City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 17, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-81 Lease Agreement with the County of Monterey for the New Gonzales Branch Library
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-81, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Lease Agreement with the County of Monterey for the new Gonzales Branch Library.
BACKGROUND
Phase 1 of the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex Project includes relocating the Gonzales Branch Library from the Gonzales Shopping Center to a 5000 square foot area at the Community Center site at 620-630 Fifth Street in Gonzales.
The City was successful in receiving a $1.0M State Library Building Forward grant and the County contributed $1.8M toward constructing the library.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
Over the last twelve months, city and county staff and legal counsel, with the assistance of the Harris & Associates Construction Manager, have developed the attached lease agreement. The major points of the lease agreement are:
1. The lease agreement has a 20-year initial term with the option of two additional, 10-year extensions
2. The County is providing all furniture, fixtures, books, and equipment AGENDA
ITEM
15 3. The County will not pay rent during the initial 20-year term. This is the normal process; cities build a library for the County to staff and operate. City will have the right to charge rent, at not more than the fair market value of the premises after the expiration of the initial term.
4. The County will pay for all utilities (water, sewer, electricity, solid waste and internet) Exhibit C of the agreement titled “Summary of Services and Utilities” indicates which entity is responsible for each specific item. Exhibit D titled “Summary of Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities” lists the maintenance and repair responsibilities of the City and County.
The Lease Agreement will be presented for County approval at the December 9, 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting. Library staff plan to begin moving into the new library space on December 15, 2025. Staff is recommending City Council approval of the Lease in substantial form and content in the event any minor changes are recommended or made during the Supervisor’s meeting.
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: Constructing a Community Center will provide residents with a facility for a wide variety of public and private functions, recreation programs and other activities which will enhance the quality of life of Gonzales residents.
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.
Explain: See explanation above for the Mission.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes __X_ No NA
• Housing Yes __X_ No NA
• Recreation X Yes ___ No NA
• Environment X Yes ___ No NA
• Education X Yes ___ No NA
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Amend or modify staff’s recommendation.
BUDGET IMPACT
The County will pay for all utilities and other operational costs under the Lease Agreement. The County contributed $1.8M toward the construction of the new library space.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Approval of this lease agreement is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15332, Class 32 “In-fill Development” as the City Council adopted a Categorical Exemption to CEQA for the Community Center Complex project in May 2022. The Categorical Exemption was based on the project being deemed consistent with applicable city general plan designation, policies and zoning; it’s on a site less than five acres surrounded by urban uses; has no value as habitat for endangered species; and can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-81, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Lease Agreement with the County of Monterey for the new Gonzales Branch Library.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2025-81
2. Library Lease Agreement