MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, MAY 15, 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
Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Consultant Brent Slama, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise. * Successor Agency Item
PRESENTATIONS
2. Consider Approval of, and Present Proclamation No. 2023-02 Proclaiming the Week of May 21 – 27, 2023 as National Public Works Week
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Mayor Pro Tem Funk read and presented the proclamation to Public Works Director Dobbins.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
3. 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.
Bob Krauth, 703 Colombard Circle, commented about the Cinco de Mayo presentation last week which was extraordinary and he had an opportunity to set up a display regarding Juan Martinez and also the history of Cinco de Mayo. He appreciated four High School kids who came over and offered to help him while setting up. He thanked Marco Alvarez, Edgar Savedra, Mark Spencer, Javier Eduardo and Henry Aguilar. He was glad our City has been recognized throughout this country for all the youth working in the community, and he hoped we get in the top 10 of the All American Award.
CONSENT AGENDA
4. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - May 1, 2023 Minutes
5. Approve the City Council - Special Meeting - May 4, 2023 Minutes
6. Approve the City Council - Special Meeting - May 8, 2023 Minutes
7. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #48511-48568
8. Community Development Department Activity Report
9. Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Activity Report
10. Fire Department Activity Report
11. Police Department Activity Report
12. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
13. Recreation Department Activity Report
14. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-18, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Vortex Industries to Remove and Replace Two Bay Doors at the Public Works Corporation Yard for a Not-to-exceed Cost of $50,000
15. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-19, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Purchase of a New Holland Backhoe from Coastal Tractor in the Amount of $99,047 and Approve the Surplus Sale of the Existing Backhoe
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-20, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Designating Harris and Associates as Engineer of Work for Assessment Districts, and Directing the Filing of Engineer’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Reports Therefor; Designating Jarvis, Fay, & Gibson, LLP as District Counsel for Assessment Districts; and Authorizing Compensation for All Assessment District Work
17. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-21, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Intention to Confirm Diagrams and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments *
Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - California Breeze Benefit Assessment District Nos. 1, 2, and 3
18. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-22, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - California Breeze Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District
19. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-23, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales of Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - Canyon Creek Benefit Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 & 3
20. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-24, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - Canyon Creek Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 and 3
21. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-25, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales of Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - Gonzales Industrial Park Benefit Assessment District
22. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-26, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - Gonzales Industrial Park Landscape Maintenance Assessment District
23. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-27, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - Cipriani Estates Benefit Assessment District
24. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-28, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - Cipriani Estates Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District Council Member Orozco pulled Item 7. In regards to Warrant #48555 for Trinis Pluming for electric lubricant, she asked what that was for.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded he will track the invoice and get back to her.
In regards to Warrant #48567 for workers comp, Mayor Rios asked if that was for six months or an annual payment. He also commented on the check for Swinerton for $30,000. He wondered about the hourly rate and thought that was a lot of money and shared his frustration seeing all that money.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded he will get that payment information and get back to him. Regarding Swinerton, he explained it was for two individuals’ work during the RFP phase and the efforts going on during the last three months for the design build contracts.
Council Member Orozco asked when they submit an invoice, if it's a detailed invoice and it lists item by item as to the hours they're accrued and the purpose.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded yes, day by day and he reviews them carefully. He understands it’s a significant cost because it’s a large project.
Council Member Worthy pulled Item 12. She asked about the possibility to turn the bike lanes green. She also shared an idea she heard from people about La Gloria school wanting to do a community garden, and utilizing the troughs for that.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded about staff’s plan to come back before the Council at the June 20th meeting and give an update, and if the Council decides to keep it, staff can paint them green. He said that the troughs are not meant to stay there but will keep the idea in mind.
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
REGULAR AGENDA
25. Notice of Intent to Award the Design-Build Contract for the Community Center Complex Project Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: There was none.
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
26. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-15, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Adopting the Gloria Road Agricultural Cooler Project Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2023030377) and Adopting the Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (MMRP); Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-16, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving Amendments to the City of Gonzales General Plan to Change Specific Land Use Designation and Waive the Requirement for a Specific Plan; Introduce, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2023-137, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Pre-zoning of the Gonzales Cooler Development Property to Industrial; and Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-17, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Initiation of a 48.97-Acre Annexation Request for the Gloria Road Agricultural Cooler Project with the Monterey County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
Before Item 26 was read, Council Member Silva informed that she will recuse herself from participation in this matter due to a potential conflict of interest, and she has determined that it is reasonably foreseeable that the project before the Council has a potential to have a material impact on the finances of her employer. She is currently employed by Ipolito International as a Planting Schedule Coordinator.
Staff Report: Brent Slama, Slama Consulting, presented the staff report via powerpoint presentation consisting of introduction of the annexation, environmental considerations, amendments to the General Plan, prezoning the property, conditional use permit, Planning Commission actions, annexation request with LAFCO, and staff's recommendation.
Jeff Rianda, Rianda Family Partnership, said he was representing his family, elaborated on the ag industry his family has been involved in, as well as the community; and shared they were excited to have this project in front of the Council.
David Peartree, Belli Peartree Architects Principal, presented a powerpoint presentation explaining the architectural sustainability and operational aspects of this project. He shared model views of the project.
Christine Kemp, Noland Hamerly Etienne and Hoss Representative, thanked staff and talked about the Ag Mitigation portion of the project.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:13pm.
Public Comment: Bob Krauth commented about vegetables currently processed; taking another area that would normally be farmed; expanding housing close to this facility; and asked what the Council gets out of this.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:14pm.
David Peartree addressed Mr. Krauth’s question and explained the reasons such as the current facility being in Salinas, less vehicles miles traveled due to grow areas being around Gonzales, centralizing the facility, potential jobs, complimentary with the City’s future housing uses, and tax base.
Council Discussion: Staff and presenters addressed questions regarding noise, anticipated timeline with LAFCO, ag mitigation, parking spaces, and hiring of employees.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Resolution No. 2023-15
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Liz Silva
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Resolution No. 2023-16
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Liz Silva
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Introduce, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2023-137
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Liz Silva
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Resolution No. 2023-17
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Liz Silva
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
27. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division
No report.
b. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
Mayor Pro Tem Funk reported on the Draft Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy Update they received; and Grants 2.0 Program.
c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy reported on being moved from the Operations to the Administrative Committee and is now the Chair. She also reported on the Measure Q funds; operators recruitment; and ridership being up.
d. City & School Joint Steering Committee
No update.
28. Oral Communications
Commissioner Naegle announced the In the Mind of GHS event the GYC will be hosting where they will present the Mental Health Project data on May 26th at 5:30pm; and the end of year trip on May 27th.
Council Member Silva shared a question from one of the residents regarding why the front office was closed at noon every day.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded the City Hall lobby is closed from 12:30pm - 1:30pm for lunch and there is the half hour over the lunch hour where residents can come in to City Hall.
And it comes down to the administrative staff that we have, which are only two, and for example one is sick out today, so it's not possible to be open over the lunch hour but we shifted to the 12:30pm-1:30pm.
Council Member Silva understood and said she told them we've been short staffed for a while and they asked if they can stagger their lunches but she wanted to pass along the information to staff.
She reminded everyone about the Salinas Valley Fair this Thursday through Sunday in King City, and she'll be there working a couple of Exhibit Rooms as a volunteer. She also reminded about the Annual Commemoration Ceremony at the Cemetery on May 29th starting at 9am, and encouraged people to attend. She sent kudos to the football team for cleaning up the property area. She announced the graduation on June 10th at the Stadium at 10am.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk heard the Cinco de Mayo was very well attended and thanked staff for their efforts in keeping the events going, as well as all the volunteers who helped with the event. He thanked all Department Heads for everything they do and for keeping their departments moving.
Council Member Orozco thanked Fire and Police Chiefs and all the volunteers for their support in the Cinco de Mayo event. The parade went well which had a lot of participants even from San Francisco. She believed this was one of the events, along with the 4th of July that have been the highlight when we talk about community engagement and the awards we receive throughout the years bringing the community and youth together. She also thanked all staff for all their hard work.
She announced Rotary will be putting the 4th of July event together. She thanked School Board Member Celeste Daniels who will be moving to Florida, for her years of service to the school. She also shared a question from a senior who asked about receiving the senior rebate checks and had not gotten his credit but she would get back to him about that being done in June.
Mayor Rios echoed the Council’s gratitude to all the folks who helped with the Cinco de Mayo event, and said he could tell Council Member Orozco was on it and she was everywhere helping throughout the event. He expressed his kudos to her for helping even when dealing with her asthma issues, and he hoped she got some rest after that. He also thanked Fire and Police Chiefs for leading the parade which was very well attended. He thanked Public Works for the changes on the bike lanes. He hoped it’s working better than before and knows the parking is a little tight, but we may come up with solutions later. He said he asked the City Attorney that he would like to appoint Council Members Orozco and Worthy to an Economic Development Committee for the Council so they can be abreast and keep in touch with staff on the developments so we can keep things going. He said they are already part of the D.R. Horton Committee but this one would be for any other developments.
City Attorney Rodriquez responded yes, he can appoint them tonight and we can ratify it.
Council Members Orozco and Worthy were appointed to the Economic Development Committee.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
29. Oral Communications
Public Works Director Dobbins reported on a grant award received last December for 18 EV charging stations, six downtown, six at the Community Center, and staff is still working with Taylor Farms Health Center location for the other six. He'll bring an item to the Council at the next meeting regarding a consultant to help with this.
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk