MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL,
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY,
AND
PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, JULY 17, 2023
5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rios informed everyone that we were having technical difficulties with the equipment. He called the meeting to order at 5:43 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The flag salute was recited by all present.
1. ROLL CALL - City Council
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
ROLL CALL - Planning Commission
Attendee Name Title Status
Gloria Velasquez Chair Present
Ernesto Mancera Chair Pro Tem Present
Myrna Morales Commissioner Present
Adrian Paco Commissioner Present
Tencia Vargas Commissioner Present
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Consultant Brent Slama, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant II Esthela Palmerin, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Police Chief Keith Wise, and Fire Chief Jason Muscio.
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/87808964262 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 878 0896 4262. 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]
JOINT ITEM WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION
2. Vista Lucia Annexation Project Update
Staff Report: Consultant Brent Slama presented the staff report.
Glenn Pace, Pembrook Development Manager and Vista Lucia Project Developer, introduced Katharine Hardt-Mason.
Katharine Hardt-Mason, Pembrook Development Counsel, presented via powerpoint updating on the project type, neighborhood breakdown, land plan, land us summaries, variety of housing, first tentative map, connectivity, road network, public utilities, infrastructure construction, and maintenance financing.
Consultant Slama and Counsel Hardt-Mason answered questions and discussed timeline of LAFCO Annexation approval process, percentage of affordable housing, public facilities, programs and workshops for local residents to be purchase ready.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez Sr. commented about adding purple pipes for future recycling water and security cameras; and accessibility of low-income homes.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, was confident the developer would do a good job because they were good people. She wanted to see more things for the youth such as tennis courts, soccer fields and track fields. She complained about Meyer Park issues and the fire issue; and suggested better planning.
The Council and Commission received the information and concurred to continue the project process.
No action required.
The Joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:20pm.
At this point, a five-minute recess was taken.
ADJOURNED TO REGULAR COUNCIL-SA MEETING
The Council adjourned to the regular Council and Successor Agency meeting at 6:25pm.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Certificates of Recognition to the Community Health Workers City Manager Gil read the certificates and Mayor Rios presented them to the ones present.
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.
Roman Barba, 123 Second Street, requested the City ban fireworks, and commented about the different situations in his neighborhood and fireworks landing in his yard; calling the Police three times and not showing up; garage sales going on for three days; and suggested charging for the garage sale permits.
Gerardo Valdez, 496 Charolais Drive, commented about his house burning down and said he was here on behalf of his aunt that lost her life in the fire. He felt a lot of it was negligence and commented about calling regarding illegal fireworks that were going on a week prior and it is always the same people which was the circle in back of his street and getting worse every single year; Police not enforcing it; CHP harassing the family; and asked why it took long to respond.
Ruben Zurita, resident of 26 years, commented about officer patrolling issues; code enforcement issues; animal control issues; illegal firework issues; needing resources for getting more patrol on the streets, and more people needed out there to do something about these issues.
Esperanza Valdez commented in Spanish and Mr. Valdez translated for her. She spoke about her sister-in-law who passed away in the house fire; commented about her family making it out to safely; first responders getting there late; explained what she tried doing and being told to leave or she would get arrested; and asked why it so took long for first responders to get there and take action.
Cesar Ayon, Gonzales Resident, recommended banning fireworks because they are dangerous, and certain cities still allowing fireworks; suggested banning all of them because we don’t have the resources and we are in a drought; and asked why allow even a spark. He asked Gonzales to be a leader in south county and ban them.
Henry Martinez Sr. commented about his universal signal to the Captain at the 4th of July event; ex-Chief’s daughter screaming at him; freedom of speech about taking his kids from his son; filing harassment charges against the school for harassing his family; and elaborated on the past rape case and finding the person.
Steve Romero, Lifelong Gonzales Resident, commented about the fireworks booths being part of everything the youth was given growing up; football programs being free for the youth; providing and supplying for the football program like meals, equipment, practice gear; suggested taking a really good look at what can be done before considering banning fireworks; and this community always being together. He felt banning fireworks is a little too drastic and we need to see what else can be done.
Rosa Rodriguez commented about people bringing things to the table and things being done a little bit at a time; talked about fireworks last year and knowing where the fireworks were coming from. She did not blame the Police or Fire Departments but suggested a better plan and more
workshops to educate the community and clean up days and said concluded people were not cleaning their properties.
Mary Zurita commented about other alternatives to financing youth groups instead of firework sales and gave examples.
Larry Rodriguez, 50-year Gonzales Resident and Member of the Spartan 300 Club, agreed what happened was tragic, and commented about the fireworks fundraising which gives scholarships to students and helping with other things; and suggested thinking about what the Council wants to do before banning fireworks.
Ed Ramirez, High School Football Coach, expressed his condolences to the family that lost family and property; commented about the need to get more done on the illegal fireworks like use of drones; and asked to allow the football program to continue the use of safe and sane fireworks since that is how they raise the money that is used to feed the teams after the games, buy camera equipment and replace their uniforms. He asked the City to do something to prevent the illegal fireworks and not to take away the funds from the football program.
Mr. Rodriguez commented about not liking fireworks and asked the City to do something about it.
Janet Pacheco (via zoom), commented about being affected by the 4th of July fire and agreed that there should be other ways to fundraise for the students. She elaborated on the fire last year and this year’s and said banning fireworks was the best thing to do. She commented about the illegal fireworks that still happened after the holiday; thanked the Police Officers for arriving at the scene withing five minutes or less but didn’t like the way they talked to her husband. She felt the firefighters were not prepared to stop the fire; and didn’t get an update after the fire.
Henry Martinez Jr. (via zoom), was surprised hearing about banning fireworks and commented it was our freedom as a Country to use fireworks for years. He commented about fireworks not being the cause of burning the house down, but the people; suggested not banning safe and sane fireworks because money raised goes to the schools; elaborated on what property owners have to do with their rentals to keep them clean; the house that burned down having a lot of stuff that was extremely flammable; him spending his time to prep ahead of time so his house doesn’t burn down; and people needing to prep especially for the 4th of July. He hoped the City didn’t ban the fireworks because they have been a long tradition of the kids of Gonzales and to go after the people that don’t know how to use them.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Budget Meeting - June 20, 2023 Minutes
6. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - June 20, 2023 Minutes
7. Approve Successor Agency Accounts Payable Warrant #1679-1680
8. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #48762-48913
9. City Manager’s Report
10. Community Development Department Activity Report
11. Community Engagement & Recreation Activity Report
*
*
12. Police Department Activity Report
13. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
14. Consider Approval of an Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and Michelle Slade-C4 Consulting, for Rendering Services That Support Youth Leadership Development, and Authorize the City Manager to Sign the Agreement
Rosa Rodriquez pulled items 11, 12, and 13. She talked about Departments reading the reports long time ago and now they have to be pulled from the agenda to discuss them, and not agendizing items that are brought up to the table like the ones she has brought up before; and still not having a follow up meeting for Meyer Park.
Council Member Silva pulled Item 8. She had questions on warrant #48769 for American Supply which seemed a bit high for trash bags; warrants #48775, #48839, #48878 for Badger Meter, which she did not know what they were for; warrant #48800 for Ivan Martinez sleeping quarters cleaning; warrant #48805 to Monterey County Health for testing; warrant #48817 to Sage Energy; warrant #48822 to TAMC; warrant #48861 for Council chairs which seemed high for chairs; warrant #48842 to California Consultant and another one for Armanasco.
For warrant #48769, Public Works Director Dobbins indicated he will follow up with her to find out what that is for.
For warrants #48775, #48839, #48878, Public Works Director Dobbins responded staff has been upgrading the meters at the industrial park and replacing new registers.
For warrant #48805, Public Works Director Dobbins responded that was for a series of testing around the industrial treatment program.
For warrant #48800, Fire Chief Muscio responded that was for the cleaning where the fire staff sleep and was for deep cleaning after so many years.
For warrant to California Consulting and Armanasco, City Manager Gil responded staff renegotiated the Armanasco Contract and lowered their fee for services and not only support grant writing but writing stories, information out to the media, press releases, etc. The California Consulting one was a contract that was established on a short-term basis by the previous City Manager and wrapped up in June, but they are no longer in contract with us.
For warrant #48817, Public Works Director Dobbins responded they support the EV charging station grants. The location for the three different charging stations is downtown, Community Center, and Salinas Valley Clinic.
For warrant #48822, Public Works Director Dobbins responded those amounts were passthrough amounts to other agencies.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown added the applicant pays the City and the City forwards to TAMC.
For warrant # 48861, Public works Director Dobbins responded those are for several invoices for chairs in the Council Chambers, City Hall and furniture in the conference room, and they lagged on their billing for months.
Council Member Silva suggested for the future, the descriptions should match.
Public Works Director Dobbins mentioned that the Accounting Department sometimes use one description from one invoice instead of all the invoices.
City Manager Gil indicated that the reason why that is done is because it’s much easier to cut one check versus several checks.
Council Member Silva understood but suggested better descriptions. She thanked staff for all the explanations.
City Manager Gil mentioned that staff can do descriptions clarifying is for multiple invoices so the Council knows is for more than one invoice.
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
REGULAR AGENDA
15. 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 Mayor Pro Tem Funk recused himself from this item.
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:26pm.
Public Hearing: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, commented about the amounts being charged to residents; and requested fixing the rest of the issues and asked when the follow-up meeting is going to be. She didn’t approve of anymore increases and she is at the point of doing collective lawsuits because areas haven’t been fixed.
City Attorney Rodriquez informed the problem we have with this particular district is that we are not collecting enough money to pay for the work that needs to be done. There has to be some consideration in some future assessments that will increase assessments, otherwise we will continue to not be able to do the work that needs to be done. He added that the City is subsidizing now the works that needs to be done in this subdivision and it’s unfair for those folks that live in other assessment districts.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:31pm.
Council Discussion: Mayor Rios commented about having to be realistic as a Council if we're subsidizing that particular area, and asked if there was a way to fix the assessments to fix the annual cost.
City Attorney Rodriquez responded there was not. When they formed them, it didn't allow for the increase. The only way we can increase is to have a vote of the homeowners.
Mayor Rios hoped we as a City, don't keep spending any more money than we're collecting from the homeowners and if there are more things needing repairs in that park or area, it has to be up to the residents if they want to fix that or not.
Council Member Orozco suggested getting a report back as to what we are subsidizing and what the process would be to put this back to the property owners of that area to vote.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Scott Funk
16. 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
Council Members Worthy and Orozco recused themselves from this item.
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:36pm.
Public Hearing: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, mentioned she's going to be affected equally even though she doesn't live in this area because of the CPI increasing in all the areas. She said residents in this side of town should be included as well to be treated equally.
City Attorney Rodriquez responded that was not correct and clarified everyone pays the cost of inflation.
Mayor Rios added that in this side of town, they've probably paid ten times over.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:39pm.
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 0]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva
RECUSED: Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
17. 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 Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:25pm.
Public Hearing: No comments came forward.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:25pm.
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
18. 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 Mayor Rios recused himself from this item.
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk opened the public hearing at 7:40pm.
Public Hearing: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, commented about fixing problems from years ago like making things accessible for everyone to be safe. She wanted to make sure everybody is treated fairly and not have some people pay more than others.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk closed the public hearing at 7:42pm.
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Jose L. Rios
19. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-54, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving and Accepting the Gonzales Police Department’s AB 481 Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 Annual Military Equipment Report Pursuant to Government Code Section 7071(d) and Renewing City of Gonzales Ordinance No. 2022-131 “Approving Gonzales Police Department Policy Manual Policy 709-Military Equipment
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public engagement at 7:49pm.
Public Hearing: Rosa Rodriguez said last year she talked about shot spotter and drones. She felt funding should be included in the budget for shot spotters and drones so officers can do their job.
Mayor Rios closed the public engagement at 7:50pm.
Council Discussion: Council Member Worthy asked if staff knew how much the drones cost and how many would the City need.
Police Chief Wise responded for law enforcement use drones, they cost between $25,000 - $35,000 and we would need about 15. He elaborated on exploring the training and staff pursuing possible grants.
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
20. 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 mentioned they are dark in July, and Council Member Orozco attended the last meeting on his behalf.
c. City & School Joint Steering Committee
City Manager Gil announced the joint meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 5:30pm at the school.
21. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy talked about the things that were brought up this evening and understood emotions were high. She has the illegal fireworks problem in her neighborhood as well, and shared that whenever the call is made to report something, they will ask them if they would like the Officer to contact them, but if people say no, then the Officer will not contact the person. She feels the fear of her house catching on fire also, and told everyone that we need to respect each other in this community because it's about respect, and we are not doing it by lighting these fireworks not only in July, but during other holidays, and their music being loud as well. She said people are afraid to say things because of retaliation, and these illegal fireworks are upsetting and terrifying, and affect people and animals. She commended Football Coach Eddy for coming out and assisting the American Legion with moving the chairs and said the kids were amazing. She also thanked Chief Wise, City Manager Gil and Public Works Director Dobbins for taking care of an issue that was bothering her. She understood we have things that we need to work on but we are financially
strapped and we need to be aware of that, and it means neighbors need to get involved, call, and hold the neighbors accountable. She wanted everyone to know the Council cares and wants things to happen but we need to be patient.
Council Member Silva agreed with Council Member Worthy and told everyone we need to respect each other and there are a lot of good things that happened like the 4th of July event where everyone came together and had fun. She encouraged the residents to fill out the survey they received in the water bill, because without their input, the Council can’t know what people are thinking. She said they want to make Gonzales even better than it is and continue to be the jewel of this valley. She agreed some bad things unfortunately happen, and felt sad about what happened and there should be no reason to lose a life. She announced the California Rodeo Salinas and asked everyone to be safe.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk mentioned the 4th of July was a great event with a lot of positivity and thanked all the volunteers who help every year, the Martinez family, and all the new volunteers.
He thanked staff and Public Works crew as well as the Police and Fire Departments for doing an amazing job throughout the day. He expressed his condolences to the Valdez Family for the tragic fire. He believed there will be a lot of changes this year and the Council will look at various things in the next few months to determine what is the right action to take. He said some comments tonight made him sad. He talked about the calls that go to the County and he has seen the data, and our Officers and Firefighters were amazing. The Officers responded under two minutes and Fire Department was there minutes later. The sad thing tonight is that we heard that the fire started much earlier and it saddens him that people did not call 911. He heard people saying they called but that was not true because we can’t cover the 911 data since County data shows that the house fire, not fireworks, upon that being called in, our Police Department was there under two minutes and Fire Department was there minutes later. He said we had an amazing response time and unfortunately when the Fire Department got there, the blaze was quite crazy. He could only imagine the fire experience and wouldn’t put that on anyone and we had a tragedy, but commended our departments for the response which the data shows, and they’ve been working ever since with the residents and community to follow up on that. He concluded that they will continue to work on opportunities and to address what the Council can do. He agreed with being about respect and one of those is about calling in like for fireworks. There were a number of citations written, and unfortunately Officers can’t be everywhere at the same time but they were out there writing citations. It was a tragedy and a loss of life, and at the same time we look at the situation and aftermath and it’s a miracle we didn’t lose more homes, which comes back to the amazing training and dedication our Firefighters had, as well as the support that was received.
Council Member Orozco echoed her colleagues’ comments and thanked our Fire and Police Departments for the great work they continue to do everyday in serving our community. She said the 4th of July was a great event and it sadly ended in tragedy. She thanked the Rotarians for a great event and encouraged everyone to volunteer, and they don’t have to be Rotarians. She announced the Rotary Golf Tournament on August 12th where they will be doing silent auction items and she’s collecting gifts for anyone that would like to donate as this is a fundraiser for scholarships.
She announced the St. Theodore’s Annual Carnival on October 8th. She said she was contacted by Supervisor Lopez’s Office to ask if she could join the Housing Authority Board and she will be sworn in at the Board of Supervisors’ next meeting. She also thanked the Community Health Workers for all their work throughout the years, especially during Covid and for their commitment and dedication in working with the Fire Department to get the services to our residents. They were a tremendous asset in our City and also helping with the Pajaro floods, and it will be a big gap for us trying to do the work that they used to do, but City Manager Gil has a great staff and we will move forward.
Mayor Rios talked about the dead trees on Alta and Fifth Streets that need to be replaced and hoped they were on the Public Works Department’s to do list. The other item was encroachments on Fourth Street which are the parking spaces taken by the restaurants when they had outside dining, and it would be nice to get that space due to traffic, or set an encroachment fee from the businesses. He also talked about a possible encroachment permit with Valdez Auto Sales as revenue. He shared his concern about code enforcement and several trailers parked on driveways with extension cords. He said it shouldn’t be allowed because of safety concerns like fires. He asked staff if we can hire someone temporarily to do code enforcement.
City Manager Gil informed we have Taven back now, as well as 4Leaf Consulting who are doing code enforcement around illegal structures, and they have been great. She added we may want to look at enhancing the services to do more because she has been hearing a lot of code enforcement issues, but Minnie, who the Council met about two meetings ago, has been marvelous and very busy with that, and she’s in the office two days a week, but we’ll look at increasing that.
Mayor Rios apologized for not being here for the 4th of July event which he heard it was a success and everyone had a good time. He thanked staff for all their work and he knows is a thankless and underpaid job but he appreciated their work.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
22. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil expressed her condolences to the Valdez Family and said we as a community, are hurting for the events of that night and our hearts go out to them. She echoed the Council’s comments and thanked staff for doing all they could to control the flames and making sure they didn’t jump to other homes, which was remarkable, and commended their work. She announced the Circus Royale coming back to town on August 2nd to set up and open to the public on August 4 th
, and they’re going through the permit process and once the requirements are completed, staff will advertise and invite the community to attend. She thanked Rotary for putting on the 4th of July event which she really enjoyed and it was a success. She reminded everyone about water shutoffs starting on July 25th and if people got a notice, they need to contact City Hall to establish a payment plan before then. She said staff sent a few notices already as well as placing at doorsteps.
She also reminded the Council about the joint meeting with the School Board on August 8th at 5:30pm. She added Wings of Knowledge will be coming to the Council with a presentation at the August 21st meeting. Armanasco will also be presenting some of the work they have been doing at the first meeting in September. She also said the Council will hear a presentation of the Draft Housing Element at the August 21st meeting. She reiterated what Council Member Silva said about encouraging people to fill out the survey they received with the water bills which may support future housing funding for the City. Hard copies will be available in English and Spanish at City Hall and people can contact Alejandra if they have any questions.
Police Chief Wise announced the National Night Out on August 1st from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Fourth Street. He informed that the Police Department received 49 calls for service regarding illegal fireworks between April 1st- July 4th. Officers were able to respond to 18 of the 23 calls received of reported illegal fireworks on the 4th of July, utilizing the best policing and enforcement practices and were available to respond to other pressing public incidents calls for service during that same time frame. He stated that although the Police Department forecasted and deployed additional resources and Officers in response to the anticipated volume of fireworkrelated calls, fireworks still represented a clear and present danger. He said that although not yet proven, it is suspected that illegal fireworks caused a residential fire that resulted in the loss of a life and a family being displaced from their home in the 400 block of Charolais Drive, which case is still an open on going multi jurisdiction investigation that he can’t discussed until completed.
He informed that the Police Department staggered officers throughout the 4th of July day and aimed to provide support and enforcement related to fireworks activity. The department again deployed a four-prong strategy that emphasized education, safety, police visibility, and enforcement leading up to the evening of the 4th of July. The additional officers aided and supplemented regularly scheduled officers, providing support at the July 4th celebration, parade detail, and response to calls for service. On that day, the Police Department received many calls for service regarding fireworks which generated a total of 23 firework calls for service and elaborated on the areas. On July 4, 2023 the Police Department received an overall total of 61 calls for service, a 56% increase from the previous year. Similarly, calls for service ranged from disturbances, civil matters, reckless vehicles, a DUI arrest, as well as fireworks. Officers were able to immediately respond to all but five illegal firework-related service calls while maintaining policing services. He mentioned that typically, in firework-related calls for service, the reporting party does not want police contact. For most calls for services related to fireworks, only a general area of the fireworks is provided. Seldom is a person’s physical description or address provided.
In these instances, officers, at a minimum, conducted an area check to locate the firework source, a standard practice. Without a reporting party making identification of an offender, in most cases, officers must view the event to take enforcement action. Officers documented several illegal fireworks cases and seized approximately 30 pounds of fireworks this year, and of those documented cases, five people received citations that were forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, and he elaborated on the areas. The confiscated fireworks will later be destroyed in coordination with the Fire Department. All but one citation was a result of Officers on viewing of the illegal fireworks and offenders. One citation was issued as a result of a community member coming forward and identifying the offender. Three of the citations were issued in the neighborhood of the residential fire on Charolais Drive.
He added that drones are becoming more common in law enforcement and could be deployed in a variety of situations including firework source identification, early detections, education and enforcement. The Police Department had previously explored a drone program to aid in the enforcement of the firework related calls and for other law enforcement purposes, but funding proved to be an obstacle. He concluded that staff will continue to be vigilant in future opportunities to secure drone technology funding to use in multi-purposes.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk