MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 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.
1. 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 Excused
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency Member Present
Maria Orozco Council/Agency Member Present
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Aliyah Castillo.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, 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, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
* Successor Agency Item
PRESENTATIONS
2. Public Relations Impact Report 2021-2023 by Armanasco Public Relations David Armanasco, Armanasco Public Relations President, explained their engagement in promoting the City of Gonzales, their roles and objectives, and the benefits for the City.
Elizabeth Diaz, Armanasco Public Relations Vice President, explained the work they've done with articles, publications and press releases, articles statistics, the work on applications for the City's awards received, grant writing and other writing projects, and focus going forward. They provided Impact Report packets to the Council.
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.
Mayor Rios mentioned we had a lot of comments regarding H2A housing at the last meeting, and not knowing if there's really an application at the County right now and whether that’s moving forward or not, but he wanted to let people know that they can’t comment or speak on anything under business from the public.
Marie Tally, 1849 Burgundy Circle, commented about attending one of the H2A meetings and having concerns about property taxes, sewer and water usage, the Police Department working with the Sheriff’s Department, current location of project, Fifth Street traffic, and loitering.
Sandy Villegas, 1067 Zinfandel Drive, commented about the D’Arrigo project, news on prostitution rise in Salinas, potential rise in drugs and prostitution crimes, opposed providing water and sewer to the project, and kids safety concerns.
Delia Gutierrez, 1614 Spumante Way, commented about attending the H2A D’Arrigo presentations and clarified comments brought up at the last Council meeting regarding political issues or racism, which to her was neither, and shared her concerns about traffic, water and sewer and resources needed for family housing first.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, clarified about what she meant by saying discrimination at the last meeting, the need to not speak based on bias or assuming things. She also commented about her concerns on the parks restrooms doors and stalls privacy due to registered sex offenders out there; asked to be considered to see where the MST bus stops are going to be; asked for a list of meetings or projects that have been done with the Obesity Grant money; asked for the California Breeze subcommittee meeting; and commented on the Harvest Festival she attended in Greenfield and hoped Gonzales can do something like that.
Lisa Gonzalez, 601 Rincon Road, opposed the H2A housing project due to not having the infrastructure, water and sewer, electricity grid, and traffic problems.
Luis Vargas, 1501 Champaign Way, felt the H2A housing project should not move forward due to the City not having the infrastructure to support this project and a residential development currently in the works, residents patiently waiting for many years for a chance to home ownership, and asked the Council if they wanted to be remembered as the Council who put the City’s residents first or that put H2A Housing first.
CONSENT AGENDA
4. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - October 2, 2023 Minutes
5. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #49242-49297
6. City Manager’s Report
12. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-62, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Community Action Grants for FY 2023-2024 Funded with Measure K Allocations
14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Amendment #3 to the Consulting Services Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for Preparation of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR - New Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis Consistent with the City’s Adopted VMT Policy
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Items 4-6, 12, 14
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco EXCUSED: Liz Silva
7. Community Development Department Activity Report
8. Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report
9. Fire Department Activity Report
10. Police Department Activity Report
11. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Items 7-11
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco EXCUSED: Liz Silva
13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2023-65, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Awarding the Fifth Street Truck Ban Signage Project to Chrisp Company, Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Chrisp Company in the Amount of $71,523 with a Contingency Budget of $8,477 for Unanticipated Field Changes; and Amend the FY 2023-2024 City Budget by increasing the Industrial Business Park Benefit Assessment (Fund 316) Contractual Services - General (Object Code 6245) by $80,000 Mayor Rios pulled Item 13 in its entirety due to staff needing to do further work on this item.
Rosa Rodriguez wished to pull Items 7 - 11.
Mayor Rios commented on warrants #49281 and 49282 for T-Mobile Hotspots for $30,000, he thought they were very important during the pandemic and we've been out of the pandemic for a while. He knows that Spectrum offers an extremely low cost for internet service for residents whose children have a reduced lunch at school. He asked the Council to consider if we really want to continue to pay for them since about 80% of the hotspots are currently being used by students, and he thinks that's something that the school district with their surplus budget should be picking up rather than the Council.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, commented about the departments reading the reports at the meetings a while ago about what was going on with every department and she feels the Public Works Supervisor should be here because there are a lot of things that need to be updated or improved. She wanted to hear what was going on within the departments.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk mentioned all those reports are part of the agenda packet and are available online with all the details for every meeting, and at the end of the meeting staff also reports the highlights from each of the reports.
Mayor Rios added that if people read them online, they can comment, and staff is in the process of improving our online system, but this information has been accessible online.
Council Member Worthy suggested people can speak and ask questions at the meeting if they read the reports beforehand.
City Manager Gil added that all this information is part of the agenda packet and if anyone needs a printed copy of something, they can come to City Hall before the meeting so they have time to review the packet and staff can print a copy, but all of this information is available on the agenda packet on our website in its complete form.
REGULAR AGENDA
15. Progress Report on the Community Center Complex Project Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Branden Harrel, WRNS Studio, provided a snapshot of the current Community Center Site Plan, went over the site statistics, program, axon, elevation updates on Buildings A and B, architectural material palette, interior views of the teen lounge/game room, community hall, teen innovation lab, and library. He also showed a fly through video.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, suggested more natural light on the dome roof, a gym to play basketball, and a permanent stage.
Council Discussion: There was discussion about the number of seats, temporary stage, number of people without tables, types of stages, extra cost for additional sitting, and the Mayor being ok with what we got because we don’t have the money for more stuff.
The Council received the report. No action required.
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
16. Oral Communication
Commissioner Castillo reported on the College and Career Fair last weekend, working with the construction group on the Community Center Project, presentation from the Youth Ambassadors to CSUMB on the Mental Health Survey, and meeting with Dr. Zamora regarding an early college program.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
17. 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 last week's meeting regarding regional forecast, early numbers and population changes, and future work with the planning departments in the next several months.
c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy reported on the highlights from the meeting such as the 50th Anniversary, 2024 list of projects, 11 buses for disposition, and staff coming to meet with the City Manager and Public Works Director who listened to our concerns and are finalizing the MST spots.
18. Oral Communications
Council Member Orozco thanked everyone who attended the St. Theodore's Church Carnival and reported on her attendance at the College and Career Day at the High School. She announced the ACOMI Conference sponsored by the Monterey County Behavioral Health Department this weekend; the Dia de los Muertos celebration on November 2nd, and they're looking for donations.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk thanked staff for all the efforts they put in themselves in directing their departments, which he is always impressed to see what's happening in the community.
Council Member Worthy announced the Legion's Tri-tip fundraiser October 23 - 27th, for $20 per ticket and she and Council Member Silva have tickets. She also announced the Trick or Treat at the Legion Hall on October 31st where they will be handing out little goodie bags to kids.
Mayor Rios shared the City Manager's idea of having a Wine Festival which he concurred with.
He has spoken to a couple of winemakers who have said yes. He agreed with Mr. Martinez's idea of school crossing signage or flashing yellow lights at the bridge and he will ask TAMC's Director about it.
Public Works Director Dobbins liked the idea of bringing this up, and shared a request he made regarding a jurisdictional map on the Fifth Street bridge.
City Manager Gil added about the committee's questions in regards to what can be done. She said Public Works Director Dobbins will be attending the committee meeting to answer questions and elaborate on what the City has been doing on the studies for the bridge.
Mayor Rios shared his concern about the studies but nothing being done, the need to make it easier for the people on the east side of the community to easily cross the Fifth Street bridge, and not wanting to hear a child being run over. On another note, he wished our City Manager Gil a happy early birthday.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
18. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil announced the Housing Element Forum on October 19th in Soledad and Community Development Director Kinison Brown will be attending on behalf of the City, along with representatives from other cities, to discuss policies for our South Valley Cities. She announced the Fall Festival on October 28th and the Trunk or Treat that will be part of it; the Movie in the Park on October 21st at Centennial Park at 7:00 pm, and she invited everyone to all
the events recreation staff is excited to put together for the public, and there are more to come.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown reported on the successful Citywide yard and garage sales last weekend and asked the Council if they had any impressions or suggestions.
Council Member Orozco suggested sending an email to all involved and ask them to take down their signs.
Public Works Director Dobbins reported on the Proposition 218 notices that were mailed out to the utility bill payers and property owners, and the public hearing will be on November 20th.
Fire Chief Muscio announced free smoke detectors that the Fire Department can install for anyone that needs one.
Police Chief Wise announced the Drug Take Back Day on October 28th from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Police Department.
City Manager Gil encouraged everyone to watch the Police Services Technician video that went out to the public about how to take care of your dogs.
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco EXCUSED: Liz Silva
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk