Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 147 Fourth Street, Gonzales, California, during normal business hours.
A G E N D A
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 117 FOURTH STREET
GONZALES, CA 93926
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. ROLL CALL- City Council/Successor Agency
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Liz Silva, Council/Agency Member Scott Funk, Council/Agency Member Lorraine Worthy, Council/Agency Member Maria Orozco, Mayor/Chair Jose L. Rios
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. Blue Zones Presentation
3. Student Opportunity and Achievement Rising (S.O.A.R.) Asset Mapping
4. Citywide Transportation Overview
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
5. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council/Agency for a period not to exceed three minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council/Agency will listen to all communications but may take no action. *
Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 147 Fourth Street, Gonzales, California, during normal business hours.
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Council Member has a question or wishes to make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
6. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - February 3, 2025 Minutes
7. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51470-51522
8. City Manager’s Report
9. Community Development Department Activity Report
10. Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report
11. Fire Department Activity Report
12. Police Department Activity Report
13. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
14. Oral Communications
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
15. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division
b. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
c. Monterey Salinas Transit
16. Oral Communications
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
17. Oral Communications
ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (831) 675-5000. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (CFR 35.102-
35.104 ADA Title II). This is a public meeting and as such, can be seen live by people present or online and is being recorded; therefore; anything you say or do here is public information. The recordings are available online.
I, Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Gonzales, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall, Council Chambers, and on the City’s website by Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:00p.m. 02/13/25
Mary Villegas Date
*
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025
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
Liz Silva Mayor Pro Tem /Vice Chair Present
Scott Funk Council/Agency Member Present
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency Member Present
Maria Orozco Council/Agency Member Present
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Youth Commissioners Emily Mendez and Valeria Cardenas.
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 Esthela Palmerin, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
* Successor Agency Item
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) AGENDA
ITEM
6
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. Wastewater Program Update
Public Works Director Dobbins and MNS Engineers Program Manager Megan Panofsky, presented updates on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project timeline via powerpoint. Program Manager Panofsky reported that 35% of the project had been completed with 6200 linear feet of pipeline installed, 6 manholes, and the project would be completed in May 2025 as scheduled.
She also notified the Council about the Emergency Infiltration Basin project which was completed, and was awarded Project of the Year from by the American Public Works Association.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
3. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council/Agency for a period not to exceed three minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council/Agency will listen to all communications but may take no action.
Anna Gazo expressed her concerns regarding the residents. She commented that the City of Soledad held a meeting regarding immigration and had a few lawyers answering immigration questions. She also mentioned the Gonzales School District was going to have an informative meeting with an immigration attorney but was unaware of the City having anything for the community regarding immigration.
Roberta Camacho extended an invitation to Mayor Rios and the Council Members to a meeting at the Gonzales High School this Friday, February 7th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm regarding immigration status, and she also asked Police Chief Wise to attend. She shared the concerns the residents were having about the immigration situation, especially the children being afraid to go to school because they might not see their parents come back from work. She hoped the meeting here in Gonzales would have the same turnout as Soledad’s.
Rosa Rodriguez commented about working in the past as a counselor helping a lot of kids, and suggested that Gonzales High School kids talk to their counselors if they needed any counseling.
She expressed her dislike that some people were not following the rules and needed to deal with the consequences.
Monica Rico, via zoom, mentioned working with many organizations and expressed her disappointment with the City of Gonzales for not giving direction on support for the immigrant community within Gonzales.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
Deputy City Clerk Villegas read a comment received via email from Sandy Gomez on February 3, 2025 at 12:15pm. The email read as follows: “It is a disappointment the lack of empathy our Gonzales City Leadership lacks toward our community members documentmented and/or undocumented. Our Gonzales constituents account for a diverse background and not all undocumented persons are or have been of Mexico/Latino decent. However, the current political climate has set a tone in targeting point-blank a specific demographic of people. If you haven't already noticed the Gonzales has a large number of Mexican/Latino community. Who are either immigrant, 1st, 2nd and so on generations. Yet, no announcement or stance of solidarity in ensuring our communities safety and peace of mind has been issued on the cities behalf for the community members being affected. Which leads me to think that the current Gonzales Leadership is either privileged or racist or both and only cares when they or their specific person/race is affected by a political order. May, I remind us- unless one is Native American we are all immigrants or a colonizer on in the United States.”
CONSENT AGENDA
4. Approve the Joint City Council & Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - January 21, 2025 Minutes 5 Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51368-51469
Mayor Pro Tem Silva questioned what payment #2804 to the Monterey County Sherrif’s Department was for.
Police Chief Wise responded it was for the DOJ livescans the Department did for the month of September. He added the County invoiced them quarterly for the services provided.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked about the payment to US Bank for credit card use if it was a payment for one invoice or if it was for different invoices.
City Manager Gil clarified the payment was for several invoices.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Consent Agenda Items 4-5
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
REGULAR AGENDA
6. California Breeze Assessment Districts
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report via powerpoint presentation. He explained the areas in the City that needed maintenance, with the focus on Mayer Park. He presented a list of items to reduce costs to be able to keep the park open.
Mayor Rios questioned if Council Member Funk needed to be excused for this item due to him living in that area and it could be conflict of interest.
Council Member Funk disagreed. He felt he represented the area and needed to be present and it was an item for discussion and no action required.
City Attorney Rodriquez confirmed Council Member Funk did not need to be dismissed because this item did not involve any financial benefit to him. *
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
Public Comment: Rosa Rodriguez asked why other assessment districts didn’t increase their tax rates for the maintenance to not be paid by the general fund. She disagreed with closing the park since the youth used that park constantly and there were not many activities for the youth in Gonzales. She also mentioned the need to trim the trees around that area.
Council Discussion: Council Member Worthy asked for clarification on the recommendations because she didn’t see them.
City Manager Gil responded the recommendations given by staff were on the powerpoint presentation and she showed them again.
Council Member Worthy mentioned the public’s confusion about the assessment was due to how it was presented to the public and asked if there was another way to change the amounts mentioned previously in the suggested assessment.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded that was the amount presented and was unable to change them since the rates had already been spread apart.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva disagreed with the closing of the park and opposed reducing the cost of street maintenance.
Council Member Orozco asked if the soundwall maintenance could be reduced and what the purpose of it was.
Public Works Director Dobbins explained that the City was responsible for any repairs if any accidents occurred in the 101-freeway damaging the wall.
Mayor Rios asked for more options to maintain the City and comparing other cities being creative with assessments.
Council Member Funk asked what funds paid for the maintenance of other parks.
Council Member Orozco asked if there were any volunteers to help with the maintenance of the park, including tree trimming.
Council Member Worthy clarified that she was against closing the park.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva was also against closing the park and she would like to see what other solutions the staff had.
Mayor Rios also clarified that he was against closing the park, and asked the Public Works Director to come up with another plan for a new assessment. He also thanked staff for their efforts to come up with a plan to keep the park open.
City Attorney Rodriquez asked the Council if they would want to bring the item back with a new plan.
City Manager Gil mentioned staff were already working and looking for a different plan to reduce maintenance costs.
It was the Council consensus to direct staff to review the plan and bring it back to the Council.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
7. Sidewalk and Street Tree Policy
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Silva suggested looking for more options on trees now that people would prefer a tree that provided shade instead of looking like a bush. She also asked if people needed to get a permit to remove and plant a new tree, and inform the residents of the cost of replacing the sidewalk.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded staff would bring back a new list for the Council to review.
Council Member Worthy suggested a birch tree be part of the list as she had no issues with the roots.
She also asked if an individual was parked next to a tree and a tree branch were to fall on the car, who would be responsible.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded that the owner of the car would be at fault.
Mayor Rios suggested another type of tree since he had a good experience with his at home and asked if the tree policies would be affected.
Community Development Director Kinson Brown mentioned the tree policies referred to the design of the street and suggested taking a look at other cities’ policies and bring any updates to the Council.
Mayor Rios asked if it was possible to pay to maintain old oak trees instead of removing them and getting fined.
Public Works Director Dobbins mentioned staff would bring back the item with some suggestions.
City Attorney Rodriquez suggested taking the list of ordinances and updating it every 10 years.
It was the Council consensus to direct staff to review the tree list and bring it back to the Council.
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
8. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioner Mendez suggested having the High School students help with the maintenance of Mayer Park as part of their community hours.
Youth Commissioner Pacheco informed the Council of their upcoming meeting at the Community Center on Thursday, February 6th.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
9. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios announced the meeting on February 7th.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios reported on the awards given during the meeting including an award to the City of Gonzales.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Mayor Pro Tem Silva reported about the committee awarding non-profit organizations.
She also mentioned the next meeting would be on February 20th at 6:00pm.
10. Oral Communications
Mayor Pro Tem Silva was disappointed hearing the comments received during public comments and how the community felt about the City.
Council Member Orozco shared the objective of the meeting on Friday, February 7th at Gonzales High School and explained who was going to be attending the meeting and who the co-sponsors were. She extended the invitation to everyone. She also asked for this Council meeting to be adjourned with a moment of silence in memory of Sandy who worked at the Post Office, and Jesus Valdez de Leon who worked at RC Farms for many years.
Mayor Rios mentioned the Gonzales Ball being in bad condition and the previous comments received from the public.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded that there was a long-term contract to clean and inspect the Gonzales Ball once a year. He added the City paid the invoice in advance for those services and for this year, they were due in May of 2025.
Mayor Rios mentioned Blue Zones recognized the senior members and suggested the City to create a resolution recognizing those residents.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
11. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil reported on a grant the City received from Blue Zones to paint a mural, and mentioned there would be a survey going out to ask the public what they would like to see painted in the mural.
Police Chief Wise informed that the Department put a statement out regarding the immigration community and ICE. He stated that the Police Department would not get involved in any ICE activities and the Police Department did not ask for immigration status nor kept records of residents’ immigration status.
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.
There was none.
12. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to give instructions to the City’s negotiator concerning the exchange/lease/acquisition of property located at Assessor Parcel Number 020-041-016-000. Instructions will include price and terms of payment.
The Council provided direction to its real property negotiator (City Manager) concerning the property located at APN 020-041-016-000. No other reportable action taken.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Scott Funk, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) AGENDA
ITEM
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Attachment: Warrants #51470-51522 (3199 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51470-51522) 7 Packet Pg. 11
Attachment: Warrants #51470-51522 (3199 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51470-51522) Packet Pg. 12
Attachment: Warrants #51470-51522 (3199 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51470-51522) Packet Pg. 13
Attachment: Warrants #51470-51522 (3199 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51470-51522) Packet Pg. 14
Attachment: Warrants #51470-51522 (3199 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #51470-51522) Finally on April 27th we celebrated a day that so many of us have been waiting for – the groundbreaking of the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex. The day was In 2025 started off with a bang! City staff continues to advance our major projects: the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex, the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Vista Lucia Housing Project. All three are making great headway and are on track.
Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex
The Community Center is about to celebrate its “dry-in” milestone. If you have not had a chance to drive by it, we recommend you do as this is an exciting time! The “dry-in" is when the building is fully protected by the elements with roofing, waterproofing, exterior walls, windows and doors installed, signifying the transition from the rough phase construction to the interior work.
The Gonzales Youth Council are even planning a “sit test” where they will look at potential furniture pieces and decide which ones they like the best for the Teen Lounge and Innovation Center.
Housing
• The Visita Lucia Housing project continues to move forward. If everything goes as planned, it will be going to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration shortly. • The City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element is almost finalized. Staff is working with the State on some of the final aspects of it, and should be approved in the next few months. • The City’s ADU impact fee exemption is set to expire February 28th. Starting March 1st, proposed ADUs not utilizing the City’s pre-approved plans for dwellings between 750 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft., will be subject to City impact fees. For more information, contact Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director at 675-5000.
Coming Soon
The City received grant funding for an Emergency Communication System. As the system gets rolled out, you will hear more about how to register for emergency notifications and how to prepare yourself and your family in case of a local emergency.
City of Gonzales
City Manager Report
January 2025
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Attachment: City Manager Report - January 2025 (3203 : City Manager's Report - January 2025) AGENDA
ITEM
8 The City also received funding for a Mural. Staff is working through a process to identify things and aspects that make Gonzales unique that could be part of the design. If you haven’t provided your input yet, please do so by scanning the code below – we want to hear from you! Growing Our Own
Please WELCOME our newest Officer, Ivan Correa. Mr.
Correa is a Gonzales High School graduate who started
with us as a Community Services Officer, and recently
graduated from the Police Academy. He has completed his training and is now working to keep you safe. We are
always recruiting for first responder positions, if you have an interest in joining the force, please contact us.
Save the Date for the upcoming events:
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Attachment: City Manager Report - January 2025 (3203 : City Manager's Report - January 2025) City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 18, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Activity Report
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CDBG/Urban County. Staff continues to coordinate with Monterey County in programming available CDBG funds for city needs.
HOUSING
Vista Lucia Specific Plan. City staff and the developer team have finalized the language of the Development Agreement which will serve and instruct both the City and housing development interests for the next 20 years. Last adjustments are being made to Conditions of Approval for the first Tentative Subdivision Map of 236.6 acres, including the potential for 1,247 dwelling units. The project will soon track to the Planning Commission, City Council and LAFCo.
Outreach. The City continues to add names and groups (including realtors, commercial brokers and civic leaders) to the “Interested in Housing” list for our citizens (241 persons as of February 10, 2025).
People on the list will be invited to the Planning Commission and City Council public hearings, and then to the LAFCo public hearing annexation proposal.
Housing Element. The City came under contract with Placeworks Inc. on January 13, 2025, to prepare implementation documents and ordinances for City action to adopt the 6th Cycle Housing Element.
Funds have previously been secured through AMBAG’s administration of REAP 2.0 grant monies. Staff will track the 6th Cycle Housing Element certification through Planning Commission and City Council following the coming City actions on the Vista Lucia Specific Plan.
AGENDA
ITEM
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CODE ENFORCEMENT
The City continues to meet with property owners, inspect potential violations and start documentation to progress to remedies. In January/February, seven (7) new cases were opened regarding improper parking of vehicles in front yards within residential neighborhoods. Two situations were abated, others have follow-up inspections yet to come, and two have asked to have extensions on the City follow-up as alternative locations for the violating vehicles has proven difficult.
BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY
From January 1, 2025, through January 31, 2025 (31 reporting days), the City issued 9 permits for a water heater, furnace, reroofs, photovoltaic work associated with solar installations and an EV charger. The estimated value of improvements was $91,745.73.
GENERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
Potential Mini Storage and Vehicle Storage. The Community Development Department continues in January 2025 to work with the applicant as his proposal takes shape for new commercial / industrial uses on Gonzales River Road on the western city edge. What has delayed the matter is that the applicant proceeded with site improvements prior to FEMA review, and without submitting full civil-engineered site and development plans to the City. Resolution of the flood zone issue and a complete submittal for review and approval of acceptable site and development plans by the Community Development and Public Works Department are still outstanding. The City should not issue a City Business License until the facility has shown that it can meet code (life, health and safety standards). The potential here is to provide support for our major agricultural processing giants but will also include mini storage and vehicle storage opportunities for the public. City staff has been very accommodating and assistive to the applicant.
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City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
February 18, 2025
TO:
DATE:
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report Current Activities
Kid Power
• For January, Winter Camp had a total of 17 kids registered. The Fire Department visited two different days during camp. During one of the visits, they brought the fire truck and had the kids do a workout activity, and during the second visit, they barbecued and played games with the kids. They also spent some time outdoors and were given time to draw beautiful sketches with chalk. The remaining amount of time was spent inside due to the weather; however, we made the best of it and played a lot of inside games and did art and crafts.
AGENDA
ITEM
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• An intern through the Mechatronics Engineering program at CSUMB, was able to dedicate service-learning hours towards developing STEAM activities with the kids at Kid Power. With the help of the grant we received through the Nancy Bucks Ransom Foundation, we were able to purchase cars for the kids to build. The kids had so much fun. • The Kid Power After School Program resumed in January and we had a total of 29 students registered. We worked on getting them back on track doing homework. We also had more indoor activities due to the weather, but the kids still had a good time. • We ended January at the Community Garden where the kids had the opportunity to paint their own rocks and place them in the garden. The kids enjoyed learning about what they were planting and how to use shovels. They filled buckets and worked as a team.
City Sports League
• Our last week of Winter Break Youth Open Gym was January 6th- 10th. We had approximately 10 recurring participants.
• Our Gonzales Youth Basketball League is doing well. We’re expecting a high number of participants. Our all-girls division numbers look great. The 7U division has 7 girls, the 10U division has 23 girls, enough for two full teams; and the 13U division has 9 participants. The PreK division has 23 participants, Kinder-1st grade has 32 participants, 2nd- 3 rd grade has 24
participants, 4th- 5
th grade has 16 participants, and 6th
- 8
th grade has 28 participants.
• Our overall numbers for the entire league which includes PreK to 8th grade are 162. We have a total of 18 teams and 16 head coaches. Some coaches are coaches in multiples divisions. Our first games are scheduled for February 1st. The season is looking to end March 15th.
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Recreation/ Community Engagement
• In partnership with Alliance on Aging and the Monterey Health Department, we will be continuing our free senior classes though the end of June 2025, which include Chair Yoga. • On Wednesday January 29th, and Thursday January 30th, the Resource Conservation of Monterey County led a Community Gardening Day focused on creating a pollinator garden with over 100 native plants. The purpose of the pollinator garden is designed to help produce pollen and plays a vital role in producing food. Tasks included digging holes, planting native plants, covering the ground with cardboard and woodchips to prevent unwanted weeds, and enhance soil quality.
Additional organizations participated in the garden including Blue Zones, Save the Whales, Student Interns from CSUMB, Gonzales High Students, and Kid Power After School Program students.
• The Monterey County Health Department has reached out to conduct memory screenings for adults in the community. They are looking to partner with the City as they are currently seeking a suitable space where they can conduct the screenings. The screenings they offer are designed to detect changes in cognitive function, rather than provide a diagnosis. The goal is to help individuals identify potential concerns early, so they can follow up with their doctor for further evaluation if necessary.
Gonzales Youth Council
The GYC participated in a Leadership Lab at the Council Chambers on Saturday, January 25th. The students spent the morning working on the next steps for their action projects and the afternoon focused on refining their leaderships skills through public speaking activities, interview mock trials, and a short resume building workshop.
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City of Gonzales
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 18, 2025
FROM: Jason Muscio, Fire Chief
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Fire Department Activity Report
RESPONSES
There were 57 calls for service during the month of January, including 30 EMS calls, 7 vehicle accidents, 3 hazardous materials incidents, 4 service calls, 6 false alarms, 5 calls cancelled en route, and 2 structure fires. The first structure fire was a chimney fire on Champagne way, the residence received only minor damage. The second structure fire was a bedroom fire on Belden street, the damage was limited to the bedroom and contents.
STAFFING
One Full-Time Firefighter position is vacant. The remaining two Firefighters are covering the vacant shift with overtime. The Chief has received applications from two recent Fire Academy graduates who are interested in becoming Volunteer Firefighters.
TRAINING
Crews trained in water supply operations including drafting and forward hose lays, as well as rope rescue systems and physical fitness training. Crews also participated in a joint exercise with Monterey County Regional Fire District crews.
EQUIPMENT
Engine 8112 was out of service for several days due to a coolant leak and electrical issues caused by old batteries. The batteries were replaced and the engine is now back in service. Engine 8111 is out of service due to oil leaks; it is currently undergoing repairs at the Public Works shop. Water Tender 8141 was briefly out of service for the replacement of all 10 of its 7-year-old tires.
AGENDA
ITEM
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GRANTS
The first quarter grant report was submitted to the California Office of Traffic Safety as required.
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City of Gonzales
POLICE DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 18, 2025
FROM: Keith Wise, Chief of Police
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: January 2025 Activity Report
Crime and Arrests
The Gonzales Police Department investigated 9 Part I Crimes (Homicide, Robbery, Theft, Burglary, Rape, Assault and Motor Vehicle Theft) during the month of January 2025. During the same time last year, there were 12 Part I Crimes investigated.
During the month of January 2025, Officers made 10 arrests. During the same time last year, there were a total of 10 arrests.
During the month of January 2025, the Department initiated 9 Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) cases. Seven violations were self-abated by the registered owners upon notification of the Municipal Code Violation. Two violations are pending corrective action.
Calls for Service
The Department responded to 650 calls for service in January 2025. There were 54 crimes, accident, and information reports taken during the month.
Animal Control
During the month of January 2025, the Animal Control Officer (ACO) provided the following services:
Animal Control Trapped/Stray Dead Injured Bite Cases Returned to Owner
Transported
to the SPCA
Cats 0 2 1 0 0 0
Dogs 15 1 0 2 10 5
Total = 15 3 1 2 10 5
AGENDA
ITEM
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Significant Cases
Although the Police Department responded to 650 calls for service during the month of January 2025, the most significant cases involved 9 Part I crimes. 0- Homicide 0 - Rape, 1 - Robbery, 5 -Assault, 0 -Burglary, 1 -Larcenies, and 2 -Stolen Motor Vehicle Thefts.
Training
The Department continues to conduct in-house training.
Other
Peace Officer Recruit Ivan Correa successfully completed the six-month intensive Basic Police Academy Course. Officer Correa began his full-time employment with the Gonzales Police Department as Police Officer on Monday, January 27, 2025.
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City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 18, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
WASTEWATER
1. Industrial Wastewater (IW) System – Construction of the IW Pipeline began on 11/04/2024 and is approximately 50% complete. The contract for the IW Treatment Facility was issued for public bid on 1/15/2025. Staff held a Prebid Meeting on 1/24/2025 attended by 13 contractors. The bid opening is scheduled for 2/26/2025.
2. WWTP – City staff provides the Regional Board staff with updates on the operations and maintenance efforts on the WWTP and our progress on constructing the IW System. Staff submitted the quarterly report for October, November and December to the Regional Board on 1/30/2025.
BUILDINGS
Community Center Complex Project – Construction Manager Luis Flores provided the attached memo regarding construction activities during January 2025.
SOLID WASTE
Quarterly Tri-Cities Franchise Agreements Meetings – Staff from the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, Tri-Cities Disposal and the cities of Gonzales, Soledad, and Greenfield meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the various waste collection programs (commercial accounts, food waste, organic waste), compliance with latest state regulations, public outreach and education, customer surveys, etc.
Staff attended the most recent meeting on 11/13/2024.
AGENDA
ITEM
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OTHER PROJECTS
1. Emergency Preparedness – The PW Director and PW Supervisor meet monthly with Fire Chief Jason and Police staff to discuss Emergency Preparedness.
2. GIS – City staff continues to work on a GIS mapping system by inputting field data for water, sewer and storm drainage systems. Staff hold monthly meetings with ProWest (GIS consultant). Other mapping efforts include assessing sidewalks to map uplifted or missing sidewalk panels and performing a street sign inspection.
3. South Salinas Valley Broadband JPA – On 2/09/2025, the City received the completed Design Package for the fiber optic project funded by a Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) Grant from the CPUC. The next step is securing funding for construction.
4. AT&T Encroachment Permit – During the last week of January and first week of February, a contractor for AT&T installed fiber optic cable on utility poles along Fifth Street and Alta Street
PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
WASTEWATER
Staff check the influent and effluent at the wastewater treatment plant on a daily basis. The effects of high flows from October and November are still impairing the plant. The new discharge pond is working well, but we still need to get rid of a large amount of water. Staff are working on emptying Pond A for rehabilitation. Ponds B and C are full of treated water but slowly draining.
PW Staff clearing a sewer back-up on South Belden
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Staff, making sure new blow off is clear.
Staff works with Sierra Construction to ensure that the proper information is used for collabaration of any discrepancies in the plans for the new IW Pipeline.
WATER
Staff tests for chlorine residual daily, and maintenance on the water system. Staff repairs chlorine leaks and performs maintenance on the wells.
Staff addressed all the SWRCB’s requests from the December 2024 Sanitary Survey.
1. Fill in rock around the base of the flush valve discharge to keep the water from undermining the adjacent ground.
New rock around the base of Flush chamber at Well 5.
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2. Replace the sample tap at Well 6.
Sample tap repaired.
3. New Air Relief Valve at Well 6.
New Air relief valve, Well 6
For the month of January, all water samples taken at the sampling stations for water system tested negative for coliform. Water test results from the County of Monterey Environmental Health are attached.
Staff repaired three leaks at residents’ meters in January.
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PARKS
Staff mows turf areas in the City parks regularly. Staff cleans restrooms, cleans trash, and make repairs in parks. Staff repair and maintain irrigation in Central and Centennial Park.
Staff took down Christmas decorations in the park and down Fourth Street.
GOVERNMENT BUILDING
Staff clean the Vosti Center restrooms daily. Staff cleans the Council Chambers weekly. Staff made small repairs at City Hall including the front window.
STREETS
Staff continue to fill potholes and clean the bioswales along Center Street.
EVENTS
Staff have been participating in in-house training. Staff will be participating in Arc Flash training in Soledad on February 26, 2025. Staff will also participate in Ladder safety and ergonomics in King City In March. Some staff were sent to Salinas to participate in Pesticide Applications Professional Association training on February 5, 2025.
Attachments:
1. GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report
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Gonzales Community Center Complex
Monthly Progress Report: January 2025
Consultant: Harris & Associates
Overview
Harris & Associates provided Project and Construction Management (PMCM) services for the Gonzales Community Center Project between January 1 and January 31, 2025.
PMCM Services
Project and Construction management services included leading project related coordination meetings and managing correspondence with project stakeholders. Provided web-based project management services via Newforma, for project documentation distribution. Monitored construction process to verify conformity to the approved plans and specifications. Monitored expenditures and tracked various City monies and outside funding sources, including project grant reporting. Reviewed and processed project RFI’s and Submittals. Reviewed contractor look-ahead schedules. Coordinated project inspections as required by project needs. • Processed 17 Submittals (Submittal #224 – Submittal #240) • Processed 9 new RFI’s (RFI#082 – RFI#090)
• Managed 5 weekly construction project meetings
• Reviewed 5 look-ahead schedules provided by General Contractor • Harris is actively monitoring contractor labor compliance Inspections
• Daily Monitoring
o Prepared daily construction reports detailing the location and type of work performed by Contractor as well as crew size(s), reports documented equipment used and weather conditions.
▪ Provided daily construction monitoring and progress photos (20 site visits) • Special Inspections
o Processed four (8) Special inspection requests (#48 through #55) ▪ Subgrade compaction (site concrete, sidewalks, courtyard) ▪ Masonry (CMU trash enclosure)
▪ Masonry grout (CMU trash enclosure)
▪ Irrigation trench backfill compaction
▪ Steel reinforcement at driveway and parking lot light pole bases ▪ Light pole base concrete
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report)
Construction Progress Summary
During the month of January (2025), Otto made significant progress across site work, building exterior and interior, staying on schedule to meet the dry-in milestone, preparing us for the next phase of construction.
Site Improvements
On the site work front, work progressed as planned, with surveying and staking operations taking place to lay out concrete flatwork at the courtyard. McGuire & Hester (Civil sub) completed placement and compaction of the aggregate base for concrete flatwork at the courtyard, and also excavated planter and seat wall footings. No issues were discovered during excavation. Elite Landscaping (landscape and irrigation sub) began installation of the irrigation system and is estimated to be 15% complete with that scope. Other notable site work included placement of the trash enclosure CMU walls, including reinforcement and grout placement. Concrete for the light pole bases, at the driveway and parking lot were also poured. 4 Leaf inspected reinforcement and electrical conduit at the light pole bases, while Intertek PSI inspected reinforcement and sampled concrete.
Building Exterior
On the exterior of the building, flashing installation continued, as reported during the previous project update. Metal roof installation began, above the Teen Lounge, and is estimated to be 35% complete. Waterproofing at HPL panels, is ongoing, while installation of storefront frames has commenced (15% complete). JD2 (steel subcontractor) was on site, prior to storefront frame installation, to install the C-channel steel support for the building awnings at the courtyard.
Collins Electric (electrical sub) roughed in power for the rooftop VRV’s (HVAC units) that were delivered and set in December (2024).
Building Interior
On the interior of the building, Frank M. Booth (HVAC subcontractor) continued installation of the ductwork, and is estimated to be 80% complete. Low voltage rough-in for the window shades was installed, and building electrical wiring continued. Drywall installation at priority walls is ongoing as needed. Saleh (painting subcontractor) focused on painting overhead ceiling areas between exposed glulam beams and the storefront frames, prior to installation of the frames.
While on site, they also prioritized painting the exposed ceiling at the teen innovation center classroom.
Please refer to the images provided on the following pages for visual progress of the work completed this month.
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report)
Compacted aggregate base for site concrete at Courtyard (West).
Progress installation of irrigation System (South side of Courtyard).
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report) Page
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CMU trash enclosure walls.
Concrete base placement for site light poles.
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report) Page
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Exterior East elevation progress.
Exterior North elevation progress.
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report)
Progress installation of storefront frames (Teen Lounge).
Progress painting of Teen Innovation center ceiling.
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report)
Overhead ductwork progress installation at Library.
Exterior window flashing.
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report)
South elevation and courtyard construction progress.
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Attachment: GCCC - January 2025 Monthly Progress Report (3196 : Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report)