearing more from them as work on the feasibility study. She mentioned there are plans to do community forums and other ways to engage the community to receive feedback.
No action required.
RESULT: MOTION TO ADJOURN JOINT MEETING AT 6:09PM
[UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Myrna Morales, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ernesto Mancera, Commissioner
AYES: Adrian Paco, Myrna Morales, Ernesto Mancera
ABSENT: Gloria Velasquez
ADJOURN TO REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council reconvened to the regular Council meeting at 6:17pm.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Introduction of New City Employees
Public Works Director/City Engineer Dobbins introduced Public Works Intern Leo Rosas and Administrative Assistant II Miranda Uribe.
Public Works Intern Leo Rosas and Administrative Assistant II Miranda Uribe told the Council a little bit about themselves, both graduates from Gonzales High School and Gonzales residents.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
4. 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 Sr., 112 Tenth Street, commented about his volunteering years at the school and the people that live in a labor camp outside of town.
Henry Martinez Jr., 114 Tenth Street, commented about his comments made in June regarding his volunteer time at the park and still not getting a phone call to thank him for what he has done.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, commented about her mom teaching her when she does something, you don't expect anything in return and you do it because you love your community and it comes from your heart.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - July 18, 2022 Minutes
6. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #47263-47405
7. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-55, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales
Calling and Providing for a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Gonzales on November 8, 2022, Making Determinations Required by Section 13307 of the Elections Code with Respect to Candidates’ Statements, Requesting the Monterey County Elections Department to Conduct and Consolidate the Election with the Statewide General Election and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into an Agreement with the Monterey County Registrar of Voters for Related Election Activities
8. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-56, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of a Consulting Agreement with MNS Engineers to Provide Construction Management and Inspection Services for a Not to Exceed Amount of $30,000 for the Slurry Seal Project
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy EXCUSED: Paul Miller
REGULAR AGENDA
9. Presentation from City Staff with Updates on the Funding and Delivery of the Community Center Complex Project
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report via powerpoint presentation explaining the funding, financing, capital campaign, design/build process, and schedule.
Public Comments: Henry Martinez Jr. questioned about the new bond on the next election and he was not convinced about this, and nothing was being done at the empty property.
Henry Martinez Sr. concurred with the Council Members comments and asked if the library would be separate. He suggested building the library first and talked about the old bank building.
Mayor Rios explained the different amenities shown on the map.
Rosa Rodriguez said she was sad to hear what she heard tonight because there was an announcement about the community center being completed sooner. She talked about it being pushed back more and seeing a lot of money being spent on consultants; encouraged partnerships with the County Health Department and D'Arrigo Company; and concurred with Council Member Worthy's comments.
Maria Orozco asked about the total amount for the community center not including the cost for the
stand alone gym.
Public Work Director Dobbins responded that was correct. The base project for the community center, library, teen innovation center and all the site improvements was $34.8 million, and the stand alone gym is an additional $8 million.
Maria Orozco shared a concern about the funds for the teen innovation center expiring if not used, and they have deadlines.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
The Council provided feedback to staff. No action required.
10. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-58, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Submitting to the Voters at the General Municipal Election to be Consolidated with the Statewide General Election Held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, a Measure Extending the Term of the City’s Transactions and Use Tax Through 2064 with Continued Use of Tax Revenue Annual Audits by an Independent Auditor and Community Review by Citizens’ Advisory Committees
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comments: Henry Martinez Sr., 112 Tenth Street, commented about the time they voted for the school bonds; high price of groceries; people's pockets hurting; and asked for understanding with all the taxes they're already paying.
Henry Martinez Jr. commented about the City getting pennies for the several cars he bought.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, commented about not having a problem with these measures if the timeline didn't get extended; wanted to see something done; couldn't afford to add anything more; and Measure K being a great measure that has benefited the community.
Ms. Rodriquez asked a question after public comment was closed regarding assessments at the California Breeze Subdivision.
City Attorney Rodriquez clarified her question.
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 EXCUSED: Paul Miller
11. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-57, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Adopting the 2022 Monterey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Staff Report: Fire Chief Muscio presented the staff report.
Public Comments: Henry Martinez Sr., 112 Tenth Street, respected the Fire Chief's decision that this is a good plan and hoped the Council voted for it.
Rosa Rodriguez asked if the Fire Department belonged to the Office of Emergency Services.
Fire Chief Muscio responded to her question.
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 EXCUSED: Paul Miller
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
12. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported TAMC was dark in July.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios announced the next meeting this Friday.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva mentioned the board was dark in July and the next meeting is August 18th.
d. Measure K Oversight Committee
Council Member Worthy reported on last year's presentation of the community grants and reminded of the new grant process which is open now and application deadline is August 31st. e. Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability
Public Works Director/City Engineer Dobbins announced the next meeting August 18th. f. City's 75th Anniversary Committee
Interim City Manager Gil announced the next meeting on August 3rd to continue planning of the rest of the year's activities, and save the date of October 15th which is a big culmination of the big 75th year celebration.
13. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy thanked everyone who presented tonight and thanked staff for their hard work, as well as to the community for coming out and giving their opinions. She asked everyone to be careful as school is about to start.
Council Member Silva thanked all the volunteers and attendees at the California Rodeo Salinas where she worked two days as well as Maria worked there, and believed it was a great way to get back together and see old friends. She announced today was Swiss National Day and they will have their Swiss Picnic on Sunday, August 21st at the Swiss Riffle Club, starting at noon. She gave a shoutout to the Swiss immigrants and their families. She reminded everyone first day of school is August 11th so be very careful and safe out there. She also announced the car show at the Spartan Stadium this Saturday from 10am-2pm to support baseball.
Mayor Rios told staff he received a lot of positive comments about the summer camp program and his grandson loves the program as well. He likes all the things staff is doing to keep our youth engaged and he is really excited about the work the youth council will be doing this year. It is great to see the youth involved and the great things they are doing for the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked the Public Works and Police Department for the coordination as the school year starts soon.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
14. Oral Communications
Interim City Manager Gil asked folks to be safe as we go back to school. She reported on the rise of covid cases and encouraged those who feel symptoms to stay home to not expose others; GYC wrapping up the summer immersion and coming back to the Council at the next meeting to report on what they did and what they learned.
Public Works Director Dobbins reported on the status of the slurry seal project and well.
Police Chief Wise reminded everyone about the National Night Out event the Police Department is hosting in downtown from 6pm-8pm.
Fire Chief Muscio reminded everyone about the Blood Drive on August 13th at the Fire House from 10am-2pm.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk