City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 25, 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, City Engineer Pike, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Thompson, Science Workshop Director Sanchez, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Avelina Torres, Ernest Gallardo, Dr. Lourdes Villarreal, Victor Torres, Anna Velasquez, John Huerta, Jr., Kuei Villa, Beatriz Diaz, Stephanie Garcia, Tina Martinez
INVOCATION BY PASTOR ROBERT MULLEN
Invocation was given by Pastor Mullen.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Avelina Torres stated that she would miss Mayor Pro-tem Untalon and wished her the best.
Ernie Gallardo stated that he would miss Mayor Pro-tem Untalon and stated that he was proud of her and her wished good luck in her future.
Dr. Lourdes Villarreal stated that she was concerned about the safety of our parks. She stated that she was part of the Parks & Recreation Committee and was told that the City Council did not accept their recommendation regarding signage at the parks. She asked that the Council look into the safety of the parks and was glad that there would be better communication with the City Council and staff.
Public Works Director Tugel announced that the City was still accepting applications for the Traffic Safety Committee and the deadline was this Friday, July 28th.
Victor Torres thanked Mayor Pro-tem Untalon for her service and wished her well. 58 City Council Minutes
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COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Rodriguez thanked Mayor Pro-tem Untalon for her leadership in the community and time that she committed to this community. She also stated that she wanted to clarify things that were being said regarding the appointment of the new Councilmember. Councilmember Rodriguez read a statement regarding this matter. She stated that she took pride in making fair decisions and hope to continue to do so, in the future and stated that if someone had a question or concern to please feel free to reach out to her.
Councilmember Martinez stated that the gossip needed to stop and the Council needed to get along.
She stated that it took a lot to be on the Council and just because there were disagreements doesn’t mean the Council couldn’t work together. She announced that July 30th was World Trafficking Day and asked that training be given so the community could know what to look out for. She announced that if someone was in that situation they could text BE FREE to 233733 and someone would get you help.
She also stated that it was Latino Conservation Week and wanted to thank Jose Sanchez, Science Workshop, for participating at the event hosted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She stated that she and some youth members did a park clean up at the 3rd Street park and was concerned that the splash area was not working as well as the soap dispensaries in the restrooms and asked staff to look into that.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that at the last meeting she had spoke with Councilmember Rodriguez regarding how the public sees the Council and how they have a hard time trusting us. She gave an example of 3 Councilmembers having dinner together. She stated that she knew it was not a violation of the Brown Act as long as no city business was discussed; however, Council needed to be aware of the public’s perception. She requested that a workshop be held regarding why big box stores haven’t come to Greenfield. She announced that she would be hosting a Meet and Great for District #3 on August 12th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Parkside Court Park. She also announced that there would be an event with Congressman Rivas at the Steinbeck Center tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. She stated that she attended the California Rodeo and there were a lot of volunteer opportunities and a lot of money goes back to the local communities.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon thanked the community for electing her and putting their faith in her. She wanted to thank City staff and asked that everyone work together to make things better. She thanked her family, her late husband and boys and a special thanks to Julian for not letting her quit. She stated that being on Council was a love/hate relationship but that she would not trade it because it showed and proved to herself how strong she was. She stated that she made every decision for the betterment of her community and stated that anything done with love was worth doing.
Mayor White thanked Felix Cortez for the story on the news regarding housing and the development that was occurring in Greenfield. He announced that there was a cooling station at the Science Workshop and that National Night Out was August 1st at the Gazebo at 5 p.m. He asked for a report from the Science Workshop regarding all their activities. He thanked Mayor Pro-tem Untalon for her service to Greenfield.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to approve Warrants #318774 through #318905 and Bank Drafts #5526 through #5548 in the amount of $1,125,470.59; Minutes of the July 11 2023 City Council Meeting; adopt 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”; Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance #566, “An Ordinance of the City of Greenfield Adopting a Cost Recovery Policy”; adopt Resolution #2023-101, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Certifying Compliance with State Law with Respect to 59 City Council Minutes
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the Levying of General and Special Taxes, Assessments, and Property-Related Fees and Charges for Fiscal Year 2023-2024”; adopt Resolution #2023-102, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Extend the Agreement with XiO Inc. for the SCADA System Upgrade Project – Procurement and Installation of SCADA Equipment for the Water System from June 30, 2023 to December 31, 2023 and a Supplemental Appropriation of $109,518 to Fund the Project”; adopt Resolution #2023-103, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Change a Public Works Position Job Title from Public Works Operations Manager to Utilities Division Manager”; adopt Resolution #2023-104, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Greenfield and the Greenfield Police Officers’ Association”; adopt Resolution #2023-105, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Adopting the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual “Appropriations Limit”; adopt Resolution #2023-106, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Side Letter Agreement with the Greenfield Police Sergeants’ Association Clarifying Callback Compensation”, and Receive and File Monthly Reports – Finance. All in favor. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
SWEARING IN COUNCILMEMBER LUIS DOMINGUEZ
City Clerk Rathbun administered the oath of office to Luis Dominguez.
Councilmember Dominguez took his seat.
PROCLAMATIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD HONORING
MAYOR PRO-TEM ANGELA UNTALON
Mayor White read the proclamation honoring Mayor Pro-tem Angela Untalon and presented the proclamation to Mayor Pro-tem Angela Untalon.
Anna Velasquez, representing Senator Caballero and Assemblyman Rivas, presented Mayor Pro-tem Angela Untalon with a resolution honoring her.
Mayor White, on behalf of Supervisor Chris Lopez, read the resolution of recognition for Mayor Pro-tem Angela Untalon.
Mayor Pro-tem Untalon thanked everyone and wished Councilmember Dominguez best of luck.
John Huerta, Jr., Avelina Torres and Beatriz Diaz thanked Mayor Pro-tem Untalon for her service and stated that she was a great person.
Councilmember Martinez wished Mayor Pro-tem Untalon best of luck and thanked her for service.
There was a recess at 7:01 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:15 p.m.
SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO-TEM
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun.
Mayor White suggested that Councilmember Ortiz be appointed Mayor Pro-tem.
Avelina Torres stated that the longest sitting Councilmember should be appointed the Mayor Pro-tem position which was Councilmember Martinez.
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Victor Torres stated that he also believed that the longest sitting Councilmember should be appointed Mayor Pro-tem and also it should be someone that was actively involved with the community, which was Councilmember Martinez
Ernest Gallardo stated that she agreed with Mrs. Torres and stated that Councilmember Martinez had been the longest one on the Council and does a lot for the community.
Beatriz Diaz stated that she agreed that Councilmember Martinez should be the Mayor Pro-tem and stated that she was surprised that Mayor White would suggest Councilmember Ortiz be the next Mayor Pro-tem.
Stephanie Garcia stated that Councilmember Martinez had served as Mayor Pro-tem before and it was time for someone else to get a chance to serve. She also reminded the Council that Councilmember Martinez was recently censured and appointing her as the Mayor Pro-tem would send a mixed signal.
Kuei Villa stated that Councilmember Ortiz was very respectful and would support her being Mayor Protem.
Councilmember Martinez stated that she was shocked that Mayor White would nominate Councilmember Ortiz. She stated that she had been on the Council the longest and that she had given a lot to the community. She stated that she was censured; however, it shouldn’t stop her from becoming Mayor Protem. She stated that she confidently believed that she should be the next Mayor Pro-tem.
Mayor White stated that the fact that Councilmember Martinez was censured was one of the factors as to why he suggested Councilmember Ortiz.
Councilmember Rodriguez stated that she would also like to be considered to be Mayor Pro-tem.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz to appoint Councilmember Ortz as the Mayor Pro-tem. Motion died due to lack of second.
A MOTION by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor White to appoint Councilmember Rodriguez as the Mayor Pro-tem. AYES: Mayor White, Councilmembers Ortiz, Rodriguez and Dominguez. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Martinez. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS PROCLAMATION – TINA MARTINEZ, GREENFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION Mayor White read the proclamation for Tina Martinez and presented the proclamation to Ms. Martinez.
Tina Martinez thanked everyone and stated that it was a true honor to have served on the Planning Commission.
PRESENTATION – FIRE STATION RENOVATION AND ADDITION CONCEPT REPORT Presentation was given by Fire Chief Langborg.
Captain Emmanuel Vega, Roy Morris – Fire District Board Member, Deputy Chief Keisling all spoke in favor of the renovation and addition to the fire station.
Ernie Gallardo gave a brief description of the 1989 fire that occurred in his neighborhood and asked the Council to do whatever it could do to get the fire station renovated. 61 City Council Minutes
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Kuei Villa, Stephanie Garcia, Beatriz Diaz, Doug Pike all spoke in favor of the renovation and addition to the fire station.
City Council stated that they were in full support of the renovation and addition to the fire station; however, it would have to be done in phases. It was the consensus of the Council that the sleeping quarters and the issue of no generator should be addressed as the priority.
PRESENTATION – CODE ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY
Presentation was given by Chief of Police Mixer.
Councilmember Martinez stated that the code enforcement officers were doing a good job.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if the officers were working 7 days a week. Chief Mixer stated that the officers work 10 hour days and there were officers working every day.
There was a recess at 9:08 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:16 p.m.
PRESENTATION – 12TH STREET (BETWEEN ELM AND OAK) PROGRESS REPORT Presentation was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS – CONTINUED
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
PURCHASE OF A SOLAR-POWERED TUK TUK VEHICLE FROM MISSION SCIENCE WORKSHOP
OF SAN FRANCISCO
RESOLUTION #2023-107
Staff report was given by Science Workshop Director Sanchez.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-107, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Purchase of a Solar-Powered Tuk Tuk Vehicle from Mission Science Workshop of San Francisco”. All in favor Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD POSTPONING THE 2023-2024 WATER RATE INCREASE
RESOLUTION #2023-108
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Kuei Villa asked if there could be some sort of program that would help seniors or people that could not afford the increase. She also suggested that there be a public workshop regarding this matter.
John Huerta, Jr. stated that he had requested information regarding the City’s expenditures and in Fund 504, Water Fund, the City paid some of the Arroyo Seco Groundwater Sustainability Agency and asked for clarification for those charges. He stated that the City was asking for a rate increase; however, was paying for expenditures for the Agency.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to adopt Resolution #2023-108, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Postponing the 2023-2024 Water Rate Increase”. All in favor. Motion carried.
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ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD MAKING
APPOINTMENTS TO THE ASSOCIATION OF MONTEREY BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS (AMBAG),
SALINAS VALLEY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY (SVSWA), MONTEREY-SALINAS TRANSIT (MST)
AND THE SOUTH SALINAS VALLEY BROADBAND AUTHORITY (SSVBA) RESOLUTION #2023-109
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun.
The following appointment were made:
AMBAG – Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Alternate
SVSWA – Councilmember Dominguez, Member
MST – Councilmember Ortiz, Alternate
SSVBA – Mayor White, Member / Mayor Pro-tem, Alternate
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2023-109, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Making Appointments to the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA), Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) and the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority (SSVBA)”. All in favor. Motion carried.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried.
Councilmember Martinez excused herself from the meeting and left at 9:47 p.m.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION - Government Code Section 54956.95
LIABILITY CLAIMS
Claimant: Felix Pineda Vargas
Agency Claimed Against: City of Greenfield
Meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened at 10:03 p.m.
BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez reported on the MST meeting and stated that they discussed the land at Fort Ord and reported that ridership was up.
Mayor White reported on the Salinas Valley Managers/Mayors group and stated that they discussed ag mitigation.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Thompson stated that she would be presenting a ethics and Brown Act training to the Council and Planning Commission in August.
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CITY MANAGER REPORT
No report.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
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City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
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