MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, MAY 1, 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
Luke Naegle.
Excused absence: Sherlyn Flores.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Trevin W. Barber, 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, Finance Director Mike Howard, Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez, Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin, 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/88483337410 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 884 8333 7410. 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. Introduction of New City Employees
Fire Chief Muscio announced Firefighter Christian Avina was promoted to Fire Lieutenant.
Fire Lieutenant Avina thanked everyone and said they are going to be constantly working in patient care and focused on training to deliver adequate and excellent services.
Council Member Worthy said Lieutenant Avina is an amazing person and had personal experience with her mom on two occasions and congratulated him and said well deserved.
Fire Chief Muscio said he had a couple more but will bring them as they are on duty.
City Manager Barber introduced Senior Accounting Technician Celia Firme, and Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin.
Senior Accounting Technician Firme thanked the Council and said she’s been a Gonzales resident for about 16 years, and she comes from health care and is learning a lot. She was happy to be here.
Administrative Assistant II Palmerin thanked the Council and said she has been a resident for eight years and worked with the County EMS and transferred to Santa Cruz County before coming here.
The Council welcomed everyone.
3. Consider Approval of, and Present Proclamation No. 2023-01 Proclaiming May 2023 as Poppy Month
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Mayor Pro Tem Funk read and presented Proclamation No. 2023-01.
Council Members Worthy and Silva accepted the proclamation on behalf of the American Auxiliary Legion, and encouraged everyone to attend the Memorial Day Service on May 29th and a barbecue at the American Legion; reminded people not to say Happy Memorial Day to anyone who has lost someone; informed the Auxiliary has been here since 1945 and they have distributed
the red poppies every year since then, and there is no cost but they accept all donations; and they are always looking for new members and eligibility includes spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and granddaughters of those who have served.
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.
Cesar Ayon, 851 Gonzales Circle, shared the idea of allowing RV trailers to be parked in the back of the homes to alleviate the housing shortage since the new housing is not going to be built and elaborated on the reasons.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, shared that May was also mental health awareness month; elaborated on the stray cat issues she has in her neighborhood; calling Animal Control and their response; and said she ended up taking a cat to the SPCA, and elaborated on what the ordinance said. She requested clarification.
Henry Martinez Sr., 112 Tenth Street, commented about the news about Soledad going purple pipes, recycled wastewater, and now having to spend money to put in the pipes; and suggested making the developers put in the pipes in the new development here.
Paul Guzman, 589 Belden Street, thanked Council Members Worthy and Silva who are part of the Unit 81 Auxiliary for holding the Girls State luncheon yesterday, which was a success. He also asked for the community's help if they know anybody that may be qualified to join the Legion.
Alfredo Rodriguez, Rosa's Husband, asked to get a response and put on the agenda about the cats issue since he doesn't want them around his house because he's allergic to them and they're always on their front door.
Guadalupe Carrasco, 480 S. Alta Street, talked about speaking to the Council two weeks ago about the patrolling officers stalking and harassing him and said the behavior of the department continues. He requested a meeting with Mayor Rios and Chief Wise. He also elaborated on a stolen car that a Sheriff's Deputy had towed away.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - April 17, 2023 Minutes
6. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #48460-48510
7. Consider Request for the Waiver of Application Fees for a Fireworks Sales Permit Application Submitted by Shield Bearers and Spartan 300 Club
Council Members Silva and Orozco pulled item 6.
Council Member Silva asked for clarification on page 14 of an expense in the amount of $1,956.73 for City Hall facilities, EV chargers. She thought that we already had EV chargers there. Her second question was why is the check payable to a person and not a company?
City Manager Barber responded that the company is in his own name and he's a proprietor. He said the other one for that is he was the one that was running the conduit and his invoice was late, and those are two 220 volt outlets that we have in the back of City Hall.
Council Member Silva said in addition to that, she understood that the charges that were there before for our City vehicles are no longer usable.
City Manager Barber responded what was there before were just regular outlets and weren't specific electric vehicle chargers. He said what we installed was higher voltage that can handle the output, and the extension cord was burning out, so we needed a real 220 volt that can handle the capacity.
Council Member Silva asked if the original ones were working, why did we have to change it to a higher one.
City Manager Barber said they were not working.
Council Member Silva asked if these EV chargers work for our City vehicles.
City Manager Barber responded yes, they all use the standard J1762 coupling for the EV charger.
So we have a Nissan Leaf that uses it. He said for additional information unrequested, we are allowed to request this money back from CCCE for the charger fleet program.
Council Member Silva said the reason she was asking all these questions it was brought to her attention that the City vehicles are no longer able to be charged with this new charger, and she was wondering what precipitated it, and why it excludes the City vehicles.
City Manager Barber responded no, it should not exclude the City vehicles. He said we were waiting for a larger charger so that we can plug it in and all that we've accomplished so far right now is running the new conduit and installing the new lines. He stated we have to wait for the portable mobile charger.
Council Member Silva asked if this gentleman did everything or was there was re-work that had to be done by another electrician.
City Manager Barber responded that was correct, there was a second electrician.
Council Member Silva said that wasn't explained here, and wondered if that was separate.
City Manager Barber responded that's separate.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk said these were the warrants approval and there was no explanation on any of these.
Council Member Silva said she knew that. In regards to another expense, she pointed out page 15 to EMC in the amount of $58,143.73 for the Gloria Road Cooler Project, she asked if this gets reimbursed back to the City by the developer or owner.
City Manager Barber responded that gets reimbursed.
Council Member Silva asked with regards to a payment made to Granicus for agenda and minutes in the amount of $5,508, what this was for.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded this was the annual cost for the software that staff uses to pull the agenda together where documents get uploaded into MinuteTraq and it generates the agenda packet.
Council Member Orozco asked about Warrant #48503, on page 15, for the Valor Group LLC for support for homeless families. She wondered if those funds were still available or was it a grant.
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil responded we have a very limited amount of emergency services funds, and they are not readily available because we've had numerous families calling on a daily basis that they are living out of their cars. She said we don't have an accessible amount of funds under that grant because that's grant money provided by the Community Foundation for our Community Health Worker Program.
Mayor Rios asked in regard to Warrant #48469 that was made out an individual even though it said for hotel lodging. He was curious why we gave it to the individual, and he assumed that's also from the COVID relief money.
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil responded he was right, this was something that occurred over the weekend and this individual actually paid out her pocket, but staff had already confirmed that we could use the emergency funds to pay for that hotel room for that family. This was a reimbursement to that individual for the same type of services for a single father with three kids living out of their car.
Mayor Rios asked if it was for two nights.
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil responded we are able to pay up to three or four nights, and that’s coming out of the emergency grant funds.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Consent Agenda Items
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
REGULAR AGENDA
8. Progress Report on the Separated Bike Lane Pilot Project on Fifth Street Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Amelia Conlen, Ecology Action, presented a powerpoint presentation and gave a project overview, updated on the installation elements, outreach, survey data, respondent demographics, and feedback.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, suggested a crossing island that is raised with painted yellow stripes on the sides of the crossing islands and showed a picture. She elaborated on the dangerous things that are happening and reasons to prevent accidents.
Paul Guzman, 589 Belden Street, commented about current the traffic issue which he brought to light before and elaborated on the traffic flow especially on Fifth Street which is the heart of the City, and the parking issues throughout the City. He said this is like putting lipstick on a pig and asked to take this project out of Fifth Street.
Tencia Vargas, via zoom, 1501 Champaign Way, commented about driving on Fifth Street several times and different times of the day, and the reasons she does not support this project. She appreciated the fact to keep our children safe but unfortunately Fifth Street is one of the main arteries of the City and doesn’t think that’s safe especially for emergency vehicles. She asked if it can be removed.
Council Discussion: The Council shared their individual comments and concerns on this project. It was the Council’s consensus to give the pilot project another month, directed staff to remove the “wave” delineators, stagger the painted water troughs to allow sufficient space for emergency vehicles to get through when needed, to stagger them so it doesn't create a bottleneck at a certain point in the street, and eliminate the orange delineators.
9. Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Audited Financial Statements and Management Report Staff Report: City Manager Barber introduced the item and asked Mr. Jolley to explain it.
Ryan Jolley, Bryant Jolley Certified Public Accountants, went over the audit.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez commented about being frustrated and not wanting to come to the Council meetings, and shared her concern if the water bill would go up because of negative balances.
Mayor Rios told Mrs. Rodriguez that we are doing a study on both sewer and water to make sure our numbers are in line so that we have funds for necessary repairs or improvements.
Alfredo Rodriguez commented about Meyer Park and where the money is going every year that they pay on the taxes. He commented on crosswalks lines fading.
Mayor Rios told Mr. Rodriguez that our Public Works Director can give him a breakdown on that.
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
10. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the Imjin Road project in Marina. b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios announced that Council Member Silva will attend the meeting this Friday on the Mayor's behalf.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva announced the next meeting on May 18th at 6pm here in the Council Chambers.
d. Measure K Oversight Committee
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil announced the next meeting on May 23rd.
e. South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority
Mayor Rios reported on the introduction of the attorney and discussion on the internet site.
He asked City Manager Barber if he remembered the website and if people googling it can find it. City Manager Barber responded yes, and added they are making some slight changes to the mission statement on the website. Mayor Rios asked about a meeting with Barbara Hayes last Friday. Public Works Director Dobbins responded yes and elaborated on the meeting.
11. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioner Naegle reported on the communication and feedback they have been having with the school district on various issues; and announced the next GYC meeting this Thursday.
Council Member Worthy congratulated the Adventure Seeking Seniors for receiving the United Way Community Service Award, and she was really proud of this organization for putting good events and mentoring the youth. She thanked Jean Salcido and her crew for all the work they do.
She also said the Girls State luncheon was great and the girls will be going to Sacramento to learn how government works, and they get scholarships through the Auxiliary.
Council Member Silva congratulated Taven for his one-year anniversary with the City tomorrow.
She thanked the Adventure Seeking Senior team for putting a fun event and they had an excellent lunch from Chef Tony Vargas. She gave a shout out to Jean and her team for always doing a good job and getting our senior citizens mentoring our youth and our youth mentoring younger kids. She also sent a huge shout out to her alma mater Gonzales High School, the Spartan 300 club who held their annual Hall of Fame event this past Saturday recognizing some super athletes, and it was an honor to be there. The youngest ever being recognized was Kate Almond who excelled in Track and Field. She also had the pleasure of introducing the two delegates that will be representing the Auxiliary Unit at Girls State in Sacramento this summer. She welcomed the two new City employees. She announced May is National Poppy Month in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. She encouraged people to remember acknowledging a veteran any day of the year. She announced the Salinas Valley Fair on May 18th- 21st in King City, and encouraged everybody to come out and support our youth. She announced the American Legion Post 81 annual Memorial Day commemoration service at the Cemetery on May 29th at 9am, and a barbecue later that morning at the Legion Hall.
Council Member Orozco echoed Council Members Worthy and Silva's comments regarding the senior programs and the luncheons which are very successful, and she really enjoys seeing the agencies that come and provide valuable information to our seniors. She thanked the two awardees she was able to see when she represented the City at the Monterey County Peace Officers Association Dinner. She remembered Council Member Silva and Mayor Pro Tem Funk attended years ago before COVID, and this year they changed since they now honor the Firefighters and honor support services employees, and we had two of our employees. She said Día del Nino was a great event in the park, and announced the Cinco de Mayo event next Sunday where they will be featuring a special historical exhibit of Juan Martinez.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk said he had an opportunity to attend the event and thanked all the volunteers who put that on every year.
Mayor Rios forgot to mention regarding the bike lanes, was the fact that at the present time there's no way that we can get the street sweeper through there, and his comments was that there was a lot of trash in between the bike lanes. He echoed the comments on the fantastic event that he couldn't attend due to his grandson's birthday. He talked about the interesting restrooms in Morgan Hill and
elaborated on the prices of the homes. He reported on the Career Day he attended at the High School last Saturday, which was very well done with all the services, agencies, and colleges that were there. He hopes the youth embrace these opportunities and go to these types of events.
Council Member Worthy thanked the 4-H Club who helped serve the food yesterday and the High School FFA floral department made the flower arrangements. She encouraged everyone to go to their floral department for their floral needs.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
12. Oral Communications
City Manager Barber informed that staff attended a session on AI in how to continue to maintain levels of services with less funding, and one of the solutions might be AI which is becoming more and more common. And right now the state of AI is that this is the worst it's ever going to be but is going to continue to get better, and it's going to start helping us in augmenting how we do work.
He gave an example looking at how to do procurements and looking at how to save time for finding things. They gave an example of police radios, where you can use AI to search different police radios, and compare and contrast different models and offsetting hours of staff time looking in comparing the different specs of radios by having an AI and just look at the internet and all available knowledge to produce that report. He wanted to bring this to the Council's attention about how staff is trained to work smarter to get things done.
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Director Gil reported on the two GYC members showcasing their work at CSUMB Spring Showcase on the mental health work they've been doing; summer programing hiring; healthy food demonstration workshops by the Community Health Workers; and preparing for the All American City Award competition in June.
Police Chief Wise congratulated Corporal Nathan Cordova who was not only nominated by our agency for being the Officer of the Year 2022, but he also was awarded the Monterey County Peace Officer of the Year.
Fire Chief Muscio reported there are 70 plus horses registered for the Cinco de Mayo parade this Sunday.
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.
Rosa Rodriguez thanked the City Manager being accessible, as well as Mr. Dobbins for taking time to listen to a resident concern. She liked that approach and wanted to see follow up to that feedback.
13. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(B)(1) - City Manager Evaluation.
The Council provided direction to the City Attorney. No other reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk