City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 24, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Walker called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Walker, Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, Councilmembers Martinez, Tipton and White
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Langborg, Captain Mixer, Community Development Director Mugan, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Cochran, City Engineer Pike, Tony Nisich, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Beatriz Diaz, Gabby, Laura Mireles
INVOCATION
Invocation by Pastor Robert Mullen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
No changes were made.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Beatriz Diaz stated that prayers go to all of the victims’ families in Texas. She stated that she wanted to thank the Council for the meetings and closed sessions and how they were run and stated that the school district needed to learn from the Council on how to run a meeting. She stated that she was here in support of the basketball and soccer players and stated that $80 per week was a lot of money for no bathrooms, no trash bins, no electricity and sometimes no toilet paper when the restrooms were opened.
She stated that these groups should have the same rights as the Little League.
Gabby stated that the police needed to enforce the loud noise ordinance because there were parties all around her residence and nothing was being done. She stated that she had called up to 5 times before anything was done. She also stated that the parks were in bad condition and needed to be cleaned up.
Laura Mireles stated that the code enforcement was not doing its job and there were cars parked on the street that were not being moved. She also stated that Patriot Park needed to be fixed better and more basketball courts were needed as well as new nets, etc. She stated that cars were speeding there and doing donuts in the parking lot. She also asked about the Welcome to Greenfield Signs and what was happening to them.
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COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember White stated that he attended the Salinas Valley Housing meeting in Soledad and they reviewed the RHNA numbers, housing, etc. He thanked Public Works for the installation of the speed limit signs on Elm Avenue/13th Street. He stated that the Civic Center and the Arts Center were looking good but the science workshop building needed some work and stated that the City needed to set the example. He stated that he happened to see when the survey was getting done for the Safe Routes to School and was waiting for the report. He stated that next week was Memorial Day and asked that everyone remember and honor the fallen soldiers.
Councilmember Martinez reported on the Youth Social on May 18th at Starbucks and thanked Officer Dyels for being there. She also announced that there would be a graduation/promotion celebration on June 3rd for the seniors and the 8th graders at 3:30 p.m. at Vista Verde School and invited the Council to attend. She stated that part two of the Emergency Disaster Preparedness forum was on June 15th at the Council Chambers with new information and hands on training. She stated that she was appointed to the CCA Board and stated that the Board dealt with housing, local government, eviction issues, rent control, etc. She stated that there were still a lot of issues regarding the basketball courts with the court not being painted; restrooms being closed, not toilet paper, no electricity etc. She stated that she had heard that nothing was being done because of alcohol use during the basketball games; however, she stated that this had nothing to do with providing the services to the community and wanted to make sure staff was working on this situation.
Councilmember Tipton reported that SVSWA was still talking about the move to Madison Lane and that the Jolon transfer station and Johnson Canyon landfill were still open for the residents. He stated that they still didn’t have a timeframe as to when they could be closing the Sun Street station because of the issues with Madison Lane. He stated that there would be a public hearing regarding the rates; however, they would be modified because of the situation with the City of Salinas. He stated that Public Works had been doing a great job on the east side of town. He stated that he noticed that the landscaping company cut down 5 to 6 trees in his neighborhood and was wondering if they were going to be replaced. He stated that there were still parking issues and with that there were visional issues and it was dangerous.
He stated that the Walnut Avenue crossing was problematic and not just from the 8 to 5 workers but also when kids were entering and leaving school. He stated that the City needed to move forward with a traffic study. He also stated that semi-trucks were turning left even though there was a “no left turn” sign and it was dangerous because they could hit a car, the bridge was too narrow.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that what was happening in Texas was heart breaking and that it was time to take action and do something about it. She congratulated all the high school graduates and stated that graduation was June 4th at 9 a.m. She also congratulated all the 8th graders that were promoting and that the promotion was on June 7th. She stated that summer was near and asked that the public please be careful because there would be more kids on the streets. She stated that there were lot of activities going on at the community center for all ages.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to approve the consent items including Warrants #315068 through #315228 and Bank Drafts #4865 through #4885 in the amount of $1,446,958.20, Minutes of the April 26, 2022 City Council Meeting, Receive and File Monthly Report – Finance, Approve Letter of Grant Support for Center for Employment Training, Approve Letter of Support for the US 101 Auxiliary Lane – South of Salinas Project, Release of Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit Number 27-SB-5227 for Yanks Phase I Water Improvements and adopt Ordinance #557, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Cancellation of the Existing Development Agreement for Cannabis Cultivation, Manufacturing, and Dispensing Facilities for East of Eden Cannabis Co. – (Development and Licensee) at 60 4th Street”. All in favor. Motion carried.
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MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS
PROCLAMATIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD RECOGNIZING THE BOYS’ VARSITY SOCCER, BOYS’ VARSITY WRESTLING, GIRLS’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL AND GIRLS’ VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAMS Mayor Walker read the proclamations and presented the proclamations as follows:
Greenfield Girls’ Varsity Basketball – Coach John Radcliff Greenfield Girls’ Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Softball – Coach Adrian Trujillo Greenfield Boys’ Varsity Wrestling – Coach Jesse Mercado Greenfield Boys’ Soccer – Coach Manuel Barron
City Council recessed at 6:43 p.m.
City Council reconvened at 6:51 p.m.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AMENDING THE 2022/2023 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET TO CREATE AND FUND THE POSITION OF
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF AND AMEND THE SALARY SCHEDULE
RESOLUTION #2022-47
Staff report was given by Chief Langborg.
Beatriz Diaz asked if they were looking for someone that was bilingual. Chief Langborg stated yes; however, wanted to get the best qualified for Greenfield. Ms. Diaz stated that she was in full support of this position and stated that she had no doubt that Greenfield had the best Chief.
John Martinez stated that safety was the City’s number one priority and this was needed; however, he wanted to remind the Council that as the budget grew, revenues had to grow as well. He stated that he would recommend that the City go after some grants for some of these positions.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to adopt Resolution #2022-47, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Amending the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year Budget to Create and Fund the Position of Deputy Fire Chief and Amend the Salary Schedule”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
RESOLUTION #2022-46
Staff report was given by City Engineer Pike.
Councilmember Martinez asked that in the future there be pre and post pictures of the potential projects so that citizens could see the progress and asked that signs be posted regarding the project.
There was discussion among the City Council and staff regarding the life of the road repairs and streets.
City Engineer Pike stated that the City did use the Engineer’s Standards that were required. 21 City Council Minutes
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Beatriz Diaz stated that pictures would be helpful and asked if there was public input regarding this project or did the traffic committee make any recommendations.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that there was no public members on the Traffic Committee and stated that they tried to recruit members; however, no interest was received.
Laura Mireles stated that every year their taxes go up and if the City was receiving grants for this project; where were the extra funds going. She stated that it seemed like when there was a project like this, staff delayed the project and the material and labor costs just go up. She stated that there should be a time frame so that the project was completed and money could be saved.
City Engineer Pike stated that it was a great idea to get visuals for the public. He also explained the SB 1 Funds.
A MOTION by Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to adopt Resolution #2022- 46, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017”. All in favor. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND STAFF DIRECTION RELATED TO IMPLEMENTING TERM LIMITS FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
Mayor Walker asked why this had to go on a ballot for voters’ approval, but district elections did not. City Attorney Cochran stated that it was just a function of California statue and stated that there were exemptions in California Law that didn’t require the transition to district elections go to the voters. He stated that there were laws that require that anytime changes were made to implement term limit changes it was required to be submitted to the voters.
Beatriz Diaz asked how much it would cost to place this on the ballot. She stated that the voters have the final say and they were the ones that vote for the Council. She stated that the Council should leave it up to the voters because they decide each of the Council’s term limit by voting or not voting for someone or by recall.
A resident asked that for future meetings to have a translation because there were a lot of people that would like to comment but couldn’t because they couldn’t understand and follow the meeting. He stated that it should remain as it is because the public was the one that decided whether or not each of the members continue to be on the Council or not.
Councilmember Martinez stated that she strongly believed that this should be the will of the people. She stated that if a member of the Council was doing a bad job they wouldn’t get re-elected and that it was up to the voters. She stated that the Council should be focusing on how to engage with the Greenfield voters not term limits.
Councilmember White stated that adding this to the ballot at this time would be more confusing to the voters and that term limits would be determined by the voters. He stated that the Council should be spending their energy on other things.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that term limits were set by the people and the City should not spend any funds on this. She stated that the people would speak when they went to the polls. 22 City Council Minutes
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Councilmember Tipton stated that he was interested in how much it would cost to place it on the ballot and how much funds were spent on the district elections. He stated that other cities have term limits and that he wanted to have the best possible result for Greenfield and would like more information.
Mayor Walker stated that he agreed with Councilmember Tipton and stated that he believed that 12 years on the Council was enough. He stated that certain people would not run if certain people that were on the Council would run. He asked for the cost of the transition to district elections and would like to know how much it would cost to place this on the ballot.
There was additional discussion among the Council regarding term limits.
City Attorney Cochran stated that if it was the consensus of the Council not to move forward with this item, then there would be no more further discussion, presentations or actions on this matter. He stated that City Manager Wood could circulate an email with the cost information.
CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION – Government Code Section 54957.6
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency Designated Representative: City Manager and City Attorney Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union, Local 521 Meeting adjourned to closed session at 8:12 p.m.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened to open session at 8:43 p.m.
There was no reportable action.
BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Walker reported on the AMBAG meeting and stated that they passed the budget and discussed the RNHA numbers, Cycle #6, and stated that June 6th was the last day to appeal.
Councilmember Tipton reported on the SVSWA meeting. He stated that they were not sure when they would be closing the Sun Street location and that they were in negotiations for the purchase of the building next door for the administration offices. He stated that the tire amnesty project was still going on and that the public could go to City Hall and pick up their green food waste containers. He stated that they know that the containers were too small but that it was a start. He also stated that Maru Ice Cream Shop implemented the food waste project right away and received an award.
Councilmember Martinez reported on the MST meeting and stated that they had selected a new Chair (Mayor Velasquez) and Vice Chair (Mayor Carbone). She stated that MST was still conducting the survey and encouraged everyone to take it.
Mayor Walker reported on the Monterey County Mayors’ meeting and stated that it was a fast meeting and they discussed whether or not to go back in person or stay on Zoom. He stated that they decided to stay on Zoom through the end of the year.
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City Manager Wood reported on the Salinas Valley Mayors/Managers group. He stated that they met yesterday and had a presentation by the Monterey County Mental Health Group. He stated that there was a person stationed at the Greenfield Police Department from that department and was available during emergencies. He stated that they had numbers from last year and stated that Greenfield had the highest number of calls in the County. He also stated that they also were very short staff and didn’t have enough people to answer calls. He asked that everyone get the word out to the County and asked that this be funded because it was an important service. He stated that they also discussed the JPA for broadband.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Cochran stated that there were a couple of bills pending that they were tracking regarding the Brown Act. He stated that one of the bills was to further increase of flexibility under the Brown Act. He stated that it would allow continued use of virtual meetings including allowing Councilmembers to meet remotely even when there was not a state of emergency or other pandemic situations. He stated that another pending bill would allow Council, by resolution, to attend remotely as long as the majority of the Council is in person. He stated that the other pending bill was similar; however, more stringent but both were moving through the legislative process. He stated that he was not sure if they would pass or be merged together or what the outcome would be but would keep the Council updated.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Wood stated that staff was putting a letter together as a response to the AMBAG RNHA numbers. He stated that if the Council wanted to approve it and have the Council/Mayor sign it, there would have to be a special meeting or if Council agreed he could sign it.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Walker adjourned the meeting in memory of the victims of Uvalde, Texas.
Meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
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Mayor of the City of Greenfield
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City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
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