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, DECEMBER 8, 2025
5:30 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]
CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.
Speakers shall have a limited time of two (2) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.
2. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to confer with its Attorney- significant potential exposure to litigation.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Certificate of Recognition - Davis Pisoni
4. Certificates of Recognition - Gonzales High School Cross Country *
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.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
5. 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.
6. Approve the Joint City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Authority - Regular Meeting November 17, 2025 Minutes
7. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072
8. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-84, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Recognizing Patrick Mathews, General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer for the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, for His Service to the Salinas Valley and the Residents of Gonzales
9. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-85, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County for Program Services to be Delivered at the New Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center
REGULAR AGENDA
10. Introduce, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-154, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Titled ‘California Building Codes’, and Adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Titled “California Building Codes” and Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes: ‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1), ‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), - with Exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’ (Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) - with Exceptions and all Appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code’, (Part 12), and Adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings’. a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Introduce, waive reading, read by title only Ordinance No. 2025-154
11. Public Hearing to Introduce, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-155, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, California, Amending Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts a) Staff Report
b) Public Hearing
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Introduce, waive reading, read by title only Ordinance No. 2025-155
12. Wastewater Treatment Facility Update Presentation
a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Receive presentation
*
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.
13. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-86, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring an Emergency Pursuant to Section 22050 of the Public Contract Code and Sections
3.16.050 and 3.16.085 of the Gonzales City Code Authorizing Emergency Work at the City Wastewater Treatment Facility in an Amount not to Exceed $1.5 Million Dollars a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Adopt Resolution No. 2025-86
14. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-87, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales to Allow the City Manager to Execute Contracts with Waste Haulers to Remove and Transport Effluent from the Gonzales Wastewater Treatment Facility, Ratifying Prior Hauling Expenditures, and Establishing a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $300,000 for Such Services
a) Staff Report
b) Public Comment
c) Council Discussion
d) Council Action
Staff Recommended Action-Adopt Resolution No. 2025-87
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
15. Oral Communications
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
16. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. Transportation Agency for Monterey County
b. Mayor Selection Committee
c. Salinas Valley Recycles
d. Measure K Oversight Committee
17. Oral Communications
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
18. Oral Communications
CLOSED SESSION
Any member of the public may address the Council on a closed session item appearing on the agenda.
Speakers shall have a limited time of two (2) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.
19. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (Evaluation- City Manager).
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 Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5:00p.m.
12/05/25
Mary Villegas Date
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL, SUCESSOR AGENCY, AND
GONZALES PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jose L. Rios.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The flag salute was recited by all present.
1. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Jose L. Rios Mayor/Chair Present
Liz Silva Mayor Pro Tem/Chair Pro Tem Present
Scott Funk Council/Agency Member Present
Lorraine Worthy Council/Agency Member Present
Maria Orozco Council/Agency Member Present
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney 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, Administrative Assistant II Yoanna Meza, Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick Dobbins, Fire Chief Jason Muscio, and Police Chief Wise.
* Successor Agency Item
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Nov 17, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) AGENDA
ITEM
6
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. Consider Approval of, and Present, Resolution No. 2025-82, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales In Honor and Recognition of Public Works Director/City Engineer Patrick M.
Dobbins for His Dedicated Service to the City and Residents of Gonzales RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco Development Services Technician Ponce read Resolution No. 2025-82 and Mayor Rios presented it to Public Works Director Dobbins.
Public Works Director Dobbins said it was terrific working for the City of Gonzales where he enjoyed it as the contracted City Engineer and then as the Public Works Director. He said it was a great teamwork with Public Works staff, community and consultants on very important projects such as water, sewer, roads, buildings, parks, etc. He said he enjoyed his time here but it was time to start another endeavor and he thanked the City for the resolution.
3. PG&E Presentation by Central Coast Government Affairs Representative Jazmine Venegas Jazmine Venegas, PG&E Local Government Relations Representative, and PG&E Distribution Engineering Department Representative Adrianne Thoroddsson-Weathers, provided an update on the electric capacity and reconductoring project along Highway 101, as well as capacity improvements.
There was discussion on the timeline, permits, and projects and issues coming up, and Ms.
Venegas said PG&E welcomed the responsibility and will continue advocating and pushing internally to meet the demands, as well as continue working with and updating the City Manager.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
4. 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 Sr., 112 Tenth Street, elaborated on an incident that occurred two years ago where he was arrested for filming his attack by an officer and they have now lawyered up. He showed Packet Pg. 5
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Nov 17, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
pictures of his arms, and felt the officer should be charged with a felony, fired and arrested, and the charges dropped.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Approve the Joint City Council and Successor Agency - Regular Meeting – November 3, 2025 Minutes
6. Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52930-52992
7. City Manager’s Report
8. Community Development Department Activity Report
9. Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report
10. Fire Department Activity Report
11. Police Department Activity Report
12. Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
13. Accept the 2025 Annual Public Financing Authority Report
14. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-80, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Accepting the 2025 Slurry Seal Contract as Complete, Authorizing Staff to File a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder and Direct Staff to Release Retention Monies to the Contractor After the Notice of Completion is Recorded
15. Consider Approval of 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
16. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2025-83, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the City Manager to sign a Consultant Services Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Puente Del Monte Specific Plan
Mayor Pro Tem Silva pulled Items 6 and 12 for clarification. She asked about Warrant #52984 to the SPCA for $6,370. She compared the activity report from October as to the numbers transported by the City to the SPCA and asked why it was so high and if it included animals that were not transported by the City. She felt it was too bad we couldn’t go back to some of the people to recover something just like we do with first responders.
Police Chief Wise went over the bill from September and the number of animals, locations and cost per animal. He said he would have to look back at that report but according to the SPCA’s bill he had in front of him, that was exactly what occurred. He explained what the department did and what the cost per animal was.
City Manager Gil added that other animals out in the County were also added to Gonzales if they were within a certain vicinity. She informed of a discussion among the City Managers Group as well as the Mayors Group about talking to the SPCA regarding the constant cost increases. She also said there has been talks with the County about them opening a shelter in South County because of the transportation issue, but unfortunately at this point, there was nothing we could do.
Council Member Worthy asked about the warrant for $4,500 for the parcel tax and asked for an update.
City Manager Gil responded that the City was doing a lot of education as to where our department stands for the parcel tax, and the consultant is having conversations with staff as well as doing research and helping us bring a potential tax, and the Council would consider this early next year.
In regards to Item 12, page 30, Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked for a status on the streets.
*
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Nov 17, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
Public Works Director Dobbins responded staff received three alternatives for improvements on Fifth Street from the west side of 101 through the Rincon intersection, but he would follow up with her with an update.
In regards to Item 12, part 5 regarding the Fifth Street Truck Ban, Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked for a status since she continued to see semis up and down Fifth Street during the day.
Public Works Director Dobbins addressed the bid opening, extra funding from TAMC, contract execution, Caltrans encroachment permit, contractor submittals and installation of the signs and posts the first couple of weeks of December.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked, under Item 12, if GIS could possibly assist us with mapping the aging sewer lines in town.
Public Works Director Dobbins responded that was staff’s priority, as well as doing a condition assessment of the sewer manholes which went into the contract with Don Chapin to rehab the two manholes on Fifth Street.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] Items 5-16
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Lorraine Worthy, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
REGULAR AGENDA
17. Public Hearing to Adopt, Waive Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 2025-153, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Updating Chapter 10.16 Sewer Use of the Gonzales Municipal Code
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing at 6:43pm.
Public Hearing: No comments came forward.
Mayor Rios closed the public hearing at 6:43pm
Council Discussion: None.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
18. Updated Sewer Capital Improvement Program
Staff Report: Public Works Director Dobbins presented the staff report.
Megan Panofsky, MNS Engineers Construction Manager, provided an update via powerpoint presentation which included the 21-inch Trunk Main Rehabilitation, Fifth Street Manhole Rehabilitations and Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Projects; and sewer enterprise fund cash flow projection.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Nov 17, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
Public Comment: There was none.
Council Discussion: City Manager Gil explained the constant percolation and levee issues changing day by day causing overflow and draining issues of the ponds, the need to monitor, repair levees, and figuring out how to maintain the water where it needs to stay, and the challenges staff faces on a daily basis. She also shared they had to start trucking water to Soledad.
Finance Director Howard addressed the Council’s questions regarding the moving of the funds, yearly capital amounts, replacing some of the projects, budget amendments for future projects, and rate study.
City Manager Gil added that staff would be coming back in the near future with some of the urgent projects to approve the contracts to move forward with the work.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco, Council Member
SECONDER: Scott Funk, Council Member
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
19. Oral Communications
Youth Commissioners Rodriguez and Anderson reported on the community projects meeting, next meeting on November 21st, football season final game, food drive hosted by the High School ASB, FFA Banquet on November 19th, and Thanksgiving Break next week.
BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
20. City Council Board/Committee Reports
a. League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division
No report.
b. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
Council Member Funk reported on the draft EIR and MTPS being out for public review, and the workshops that would be held in January and February throughout the region. c. Monterey Salinas Transit
Council Member Worthy handed out the highlights from the last meeting and elaborated on the discussion about transit first policy template to encourage all the Cities to bring MST and transportation into their plans. She announced the next meeting on December 8th.
21. Oral Communications
Council Member Worthy announced the pantry on Friday from 8:30am-10:00am at the Community Church and one more in December. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva thanked the City for the Hometown Heroes event and picking up the signs due to the storm. She asked if she could get a form for next year now that she could start giving them out to interested people since she was not going to remember next year. She announced the Cross Country Team won their division championship for the PCAL Santa Lucia League, the Seniors Luncheon this Thursday at the Parish Hall at 11:00am. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Nov 17, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA)
Council Member Funk thanked Public Works Director Dobbins for his years of dedication to the City as the Engineer and Public Works Director.
Council Member Orozco thanked Public Works Director Dobbins as well for his many years of service to the City and wished him the best as he moved on. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Rios shared a concern about the community center parking lot and hoped it didn’t become excess parking for the apartments on Fifth Street. He thanked staff for the Veteran’s Day event. He told Public Works Director Dobbins it had been a pleasure working with him and hoped he wasn’t too challenging for him but any comments that were made from the dais was really from the heart for our community, and to enjoy his retirement.
BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
22. Oral Communications
City Manager Gil announced the Holiday Lights Event on December 6th at 4:30pm, Community Center tours, and Community Action Grants applications deadline on November 21st. She mentioned she received a phone call thanking our Fire Department for their quick action and going above and beyond to a fire they responded to on Thursday night. She mentioned the gentleman was very thankful and happy with the services that our Fire Department provided.
Police Chief Wise announced the Basketball Tournament event hosted by the Police Department tomorrow starting at 5:30pm to raise funds for the Fairview School Uniforms, and the Coffee with a Cop on November 24th at 8:00am at Amor de Café.
Community Development Director Kinison Brown reported on the Anytime Fitness gym that would be moving into the vacated library spot.
Council Member Worthy announced that La Gloria School Kindergarten Teacher Jessica Cleary lost her fight with breast cancer and passed away a couple of weeks ago. She asked for a moment of silence in her memory.
A moment of silence was observed by all present.
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Funk, Council Member
SECONDER: Liz Silva, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Jose L. Rios, Liz Silva, Scott Funk, Lorraine Worthy, Maria Orozco The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Nov 17, 2025 6:00 PM (CONSENT AGENDA) AGENDA
ITEM
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Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) 7 Packet Pg. 11
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 12
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 13
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 14
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 15
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 16
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 17
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) Packet Pg. 18
Attachment: Warrants #52995-53072 (3424 : Approve City Accounts Payable Warrants #52995-53072) AGENDA
ITEM
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-84
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES
RECOGNIZING PATRICK MATHEWS, GENERAL MANAGER AND CHIEF
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR THE SALINAS VALLEY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY,
FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE SALINAS VALLEY AND THE RESIDENTS OF GONZALES WHEREAS, Patrick Mathews began his tenure with the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (Authority) in 2008 after a long and distinguished career in local government; and WHEREAS, during Mr. Mathews’ tenure, he was instrumental in leading the agency through a period of significant transformation and fiscal stability; and WHEREAS, under his leadership, the Authority eliminated longstanding budget deficits through prudent financial and operational practices; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mathews led the Authority during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintain uninterrupted operations without labor disruptions or fiscal setbacks; and WHEREAS, Mr. Mathews led the advancement of multiple programs and projects towards the goal of 75% diversion from landfills, while overseeing the takeover of the Johnson Canyon Landfill and Jolon Road Transfer Station; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mathews guided the creation of the Education Center at Johnson Canyon Landfill, expanding the organization’s community outreach and environmental education efforts; and WHEREAS, his tenacity and drive to consistently pursue innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, have enhanced the organization and its service to the Salinas Valley; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mathews’ influence extends beyond the Salinas Valley as he is an active member of the Solid Waste Association of Northern America, Gold Rush Chapter; the Special District Manager Group; the California Bioenergy Council, and a graduate of the Leadership Salinas Valley Program.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Gonzales takes great pride and pleasure in drawing special attention to the accomplishments of Mr. Patrick Mathews and through this resolution, does hereby honor, commend and recognize Mr. Mathews for his exemplary service to the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority and the residents of Gonzales, and wishes him well as he goes on to enjoy his retirement.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting held on the 8
th day of December, 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
Packet Pg. 19
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-84 (3423 : Resolution No. 2025-84 Recognizing Patrick Mathews) 8 City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 8, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-85 Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County for Program Services at the New Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 2025-85, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County for Program Services to be Delivered at the New Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center.
BACKGROUND
With the new Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex opening this January, the City must find cost-effective ways to provide adequate programing. While some of our current youth programming will be made available at the new space, there is more support needed to ensure robust daily programming at the site. Additionally, staff is working with organizations like UC Santa Cruz, Cal State Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Olinga, and the Science Workshop among others, to bring in free and low-cost programming. However, it is in the best interest of the City and the Center that we start off with a well-structured presence while we get the Center going. The Boys and Girls Club wishes to bring in their programs to the community and has offered to commence robust programs for teenagers three times a week through a pilot program for five months. After the five-month trial, the City can assess whether we would like to continue utilizing their services or if we have enough programming to discontinue their services.
This additional support is also necessary as staffing continues to be very lean. As we develop the Center we are also trying to identify the capacities needed to offer the programming the youth in the community AGENDA
ITEM
9 Packet Pg. 20
are seeking and assessing whether we can internally offer some of those programs or if we have to look externally for the expertise.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
Without this additional support from a trusted partner who has experience in this field and with this particular age group we would have to reinvent the wheel and hire full-time staff to build curriculum, recruit student participants and implement the programming. The total cost of doing this on our own would be greater than what the BGCMC is proposing since we would have to start from scratch and bring in additional capacities as one person would not be able to do it all.
The programs that will be provided on a weekly basis will include College and Career Readiness, which include interactive sessions that prepare teens for life after high school; Social Emotional Learning, which consists of age-appropriate programs delivered sequentially in age-based cohorts; Healthy Lifestyles will include wellness aspects to educate youth in areas of healthy habits, proper nutrition and physical fitness; and Case Management, which supports goal setting and academic monitoring. Program activities will be delivered as follows:
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Mission
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: This Agreement supports the City’s mission and vision as it builds on the efforts to bring in a Community Center to the City where we can help youth explore career development opportunities and give them the tools to innovate. It helps ensure that we have the right programs in place and that we are not starting from scratch, which would be more costly for the City.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Vision The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, Packet Pg. 21
commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes _____No _____ NA
Explain: See above for explanation.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
ALTERNATIVES
A. The Council can choose not to approve this Agreement, which would make it harder for staff to figure out how to program the entire center with already limited capacity.
B. The Council can direct staff to look at other potential partners, which staff has explored and is continuing to do so.
BUDGET IMPACT
The cost of having the Boys and Girls Club come in and help us run the Center three times a week was negotiated down to $50,000 for five months. This would be paid for by funds generated for the Community Center through Measure X and potentially another $50,000 grant that is pending.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 2025-85, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County for Program Services to be Delivered at the New Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2025-85
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-85
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES
APPROVING AN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE BOYS AND
GIRLS CLUB OF MONTEREY COUNTY FOR PROGRAM SERVICES TO BE
DELIVERED AT THE NEW TAYLOR FAMRS TEEN INNOVATION CENTER WHEREAS, the Boys and Girls Club of America was initiated in 1860 by four women in Hartford Connecticut believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative; and
WHEREAS, in 1990 it was recognized that girls were also part of the cause, and thus the name was changed to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
WHEREAS, today, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Montrey County (BGCMC) have been operating for over sixty years and have become a staple in the communities in which they reside; offering enrichment after-school programs and summer programs for youth ages 6-18 that include sports leagues, STEM labs and camps that provide exciting ways for kids to learn and grow; and WHEREAS, the BGCMC has been providing a variety of program options in the City of Gonzales over the years, primarily through the schools, however, they have been waiting patiently to establish a more permanent presence for a long time; and WHEREAS, the BGCMC was part of the initial conversation over a decade ago regarding potential programming at a future youth center in Gonzales and today that vision is becoming a reality; and
WHEREAS, through the Approval of this MOU the BGCMC will be able to provide a variety of services for approximately 100 youth at the brand-new Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center for a total not to exceed $50,000.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Gonzales hereby Approves the MOU between the City and the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County, attached as Exhibit A.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting held on the 8th day of December, 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. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen 1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN The City of Gonzales, AND Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU" or "Agreement") is made this ______ day of ____________, 202___ ("Effective Date") by and between the City of Gonzales, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) a nonprofit organization, collectively referred to as "Parties”. The intent of this contractual agreement is to clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of the partnership.
PURPOSE
Together, the Parties enter into this Memorandum of Understanding for the purpose of BGCMC implementing Youth Development Programming at The Teen Innovation Center located in the Gonzales Community Center at 320 Fifth St., Gonzales, CA 93926 and other designated facilities upon agreement. BGCMC’s staff will provide youth development programming that empowers young people to make healthy and informed choices about their future.
RECITALS
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and conditions of this Agreement, including the recitals hereof, which are incorporated herein by this reference, the City of Gonzales and Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC), agree as follows:
A. BGCMC will provide programming 3 days a week for up to 100 youth (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) January 6 to May 29, 2026 from 1pm to 6pm.
Agreements and Outcomes: BGCMC will provide orientations introducing the program offered. BGCMC will ensure all BGCMC staff assigned to this project complete background screenings necessary for ensuring the safety of youth, adhere to the City of Gonzales policies and procedures and provide copies of all parental releases and youth participation. BGCMC agrees to follow all partner requirements for organizational liability insurance, and invoicing arrangements.
B. The fee for the 5-month program duration is $50,000.
C. For services rendered, BGCMC will invoice the City of Gonzales monthly for the amount of $10,000 each month, providing date of service, and brief description of service.
D. The City of Gonzales is responsible for the care and maintenance, providing furniture and technology equipment in the facility and having a city staff to oversee the facility. There is no facility usage fee assessed to BGCMC.
EXHIBIT A
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen 2 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and conditions of this Agreement, including the recitals hereof, which are incorporated herein by this reference, the City of Gonzales and the BGCMC, agree as follows:
1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct.
2. Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from January 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026,unless earlier terminated as provided herein or extended by written agreement signed by the Parties.
3. Termination: Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon not less than thirty (30) days written notice to the other party, with or without cause. Such termination automatically shall take effect on the 31st day following such notice, or on such later date as specified in the notice or as the Parties may agree in writing. Such written notice shall be sufficient to stop further performance of services by BGCMC.
4. Independent Contractor: Employment Status. While engaged in carrying out the terms and conditions of this Agreement, BGCMC is an independent contractor, and not an officer, employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer of the City of Gonzales. All BGCMC employees providing any services under this Agreement, are solely the employees of BGCMC and shall have no right to employment or benefits of any kind from the City of Gonzales. BGCMC assumes full responsibility for payment of all federal, state, and local taxes or contributions, unemployment insurance, workers compensation and social security with regard to employees providing services under this Agreement. BGCMC shall have sole responsibility for employment, management, dismissal and discipline of its employees providing services under this Agreement.
5. Reporting, Fingerprinting, and Authorization of Personnel. BGCMC shall ensure that its employees, contractors and subcontractors employed or volunteering to provide services to City of Gonzales students under this Agreement have complied with the fingerprinting and criminal background investigation requirements set forth in Education Code sections 45125.1 and 45125.2. Upon execution of this Agreement, BGCMC shall provide the City of Gonzales with a list of all employees, contractors, subcontractors, or volunteers providing services at each site with a program. Additionally, BGCMC will provide ongoing documentation of engagement of a new employee, contractor, subcontractor or volunteer. Included in such documentation shall be assurance from BGCMC that it is not aware of any criminal conviction or propensity making the employee, contractor, subcontractor, or volunteer unsuitable for contact with youth.
6. Indemnity, Insurance, and Defense. Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) shall maintain in full force throughout the term of the agreement, at its own expense, a policy of comprehensive liability insurance, which will ensure the Packet Pg. 25
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen 3 City of Gonzales its elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and contractors, and BGCMC against liability for injury or death of persons and damage to City of Gonzales facilities, arising from BGCMC programming and activities and use of classrooms or other City of Gonzales facilities under this Agreement. The policy shall include liability insurance coverage for molestation, physical/mental abuse, and child abuse. ($1 million and $3 million aggregate.) The policy shall include coverage limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for any one person injured or killed and not less than $1,000,000 for property damage and shall be maintained on a per occurrence basis. Prior to the commencement of any BGCMC programming or activities under this Agreement, BGCMC shall provide the City of Gonzales with a certificate of insurance, naming the City of Gonzales, its elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and contractors as additional insureds, and including a statement that the policy shall not be reduced or canceled without thirty (30) business days written notice to the City of Gonzales and BGCMC. Any altered or terminated insurance policy shall be replaced with an insurance policy meeting the requirements of this section so that the terms of the replacement policy become effective no later than the termination or alteration of the prior policy. BGCMC shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Gonzales, its elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and contractors from and against any and all claims demands, causes of action, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature arising from BGCMC’s intentional, negligent or willful act or omission related to this Agreement or use of classrooms or other City of Gonzales facilities pursuant to this Agreement. This section shall survive termination of the Agreement.
7. Assignment: BGCMC shall not assign or transfer any of its obligations, rights, or duties under this Agreement. Any such purported assignment or transfer shall be void, and shall constitute a breach of this Agreement.
8. Notices: All notices, certificates, or other communications hereunder shall be deemed given when personally delivered or mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Parties at the addresses set forth below:
City of Gonzales:
PO Box 647
147 Fourth St. Gonzales, CA 93926
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County:
1332 La Salle Ave., Seaside, CA 93955
9. Change of Address for Notices: The Parties may change their addresses for this Agreement by giving written notice of such change in the manner prescribed above to the other Party to this Agreement.
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen 4 10.Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and no prior agreement, statement, promise, or representation made by any Party, employee, officer, or agent which is not contained herein shall be binding or valid.
11.Severability: If any provision or any part of this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid and/or unenforceable or contrary to public policy, law, statute, or ordinance by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable.
12.Governing Law/Venue: This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of California applicable to instruments, persons, transactions and subject matter which have legal contacts and relationships exclusively within the State of California. Any action or proceeding seeking any relief under or with respect to this Agreement shall be brought solely in the Superior Court of the State of California for Monterey County, subject to any transfer of venue as required by law.
13.Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement cannot be changed or supplemented orally and may be modified or superseded only by a written instrument executed by duly authorized representatives of each of the Parties.
14.Execution in Counterpart. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts such that the signatures may appear on separate signature pages. A copy, or an original, with all signatures appended together, shall be deemed a fully executed Agreement. Signatures transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed original signatures.
15.Headings and Captions. The captions and headings appearing in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience and ready reference. They do not purport to and shall not be deemed to define, limit, or extend the scope or intent of the clauses to which they pertain.
16.Binding Effect. This Agreement is for the benefit of and shall be binding on all parties and their successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, predecessors, partnerships, employees, attorneys, insurers, sureties, agents, representatives, directors, officers, receivers, trustees, and/or stockholders.
17.Authorized Signature. Each of the persons signing this Agreement represents and warrants that such person has been duly authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Party indicated, and each of the Parties by signing this Agreement warrants and represents that such Party is legally authorized and entitled to enter into this Agreement.
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen 5 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first herein written.
Signature and Title
_________________________________________________Date_________________ Ron Johnson, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Signature and Title
_________________________________________________Date_________________ Caren Gil, City Manager, City of Gonzales
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen BGCMC & City of Gonzales Program Proposal
For Teen Services at the Teen Innovation Center in Gonzales Effective Dates: January-May 2026
Executive Summary: To meet the needs of youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) offers after-school support programs that empower young people to make healthy and informed choices about their future. Our commitment to keeping young people safe is our number one priority.
BGCMC will provide facilitation and supervision for enrichment programs for teens in the Gonzales community.
Proposed Services:
College & Career Readiness
Offered once a week. Interactive sessions that prepare teens for life after high school through career exploration, resume building, interview preparation, financial aid guidance, and connections with local industry professionals.
Social Emotional Learning
Offered once a week. Age-appropriate programs delivered sequentially in age-based cohorts, supporting youth in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships to navigate life’s ups and downs with resiliency.
Healthy Lifestyles
Offered 3 days per week. Recreation and wellness programs educate youth in the areas of healthy habits, proper nutrition, and physical fitness.
Case Management (Goal setting, academic mentoring)
Monthly: Individualized support provides one-on-one mentoring, academic monitoring, and goal setting to help each student stay on track and achieve educational and personal goals.
Program Schedule
Time Monday Wednesday Thursday
Fairview Middle School out at 3:00 pm
Gonzales High School out at 3:30 pm
FMS out 1:36 pm
GHS out 2:00 pm
2 pm-3 pm
BGCMC staff room set-up,
preparation for programs &
activities
BGCMC staff room set-up,
preparation for programs &
activities
1:30 pm-2:30 pm
Homework Assistance
2:30 pm-3:00 pm Snack
3 pm-4 pm Homework Assistance Homework Assistance SMART Girls HS SMART Guys HS
Study Habits Workshop
3:30 pm- 4 pm Snack (6th-8th)
4 pm-5 pm
SMART Girls 6th-8th
SMART Guys 6th-8th
College Workshop (9th-12th)
Career Workshop (all) Station Options:
Flex space
Inside Rec.
Outside Rec.
Yoga & Mindfulness
Case Management
5 pm-6 pm
Station Options:
Arts or Crafts
Inside Rec.
Outside Rec.
Case Management
Station Options:
Arts or Crafts
Book Club
Outside Rec.
Case Management
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen Programs Offered
Career & College
Offerings
General Education
Academics
Social Emotional
Learning (SEL)
Healthy Lifestyles
Guest Speakers & Panels
(Virtual & In Person)
Money Management SMART Girls
(Skills Mastery And
Resistance Training)
Healthy Habits
Vocational Research &
Exploration
Knowing your A-Gs SMART Guys Physical Fitness Goals
Career Research &
Exploration
Book Club SMART Moves: Core Yoga & mindfulness
Work-based Learning
curriculum - Career Launch
Study Habits: Strategies,
improvements,
organization
SMART Moves:
Emotional Wellness
Inside Recreation
Cover Letter & Resume
Writing
Writing & Comprehension:
academic & personal
Arts Physical Activity
(outdoors)
College Tours Human Centered
Workshops
Crafts Family Nights
Financial Assistance
Workshops
Cultural Appreciation Journaling Teen Nights
Scholarships Workshops Digital Citizenship Field Trips Field Trips BGCMC respectfully requests $50,000.00 to provide three days a week of programming for 20 weeks for youth in grades 6th-12th for up to 100 youth. 20 Week Program & Cost
Day & Time
(3 Days wk / 20 Weeks)
Location Programs 6th-12th
grades
Cost
-Mondays 2p-6p
-Wednesdays 2p-6p
-Thursdays 1p-6p
Teen
Innovation
Center
-Weekly College & Career
Readiness Workshops
-Weekly (age-based) Social
Emotional Learning Programs
-Monthly Case Management
(One-on-One meetings)
-Ongoing Healthy Lifestyles
Ratio 1 staff to
20 youth, up to 4
staff
(Up to 100
youth)
$50,000
Agreements & Outcomes: BGCMC agrees to follow all partner requirements for instructor screening, organizational liability insurance, and invoicing arrangements. BGCMC requests data sharing where applicable for participants’ attendance, class rosters, and demographics. Flexible-use rooms for program facilitation, multipurpose gathering areas, storage space, and office space. We will seek participant feedback on program content, delivery, and outcomes for continuous improvement For questions regarding this proposal, please contact Sr. Impact Director Marlene Trotter-Murray at 831-394-5171 ext. 220 or [email protected].
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Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-85 (3425 : Resolution No. 2025-85 MOU with Boys & Girls Club for Services at the Taylor Farms Teen City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 8, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-154 Repealing Chapter 11.04 and Adopting New Chapter 11.04 - Building Codes
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce, wave reading and read by title only Ordinance No. 2025-154, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Titled ‘California Building Codes’, and adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Titled “California Building Codes” and adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes: ‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1),‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), -with exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’(Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) – with exceptions and all appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code, (Part 12), and adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings’.
BACKGROUND
The California Building Standards, comprised of codes regulating building, fire, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical conditions, are updated and revised every three years by the State of California. In January 2025, the State adopted the 2025 edition of the California Building Standard Codes (CBSC). The codes were then published on July 1, 2025, and will become effective January 1, 2026, at which time all local AGENDA
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jurisdictions are mandated to begin enforcement of these new codes and standards, regardless of action by the City Council.
The City’s contract Building Official has been monitoring the State adoption of these codes and is recommending several amendments to these building standards as identified in the attached ordinance.
The majority of these amendments are being carried forward from the current Gonzales Building Code or are being implemented to be consistent across jurisdictions in Monterey County, through meetings with the local chapter of the International Code Council (ICC) and fire districts throughout the County.
This is the first reading by title and introduction of the ordinance.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The new codes contain twelve (12) parts that incorporate the latest national standards in the International Building, Residential, and Fire Codes, National Electrical Code, and the Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes. The new CBSC gives high priority to maintaining elevated levels of fire and emergency safety standards throughout the state. Access for persons with disabilities remains a high priority in California, and the standards include federal Department of Justice certification requirements, which ensure compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, the standards incorporate the latest seismic safety standards ensuring that buildings will be designed and constructed utilizing the latest technology to reduce loss in the event of an earthquake.
Key elements of the new codes include California’s ongoing commitment to being a leader in energy efficiency. Among these changes include the ability to construct homes and business that are solely electric if equipped with a solar photovoltaic system. Other changes include making heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) systems more energy efficient, and new requirements for non-residential buildings and battery energy storage system ready for new residential construction.
A new Part 7 California Wildland-Urban Interface code was created by relocating chapters, sections and language from other parts of Title 24.
In accordance with state law, local jurisdictions, through amendments, incorporate additional regulations that can address special circumstances in the community, based on geographical, topographical, environmental or climatic conditions, provided those changes and modifications are not less-restrictive than the State Codes. Amendments to the new CBSC must be adopted by the local jurisdiction and submitted to the State Building Standards Commission prior to enactment. Accordingly, the City’s Building Official, upon evaluation of both the new CBSC, State Law and building code amendments currently in effect, is proposing several local administrative amendments to the CBSC. All of the amendments are supported by findings identified in the first part of the proposed ordinance.
The California Fire Code has been incorporated into the attached ordinance and is the source of the majority of proposed amendments. The City’s Fire Chief is recommending several local amendments to the model California Fire Code in order to maintain the high level of fire protection the City currently provides, including continuing the requirement for fire sprinklers in new commercial and residential occupancies. Again, these amendments are being carried forward from the existing Gonzales Building Code or are being implemented to be consistent across jurisdictions in Monterey County.
Environmental Review. Adoption of the proposed ordinance is exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) General Rule as there is no possibility that the proposed action would have a significant effect on the environment.
ALTERNATIVES
• Propose alternative language.
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• Continue the item and provide direction to staff.
BUDGET IMPACT
$2000 for purchase of the 2025 California Code Books once adopted by the City (Fund 1400).
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce, wave reading and read by title only Ordinance No. 2025-154, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Repealing Chapter 11.04 of the Gonzales City Code Titled ‘California Building Codes’, and adopting a New Chapter 11.04 Titled “California Building Codes” and adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes: ‘California Administrative Code’ (Part 1),‘California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Part 2), -with exceptions, and Appendix Chapters H, I and J, ‘California Residential Code’(Part 2.5) - Appendix Chapters BF and CI’, ‘California Electrical Code’ (Part 3), ‘California Mechanical Code’ (Part 4), ‘California Plumbing Code’ (Part 5), ‘California Energy Code’ (Part 6), ‘California Wildland-Urban Interface Code’ (Part 7), ‘California Historical Building Code’ (Part 8), ‘California Fire Code (Part 9) – with exceptions and all appendix Chapters’, ‘California Existing Building Code’ (Part 10), ‘California Green Building Standards Code’ (Part 11), ‘California Referenced Standards Code, (Part 12), and adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the ‘1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings’.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2025-154
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-154 (3421 : Ordinance No. 2025-154 (Introduction) Chapter 11.04 Buidling Codes) City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 8, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-155 Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
• Open the public hearing;
• Close the public hearing; and
• Staff recommends that the City Council introduce, wave reading and read by title only Ordinance No. 2025-155, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, California, Amending Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts And Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts.
BACKGROUND
In an effort to incentivize investment in the City’s industrial park and potentially find new interest in smaller long-vacant, under-utilized industrial properties, staff has volunteered several new uses and more streamlined permitting processes for the district.
The City has currently no zoned and available land areas to accept ministorage and RV recreational vehicle storage. Code Enforcement has been problematic as our citizens have no local options to store their RVs and meet their personal storage needs.
Staff has reviewed Table 1 of Section 12.56 Summary Of Zoning Districts And Permitted Uses to see where particular additions and enhancements could be made within the Industrial District, where there are vacant and available properties to effect positive change for the City’s residential neighborhoods, as well AGENDA
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as other additions and streamlined processes to effect increased investment and economic return in the Industrial District.
Public notice was provided in the local Salinas Valley Tribune, appearing on October 29, 2025, 20 days before action of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission on Monday November 24, 2025, recommended 5-0 that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance. Notice for the City Council consideration was published Wednesday November 26, 2025.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The City has on occasion, had the opportunity to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the City and district users. There are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District and simplifying the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, such as allowing:
• 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.
• Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrialcommercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand that can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district.
Staff has informally approached community members on occasion to determine public interest in allowing Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage in underutilized and vacant industrial areas and has found great interest. The Planning Commission on November 24, 2025, overwhelmingly showed their support for incentivizing these Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses in the industrial district.
Staff has clarified the particular Retail Uses to be (P) permitted in the Industrial District to enhance services for workers, adjacent neighborhoods and provide utility to the citizens of Gonzales, as follows:
• “Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials, industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as determined by the Community Development Director.” Staff has clarified Retail here in this manner to avoid an inappropriate retail use in the Industrial District, such as a dress shop, children’s clothing, or other general-sales type uses that are not of a heavier rugged nature. The retail de cribbed here would potentially be inappropriate in or adjacent to residential areas.
To facilitate access to urgent care or occupational health services within proximity to industrial operations, Medical services will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” from the Community Development Director.
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To strengthen existing and proposed business operations by deterring vandalism and theft, Caretaker or live/work dwelling units will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” from the Community Development Director.
Specific amendments are therefore proposed for the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. The following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) Another way to view the suggested amendments to Table 1 of Chapter 12.56 would look like the summarized table below:
TABLE 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Residential Uses
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or
detached
C P
Services
Ministorage C, P
Medical P C P P C, P P
Industrial Uses
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general
sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials,
industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community Development Director.
P
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Recreational vehicle and equipment storage yard C P
The newly proposed permitted “P” uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses.
Following a second reading and adoption of the ordinance, the new zoning provisions will be in-force 30 days later.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In support of the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.) (SCH#20091211017) was completed and released on August 2, 2010, for public review of 45 days. On December 3, 2010, Vol. 3 of the Final EIR and the City’s responses to comments was made available to each public agency, group and individual that submitted comments to the Draft EIR. On Packet Pg. 69
January 18, 2011, the City Council determined that the Final EIR reflected the City’s independent judgement and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the 2010 General Plan.
Despite its 15-year age, the underlying goals and objectives regarding growth, land use patterns, and quality of life, remain valid in the City of Gonzales General Plan and the supporting EIR. The General Plan continues to prioritized preserving small-town character and enhancing economic opportunity and investment. As the community still holds these values and there has been no major community disruption, major growth or decline in this timeframe, the General Plan EIR is still timely here in 2025.
An addendum to a previous EIR may be prepared if only minor changes or additions are necessary to make the prior document adequate for the current project and the changes involve no new significant impacts or impacts substantially greater than previously identified in the EIR.
In consideration of the present effort to amend Chapter 12.56, Table 1 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses, an Addendum to the 2010 City of Gonzales General Plan Environmental Impact Report has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164.
The CEQA Guidelines provide that an EIR addendum need not be circulated for public review but is attached to the EIR. The decision-making body considers the addendum together with the certified EIR when making a decision on the current project.
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15164, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council determine that the proposed amendments do not require a Subsequent or Supplemental EIR. The proposed changes:
1. Do not constitute substantial changes to the 2010 General Plan described in the original EIR that would involve new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects.
2. Do not involve new information of substantial importance that was not known at the time the previous EIR was certified, which would trigger further CEQA review.
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council determine the amended uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses and will not have a negative environmental effect.
FINDINGS
Section 1. Environmental Findings
A. The Lead Agency finds that the proposed zoning text amendments are within the scope of the previously certified EIR. No new significant impacts would result, and preparation of a subsequent EIR is not required. The Addendum shall be attached to the original EIR.
Section 2. Findings for Amendment of the Zoning Code.
B. The amendments to the zoning code are consistent with the general plan.
The City General Plan land use designation of Industrial/Manufacturing would be affected by these text amendments. The General Plan provides that:
“The primary purpose of this designation is to define those areas that are appropriate for heavy industrial and manufacturing uses, the location of which my create land use conflicts with Packet Pg. 70
residential uses and schools. The emphasis is on agricultural services, but other types of industry compatible with the policies in the General Plan are encouraged. The designation permits industrial parks, light manufacturing, warehousing, wineries, auto and farm equipment sales or repair establishments, feed stores, lumber yards, construction supply companies, and similar compatible uses. Compatible highway serving uses like gas stations, restaurants and motels and truck stops are permitted in this area.”
The proposed amendments and streamlining provisions are consistent with the Industrial / Manufacturing General Plan land use designation.
C. The proposed zoning and/or amendment will be beneficial to and not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.
1. 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.
2. Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
3. Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and
4. Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
Allowing the additional uses of recreational vehicle and equipment storage yards, ministorage, industrial serving and neighborhood serving retail, emergency medical services, and caretaker live/work units (aka: 24-hour on-site security) in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to permit such uses more easily, will enhance public health, safety, and welfare.
ALTERNATIVES
Not adopting Ordinance No. 2025-155 would keep the City in its present impasse in finding sufficient available land areas for investor interest to provide mini storage and RV storage areas in the City, extending indefinitely the City’s difficulties and exacerbating our neighborhood visual and safety decline.
Some of the amended uses could be determined by the City Council to benefit from a full Conditional Use Permit requirement before the Planning Commission and could be more bureaucratic and procedural than a Site Plan Review Process. The Commission though, in their deliberation of the matter, were satisfied that sufficient standards and scrutiny would be applied to the new uses and that a public hearing before the Commission was determined not to be necessary.
BUDGET IMPACT
In the spirit of advancing Economic Development, the Community Development Director has absorbed the workload for writing the new ordinance, environmental review, staff reports and public notices around other daily activities as called upon. Should investors wish to invest and propose a development that can include RV Storage and Ministorage, among the other uses proposed, property tax values and revenues will increase for the re-developed property. Code enforcement and police activities attributed to onproperty abandoned vehicles and illegal parked vehicles in neighborhoods are hoped to decrease as well.
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
• Open the public hearing;
• Close the public hearing; and
• Staff recommends that the City Council introduce, wave reading and read by title only Ordinance No. 2025-155, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales, California, Amending Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts And Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts.
Attachments:
1. Public Notice
2. Ordinance No. 2025-155
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Packet Pg. 73
Attachment: Public Notice (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) ORDINANCE NO. 2025-155
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GONZALES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12.56 SUMMARY
OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND PERMITTED USES OF TITLE 12,
PART 3 ZONING DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, the California Constitution, authorizesthe City of Gonzales (“City”) in Article XI, Section 7 to make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district; and
WHEREAS, the City has on occasion, opportunity to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the City and district users; and WHEREAS, there are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District, and streamlining the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, such as:
• 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. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
WHEREAS, staff has approached community members on occasion to determine public interest in allowing Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage in underutilized and or vacant industrial areas, and has found great interest; and WHEREAS, staff has clarified the particular Retail Uses to be (P) permitted in the Industrial District to enhance services for workers, adjacent neighborhoods and provide utility to the citizens of Gonzales, as follows:
• “Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials, industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as determined by the Community Development Director;” and
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) WHEREAS, to facilitate access to urgent care or occupational health services within proximity to industrial operations, Medical services will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” by the Community Development Director; and
WHEREAS, to strengthen existing and proposed business operations by deterring vandalism and theft, Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or detached will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” by the Community Development Director; and WHEREAS, the City proposes to now add and streamline several permitted uses particular to the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) WHEREAS, the proposed new “P” principally permitted uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses; and WHEREAS, staff has prepared revisions to the City of Gonzales Code, Table 1 of Chapter
12.56 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses to principally allow Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage, Ministorage Uses, particular Retail Uses, Medical Services and Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, to complement the industrial uses allowed in the City’s Industrial District (See Attachment 3); and
WHEREAS, CEQA. In support of the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.) (SCH#20091211017) was completed and released on August 2, 2010, for public review of 45 days; and WHEREAS, CEQA, On December 3, 2010, Vol. 3 of the Final EIR and the City’s responses to comments was made available to each public agency, group and individual that submitted comments to the Draft EIR; and
WHEREAS, CEQA. On January 18, 2011, the City Council determined that the Final EIR reflected the City’s independent judgement and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the 2010 General Plan; and
WHEREAS, CEQA. In consideration of the present effort to amend Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses, an Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 and Vol. 3.) (SCH#20091211017) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164; and
WHEREAS, an addendum to a previous EIR may be prepared if only minor changes or additions are necessary to make the prior document adequate for the current project and the changes involve no new significant impacts or impacts substantially greater than previously identified in the EIR; and
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) WHEREAS, the CEQA Guidelines provide that an EIR addendum need not be circulated for public review but is attached to the EIR. The decision-making body considers the addendum together with the certified EIR when making a decision on the current project; and WHEREAS, on Monday, November 25, 2025, at a duly noticed public hearing the Planning Commission considered the addendum and the proposed revisions to the City of Gonzales Code, Table 1 of Chapter 12.56 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing on this Ordinance was given and published by the City of Gonzales in the manner required by law, and the public hearing on this Ordinance was held on _______ , 2025 before the City Council.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City Of Gonzales as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
SECTION 1. Findings for Amendment of the Zoning Code.
The City Council hereby makes the following findings concerning the amendments for the Zoning Code proposed by city staff and the Planning Commission to address public necessity, provide for the general convenience of the population and to improve the general welfare, pursuant to Gonzales City Code Section 12.44 - Amendments:
Finding 1. The amendments to the zoning code are consistent with the general plan.
The City General Plan designation for the subject zoning code text amendments is Industrial/Manufacturing. The General Plan provides that:
“The primary purpose of this designation is to define those areas that are appropriate for heavy industrial and manufacturing uses, the location of which my create land use conflicts with residential uses and schools. The emphasis is on agricultural services, but other types of industry compatible with the policies in the General Plan are encouraged. The designation permits industrial parks, light manufacturing, warehousing, wineries, auto and farm equipment sales or repair establishments, feed stores, lumber yards, construction supply companies, and similar compatible uses. Compatible highway serving uses like gas stations, restaurants and motels and truck stops are permitted in this area.” There are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to permit such uses more easily. • 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. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand that can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and Packet Pg. 76
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
The City Council finds that enabling these additional and streamlined permitted processes would provide for the general convenience of the population and improve the general welfare.
Finding 2. That the proposed zoning and/or amendment will be beneficial to and not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.
The proposed changes to Chapter 12.56 Table 1 below (summarized), will not be detrimental to the public health, welfare and safety. These changes will be inserted into the respective sections of Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code indicating the Permitted and Conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district (See full Table 1 in Attachment 3).
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MUCCI OS PF
Residential Uses
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units,
attached or detached
C P
Services
Ministorage C, P
Medical P C P P C, P P
Industrial Uses
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and
general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape
materials, industrial and agricultural
clothing and PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community
Development Director.
P
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Recreational Vehicle And Equipment
Storage Yard
C P
Further supporting the evidence presented above for Finding 1, allowing the additional uses of recreational vehicle and equipment storage yards, ministorage, industrial serving and neighborhood serving retail, emergency medical services, and caretaker live/work units (aka: 24-hour on-site security) in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, will provide for enhancement to the public health, safety, and welfare.
SECTION 2. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
The City Council has considered the Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. And Vol.3) (SCH#20091211017) and finds it to be timely, relevant, true and supportive of the minor zoning code enhancements for the particular allowed and permitted uses under consideration.
SECTION 3. The above recitals are all true and correct and are hereby adopted as findings.
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force after thirty (30) calendar days after its final passage and adoption. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after its adoption, the Ordinance, or a summary of the Ordinance, shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation.
This Ordinance was introduced and first read by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting on the 8
th of December, 2025, thereafter; adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 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: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) ATTACHMENT 1
City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. and Vol. 3) (SCH#20091211017).
• https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-1_0.pdf • https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-2_0.pdf • https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-3_0.pdf Packet Pg. 79
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) ATTACHMENT 2
October 2025 Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. And Vol. 3) (SCH#20091211017) Packet Pg. 80
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) CEQA Addendum for Zoning Text Amendments
To Uses in the Industrial District
Project Title: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.56 – Table 1 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts.
CEQA Addendum to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report, Certified January 2011 Lead Agency: City of Gonzales
Introduction
This document is an addendum to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report (2010 GP EIR) which was certified by the City of Gonzales in January 2011 by adoption of Resolution No.2011-01 (SCH#2009121017).
Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, this addendum analyzed the City’s proposal to add and streamline several permitted uses particular to the Industrial District to enhance the district’s utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) Industrial uses were analyzed in the 2010 GP EIR, and the City finds now that:
1. No substantial changes are proposed that involve new environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;
2. No substantial changes in circumstances are evident that involve new environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;
3. No new information has emerged that would materially change the analyses or conclusion set forth in the 2010 GP EIR:
a. The project will not have one or more significant effects not previously discussed; b. A significant effect previously examined will not be substantially more severe; c. Mitigation measures or alternatives found to not be feasible would not now, in fact, be feasible (not relevant); or
d. New mitigation measures or alternatives would substantially reduce one or more significant effects, and the project proponent has not declined to adopt the measure or alternative (not relevant).
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) As a result of these findings, the City of Gonzales, acting as lead agency, finds that the preparation of an Addendum to the 2010 GP EIR is the appropriate level of review under CEQA. This addendum will be used to support City Council approval of the several added and streamlined permitted uses particular to the Industrial District.
Description of the Proposed Zoning Text Changes / Project Description This Addendum addresses proposed amendments to the zoning regulations for the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P) by-right, with applicable site plan review:
• 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. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
These changes are intended to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the city and the district’s users.
Environmental Analysis Summary
The proposed zoning changes, particular to Industrial Land Use allowances, were evaluated for consistency with the previously certified EIR. The following findings are made:
Environmental Topic EIR Conclusion Addendum Finding
Land Use and Planning Less than Significant No new impact; consistent assumptions
Population and Housing Less than Significant Less than Significant, no new impact.
Agricultural Resources Significant and Unavoidable No new impact to agricultural resources; consistent assumptions
Aesthetics Less than Significant No new impact; consistent assumptions
Traffic/Transportation Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No change in trip generation
assumptions, no conflict with GP
mitigation measures
Air Quality Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No impact to Air Quality, no conflict
with GP mitigation measures
regarding exposure to toxic air
contaminants and strong odor.
GHG Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Significant and Unavoidable
2010 mitigation measures directing
the City to prepare a Climate Action
Plan, GHG Best Management
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) Environmental Topic EIR Conclusion Addendum Finding
Practices and Adoption of the Green
Building Code are in place, and the
documents have been prepared. The
provisions of the CAP, BMPs and
Green Building Code are in effect
city-wide. The project does not
contravene these measures.
Energy Conservation Less than Significant Less than Significant Noise Less than Significant No change to land use interface or noise sources
Hydrology and Water
Quality
Less than Significant Less than Significant
Utilities/Services Adequate Capacity No additional demand generated Public Services Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No change to land use intensity, nor
impact to public facilities.
Parks and Recreation Less than Significant Less than Significant Biological Resources Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No increased impact to riparian
resources, or protected wetlands.
Cultural Resources Less than Significant with
Mitigation
All City Projects, regardless of
zoning designation are subject to
protecting cultural resources. No
increased impact from the project.
Mineral Resources Less than Significant Less than Significant Geology and Soils Less than Significant Less than Significant Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Less than Significant with
Mitigation
The project will have a less than
significant effect on site specific
reviews of potential land use
conflicts involving the location of
new schools, and does not involve
development in areas of very high
wildfire potential east of Iverson
Road.
Health and Wellness
Less than Significant, as
determined through June 2018
Addendum to 2010 GP EIR
SCH#2009121017
No increased impact or contravene
of Health and Wellness policies or
programs.
Environmental Analysis
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15164, the Lead Agency has determined that the proposed amendments do not require a Subsequent or Supplemental EIR. The proposed changes:
1. Do not constitute substantial changes to the project (2010 General Plan) described in the original EIR that would involve new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects.
2. Do not involve new information of substantial importance that was not known at the time the previous EIR was certified that would trigger further CEQA review.
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) Justification:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions. • Medical services are low impact uses with limited traffic or infrastructure demand and serve a vital function in an industrial context.
• Retail uses that are generally small-scale and neighborhood/city-serving, and compatible with mixed industrial-commercial character, are unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
The proposed uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses.
Conclusion
Based on the above, the Lead Agency finds that the proposed zoning text amendments are within the scope of the previously certified EIR. No new significant impacts would result, and preparation of a subsequent EIR is not required.
This Addendum shall be attached to the original EIR.
Prepared by:
Taven M. Kinison Brown
Community Development Director
City of Gonzales, CA
Phone: 831.675.4203
Cell: 831-529-6388
Email: [email protected]
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) ATTACHMENT 3
Full copy Revised Table 1 - Chapter 12.56
CHAPTER 12.56
SUMMARY OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND PERMITTED USES
SECTION:
12.56.010: Districts Designated
12.56.020: Overlay Districts
12.56.030: Locations And Boundaries; Map
12.56.040: List Of Permitted And Conditional Uses By Zoning District
12.56.050: Other Uses
12.56.040 LIST OF PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES BY ZONING DISTRICT:
Table 1 of this section sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the city by zoning district.
For explanation of numbers in table 1 of this section, see notes at end of table.
C - Conditional use permit
P - Permitted
T - Temporary use land permit
TABLE 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Residential Uses
Accessory buildings and uses P1 P1 P1 P1 P P
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) P P P P P
Boarding house P2 P2
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or
detached
C P
Condominium C P C
Duplex P P P C C
Home occupation/business/office P P P P P P
Manufactured structure (residential) P3 P3 P3 P3 C3
Mobile home park C
Multiple-family P P P P C
Residential care facility, large P P P C C C
Residential care facility, small P P P P C
Second single-family dwelling P P C
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) Use
R-1R-1DR-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CCI OS PF
Single-family attachedCCPPC
Single-family detachedPPPP
Single room occupancy units (SRO)PP
Agricultural Uses
Agricultural servicesP
Breeding, raising and keeping of animalsCP
Dairy
Employee housing, large
Livestock farming
Plant nurseriesPC
Temporary agricultural stands having no permanent
electricity, plumbing or paving
TTTTTT
Community Service
Art, dance, music or craft studios/schoolCPPPC
Church, other institutions for religious observanceCCCCCCC Club, lodge, hall, fraternal organizationCCC
Convalescent hospitalC
Emergency sheltersPP
Galleries, arts and craftsPPPP
Golf courseCC
HospitalC
KennelC
Large/small family daycare P4 P4 P4 C4 C4 C4
Outdoor recreation servicesCC
Park, playgroundPPCCCCCCCC
Private sports recreation clubPPPCC
Public building: police, fire, community center, libraryCCCCCCCC Public utility service yard, station, facilityCCCCCCCC
Publicly owned historic sitesCCCCCCCCC
School, public or private, nursery schoolCCCCCC
Vocational or trade schoolCPCCC
Commercial
Banks, savings and loanPPPP
Commercial recreation and amusement establishmentCCCCC
HotelPPC
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Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) Use
R-1R-1DR-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CCI OS PF
MotelPPC
Outdoor entertainmentCCC
Personal servicePPPP
RestaurantPPPPC
Restaurant, fast foodPPCC
Restaurant limited to up to 6 seatsPPPPP
Retail sales, new clothing, used clothing, footwear,
furniture, appliances, small food market, drugstore,
PPPP **
Retail sales for industrial usesPPPP
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off
premises
PCPP
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on
premises as part of restaurant
CPPCP
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on
premises without food service (bar/nightclub)
CC
Shopping centerCC
Super drugstoreCC
Supermarket/groceryPPPC
TheaterPCPC
Video/movie/music rentalPPPP
Services
AmbulanceCP
Appliance repair, smallPPPP
Carpet, furniture cleaningCPP
Equipment, vehicle, light/heavy, truck or trailer rentalCP Laundromat, self-service for publicPPPP
Laundry, commercialP
Ministorage C,P
Pet groomingPPPP
Photography studioPPPP
Office Uses
Business or professionalPPPPP
MedicalPCPPC, PP
Industrial Uses
Industry, general: uses such as food processing, major
manufacturing, major assembly
P
Industry, limited: uses such as contracting, equipment
repair, laundry and dry cleaning, limited
manufacturing, paint supplies, janitorial services
P
Packet Pg. 87
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) Use
R-1R-1DR-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CCI OS PF
Laboratory, research facilityC
Maintenance and repair facility – majorCP
Maintenance and repair facility – minorPPPPP
Outdoor storageP
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general
sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials,
industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community Development Director.
P
WarehousingP
Wholesale activitiesC
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Car washPCC
Farm equipment sales and serviceCP
Marine and boat sales and serviceCP
New vehicle sales and rentalCP
Recreational vehicle and equipment storage yardC P
Recreational vehicle sales and serviceCP
Recycling facility, heavy, drop offC
Recycling facility, light, drop offPPC
Service station/self-serviceCCCCC
Truck terminalCC
Used vehicle salesCPCC
Vehicle body repair and paintingC
Vehicle repair and service (garage)CP
Vehicle tires and accessories, sales, serviceCCCC
Other
Adult entertainment facility
Bird, animal preserveP
Cemeteries, columbarium, mausoleumC
Conversion of single-family (any) to nonresidential useC Mortuary and funeral servicesCCC
Off-site directional signCCCCCCCCPCC
Parking structures or facilitiesCCCC
Printing, photocopying, lithographicCCCCC
Stables, riding academiesCC
Packet Pg. 88
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Temporary residence during construction of permanent
residence
P P C
Veterinary hospital without overnight boarding C P P P
Notes:
1. Accessory Buildings: Accessory buildings and uses on the same lot with any of the above uses; provided, however, that no accessory building shall be constructed on a vacant lot unless concurrently with the construction of the main building.
2. Boarding House: A boarding house of more than two (2) persons other than the residents requires approval of a CUP.
3. Manufactured Homes: Manufactured homes certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 USC section 5401 et seq.) on a permanent foundation.
4. Family Daycare House: As defined in sections 1597.40 through 1597.465 of the California Health and Safety Code. ** Retail Sales for Industrial Districts clarified in the Industrial Use Section (Ord. 2010-67, 9-7-2010; amd. Ord. 2014-82, 10-6-14; Ord. 2016-92, 4-4-2016; Ord. 2020-120, 7-6-2020) Packet Pg. 89
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-155 (3422 : Ordinance No. 2025-155 (Introduction) Amending Chapter 12.56 - Zoning Districts) City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 8, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-86 Declaring Emergency Pursuant to Section 22050 of the Public Contract Code and Sections 3.16.050 and 3.16.085 of the Gonzales City Code Authorizing Emergency Work at the City Wastewater Treatment Facility
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council consider and Approve Resolution No. 2025-86, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring an Emergency Pursuant to Section 22050 of the Public Contract Code and Section 316.050 of the Gonzales Municipal Code Authorizing Emergency Work at the City Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) in the amount not to exceed $1.5 million to manage the high effluent coming into the facility, to improve water quality and to prevent a catastrophic spill that could result in large fines from the Regional Water Quality Control Board and agricultural field owners if the wastewater was to reach their fields or the Salinas River.
BACKGROUND
City staff and its consultant team have been working tirelessly to construct the brand-new Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility (IWWTF) and ensure it meets the projected timeline, however, in the process of that project moving forward staff continues to encounter significant challenges at the current Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). Efforts to manage the volume and content of effluent that is being deposited into the existing ponds from the Industrial Agriculture Park are an issue. Ongoing and new percolation issues, the high-water table, low water quality and the constant flow being discharged and now the oversaturated ground have posed new challenges for the facility that are preventing it from operating effectively and limiting staff’s efforts.
Due to the constant flow of effluent coming in staff is working hard to keep the facility afloat by deploying every cost-effective measure available to them to prevent the facility from spilling. However, it AGENDA
ITEM
13 Packet Pg. 90
has become an impossible task as the wastewater has nowhere to go, therefore staff has had to turn to a measure of last resort and had to start haul wastewater out of the facility and into the Soledad Plant.
Further, to prevent a wastewater spill that can end up costing the City a lot more money, the City needs to take immediate action and work on methods to improve the water quality and add filtration so that the same situation does not continue to occur, simultaneously increase aeration in the ponds to is needed to achieve better water quality, and remove sludge to facilitate enhanced water percolation. Staff is asking that the City Council authorize an amount not to exceed $1.5 million to conduct some aspects of this work.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The City has adopted and codified the procedures set forth in the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act for public construction contracts pursuant to Public Contract Code Sections 22030-22045 in Chapter 3.16 of the Gonzales City Code (GCC). Additionally, the City has adopted bidding procedures for the purchase of equipment and supplies in Chapter 3.16. However, Staff is of the opinion that adherence to purchase bidding requirements set forth in Chapter 3.16,, as well as other relevant contract bidding procedures established in the Public Contract Code, will result in unacceptable delays before the City can commence urgent remedial action at the WWTP.
Fortunately, Section 3.16.050 of the GCC provides an exception to the bidding requirements for the purchase of equipment when an “emergency” (defined in part as a breakdown in machinery or an essential service which requires the immediate purchase of supplies or services to protect the public health, welfare and safety) arises. Staff believe that the operational problems associated with treatment and disposal of waste water from the City’s WWTF have created a City emergency.
Moreover, Sections 22050 and 20168 of the Public Contract Code provide that in the case of an emergency, the City Council, by four-fifths vote, may pass a resolution declaring the public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of public funds to safeguard life, health and property, and that such monies may be expended without compliance with mandatory contract bidding procedures.
Section 1102 of the Public Contract Code defines emergency as a sudden, unexpected occurrence that poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health or property. Staff believes that the numerous circumstances surrounding operational problems at the WWTF , which have only concurrently come into play in recent weeks, have created the need to take immediate action to address the cause of said problems, meeting this definition of emergency.
Based on the matters set forth above, staff is recommending that the Council adopt a resolution declaring an emergency pursuant to the referenced City and state code provisions, set an initial budget of $1.5 Million dollars for the anticipated remedial work, and ratify all work that has been done to address the emergency prior to the adoption of the attached resolution. . Based on the matters set forth above, City Manager Gil is recommending that the City Council Approve the Resolution Declaring an Emergency and indicate that in light of the fact that the WWTF has the potential to be overwhelmed by the factors stated above a declaration of a Local Emergency is necessary in order to allow the City to move swiftly to address the ongoing needs of the facility and get it to an improved state.
BUDGET IMPACT
Packet Pg. 91
Staff is requesting that the Council allow the City Manager to approve work necessary to improve the WWTF’s operations at an amount not to exceed $1.5, which will primarily come from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund.
CEQA
The proposed work is exempt from analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act under 14 CCR Section 15269- emergency repairs to public services facilities necessary to maintain essential public health, safety or welfare. Potions of the remedial work will also take place on property within the new IWWTF and comport with uses that were the subject of an adopted Environmental Impact Report.
ALTERNATIVES
If the City Council decides not to Approve this Declaration of Emergency further delays will be presented in getting the necessary work done resulting in more issues at the facility and more hauling of water out until we can find another solution.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council consider and Approve Resolution No. 2025-86, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Declaring an Emergency Pursuant to Section 22050 of the Public Contract Code and Section 316.050 of the Gonzales Municipal Code Authorizing Emergency Work at the City Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) in the amount not to exceed $1.5 million to manage the high effluent coming into the facility, to improve water quality and to prevent a catastrophic spill that could result in large fines from the Regional Water Quality Control Board and agricultural field owners if the wastewater was to reach their fields or the Salinas River.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2025-86
Packet Pg. 92
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-86
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES DECLARING AN EMERGENCY PURSUANT TO SECTION 22050 OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE AND SECTIONS 3.16.050 AND 3.16.085 OF THE GONZALES
CITY CODE AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY WORK AT THE CITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1.5 MILLION
DOLLARS
WHEREAS, the City operates a Municipal Wastewater System that serves all residents, businesses, and industrial facilities within the City limits; and WHEREAS, the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) is permitted to operate at 1.30 million gallons/day by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board under Waste Discharge Requirements R3-2006-005; and
WHEREAS, disposal of treated wastewater is critical to operating the Wastewater Treatment Facility; and
WHEREAS, in recent weeks the WWTF has been receiving an excess of its daily gallon effluent treatment limit, and the wastewater has in some cases contained constituents that have had an adverse impact on the WWTF’s treatment capabilities; and WHEREAS, on November 17th, City staff informed the Council that due to conditions at the WWTF, including oversaturated ground, unstable levees and a large volume of effluent coming into the facility, the City had to take immediate action, primarily in the form of diverting wastewater to alternative ponds and hauling wastewater to the Soledad Sewer Collection System to prevent the ponds at the WWTF from overflowing ; and WHEREAS, staff has continued to take such actions to ensure the WWTF remains stable as the ponds at the facility continue to struggle to percolate due to the high daily volume of effluent , the high-water table, the quality of the water coming into the facility and the oversaturated ground; and
WHEREAS, the conditions referenced above pose a risk to the City of spilling wastewater onto adjacent public and private property and ultimately into the Salinas River, which could result in exposure to litigation for damages and the imposition of significant fines from the Regional Water Quality Control Board; and
WHEREAS, in order to avoid the consequences of an effluent spillage and facility failure, there is an urgent need for the City to perform immediate work on the WWTP , including implementation of methods to improve water quality and add filtration, increase aeration in the ponds to achieve better water quality, and the removal of sludge from ponds to facilitate enhanced water percolation; and
Packet Pg. 93
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-86 (3428 : Resolution No. 2025-86 Declaring Emergency Work at WWTP)
WHEREAS, the City has adopted and codified the procedures set forth in the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act for public construction contracts pursuant to Public Contract Code Sections 22030-22045 in Chapter 3.16 of the Gonzales City Code (GCC); and WHEERAS, the City has also adopted bidding procedures for the purchase of equipment and supplies in Chapter 3.16; and
WHEREAS, staff is of the opinion that adherence to purchase bidding requirements set forth in Chapter 3.16,, as well as other relevant contract bidding procedures established in the Public Contract Code, will result in unacceptable delays before the City can commence urgent remedial action at the WWTP ; and
WHEREAS, Section 3.16.050 of the GCC provides an exception to the bidding requirements for the purchase of equipment when an “emergency” (defined in part as a breakdown in machinery or an essential service which requires the immediate purchase of supplies or services to protect the public health, welfare and safety) arises, and the operational problems associated with treatment and disposal of waste water from the City’s WWTF have created a City emergency; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Sections 22050 and 20168 of the Public Contract Code provide that in the case of an emergency, the City Council, by four-fifths vote, may pass a resolution declaring the public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of public funds to safeguard life, health and property, and that such monies may be expended without compliance with mandatory contract bidding procedures; and WHEREAS, Section 1102 of the Public Contract Code defines emergency as a sudden, unexpected occurrence that poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health or property, and the numerous circumstances surrounding operational problems at the WWTF , which have only concurrently come into play in recent weeks, have created the need to take immediate action to address the cause of said problems, meeting this definition of emergency; and
WHEREAS, the proposed remedial work is exempt from analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act under 14 CCR Section 15269- emergency repairs to public services facilities necessary to maintain essential public health, safety or welfare. Potions of the remedial work will also take place on property within the new IWWTF and comport with uses that were the subject of an adopted Environmental Impact Report.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Gonzales hereby resolves as follows:
1. Based on the recitals set forth above, and the facts and circumstances set forth in the oral staff report on November 17, 2025, which are incorporated herein by reference, the City Council hereby declares that an emergency situation, as defined in both Gonzales City Code 3.24 and Public Contract Code Section 1102, Packet Pg. 94
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-86 (3428 : Resolution No. 2025-86 Declaring Emergency Work at WWTP)
exists with respect to the need to take immediate action to perform remedial work at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility related to treatment and disposal of wastewater. Said emergency warrants action without compliance with established contracting procedures.
2. By this Resolution, and the authority granted by Gonzales City Code Chapter 3.16 and Public Contract Code Sections 22050 and 20168, the City Council finds that the public interest and necessity demand the obligation of funds to immediately implement actions to improve wastewater disposal, retention and treatment in an amount not to exceed $1.5 million dollars.
3. The Council also hereby ratifies and approves all remedial action that has been taken by staff to address treatment and disposal issues at the WWTF prior to the adoption of this resolution.
4. Staff is directed to report on the emergency remedial work at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council and at every meeting thereafter until the identified emergency has terminated.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by at least a four-fifths vote at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gonzales duly held on the 8
th day of December 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
Packet Pg. 95
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-86 (3428 : Resolution No. 2025-86 Declaring Emergency Work at WWTP) City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 8, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-87 Contracts with Waste Haulers
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-87, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales to Allow the City Manager to Execute Contracts with Waste Haulers to Remove and Transport Effluent from the Gonzales Wastewater Treatment Facility, Ratifying Prior Hauling Expenditures, and Establishing a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $300,000 for Such Services.
BACKGROUND
As the City and its contractors work tirelessly to construct the brand-new Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility (IWWTF), the City has encountered significant challenges to its efforts to manage the volume and content of effluent that is being deposited into the existing Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) ponds from the Industrial Agriculture Park. Ongoing and new percolation issues, a high-water table, low water quality and the constant flow being discharged continue to pose new problems for the WWTF preventing it from operating effectively. The WWTF was constructed in the 1940’s with the current configuration constructed in 1982 and its last major improvements done in 2006 when its capacity was increased to 1.3 million gallons/day (MGD).
Currently the WWTF is receiving effluent from three major dischargers: Taylor Farms, Braga Fresh and Del Monte Foods. This constant flow of approximately 1 million gallons a day along with the City’s municipal flow is stretching the WWTF to its limits. Staff must continuously analyze the flows and capacity to ensure that it can accommodate the daily discharge. External factors also adversely impact the overall health of the WWTF, such as squirrel holes that create leakage and integrity issues on the levees, unstable and oversaturated ground, high groundwater and rain . These challenges make it extremely difficult for staff to contain the water that has settled into the ponds, much of which is not percolating at an acceptable rate, and they must figure out how to make additional room to hold the next day’s (week’s) AGENDA
ITEM
14 Packet Pg. 96
flow. Hauling wastewater out of the WWTF to another waste treatment facility is one of the measures staff can deploy to provide some room in the ponds so that there is a place to absorb the next day’s flow.
Without offsite treatment, the WWTP’s ponds could easily overflow causing major issues for those who depend on City treatment and potential significant fines imposed by the Regional Water Quality Board.
Overflows also pose a risk of potential liability to adjacent property owners. Therefore, the City must do whatever it can to maintain a stable facility and prevent overflows and breaches. Hauling wastewater to the Soledad Sanitary Sewer Collection System has been a measure of last resort, but one that the City has had to deploy to maintain the WWTF’s operations and integrity. Off-site treatment of effluent was employed by the City approximately a year ago and then discontinued when conditions at the WWTF improved. As was reported by Staff to the Council at the November 17, 2025 City Council meeting, the unexpected confluence of conditions referenced above necessitated the recommencement of hauling services as of November 17, 2025.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
Transporting wastewater to the Soledad Sewer Collection System is not ideal and will only be done when it is absolutely necessary. However, we must maintain a stable plant to continue City and industrial park operations and ultimately allow for the rehab work at the current ponds to take place so that they can function properly. As a result of the conditions at the WWTF and the constant flow of effluent described above, the City has no other choice but to truck some of the wastewater over to Soledad’s plant to provide relief.
Due to the urgent need to provide relief to the City’s wastewater treatment facilities, the City commenced hauling services with Green Line, A&G Pumping and Mission Portable & Service on an as-needed on November 17, 2025, and such services have continued through November 27th at the current cost of $150,000. The City anticipates that there may be a need to continue to utilize such services if it encounters a situation where water needs to be removed from the ponds in order to make room for the effluent in order to maintain its stability for an additional $150,00 for a total estimated cost not to exceed $300,000.
Staff is now requesting that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts with various waste haulers using the City’s standard contract form, setting a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 for hauling services, and ratifying the previous expenditure of $150,000 for hauling services. Staff will provide regular updates on services at future Council meetings.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Mission
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: It has been necessary to haul wastewater out of the plant in order to prevent a large spill that gets out of control and results in significant fines from the State Water Control Board and potential liability from adjacent property owners.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Vision The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes _____No _____ NA
Explain: See above for explanation.
Packet Pg. 97
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X 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: In order to continue to support the City’s operations and prepare for the Council’s vision of expansion, it is imperative that we do what we need to in order to maintain the WWTF’s integrity .
ALTERNATIVES
If the Council decides not to allow the City Manager to haul water for offsite disposal and treatment there is a strong likelihood that the WWTF’s ponds will overflow. Trucking water out of the City’s facilities is helping to keep the WWTF stable and is preventing it from spilling over. The Council could direct staff to look at other options to bring forward for consideration, but the hauling option must be maintained in the interim which staff is currently working on as well.
BUDGET IMPACT
To date, the cost of hauling water to the Soledad Sewer Collection System has been $150,000 not including Soledad’s charges, which are still pending. This is being paid out of the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. Costs for hauling wastewater can vary depending on how much we need to truck at a given time. It ranges from $5,000 to $35,000 a day.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-87 and allow the City Manager to work with the Finance Director, Public Works staff and the City’s Consultant team to make informed decisions as to when to haul wastewater out of the City’s WWTF to Soledad’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System in order to maintain the WWTF’s operations.
Although it is difficult to estimate exactly how many loads will need to be transported to Soledad, staff is asking that the Council allow the City Manager and staff to continue to utilize Green Line, A&G Pumping and Mission Portables and Service. on an as-needed basis for a total cost not to exceed $300,000 for pumping wastewater out of the WWTF to maintain its operations.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2025-87
Packet Pg. 98
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-87
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES TO
ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS WITH WASTE
HAULERS TO REMOVE AND TRANSPORT EFFLUENT FROM THE GONZALES
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY, RATIFYING PRIOR HAULING
EXPENDITURES, AND ESTABLISHING A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $300,000
FOR SUCH SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City is in the process of constructing a new Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility to handle wastewater generated at the City’s Industrial Agricultural Park; and WHEREAS, the City has encountered significant challenges to its efforts to manage the amount and content of effluent that is being deposited into the existing Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) ponds from the Industrial Agriculture Park, with ongoing problems associated with percolation, a high water table, low effluent quality, levee instability, rain, and significant effluent allocation overages, all of which are serving to prevent the WWTF from operating effectively and efficiently; and
WHEREAS, in order to accommodate the afore-referenced conditions, the City has found it necessary to haul wastewater out of the WWTF to another waste treatment facility in Soledad for offsite treatment; and
WHEREAS, without hauling and offsite treatment, the WWTF’s ponds could easily overflow, causing major issues for those who depend on City treatment, as well as potential significant fines imposed by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the risk of potential liability to adjacent property owners; and
WHEREAS, at the November 17, 2025 City Council meeting, Staff informed the Council that the unexpected confluence of conditions referenced above necessitated the commencement of hauling services and other remedial efforts to address the WWTF; and WHEREAS, services provided by three different haulers, Green Line, A&G Pumping and Mission Portable & Services, have resulted in costs to date of $150,000. Staff anticipates that that there may be need to continue to utilize such services at an additional cost of $150,000 if it encounters a situation where water needs to be removed from the ponds in order to make room for the effluent while maintaining the facility stable, for a total estimated cost of $300,000; and
WHEREAS, Staff is now requesting that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts with various waste haulers, using the City’s standard contract form, setting a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 for hauling services, and ratifying the previous expenditure of $150,000 for hauling services.
Packet Pg. 99
Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-87 (3427 : Resolution No. 2025-87 Contracts with Waste Haulers for WWTP) NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby resolved by the City Council of the City of Gonzales that the Council authorizes the City Manager to enter into contracts with qualified waste haulers, using the City’s standard contract form, to provide hauling services for effluent from the City’s WWTF to the Soledad WWTF. The Council further authorizes expenditures for such services in a total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000, including preceding expenditures for services in the amount of $150,000, which by this action are hereby ratified.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting duly held on the 8
th day of December, 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
Packet Pg. 100 Attachment: Resolution No. 2025-87 (3427 : Resolution No. 2025-87 Contracts with Waste Haulers for WWTP)