City Council Minutes
July 11, 2023
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 11, 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 Martinez, Ortiz and Rodriguez
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Langborg, Public Works Director Tugel, Community Development Director Mugan, Chief Mixer, Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez, Tony Nisich, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Thompson, Management Analyst de la Torre, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Gail Stewart White, Pastor Robert Mullen, John Huerta, Jr., Juergen Smith, Kuei Villa, Avelina Torres, Stephanie Garcia, Beatriz Diaz, Laura Mireles
INVOCATION BY PASTOR ROBERT MULLEN
Invocation was given by Pastor Mullen.
.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
Councilmember Rodriguez stated that she would like to pull K-2, because there was no hard deadline.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon agreed and stated that everyone should be given the opportunity to apply.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she didn’t agree until a hard deadline was set. Mayor White suggested that the deadline be this Friday, July 14th at 5 p.m. Council concurred.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA John Huerta, Jr. stated that there was a community advocacy group in Greenfield and they have submitted public requests from the City and were analyzing them and would be submitting a couple more. He also stated that their group also met with the new Congresswoman Lofgren in Salinas. He stated that their Advocacy Committee wanted to shine a light on the VW Oversight Committee. He stated that he had been hearing people asking where the money was going and what was it being spent on. He stated that he learned that it was not just the distribution of the information but engaging the public and getting the public involved. He stated that the City Council passed a resolution appointing the community members to the VW Committee, each member of the Council was able to appoint a member. He stated that it was critical that the public get engaged with the VW Committee and that five new fresh members would be helpful.
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July 11, 2023
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Juergen Smith stated that on Saturday he went to Patriot Park and was watching the soccer games. He stated that there were a lot of people in attendance and that he witnessed people urinating along the trees. He stated that the City should get restrooms on that side of the park or at least have a door in the fence between the park or portable toilets available to the public.
Kuei Villa stated that her husband uses a wheelchair and there were many sidewalks that were raised and the City should work on fixing the sidewalks and making the entire city was handicapped accessible.
She
stated that cars park on sidewalks and people go onto the streets because the sidewalks were blocked.
Jose Vazquez stated that it was very important to put restrooms at the parks.
Stephanie Garcia stated that she was glad that the extension to fill the Council seat was only a few days because it was announced in May and was on social media last week. She stated that the two applicants were present and it seemed like the Council didn’t think they were good enough to be appointed. She thanked the Council for approving the Hartnell Salinas Valley Promise and stated that her daughter benefitted from that program and graduated from Hartnell this past May. She addressed the VW Committee and stated that she agreed that the Committee should start again and that each Council should appoint someone because fresh input would be great.
Public Works Director Tugel stated that the City was accepting applications for the Traffic Safety Committee and the deadline was July 28th at 4 p.m.
Beatriz Diaz stated that she disagreed with Ms. Garcia’s comment stating that it seemed like the Council didn’t think the applicants were not good enough and believed the Council was giving people the opportunity to apply. She stated that she noticed that they were painting the streets and noticed that near Burger King you can’t see the lines on Walnut Avenue and was hoping the City could work on those as well.
Laura Mireles asked if there was an update on any construction for the street and sidewalk on 12th Street. She stated that school was about to start and this was a big concern because there was no sidewalk.
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Rodriguez stated that she wanted to address Ms. Garcia’s comment about appointing a Councilmember. She stated that she personally was not here to be nice but to be ethical and respectful to all the citizens of Greenfield. She stated that this was not personal and stated that she appreciated anyone that willing to come here and serve. She stated that the decision had nothing to do with the applications received but hearing concerns from residents that they did not know about the deadline and that was why she responded the way she did.
Councilmember Martinez stated that she was glad to be back because she couldn’t be here last time due to her work schedule. She stated that there was a bug going around and asked that everyone stay safe.
She announced the National Event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for Latino Conservation Week and stated that it was this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. She stated that Center for Community Action would be having a training this Saturday. She stated that the Council constantly get emails and request for letters of support and stated that she was willing to write those letters for the residents; however, was asking the residents to please allow some time in requesting the letters. She also thanked the resident that mailed a letter to each Council about serious concerns that needed to be addressed and stated that the concerns would be looked at.
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July 11, 2023
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Councilmember Ortiz thanked the Council for excusing her the last meeting. She also thanked the City Manager and staff for getting the budget done and thanked staff for the 4th of July event. She requested that a code enforcement report be placed on the agenda. She stated that she did look at things in her district as well as the City as a whole. She stated that she was constantly emailing residents as well as meeting them face to face.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stated that she wanted to address the email that she had sent to City Manager Wood regarding the streets that have been paved and stated that she was concerned about them because there was foam coming from the streets. She stated that she didn’t know if it was normal, but she would like staff to address it now. She also stated that residents should submit pictures of streets if they had any concerns.
Mayor White thanked City staff for the 4th of July event. He requested a list of the all the events that were going on for seniors. He also announced that there would be a cooling station at the Science Workshop, 45 El Camino Real and National Night Out was August 1st at the Gazebo.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to approve Warrants #318664 through #318809 and Bank Drafts #5508 through #5531 in the amount of $941,839.19 and Minutes of the June 27, 2023 City Council Meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS PRESENTATION – CITY COUNCIL HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Brent Slama, Planning Consultant, gave a power point presentation regarding the Housing Element Update.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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
RESOLUTION #2023-98
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon stepped down due to a conflict of interest.
Staff report was given by Planning Consultant Mullane.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
John Huerta, Jr. stated that he was in full support of the project.
Kuei Villa asked who these apartments were for. Planning Consultant Mullane stated that they were for low income families.
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Dave Egan, applicant, stated that these apartments were deed restricted and were affordable apartments for lower income families and ag workers.
Andrew Tipton stated that $80,000,000 was a lot of money and that would be about $750,000 per unit.
Mr. Egan stated that the bonds were for up to $80,000,000 for phase #1 and that they didn’t have to get all the money.
Beatriz Diaz asked what the payments for each unit would be.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
Councilmember Martinez asked why so much money. Mr. Egan explained the project and stated that it was not obligating the City at all. He stated that repayment would be only for the company and the State of California.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to adopt Resolution #2023-98, “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”. AYES: Councilmember Rodriguez, Councilmember Ortiz, Councilmember Martinez and Mayor White. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Pro-tem Untalon.
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GREENFIELD ADOPTING A COST RECOVERY POLICY
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon asked what would happen if the owner of the property paid the fee that was imposed. City Attorney Thompson stated that if the owner paid prior to placing the lien on the property the City would remove the lien. Chief Langborg stated that this was a long process and they do work with the property owners. He stated that by the time it got to this point, staff had already tried to contact the owner at least five times.
Beatriz Diaz stated that there were car motors, junk cars and junk in several properties around town.
Kuei Villa asked that there be a list of public nuisances provided to the residents of Greenfield. She suggested a letter go out to all residents.
Mayor While closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Untalon, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to read by title only, first reading, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Adopting a Cost Recovery Policy. All in favor. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD
APPOINTING A GREENFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER
RESOLUTION #2023-99
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Staff report was given by Management Analyst de la Torre.
Marcy Jones introduced herself and stated that she would like to be a Planning Commissioner to be part of her community and help it grow.
Jose Vazquez introduced himself and stated that he would like to be part of the Planning Commission.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon asked why the applicants wanted to be on the Planning Commission? Ms. Jones stated that she wanted to give back and get involved in her community. Mr. Vazquez stated that he wanted to approve more housing.
Councilmember Martinez stated that both candidates were good and either one would be good Planning Commissioners.
Mayor White thanked both candidates for willing to serve.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember to adopt Resolution #2023- 99, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Appointing a Greenfield Planning Commission Member”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION - Government Code Section 54957.6
Conference with Labor Negotiators
Agency designated representatives: City Manager
Employee Organization: Greenfield Police Officers Association Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened at 8:46 p.m.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
No report.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
City Council Minutes
July 11, 2023
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____________________________
City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
City of Greenfield Memorandum
Heart of the Valley
599 El Camino Real Greenfield CA 93937 831-674-5591
www.ci.greenfield.ca.us
Memorandum: July 20, 2023
Agenda Date: July 25, 2023
From: Paul Wood, City Manager
Title: A RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GREENFIELD DECLARING A ONE MONTH RECESS
COMMENCING AUGUST 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2023
BACKGROUND:
It has been the previous practice of the City Council to declare a one-month recess during the month of August. Attached is the resolution declaring that recess.
POTENTIAL MOTION:
I MOVE TO APPROVE/DISAPPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-100, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD DECLARING A ONE MONTH RECESS COMMENCING AUGUST 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2023 18 RESOLUTION #2023-100
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD
DECLARING A ONE MONTH RECESS COMMENCING
AUGUST 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2023
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Greenfield meets the Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month;
WHEREAS, it is necessary to have at least three Councilmembers present at each meeting to have a quorum to conduct City business; and
WHEREAS, Councilmembers wish to take a recess during the period of August 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Greenfield declares a recess during the period of August 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Greenfield at a regular meeting duly held on the 25th day of July 2023, by following vote:
AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
_____________________
Robert White, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________
Ann F. Rathbun, City Clerk
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