MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
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
Council Member Orozco led the flag salute.
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 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 (via zoom), 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, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
* 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/87020263943 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 870 2026 3943. 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. Certificates of Recognition - Gonzales High School Cross Country and Football Athletes Mayor Pro Tem Funk assisted Mayor Rios with the certificates of recognition to Cross Country Athlete Giovanni Ochoa, and Football Athletes Juan Pablo Acosta Ayala and Adrian Perez.
Certificates of recognition were also presented to Cross Country Coach Margie Daniels, Cross Country Assistant Coach Mike Ramirez, and Football Coach Eddy Ramirez.
The Coaches elaborated on the accomplishments of the athletes.
3. Introduction of New City Employees
Public Works Director Dobbins introduced Maintenance Workers Frankie Nava and Efrain Nunez who are both Gonzales residents.
Maintenance Workers Nava and Nunez appreciated the opportunity to work for the City.
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.
Ruben Zurita commented about talking to the Council in August about the dangers of the illegal fireworks and he asked about establishing a fireworks safety committee and placing it on the next agenda.
Henry Martinez Sr., 112 Tenth Street, commented about Council Member Orozco running for a Chair position somewhere and asked if she can hold two elected offices. He also commented about being told by the Council and Chief of Police that it will take six months for the officer to be trained to fly the drone, but he spotted the drone flying three days, and asked why they were flying it if there's no missing person or fireworks or crime. He said they lied to him.
Mayor Rios asked Police Chief Wise to comment on why the drone was out there, which he already knew the reason and understood it, but he wanted him to address it to Mr. Martinez.
Police Chief Wise mentioned that some people can say what they want to say but it’s not necessarily the truth. He explained we have received training through the Federal Government FAA, we have a certified pilot in the Police Department and it wasn’t an easy task to achieve but we’ve done it. He said we have a tight policy regarding when we use the drone and under what circumstances. Part of that, ongoing training requires practice flights which consist of a couple of minutes getting it airborne and landing it three times a month. And because this is new to us, he wants to continue the proficiency and use of the drone, so he has allowed extra time during the training days to do more than just up and down flight. It was deployed three times for training purposes, on New Year’s Eve and New Year's morning, so we are within the guidelines and requirements to use the drone. He reiterated that the policy is on the website and Facebook.
Mayor Rios assumed training was for all of the officers not just one.
Police Chief Wise responded it was just one pilot and he’s looking at another one as a backup, but for now it’s just one pilot and anyone who has questions, can reach out to him to answer their questions.
City Manager Gil added there was a process for certification and that’s why we have only one person certified so far. She said we can get others but it’s a long and lengthy process to achieve certification and to understand the rules and regulations on how the drone could be used by the Police Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk mentioned we need to go back to public comment and we shouldn’t be taking questions.
Council Member Orozco also felt uncomfortable because this item was not on the agenda and not open for public comment.
Mayor Rios said he was asking questions about the training.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk said the point was because it was not an agendized item.
Mayor Rios thanked Police Chief Wise for clarifying and opened the public comments again.
Roman Barba, 123 Second Street, commented about Rosa talking about poop all over the City; agreeing with her because poop is all over the sidewalks and parks; noticed people walking some dogs without a leash; neighbor’s dog pooping on his yard; and asked who was in charge of making sure dogs were on leashes. He also asked if they will let the public know on the website when they’re going to be flying the drone and which officer is getting trained.
Mayor Rios announced that the Council needed to add an emergency item to the agenda, which is Resolution No. 2024-03, and it will be Item 13A regarding Emergency Repairs to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
City Attorney Rodriquez informed that the Council needed to take action to add this item to the agenda and we needed a motion. He mentioned that the Government Code allows to add an item to the agenda on an emergency basis by way of a formal vote and it needs to be a four-fifths vote, which in our case would be four members of the Council. He added that the necessary prerequisites to add an item to the agenda is that there was a need to take immediate action and no one at the agency knew about the item until after the agenda was posted, and he can represent to the Council on behalf of the staff, that this is the situation here, and there’s clearly as they will
hear from Public Works Director Dobbins during his oral report, the need to take immediate action today. He recommended taking a vote to add the item to the agenda which is related to the Atmospheric River that hit the whole State as well as Monterey County.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] to add Resolution No. 2024-03 to the agenda as Item 13A
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - January 16, 2024 Minutes
6. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #49694-49771
7. Approve Successor Agency Accounts Payable Warrants #1684-1685
8. Consider Approval of an Amendment to the Agreement with T-Mobile After Supporting the Hot Spot Program for 3.5 Years, Saving the City $140,000 and Terminating it in June of 2024
9. Consider Approval of an Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and NHA Advisors to Provide Municipal Advisor Services Related to the Community Center Complex Project for a Not-toExceed Amount of $95,000
10. Consider Approval of an Amended Subrecipient Agreement with the County of Monterey to Receive an Additional $122,912 in Community Development Block Funding for Phase 1 of the Community Center Complex Project
Council Member Orozco asked regarding Warrants #49738 and #49739 for PG&E, if those were for two separate buildings.
City Manager Gil responded some are for multiple invoices but she can get that information.
Public Works Director Dobbins added that also includes our streetlights.
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
11. Community Center Complex Project Progress Report
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Branden Harrell, WRNS Studio, presented a powerpoint presentation and went over the schedule snapshot, played a fly-through video of the Community Center Complex, explained the site plan, exterior and interior views, exterior materials, and donor acknowledgment.
Public Comment: Henry Martinez Sr. wanted to make sure that development companies are going to be solvent and not make mistakes like Salinas and King City. *
*
Roman Barba, 123 Second Street, believed these buildings were cookie-cutter, and he hated the design. He commented about his family living on Rincon Road and wondered if there was going to be a sound wall; and talked about showing the original design to people during election.
Council Discussion: Council Member Orozco wanted to make sure that when we show information or pictures to the public, that they are actual approved designs to not mislead folks into believing that is what’s going to be built, and she believes that’s wrong.
The Council received the presentation. Mayor Rios asked staff to keep in mind the trees concern he has regarding magnolia trees which he hopes are not considered in this project because they lift sidewalks and curbs. If considered, he suggested watering them deeply so the roots follow the water.
Public Works Director Dobbins added staff is aware of that and every tree will have a root barrier that directs the roots.
12. Consider Preparation of City Council Rules and Procedures Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: There was none.
It was the Council’s consensus to direct staff to prepare the documents necessary.
13.A Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-03, 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 Authorizing Emergency Work at the City Wastewater Treatment Plant in an Amount Not to Exceed $250,000 Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins reported that the treatment plant had been operating fine until ten days ago when staff noticed the disposal fields getting full due to the wet winter last year and this year. He explained the process of the three disposal fields and the emergency work that needs to be done.
City Attorney Rodriquez reiterated that a resolution of this type requires a super majority for approval so it requires a four-fifths vote to pass.
City Manager Gil added that this would be coming out of the sewer impact fund, but staff is going to look for any funding sources that become available as a result of damages from the storms.
Public Comment: 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
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
13. Oral communications
Youth Commissioner Naegle reported on the meeting between the GYC and the construction firm where they explained to the group the same information that was presented tonight; announced the alcohol and drug use prevention week at the High School from February 20th through the 23rd; and the Mental Health project manuscript.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
14. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the discussion around Highway 68 and 156, SOS Project timeline taking more or less 8-10 years before anything can be done with that project; and people opposing Highway 68 roundabouts.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios reported on the meeting that was held at the City of Salinas Police Department and elaborated on the nice facility.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva reported on their January 18th meeting where they re-elected President Anthony Rocha, Vice President Ben Jimenez, and Alternate Vice President Glen Church; preliminary information for their upcoming budget; and announced the next meeting on February 15th at 6pm.
d. Central Coast Community Energy
Mayor Rios reported they had closed session at their last meeting to discuss real estate.
15. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy reported on the Mayors and Council Academy she attended along Council Member Silva and City Manager Gil, where she learned a lot and was interested in the state of the State.
Council Member Silva mentioned she hadn’t attended conferences in a while and she learned a lot at this academy, the big take away being that we're not alone in the housing and road conditions issue, neither in the lack of community to come forward and serve on the Council or committees. She encouraged people to come forward and be part of the solution, and also encouraged them to make sure to register to vote and if they are registered, to please vote. She also elaborated on the great time she had at the Chair Yoga last Saturday at the Vosti Center and encouraged people to attend the event taking place for the next several Saturdays.
Council Member Orozco thanked City Manager Gil and Public Works Director Dobbins for doing a presentation to some members of the Meyer Park community last month on several issues brought up last year, and what the City has done to resolve some of the issues. She said folks appreciated the information. She announced the Annual Lenten Dinners starting right after Ash Wednesday and for more information she and Council Member Silva have tickets. She mentioned that all Cities are struggling financially and looking for ways to find new revenue sources, and we have had discussions a while back about some of our leases in City-owned properties and conversations about what the monthly rental fees are for some of those properties. She asked if it was possible to bring back maybe as an informational report on where we are on those. And one that came to her mind was the three-year lease coming up for the building next door. She wanted to know where we are and how we can take a look those leases.
Mayor Rios added to Council Member Orozco's theme regarding fees. He asked the Police Department why there's a semi parked over at Kaufman & Broad and the guys comes on a regular basis to pay the $35 dollars and continues to park there. He thinks we need to start upping what we charge folks because that amount he can probably write as a business expense. And same things with the RVs which they move then move back and it appears the fee is not enough to dissuade folks to continue to do that. He also wants to discuss and agendize for next meeting to begin discussing illegal fireworks, maybe a committee.
Council Member Orozco shared what the City of Seaside just did, which was an ordinance where they don't allow fireworks after 10pm.
Mayor Rios also shared the concern about cars parked across sidewalks and driveways and kids having to go around them. He shared it with City Manager Gil and said he would like to see an Officer give them tickets and up the fee for consistent violators. He believes this is the only way we can discourage folks from blocking sidewalks, and if we’re looking at how to increase funds in our City, this is more than fair and legitimate.
Council Member Orozco added there were also basketball hoops on the streets.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
16. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil reported on the Academy she attended with Council Members Silva and Worthy where she picked up a lot of good information and more ideas to bring forth. She thanked all staff that worked tirelessly over the weekend to make sure the City stayed safe. She also gave a shoutout to Public Works Lead Worker Valladarez for getting a family in need some live saving equipment during the outage. She also thanked Blue Zones and Alliance on Aging for bringing the Chair Yoga Program, which people really enjoyed and she has been asked what about others, so we might have to expand the age. She announced she'll be attending the League of California Cities City Managers Conference this week from Wednesday through Friday. She also said staff will be announcing two openings in the Measure K Committee. She asked the community to be safe out there during the storms, protect themselves and loved ones and continue to take care of each other.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown reported on the Planning Commission workshop held on January 22nd on the Housing Element that is out for public review through February 12th; and the Planning Commission meeting on that day. He announced the release of the Vista Lucia EIR on February 2nd.
Mayor Rios asked if we have filled the Planning Commission seats.
City Manager Gil responded that staff received two letters of interest and will be bringing them to the Council for consideration at the next meeting. She clarified there was one vacancy only.
Police Chief Wise mentioned he understood on the ticket situation Mayor Rios brought up earlier but unfortunately those amounts are based on the California schedule and elaborated on that. He clarified that tickets have been issued because that’s been a constant issue. He said that unfortunately, there are repeat customers with RVs, trailers, etc.
He also announced the partnership with the SPCA for low-cost cats spay and neuter event next Saturday, February 10th at the Police Department for $35, and folks have to make an appointment by calling the SPCA at 831-264-5400.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk