City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: March 17, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Monterey County Health Department for Office of Traffic Safety Grant
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve and allow the City Manager to sign an Agreement with the Monterey County Health Department for work and materials funded through the Office of Traffic Safety for a total of $40,000.
BACKGROUND
The Monterey County Health Department and the City of Gonzales have been long-time partners on pedestrian safety programs and projects. In 2024, a grant proposal was put together to the Office of Traffic Safety to help reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries and fatalities due to collisions. The grant calls for a coordinated effort between the County and City to provide pedestrian and bicycle safety education to youth and community members in Gonzales.
The funding will pay for the administration and execution of pedestrian and bicycle safety community education and presentations for students and parents. It will also pay for helmet fittings, inspections and distributions (to include materials and helmets), and for our participation in Walking to School Days. In addition, funding will also allow us to purchase crosswalk lights to help illuminate the crosswalk at 5th Street to enhance pedestrian safety, and two (2) lighted stop signs and sleeves.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
In partnership with our Health Department partners and others working on pedestrian safety and education, the Police Department will work to put on pedestrian safety education workshops and will participate in helmet fittings and giveaways.
AGENDA
ITEM
15 These efforts, along with others happening in the community and the lit stop signs and lights for the crosswalk, will help to make our City streets safer.
Duties and Commitments
The Gonzales Police Department and Safety Personnel will conduct three (3) joint presentations at housing locations within the City. They will conduct three (3) presentations for parents at La Gloria, Fairview and Gonzales High School. They will assist in two (2) joint events during Bike Month (May) to properly fit and distribute helmets and provide bicycle safety information. They will also participate in Walking to School Days.
The City will install two lighted stop signs and reflective sleeves in key locations, as well as crosswalk lights on 5th Street to enhance the safety of pedestrians.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: This program supports our community engagement efforts while also supporting our efforts to enhance pedestrian safety.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes _____No _____ NA
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council can decide not to approve the grant. Staff does not recommend this option as these efforts will enhance community engagement and will provide much needed funding. Additionally, these funds will also allow us to purchase safety enhancements that we otherwise do not have the funding for.
BUDGET IMPACT
This grant would provide $40,000 to the City, increasing our revenues in FY 2024-2025 by approximately $20,000 and providing another $20,000 for FY 2025-2026.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve and allow the City Manager to sign an Agreement with the Monterey County Health Department for work and materials funded through the Office of Traffic Safety for a total of $40,000.
Attachments:
1. Agreement w/MoCo Health Dept for OTS Grant