MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:25 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 Absent
Liz Silva Council/Agency Member Present
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency Member Present
Maria Orozco Council/Agency Member Present
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Luke Naegle.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin, Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
* Successor Agency Item
PRESENTATIONS
2. Gonzales Little League Sportsmanship Awards
Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin read the certificates and Mayor Rios presented the certificates to the Gonzales Little League members.
3. All America City Award
City Manager Gil expressed the hard work of the youth and city reps on the presentation, she also invited Michael Castro from the Community Foundation, Thanking the foundation for stepping in and helping cover the cost of three of the participant’s expenses. Presentation by Recreation Coordinator/Administrative Analyst Jessica Olmedo, Luke Neagle, Aliyah Castillo, Cindy Aguilar, Jose Chavez, Monica Rico, Lizzette de Leon, Mary Flores, and Guillermina Flores.
The presentation concluded with Barbara Holliday presenting the All-America City Award to the City of Gonzales and Mayor Jose Rios receiving the award.
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.
Henry Martinez, 112 Tenth Street, expressed the lack of patrol from the police department giving examples of couple incidents; one including the animal patrol officer. Also addressing the issue of not having enough parking in front of businesses due to business owners and employees taking over parking.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, expressed her disagreement with the raise of the taxes and shared she does not believe in the Gonzales Way.
Roman Barba expressed his support for taxes and everything else in order to have better services for our community.
Juan Rodriguez expressed the need for everyone to take action in order to believe in the Gonzales Way.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Approve the Joint City Council, Successor Agency, Successor Housing Agency, Electric Authority, and Municipal Electric Utility Boards - Regular Meeting - June 5, 2023, Minutes
6. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #48704-48761
7. Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Activity Report
8. Fire Department Activity Report
9. Police Department Activity Report
10. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
11. Recreation Department Activity Report
12. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-36, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Awarding a Master Services Agreement to Schaaf & Wheeler for Engineering Services for the Johnson Canyon Water Main Project
13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-40, 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. 2023-41, A Resolution No. 2023-41, 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. 2023-42, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Water Shortage Contingency Plan
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-43, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring an Emergency Pursuant to Section 22050 of the Public Contract Code and Section 316.050 of the Gonzales Municipal Code and Authorizing Emergency Repair Work by Salinas Pump Company for Well 5 in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,000
17. Consider Approval of Resolution 2023-52, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Designating General Street Maintenance projects as the City’s Priority Project for FY 2023-2024 to be Funded by Senate Bill 1 - The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Council Member Silva pulled Item 6. She questioned about checks #4717,#48751- 48753, and had questions about payments.
Finance Director Howard explained these items are being part of the ARPA funds.
Council Member Worthy pulled Item 7, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Activity Report, asking what the cost for the trip to Colorado was.
City Manager Gil said she does not have an accurate number but agreed to provide her with the information.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
REGULAR AGENDA
18. Update Report on Fifth Street Pilot Bike Lane Project Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report. Ariana Green gave a presentation with the help of Angelica Chavez.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, suggested a drive to Marina and explore different ideas for the dividers on the street. Asked to keep up with maintenance of the sidewalks in town.
Roman Barba expressed his dislike of the bike dividers that were put on the road due to the garbage collected in that area and no one having to pick it up, also expressed the street swifter not being able to go through the area. Suggested to explore the idea to do something on the bridge of 5th St. to reroute for the kids.
Henry Martinez expressed not able to use his three-wheeler bike through the dividers also to correct the sidewalk close to the bridge because of its height. Suggested redoing wider streets for emergency vehicles to be able to pass in an emergency, Henry also asked to have the police department be on the lookout for people who are crossing the double line and give out traffic tickets to those who violate the rules on the specific section by Gonzales High School.
Juan Rodriguez expressed the dislike of the barrels and suggested to take some home, also suggested to repaint the bike lines.
Council Discussion: Council Member Worthy shared about the responses received for the project, not reflecting the individuals who speak to council members in person, she suggested to paint the bike lane green and have the barrels removed due to being a distraction to the public while driving.
Council Member Silva expressed the dislike of the barrels and concerned of the collection of garbage between the areas and explained that the town did not have many bikers. Suggested painting the bike lane green.
Council Member Orozco thanked them for the presentation and the hard work put in collecting data with the survey. She expressed her worries about the safety of the kids. She asked for feedback from the Steering Committee. Would like to see if there are any other options.
Mayor Rios agrees with the feedback from the council members. Expressed concern with the delineators on the road. Expressed the project unable to work on 5th Street.
Public Works Director Dobbins reiterated the suggestions from the Council.
19. Transition to District-Based Elections for Council Members – Proposed District Maps – Public Hearing #5, and Introduce, Waive Reading and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2023-139, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing and Implementing ByDistrict Elections (Government Code Section 34886 and Election Code Section 10010) Planting Schedule Coordinator.
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report with Justin Levitt involving a second report.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez agreed and thanked the council for moving in the right direction with the proposed districts.
Ramon Barba questions about campaign signs and rules.
Council Discussion: Council Members and Mayor Rios asked to bring item 19 back at the next meeting of July 17, 2023 for final and formal consideration with the changes of a 2 year term and with the Maroon Map presentation.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Introduced Ordinance No. 2023-139 MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
20. Continued Public Hearing to Consider Approval of 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 presents the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 8:18pm.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez talked about the Police Department impounding cars.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 8:20pm.
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Resolution No. 2023-32
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
21. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-44, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagrams and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - California Breeze Benefit Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 and 3; and Resolution No. 2023-45, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagram and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - California Breeze Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District City Attorney Rodriquez asked to move the Assessment Districts Items (21-24) to the next meeting in order to afford the entire Council the opportunity to consider and take action on the involved assessments and assessment related matters.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 8:23pm for these items.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez supported the increase in fees.
Roman Barba supported Resolutions No. 2023-44 to No. 2023-51 and discussed the importance of increasing fees to pay for community needs.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 8:26pm.
22. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-46, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagrams and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - Canyon Creek Benefit Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 and 3; and Resolution No. 2023-47, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagrams and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - Canyon Creek Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 and 3
City Attorney Rodriquez asked to move this item to the next meeting in order to afford the entire Council the opportunity to consider and take action on the involved assessments and assessment related matters.
23. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-48, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagrams and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - Gonzales Industrial Park Benefit Assessment District; and Resolution No. 2023-49, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagram and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 - Gonzales Industrial Park Landscape Maintenance Assessment District
City Attorney Rodriquez asked to move this item to the next meeting in order to afford the entire Council the opportunity to consider and take action on the involved assessments and assessment related matters.
24. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-50, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagram and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - Cipriani Estates Benefit Assessment District; and Resolution No. 2023-51, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Confirming Diagram and Assessments and Levying Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - Cipriani Estates Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District City Attorney Rodriquez asked to move this item to the next meeting in order to afford the entire Council the opportunity to consider and take action on the involved assessments and assessment related matters.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] to Move Resolutions No. 2023-44 to 2023-51 to the July 17, 2023, meeting
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
25. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of 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 presents the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 8:27pm.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez welcomed City Manager Gil and supported this.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 8:28pm.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Ordinance No. 2023-138
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
26. Gonzales Police Department’s AB 481 Annual Report
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez disapproves of any military equipment.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] AB 481 Annual Report
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
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
Council Member Orozco reported attending on June 14th. They released a draft of the Public Participation Plan, with a 70-day public review period. There was also a release of the Early Action Plan.
c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy reported on the meeting of June 12 where they adopted the operating capital budget for 2024-2025. MST received recognition from BOS for their support during floods. MST will continue to have free services for the people of Pajaro until 2024.
d. City & School Joint Steering Committee
They will meet on August 8th.
28. Oral Communications
Council Member Orozco congratulated the GYC members, staff, City Manager Gil for all the effort with the youth and the support. Rodeo will be hosting the 4th of July parade with Pro Mayor Funk coordinating the parade. She said she was accepting applications for the booths to participate. She announced a housing summit will be held on June 27th; July 7th is St. Theodore’s annual dinner.
Council Member Silva thanked the GYC on their participation with All American Cities award.
She had questions on City limit signs.
Public Works Director Dobbins updated on the order of the signs.
Council Member Worthy thanked Christian and Steven from the Fire Department for assisting with burning of the flag.
Mayor Rios questioned restaurants continuing with the outside areas, and if they can be removed.
City Manager Gil will report back.
The Council asked the public to be safe on our upcoming 4th of July.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
29. Oral Communications
There was none.
ADJOURNMENT
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 ABSENT: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.
ATTEST:
Carmen Gil, City Manager/City Clerk