Gonzales City Council
October 20, 2025

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
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 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 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.

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.

3. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - October 6, 2025 Minutes

4. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52783-52849

5. City Manager’s Report

6. Community Development Department Activity Report
*
*
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.

7. Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report

8. Fire Department Activity Report

9. Police Department Activity Report

10. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report

11. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-72, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Award of a Contract with Specialized Utility Service Program for Chief Plant Operator Services of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant

12. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-73, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land and Authorizing the City Manager to Proceed with the Surplus Lands Act Process for Site Disposition

REGULAR AGENDA

13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-74, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia Project to Confirm Compliance with the Monterey County Local Area Formation Commission’s (“LAFCo”) Resolution No. 24-03 Amending LAFCo’s Policy for Preservation of Open Space and Agricultural Lands by Adding Policy Implementation Guidelines Regarding Agricultural Mitigation Actions for City Annexations of Farmland, and Related Policy Refinements a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Adopt Resolution No. 2025-74

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, October 16, 2025, at 5:00p.m. 10/16/25
Mary Villegas Date

MINUTES

JOINT MEETING OF THE

GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND

GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 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 Present
Liz Silva Mayor Pro Tem Present
Scott Funk Council Member Excused
Lorraine Worthy Council Member Present
Maria Orozco Council Member Present

YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Orlando and Ricardo Rodriguez.

STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, 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
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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. Salinas Valley Health
Dr. Allen Radner, Salinas Valley Health President/Chief Executive Officer, provided an update on the local healthcare district, informed of the different clinics throughout the area, Taylor Farms Health and Wellness Center medical staff and services, challenges, increased number of uninsured, mobile clinic, Taylor Farms Center free yoga and zumba classes, Community Health Day on October 25th, PrimeCare Urgent Care extended hours, orthopedic urgent care, telehealth after hours care, and Blue Zones Project.

3. Certificate of Recognition - American Legion Auxiliary Girl State Program Mayor Pro Tem Silva read and presented the certificate of recognition to Daniela Arreola Ambriz.

Carissa McCann, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81-Gonzales, elaborated on the American Legion Auxiliary Girl State Program and how it empowered the next generation of women leaders through an immersive hands on experience in civic engagement and government.

4. Community Center Complex Progress Report
Harris and Associates Construction Manager Luis Flores and Otto Construction Assistant Project Manager Tyler Verdun provided an update with photos on the site improvements, building exterior, building interior, fly-through video, schedule forecast, recent and upcoming milestones, and potential challenges and risks.

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC

5. 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 being glad about the investigation moving forward and his private investigators making their rounds along with his attorney with the lawsuit against the City. He commented about bringing a special guest who wanted to speak but was afraid due to some of his friends being arrested and that he was here to back him up in case anything happened.

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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Oct 6, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)

Antonio Alvarez, 753 Holstein Way, said he was here to represent himself regarding the events that took place on the Fourth of July and he was the individual who recorded the event and promoted it on his Instagram account. He felt the way officers handled the situation was unacceptable and thought the officers would retaliate if he intervened. He said it caused him, and the ones involved in the event, emotional distress.

Henry Martinez III commented about that incident and had to step inside his parents house to not escalate anything when the officers came in with guns drawn. He spoke about hearing a click on a gun pointing straight at his mother and he had to save her by tackling her and he was now part of a lawsuit because the Chief was a dick about it. He apologized for the language saying it was anger. He also elaborated on being afraid for his friends because of the police officers. He said he was protecting his family now and was wearing body armor and said the City was going to pay for what they did, that he didn't come back for nothing, and they have his ID on hold for a year.

Henry Martinez Sr. commented about riding his bikes all over town and having a medical note saying his tricycle was an electric scooter and told the officers he can use his bike going the wrong way on the sidewalks. He also elaborated on a paper he took to the Chief and he hadn’t read it but he gave it to staff, and said it was regarding the California Ordinance 387 that gave him the right to have a certain person arrested for a felony, which he requested on the Fourth of July last year that the Sergeant be arrested for assault. He said he was waiting for the Chief to call him in the office to have the officer arrested. He said whether the Chief wanted to follow the request or not, any other officer has to do what Mr. Martinez says since nobody has the right to deny his citizen right to arrest a person that committed a felony in this town.

Andrew Brown, via zoom, shared his concern about public comments he submitted for the August 18th meeting that was not only not read, but not submitted to the record, and he didn't get a response until today so he went in person to ask and was told the reason was because he put satire under it and he did not believe that constituted disruption or disorder. He requested for it to be submitted on the record because the only way it could be excluded is if it’s conducted disorderly.

CONSENT AGENDA

6. Approve the Joint City Council & Successor Agency - Regular Meeting - September 15, 2025 Minutes

7. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52637-52782

8. Consider Closure of City Offices for the Winter Holidays RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco EXCUSED: Scott Funk

REGULAR AGENDA

9. Presentation on City Property Appraisals
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report via powerpoint presentation explaining each of the City properties that included the Canyon Creek Park Phase 2, Venice Way Park (Cipriani Subdivision), MAOF Child Care Facility, Old Medical Building and Packet Pg. 5
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Marchetti Property. He also explained selling City-owned property entailed complying with the State Surplus Land Act and the City must follow a specific process with the California Department of Housing and Community Development overseeing the effort.

Public Comment: There was none.

Council Discussion: City Attorney Rodriquez explained the Surplus Land Act. City Manager Gil gave staff's recommendations. Mayor Jose Rios did not want to sell the medical building as the City was growing and the space was needed for more staff as developments happened.

Council Member Orozco mentioned about the original plan which was to remodel it and move City Hall staff into that building as it was bigger. There was discussion on the parks, properties values, and the lot on C Street.

It was the Council's consensus to leave the old medical building and childcare facility, and to proceed with the selling of the Canyon Creek Park Phase 2, the Venice Way Park, the Alta Street property, and adding the C Street lot.

10. Updates on Wastewater System Projects
Item 10 was discussed and considered before Item 9.

Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.

Megan Panofsky, Wastewater System Program and Construction Manager, presented information via powerpoint presentation. She explained the milestones for this year, the industrial wastewater conveyance project completion, bid results and contract award, SRF loan extension, construction of the industrial wastewater treatment facility progress, planning grant awarded, emergency infiltration work, work plan for 2025-2026, industrial wastewater and municipal wastewater, and updated sewer ordinance with pretreatment program.

Public Comment: There was none.

The Council received the report. No action required.

GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES

11. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioners Rodriguez reported on their first Community Project which would be the beautification of Gonzales; collaboration with the Interact Club and other organizations, as well as Public Works to provide feedback on other additional improvements or changes around the City; Youth Council Meet and Greet in Greenfield; GYC meeting on October 9th; and their meeting with Senator Laird scheduled on October 16th.

BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL

12. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Council Member Worthy reported on Highway 1 opening in March of 2026, presentation from Caltrans regarding the gas tax, Highway 101 design build process; and discussion of safe schools.

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b. Mayor Selection Committee
No report. Meeting was cancelled.
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
Mayor Pro Tem Silva announced the next meeting on October 16th at 6:00pm and reported on the process of recruiting a new General Manager since Patrick will be retiring in December. She mentioned Mary provided a copy of the meeting highlights to each member.

She also reported on the preparation of the landfill module eight. d. Measure K Oversight Committee
City Manager Gil announced the next meeting on October 28th. They will also be giving out the Community Grants Program again since after we received the funds from TAMC, the Council wanted to consider continuing with the grants program.

13. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy reported on the Listening Session with Supervisor Lopez she attended which was really informative and the majority of discussion was relating to our youth and mental health, which is a big issue in our community. She believed we needed to have a conversation because our community has always been safe but it was scary to hear the issues and the information about it from Maria’s daughter, Araceli. She thanked Supervisor Lopez for having these listening sessions and encouraged the community to come to these sessions to find out information. She encouraged people to do their research to figure out why the special election was happening and vote on November 4th and there was a ballot drop off box at City Hall.

Mayor Pro Tem Silva announced National 4-H Week starting tomorrow and they were celebrating its 100 Anniversary and there will be an event coming up, and people may get approached by a 4-H Student to hand them a green clover. She announced the Adventure Seeking Seniors Luncheon on October 16th at 11:00am at St. Theodore’s Parish Hall. She reminded everyone to cast their ballot even if it was one thing and there was a box at City Hall 24 hours a day. She also said the air stench in town is bothersome and she hoped that is being addressed by the proper people at the Air Quality Control Agency.

Council Member Orozco thanked the community for supporting St. Theodore’s Church Festival last Sunday which was a great event and community gathering. She informed of the Rotary Project which is continuing with the Central Park benches, tables, and finished the small barbecue pits and thanked all those who helped. She shared her concern about the comments from the public who said their public comments were not recorded or made part of the minutes. She said in looking at the minutes the comments were in the minutes. She wanted clarification, when folks make public comments online, if they are they allowed to make more than one or two comments, as opposed to when they come in person they're only allowed to make and come up to the podium and make one public comment. She asked for clarification because she looked at the minutes and those comments were there. She also felt a little concerned about being approached by a private investigator on issues that are coming up so she asked if maybe they can get a report in closed session or an email.

Mayor Rios was under the impression that written email comments were limited to 250 words.

City Attorney Rodriquez indicated it could be multiple comments for different items. He mentioned that the City has carried over from its Covid era where we allowed people to make comments by way of email, and we allow people to make comments by way of zoom or email, which was not actually required at this point in time by the Brown Act, but in most cases we've read the comment into the record sometimes that we don't have enough time, we'll indicate that Packet Pg. 7
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we receive comments. He said the case with this particular individual, he wanted his full comment made part of the record, and that's what we've asked the City Clerk to do, to add that to the minutes. And since it was referenced in the minutes, there was no need to amend the minutes.

But usually we'll either read the comment correctly into the record, or we will reference the fact that we received a comment from so and so, and on this issue we made it a part of the record then appended to the minutes.

Council Member Worthy said the Council read those comments.

Mayor Rios thanked the Youth Council and the great things they will be doing especially the beautification since he got some comments about the amount of trash along Alta Street and along Fifth Street. He didn’t know if it was staff or property owner who needed to take care of the bushes in front of the Lamplighter hotel since they are overgrown coming into the street.

BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER

14. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil announced the Circuit Training for seniors starting Tuesday at 10:00am at Central Park which one of our interns from CSUMB was putting together; the Truck or Treat event on October 25th at Centennial Park at 3:00pm and staff was taking candy donations from the public. She also announced the Veteran signs registration was open and the last day to register for that is October 10th.

City Attorney Rodriquez mentioned that we don't make comments on public comment, but we did receive a comment today that there was something pending for the Chief of Police to act upon with respect to a citizen's arrest, but he wanted the let the Council know that was not the case, and that issue was addressed back in 2024 by way of written notice, so there's no pending action for the Chief to be taking on a so called citizens arrest.

City Manager Gil elaborated on the listening session where she brought up to Supervisor Lopez about the bad stench in town, and he said he had been working with the owner to see if they could relocate somewhere else and they were conducting some wind studies to see what location would be feasible for them. She encouraged folks to continue calling the Air Quality Control Board if they were still bothered by it as she understood there might be a petition going around.

Mayor Rios stated he would be reaching out to Supervisor Lopez since he had an opportunity to meet with Carlos and George Amaral who owned about 110 acres up at fat City and they said they got enough property up there and were willing to offer a spot.

Community Development Director Kinison Brown reported staff received an acknowledgment that the State Housing Community Development approved our 6th Cycle Housing Element. He announced there were two new businesses in town, Amor de Café with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony scheduled on October 24th, and the other business with Susana Guijarro who provides insurance and other services at 411 Center Street next door to City Hall. Staff would follow up with a grand opening date in a couple of weeks.

Public Works Director Dobbins reported on the timeline for the slurry seal and the work on Fourth Street, and on Catherine Street and the half of Canyon Creek Subdivision on October 16th and 17th. He also announced Public Works Supervisor Twisselmann was moving on and her last day would be October 16th. He added that the City went out for recruitment and hired Martin Diaz who started last Monday to get a couple of weeks of overlap.

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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Oct 6, 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, Liz Silva, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco EXCUSED: Scott Funk
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11pm.

ATTEST:

Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Oct 6, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) AGENDA
ITEM
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Attachment: Warrants #52783-52849 (3383 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52783-52849) Finally on April 27th we celebrated a day that so many of us have been waiting for – the As September kicks us into Fall, we have a lot of exciting things happening in the City as our major projects continue to move forward. The Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex is advancing on schedule and is almost at completion! Save the Date for its Grand Opening, January 10th at 10:00AM.

New Fire Apparatus
We received our new Fire Truck on Monday, September 15th and celebrated its Dedication to the Department on September 18th. After waiting for so long for a replacement truck, the community came out to celebrate this momentus occasion. Thank You to all of you who joined us! This new truck will help to keep us all safe.

Housing
After the City Council took action on the Vista Lucia project at their meeting on September 2nd, staff has been working diligently on the project application for the subdivsion that will be submitted to LAFCo for consideration, and hopefully approval.

Allowing our City to extend its bounderies and include the 771 acres that will make up the Vista Lucia Project.

Grants
The Office of Traffic Safety granted the Gonzales Police Department a $30,000 grant for numerous activties that will help to keep our community safe. These include: community engagement opportunities, DUI checkpoints, training, and traffic and pedestrian education, and enforcement among others.

City of Gonzales
City Manager Report
September 2025
June 2023
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Attachment: City Manager Report - September 2025 (3388 : City Manager Report - September AGENDA
ITEM
5 Community and Economic Development
We have two new buisnesses in town that you should be aware of. The first one is Amor De Café located at 144 Alta Street. The other one is located at 411 Center Street and it’s ran by Susana Guijarro, who is an Insurance Agent offering a whole host of services including: Notary Public, Loan Signing, Health Care and Covered California, Life Insurance and Real Estate. The Ribbon Cutting for Amor De Café is scheduled for October 24th at 3:30PM. Stay tuned for the Ribbon Cutting for Susan’s business to follow.

Community Engagement
Gonzales staff and community members joined in the fight against cancer by participating in Relay for Life on September 20th. Fifteen members joined the City team and we are hoping that number increases next year. Thank you to those of you who participated in the Relay or made a donation.

Save the Date
Senior Circuit Training - every Tuesday at Central Park from 10:30AM - 11:15AM.

Senior Chair Yoga - every Tuesday from 9:00AM – 10:00AM.

Holiday Lights - December 6th at 4:30PM.

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Attachment: City Manager Report - September 2025 (3388 : City Manager Report - September 2025) City of Gonzales

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Activity Report

HOUSING
The Vista Lucia Specific Plan. City staff is working with LAFCo staff to assemble the application for the annexation proposal.

The Housing Element. In early October, City staff will meet with Placeworks Inc. to kick-off the new scope of work to develop the implementation programs for the 6th Cycle Housing Element. Placeworks’ assistance to the city is being paid through our REAP 2.0 Grant administered through AMBAG.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff is shaping a Shop Local Program to highlight the existing businesses and services in the community.

Freeway Electronic Sign. Ground breaking for this anticipated construction has been delayed for uncertainties and delays arising in PG&E’s schedule to add a new power pole and transformer. November may be the soonest we can expect a groundbreaking event.

Zoning Code Enhancements for the Industrial District. To leverage economic development and increased investment in our Industrial District, staff is preparing to amend the Conditional and Permitted uses table for industrial area land uses in the City Code. Items under consideration include:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions elsewhere in the City.

AGENDA
ITEM
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• Retail uses that are business and resident-serving, which are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects. • Medical services, such as may be characterized by an “Urgent Care” facility that would complement industrial safety, without need for travel elsewhere. • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units attached or detached. Would allow assured on-site security with immediate response. Strengthens business models by deterring vandalism and theft.

Staff anticipates Planning Commission consideration of these zone code changes in November, and City Council consideration in December.

BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY
From September 1, 2025, to September 26, 2025 (26 reporting days) the City issued 6 permits for reroofs, roof-mounted solar, and a change out of a heat pump. The estimated value of improvements was $71,296.00

CODE ENFORCEMENT
The City continues to meet with property owners, inspect potential violations and start documentation to progress to remedies. Reported activities included an unattended refrigerator near the curb with doors on, and reports of a BBQ business operating out of a home with unsanitary conditions.

CITY BUSINESS LICENSES
Through the end of July, City staff completed the record keeping for the annual business license renewals required of business who serve the City. Staff has refreshed departmental practices and record keeping approaches and are utilizing the new software program previously purchased by the City. City staff will be directly engaging with businesses operating without a business license.

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City of Gonzales

CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Reports Current Events
Kid Power
• For the month of September, Kid Power had 27 kids. We have been working hard on helping these kids with homework. We also have been doing lots of art and crafts, and playing outside games enjoying the warm weather.
• Kid Power was also given the opportunity to go to the Firehouse and watch them introduce the new Fire Truck. The kids were very excited to see the Firefighters and also to be able to go inside the new engine.

City Sports League
• Youth soccer registration ended on September 12th. Games started on Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th. We are super excited about this season. This season, we had a record-breaking number of registrations. We had an increase of 23 participants from last season, giving us a total of 201 AGENDA
ITEM
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registered participants. We have 19 teams, 25 volunteer coaches and 4 referee officials. Three of our coaches are coaching an additional team in a different age division as well. We have four teams in our age division 2 ½ - 3 ½ and in our ages 4 - 5 division. Our ages 6-8 division has the largest number of players and teams. They have 62 participants and 5 teams. Our ages divisions, 9-10 and 11-13, both have three teams each. Our season will end October 24th. • Our Youth Basketball registration opened on September 29th. This year, we will continue with the All-girls and All-boys teams. The girls will continue to be a part of the All-girls South County Travel league and will compete against Soledad, Greenfield and possibly King City. Our boys in the older age division grades 6th- 8
th will travel and compete against Soledad. All other boys’ divisions will not travel. Skills assessments are set for Tuesday the 13th through Thursday the 15th.

Hoping for another great season ahead.
• Our adult Volleyball league registration is moving slowly. We only have three teams and 14 players registrations so far. Registration ends on October 22nd. Our season is scheduled to start November 3rd.

Recreation/ Community Engagement
• In September, we joined our partners at Blue Zones as they hosted their Community Walk to commemorate the City of Gonzales being certified. There were well over 30 community members in attendance!
• The City of Gonzales is now accepting registrations for our Hometown Heroes Program, a way for us to honor Veterans and active-duty service members in our community of Gonzales! Thank you to our partners at the American Legion Post 81 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81 for their generous contribution, bringing the total cost to $35 per sign for participants. We will host a ceremony honoring all our Hometown Heroes as we did last year. Stay tuned for a separate announcement with the official event date. If you purchased a sign last year and picked it up, feel free to bring it to City Hall so we can display it with the rest of the signs.

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• On Saturday, September 20th
, the City of Gonzales came together to raise awareness and joined the fight against Cancer by participating in Relay for Life in downtown Salinas! In total, the City of Gonzales was able to raise $975 in donations.

Gonzales Youth Council
• Gonzales Youth Council hosted their orientation on Saturday, September 13th in the Gonzales Council Chambers. The Commissioners were able to start brainstorming with the rest of the students to decide what types of Action Projects they could potentially work on this year. The students also received an overview of the Gonzales Youth Council and shared why they decided to join.

Activities in the Planning Phase
• With the help of our CSUMB Intern Ivan Caballero, we will begin hosting FREE Senior Circuit Classes at Central Park every Tuesday starting October 7th from 10:30-11:15AM. Class exercises will focus on upper body movement, full body warm-up, cardio and more! • On Saturday, October 25th, the Recreation & Community Engagement Department will be hosting a Free Trunk or Treat and Movie Night at Centennial Park. We are currently accepting registrations for our Trunk or Treat which will be from 3:00PM-5:00PM, followed by a special showing of the movie “Halloweentown.” For questions, please contact City Hall at 675-5000.

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City of Gonzales

FIRE DEPARTMENT

ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Jason Muscio, Fire Chief
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Fire Department Activity Report

RESPONSES
For the month of September, there were 92 calls for service, bringing the year to date total to 665 calls.

There was 1 vehicle fire, 1 vegetation fire, 57 EMS calls including vehicle accidents, 2 hazardous materials incidents, 15 service calls, 9 false alarms, and 6 calls were canceled in route. There were two instances of simultaneous calls requiring assistance from our mutual aid partners. The Salinas River in the area off of Corda Road continues to be an issue with vehicle fires and medical emergencies occurring on the weekends due to trespassers.

STAFFING
A candidate has been selected to fill the vacant Firefighter position and is expected to start on October 9th.

We currently have three Volunteer Firefighter applicants that are working the way through the selection process.

TRAINING
Training for the month continued to focus on fundamentals and standard operating procedures with the new firefighters. Our crews were able to get together with the crew from Monterey County Regional for a joint training exercise, and have more planned for the month of October. Our annual 8-hour hazardous materials refresher training will take place in October.

EQUIPMENT
The new engine has been delivered, and we are working on getting the hose, tools, and other equipment moved over to it from Engine 8112. There has been a delay in finding a service technician to install the AGENDA
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mobile radios into the new engine, but we hope to have that completed by October 24th. All other apparatus remains in service.

PREVENTION
Annual business inspections and residential rental inspections were conducted as needed. Crews made one classroom visit, as well as a visit to Salad Bowl Boxing.

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City of Gonzales

POLICE DEPARTMENT

ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Keith Wise, Chief of Police
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: September 2025 Activity Report
Crime and Arrests
The Gonzales Police Department investigated 8 Part I Crimes (Homicide, Robbery, Theft, Burglary, Rape, Assault and Motor Vehicle Theft) during the month of September. During the same time last year, there were 5 Part I Crimes investigated.

During the month of September, Officers made 13 arrests. During the same time last year, there were a total of 12 arrests.

During the month of September, the Department initiated 32 Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) / 72- hour parking violation cases. 17 violations were self-abated by the registered owners upon notification of the Municipal Code Violation.

Calls for Service
The Department responded to 751 calls for service in September 2025. There were 68 crimes, accidents, and information reports taken during the month.

Animal Control
During the month of September 2025, the Animal Control Officer (ACO) provided the following services:

Animal Control Trapped/Stray Dead Injured Bite Cases Returned to Owner Transported to SPCA Cats 3 6 0 0 1 2
Dogs 8 2 0 0 2 6
Total = 11 8 0 0 3 8
AGENDA
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Significant Cases
Although the Police Department responded to 751 calls for service during the month of September, the most significant cases involved 8 Part I crimes. 0- Homicide 0-Rape, 0-Robbery, 5-Assault, 0-Burglary, 2-Larcenies, and 1-Stolen Motor Vehicle Thefts.

Training
The Department continues to conduct in-house training.

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City of Gonzales

PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT

ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Activity Report

WASTEWATER

1. Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility – The Contractor (Gateway Pacific) began construction on 7/21/2025. The contractor, construction manager, design consultant and city staff hold weekly progress meetings to discuss open items, status of submittal review, project schedule and other business. The contractor completed the grading work including the four basins on 9/30/25.

2. Rehabilitation of Brick Sewer Manholes – Staff is preparing a bid document for the rehabilitation of ten sewer manholes made of brick. These are older manholes that are not as strong as concrete manholes and can allow ground water into the sewer system. The bid opening is 10/23/2025.

3. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) – The WWTP struggles to treat and percolate wastewater due to the cleanizers and sanitizers in the ag-wash water discharged from the processing facilities.

WATER

1. Elevated Tank - Utility Service Company cleaned and painted the elevated tank during July under their 10-year maintenance agreement.

BUILDINGS
Community Center Complex Project – The project is on schedule to be completed by 11/30/2025.

Current work includes interior painting, carpeting, concrete walkways in the courtyard, and site landscaping/irrigation. In early December the County Library staff will begin moving equipment, furniture and shelving from the existing library in the Gonzales Shopping Center. Staff is planning for the ribbon cutting ceremony on 1/10/2026.

AGENDA
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STREETS

1. 2025 Slurry Seal Contract – The contract with Pavement Coatings has been executed and the field work began with the contractor removing striping and cracking filling the streets to be slurry sealed.

The slurry seal work is scheduled for 10/21/2025 and 10/22/2025.

2. Fourth Street Pavement Rehab – Harris Assoc is preparing the construction documents to reconstruct the 100 Block of Fourth Street and the 400 and 300 blocks of Alta Minor. Harris Assoc submitted 65% plans, technical specifications and cost estimate on 8/08/2025.

3. TAMC Vision Zero – Staff met with the Vision Zero Project Manager on 7/11/2025 and discussed potential traffic safety project to be designed and implemented. On 8/28/2025 a draft list of safety projects was emailed for City staff’s review. The next South Valley team meeting is 11/19/2025 in the Community Room at the Police Station.

4. Fifth Street Truck Ban – Bid opening for the traffic signs for the truck ban was 7/23/2025 and a single bid of $121,436 was received. Staff presented a staff report for award of this contract at the 9/15/2025 Council meeting. Funding is $16,788 in RSTP Fair Share Reserve Funds and $113,512 in a MidCycle RSTP Grant from the Transportation Agency for Monterey County.

SOLID WASTE
Quarterly Tri-Cities Franchise Agreements Meetings – The new 10-year contract with Tri-Cities Disposal was approved at the 6/16/2025 Council meeting. The most recent quarterly meeting with SVSWA, Tri-Cities Disposal and city staff was held on 8/12/2025.

OTHER EFFORTS

1. PW Field Person Recruitment – Recruitment to fill the open PW Maintenance Worker position was completed and the new employee started on 9/22/2025. Martin Diaz, new Public Works Supervisor, started on 9/29/2025.

2. Salinas Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency - It’s Gonzales turn to represent the four south valley cities on the GSA Board. The PW Director participated in the 9/11/2025 and 10/9/2025 board meetings and the next board meeting is 10/21/2025.

3. Geographic Information System (GIS) – City staff continues to work on the City’s GIS mapping system by inputting field data for water, sewer and storm drainage systems. Staff hold monthly meetings with ProWest (GIS consultant) to seek their assistance with our mapping efforts. Other mapping efforts include assessing sidewalks to map uplifted or missing sidewalk panels and performing a street sign inspection.

WASTEWATER
Staff check the influent and effluent, run daily inspections and testing of Dissolved Oxygen levels, pH, and conductivity at the wastewater treatment plant on a daily basis.

Staff replaced Rain for Rent pumps with two new City-owned pumps purchased for $100,000. Rain for Rent ran a pipeline from the back end of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to discharge into any of the ponds.

Staff are working to build up exterior levy berms that have squirrel holes in them to avoid breaches along the levees.

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Recently there’s been an issue with late night visitors driving ATVs onto the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility. Public Works staff asked D’Arrigo Bros to install fencing along their property line to keep these visitors out of the construction site.

Staff inspecting the levees at Wastewater Treatment Plant WATER
Staff tests for chlorine residual daily, and maintenance on the water system. Staff repairs chlorine leaks and performs maintenance on the wells.

Staff are coordinating the repair of Well 4 with the Winery due to the need to create a lay down area for the well pipe
For the month of September, all water samples taken at the sampling stations for the water system tested negative for coliform.

Staff addressed one water leak this month. This leak was repaired by West Valley Construction since a new service lateral was needed.

There were 53 shut-off door tags this month to provide residents with seven-day notice to pay their utility bill or have their water turned-off. We had fifteen disconnects because of non-payment.

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 repairs irrigation leaks regularly.

GOVERNMENT BUILDING
Staff clean the Vosti Center restrooms daily. Staff cleans the Council Chambers weekly. Staff orders supplies for City buildings and disburses them appropriately.

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Staff completed the repair of the concrete floor at the fire house where the BBQ pits was removed.

Staff laying concrete at the Firehouse

STREETS
Staff continue to fill potholes, especially in the Business Park.

Staff Painting striping on the Fifth Street Bridge
Staff completed cleaning the storm drain areas that are prone to litter or dirt accumulation.

Staff will be also ready to address all storm drain clearing of debris.

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Staff installed school banners on Fourth Street, Alta Minor, and Fifth Street.

Staff painted the bridge with traffic markings, and crosswalks.

EVENTS
Staff participated in a stormwater training event in Greenfield. Staff participated in the Monterey Bay Water Works Association training and expo on 9/17/2025.

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City of Gonzales

PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-72, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Award of a Contract with Specialized Utility Service Program for Chief Plant Operator Services of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.

BACKGROUND
The State of California classifies Wastewater Treatment Plants based on the treatment process and the amount of wastewater being treated. To ensure Wastewater Treatment Plants are operated and maintained by qualified personnel, the State requires Treatment Plant Operators to have the training and experience commensurate with the type of plant they operate.

The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is rated as a Class II plant and as such requires a minimum Grade 2 Wastewater Operator to oversee its operation. With the City Public Works Supervisor leaving City employment, the City must engage a contractor to perform those duties.

Several of the City’s Public Works employees are pursuing Wastewater Operator certifications but do not yet possess a Grade 2 Wastewater Operator certification.

REVIEW & ANALYSIS
City staff prepared the Request for Proposals for Chief Plant Operator (CPO) Services. The RFP was issued on August 28, 2025 and staff held a preproposal meeting on September 10, 2025 that included a visit to the MWWTP. On September 24, 2025 staff received four proposals, and the following three firms were interviewed on October 7, 2025:

AGENDA
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• Bracewell Engineering
• Fluid Resource Management
• Specialized Utility Services Program
The interview panel scored Specialized Utility Services Program (SUSP) as the top ranked firm.

The City previously used SUSP for CPO services in 2016 and 2017 until the City Public Works Supervisor obtained their Grade 2 Wastewater Operator certification.

SUSP provided the lowest cost for providing CPO services at $4,080/month, while Bracewell Engineering quoted $8,575/month and Fluid Resource Management quoted $11,114/month.

This contract will be funded with Sewer Enterprise monies. With the new Public Works Supervisor joining the City at Salary Step 2 as compared to the outgoing Public Works Supervisor at Step 8, the City will realize a salary savings of $24,500/year that will fund approximately half the cost of the CPO contract.

It is recommended that the Council approve a contract with Specialized Utility Services Program to provide Chief Plant Operator duties for the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant for $4,080 per month. The services provided are summarized in Exhibit A of the attached agreement. The agreement has an initial two-year term with options for extending it. The Sewer Enterprise Fund has sufficient funds for the two years proposed in this contract after which City staff should evaluate the performance of this contractor and determine how to proceed.

How Recommendation 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: Contracting for Chief Plant Operator for the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant, supports our Vision by ensuring the community is safe and sustainable.

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 N/A
Explain: Contracting for a State-Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator enhances the community's quality of life by providing for the continued treatment and safe disposal of the City's wastewater. Committing resources for this contract will provide excellent services.

City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. _X Yes_ No N/A Explain: Because City staff does not have the required certification, engaging SUSP to operate the wastewater treatment plant makes this contract as cost effective as possible.

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Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: This contract was developed using the City’s standard contract for services following adopted purchasing policies.

ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to conduct another request for proposal process and select another vendor. This option is not supported by staff and would put the City in noncompliance with our permit to operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

BUDGET IMPACT
This contract will be funded through the Sewer Enterprise Fund (budget item 310-0000-52200).

CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-72, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Award of a Contract with Specialized Utility Service Program for Chief Plant Operator Services of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Attachments:

1. Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator

2. Resolution No. 2025-72

3. Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO
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Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm September 3, 2025
Subject: Request for Proposals for Contract Operation of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant
The City of Gonzales is seeking Proposals for Contract Operation of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Proposals may be submitted by individuals, companies or public agencies. A State of California Class 2 Wastewater Operators certification is required.

A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on September 10, 2025 at 10:00AM for city staff to discuss the RFP, the expected services and take questions from attendees. The Pre-Proposal Conference will be held in the Community Room at the City’s Emergency Services Building at 109 Fourth Street Gonzales, CA 93926. A site visit to the WWTP will immediately follow the Pre-Proposal Conference.

Should you have any questions on this matter, please contact Patrick Dobbins at [email protected] or at (831) 675- 5000.

Sincerely,
Patrick Dobbins
Public Works Director/City Engineer
Enclosures
Copies: Project file
P.O. BOX 647 147 FOURTH ST. GONZALES, CALIFORNIA 93926
PHONE: (831) 675-5000 FAX: (831) 675-2644 www.ci.gonzales.ca.us Packet Pg. 39
Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

Request for Proposals for Contract Operation of WWTP

INTRODUCTION
The City of Gonzales (Monterey County) was incorporated in 1947, is located 15 miles south of the City of Salinas and is surrounded by prime agricultural land in the heart of the 90-milelong Salinas Valley. The 2020 census lists the City of Gonzales’ population as 8,647.

Gonzales is a net-importer of jobs due to the Industrial Business Park which includes several agricultural processing facilities. The ag-wash water discharged from the three main processing facilities makes up 75 percent of the flow to the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The city is currently constructing a separate Industrial Wastewater System to treat the ag-wash water.

The City of Gonzales is releasing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to firms, individuals and other public agencies for Contract Operation of the city Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is located off Gonzales River Road, at 400 Short Road approximately two miles west of the city.

The plant is a facultative pond system and operates under Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) Order No. R3-2023-0016 issued by the Central Coast Region of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (copy attached). Permitted capacity is 1.3 million gallons per day. The WDR Permit requires an operator with a State of Calif Wastewater Grade 2 certification.

FACILITY
Originally established in the 1920’s and enlarged over the years, the wastewater treatment plant has undergone several upgrades over the last 25 years. In its current configuration, the plant is comprised of six treatment ponds (two acres each), two polishing ponds (five acres each), and three disposal fields (seven acres each). The ponds are arranged and operated as two parallel sets (trains) of three treatment ponds in series followed by a polishing pond. Effluent from the polishing ponds is conveyed to the disposal fields on a rotating basis.

All domestic, commercial and industrial sewage is conveyed to the plant via a 21-inch diameter gravity sewer. Pretreatment consists of a bar screen, grit removal system and two grinders. From there, wastewater flows into a wet well where it is pumped into a gravity line that feeds a diversion structure where flow can be directed to either train.

Recent capital projects include:
• Rehabilitation of the lift station just downstream of the headworks (May 2021) • Constructed a fourth disposal bed (December 2024)
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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

OPERATION
The City of Gonzales has one Grade 1 operator and one Operator-in-Training who will assist with plant operations to the greatest degree possible. The city has six other Public Works staff members that provide maintenance duties at the WWTP. In 2025, the average daily flow through the plant has been 1.2 million gallons (MGD).

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Expected tasks include:

1. Provide a Grade 2 Wastewater Operator to serve as the Chief Plant Operator a. Be on-site a minimum one day/week
b. Available to report to the WWTP within four hours, seven days/week

2. Use City field personnel to assist with plant operations.

3. Routine maintenance of the headworks (cleaning bar screen, grinders, grit removal chamber, lubrication of motors and pumps)

4. Operate valves as needed to control the treatment process to stay within permitted operating limits

5. Collect wastewater samples for analysis by County laboratory

6. Work with City staff to update the Operations & Maintenance manual

7. Prepare reports to Regional Water Quality Control Board staff and other agencies as required by the operating permit and/or applicable laws

8. Coordinate with the City staff on matters concerning the WWTP

9. Train city public works staff on operation and maintenance of the WWTP

10. Recommend repairs and upgrades

11. Assist with reviewing and managing annual operating budgets

12. Keep and maintain all records of equipment usage, maintenance, repair, and condition
The Contractor shall:

1. Provide appropriately certified, highly qualified and professional staff with the appropriate licenses and experience to operate the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and maintain the existing facilities and equipment in good working condition.

When an emergency or issue arises at the City’s WWTP, the Contract Operator is expected to respond with qualified and certified staff within two hours of notification or realization of operational, interference, upset, power outage, regulatory inspection, or other emergency, 24hours/day, 365 days/year.

2. Provide technical expertise on the WWTP performance, operation, and compliance issues as may be required for operation in compliance with Permit. Notify city staff in writing of any recommended changes in the equipment or operating procedures for required approval.

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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

3. Provide regulatory compliance for the operations including preparing and submitting self-monitoring reports, responding to inquiries from the RWQCB or other regulatory agencies, and providing required documentation to the City, RWQCB, or other regulatory agencies as requested.

4. Assist in representing the City during RWQCB inspections, meetings, and other thirdparty visits to the City’s facilities that the Contract Operator will operate and maintain. The Contract Operator is expected to maintain all required records onsite for inspection by City staff, RWQCB regulators, and other state inspectors.

5. Notify and provide written reports to the RWQCB and City officials as requested in the event of any permit violation. Any report any sewer spill shall be documented, responded to, and reported to the RWQCB in compliance with the City’s sewer backup response plan and federal and state law or regulations;

6. Conduct routine operations including all daily, weekly and monthly sampling as required in the City’s permits or compliance plans;

7. Create and maintain a daily operations manual and maintenance schedule for both WWTPs and the City’s lift stations.

8. Implement a maintenance program to ensure WWTP operations are fully maintained, evaluations are completed, and adequate parts are on site for immediate repairs.

PROPOSAL FORMAT
Proposals shall include the following:

Transmittal Letter: Proposals shall include a transmittal letter providing an overview of their proposal, team, qualifications, experience, and explaining why they should be considered to provide the specified services to the City.

The Transmittal letter must include the address, telephone number, and email for the Contract Operator’s Chief Plant Operator who will provide service to the City.

Approach: The proposal should provide a narrative describing the anticipated approach to the elements described in the Scope of Services section of this RFP. The narrative should provide sufficient detail to convey an understanding of the tasks and services to be provided.

The approach should identify expected tasks to be performed by the Contract Operator, the expected frequency per day/week/month for each task.

Describe how the Contract Operator will:
• Respond to an emergency or alarm during off-hours.

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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

• How you plan to transition services from the existing Chief Plant Operator to your firm.

Project Team: Proposals should include an organization chart and staffing plan that describes the specific positions with their duties and responsibilities. The licensing and minimum qualifications for each staff person shall be identified.

The City recognizes that it may not be possible to definitively identify every project team member. However, the Chief Plant Operator must be identified and a list of positions by title and certifications shall be included. Provide a list of plant(s) that the Chief Plant Operator is currently or has previously provided similar services for.

Provide resumes for all key staff, including Chief Plant Operator, designated points of contact for City, and all staff listed and named in the proposer’s organization chart.

The proposal shall state how staff will be back-filled during vacations or while staffing is in transition due to resignations or retirements.

Experience: The experience of the Firm and Contract Operator will be presented in this section. It is expected that a minimum of five wastewater plants will be highlighted. The project experience shall include the duration of the contract, annual fee and how this experience relates to this RFP. A reference for each client should be provided, including name, position, contact information, and the role of the reference in relation to the experience.

Cost Proposal: Proposals shall contain the Contract Operator’s cost proposal to provide the services identified in the Scope of Services Overview section, including any recommendations or suggestions from the Contract Operator documented in their proposal.

Fees shall be presented on an monthly basis, and separated into fees for:
• Wastewater treatment operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance • itemized costs for staffing, including the cost for each proposed classification, supplies, maintenance, and capital projects shall be included as separate line items. • One-time cost to transition from the existing Chief Plant Operator to the your Contract Operator
The proposal shall include a rate schedule for professional and technical personnel that may be utilized during the contract. A maximum annual escalation rate for these services should be included in the rate schedule.

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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

Proposal should also include the following:

1. Legal name and addresses of company offices

2. Name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of person to contact concerning the proposal

3. Information on the company’s safety programs

4. Assumptions made in estimating costs

EVALUATION CRITERIA
It is the City’s intent to enter into an agreement with a single firm to perform the services described in this RFP. Submittals will be evaluated by a panel appointed by the Public Works Director. Evaluators will independently evaluate each submittal and rank them in consideration of the following criteria:
• Completeness and responsiveness of the proposal = Pass/Fail • Quality, experience, and ability of the proposed staff = 15 points • Quality, experience, and ability of the proposed Chief Plant Operator = 25 points • Understanding of the operations, maintenance, and regulatory requirements associated with the City’s facilities = 15 points
• Ability and experience of the Contract Operator providing similar experience elsewhere. The City may choose to contact references provided by the Contract Operator, or other references known to the City = 25 points • Submitted fee = 20 points
It is the intent of the City to contract with the firm that, in the City’s opinion, provides the best value. Though the fee to perform the work is important, it is not required for the City to contract with the firm proposing the lowest fee.

SELECTION SCHEDULE
The anticipated RFP/Award of Contract schedule is:

Milestone Date
Issue Request for Proposals 9/03/2025
Pre-Proposal Meeting / WWTP Site Visit 9/10/2025 at 10:00AM Proposal Submittal Deadline 9/24/2025
City Staff releases short-list for interviews 9/25/2025 Interview short-listed contractors 10/07/2025
Contract Award at City Council Meeting 10/20/2025
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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

Execute Contract 10/24/2025
Kick-Off Meeting / Notice to Proceed 10/27/2025
Contractor Mobilization 10/27/2025
The pre-proposal meeting will be held at:

City of Gonzales
Emergency Services Building - Community Room
109 Fourth Street
Gonzales, CA 93926
After the meeting there will be site visit to the Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 400 Short Road, Gonzales

CONTRACT
Should an award of contract be approved, it is assumed it will be effective as of October 27, 2025 and have an initial term of three years. Upon mutual agreement the contract can be extended.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
Submit five printed and bound copies and one PDF copy on a thumb drive of your proposal to:

City Clerk of the City of Gonzales
PO Box 647
147 Fourth Street
Gonzales, CA 93926

CONTACT INFORMATION
Any questions regarding this Request for Proposals should be directed to:

Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer
City of Gonzales
147 Fourth Street / PO Box 647
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 675-5000
Email: [email protected]

ATTACHMENTS

1. Proposer Questionnaire

2. Gonzales Wastewater “White Paper”
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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

3. 2006 RWQCB Waste Discharge Requirements

4. 2023 RWQCB Waste Discharge Requirements

5. City’s standard agreement with insurance requirements (to be issued by Addendum) Packet Pg. 46
Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

Proposer Questionnaire for RFP for Contract Operation of WWTP Proposals shall include a signed Bidder’s Questionnaire using this form and all required attachments, including clearly labeled additional sheets.

The Questionnaire must be filled out completely, accurately, and legibly. Any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations in completion of the Questionnaire may be grounds for rejection of the bid or termination of a Contract awarded pursuant to the bid.

Part A: General Information
Bidder’s Business Name: _______________________________________________ (“Bidder”) Check One: ___ Corporation (State of incorporation: ___________________) ___ Partnership
___ Sole Proprietorship
___ Joint Venture of: __________________________________ ___ Other:___________________________________________
Main Office Address and Phone: ______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Local Office Address and Phone: _____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Website Address: __________________________________________________ Owner(s) of Business: ______________________________________________ Contact Name and Title:_____________________________________________ Contact Phone and Email: ___________________________________________ California Contractor’s License Number(s): ______________________________ DIR Registration Number: ____________________________________________ Part B: Bidder Experience

1. How many years has Bidder been in business under its present business name? ____ years

2. Has Bidder completed projects similar in type and size to this Project? ____ Yes_____ No

3. Has Bidder been disqualified on grounds that it is not responsible, or otherwise disqualified or debarred from bidding under state or federal law? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, provide additional information on a separate sheet regarding the disqualification or debarment, including the name and address of the agency or owner of the project, the type and size of the project, the reasons that Bidder was disqualified or debarred, and the month and year in which the disqualification or debarment occurred.

4. Has Bidder ever been terminated for cause, alleged default, or legal violation from a construction project, either as a general contractor or as a subcontractor? _____ Yes _____ No
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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

If yes, provide additional information on a separate sheet regarding the termination, including the name and address of the agency or owner of the subject project, the type and size of the project, whether Bidder was under contract as a general contractor or a subcontractor, the reasons that Bidder was terminated, and the month and year in which the termination occurred.

5. Provide information about Bidder’s recent or on-going contracts as follows:

5.1 Five recent or on-going contracts within the last five years

5.3 Contracts like this Project including scope and character of the work.

6. Use separate sheets to provide all of the following information for each contract identified in response to the above two categories:

6.1 Project name, location, and description

6.2 Owner (name, address, email, and phone number)

6.6 Scope of work performed (as general contractor or as subcontractor)

6.7 Initial contract price and final contract price (including change orders)

6.8 Original scheduled completion date and actual date of completion

6.9 Time extensions granted (number of days)

6.10 Number and amount of stop notices or mechanic’s liens filed

6.11 Amount of any liquidated damages assessed against Bidder; and

6.12 Nature and resolution of any project-related claim, lawsuit, mediation, or arbitration involving Bidder.

Part C: Safety

1. Provide Bidder’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for the last three years:

Year EMR
2022
2023
2024

2. Provide the following, based on information on Bidder’s CalOSHA Form 300 or Form 300A, Annual Summary of Work-Related Illnesses and Injuries, from the most recent past calendar year:

2.1 Number of lost workday cases: ____

2.2 Number of medical treatment cases: ____

2.3 Number of deaths: ____

3. Has Bidder been cited, fined, or prosecuted by any local, state, or federal agency, including OSHA, CalOSHA, or EPA, for violation of any law, regulation, or requirements pertaining to health and safety? _____ Yes _____ No
If yes, provide additional information on a separate sheet regarding each such citation, fine, or prosecution, including the name and address of the agency or owner of the project, the type and size Packet Pg. 48
Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

of the project, the reasons for and nature of the citation, fine, or prosecution, and the month and year in which the incident giving rise to the citation, fine, or prosecution occurred.

4. Name, title, and email for person responsible for Bidder’s safety program:
_________________________________________ ______________________ Name Title Email
Part D: Verification
In signing this document, I, the undersigned, declare that I am duly authorized to sign and submit this Bidder’s Questionnaire on behalf of the named Bidder, and that all responses and information set forth in this Bidder’s Questionnaire and accompanying attachments are, to the best of my knowledge, true, accurate and complete as of the date of submission. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________ By: _______________________________________________________________ Name and Title

END OF QUESTIONNAIRE
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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) The City of Gonzales’ Approach to Wastewater System Expansion for Residential and Industrial Development

OBJECTIVES
1) Protect public health and groundwater resources by upgrading the city wastewater system through a phased approach to meet new Regional Board Regulatory Discharge Requirements. 2) Upgrade and expand the wastewater treatment plant to accommodate residential and industrial development projects in the most cost-effective and expedient way possible. 3) Recognize the city’s wastewater system is one utility system and expansion benefits all residential, commercial and industrial dischargers.
4) Increase the capacity of the city’s wastewater system in phases based on available funding and to minimize costs to sewer utility rate payers.

ABOUT THE CITY
The City of Gonzales (Monterey County) is in the heart of the Salinas Valley. The Salinas Valley has long been referred to as the "Salad Bowl of the World" because of the many crops grown, harvested and processed for context-Monterey County supplies a large percentage of crops including 61% of leaf lettuce, 57% of celery and 48% of broccoli nationwide. The city is a regional employment center due to the jobs generated in the city’s Industrial Business Park (75 acres, 15 agricultural related businesses including three processing facilities).

A proposed residential development project is going through the approval process to build 3,500 homes, apartments, and retail spaces. At the same time, agricultural businesses are eager to expand or build processing facilities in the city’s Industrial Business Park. Gonzales is ready to help the region meet its housing needs and job creation goals.

WASTEWATER CHALLENGE
The wastewater discharged from residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Gonzales is conveyed to the city-owned municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP). The MWWTP operates under a permit from the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and has a permitted capacity of 1.30 million gallons/day (mgd). Currently, the MWWTP treats and disposes of approximately 1.20 mgd. A third of the wastewater is from residential and commercial properties with the rest being agricultural wash (agwash) water discharged from processing facilities in the Industrial Business Park. While ag-wash water is “cleaner” than domestic wastewater, it contains cleansers and sanitizers that disrupt the biological treatment processes at the MWWTP.

The MWWTP is near its permitted capacity and has struggled to meet the 2006 discharge permit requirements as the MWWTP wasn’t designed for the amount of ag-wash water it must treat every day. In April 2023 the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Board issued a new discharge permit that contains requirements the MWWTP is not capable of meeting. Therefore, the city needs to upgrade its wastewater system to comply with the new RWQCB permit and expand wastewater capacity to accommodate residential and industrial development projects.

SOLUTION
Through the preparation of the 2018 Long-Term Wastewater Management Plan mandated by the Regional Board, the city identified that constructing a dedicated industrial wastewater system was the most cost Packet Pg. 50
Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) The City of Gonzales’ Approach to Wastewater System Expansion for Residential and Industrial Development

effective and expedient approach to expand the city’s wastewater system. Operating the industrial wastewater treatment facility under the Regional Board’s Fruit and Vegetable Processing Discharge Permit saves significant money and energy by only using the treatment processes necessary and not sending the wastewater through the extra processes needed to treat domestic wastewater.

Constructing the Industrial Wastewater (IW) system will allow the city to shift approximately 850,000 gallons/day from the MWWTP, greatly reducing wastewater flows to the MWWTP. This will allow the city to take one of the two treatment trains at the MWWTP offline which is the most efficient way to rehabilitate the MWWTP. While constructing the IW System, the city will design the upgrades for the treatment processes to ensure the MWWTP meets the new discharge permit requirements.

WASTEWATER PROJECT PHASING
Phase 1 – Construct the IW Pipeline and build the 1.0 MGD IW Treatment Facility on 55 acres the city owns adjacent to the MWWTP. The CEQA-Plus EIR for the project was completed in October 2021 and construction documents (plans, technical specifications, and cost estimate) were completed in September 2022. In July 2024, the city secured a $29M State Revolving Fund loan for the project. Construction of the IW Pipeline began in November 2024 and was completed in June 2025. Construction of the IW Treatment Facility began in July 2025 and should be completed in Spring 2027.

Phase 2 - Upon completion of the IW System, 850,000 gallons/day of ag-wash water will be shifted from the MWWTP to the IW Treatment Facility. The city will then rehabilitate the MWWTP which includes removing accumulated sludge, line the treatment ponds, and installing an upgraded treatment process. When that work is completed, the city WW system should have a capacity of 2.9MGD, be able to meet the 2023 discharge requirements and will be able to accommodate projected housing growth through 2048.

Phase 3 - Expand the IW System treatment capacity to 3.5 MGD to accommodate additional processing facilities in the city’s Industrial Business Park and add a recycled water component.

BENEFITS OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM PROJECT PHASING

1. Most expedient and least costly approach for meeting the project objectives.

2. Minimizes environmental short-term impacts by using existing pipeline alignments and replacing long abandoned pipelines with newer and larger ones.

3. Minimizes long-term environmental impacts by using high efficiency equipment and low energy demand treatment processes. When the IW System is expanded to Phase 2 resulting in a capacity of 3.5MGD it will have the ability to produce recycled water.

4. Minimizes long-term costs to city residents and industrial customers.

CONCLUSION
Constructing the IW System is critical for the city to meet its wastewater compliance plan and obligation to provide for residential and industrial developments. Completing the IW System is a major step that will allow the city to rehabilitate the existing municipal wastewater treatment plant, expand the capacity of the wastewater system and protect valuable groundwater resources.

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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) The City of Gonzales’ Approach to Wastewater System Expansion for Residential and Industrial Development

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Attachment: Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) RESOLUTION NO. 2025-72

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES AUTHORIZING

AWARD OF A CONTRACT WITH SPECIALIZED UTILITY SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHIEF PLANT OPERATOR SERVICES OF THE CITY’S WASTEWATER TRATMENT PLANT WHEREAS, the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is rated a Class II plant and as such, requires a Grade 2 Wastewater Operator to oversee its operations; and WHEREAS, with the City Public Works Supervisor leaving City employment, on August 28, 2025, staff issued a Request for Proposals for Chief Plant Operator (CPO) Services to engage a contractor to perform those duties; and
WHEREAS, on September 24, 2025, the City received four proposals, and three firms were interviewed on October 7, 2025; and
WHEREAS, based on their proposal, interview and past work for the City, Specialized Utility Services Program was deemed to be the top ranked contractor; and WHEREAS, the Sewer Enterprise Fund has sufficient funds for CPO services and the City’s Wastewater Plant contract for the two-year initial term of the contract; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales that the City hereby;

1. Accepts Specialized Utility Services Program’s proposal to perform CPO duties at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant for the monthly lump sum fee of $4,080.

2. Awards a contract to Specialized Utility Services Program for an annual amount not to exceed $48,960 per year two years with a contingency budget of $20,000 for a total authorization of $117,920.

3. Authorizes and directs the City Manager to execute an agreement with Specialized Utility Services Program in substantially the form attached hereto, which by reference, is incorporated herein.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gonzales duly held on the 20th day of October 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
_______________________________
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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City of Gonzales and Specialized Utility Service Program Page 1 of 13 1168358

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GONZALES AND SPECIALIZED

UTILITY SERVICE PROGRAM FOR WWTP CHIEF PLANT OPERATOR SERVICES THIS AGREEMENT For Chief Plant Operator Services at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is entered into as of October 20, 2025 (Effective Date) between the City of Gonzales, a municipal corporation of the State of California and Specialized Utility Service Program, Inc. (CONTRACTOR). The City and Contractor may be referred to separately as “Party” or jointly as “the Parties.”") (together sometimes referred to as the "Parties").

Section 1. SERVICES. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Contractor shall provide to City the services described in the Scope of Work attached as Exhibit A at the time and place and in the manner specified therein. In the event of a conflict in or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and Exhibit A, the Agreement shall prevail.

1.1 Term of Services. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall end on October 30, 2027, and Contractor shall complete the work described in Exhibit A on or before that date, unless the term of the Agreement is otherwise terminated or extended, as provided for in Section 8. The time provided to Contractor to complete the services required by this Agreement shall not affect the City's right to terminate the Agreement, as referenced in Section 8.

1.2 Standard of Performance. Contractor shall perform all services required pursuant to this Agreement in the manner and according to the standards observed by a competent practitioner of the profession in which Contractor is engaged.

1.3 Assignment of Personnel. Contractor shall assign only competent personnel to perform services pursuant to this Agreement. In the event that City, in its sole discretion, at any time during the term of this Agreement, desires the reassignment of any such persons, Contractor shall, immediately upon receiving notice from City of such desire of City, reassign such person or persons.

1.4 Time. Contractor shall devote such time to the performance of services pursuant to this Agreement as may be reasonably necessary to meet the standard of performance provided in Section 1.1 above and to satisfy Contractor's obligations hereunder.

Section 2. COMPENSATION. City hereby agrees to pay Contractor a lump sum fee of $4,080.00 per month, notwithstanding any contrary indications that may be contained in Contractor's proposal, for services to be performed under this Agreement.

The CITY agrees to also reimburse the Contractor for the Contract CPO fees required by the State Water Resources Control Board expected to be $639.00 for the Registration Fee and $136.00 for each listed CPO. Contractor will register with the State a maximum of three CPO staff (Grade 2 or higher) for a total cost not-to-exceed $1,500 in registration fees.

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Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) WWTP CPO Agreement between October 20, 2025
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The not-to-exceed authorization for the initial two-year term is $117,920 based on the annual cost of $48,960 plus a contingency of budget of $20,000.

In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and Contractor's Scope of Work attached as Exhibit A, the Agreement shall prevail. City shall pay Contractor for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement at the time and in the manner set forth herein. The payments specified below shall be the only payments from the City to Contractor for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Contractor shall submit invoices to City in the manner specified herein. Except as specifically authorized by City in writing, Contractor shall not bill City for duplicate services performed by more than one person.

Contractor and City acknowledge and agree that compensation paid by City to Contractor under this Agreement is based upon Contractor's estimated costs of providing the services required hereunder, including salaries and benefits of employees and subcontractors of Contractor. Consequently, the parties further agree that compensation hereunder is intended to include the costs of contributions to any pensions and/or annuities to which Contractor and its employees, agents, and subcontractors may be eligible. City therefore has no responsibility for such contributions beyond compensation required under this Agreement.

2.1 Invoices. Contractor shall submit invoices, not more often than once a month during the term of this Agreement, based on the cost for services performed and reimbursable costs incurred prior to the invoice date. Invoices shall contain the following information:
 Serial identifications of progress bills; i.e., Progress Bill 1 for the first invoice, etc.;  The beginning and ending dates of the billing period;  A Task Summary containing the original contract amount, the amount of prior billings, the total due this period, the balance available under the Agreement, and the percentage of completion;
 At City's option, for each work item in each task, a copy of the applicable time entries or time sheets shall be submitted showing the name of the person doing the work, the hours spent by each person, a brief description of the work, and each reimbursable expense;
 The total number of hours of work performed under the Agreement by Contractor and each employee, agent, and subcontractor of Contractor performing services hereunder;
 Contractor shall give separate notice to the City when the total number of hours worked by Contractor and any individual employee, agent, or subcontractor of Contractor reaches or exceeds 800 hours within a 12-month period under this Agreement and any other agreement between Contractor and City. Such notice shall include an estimate of the time necessary to complete work described in Exhibit A and the estimate of time necessary to complete work under any other agreement between Contractor and City, if applicable.

2.2 Monthly Payment. City shall make payments, based on invoices received, for services satisfactorily performed, and for authorized reimbursable costs incurred. City shall have 30 days from the receipt of an invoice that complies with all of the requirements above to pay Contractor.

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2.3 <<Not Used>>

2.4 Total Payment. City shall pay for the services to be rendered by Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. City shall not pay any additional sum for any expense or cost whatsoever incurred by Contractor in rendering services pursuant to this Agreement. City shall make no payment for any extra, further, or additional service pursuant to this Agreement.

In no event shall Contractor submit any invoice for an amount in excess of the maximum amount of compensation provided above either for a task or for the entire Agreement, unless the Agreement is modified prior to the submission of such an invoice by a properly executed change order or amendment.

2.5 Hourly Fees. Fees for work performed by Contractor shall not exceed the amounts shown on the compensation schedule attached hereto as Exhibit B.

2.6 Reimbursable Expenses. Reimbursable expenses are specified below, and shall not exceed $10,000. Reimbursable expenses are included in the total authorized amount of compensation provided under this Agreement.

2.7 Payment of Taxes. Contractor is solely responsible for the payment of employment taxes incurred under this Agreement and any similar federal or state taxes.

2.8 Payment upon Termination. In the event that the City or Contractor terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8, the City shall compensate the Contractor for all outstanding costs and reimbursable expenses incurred for work satisfactorily completed as of the date of written notice of termination. Contractor shall maintain adequate logs and timesheets to verify costs incurred to that date.

2.9 Authorization to Perform Services. The Contractor is not authorized to perform any services or incur any costs whatsoever under the terms of this Agreement until receipt of authorization from the Contract Administrator.

Section 3. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT. Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, provide all facilities and equipment that may be necessary to perform the services required by this Agreement.

Section 4. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. Before beginning any work under this Agreement, Contractor, at its own cost and expense, unless otherwise specified below, shall procure the types and amounts of insurance listed below against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property that may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Contractor and its agents, representatives, employees, and subcontractors. Consistent with the following provisions, Contractor shall provide proof satisfactory to City of such insurance that meets the requirements of this section and under forms of insurance satisfactory in all respects, and that such insurance is in effect prior to beginning work to the City. Contractor shall maintain the insurance policies required by this section throughout the term of this Agreement. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Contractor's bid. Contractor shall not Packet Pg. 56
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allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until Contractor has obtained all insurance required herein for the subcontractor(s) and provided evidence that such insurance is in effect to City.

Verification of the required insurance shall be submitted and made part of this Agreement prior to execution. Contractor shall maintain all required insurance listed herein for the duration of this Agreement.

4.1 Workers' Compensation. Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, maintain Statutory Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance for any and all persons employed directly or indirectly by Contractor. The Statutory Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance shall be provided with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per accident. In the alternative, Contractor may rely on a selfinsurance program to meet those requirements, but only if the program of self-insurance complies fully with the provisions of the California Labor Code. Determination of whether a self-insurance program meets the standards of the Labor Code shall be solely in the discretion of the Contract Administrator. The insurer, if insurance is provided, or the Contractor, if a program of self-insurance is provided, shall waive all rights of subrogation against the City and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers for loss arising from work performed under this Agreement.

4.2 Commercial General and Automobile Liability Insurance.

4.2.1 General requirements. Contractor, at its own cost and expense, shall maintain commercial general and automobile liability insurance for the term of this Agreement in an amount not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence, combined single limit coverage for risks associated with the work contemplated by this Agreement. If a Commercial General Liability Insurance or an Automobile Liability form or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the work to be performed under this Agreement or the general aggregate limit shall be at least twice the required occurrence limit. Such coverage shall include but shall not be limited to, protection against claims arising from bodily and personal injury, including death resulting therefrom, and damage to property resulting from activities contemplated under this Agreement, including the use of owned and non-owned automobiles.

4.2.2 Minimum scope of coverage. Commercial general coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability occurrence form CG 0001 (most recent edition) covering comprehensive General Liability on an "occurrence" basis. Automobile coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Automobile Liability form CA 0001, Code 1 (any auto). No endorsement shall be attached limiting the coverage.

4.2.3 Additional requirements. Each of the following shall be included in the insurance coverage or added as a certified endorsement to the policy:
a. The Insurance shall cover on an occurrence or an accident basis, and not on a claims-made basis.

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b. City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as insureds as respects: liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor; or automobiles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by the Contractor.
c. For any claims related to this Agreement or the work hereunder, the Contractor's insurance covered shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor's insurance and shall not contribute with it.
d. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be canceled by either party, except after 30 days' prior written notice has been provided to the City.

4.3 Professional Liability Insurance.

4.3.1 General requirements. Contractor, at its own cost and expense, shall maintain for the period covered by this Agreement professional liability insurance for licensed professionals performing work pursuant to this Agreement in an amount not less than $2,000,000 covering the licensed professionals' errors and omissions. Any deductible or self-insured retention shall not exceed $150,000 per claim.

4.3.2 Claims-made limitations. The following provisions shall apply if the professional liability coverage is written on a claims-made form:
a. The retroactive date of the policy must be shown and must be before the date of the Agreement.
b. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five years after completion of the Agreement or the work, so long as commercially available at reasonable rates. c. If coverage is canceled or not renewed and it is not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date that precedes the date of this Agreement, Contractor shall purchase an extended period coverage for a minimum of five years after completion of work under this Agreement.
d. A copy of the claim reporting requirements must be submitted to the City for review prior to the commencement of any work under this Agreement.

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4.3.3 Additional Requirements. A certified endorsement to include contractual liability shall be included in the policy.

4.4 All Policies Requirements.

4.4.1 Acceptability of insurers. All insurance required by this section is to be placed with insurers with a Bests' rating of no less than A:VII.

4.4.2 Verification of coverage. Prior to beginning any work under this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish City with complete copies of all policies delivered to Contractor by the insurer, including complete copies of all endorsements attached to those policies. All copies of policies and certified endorsements shall show the signature of a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. If the City does not receive the required insurance documents prior to the Contractor beginning work, it shall not waive the Contractor's obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete copies of all required insurance policies at any time.

4.4.3 Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Contractor shall disclose to and obtain the written approval of City for the self-insured retentions and deductibles before beginning any of the services or work called for by any term of this Agreement. At the option of the City, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the City, its officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Contractor shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to the City guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.

4.4.4 Wasting Policies. No policy required by this Section 4 shall include a "wasting" policy limit (i.e., limit that is eroded by the cost of defense).

4.4.5 Waiver of Subrogation. Contractor hereby agrees to waive subrogation which any insurer or contractor may require from vendor by virtue of the payment of any loss. Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsements that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation.

The Workers' Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the entity for all work performed by the Contractor, its employees, agents, and subcontractors.

4.4.6 Subcontractors. Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and certified endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein.

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City of Gonzales and Specialized Utility Service Program Page 7 of 13 1168358

4.5 Remedies. In addition to any other remedies City may have if Contractor fails to provide or maintain any insurance policies or policy endorsements to the extent and within the time herein required, City may, at its sole option exercise any of the following remedies, which are alternatives to other remedies City may have and are not the exclusive remedy for Contractor's breach:
 Obtain such insurance and deduct and retain the amount of the premiums for such insurance from any sums due under the Agreement;
 Order Contractor to stop work under this Agreement or withhold any payment that becomes due to Contractor hereunder, or both stop work and withhold any payment, until Contractor demonstrates compliance with the requirements hereof; and/or  Terminate this Agreement.

Section 5. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES. Contractor shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, with respect to all Services performed in connection with this Agreement, defend with counsel acceptable to City, indemnify, and hold City, its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, harmless from and against any and all claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Contractor, ("Claims"). Contractor will bear all losses, costs, damages, expense and liability of every kind, nature and description that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to such Claims, whether directly or indirectly ("Liability"). Such obligations to defend, hold harmless and indemnify the City shall not apply to the extent that such Liabilities are caused by the sole negligence, active negligence, or willful misconduct of the City.

With respect to third party claims against the Contractor, the Contractor waives any and all rights of any type of express or implied indemnity against the Indemnitees.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, to the extent this Agreement is a "construction contract" as defined by California Civil Code section 2783, as may be amended from time to time, such duties of Contractor to indemnify shall not apply when to do so would be prohibited by California Civil Code Section 2782.

Section 6. STATUS OF CONTRACTOR.

6.1 Independent Contractor. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Contractor shall be an independent contractor and shall not be an employee of City. City shall have the right to control Contractor only insofar as the results of Contractor's services rendered pursuant to this Agreement and assignment of personnel pursuant to Subparagraph 1.3; however, otherwise City shall not have the right to control the means by which Contractor accomplishes services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other City, state, or federal policy, rule, regulation, law, or ordinance to the contrary, Contractor and any of its employees, agents, and subcontractors providing services under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any and all claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in the California Public Employees Retirement System Packet Pg. 60
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(PERS) as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contributions and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.

6.2 Contractor Not an Agent. Except as City may specify in writing, Contractor shall have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an agent. Contractor shall have no authority, express or implied, pursuant to this Agreement to bind City to any obligation whatsoever.

Section 7. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.

7.1 Governing Law. The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement.

7.2 Compliance with Applicable Laws. Contractor and any subcontractors shall comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the performance of the work hereunder, including but not limited to, the California Building Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any copyright, patent or trademark law. Contractor's Failure to comply with any law(s) or regulation(s) applicable to the performance of the work hereunder shall constitute a breach of contract.

7.3 Other Governmental Regulations. To the extent that this Agreement may be funded by fiscal assistance from another governmental entity, Contractor and any subcontractors shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations to which City is bound by the terms of such fiscal assistance program.

7.4 Licenses and Permits. Contractor represents and warrants to City that Contractor and its employees, agents, and any subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of whatsoever nature that are legally required to practice their respective professions. Contractor represents and warrants to City that Contractor and its employees, agents, any subcontractors shall, at their sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, and approvals that are legally required to practice their respective professions. In addition to the foregoing, Contractor and any subcontractors shall obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement valid Business Licenses from City.

7.5 Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity. Contractor shall not discriminate, on the basis of a person's race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap or disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation, against any employee, applicant for employment, subcontractor, bidder for a subcontract, or participant in, recipient of, or applicant for any services or programs provided by Contractor under this Agreement. Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, rules, and requirements related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment, contracting, and the provision of any services that are the subject of this Agreement, including but not limited to the satisfaction of any positive obligations required of Contractor thereby.

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Contractor shall include the provisions of this Subsection in any subcontract approved by the Contract Administrator or this Agreement.

Section 8. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION.

8.1 Termination. City may cancel this Agreement at any time and without cause upon written notification to Contractor.

Contractor may cancel this Agreement upon 30 days' written notice to City and shall include in such notice the reasons for cancellation.

In the event of termination, Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for services performed to the effective date of termination; City, however, may condition payment of such compensation upon Contractor delivering to City any or all documents, photographs, computer software, video and audio tapes, and other materials provided to Contractor or prepared by or for Contractor or the City in connection with this Agreement.

8.2 Extension. City may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, extend the end date of this Agreement beyond that provided for in Subsection 1.1. Any such extension shall require a written amendment to this Agreement, as provided for herein. Contractor understands and agrees that, if City grants such an extension, City shall have no obligation to provide Contractor with compensation beyond the maximum amount provided for in this Agreement. Similarly, unless authorized by the Contract Administrator, City shall have no obligation to reimburse Contractor for any otherwise reimbursable expenses incurred during the extension period.

8.3 Amendments. The parties may amend this Agreement only by a writing signed by all the parties.

8.4 Assignment and Subcontracting. City and Contractor recognize and agree that this Agreement contemplates personal performance by Contractor and is based upon a determination of Contractor's unique personal competence, experience, and specialized personal knowledge. Moreover, a substantial inducement to City for entering into this Agreement was and is the professional reputation and competence of Contractor.

Contractor may not assign this Agreement or any interest therein without the prior written approval of the Contract Administrator. Contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the performance contemplated and provided for herein, other than to the subcontractors noted in the proposal, without prior written approval of the Contract Administrator.

8.5 Survival. All obligations arising prior to the termination of this Agreement and all provisions of this Agreement allocating liability between City and Contractor shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

8.6 Options upon Breach by Contractor. If Contractor materially breaches any of the terms of this Agreement, City's remedies shall included, but not be limited to, the following:

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Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) WWTP CPO Agreement between October 20, 2025
City of Gonzales and Specialized Utility Service Program Page 10 of 13 1168358

8.6.1 Immediately terminate the Agreement;

8.6.2 Retain the plans, specifications, drawings, reports, design documents, and any other work product prepared by Contractor pursuant to this Agreement;

8.6.3 Retain a different Contractor to complete the work described in Exhibit A not finished by Contractor; or

8.6.4 Charge Contractor the difference between the cost to complete the work described in Exhibit A that is unfinished at the time of breach and the amount that City would have paid Contractor pursuant to Section 2 if Contractor had completed the work.

Section 9. KEEPING AND STATUS OF RECORDS.

9.1 Records Created as Part of Contractor's Performance. All reports, data, maps, models, charts, studies, surveys, photographs, memoranda, plans, studies, specifications, records, files, or any other documents or materials, in electronic or any other form, that Contractor prepares or obtains pursuant to this Agreement and that relate to the matters covered hereunder shall be the property of the City. Contractor hereby agrees to deliver those documents to the City upon termination of the Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the documents and other materials, including but not limited to those described above, prepared pursuant to this Agreement are prepared specifically for the city and are not necessarily suitable for any future or other use. City and Contractor agree that, until final approval by City, all data, plans, specifications, reports and other documents are confidential and will not be released to third parties without prior written consent of both parties.

9.2 Contractor's Books and Records. Contractor shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to the City under this Agreement for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to the Contractor to this Agreement.

9.3 Inspection and Audit of Records. Any records or documents that Section 9.2 of this Agreement requires Contractor to maintain shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of the City. Under California Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds $10,000.00, the Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of the City, for a period of three years after final payment under the Agreement.

Section 10 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

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Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) WWTP CPO Agreement between October 20, 2025
City of Gonzales and Specialized Utility Service Program Page 11 of 13 1168358

10.1 Attorneys' Fees. If a party to this Agreement brings any action, including an action for declaratory relief, to enforce or interpret the provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees in addition to any other relief to which that party may be entitled. The court may set such fees in the same action or in a separate action brought for that purpose.

10.2 Venue. In the event that either party brings any action against the other under this Agreement, the parties agree that trial of such action shall be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Monterey or in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

10.3 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, void, or unenforceable, the provisions of this Agreement not so adjudged shall remain in full force and effect. The invalidity in whole or in part of any provision of this Agreement shall not void or affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement.

10.4 No Implied Waiver of Breach. The waiver of any breach of a specific provision of this Agreement does not constitute a waiver of any other breach of that term or any other term of this Agreement.

10.5 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall apply to and bind the successors and assigns of the parties.

10.6 Use of Recycled Products. Contractor shall prepare and submit all reports, written studies and other printed material on recycled paper to the extent it is available at equal or less cost than virgin paper.

10.7 Conflict of Interest. Contractor may serve other clients, but none whose activities within the corporate limits of City or whose business, regardless of location, would place Contractor in a "conflict of interest," as that term is defined in the Political Reform Act, codified at California Government Code Section 81000 et seq.

Contractor shall not employ any City official in the work performed pursuant to this Agreement. No officer or employee of City shall have any financial interest in this Agreement that would violate California Government Code Sections 1090 et seq.

Contractor hereby warrants that it is not now, nor has it been in the previous 12 months, an employee, agent, appointee, or official of the City. If Contractor was an employee, agent, appointee, or official of the City in the previous twelve months, Contractor warrants that it did not participate in any manner in the forming of this Agreement. Contractor understands that, if this Agreement is made in violation of Government Code §1090 et seq., the entire Agreement is void and Contractor will not be entitled to any compensation for services performed pursuant to this Agreement, including reimbursement of expenses, and Contractor will be required to reimburse the City for any sums paid to the Contractor.

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Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) WWTP CPO Agreement between October 20, 2025
City of Gonzales and Specialized Utility Service Program Page 12 of 13 1168358
Contractor understands that, in addition to the foregoing, it may be subject to criminal prosecution for a violation of Government Code § 1090 and, if applicable, will be disqualified from holding public office in the State of California.

10.8 Solicitation. Contractor agrees not to solicit business at any meeting, focus group, or interview related to this Agreement, either orally or through any written materials.

10.9 Contract Administration. This Agreement shall be administered by City Public Works Director ("Contract Administrator"). All correspondence shall be directed to or through the Contract Administrator or his or her designee.

10.10 Notices. Any written notice to Contractor shall be sent to:

Dan DeMoss, Executive Director
Specialized Utility Service Program
1234 North Market Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95834
Any written notice to City shall be sent to:

Mary Villegas, Administrative Specialist/Deputy City Clerk City of Gonzales
P.O. Box 647
Gonzales, CA 93926

10.11 <<<< not used >>>>

10.12 Integration. This Agreement, including the scope of work attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A represents the entire and integrated agreement between City and Contractor and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral.

Exhibit A Scope of Services

10.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one agreement.

10.14 Non-Responsibility for General Contractor Responsibilities and Duties. Unless otherwise agreed by City and Contractor in writing, nothing in Contractor's services shall be construed to mean that Contractor assumes any of the contractual responsibilities or duties of the general contractor. The general contractor is solely responsible for construction means, methods, sequences and procedures used in the construction of a project and for related performance in accordance with its contract with the City. The general contractor shall not be relieved of its responsibility for the safety of the workplace or for the method or manner of construction. The Contractor and its personnel have no Packet Pg. 65
Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) WWTP CPO Agreement between October 20, 2025
City of Gonzales and Specialized Utility Service Program Page 13 of 13 1168358
authority to exercise any control over or charge of acts or omissions of the general contractor or their employees in connection with the construction work.

The Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

CITY OF GONZALES SPECIALIZED UTILITY SERVICE PROGRAM
Carmen Gil, City Manager Dan DeMoss, Executive Director ______________________________ ______________________________ Date: Date:

Attest:

Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Specialized Utility Service Program is responsible for providing adequate staff to operate the city wastewater treatment facility in accordance with the WDR and other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Duties include:

1. Daily operations

2. Routine maintenance

3. Asset Management

4. Training of city staff
Specific tasks include:

1. Provide a Grade 2 Wastewater Operator to serve as the Chief Plant Operator a. Be on-site a minimum one day/week
b. Available to report to the WWTP within four hours, seven days/week

2. Use City field personnel to assist with plant operations.

3. Routine maintenance of the headworks (cleaning bar screen, grinders, grit removal chamber, lubrication of motors and pumps)

4. Operate valves as needed to control the treatment process to stay within permitted operating limits

5. Collect wastewater samples for analysis by County laboratory

6. Work with City staff to update the Operations & Maintenance manual

7. Prepare reports to Regional Water Quality Control Board staff and other agencies as required by the operating permit and/or applicable laws

8. Coordinate with the City staff on matters concerning the treatment plant

9. Recommend repairs and upgrades

10. Assist with reviewing and managing annual operating budgets

11. Keep and maintain all records of equipment usage, maintenance, repair, and condition Packet Pg. 67
Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract)

EXHIBIT B

COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
SERVICES COST PER UNIT # OF UNITS COST PER
MONTH
Compliance Reporting $400 / month 1 $400
CPO Services $920 / week 4 $3680
Emergency Callout
Response $125.00 / hour TBD
Emergency Travel Federal mileage
and per diem TBD
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PER MONTH = $4,080.00
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Attachment: Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO (3380 : Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract) City of Gonzales

PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land and Authorizing the City Manager to Proceed with the Surplus Lands Act Process for Site Disposition

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-73, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land and Authorizing the City Manager to Proceed with the Surplus Lands Act Process for Site Disposition.

BACKGROUND

The City owns a handful of properties including City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, Council Chambers and parcels associated with the City water and sewer systems. Earlier this year, the Council directed staff to conduct market rate appraisals for City-owned facilities for potential sale and right-sizing leases. Staff engaged Piini Realty to prepare Market Value Appraisals.

At the October 6, 2025 Council meeting, staff presented the Market Value Appraisals and requested Council direction whether to offer certain City properties for sale. Staff recommended that the Council consider offering the following properties for sale:

1. Canyon Creek Park Phase 2 parcel

2. Venice Way Park (Cipriani Subdivision)

3. 498 South Alta Street
The City Council concurred with staff’s recommendation and directed staff to include the city-owned property that abuts the Gonzales Slough behind the homes along South Belden, just east of B Street.

AGENDA
ITEM
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However, the City is still in the process of determining the surplus status of this property and as such it has not been included in this evening’s proposed action.

Sales of City properties are subject to the Surplus Lands Act (“SLA”), found at California Government Code Section 54220 et seq. The SLA requires that a City must declare property to be “surplus land” before the City can take any action (sale or lease) to dispose of the property. Surplus land is land deemed not necessary for a local agency’s use in accordance with agency plans and that is not otherwise exempt under the SLA. The SLA was adopted to address the current housing crisis by promoting the construction of affordable housing on surplus land. The SLA connects affordable housing developers to local surplus land through a notification process and requires reporting and oversite of a City’s surplus land inventory to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”).

REVIEW & ANALYSIS
As noted above, selling City-owned property entails complying with the SLA. The SLA requires that prior to offering unused property to developers on the open market, the property must first be formally declared as “surplus.” Thereafter, the City must proceed through a process that includes providing affordable housing developers (and certain other interested parties) with notice of availability of the property and engaging in good-faith negotiations with interested prospective purchasers. Oversite of this entire somewhat complex process rests with HCD, subject to a set of guidelines promulgated in 2024.

Based on the direction received at the October 6, 2025 Council meeting, staff recommends the City Council adopt the attached Resolution declaring the following City properties as surplus land and authorizing the City Manager to proceed with the SLA process for site disposition:

1. Canyon Creek Park Phase 2 parcel

2. Venice Way Park (Cipriani Subdivision)

3. 498 South Alta Street
If appropriate, Staff will return with a separate resolution for the vacant property abutting the Gonzales Slough behind the homes along South Blenden, just east of B Street How Recommendation 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: Managing the portfolio of City-owned properties maximizes the benefit to the community. However, selling one of some of these properties may be of benefit to the City.

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____ N/A
Explain: See Vision explanation above
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____ No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.

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Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.

ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to adjust the list of properties to be offered for sale.

BUDGET IMPACT
Although the City will see no direct financial impact associated with the recommended action, sales of the involved properties should result in proceeds equal to at least the fair market value of said properties.

CEQA
Pursuant to Section 15060(c )(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, approval of this Resolution is exempt from CEQA because the actions described herein will not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and the actions described herein are not a “project” as defined within Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.

CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-73, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land and Authorizing the City Manager to Proceed with the Surplus Lands Act Process for Site Disposition.

Attachments:

1. Location Maps of the Properties

2. Resolution No. 2025-73
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1 Packet Pg. 72
Attachment: Location Maps of the Properties (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Canyon Creek Park Phase 2
2  3.0-acre site provided to the city as part of the Canyon Creek Subdivision.  Adjacent to the existing Canyon Creek Park but on an upper bench of land.
 City submitted several unsuccessful grant applications to construct ball fields and other amenities.
 “Land locked” with only access through farm fields from the north  Not an ideal location for a park due to the effort and cost to extend water, sewer and electric utilities to the site.

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Attachment: Location Maps of the Properties (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring 3 Packet Pg. 74
Attachment: Location Maps of the Properties (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Venice Way Park
4  These three legal lots were part of the Cipriani Subdivision.  The parcels were set aside for a ten-year period should the city construct a pedestrian bridge across US 101
 The city came into owning the parcels when the original developer defaulted on paying property taxes for multiple years.
 Could be reconfigured into four home sites
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Attachment: Location Maps of the Properties (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring 5 Packet Pg. 76
Attachment: Location Maps of the Properties (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Marchetti Property (498 South Alta Street)
6  City purchased the property in 2022 with the goal of constructing senior housing
 Lot size is approximately 41,500 square feet (0.95 acres)  Staff coordinated with CHISPA to develop 20 or 40 dwelling units for seniors.
 CHISPA recently advised city staff that the financing programs they hoped to use are no longer available.

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Attachment: Location Maps of the Properties (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring RESOLUTION NO. 2025-73

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES

DECLARING CERTAIN CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES AS SURPLUS LAND AND

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH THE SURPLUS LAND

ACT PROCESS FOR SITE DISPOSITION
WHEREAS, the Surplus Land Act, codified in California Government Code Section 54220 et seq., (“SLA”) defines “Surplus Land” as land owned in fee by any local agency for which the local agency’s governing body takes formal action at a regular public meeting declaring that the land is surplus and is not necessary for the agency’s use; and WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2020, Assembly Bill (AB) 1486 amended the SLA to require all State agencies to formally declare City-owned properties as “surplus land” or “exempt surplus land” prior to taking actions to dispose of such properties; and WHEREAS, a declaration of surplus land, and the issuance of notices of availability to local agencies and housing sponsors as required by the SLA, is a process adopted in State law, with the intent of ensuring prioritization of affordable housing; and WHEREAS, in furtherance of the intent of the SLA, the City is required to report an inventory of its surplus property to the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and
WHEREAS, the City may satisfy SLA reporting requirements by declaring multiple parcels as “surplus land” or “exempt surplus land”: and WHEREAS, City staff has identified three properties with an approximate total size of 185,000 square feet, which are not needed for the City’s use and operations, as set forth in Exhibit A to this Resolution, which is incorporated herein by this reference, and recommends that the City Council declare said properties to be surplus and authorizes the City Manager to initiate the notification and potential disposition process set forth in the SLA; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 15060(c )(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, approval of this Resolution is exempt from CEQA because the actions described herein will not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and the actions described herein are not a “project” as defined within Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, this declaration of Surplus Properties does not obligate the City to subsequently dispose of the surplus land and the City may in the future determine that one or more of these properties is necessary for municipal use and as such, not subject to disposition.

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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-73 (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales as follows:

1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this finding.

2. Based on the above recitals and its independent review of Exhibit A, the City Council hereby declares the properties listed in Exhibit A to be “Surplus” Properties.

3. Consistent with the requirements of the SLA, the City Manager is directed to initiate the Notification and Disposition Process for the identified surplus properties by providing written notice of the City Council’s declaration to HCD and to affordable housing developers and other interested parties.

4. The City Council finds and determines that this action results in no binding commitment by the City to authorize the disposition of any of the Surplus Properties.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting duly held on the 20th day of October 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:

Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-73 (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land)

EXHIBIT A

SURPLUS PROPERTIES
The following properties have been identified as surplus land in accordance with Government Code Section 54221.

Location / Address Assessor Parcel
Number Size Intended Use
Canyon Creek Park
Phase Two parcel
(no address)
APN 020-343-003 127,000
Square Feet Farming
469, 473 and 477
Venice Way (Venice
Way Park in Cipriani
Subdivision)
APN 020-351-067
APN 020-351-068
APN 020-351-069
16,180
Square feet Housing
498 South Alta Street
(Marchetti House) APN 020-041-016 43,000Square Feet Housing Packet Pg. 80
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-73 (3381 : Resolution No. 2025-73 Declaring Certain City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land) City of Gonzales

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-74 Amending the Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia Project

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-74, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia Project to Confirm Compliance with the Monterey County Local Area Formation Commission’s (“LAFCo”) Resolution No. 24-03 Amending LAFCo’s Policy for Preservation of Open Space and Agricultural Lands by Adding Policy Implementation Guidelines Regarding Agricultural Mitigation Actions for City Annexations of Farmland, and Related Policy Refinements.

BACKGROUND
The Vista Lucia Project involves the development of up to 3,498 residential units (both single and multifamily), two commercial/residential mixed-use centers, donation of a proposed elementary school site and provision of two additional educational sites, and 79 acres of recreational facilities including parks, play fields, trails, plazas, community gardens, and neighborhood squares.

The City Council approved the Vista Lucia Project on September 2, 2025 through adoption 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, and Adoption of CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
AGENDA
ITEM
13 Packet Pg. 81
• 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
• 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) • 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
The City Council also adopted the following related ordinances on September 15, 2025:
• 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
• 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
Together, these four resolutions and two ordinances are the “Project Approvals.” Following the City’s issuance of the Notice of Preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Vista Lucia Project on March 18, 2020, amendments thereto, and multiple comment periods ending in October 2021 (collectively, the “NOP”), the City’s environmental consultants began preparing the environmental impact report for the Project (the “EIR”). Thereafter, in February of 2024, LAFCo adopted Resolution No. 24-03 Amending LAFCo’s Policy for Preservation of Open-Space and Agricultural Lands by Adding Policy Implementation Guidelines Regarding Agricultural Mitigation Actions for City Annexations of Farmland, and Related Policy Refinements (“LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines”).

As noted above, the Project Approvals were adopted last month, including the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”) for the Project. During the Planning Commission’s and City Council’s hearings concerning Project Approvals, the City received both written and verbal comment from LAFCo representatives requesting that the City modify the Project’s EIR to require compliance with the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines. City responded by noting that a provision in the Project Development Agreement required compliance with the LAFCo Guidelines and then by adding a new condition of approval to TM 2023-01 mandating Guideline compliance for this and all subsequent Project Maps.

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Mitigation Measure 5-1 requires the applicant to mitigate the impacts of converting 767 acres of Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance by implementing one or a combination of the mitigation options included in the City’s farmland mitigation ordinance (“City Mitigation Ordinance”); Gonzales Municipal Code section 12.150). The EIR determined that compliance with the City Mitigation Ordinance, which requires the applicant to set aside conservation easements, purchase offsite conservation easements, purchase banked agricultural mitigation credits, pay in lieu fees, or implement other mitigation acceptable to the City, would reduce the impacts to farmland to a less than significant level.

At a recent preliminary meeting between LAFCo and City Staff concerning the City’s application for annexation of the Vista Lucia Project property into the City of Gonzales, LAFCo staff repeated their Packet Pg. 82
request to have the City take action to modify the environmental analysis of the Project to specially require compliance with the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines. The LAFCo Guidelines are similar to the City Mitigation Ordinance in terms of allowable mitigation methods (e.g. conservation easements and deed restrictions, in lieu fees, or alternative mitigation acceptable to the County), but do not include the City’s mitigation exemptions for schools, trails, public parks, and land planned for low and very-low housing and have different timing requirements for mitigation compliance. Overall, the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines are more restrictive than the City Mitigation Ordinance.

After due consideration, at this time the City and LAFCo desire to confirm that the Vista Lucia Project will comply with the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines by amending the MMRP to refer to the Guidelines. Had the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines existed at the time of the NOP, the City would have referred to it as part of the required mitigation. As a result of this action, there are no changes proposed to the EIR or the conclusions or analysis contained therein; instead, the amended MMRP simply reflects the fact that the Vista Lucia Project will comply with the stricter LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines rather than the City Mitigation Ordinance, as follows:

Mitigation Measure 5-1. The applicant shall mitigate the impacts of converting 767 acres of Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance by implementing one or a combination of the mitigation options included in the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines City’s farmland mitigation ordinance (Ordinance No.2023-136) as adopted by LAFCo Resolution No. 24-03. The applicant shall specify in writing to the City the mitigation option(s) to be implemented and comply with all applicable requirements of the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines. The proposed mitigation option(s) are subject to review and approval by the City Council prior to its decision to approve the project. The mitigation option(s) shall be completely implemented by the applicant prior to City approving any activity resulting in interference with agricultural practices on the property subject to conversion. Mitigation shall not be required for planned uses that are except from mitigation requirements per Section

12.150.040(D) of the ordinance including schools, trails, public parks, and land planned for residential products that would be available to very low- and low-income residents. The City shall not issue any grading permit, building permit, or encroachment permit until mitigation has been completed.

ALTERNATIVES
Do not adopt Resolution No. 2025-74.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct cost to the City from the proposed action.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-74 amending the MMRP for the Vista Lucia Project is not a “project” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 because it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment. Moreover, the EIR for the Vista Lucia Project was certified on September 2, 2025 and amendment of the MMRP does not change any of the analysis or conclusions contained therein, nor does it result in new or more severe environmental impacts; indeed, since the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines are stricter than the City’s Ordinance, compliance will result in fewer environmental impacts than previously anticipated.

CONCLUSION
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It is recommended the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-74, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia Project to Confirm Compliance with the Monterey County Local Area Formation Commission’s (“LAFCo”) Resolution No. 24-03 Amending LAFCo’s Policy for Preservation of Open Space and Agricultural Lands by Adding Policy Implementation Guidelines Regarding Agricultural Mitigation Actions for City Annexations of Farmland, and Related Policy Refinements.

Attachments:

1. Resolution No. 2025-74
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-74

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES

AMENDING THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR

THE VISTA LUCIA PROJECT TO CONFIRM COMPLIANCE WITH THE
MONTEREY COUNTY LOCAL AREA FORMATION COMMISSION’S (“LAFCO”) RESOLUTION NO. 24-03 AMENDING LAFCO’s POLICY FOR PRESERVATION OF

OPEN SPACE AND AGRICULTURAL LANDS BY ADDING POLICY

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL MITIGATION

ACTIONS FOR CITY ANNEXATIONS OF FARMLAND, AND RELATED POLICY

REFINEMENTS
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2025 the City Council of the City of Gonzales (“City”) approved an amendment to the Gonzales General Plan, adopted the Vista Lucia Specific Plan, approved Tentative Map 2023-01 for the Vista Lucia Project, and approved initiation of a request to annex the Vista Lucia Project area to the City to facilitate the development of up to 3,498 residential units, two commercial/residential mixed-use centers, donation of certain educational sites, and 79 acres of recreational facilities (the “Vista Lucia Project” or “Project”); and WHEREAS, concurrent with approval of the Project, the City Council also certified the final environmental impact report for the Project (the “EIR”), adopted all required findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as well as adopted the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project (“MMRP”); and WHEREAS, on September 15, 2025, the City adopted Ordinance No. 2025-138 and Ordinance No. 2025-149 approving the pre-zoning of the Vista Lucia Project area and a Development Agreement by and Between the City of Gonzales and Cielo Grande Ranch, LLC; and
WHEREAS, by way of history, following the City’s issuance of the Notice of Preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Vista Lucia Project on March 18, 2020, amendments thereto, and multiple comment periods ending in October 2021 (collectively, the “NOP”), the City’s environmental consultants began preparing the EIR; and WHEREAS, the EIR determined that compliance with the City of Gonzales Municipal Code Section 12.150 (the “City Mitigation Ordinance”), which requires the applicant to set aside conservation easements, purchase offsite conservation easements, purchase banked agricultural mitigation credits, pay in lieu fees, or implement other mitigation acceptable to the City, would reduce the impacts to farmland to a less than significant level; and WHEREAS, in February of 2024, LAFCo adopted Resolution No. 24-03 Amending LAFCo’s Policy for Preservation of Open-Space and Agricultural Lands by Adding Policy Implementation Guidelines Regarding Agricultural Mitigation Actions for City Annexations of Farmland, and Related Policy Refinements (“LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines”); and
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-74 (3387 : Resolution No. 2025-74 Amending Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia

WHEREAS, during the Planning Commission’s and City Council’s hearings concerning Project Approvals, the City received both written and verbal comment from LAFCo representatives requesting that the City modify the Project’s EIR to require compliance with the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, in response to LAFCo’s request, City responded by noting that a provision in the Project Development Agreement required compliance with the LAFCo Guidelines and by adding a new condition of approval to TM 2023-01 mandating Guideline compliance for this and all subsequent Project Maps; and
WHEREAS, notwithstanding the City’s foregoing actions, at LAFCo’s request City and LAFCo desire to confirm that the Vista Lucia Project will comply with the LAFCo Guidelines by amending Mitigation Measure 5-1 in the MMRP to refer to compliance with the same; and WHEREAS, there are no changes proposed to the EIR or the conclusions or analysis contained therein; instead, the amended MMRP simply reflects the fact that the Vista Lucia Project will comply with the stricter LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines rather than the City Mitigation Ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES does hereby resolve, declare, determine, and order as follows:

1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein as findings.

2. Mitigation Measure 5-1 in the MMRP shall be amended as follows:

Mitigation Measure 5-1. The applicant shall mitigate the impacts of converting 767 acres of Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance by implementing one or a combination of the mitigation options included in the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines City’s farmland mitigation ordinance (Ordinance No. 2023- 136). The applicant shall specify in writing to the City the mitigation option(s) to be implemented and comply with all applicable requirements of Ordinance No. 5414. The proposed mitigation option(s) are subject to review and approval by the City Council prior to its decision to approve the project. The mitigation option(s) shall be completely implemented by the applicant prior to City approving any activity resulting in interference with agricultural practices on the property subject to conversion. Mitigation shall not be required for planned uses that are except from mitigation requirements per Section

12.150.040(D) of the ordinance including schools, trails, public parks, and land planned for residential products that would be available to very low- and low-income residents. The City shall not issue any grading permit, building permit, or encroachment permit until mitigation has been completed.

3. The amendment in Section 2 above is not a “project” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 because it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment. Moreover, the EIR for the Vista Lucia Project was Packet Pg. 86
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-74 (3387 : Resolution No. 2025-74 Amending Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia

certified on September 2, 2025 and amendment of the MMRP does not change any of the analysis or conclusions contained therein, nor does it result in new or more severe environmental impacts; indeed, since the LAFCo Agricultural Implementation Guidelines are stricter that the City’s Ordinance, compliance will result in fewer environmental impacts than previously anticipated.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting duly held on the 20th day of October, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_______________________________
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
_____________________________
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-74 (3387 : Resolution No. 2025-74 Amending Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program for the Vista Lucia