MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 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 Silva led the flag salute.
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 and Aliyah Castillo.
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Community Development Director Taven Kinson Brown, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant II Marisol Gomez, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, 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
Mayor Rios moved the order of the presentations. The first presentation was Item 4 - Resolution No. 2024-32. The second presentation was Item 5 - Resolution No. 2024-28. The third presentation was Item 2 - Proclamations No. 2024-03 and 2024-04, and Certificates of Appreciation to the Youth Council Members. The fourth presentation was the Certificates of Recognition to the Top 11 students.
2. Gonzales Youth Council FY 2023-2024 End of Year Presentation; and a) Consider Approval of Proclamation No. 2024-03 Commending Youth Commissioner Luke Naegle; and b) Proclamation No. 2024-04 Commending Youth Commissioner Aliyah Castillo RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Proclamations No. 2024-03 and 2024-04 MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Mayor Rios asked Deputy City Clerk Villegas to read the proclamations and certificates, and he presented them to the Youth Commissioners, Youth Ambassadors, and Youth Council Members.
A GYC sash was also presented to the Senior students.
Commissioners Naegle and Castillo thanked the City for the opportunity of being Youth Commissioners and for all the amazing things they let them do as a Youth Council and letting their voice be heard. They were grateful for the opportunity which gave them a lot of personal change and what they wanted to see in the community. They also expressed their appreciation to staff as they learned everything about their jobs and commitment to the City. They both announced they had to go attend a Senior event that evening.
3. Certificates of Recognition to the Top 11 Gonzales High School Students Mayor Rios asked Deputy City Clerk Villegas to read the certificates and he presented them to the students, and a provided each with a personal gift.
4. Consider Approval of, and present, Resolution No. 2024-32, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Recognizing Dr. Christine C. Ponzio for Her Commitment and Excellence to Providing Quality Care to the Residents of Gonzales, and Wishing Her Well on Her Retirement
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 Mayor Rios asked Deputy City Clerk Villegas to read the resolution and he presented it to Dr.
Ponzio.
Dr. Ponzio mentioned it was hard to believe it has been 40 years and serving Gonzales has brought a lot of joy to her life. She felt she did her best to provide quality health care to the people of Gonzales and she was grateful to see the youth coming through. She said this was such a special place with so much community spirit and she hoped we never lose it. She thanked the City for giving her an opportunity to serve this town.
5. Consider Approval of, and present, Resolution No. 2024-28, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Expressing Appreciation to Martin Espinoza for 20 Years of Service to the City of Gonzales
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 Mayor Rios asked Deputy City Clerk Villegas to read the resolution and he presented it to Martin Espinoza.
Maintenance Worker Espinoza thanked the City, the residents and staff. He said it's been a challenge up and down but all staff works together and he looked forward to more challenges and put the heart of the City forward for our children and grandchildren.
6. Safe and Sane Firework Sale
City Manager Gil mentioned this was an informational presentation by the members of the clubs that raise funds from the sales of fireworks.
Eddy Ramirez and Larry Rodriguez elaborated on the impact of the fundraiser and what it had done for the Shield Bearers and Spartan 300 Clubs, and what the money went toward, such as football equipment, game dinners, sports balls for various sports, and scholarships.
7. Fourth of July Preparedness
City Manager Gil, Police Chief Wise, and Fire Chief Muscio presented via powerpoint presentation information on how the City is getting prepared for the 4th of July. They explained the preparedness efforts, education, drone support and staff deployment, City messaging methods, safety measures, number of calls for the last three years, and number of calls by hour by several agencies. Sargent Melgoza gave a drone demonstration.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
8. 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 Jr. commented about California privacy laws and civil codes for drones usage and said he will find out who the person of that home in the video is. He also commented about dead trees, weeds, trees blocking sidewalks, garbage, and messy streets.
Henry Martinez Sr., 112 Tenth Street, told the Police to watch out for strangers walking around town. He commented about his interaction with one of the Fireworks Committee members, an incident that happened about two years ago in the Chambers, the strangers in town investigating the ticket he received the other day, and getting harassed by the Police Department.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, mentioned how this meeting was mixed starting with positive things from the youth. She felt her three minutes was a waste of her time due to taking forever to get it on the agenda, and expressed her happiness about the drone and the education to the community. She showed pictures of the places where the illegal fireworks were being lighted from last yar, and said that was not the way to celebrate the 4th of July due to fires, and affecting veterans and pets. She was happy things were getting done to keep the community safe.
CONSENT AGENDA
9. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - May 20, 2024 Minutes
10. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #50284-50341
11. Approve the Fireworks Sale Permit Applications submitted by Shield Bearers and Spartan 300 Club
12. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-17, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Designating Harris and Associates as Engineer of Work for Assessment Districts, and Directing the Filing of Engineer’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Reports Therefor; Designating Jarvis, Fay, & Gibson, LLP as District Counsel for Assessment Districts; and Authorizing Compensation for All Assessment District Work
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Items 9 – 12.
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-18, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Intention to Confirm Diagrams and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - California Breeze Benefit Assessment District Nos. 1, 2, and 3
Mayor Pro Tem Funk recused himself from item 13 due to conflict of interest.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Item 13
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Scott Funk
14. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-19, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - California Breeze Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District Mayor Pro Tem Funk recused himself from item 14 due to conflict of interest.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Item 14
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Scott Funk
15. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-20, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales of Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - Canyon Creek Benefit Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Council Members Worthy and Orozco recused themselves from item 15 due to conflict of interest.
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 0] Item 15
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva
RECUSED: Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-21, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - Canyon Creek Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District Nos. 1, 2 and 3
Council Members Worthy and Orozco recused themselves from item 16 due to conflict of interest.
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 0] Item 16
MOVER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva
RECUSED: Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
17. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-22, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales of Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - Gonzales Industrial Park Benefit Assessment District
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Item 17
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
18. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-23, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - Gonzales Industrial Park Landscape Maintenance Assessment District RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Item 18
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
19. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-24, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 - Cipriani Estates Benefit Assessment District Mayor Rios recused himself from item 19 due to conflict of interest.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Item 19
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Jose L. Rios
20. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-25, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Providing Preliminary Approval of Engineer’s Report, Stating Intention to Confirm Diagram and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 - Cipriani Estates Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District Mayor Rios recused himself from item 20 due to conflict of interest.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Item 20
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Jose L. Rios
21. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-29, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Prioritized List of Services and Programs to be Funded with Tax Proceeds Received from the Measure ‘K’ Transaction and Use Tax, During Fiscal Year 2024- 2025, Including Funding Allocations
City Manager Gil pulled item 21 for further discussion. She reported that the Measure K Committee met to review the list of programs and they recommended it for the Council's approval.
Council Member Worthy shared that the committee had a very good discussion trying to figure out where they thought things should be moved around, and the grants were increased by $5,000.
City Manager Gil elaborated on the Salinas Valley Promise program where they served 50 Gonzales students and they plan to continue to do so.
Mayor Pro Tem Funk added there was a lot of thoughtful conversation at the Measure K meeting.
Mayor Rios opened this item for public comment.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, shared her happiness for having programs like these that are used to help the community and shared about personally benefiting from the Salvation Army organization. She thanked all the volunteers for their time.
Council Member Worthy wished the Martinez's were still here to hear there was money allocated in these programs for a beautification project.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Item 21
MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
22. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-33, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Rescheduling the City Council Meeting of July 15, 2024 to July 22, 2024 City Attorney Rodriquez pulled Resolution No. 2024-33 to indicate that staff was recommending to the Council to move the City Council meeting from July 15th to July 22nd, which will accommodate a number of assessment actions that staff needed to have on that day.
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
23. Gonzales Police Department’s AB 481 Annual Report
Staff Report: City Attorney Rodriquez presented the staff report.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: 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
24. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2024-27, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Establishing the Cost for Services Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report and acknowledged Elia Zavala from Salinas Valley Recycles who was present to answer any questions.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:39pm.
Public Comment: There was none.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:39pm.
Council Discussion: 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
25. Consider Approval of a) Resolution No. 2024-30, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, Approving the Engineer’s Report and Declaring its Intention to Propose an Increase of Assessments and an Annual Escalation Factor for the California Breeze Benefit Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2024-2025; and b) Resolution No. 2024-31, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, Approving the Engineer’s Report and Declaring its Intention to Propose an Increase of Assessments and an Annual Escalation Factor for the California Breeze Parks and Open Space District for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Mayor Pro Tem Funk recused himself from item 25 due to conflict of interest.
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, commented about bringing up the maintenance issue that other people brought it up to her, expressed her opposition to the increase, and thought there were other ways to get funding.
Council Discussion: Council Member Orozco informed of the meetings she had attended with the residents and had conversations with some of them who do understand the need to increase the assessments for that area, and they were very supportive of doing that. She thanked staff for setting up the meetings and explaining to some of the residents that were in attendance.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] Resolutions No. 2024-30 and No. 2024-31 MOVER: Liz Silva, Council Member
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RECUSED: Scott Funk
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
26. Oral Communications
The updates were reported at the beginning of the agenda.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
27. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the discussion around Toro Park and people cutting through the subdivision and creating more traffic.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
None.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Council Member Silva reported she asked the Deputy City Clerk to forward the May 16th Highlights to the Council, at which meeting they recognized the 2024 Green Team grant recipients and introduced the Youth Council. She announced the next meeting on June 20th and Cleanup Day on June 29th at the Fairview School parking lot. Mayor Pro Tem Funk added he attended that meeting on Council Member Silva’s behalf and said it was nice to see the closing off the Youth Council year and they also reported they attended at the South County Youth Summit. He thanked staff and our Youth Council for hosting that event.
28. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy thanked everyone who attended the Memorial Day event at the Cemetery and barbecue. She also thanked the Gonzales Explorers and Corporal Castillo for heading the group.
Council Member Silva echoed the appreciation to the Gonzales Explorers for doing a great job, as well as the Junior ROTC from Soledad. She announced the Annual AIDS Ride out Loud through town where she was able to talk to a friend and his daughter who were part of the ride. She said they asked where the Mayor was and wanted to thank the City for allowing them to do this every year. She hoped the City could continue to be a rest stop for them. She shared a complaint from them about Iverson Road and Old Stage Road that have a lot of repairs to be done, and she encouraged them to contact the County's Supervisor. She reminded everyone about graduation week coming up and thanked the Public Works crew for putting the graduation letters. She asked about the banners.
City Manager Gil responded the banners will be coming out later in the year as every year, but will reach out to the school to get a date.
Council Member Orozco congratulated all of those graduating and those who received awards tonight. She said it was interesting and helpful to hear how the clubs selling fireworks benefited from the sales since they really depended on those funds. She announced the 4th of July festivities and barbecue tickets available for sale from all the Rotary members, and the applications for food booths were now available. She also announced the St. Theodore's Reverse Draw in two weeks and there were some tickets still available.
Mayor Rios brought up an issue with some tree roots lifting the sidewalk just before the City sign as you come into town on Fifth Street, north side of the freeway. He asked staff to take a look at that.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded he will take a look at that.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
29. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil reminded everyone about the 4th of July festivities at the park, and asked people to keep it safe and sane. She informed she will be out of the office Thursday thru Monday.
CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.
Speakers shall have a limited time of three (3) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.
30. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(B)(1) - City Manager Evaluation.
Council initiated but did not complete the City Manager evaluation process. No other reportable action taken.
31. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to give instructions to the City’s real property negotiators concerning the lease of properties located at 133 Fourth Street, 411 Center Street, 421 Center Street, and 225 Elko Street. Instructions will concern various lease terms, including price.
Council met with and provided direction to its real property negotiator concerning City leases.
No other reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
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 The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk