City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 1
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor White called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor White, Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, Councilmembers Ortiz and Rodriguez ABSENT: Councilmember Martinez
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Langborg, Public Works Director Tugel, Community Development Director Mugan, Captain Mixer, Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez, Sergeant Gutierrez, Sergeant Mattke, Sergeant Avery, Executive Assistant Guerrero, Recreation Manager Perez, Senior Planner Powell, Planning Consultant Mugan, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Thompson, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Laura Mireles, Gabby Serrato, Ramirez, Sal Palma, John Huerta, Jr., Beatriz Diaz, Karina Ramirez, Rigo Avila, Stephanie Garcia, Jessica Bautista, Laura Morales, Emily Hernandez, Andrea Sanchez, Isabel Ramirez, Silvia Mendez, Audelia Garcia, Ines Lugo, Ariana Green, Janneke Strause A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to excuse Councilmember Martinez. All in favor. Motion carried.
INVOCATION
Invocation by Pastor Diana Salinas.
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 Laura Mireles asked what was going on with the community center land purchase.
Gabby Serrato stated that the investigation report concluded that Councilmember Martinez was guilty of abusing her power as a Councilmember. She stated that the report should be made available for all the public to read and that Councilmember Martinez should be held accountable and some action should be taken.
23 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 2
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Rodriguez wished everyone Happy Women’s History Month. She stated that she visited the recreation center and stated that she was surprised at all the activities that were available. She stated that her heart goes out to all the people that were evacuated due to the recent storms.
Councilmember Ortiz thanked all the departments for keeping the residents of Greenfield safe and stated that Greenfield was very fortunate. She stated that the loss of a lot of crops had occurred and everyone would be impacted such the farm workers, not being able to work, to others paying higher prices for produce.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon thanked the City Council and City Attorney for showing up to Career Day at Arroyo Seco Academy. She stated that the Traffic Committee had always been opened to the public and now staff was recommending that Council appoint members for residents that fill out an application. She stated that she knew three people that wanted to serve on this Board and would like to have this item for discussion on an agenda very soon.
Mayor White announced that the Greenfield Little League opening day was March 18th and that the City’s Easter event was on April 1st. He stated that the Arts Program for seniors was currently going on. He also asked that the City Council receive a copy of the Planning Commission agenda. He also requested that the City look into a new banners system to honor veterans.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to approve Warrants #317612 through #317715 and Bank Drafts #5277 through #5295 in the amount of $737,252.73, Approve Minutes of February 28, 2023 City Council Meeting, Deny Claim Against the City, adopt Resolution #2023-20, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Clarify a Discrepancy in Resolution No 2022-92 Awarding and Appropriating Funding of a Professional Services Contract to Denise Duffy & Associates in the Amount of $99,949 for the CEQA/NEPA Review and Documentation for the City Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute the Contract and Assign Additional Work in Accordance with this Resolution”, and adopt Resolution #2023-21, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Clarify a Discrepancy in Resolution No 2022-93 Awarding and Appropriating Funding of a Professional Services Contract to Denise Duffy & Associates in the Amount of $126,970 for the CEQA/NEPA Review and Documentation for the City Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Disposal Spray Field Expansion Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute the Contract and Assign Additional Work in Accordance with this Resolution”. All in favor. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATION, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS PROCLAMATION – CHIEF GREGORY ALLEN
Mayor White read and presented the proclamation to Chief Gregory Allen.
Chief Allen addressed the City, staff and the community and thanked them for the opportunity.
PRESENTATION – FORMER MAYOR LANCE WALKER BY GREENFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT Captain Mixer presented former Mayor Walker with a plaque and flag for his dedicated service and support for the Greenfield Police Department.
24 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 3
PROCLAMATION – RED CROSS MONTH
Mayor White read the proclamation proclaiming March as Red Cross Month.
PROCLAMATION – WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Mayor White read the proclamation proclaiming March as Women’s History Month.
PRESENTATION – MID-YEAR CIP PRESENTATION
City Manager Wood gave a presentation regarding the mid-year capital improvement projects budget.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A
REVISED DESIGN REVIEW FOR EXTERIOR ALTERNATIONS TO THE BUILDING AND PROJECT SITE AT 46/48 4TH STREET (APN: 109-521-039)
RESOLUTION #2023-22
Staff report was given by Community Development Director Mugan.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Laura Mireles stated that the City was using too many resources on cannabis. She stated that if they were not complying with codes, the City should stop the project and the City should not give them priority.
Sal Palma stated that he was here to answer any questions and how they could move forward with this project.
John Huerta, Jr. stated that the idea of an industry that was providing revenue to the City was something the Council needed to look at as well as the Council deliberated in its decision.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-22, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Revised Design Review for Exterior Alternations to the Building and Project Site at 46/48 4th Street (APN:
109-521-039).” All in favor. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AND TRI-CITIES DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING SERVICES, INC. REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS
TO EXCLUSIVE SOLID WASTE, RECYCLING AND ORGANICS COLLECTION SERVICES
PROGRAM AGREEMENTS
RESOLUTION #2023-23
Report was given by Elia Zavala, Contracts & Grants Analyst, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority.
25 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 4
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-23, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Greenfield and Tri-Cities Disposal and Recycling Services, Inc. Regarding Negotiations for Amendments to Exclusive Solid Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection Services Program Agreements.” All in favor.
Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION TO RELEASE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) BY THE CITIES OF
GONZALES, SOLEDAD, GREENFIELD AND KING (CITIES) TO SELECT A QUALIFIED
CONTRACTOR TO COLLECT SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES, AND ORGANIC WASTE WITHIN
THE BOUNDARIES OF EACH CITY AS A SINGLE FRANCHISE COLLECTION ZONE Staff report was given by Elia Zavala, Contracts & Grants Analyst, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority.
Beatriz Diaz asked how the City could get better street sweeping services. She stated that maybe a new company could do a better job.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that the street sweeper services should be one of our focuses and it needed to be addressed.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if the residents would be getting two bills, one for water and sewer and the other for garbage services. Ms. Zavala stated that the Council would have options regarding billing.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to approve the Release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) by the Cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King (Cities) to Select a Qualified Contractor to Collect Solid Waste, Recyclables, and Organic Waste within the Boundaries of each City as a Single Franchise Collection Zone. All in favor. Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF DONATION TO A.V.I.L.A. VICTORY BOXING
Staff report was given by Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez.
Councilmember Rodriguez stated that A.V.I.L.A. was required to secure a building permit; were they asking to build something. Community Development Director Mugan stated that the use of the building must be consistent with the occupancy load and it was through the building permit process that the occupancy was determined. Councilmember Rodriguez asked if the occupant was seeking to change the occupancy or were they willing to keep it 48. Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez stated that the change of use of the building required a building permit in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
Planning Consultant Mullane stated that a building permit application was required in order to establish what the occupancy would be and the certificate of occupancy would be granted after the building permit was issued. He stated once it was issued, it would allow for fire inspection and building inspection. He stated that the business was operating without a certificate of occupancy. Councilmember Rodriguez asked if all non-profit organizations needed to go through this process. Planning Consultant Mullane stated that it did not matter whether or not the business was for profit or non-profit; they would all have to go through the same process. Councilmember Ortiz asked if the business had a business license.
Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez stated no.
Karina Ramirez stated that they have been struggling to maintain the business, She stated that they would not exceed the occupancy of 48. She stated that the City had offered them some sites, however, they were not adequate for them. She stated that she was concerned and wanted the City to think about the opportunities that were offered to the kids in Greenfield. 26 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 5
Rigo Avila stated that he was thankful for how far they had come. He stated that requiring them to get a building permit was like a slap in the face because that would give the City the opportunity to find out what was wrong and to force them to fix it, which they do not have funds to do. He stated that regarding occupancy, they would not be exceeding the 48 limit. He stated that they were requesting these funds to keep the program going forward. He stated that they were all volunteers and were asking for help. He also stated that he did not agree with the staff recommendation.
A mother of one of the kids attending the program stated that her child suffered from depression and this program had helped her child. She stated that she had lived in Greenfield for 28 years and Greenfield doesn’t have anything that benefits the people.
Mr. Avila stated that he was born and raised in Greenfield. He stated that he coached high school football and Greenfield kids were at a disadvantage because there was no pop warner football. He stated that this program was good for the kids and it helped kids believe in themselves and stated that they were asking the City for help.
Sal Palma stated that he supported this program and stated that the City should get behind this program.
He stated that he had donated to the program and believed it was very important.
A parent stated that he had 3 kids and they enjoyed playing soccer; however, had to go to Soledad to join a travel soccer team and asked why kids had to leave Greenfield. He stated that he wanted to keep the money in Greenfield. He asked for support of this program.
A mother of one of the students in the boxing program asked that the City support this program.
Stephanie Garcia stated that she was in support of this program; however, if the program would be using public funds they should be required to open their books. She suggested that they work with the recreation department and have fundraising as well.
Jessica Bautista stated that this was not about the kids, it was about business management operating costs and using public funds. She stated that if the City was going to go that direction, she suggested that they create a check off list with requirements such as having a 501 3C and a certified accountant for their books, etc. She stated that this organization was able to fundraise to raise money.
John Huerta, Jr. stated that he had been working with AVB and introduced them to Community Foundation of Monterey staff and were looking at applying for a $5,000 grant. He stated that he had introduced them to Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Karina had worked very hard to put together a grant application for a $20,000 grant from the Harden Foundation. He also introduced them to Dominguez Farms, Andy Boy and working with many others. He stated that they were seeking help from others not just the City of Greenfield. He stated that they were not going anywhere and they were doing it from the heart. He suggested that the Council approve a contribution for whatever they had in mind and have them come back 10-12 months down the road for additional funding once they meet the Council’s demands or requirements.
Fire Chief Langborg stated that there was not one person that doesn’t support this program. He stated that the City adopted the 2019 fire code and recently adopted the newest code and that was the policy on how they do the inspections of the buildings. He stated that he believed if the business did not go above the 48 occupancy that they would not be required to make any changes.
Stephanie Garcia stated that the program was needed; however, standard practices needed to be followed because it had to be safe.
Laura Mireles stated she supported AVB and asked why the City was giving them a hard time and not the cannabis businesses.
27 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 6
Laura Morales stated that this was a great program and that the City did not have anything for the youth.
Erika stated that in the beginning there was only one girl that participated in the boxing program and now there was 12 girls. She stated that the girls were more confident because of the program. She also stated that they did fundraising.
Emily Hernandez stated that the City should support the program.
Andrea Sanchez stated that the City should support the program.
Gabriella Mireles asked that the City support AVILA Boxing.
Bea Diaz asked that the City support AVILA Boxing and thanked Mr. Palma for contributing funds to the youth of the community. She also thanked Karina and Rigo for all their efforts and support.
There was additional discussion among the City Council, Ms. Ramirez, Mr. Avila and staff regarding AVILA Boxing.
A MOTION by Mayor White, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to fund AVB, Inc. for 8 months of rent at their facility with the conditions that AVB, Inc. apply and obtain a business license, apply and obtain a building permit which will establish an occupancy group with the establishment of occupancy of 48 and obtain a certificate of occupancy. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilmember Rodriguez – Yes; Councilmember Ortiz – Yes; Mayor Pro-tem Untalon – Yes and Mayor White – Yes. Absent: Councilmember Martinez.
Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A
RESOLUTION PRIORITIZING THE PROJECTS BY THE GREENFIELD STEERING COMMITTEE AND
DIRECTING STAFF TO SCHEDULE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROJECTS RESOLUTION #2023-24
Report was given by Ariana Green and Janneke Strause, Transportation Agency for Monterey County.
Isabel Ramirez stated that she supported the projects and would like the Council to approve the projects and stated that there was a lot of work that was done.
Silvia Mendez, Safe Routes to School Committee, stated that their goal was to improve the routes and make improvements. She asked that Council support the projects.
Audelia Garcia, Safe Routes to School Committee, stated that the committee looked at all the needs of the community and they had a lot of meetings and asked for Council’s support.
Laura Mireles stated that she would like to see not only the sidewalks but also the streets and hopefully it would be completed in less than three years.
Beatriz Diaz, Safe Routes to School Committee, stated that she usually did not walk but being on the Committee and walking the routes made her realize how desperate the City needed to fix the area. She also stated that the other location that the City needed work was 5th and 6tth Street near Palm Avenue.
Ines Lugo, Safe Routes to School Committee, stated that they went through the process and was willing to help move this project forward and asked that the City accept the project list.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to have the meeting go past 10 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried.
28 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 7
Mayor White thanked all the committee members for their service and stated that the projects were good choices.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-24 to adopt Resolution #2023-24, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Resolution Prioritizing the Projects by the Greenfield Steering Committee and Directing Staff to Schedule Implementation of These Projects.” All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO APPROVE AND APPROPRIATE $10,485 IN CONTINGENCY FOR AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH GRADE
BREAK ENGINEERING FOR WATER SERVICE REPAIRS, PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2022-97 IN OCTOBER 2022
RESOLUTION #2023-25
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2023-25, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Approve and Appropriate $10,485 in Contingency for an Existing Contract with Grade Break Engineering for Water Service Repairs, Previously Approved by Resolution No. 2022-97 in October 2022.” All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTALLY APPROPRIATE FUNDS IN FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $225,000 TO FUND EXPENDITURES TO BE PAID WITH SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
SERVICES FUNDS (SLESF)
RESOLUTION #2023-26
Staff report was given by Captain Mixer.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2023-26, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Approve Supplementally Appropriate Funds in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 in the Amount of $225,000 to Fund Expenditures to be Paid with Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funds (SLESF).” All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE MID-YEAR OPERATING BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR FY 2022-2023
RESOLUTION #2023-27
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2023-27, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the MidYear Operating Budget Adjustments for FY 2022-2023.” All in favor. Motion carried.
BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor White reported on the AMBAG meeting and stated that they discussed the REAP grant and that the City would be receiving $125,000 which was the City’s allocation. He also stated that there was going to be $6 million dollars in competitive grants coming up. 29 City Council Minutes
March 14, 2023
Page | 8
Mayor White reported on the Mayors’ Association meeting held on March 3rd in Pacific Grove and stated that they selected a slate to present to the State Assembly for the selection of a Coastal Commissioner.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Thompson explained that the City Council could incur liability if the Council did not enforce the ordinances that they have adopted.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Wood stated that he would be reaching out to Mr. Avila to find out which staff member he wanted to work with regarding his project.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
____________________________
City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
30