MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2023
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
Maria Orozco Council/Agency Member Present
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Sherlyn Flores.
Absent: Luke Naegle.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Trevin W. Barber, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Carmen Gil, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Development Services Technician/Admin. Analyst Alejandra Flores, Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
Successor Agency 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/85408226381 or call 1-1669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 854 0822 6381. 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 the day of the meeting to the City Clerk at [email protected]
PRESENTATIONS
2. Presentation of Resolution No. 2023-05 to Carmen Gil (Approved at the January 17, 2023 Meeting)
Mayor Pro Tem Funk read the resolution and Mayor Rios presented it to Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Gil.
Mayor Rios thanked her for all her help.
Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Gil thanked everyone, especially all staff for being so supportive and encouraging. She wanted to make sure all those who were not present tonight like Public Works, Fire Department and Police Department that they are appreciated. She said the whole team came together during this time and she was really appreciative of that.
3. Certificates of Recognition to Gonzales High School Volleyball Team Mayor Rios and Mayor Pro Tem Funk passed out the certificates to the players and coaches and congratulated them for becoming the 2022-2023 Cypress Division Champions.
4. Consider Approval of, and Present Resolution No. 2023-06 Recognizing the Gonzales Medical Center
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco No one was present to receive the resolution.
5. Introduction of Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez Mayor Rios introduced Marisol Gomez who was assisting tonight with the zoom equipment, welcomed her and said he looked forward for her to stay for a long time.
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.
Henry Martinez Sr. asked about the redistricting in Gonzales because he was pushing for the north side of Fifth Street to the freeway as one district. He commented about what was happening in his neighborhood; issues with the Police Department; and representation on the north side.
City Attorney Rodriquez indicated that we have had two joint meetings with the City of Soledad and from this point forward, the districting process will just be a series of meetings exclusively for the City of Gonzales. He announced the next districting meeting on February 27th, and stated a public notice will be issued and any materials will be distributed.
Roman Barba, 123 Second Street, congratulated Mr. Barber and told him he hoped he gets the Community Center going since it’s been too long. He also talked about the noise from parties and loud music from cars and homes during the day and night. He wondered if the Police Department was citing people. He also talked about tents next to people’s homes.
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Approve the Joint City Council, Successor Agency, Successor Housing Agency, Electric Authority, and Municipal Electric Utility Boards - Regular Meeting - January 10, 2023 Minutes
8. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - January 17, 2023 Minutes
9. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #48096-48159
10. Approve Successor Agency Warrants #1673-1677
11. Consider Approval of Resolution 2023-07, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing an On-Call Consultant List for Professional Services
12. Consider Approval of Resolution 2023-08, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Polaris Consulting for City Surveyor Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $120,000, and Extend the Term of the Agreement to June 30, 2026
13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-09, 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. 2023-10, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund
15. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-11, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving an Amendment to the City of Gonzales Classification Plan for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. SA-2023-01, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 2023-2024 for the Period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
REGULAR AGENDA
17. Consider Adoption, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2022-135, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending Portions of Title 11 of the Gonzales City Code, Titled “Building Regulations” By Adoption And Referenced Amendments:
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2022 California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part 1; 2022 California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1and 2; 2022 California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5; 2022 California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3; 2022 California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4; 2022 California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5; 2022 California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6; 2022 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9; 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11; 2022 California Referenced Standards Code, Title 24, Part 12; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code; Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems; and deleting Chapter
11.48 of the City of Gonzales Code Titled “Deconstruction, Demolition, and Construction Material Recovery and Diversion from Landfills”
Staff Report: Community Development Director Kinison Brown presented the staff report via powerpoint presentation.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez Sr. commented about the Fire Department's safety for dealing with Tesla cars burning and talked about training for these types of fires.
Council Discussion: Council Member Worthy asked about new housing projects being eliminated from gas entirely since being electrical ready is all in discussion now.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown responded that is being discussed but doesn't know how present it is, and at this point the City is as progressive as the State.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
18. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the new leadership on the TAMC Board; awards for years of service; and Caltrans report on the roads affected by the storms. b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios reported that Mayor Velasquez was on the Homeless Coalition now. c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva announced the next meeting on February 16th at 6pm and will be via zoom. They will be back in person in the Council Chambers in March. d. Measure K Oversight Committee
Council Member Worthy asked Carmen if she will be on this committee again. Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Director Gil responded that it depends on who the City Manager Barber wants to assign that to, and a meeting is being set up in mid-March. e. South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority
Mayor Rios reported they haven't met for a while and asked City Manager Barber if he had an update. City Manager Barber added that they were doing the interviews for legal counsel for the Broadband Authority, and City staff is assisting.
19. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioner Flores reported on the guest speakers they had at last Thursday's meeting from Ecology Action who gave a presentation on improving pedestrian safety and ways to partner with the school. She announced the next meeting on March 2nd at 3:30pm with the Superintendent and Principal.
Council Member Orozco mentioned about FEMA staff assisting quite a few residents which included assistance to some of the residents from Corda Camp who were evacuated. She shared that one of the challenging things was no arrangements for restroom facilities but they were able to use her business. She reported on the Annual CHISPA Dinner she attended where she met with their staff and incoming board members, which three of them were from Gonzales. She announced the St. Theodore’s Church Annual Valentine Dance this Friday. She also thanked Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil for filling in while the recruitment process of the City Manager.
Mayor Rios asked who the Board Members from Gonzales were.
Council Member Orozco responded it was Sonia Jaramillo, Jose Chavez and Anna Mae Gazo.
Mayor Rios asked if they found a replacement for Alfred.
Council Member Orozco responded they were going through a long recruitment process and they were down to the final interviews.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil for her time and efforts in leading us through a number of things for the second half of the year. He also thanked the Public Works and Public Safety Departments for all their efforts this last month.
He said it was great to hear nice things from neighbors who were very appreciative that things went smoothly and not a lot of water was built up in areas that would flood in the past.
Council Member Silva thanked Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil for jumping in with audacity. She announced the Adventures Seeking Seniors event on February 16th at 11am at St. Theodore’s Hall. She encouraged everyone to stop by and say hello since there were a lot of seniors in our community that enjoy these events.
Council Member Worthy thanked City Manager Barber for helping out with the food pantry. She announced the food pantry continues every third and fourth Fridays of the month. She thanked Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil for doing a great job and she really appreciated it. She also thanked Public Works Director Dobbins.
Mayor Rios thanked Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil for not only handling the City staff but her family as well as it is definitely challenging, but he admired her for being able to do both. He hoped staff will work with the County Sheriff and address the issues of the Alpine and Corda Camps because if these camps are in danger of flooding, Gonzales is as well.
He felt that the people that can least afford to move anywhere, were the ones being pushed out, and the new Sheriff overstepped her authority because he could see no need to vacate these camps. He hoped staff will work with the Sheriff since that was totally uncalled for.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
20. Oral Communications
City Manager Barber reported that staff was coordinating using the owl equipment with the Solid Waste Authority and staff will be doing some trial and practice runs to be ready by the next Council meeting. He congratulated Anixia Davila, who took second place in the annual county wide poetry event and her recital is on the School District's website, and Mia Flores also participated from Gonzales High School. He thanked Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil and Public Works Director Dobbins for their work with the Safe Routes to School project with the Youth Council. He also thanked Mayor Rios for leading at today’s
Mayors and Managers meeting to talk about the County's new Ag Mitigation policies and the Ag Element in the county general plan. He also thanked Community Development Director Kinison Brown and Consultant Slama for supporting those efforts. He informed about the responses for the request for proposal for grant writers due this Friday, and a contract will be coming back to Council in March. He also mentioned Super Bowl was coming up and it is a great opportunity to support small businesses.
Public Works Director Dobbins reported on the Skate Park Phase II being completed and announced the ribbon cutting ceremony this Saturday at 2pm; and the Community Center milestone of releasing the RFP last Tuesday for the three design build teams.
Fire Chief Muscio reported on the evacuation maps with the County that the Mayor discussed, and he has a meeting with OES this week regarding that; reported on the bridge repair project out to bid and hopefully completed by mid-March; FEMA requesting access to Wi-Fi but not mentioning anything about restrooms when they brought their unit; and Active Shooter Training workshop he attended with Officers and the school administration staff.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown announced the Planning Commission joining the Council at their February 21st meeting for a report and an update on the Water Supply Assessment Study and the Sphere of Influence; and he reported on getting back together to assemble the Ag Mitigation Committee.
Mayor Rios elaborated on the meetings he has been having with David Armanasco and several farming operations and local businesses regarding the Community Center, and said it sounds very promising.
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil added that we received a donation from Tanimura & Antle today.
Police Chief Wise reported on the school’s active shooter training and the collaboration over the last few years with the school district, and elaborated on the Department training goals.
CLOSES 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.
There was none.
21. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(A) to confer with its Attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated formally and to which the City is a party: Claim of J. Madera.
The Council unanimously denied the claim of Madera and provided direction to legal counsel. No other reportable action taken.
22. The City Council will recess to closed session to confer with its attorney regarding litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and is hereby of the opinion that a significant exposure to litigation exists.
Council conferred with legal counsel. 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, Maria Orozco The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk