MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 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 Arrived at 6:21 PM
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Finance Director Mike Howard (Via Zoom), 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
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 two 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]
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
2. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council/Agency for a period not to exceed two (2) minutes on any subject not on the Agenda.
The Council/Agency will listen to all communications but may take no action.
Mayor Rios announced the availability of Spanish translation with headsets if needed.
Daniel Gutierrez, 1614 Spumante Way, shared several parking issues on Spumante Way that have occurred since the end of last year. He referenced a State of California Ordinance that prohibits people from living in a trailer parked on the street. He noted that individuals have been living in a trailer parked on the street near Chianti Way for the past three years.
Mayor Rios announced the addition of a new item to the consent agenda.
City Attorney Rodriguez corrected Mayor Rios stating that the item could not be added to the Consent Agenda so it would be added under Regular Agenda. He reminded the Council that a vote was required to add the item to the regular agenda
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] to add 411 Center Street Lease Item 11A to Regular Agenda
MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk
CONSENT AGENDA
3. Approve the Joint City Council & Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - August 18, 2025 Minutes
4. Approve the Joint City Council/Successor Agency/Successor Housing Agency/Electric Authority/Municipal Electric Utility - Special Meeting - August 25, 2025 Minutes
5. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52500-52594
6. Authorize the City Manager to Enter Into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Regarding the Use of City of Gonzales Interoperable Systems and IPAWS OPEN Platform for Emergency Networks
7. Consider Approval of Proclamation No. 2025-07 Proclaiming September 9, 2025 as California’s 175th Anniversary of Statehood
8. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-67, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Designating Reconstructing Alta Minor Street between Third Street and Fourth Street as the City’s Priority Project for FY 2025-2026 to be Funded by SB 1 “The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017”
*
9. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-68, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of a $6 million Amendment Agreement to the $28.8 million State Revolving Fund Loan for the Industrial Wastewater System Mayor Pro Tem Silva questioned Item 8 regarding the rehabilitation of Alta Minor between Third and Fourth Street. She believed the funding was intended for the rehabilitation of Fourth Street.
She mentioned that she had read the staff report several times and did not see any mention of Fourth Street in it.
Public Works Director Dobbins clarified that it was included in the report and it was part of the project.
Mayor Rios asked why the cost of the diesel spill cleanup was so expensive.
Public Works Director Dobbins explained that the cost was due to a traffic incident that occurred earlier in the year. He added that the cost was covered by the at-fault party’s insurance.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Consent Agenda Items 3-9
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk
REGULAR AGENDA
10. Public Hearing Regarding the Vista Lucia Project to:
• Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-09, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Certifying the Vista Lucia Project Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH#2020039056), Adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (MMRP), and Adoption of CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations • Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-10, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving an Amendment to the Gonzales General Plan (GPA 2025-02) and Approval of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan
• Introduce, Waive Reading and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-148, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Pre-Zoning of the Vista Lucia Project Area to Zoning Districts as Designated in the Vista Lucia Specific Plan • Introduce, Waive Reading and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-149, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Development Agreement by and Between the City of Gonzales and Cielo Grande Ranch, LLC Relative to the Development Known as Vista Lucia
• Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-11, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Vista Lucia Blocks 1-8 Tentative Map (TM 2023-01) of 796 Building Lots Accommodating 1,247 Units and 49 Common Lots on a Project Site of 236.5± Acres Located East of Fanoe Road (Monterey County Assessor Parcel No. 223-031-027 & 024)
• Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-12, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving the Initiation of a 771 Acre Annexation Request with the Monterey County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
Staff Report: City Manager Gil introduced the item and explained the need of housing within the City.
Consultant Brent Slama presented via PowerPoint presentation the Vista Lucia Specific Plan, City and project locations, project description, Housing Plan, the different phases, Housing types, Vista Lucia Affordable Housing Plan, traffic control, promenade street sections, residential development standards infrastructure planning, and environmental impacts. Consultant Slama also referenced a letter from Landwatch about using a policy. He continued presenting the project objectives, EIR Project alternative, the reason alternative four did not work, fiscal impacts, Development Agreement, Tentative Map for Vista Lucia Phase 1, and the Tentative Map Conditions.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked if the project to expand Fanoe Road would start when the construction of the houses starts, or before then.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown stated that Fanoe Road would be completed before the first house is occupied.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva expressed concerns about the impact on residents near the Shopping Center during the road construction.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown continued the report explaining the Planning Commission and staff recommendation, and the actions necessary for approval.
Council Member Worthy asked whether the public would be allowed to ask questions on each item separately or all together at the end.
Council Member Orozco reminded the public that translation headsets were available for those needing to hear the presentation in Spanish.
Glenn Pace, Pembrook Development Manager, introduced his team, as well as Legal Counsel Katherine Hardt-Mason. He expressed appreciation for the City’s hard work and acknowledged and thanked the Fanoe Family, who were present as well, for the land. He also noted that Pembrook was working with CHISPA in the first phase.
Katherine Hardt-Mason, Pembrook Development Legal Counsel, shared that she had worked with the company for over 24 years and thanked the City for its hard work on this project.
Geoffrey Morgan, CHISPA President, shared that he was excited to be part of the Vista Lucia Project. He emphasized the importance of housing in the City of Gonzales. He mentioned receiving more than 1,800 applications for the last community project that was built, and also noted the challenges of building high-density housing and reflected that Gonzales was not like San Jose, where such development was more common.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva expressed that the project had been long-awaited for and recalled how long the community had been waiting for this moment.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 7:05pm.
Public Hearing: Anna Mea Gazo, Gonzales Resident and Member of the CHISPA Board, expressed that she was very excited about the increase in affordable housing and the walkable community areas included in the plan.
Laura Davis, Deputy Director of Landwatch of Monterey County, urged the Council to adopt Alternative Four. She also presented a letter to the City Clerk to be part of the agenda.
Jose Chavez, Gonzales Resident, shared being a Gonzales Resident for 14 years and expressed his support for the project, and he was against Alternative Four because he noted the need for housing in Gonzales, and many people were waiting for the project to be approved for many years.
Monica Rico, Community Member, spoke about the need for housing due to the lack of available homes, and many families were currently living in trailers. She also emphasized that teachers needed homes closer to their workplaces in order to remain employed in local schools.
Henry Martinez Sr. said he did not agree with the proposed walkway between houses citing similar designs in other cities that have caused issues with open walkways. He also suggested that the City create a priority list for residents and implement rules for the new homes.
Daniel Gutierrez commented on false advertising in a letter he received in the mail. He stated that as a resident, he was not concerned about new people moving into the community as they were unlikely to purchase homes in the City if it required them to drive an additional 1.5 hours to work.
Paul Miller, residing at Merlot Way, stated that Landwatch was the organization that sent out the flyers to the community containing false information. He emphasized that this was a Gonzales issue, not an outsider issue. He also shared that he has lived in the City since 1983 and expressed the need for more housing in Gonzales and he expressed his support for the project.
Matt Huerta, Vice President of Community Development at the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, said he reviewed the project and expressed his support for the City taking action to approve it. He also noted his ongoing work with CHISPA and mentioned that they would continue partnering with the City to help secure federal and state assistance.
Angelica said she was South County Resident who worked in Salinas and was unable to move back to the area due to the high cost of housing. She voiced support for Alternative Four since she could afford an apartment more easily than a single-family home.
Jonathan Brinkman, LAFCo Principal Analyst, expressed appreciation for the public’s participation in the CEQA process. He noted that the final EIR did not include updated information based on LAFCo’s recommendations and asked the Council to resubmit a revised version. With regards to Exhibit G, he stated that the developer’s efforts to conserve agricultural land were insufficient as they did not demonstrate adequate attempts to secure easements.
Roman Barba, 123 Second Street, mentioned that the housing project was long overdue. He also mentioned that as a landlord he was trying to keep rent low.
Louie Vargas shared he lived in Gonzales all his life then moved out for a while and when the opportunity opened for him to move back, he took it and bought a house. He mentioned the last homes were built 25 years ago, and currently his children were looking for housing in Gonzales.
Adam Pinterits, via zoom, congratulated everyone on their hard work and expressed his support for the project.
Luis Vargas Jr., via zoom, shared his support for the project and was interested in purchasing a home here. He also did not agree with Alternative Four.
Denise Amador, via zoom, shared that she has lived in town all her life and expressed concerns about the lack of homes here and elaborated on the need for her family to live in a small house due to high rent costs.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 7:33pm.
Council Discussion: Council Member Worthy mentioned that there was a long wait for this project to be approved. She mentioned that she was first aware of the project when it first started the process years ago.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva appreciated all people in attendance. She also expressed the patience it had taken to work on this project for so long. She also asked the residents to attend the meetings more often and comment on the agenda items.
Council Member Funk thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He shared that residents have been approaching him with questions about the housing. He also mentioned that he has been part of town since 1999. He relayed feedback from residents who disagreed with people from outside the town commenting on or having a say in the project when they are not from Gonzales.
Council Member Orozco explained the need of housing and echoed Monica Rico’s comment about families living in bad conditions due to not having that many homes available in Gonzales.
Mayor Rios shared that the last housing project was in 2005 and over the years more than 3000 students have graduated and moved out and many don’t come back due to lack of housing and gave the example about his kids. He asked Denise who spoke to be patient. He thanked staff and Pembrook for their patience with this project.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Resolution No. 2025-09
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Scott Funk RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Resolution No. 2025-10
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Introduced Ordinance No. 2025-148 MOVER: Scott Funk, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Introduced Ordinance No. 2025-149 MOVER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Resolution No. 2025-11 with the modifications mentioned by City Attorney Rodriquez referenced below MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk In regards to Resolution No. 2025-11, City Attorney Rodriquez noted that staff made a recommendation to add a condition to address the issue LAFCo raised while speaking about the compliance with LAFCo’s policy on Agricultural Mitigation. He stated that it was noted during the speaker’s comment and was detailed in the staff report. He indicated that the development agreement had the specific requirement in it but that we could add it as a condition of approval. He stated that the developer would have specific language that required compliance with the LAFCO Ag Mitigation Policy. He indicated that staff recommended adding a condition.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Resolution No. 2025-12
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk 11A. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Rental Lease Agreement with Susan Guijarro for the Vacant City-Owned Unit at 411 Center Street (This was added during the meeting) Staff Report: City Manager Gil presented the staff report.
Public Comment: There was None.
Council Discussion: Council Member Worthy asked if the lease rate was the right amount since it seemed low to her.
City Manager Gil mentioned that the rate was based on what the market rate study recommended.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Rental Lease Agreement
MOVER: Scott Funk, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
11. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Rios reported on the Highway 156 project being fully funded and was pleased to report that they granted Gonzales $115,000 for the Fifth Street Commercial Truck Ban Project.
b. Mayor Selection Committee
Mayor Rios announced the meeting this Friday, September 5th. c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Mayor Pro Tem Silva announced the next meeting on September 18th, the Employee Recognition dinner on September 5th, and the recruitment firm for the Executive Director Position.
d. Measure K Oversight Committee
Council Member Worthy shared they didn’t have a quorum for the scheduled Committee met of August 26th but were able to listen to three presentations from some of the organizations that received grants last year.
12. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy asked Public Works Director Dobbins if he found out about the replacement of two benches at the Canyon Creek Park. She also announced that she would be having another grandson.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded that he went to the Canyon Creek Park and checked the conditions of the two benches, and placed a work order to start fixing the benches.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva announced that the Gonzales High School Football team was going to be playing against King City on September 5th. She met the High School Principal and some of the students, and attended the Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame dinner.
Council Member Funk thanked all staff for their hard work.
Council Member Orozco apologized for being late due to a medical procedure that didn’t go well, and announced the upcoming Annual St. Theodore’s Church Carnival happening on September 28th.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
13. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil shared that the community garden was a success with the attendance of about 20 people last Saturday.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown announced that the Department had a new staff member who started working on Tuesday, September 2nd.
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco, Scott Funk The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.
ATTEST:
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Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk