MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL
GONZALES SUCESSOR AGENCY,
GONZALES SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY,
GONZALES ELECTRIC AUTHORITY BOARD,
GONZALES MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILTY BOARD
MONDAY, JUNE 5, 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/President Present
Scott Funk Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair/Vice President Present Liz Silva Council/Agency/Board Member Present
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency/Board Member Present
Maria Orozco Council/Agency/Board Member Present
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Sherlyn Flores and Luke Naegle.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Finance Director Mike Howard, Consultant Brent Slama, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin, Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise. * Successor Agency Item
Successor Housing Agency/Electric Authority/Municipal Electric Utility 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/81623291876 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 816 2329 1876. 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. Gonzales Youth Council FY 2022-2023 End of Year Presentation; and Consider Approval of Proclamation No. 2023-03 Commending Youth Commissioner Sherlyn Flores-Magadan RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Proclamation No. 2023-03
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Youth Commissioner Naegle presented a powerpoint presentation explaining the purpose of the Gonzales Youth Council. He introduced the GYC Commissioners and Members. The members gave an overview of platform projects such as Safe Routes to Schools, Educational Resources, School and Community Beautification, and Youth Mental Health. They elaborated on the next steps for the summer, the continuation of previous projects, and the possibility of new projects.
They appreciated the support of the City Council and the community of Gonzales since the founding of the GYC in 2015 to now. As they plan for the 2023-2024 year, they would like a clear understanding of their budget for the year; continue having designated advisors, leadership and coaching experts; and City emails or technology provided by the City to use during their meetings or GYC projects due to heavy restrictions from the school. They thanked all the partnerships they had throughout the year.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk read Proclamation No. 2023-03 and Mayor Rios presented it to Youth Commissioner Sherlyn Flores.
Mayor Rios and City Manager Gil presented the Certificates of Recognition to the GYC Members, and certificates and stoles for the Seniors.
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.
Efrain Flores, Gonzales resident, introduced himself and said he was the Chair for Four South County Outreach Efforts, a nonprofit organization agency, and he's also a recipient of a Measure K grant to bring art and music to the youth here in Gonzales for free. He thanked Council Member Worthy and the Legion Hall Members for their support with the guitar class.
Rosa Rodriguez thanked him for stepping up for doing this for the youth.
CONSENT AGENDA
4. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - May 15, 2023 Minutes
5. Approve the City Council - Special Meeting - May 12, 2023 Minutes
6. Approve the City Council - Special Meeting - May 23, 2023 Minutes
7. Approve Successor Agency Accounts Payable Warrant #1678
8. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #48569-48703
9. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-29 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Accepting Phase 2 of the Skate Park as Complete, Authorize Staff to Record a Notice of Completion, and Release Retention Monies to the Contractor
10. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-30, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of an Enterprise Agreement for Small Governments with ESRI at an Annual Cost of $15,500 for Geographic Information System Mapping Software
11. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-35, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Juneteenth (June 19) an Official City Holiday and Amending the City‘s Personnel Policy to Add Juneteenth to the List of Paid Holidays for City Employees With regards to Warrant #48686 for T&T Pavement Markings, Council Member Worthy asked what it was for.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded it was for the Safe Routes Project.
Council Member Worthy asked about Warrant #48574 for Alvarez Technology for PC and Monitors.
Finance Director Howard responded that was not for one thing, that was for multiple invoices but staff uses the description on the first invoice. He said he will send her a copy of the warrant so she can see all the invoices paid for that particular warrant.
Council Member Worthy also asked about Warrant #48641 for Armanasco Public Relations.
Acting City Manager Gil responded that was for two invoices and elaborated on the capital campaign and media work they've been doing. She will provide her with a breakdown.
Finance Director Howard added that the one for the capital campaign for the Community Center was paid for out of capital campaign funds.
Council Member Silva asked if Warrant #48587 for City National Bank was an annual payment.
Finance Director Howard responded it was a semi-annual payment for the debt service obligation.
Council Member Silva asked about Warrant #48625 for T-Mobile about the need for hotspots and if it was monthly.
Finance Director Howard responded it was monthly and staff had just talked about that this morning at the staff meeting.
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Council Member Silva asked about the payment frequency of Warrant #48649 for CSG Consultants.
Finance Director Howard responded that was for multiple invoices and the amount varies depending on the type of work required.
Council Member Silva asked about Warrant #48671 for the Monterey County Elections.
Acting City Manager Gil responded that was for the November election.
Council Member Silva asked about Warrant #48697 for the Gonzales Unified School District.
Finance Director Howard responded there were several invoices that were delinquent and that was for vehicles fuel.
Council Member Silva asked about Item 10 for the GIS system.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded the $15,000 would be an annual payment.
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
REGULAR AGENDA
Mayor Rios moved Item 18 to be the first item on the regular agenda.
18. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-34, A Joint Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales/City Council as Board to the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency/Gonzales Successor Housing Agency Board/Board of the Gonzales Electric Authority/Board of the Gonzales Municipal Electric Utility Approving an Employment Agreement for City Manager/Successor Agency Director/Successor Housing Agency Executive Director/Electric Authority Executive Director/Electric Utility Executive Director Services with Carmen Gil
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez commented on the opportunity to speak with all of the Council on a personal level and thought there should be another City Manager with a little bit more experience to handle the City; elaborated on the lack of infrastructures; she has to follow the City of Soledad for informational purposes; not serving the needs of our residents and communication services; and she was happy the youth are here.
Council Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked Acting City Manager Gil for helping once as Interim City Manager and then as Acting City Manager and there was a great deal of opportunity and support from the City staff, as well as our City partners, and said she has his full support.
Mayor Rios asked Acting City Manager Gil to come up to the podium to have the oath taken.
Deputy City Clerk Villegas administered the Oath of Allegiance to Acting City Manager Gil. *
Carmen Gil was sworn in as the City of Gonzales City Manager.
City Manager Gil thanked the City Council for entrusting her and she is prepared to roll her sleeves and work really hard to continue to put the citizens on the map and continue to have the City be the leader that it is. She also thanked staff for being so supportive as well as partners outside for always willing to lend a hand and she will continue to bring them onboard to continue to lead the way. She thanked her family as well, especially her husband because without him, she couldn’t do this.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair/Vice President SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council/Agency/Board Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
12. Continue the noticed Public Hearing Regarding Resolution No. 2023-32, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing the Cost for Services Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins asked that this item be continued to the June 20th Council meeting.
Public Comment: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] to continue the hearing to June 20th MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
13. Transition to District-Based Elections for Councilmembers – Proposed District Maps – Public Hearing No. 4
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Justin Levitt, National Demographics Corporation, provided a powerpoint presentation explaining the districting process, redistricting rules and goals and went over the Maroon, Orange, and Tan draft maps.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez commented about believing in the redistricting and couldn't believe Meyer Park is still not done.
Council Discussion: Mr. Levitt addressed questions regarding number of seats and terms, and the suggestion about having the mayoral position up for two years so that they would have two Council Members and the Mayor one year, and then the other two Council positions the other year.
It was the Council’s consensus to move forward.
14. Consider Adoption of 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 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: Consultant Slama presented the staff report.
Public Comment: Christine Kemp, Noland Hamerly Etienne and Hoss Representative, thanked the Council for their support.
Rosa Rodriguez shared her concern about traffic mitigation and being hard to get from point A to point B.
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Liz Silva
15. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-31, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of Professional Services Contracts with 4Leaf Consulting for Building Department Services and for Plan Review and Inspection Services for the Community Center Complex Project
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Minnie Arredondo, 4Leaf Consulting, introduced herself and said she will be starting Monday as a the Building Official.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez asked for clarification what the contracts were for.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded these were two contracts, one is for day to day Building Official services, plan review and inspections of the different building permit applications that come in to City Hall, and the other one is for plan review and inspections for the Community Center Complex Project.
Council Discussion: There was none.
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
16. Consider Approval of Resolution 2023-33, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Awarding the Design/Build Contract for the Community Center Complex Project to the Otto Construction/WRNS Team and Authorizing the Issuance of a Notice to Proceed with Design Services at a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $4,900,446
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Otto Construction and WRNS Representatives introduced themselves and shared they were excited and proud to start this project.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez commented about starting a non-profit back in 2007 for a community center; taking long to build a community center; and wanting to see action.
Council Discussion: There was none.
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
17. Introduce, Waive Reading and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2023-138, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending Chapter 1.28 City Manager, of Title 1- Administration of the Gonzales City Code
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez commented about her desire for the City to hire Maury, and codes being outdated.
Council Discussion: There was none.
City Attorney Rodriquez added that as part of the changes the City Manager needs to be designated as the City Clerk. He said the City Manager has been the City Clerk but needs to be designated in the code.
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
19. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the work on Highway 156.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios reported the meeting was in Carmel and there was discussion on hotel occupancy and restaurants.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva announced the next meeting on June 15th and she asked Mary to distribute the Salinas Valley Recycles May meeting highlights with the Council. d. Measure K Oversight Committee
Council Member Worthy reported on their meeting last week where they discussed the budget and general projects.
e. South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority
City Manager Gil announced the meeting this Wednesday.
20. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy thanked everyone who participated in the Memorial Day event and the
American Legion for the successful barbecue. She also thanked Fire Chief Muscio and Public Works for taking care of some concerns.
Council Member Silva congratulated the GYC and announced the Fairview graduation this Friday and High School graduation on Saturday at 10am. She thanked staff for all they do and congratulated City Manager Gil.
Council Member Orozco congratulated the GYC for all their accomplishments throughout the years, and remembered when the GYC started. She also congratulated City Manager Gil. She announced the 4th of July event that Rotary is planning and elaborated on information on the booths.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked all the GYC Members and congratulated all the seniors. He thanked Public Works, Police and Fire Departments for all their efforts. He welcomed Carmen as the new City Manager and looked forward to the City's future.
Mayor Rios thanked the Youth Council. He also thanked Public Works for setting up the park for the bicyclists today. He thanked City Manager Gil and welcomed her.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
21. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil thanked the Council for their support. She reported on the MBEP Digial Equity workshop she attended at CSUMB last Friday; pool inspection; and informed about the individuals representing the City that were attending the All American City Conference in Denver this weekend coming up where they will be making a presentation.
Fire Chief Muscio reported on the prescribed burns.
ADJOURNMENT
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 The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk