CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
City Council Minutes
December 13, 2022
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MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Walker called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Walker, Mayor Pro-tem Martinez, Councilmembers Untalon, Tipton and White
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Cochran, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Michael Bloom, Ernie Gallardo Laura Mireles, Beatriz Diaz, Carlos Venegas, Stephanie Garcia, Rachel Ortiz, Flavio Diaz, Gabby Serrato, Isabel Meza, Marissa Hernandez, John Huerta, Jr., Lance Walker, Chris Barrera, Andrew Sandoval, Cynthia Zavala
INVOCATION
There was a moment of silent prayer.
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 Michael Bloom, a Veteran and member of the American Legion, stated that he would like to get a community calendar so that the entire community could post their events. He stated that it would be nice to know when all events were taking place so that the events would not interfere with another organization’s event. He wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Ernie Gallardo stated that he was concerned about the intersection of Cypress and El Camino Real because people always run the stop signs and suggested that red lights be placed there. He also congratulated everyone that was elected and stated that he looked forward to working with them. He stated that there were numerous things that he did not agree with Mayor Walker, however, he did appreciate Mayor Walker for all his service to the community.
Laura Mireles stated that she was upset that the same people were still on the Council because she did not see any progress but hopefully that would change. She stated that there were no signs on 12th Street and there were a lot of potholes and no sidewalks. She stated that the City Manager was earning of $200,000 and he shouldn’t be paid that if things were not getting fixed. She asked where the cannabis money was going.
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Beatriz Diaz congratulated Bob White and Angela Untalon on being successful in their Council seats.
She stated that the street sweeper was not cleaning the streets and there was garbage all over the place. She also stated that the potholes on Oak Avenue were getting worse and worse. She wished Mayor Walker good luck.
Carlos Venegas, Veteran and member of the American Legion, thanked that Council for the recognition at last month’s meeting and stated that he was unable to attend. He thanked Bob White and Paul Wood for presenting the certificate at the American Legion’s board meeting. He stated that the Board was trying their best to bring the Memorial Hall building back to the way it used to be.
Stephanie Garcia gave a brief background of Mayor Walker and Councilmember Tipton and thanked them for their service.
Rachel Ortiz stated that it was a pleasure working with Lance Walker and stated that she hoped that she could rely on his guidance and Councilmember Tipton’s in the future.
Flavio Diaz stated that he had approached the Greenfield High School and Greenfield Rotary regarding a youth council and asked that it be placed on a future agenda.
Gabby Serrato thanked everyone that ran for Council and congratulated everyone that was successful and stated that the Council needed to be open-minded. She stated that she was happy to announce that the investigation was now complete and would like for the Council to hold Councilmember Martinez accountable. She stated that the Council needed to be transparent, accountable and that consequences needed to be enforced and all she wanted was for justice to be served.
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember White stated that he attended Career Day at Mary Chapa on November 18th and worked the food bank with Rotary on November 22nd. He asked that City manager Wood look into getter bigger allocation for Greenfield because some people were turned away. He stated that the annual Rotary Coat Drive was going on and asked people to donate if they had any coats. He also stated that he and City Manager Wood attended the American Legion meeting on December 6th and attended the parade and Christmas event on December 10th. He reminded everyone of the senior social on December 14th from 11 to 1.
Councilmember Martinez stated that the investigation was still pending. She stated that she was glad that the youth council would finally be on the agenda. She stated that she attended Career Day at Mary Chapa and stated that the police department, fire department and herself were recognized for attending over the last years. She stated that Lideres Campesenias were hosting the posadas for the entire community, She stated that a community calendar would be great and this would ensure that every agency or organization would know what was going on. She thanked Mrs. Mireles for being vocal regarding the streets and her concerns. She stated that currently voting for the Safe Routes to Schools’ projects was taking place and the public needed to take the lead and vote for what it wanted in its community.
Councilmember Tipton stated that it was great to see that the Christmas parade and event went well and there was a lot of people in attendance. He stated that Charter was working on improving its speed for the internet. He also announced that the City of Greenfield was awarded a $500,000 grant as well as the surrounding cities for a total of $2.5 million dollars to improve broadband services in every south county city. He also stated that improvement of speed as well as affordable internet for all would also be included.
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Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that the virus was affecting a lot of children. She stated that next week started winter break and kids would out so please be careful while driving. She stated that the winter sports were going on and asked that the Council check out a game or two. She stated that Toys for Tots was back in South County and it was this Saturday at the Memorial Hall. She asked that the City Manager weekly newsletter be sent out again. She asked why the Recreation Center doesn’t accept credit or debit and asked that something be done because it was very inconvenient. She also announced that there was a fake Facebook with her picture and asked that people report it because it was not her.
Mayor Walker stated that Christmas in the Park was a great success and thanked everyone involved.
He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He also stated that it had been an honor and privilege to serve the community the past ten years.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to approve the consent items including Warrants #316746 through #316980 and Bank Drafts #5124 through #5163 in the amount of $1,361,392.17; approve Minutes of the November 15, 2022 Special City Council Meeting, Receive and File – Monthly Report – Science Workshop / Grant Activity, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance #561, “An Ordinance Adopting the 2022 California Fire Code with the County of Monterey Amendments”, adopt Resolution #2022-119, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Authorizing the Disposal of Surplus for the Greenfield Fire Department”, and Deny Claim Against the City. All in favor. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD CANVASSING
AND DECLARING THE RESULT OF THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022
RESOLUTION #2022-120
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to adopt Resolution #2022-120, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Canvassing and Declaring the Result of the General Election Held in the City of Greenfield on November 8, 2022”. All in favor.
Motion carried.
SWEARING IN – MAYOR ROBERT WHITE AND COUNCILMEMBERS ANGELA UNTALON AND
RACHEL ORTIZ
City Clerk administered the oath of office to Mayor Robert White and Councilmembers Angela Untalon and Rachel Ortiz.
Councilmember Untalon stated that she just wanted to be a united Council because she currently did not feel they were at this time and it was time to move forward.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that this was a big step for her and thanked her children and grandchildren and employers for all their support. She stated that the division on the Council needed to stop and the Council needed to move forward and lead by example.
Mayor White thanked everyone for their support especially his daughters Emily and Madeline and his wife Gail. He stated that it was an honor to be Greenfield’s Mayor. 13 City Council Minutes
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PROCLAMATIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD HONORING MAYOR
LANCE WALKER AND COUNCILMEMBER ANDREW TIPTON
Mayor White read the proclamation for Councilmember Andrew Tipton.
Councilmember Tipton thanked the residents of Greenfield.
Mayor White read the proclamation for Mayor Lance Walker.
Mayor Walker thanked Stephanie Garcia, the residents of Greenfield and staff.
Isabel Meza, representing Assemblyman Robert Rivas’ Office, and Marissa Hernandez, representing Senator Caballero’s Office, presented Mayor Walker and Councilmember Tipton with a resolution.
CONSIDERATION OF FILLING VACANT CITY COUNCIL SEAT
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Beatriz Diaz suggested that the Council open the vacant seat to applicants residing in District 4.
Ernie Gallardo suggested that a mailer be sent with the water bills and that the Council take applications.
John Huerta, Jr. congratulated Mayor White and Councilmembers Untalon and Ortiz. He suggested that someone be selected from District 4 and selecting someone from at large would be going backwards. He stated that this was entirely up to the Council.
Lance Walker stated that currently all districts were covered and that someone should be selected at large. He stated that in 2024 Districts 2 and 4 would be elected.
Stephanie Garcia stated that the election sequence had been decided and the Council should appoint someone at large.
Chris Barrera, LULAC, congratulated the new Council and suggested that the Council appoint someone from District 4.
Gabby Serrato asked that the Council pick a quality person to the position and stressed that the person needed to have integrity.
City Clerk read the emails into the record from Elizabeth Silva, Robert Cullen and Patrick Matthew, as attached.
Councilmember Martinez stated that the appointment should be from District 4.
Councilmember Untalon stated that the appointment should be filled by a resident from District 4 and the Council should move forward.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that the vacancy should be kept at large and stated that it was impressive receiving letters of support for Andrew Tipton.
Mayor Walker stated that this vacancy should be appointed at large. He stated that it made a lot of sense to appoint someone like Andrew Tipton because he was very knowledgeable. 14 City Council Minutes
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A MOTION by Mayor White, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to appoint Andrew Tipton to the vacant City Council seat. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – Yes; Councilmember Martinez – No; Councilmember Untalon – No; and Mayor White – Yes. Motion died.
There was additional discussion regarding the vacant City Council seat.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Untalon to take application from residents in District 4 for the vacant City Council seat. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – No; Councilmember Martinez – Yes; Councilmember Untalon – Yes; and Mayor White – No. Motion died.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Untalon to appoint John Huerta, Jr. to fill the vacancy of the City Council. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – No; Councilmember Martinez – Yes; Councilmember Untalon – Yes; and Mayor White – No. Motion died.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Untalon to appoint Beatriz Diaz to fill the vacancy of the City Council. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – No; Councilmember Martinez – Yes; Councilmember Untalon – Yes; and Mayor White – No. Motion died.
A MOTION by Mayor White, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to take applications at large for the vacancy of the City Council. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – Yes; Councilmember Martinez – No; Councilmember Untalon – No; and Mayor White – Yes. Motion died A MOTION by Councilmember Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to fill the vacancy of the City Council from residents from Districts 4 and 2. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – No; Councilmember Martinez – Yes; Councilmember Untalon – Yes; and Mayor White – No. Motion died.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez to appoint Maria Alvarado to the vacancy of the Council. Motion died due to a lack of a second.
City Attorney Thompson stated that the position would be an at large position and it must be filled within 60 days.
Stephanie Garcia suggested that the Council appoint at large or hold an at large election.
Lance Walker stated that if the Council held a special election he would run.
Ernie Gallardo wished the Council luck with this decision and asked that the Council do what was best for the entire community.
Beatriz Diaz stated that she was disappointed with Mayor White and this vacancy should be appointed from District 4.
Carlos Venegas stated that he agreed with Councilmembers Untalon and Martinez. He stated that each district should be represented and asked that the Council vote on the right thing.
John Huerta, Jr. stated that the Council should follow the districts and the appointment should be from District 4.
There was additional discussion among the City Council regarding the vacancy of the Council.
Andrew Sandoval stated that appointing at large would be a step backwards and suggested that the Council make a motion to open the vacancy to applicants from District 4. 15 City Council Minutes
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Gabby Serrato stated that she was opposed to having Beatriz Diaz be appointed to the City Council.
A MOTION by Mayor White, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to table this matter to the next meeting.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – Yes; Councilmember Martinez – No; Councilmember Untalon – Yes; Mayor White – Yes. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AUTHORIZING
THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF CYNTHIA ZAVALA TO THE GREENFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 2025
RESOLUTION #2022-121
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun,
Beatriz Diaz stated that the residents of Greenfield should be given the opportunity to apply for any board seats that were available.
Stephanie Garcia, Chair of the Greenfield Planning Commission, stated that the Planning Commission had a lot of work on the table at this time and that Cynthia Zavala had done excellent work. She stated that she recommended that the Council re-appoint her to another term.
Councilmember Martinez stated that this seat should be opened to the public.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that Ms. Zavala has dedicated her time to the Planning Commission and agreed with the re-appointment; however, any future positions should be open to the public.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that Ms. Zavala had only served one year and she should be given the opportunity to continue to serve.
Cynthia Zavala stated that last year when she applied for the Planning Commission position, she was the only one that had applied. She stated that she had learned a lot and would like the opportunity to serve another term.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Untalon to adopt Resolution #2022- 121, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Authorizing the Re-Appointment of Cynthia Zavala to the Greenfield Planning Commission for a Three-Year Term Expiring December 2025”. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Ortiz – Yes; Councilmember Martinez – No; Councilmember Untalon – Yes; Mayor White – Yes. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AND GREENFIELD
POLICE NON-SWORN ASSOCIATION/INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL #3
RESOLUTION #2022-122
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
A MOTION by Councilmember Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2022- 122, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Greenfield and Greenfield Police Non-Sworn Association/International Union of Operating Engineers Local #3”. All in favor. Motion carried. 16 City Council Minutes
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BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor White reported on the TAMC meeting held on December 7th and stated that the Safe Routes to School was on the agenda.
Councilmember Martinez reported on the MST meeting. She stated that they discussed the routes that were being provided and the lack of bus drivers.
Mayor White reported on the Salinas Valley Mayors/Manager Group meeting on November 28th. He stated that there was a presentation on Limitless Program for Youth Women of Monterey County and discussion regarding a service provider for trash services.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report was given.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
No report was given.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:32 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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