MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 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
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
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Christie Crowl (via zoom), Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Finance Director Mike Howard, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Development Services Technician/Administrative Analyst Alejandrina Ponce, 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 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]
PRESENTATIONS
2. Introduction of New Development Services Technician/Administrative Analyst Community Development Director Kinison Brown introduced new employee, Development Services Technician/Administrative Analyst Alejandrina Ponce.
3. Presentation of Blue Zones Community Certification to the City of Gonzales City Manager Gil introduced Salinas Valley Health Blue Zones Project team who have continued to do great work with Gonzales to try to get us Blue Zones certified.
Kendra Howell, Brenda Cabrera, and Marcos Pulido from the Salinas Valley Health Blue Zones Project, explained what the City had done to get to the certification milestone which included a readiness assessment, being the only certified Blue Zones community designation in the State, and assistance from Salinas Valley Health, Taylor Farms, and Montage Health, and the City of Gonzales. They elaborated on the work they did in the different areas and Gonzales being a role model for engagement and leadership, staff, business owners and residents since 2020; embracing the project and aligning it not only with the City planned projects, but how it could continue its commitment to a vibrant and healthy community. They mentioned Gonzales exceeded their goals across all sectors for certification, measurement, work sites, schools, food, retail, policy and most importantly, community engagement.
They presented the Blue Zones Community Certification to the City of Gonzales, and took photos with the Council.
4. FY 2025-2026 Gonzales Youth Council Presentation
Recreation Coordinator and Gonzales Youth Council Advisor Olmedo introduced the item.
The following members introduced themselves: Youth Commissioners Shelby Anderson, Orlando Rodriguez Perez and Ricardo Rodriguez Perez. Youth Council Members Adriel Lambert, Aiden Borongan, Silvestre Arellanes, Melanie Ochoa and Brandy Ochoa Valdez.
The Youth Council presented the Gonzales Youth Council purpose, empowering youth advocacy and voice, working together and communicating, leadership skill improvement and responsibilities, leadership training, and shared several pictures of their GYC Summer Training and experience they gained. They also elaborated on the next steps and future projects and recommendations and expressed their gratitude to the Council and City staff for making their
experience possible from meeting with many of them to enhancing their understanding in local City government, and the different aspects that impact the City.
5. Emergency Alert System
Fire Chief Muscio and Recreation Coordinator Olmedo presented information on the Everbridge City Wide Alert System. They explained the number of contacts uploaded, usage on nonemergency notifications, messages from the State, outreach plan and registration information, emergency alerting notifications, and ability to send messages to all City employees.
City Manager Gil added that staff was working with FEMA to get their clearance, and then test the system internally on a monthly basis. She elaborated on the type of messages that would be sent, and staff also had a list of senior citizens who require special needs in case of an emergency that will be updated periodically.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
6. Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council for a period not to exceed two (2) minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council will listen to all communications, but may take no action.
Rosa Rodriguez, 307 Ayrshire Way, thanked Youth Council for their great presentation; expressed her excitement about the text messaging alert system which she felt it was very important in the community; and her participation with Blue Zones on nutrition and physical activity.
Deputy City Clerk Villegas read comments received from Andrew Brown via email to [email protected] on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 8:00am and read as follows:
“Good evening, Mayor and Council. The Teen Innovation Center will only be a safe place for youth if it is consistently open as a true drop-in space. I’m concerned that relying on three program partners may result in sporadic, one- or two-hour activities that are inconsistent and could fade away over time. That model leaves teens without a dependable place to go after school. Right now, City recreation resources mainly serve the easiest groups to reach-young elementary students and seniors-while teens remain underserved. The current $250 entrance fee also filters out the very youth who need support most; many do not have adults able to pay. I’m asking the Council to ensure: Posted reliable hours (for example, school days into the evening and Saturdays), with City staff on site so the doors stay open regardless of partner programming.
Safety framework: post the rules, train staff, enforce firmly and consistently, and no leniency for misconduct. Full staff support: there is a reason the current rec staff doesn't serve middle schoolers and high schoolers. Sadly, the reason is reasonable. Parent involvement mandate. The Recreation Department isn’t a substitute for mental health counseling or family support. Parents should take the responsibility rather than shifting their burden onto staff. Most youth are intolerable and most parents are negligent in such behaviors.”
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - September 2, 2025 Minutes
8. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52595-52635
9. City Manager’s Report
10. Community Development Department Activity Report
11. Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report *
12. Fire Department Activity Report
13. Police Department Activity Report
14. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
15. Consider Approval of an Agreement with the State of California – Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for work and materials in the amount of $30,000 for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP); and authorize the City Manager to Sign it
16. Consider Approval of a Consulting Services Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and Michelle Slade, C4 Consulting LLC. for Rendering Services that Support Youth Leadership Development; and Authorize the City Manager to Sign it
17. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-69, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Awarding the Fifth Street Truck Ban Project to Chrisp Company and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Chrisp Company in the Amount of $130,000 which Includes a $8,564 Contingency for Unforeseen Field Conditions
18. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-70, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Consultant Services Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Puente Del Monte Specific Plan
19. Consider Approval of Resolution No.2025-71, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Gonzales and the Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36 on behalf of Local Union #1991 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades AFL/CIO, for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Consent Agenda Items 7-19
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
REGULAR AGENDA
20. Consider 1) Waiver of Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt 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; and 2) Waiver of Second 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 Staff Report: Community Development Director Kinison Brown presented the staff report.
Public Comment: Deputy City Clerk Villegas read comments received from Andrew Brown via email to [email protected] on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 8:00am and read as follows: “Good evening, Mayor and Council. I’m glad to see no high-density units as LandWatch suggested. Michael DeLapa is a blank (he used a derogatory word) -I interned for a terrible website he ran, demanding 10 hours a week for no pay. This looks like another grift. My main concern is speculative purchases of units, similar to what happens in the Bay, or that what we want because it brings in tax dollars? This already happens in Marina-teachers from CSUMB rent from owners despite regulations requiring living there for a minimum of four years. This undermines the intent of those rules and can reduce neighborhood stability and community engagement. Our youth grow up in Gonzales and don’t come back because there’s nothing to come back to: housing is priced up, wages lag, the Teen Innovation Center isn’t yet a reliable drop-in space, and non-local operators mark up basic services. If we want our kids to return as
successful adults, we need stability, affordability, and places that actually stay open. I assume the current population doesn’t contribute enough. Every time a senior dies, a single-family house turns into an 18-unit apartment. Unregulated, untaxed sheds-called “houses”-catch fire, and the tax-funded fire department shows up.”
Council Discussion: There was none.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Ordinance No. 2025-148
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Ordinance No. 2025-149
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
21. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division
Mayor Pro Tem Silva reported on the Division meeting she and the Mayor attended in Hollister and Supervisor Lopez was the guest speaker. She mentioned that Deanna Sessums informed everyone that the payment for the meeting dinners were going to be incorporated into the annual dues for each City. Mayor Rios reported Seaside Mayor Oglesby was the new Chapter's President.
b. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
Council Member Funk reported on the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan update which staff will bring back in early 2026 for adoption. c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy reported on their meeting last Monday where they announced they had 13 small buses that they would be retiring; informed of the new transportation company; and their new Counsel out of San Francisco.
22. Oral Communications
Council Member Orozco announced she would be traveling to Guanajuato tomorrow and be back Sunday, and the Annual St. Theodore’s Church Carnival will be on September 28th.
Council Member Funk followed up as part of the AMBAG update, that he was also the CalVans Regional Director and represented the tri-county area, and in relation to the MST buses, CalVans have now the first non Ag Van since Covid as part of the transportation system.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva reminded the residents that the applications for the City’s Senior Rebate Program need to be submitted by the first part of November but encouraged everyone to get them done by the end of September. She also announced that sadly the Gonzales Football team didn’t take the megaphone but played a great game. She announced the Senior Lunch Program this Thursday, September 18th at St. Theodore’s Parish Hall at 11:00am. She also reported that Salinas Valley Recycles was actively recruiting for the General Manager’s position and she looked forward to being interviewed by the recruiter next week via zoom.
Council Member Worthy noted she would be having surgery on November 18th and would like to be present for the Community Center grand opening so she wanted to ask if staff could keep that in mind since it would probably be around that time. She elaborated on her Facebook post where she had a couple of people who were extremely belligerent to her and she had never experience that in her life to the point that her son suggested to call the police. She took the both of the posts off because she was so shocked by the whole thing and didn’t care what side people were on but she wanted everybody to be kind. She also elaborated on another incident that happened today at the clinic regarding a woman that tried to start an argument with her and told her she didn’t want to engage with her. She tried to be respectful to everyone and hoped everyone else did that especially because of the very hot temperature right now in our country.
Mayor Rios asked for the status on the petition to get the residents on the north side of town sign regarding the disgusting odor. He asked if anyone had started the petition and if not, he was willing to volunteer his Saturdays to knock on doors.
City Manager Gil mentioned it hadn’t been brought up to her attention about anyone starting it other than there had been a lot of talk about it. She said she would have to check with our City Attorney if the City could actually lead that.
Mayor Rios thanked staff for getting the signage item going under the consent agenda item, and couldn’t wait until the Chief could start issuing ticket after ticket to the folks coming off the freeway. He elaborated on a semi trying to make a left turn and the times it took to fit around. He appreciated what all the Ag companies did for us, but we've given them options such as La Gloria Road and they can come down Alta Street, so there's absolutely no need to come on Fifth Street with all the traffic from the school kids coming through there.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
23. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil announced the Relay for Life event this Saturday, September 20th at 4:00pm and some City staff will be out there supporting cancer research. For registration information, people can find the QR code on social media and also in the City Manager report. She announced the Veterans Day banners registration will start opening up later this week and the plan was to do the same thing as last year. She also announced our Fall Trunk or Treat which will be a combination with the Halloween Movie Night on October 25th at Centennial Park. She also addressed public comments received earlier about an entrance fee to the Community Center. She clarified the City did not have an entrance fee established yet or anything of the like, and at this point we're still exploring partnership opportunities and gearing up some programming, but there is no established registration fee at this point.
Fire Chief Muscio extended an invitation to the Council and public on the new Fire Engine Dedication Ceremony this Thursday at 3:00pm at the Fire House.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown reported on the housing list staff prepared of people interested in housing since the approval of the project.
Mayor Rios asked Council Member Worthy if she could attend the TAMC meeting as his alternate on September 24th at 9:00am since he had an appointment at Standford that day.
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Ordinance No. 2025-149
MOVER: Scott Funk, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk