City Council Minutes
June 27, 2023
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor White called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor White, Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, Councilmember Rodriguez ABSENT: Councilmembers Martinez and Ortiz
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Langborg, Public Works Director Tugel, Community Development Director Mugan, Sergeant Gutierrez, Science Workshop Director Sanchez, Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez, Tony Nisich, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Thompson, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Gail Stewart White, Claudia Gomez, Denise Jaime, Adela Alvarez, Beatriz Diaz, Kuei Villa, Felipe de Jesus, Pedro Gonzalez, Maribel Rojas, Carlos Ruiz Martinez, Juergen Smith, Monica Andrade, Gabriella Mora, Jose Vazquez, Bertha Cornejo, Maria Aceves, Aurelio, Michael Schaier, Jovanni Castro, Briana Campos, Bryon Roy
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Mayor White to excuse Councilmembers Martinez and Ortiz. AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Untalon and Mayor White. NOES: Councilmember Rodriguez.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Martinez and Ortiz. Motion carried.
INVOCATION BY PASTOR INES VERLUGO
Invocation was given by Pastor Verlugo.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Wood asked that Item J-5, Mitigated Declaration/Vesting Tentative Map for the Northeast corner of Apple Avenue and 3rd Street and Item L-1, Closed Session be pulled. City Council concurred.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez introduced Briana Campos and Aracely Landa, the youth commissioners. She stated that they were here tonight and would be training during the summer. She stated that once school started back again, they would be part of the Youth Commission. She stated that they have been in training and have interviewed members of the Council and some department heads.
Juergen Smith stated that Mayor Pro-tem Untalon would be leaving and creating a vacancy; however, was glad to see that she would be staying until the Council appointed the right person. He stated that the District 1 election was very good and very close. He suggested that the people have spoken and over 50% of the voters voted. He stated that the City place a flyer in the water bills to notify the public. 19 City Council Minutes
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Kuei Villa stated that the taxes keep getting raised but were not being used well. She stated that the LLMD and SSMD districts kept going up but nothing was being done about the raised sidewalks in her area. She asked that the Council should hold a workshop about this.
Beatriz Diaz asked that everyone drive through their districts and check out the streets and how they were coming out. She stated that some areas looked good; however, some did not. She stated that the area in front of the Dollar Tree was very tacky and bad and that some areas were already breaking. She asked if the City had a warranty on the work and if this was going on now what was going to happen when it rained. She also stated that she agreed with Mr. Smith and hoped that the next person on the Council needed to be the right person and maybe a new face. She asked if there was anything happening for the 4th of July.
Maribel Rojas asked that there be more transparency in where the city funds came from and how they were being spent and asked that it be explained in simple terms. She asked where people could go to get this information.
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Rodriguez thanked everyone for helping her attend the last meeting remotely. She thanked Mayor Pro-tem Untalon for attending the MST meeting in her absence. She stated that she wanted to highlight the Big Sur Family outing that was hosted by the Science Workshop. She also announced that Hartnell College received a $9.5 million dollar grant for students that were interested in ag studies. She stated that students could register for fall classes at this time. She stated that as part of the on-going disaster relief efforts for the Pajaro community she had been in contact with Angela Mejia and Fabiola Lopez. She stated that they organized an event for this and it would be July 15th and if anyone was interested in joining them; sign-ups were going on now to help with the re-building effort.
She wished everyone a safe 4th of July.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon thanked Aracely and Briana for being part of the Youth Commission and for taking time to interview her. She thanked Fabiola Lopez and her department for all that they were doing. She also stated that she wanted to address the email from Laura Mireles regarding having students clean downtown so that they could get the experience and the City would get work done.
She stated that she believed it would be a good idea and asked that City Manager Wood get back to her.
She also stated that she received an email from Dr. Villarreal regarding the streets and the issue that the older areas were not getting as much attention as the newer developments and the City needed to look into this. She stated that at the last meeting the Council decided to appoint for her seat through the application process. She asked that each Councilmember get their question to the City Clerk by the end of the week and announced that the City was accepting applications starting tomorrow. She stated that 4th of July was next week and wished everyone a happy and safe one. She also stated that there would be a celebration at Patriot Park.
Mayor White stated that the 4th of July celebration started at 5 p.m. and stated that there would be food vendors and music and fireworks starting around 9 p.m. He announced the Science Workshop event for kayaking at Elkhorn Slough on July 15th and sign ups were going on now. He also thanked the Police Department for the Norcan giveaway and stated that it was very important. He stated that he met with Briana Campos and Aracely Landa, youth commissioners, and stated that the Youth Council would be in great hands.
CONSENT ITEMS
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A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to approve Warrants #318542 through #318663 and Bank Drafts #5481 through #5506 in the amount of $1,002,937.79 Minutes of the June 13, 2023 City Council Meeting, Receive and File Monthly Reports – Finance, adopt Resolution #2023-86, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Awarding a Contract Not to Exceed $245,000 to Capital Rivers, Inc., a California Corporation, Doing Business as Capital Rivers Connect to Provide Economic Development Consultant Services for the City and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute this Contract”, and adopt Resolution #2023-87, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving an Extension to the Agreement with Fluid Resource Management (FRM) to Manage the Greenfield Public Water System for a Period not to Exceed Three (3) Months with a Sunset Date of September 30, 2023”, and Deny Claim Against the City, adopt Resolution #2023-88, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Supplementally Appropriating in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 in the Amount of $18,000 from the General Fund to Pay for Personnel Investigation Expenses”, and adopt Resolution #2023-89, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Supplementally Appropriating in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 in the Amount of $25,000 from the General Fund to Pay for the Annual Membership Fee for the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority (SSVBA)”. All in favor. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS PRESENTATION – DOOR TO HOPE
Claudia Gomez, Door to Hope, gave a power point presentation. She also introduced Denise Jaime, Adela Alvarez and Monica Andrade which were all part of Door to Hope.
Monica Andrade stated that Door to Hope was filling in the gap when families don’t qualify for programs at the schools.
Mayor White stated that allowing Door to Hope to use space at the community center free of charge was one thing but supporting the program with funds were something else. He stated that he was not sure about it at this time. Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that she used this program and took her two younger sons because she didn’t qualify for any other one. She stated that the first five years of a child’s life was very important and would like to keep this program here in Greenfield.
Monica Andrade read a letter from Brandi Ramirez supporting the program.
Gabriella Mora stated that her children had gone through the program and had one currently in the program and that it had been very good for them. She stated that she supported the program and asked that the Council do as well.
PRESENTATION – PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT UPDATES – DOWNTOWN FLAGS, 12TH
STREET IMPROVEMENT DESIGN
Public Works Director Tugel gave an update regarding Downtown Flags project and the 12 Street Improvement Design project.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENTS
RESOLUTION #2023-90
Staff report was given by Tony Nisich, MNS Engineering. 21 City Council Minutes
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Anthony Elowsky, Robert Niehaus, Inc., gave a power point presentation.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
Carlos Ruiz Martinez stated that a few years ago, the sewer and water rates had increased and that they were told they had increased because the other cities around Greenfield were charging more. He asked that the Council should look for State or Federal grants before asking the residents. He stated that the City did not notify everyone of the increase because some residents rent their homes and the landowners pay for the utilities. He also stated that the Triqui people speak a different language and the City did not take that into account. He stated that the older population were on social security and they only get a 3.4% living adjustment but the increases were a lot more than that. He asked that the Council re-consider the increase and think about all the residents.
Kuei Villa asked how the letter was sent. City Clerk Rathbun stated that all property owners and account holders were mailed a letter 45 days prior to the public hearing. Mrs. Villa stated that she opposed the increase and submitted a protest letter. She asked that the City look for grants to pay for this and asked that more time be given to people to protest.
Jose Vazquez stated that he opposed the increase.
Juergen Smith stated that he was in favor of the increase because the City needed to improve the infrastructure and fix the pipes. He stated that the City also needed to build a new sewage treatment plant.
Bryon Roy stated that the water rates have been good; however, now he was retired and on a fixed income. He asked that the Council consider people that were on fixed incomes and those that couldn’t afford the increase.
Bertha Cornejo stated that everything in Greenfield was the same and there were no opportunities here for anyone. She stated that people don’t have the money for increases. She stated that people had to travel outside of Greenfield to work and the price of gas was very high. She stated that with the high rent and high cost of living, people on fixed incomes were having a hard time and stated that her family sometimes had to choose to pay bills or eat. She stated that the prices for everything were very expensive and this increase was adding to it.
Maria Aceves stated that she was okay with the increase; however, wanted the Council to remember that there was a lot of older people that were on social security and they might not be able to afford the increase.
Aurelio, stated that he worked in the fields and they got paid $15.50 per hour and received a $.50 increase this year but that wasn’t enough because everything was increasing such as rent, water, food, etc. He asked that the Council put more attention to the town. He also stated that there were some residents being taking advantage of at 923 Walnut and that the residents were being asked by the landlord that they needed to pay $200 to $300 per resident in cash for PG&E and water and that the City should look into this matter.
Beatriz Diaz asked that the City look into the matter that Mr. Aurelio was talking about.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m.
City Clerk Rathbun stated that there were 3 protest letters received and there were 139 signatures on the petitions submitted by Mr. Ruiz Martinez stating that they opposed the increase. She also reported that there were over 3,500 mailed to the property owners and over 3,500 to the account holders for a total of 7,172.
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Councilmember Rodriguez stated that she was concerned with the percentage of increase and asked if there was a way to lessen the percentage.
Mr. Nisich stated that staff had looked for grant for the infrastructure; however, did not believe there were any for operating costs and maintenance. City Manager Wood stated that staff was working with the State to get grants for the new wastewater treatment plant, $80,000,000. He stated that staff was currently working on the scoping of the lines project and it was going to cost $229,000 just for the scoping not for any work that would need to be done.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that she was in favor of the increase because this was what the City needed and that she was looking at the longevity of the City.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-90, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Adjustments”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD DECLARING THE
RESULTS OF BALLOTING TABULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION AND CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53753,
ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS AND CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAMS AND ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE GREENFIELD LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 3 ZONE 4 (GREENFIELD COMMONS ANNEXATION TO MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 3) PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972 FOR THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR RESOLUTION #2023-91
Staff report was given by Tony Nisich, MNS Engineer.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 8:38 p.m.
No comments were received.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 8:39 p.m.
City Clerk Rathbun reported that the ballot received was in favor of the annexation to the Greenfield Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 3 Zone 4 (Greenfield Commons Annexation to Maintenance District 3).
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-91, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Declaring the Results of Balloting Tabulated in Accordance with Article XIIID of the California Constitution and California Government Code Section 53753, Ordering Improvements and Confirming the Diagrams and Annual Assessment for the Greenfield Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 3 Zone 4 (Greenfield Commons Annexation to Maintenance District 3) Pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD DECLARING THE RESULTS OF
BALLOTING TABULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION AND CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53753, ORDERING
IMPROVEMENTS AND CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAMS AND ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE GREENFIELD STREET AND DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 3 ZONE 4 (GREENFIELD COMMONS ANNEXATION TO MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 3) PURSUANT TO THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982 FOR THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR
RESOLUTION #2023-92
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Staff report was given by Tony Nisich, MNS Engineer.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 8:40 p.m.
No comments were received.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 8:41 p.m.
City Clerk Rathbun reported that the ballot received was in favor of the annexation to the Greenfield Street and Drainage Maintenance District No. 3 Zone 4 (Greenfield Commons Annexation to Maintenance District 3).
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-92, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Declaring the Results of Balloting Tabulated in Accordance with Article XIIID of the California Constitution and California Government Code Section 53753, Ordering Improvements and Confirming the Diagrams and Annual Assessment for the Greenfield Street and Drainage Maintenance District No. 3 Zone 4 (Greenfield Commons Annexation to Maintenance District 3) Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY QUALIFIED 501)C)(3) BONDS
FOR A QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROJECT IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING OR REFINANCING THE
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF GREENFIELD COMMONS I AT 41206 WALNUT AVENUE
Staff report was given by Planning Consultant Mullane.
City Attorney Thompson announced that this item could not be heard because there was no quorum and suggested that it be continued to July 11, 2023. She stated that Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that she would abstain from this item.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE GENERAL FUND, ENTERPRISE FUNDS, SPECIAL REVENUE
FUNDS, CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND AND DEBT SERVICE FUNDS BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
RESOLUTION #2023-93
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
Beatriz Diaz stated that there was a lot of problems with Wi-Fi and asked that a tower be placed in the budget for this. She also asked about the north and south signage and what happened to the money that was previously budgeted. She also stated that the police department needed a device to know how loud music got in order to cite the people with loud music.
City Manager Wood stated that the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority was addressing the issue of WiFi and would be providing high speed internet at an affordable price to all qualifying households. He also stated that the budget for the signs was moved from one year to the next. 24 City Council Minutes
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A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to adopt Resolution #2023-93, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving Appropriations for the General Fund, Enterprise Funds, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Projects Fund and Debt Service Funds Budgets for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024”. All in favor.
Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO APPROVE A ONE-YEAR RENTAL CONTRACT WITH OR-TECH, INC. TO SUPPLY AN ORTEC MARK II SLUDGE DEWATERING BELT PRESS AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS FOR
THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, WITH OPTION TO EXTEND
RESOLUTION #2023-94
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to adopt Resolution #2023-94, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Approve a One-Year Rental Contract with Or-Tech, Inc. to Supply an Or-Tec Mark II Sludge Dewatering Belt Press and Associated Materials for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, with Option to Extend”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD
AWARDING A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $198,162.50 TO F. LODUCA TO CONSTRUCT THE CITY ENTRY SIGN REPLACEMENT
PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THIS CONTRACT AND APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $41,802.50 IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THIS RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION #2023-95
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
Kuei Villa stated that instead of the City spending money on these signs, maybe the money could be used to help the elderly paid for the water and sewer bills.
Beatriz Diaz asked if the City knew the location of the signs. Mayor White stated yes. Mayor Protem Untalon stated that the north bound sign would be where the original sign was and the south bound sign would be near the billboard and that there was orange netting at that location.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that these signs were long overdue and residents have wanted the signs for many years. Councilmember Rodriguez echoed Mayor Pro-tem Untalon’ s comments.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to adopt Resolution #2023-95, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Awarding a Public Works Construction Contract in the Amount of $198,162.50 to F. Loduca to Construct the City Entry Sign Replacement Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute this Contract and Approve a Supplemental Appropriation of $41,802.50 in Accordance with this Resolution”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
UPDATED CITY OF GREENFIELD PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS RESOLUTION #2023-96
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
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A MOTION Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-96, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Updated City of Greenfield Personnel Rules and Regulations”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO RATIFY THE
EMERGENCY SUSPENSION OF NORMAL BIDDING OR PURCHASING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO ABATEMENT OF SUCH EMERGENCY – WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EASTERN
EXTERIOR LEVEE REPAIR AND MITIGATION
RESOLUTION #2023-97
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
.A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon to adopt Resolution #2023-97, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Ratify the Emergency Suspension of Normal Bidding or Purchasing Requirements Related to Abatement of Such Emergency – Wastewater Treatment Plant Eastern Exterior Levee Repair and Mitigation” 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. He stated that they discussed the REAP grants and housing.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon reported on the MST meeting and stated that the main topic was the recognition of employees and Councilmember Martinez.
Mayor White reported on the Monterey County Mayors meeting and stated that they discussed tourism.
Mayor White reported on the Salinas Valley Mayors/Managers meeting. He stated that they discussed ag mitigations and stated that at the next meeting they were inviting the Ag Commissioner to attend.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Thompson reminded the Council that this meeting was theirs and that they were not required to respond to questions from the audience.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Wood thanked the City Council for approving the budget and stated that the City was getting close to being fully staffed.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
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City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
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