MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 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
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
* Successor Agency Item
STAFF PRESENT
Acting City Manager Patrick Dobbins, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Development Services Technician/Administrative Analyst Alejandra Flores, Administrative Assistant II Miranda Uribe, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk read the following notice:
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/85704327397 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 857 0432 7397. 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 15th to the City Clerk at [email protected]
PRESENTATIONS
2. Young Legislators Program
Marisa Hernandez, Senator Caballero's Office, presented the program information explaining the different sessions held via zoom, guest speakers and topics such as Intro to Government, Mental Health Awareness, Elections, Civic Engagement, and mock hearings, as well as the Capital trip overview.
Sherlyn Flores, Program Participant, explained her experience and what she learned.
3. Salinas Valley Safe Routes to School Plan
Amelia Conlen, Ecology Action Planner, gave an overview of the project and talked about the process which consisted of 22 schools in Greenfield, Soledad, Gonzales and King City; partnership between TAMC, MCHD, Ecology Action, Cities and 5 School Districts; funding by Caltrans Planning Grant; steering committees for each City; plan process; and public input opportunities. She said more information can be found on the website at https://saferoutesmonterey.org/evaluation-salinasvalley/ and information is available in Spanish as well.
4. Gonzales Youth Council Summer Fellowship Capstone
Sherlyn Flores, Valeria Tinoco, Luke Naegle, Aliyah Castillo, and Jozelyn Reyes-Vargas introduced themselves.
Cindy Aguilar, Former Youth Commissioner and C4 Associate, elaborated on how she facilitated, planned, and implemented their fellowship experience sponsored by the City of Gonzales, which was aimed to deepen the students’ knowledge and understanding in regards to City and School governance.
The Youth Council gave an overview of the program, the Youth Commissioners, the Youth Commissioner Ambassadors, individual highlights by each member, the action projects, and the next steps. They thanked the City Council for being able to provide them with the opportunity to let youth make a difference in the community and would love for this program to continue for future youth so they can have the same opportunity, and for Michelle and Cindy and past youth commissioners to lead this program.
The Council thanked and commended them for their great work.
5. Appointment of New Youth Commissioners
City Attorney Rodriquez mentioned this can happen at the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk said will be agendized for the next meeting.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
6. 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.
Magaly Santos, Gonzales Resident and UC Berkely Student, elaborated on her summer internship she had at the City in the Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Department; thanked Carmen Gil for taking her under her wing and learned a lot under her leadership, and City Hall staff. She was grateful for the opportunity and she has grown in her knowledge of City government and community health and wellbeing.
She also expressed a sincere concern to the Council not as an Intern for their City, but as young woman of color in the community. She commented on Gonzales being a community of primarily migrant Spanish speaking low income farm workers from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and other central and South America Countries; acknowledged population of other ethnicities and races; feared community members and their children's experience being only acknowledged in a superficial level of understanding; recently was approached by a City leader to converse about Americanism, patriotism and importance of civic education within our school systems; said they spoke about the possible need to go into Gonzales schools and speaking to the children of primarily people of color about Americanism and patriotism. As a Graduate of Gonzales Highs School, she learned a lot about Americanism and patriotism; ethnic studies only through courses offered by Hartnell College; the history of this community and students here at the elementary, middle school and high school not being reflected in Americanism nor patriotism; acknowledged civic education was important but disagreed that Americanism and patriotism are conversations our young people would like to engage in because it disregards their history; she respectfully suggested when looking to introduce civic education to the community, the importance of culture relevancy, and advised the City leaders to be more engaged and make a conscience effort to learn about the history of other folks non-white in your community.
Christian Avina, Gonzales Firefighter, shared his passion for saving lives and involvement in this community. He also shared the experience and results of the Gonzales first blood drive, which was very successful in saving 87 lives in the Central Coast based on the number of pints of blood donated. He thanked the Community Health Workers, on and off duty Fire Department staff, Starbucks, Del Valle Paleteria, and Kim Cakes. He said this was one of many blood drives and they will continue to have events for the City. He added the Fire Department will continue in a progressive mindset in thinking how they can make our City government more involved in our community, and will continue to improve.
David Vasquez, Gonzales Fire Lieutenant, notified the Council they have been wanting to organize as a union and have contacted the International Association of Firefighters and they gave them a local number of 5388. He said the majority of the Firefighters have been talking about this for a while and they are willing to work with the City whenever possible. He echoed Firefighter Avina’s comments about the blood drive event that was Firefighter Avina’s idea, and they hope to have more blood drives, toy drives, car seat installations, and training for the community.
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - August 1, 2022 Minutes
8. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #47406-47461
9. Community Development Department Activity Report
10. Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Activity Report
11. Fire Department Activity Report
12. Police Department Activity Report
13. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report *
14. Recreation Department Activity Report
15. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-60, 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
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-61, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund Mayor Rios pulled Item 8 for further discussion.
With regard to warrant #47417 for Swinerton, Mayor Rios asked to see a detail of what they did for $60,000 plus since it looks like a lot of money. And for the future, he would like to see a detail of the hours worked and what they are working on so he can feel better when signing their warrant.
Acting City Manager Dobbins responded that was $66,000 which was payment for two months, May and June, and they provide very detailed invoices. He said he will follow through and provide that information to the Council as to what they did during that period.
Council Member Silva asked if that amount was part of the last $700,000 that the Council approved.
Acting City Manager Dobbins responded that the invoices were under last year's services.
Council Member Silva concurred with Mayor Rios. She would like to see more detail.
Acting City Manager Dobbins reiterated he'll provide them with that information.
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
REGULAR AGENDA
17. Presentation on Proposed New City Limit Signs
Staff Report: Acting City Manager Dobbins presented the staff report and showed pictures of the previous and proposed signs.
Public Comments: There was none.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
It was the Council’s consensus to provide direction to staff to add the City’s population number and elevation to the sign and bring it back at the next meeting.
18. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-62, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales In Support of Measure D, a Measure to be Considered at a Special All-Mail Ballot Election on August 30, 2022, Increasing the City’s Transactions and Use Tax (Sales Tax) by One-Half Percent (0.5%), with the Use of Such Special Tax Funds to Initially be Dedicated Exclusively to the Gonzales Community Center Complex Project and Thereafter to Road Maintenance and Repair, with the Use of Such Revenue to be Subject to Annual Audits by an Independent Auditor
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comments: 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
19. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2022-58, A Resolution of the City of Gonzales, approving and authorizing an Agreement Between Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc. (CHISPA), and the City of Gonzales for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Escrow Instructions for the property located at 498 S. Alta Street, Gonzales, CA (APN 020-041-016)
Staff Report: Community Development Director Kinison Brown presented the staff report via a powerpoint presentation.
Dana Cleary, CHISPA, answered Council Member's Worthy question about when they will know whether or not they can have option one or option two. She said option one was what the City and CHISPA wanted, which was 100% seniors, except for the manager’s unit.
Public Comments: Maria Orozco, 1443 Rhone Way, said this was a great opportunity for affordable housing in our community, and shared a concern about some folks who feel these are the units that originally were going to be built on Gabilan Court, and there may be some confusion since this is a CHISPA Project and those originally were a CHISPA project. According to folks , they were told when they signed the petition that those apartments were going to be built on other City property and at that time we didn’t have City property. She was concerned that these folks are going to think these are the units that were once going to be built at Gabilan Court and will be disappointed to know they are not going to be multi-family units.
Council Discussion: General discussion took place.
City Attorney Rodriquez asked the Council to approve the resolution with direction to staff to make the necessary changes to the resolution.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] with the corrections to reflect 100% senior housing with the exception of the unit for the Manager
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Paul Miller City Attorney Rodriquez made a clarification. He said both of those projects were 100% for seniors. The 40% comes from the ability to restrict them on the basis of income. The maximum amount of units that can be restricted in each one of the two scenarios is 40% of that project.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
20. Consider Appointment to the Planning Commission
Community Development Director Kinison Brown introduced candidate Hortencia Vargas.
Hortencia Vargas gave the Council a background on her previous job and expressed her interest in being part of the Planning Commission.
It was the Council's consensus to appoint Hortencia Vargas to the Planning Commission.
21. Consider Appointment of Voting Delegate for the League of California Cities Conference It was the Council's consensus to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Funk to be the Voting Delegate at the League of California Cities Conference.
22. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division
Mayor Pro Tem Funk reported the Annual Conference was coming up. b. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
Mayor Pro Tem Funk reported on the long meeting they had and the main item being the regional housing needs assessment numbers and State coming back with the recommendations; and hearings held.
c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy said there was no meeting in the month of August. d. City & School Joint Steering Committee
No report. Mayor Pro Tem Funk said the takeaway was to set up something after the Superintendent sets in.
e. Economic Development Committee
No report.
23. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy announced the food bank this Friday the 19th and next Friday the 26th at the Community Church. She thanked the Fire Department for the blood drive where she attended and donated blood. She also thanked the Police Department for the National Night Out event. She understood we did not have an ordinance for RVs and wanted to know if we can do something about that.
Acting City Manager Dobbins asked if she was referring to long term parking on City streets.
Council Member Worthy responded yes.
Acting City Manager Dobbins mentioned there was a 72-hour maximum parking.
Council Member Worthy said it’s becoming an issue and she almost got into a couple of accidents where she couldn’t see the person around the corner. She said it was a problem around the community and some people are living in RVs and she understands there is a housing issue but parking on the streets is an issue because of the narrow roads and it’s a traffic hazard. She said it’s something that she has been talking about since 2019.
Mayor Rios said the City of Salinas has a very aggressive ordinance and it may be something we can take a look at.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown indicated since he spoke with Council Member Worthy, he has seen in the land use zoning map highway commercial, with a Use Permit, they can provide an RV storage facility or mini storage. So maybe he can contact some companies about that.
Acting City Manager Dobbins mentioned staff can bring something back maybe at the second meeting in September.
Council Member Silva said she had a lot of fun at the circus and thanked those who brought it to town. She thanked the Fire Department for holding the blood drive. She announced the Monterey County Fair August 25th- 27th, which is the livestock show in Monterey and hoped to see people supporting the youth. She announced the following weekend will be the regular fair, September 1 st
- 5
th. She reminded everyone to fill out the ballot for Measure D and there was a secured ballot box outside City Hall where they can be dropped in.
Council Member Miller heard the blood drive and national night out were great events which he had to miss due to family stuff going on. He congratulated our Interim City Manager Carmen Gil on the birth of her son.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked Public Works, Fire and Police Departments for the recent events which were all successful. School started and it was great to see Public Works out there keeping the traffic flowing.
Mayor Rios thanked the Fire Department for the blood drive and Public Works for working with the Youth Council who really appreciated their efforts and work. He appreciated the bright yellow lines marked on the street which are vitally important, and really helpful for him. He asked staff about some of the trees that were replaced and asked if they were still alive.
Acting City Manager Dobbins responded that staff has an ongoing tree replacement program and there were some trees that did not take and the contractor replaced those, but staff is checking the state of the trees.
Mayor Rios thanked staff for being on top of this.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
24. Oral Communications
Acting City Manager Dobbins reported he will be attending the League of California Cities Conference along with Mayor Pro Tem Funk on September 7th and 8th. On another note, he said staff enjoyed and appreciated the circus and barbecue at the park afterwards. He announced the Interim City Manager Carmen Gil had her boy this morning and all went well.
City Attorney Rodriquez clarified on Item 19 in today’s agenda, the CHISPA Project. He said both of those projects were 100% for seniors. The 40% comes from the ability to restrict them on the basis of income. The maximum amount of units that can be restricted in each one of the two scenarios is 40% of that project.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown reported on the building codes.
CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.
Speakers shall have a limited time of three (3) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.
25. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)- City Manager -Employment/Recruitment.
The Council conferred with Legal Counsel and provided direction, no other reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
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 The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk