City Council Minutes
December 12, 2023
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor White called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor White, Councilmembers Martinez, Ortiz and Tipton Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez arrived at 6:02 p.m.
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Community Development Director Mugan, Public Works Director Tugel, Chief Mixer, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Thompson, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Gail Stewart-White, Pastor Diana Salinas
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 No comments were made.
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Tipton stated that the Christmas event was very nice. He stated that there was a flu going around and suggested residents get the flu vaccine. He also stated that there was a dog cough going around and reminded everyone to get their pets spayed and neutered. He stated that rain was coming and the City would be having sandbags available. He also stated that with the colder weather ahead he reminded everyone to check on the elderly, kids and pets and to please drive carefully. He stated that people on bikes needed to make sure that they had lights and reflectors and that people walking at night needed to wear clothes that other people could see in the dark. He asked that staff look into people having travel trailers on the street in residential areas. He stated that there had been a lot of participation with the house decorating contest. He also stated that he had heard good comments about the parks. He announced that the Planning Commission had vacancies and were accepting applications. He also announced that the food drive would now be walk up only and there would be no drive through service. He suggested that the City hold a spring carnival in order to get the residents of the City more involved.
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.Councilmember Martinez stated that she was unable to attend the Christmas event because she was attending the CCA meeting. She stated that they discussed landlord/tenant issues with senior citizens.
She stated that her family did attend the event and they had a great time. She announced that she would continue the Christmas delivery to homes, however, the kids need submit their letters and then they would receive a gift and some pancakes. She thanked the employee that took the youth to the Youth Summit in Salinas. She stated that as local officials they needed to be aware of what was happening not only in California but across the nation. She stated that the National League of Cities was opposing the pre-emption law that was in the farm bill. She explained the bill and the rights of the local, county and state leaders and stated currently they were trying to remove the State’s authority and jurisdictions would have to follow the federal law in regard to ag land. She stated that this area would be getting a lot of rain this year and asked that residents prepare themselves for the winter storms. She also stated that everyone had to be more caring humans and help the unhoused and asked everyone to donate beanies, scarves, hand warmers, etc. She stated that she would like to move forward and continue where they left off regarding pesticides and IPM. She announced that she would be serving a “to go” breakfast to kids once a month for any child that wanted it.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she was very happy that the crossing guards were able to get some training. She asked what the policy was on truck parking and if 12th Street was on the truck route. She stated that off of 12th Street there was a lot of traffic and would like to see what could be done about it because the community center would be going up faster than we think and that would add more traffic to the area. She stated that TAMC still had money for projects and staff might want to start working on making it safer there. She stated that there were a lot of people dealing with depression and domestic violence and would like staff to post more information regarding help on social media. She stated that the City was closing out 2023 with a bang and stated that there were really nice things getting done and gave kudos to everyone involved.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez congratulated staff on the holiday event. She stated that she was in awe of how many people were in attendance. She thanked Chief Langborg for allowing the Council to ride on the fire truck. She stated that she would like to see information on vendors and the fees from events that were not put on by Mr. Garcia. She asked about the El Camino Real banners and how staff would be selecting the students that would be going on the banners. She also asked why the Food Bank was going to walk up service. Councilmember Tipton stated that they changed it due to safety concerns. She stated that the Council received an email regarding a potential violation of misconduct and she had concerns about it.
Mayor White announced that the senior technology class would be on December 19th, the senior social would be on December 13th, the Coat Drive was going on and coats could be dropped off at the Fire Department and City Hall. He thanked everyone involved in the holiday event and stated that it was a great event. He stated that he was happy to see the flags go up on El Camino Real. He also announced that the Greenfield Little League was having sign ups on January 13th and January 20th. He stated that the community yard sale was a huge success. He asked that staff schedule the Team Building for Council on the next agenda. He stated that the internship program was in the process and it included a stipend and that the City was looking for interns for the Parks & Rec Department, Science Workshop, Planning and IT Departments.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to approve the consent items including Warrants #320041 through #320209 and Bank Drafts #5734 through #5762 in the amount of $1,120,260.70, approve Minutes of the November 14, 2023 City Council Meeting, Second Reading and Adoption – Ordinance #569, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Revising Title 13, Chapters 16 and 32 of the City of Greenfield Municipal Code to Amend Water and Sewer Rates”, adopt Resolution #2023-138, “A Resolution of the City 33 City Council Minutes
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Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Cleath-Harris Geologists, Inc. in the Amount Not to Exceed $44,476 for Quarterly and Semi-Annual Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting Program (MRP) as Required per Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Monitoring and Reporting Program No. R3-2022-0024”, Receive Information - Greenfield Harvest Festival 2023 and Receive And File Monthly Report – Finance Department. All in favor. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATION, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS PRESENTATION – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Community Development Director Mugan gave an update regarding Economic Development.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AND 1994 PANZIERA REVOCABLE TRUST, MICHAEL JOSEPH THORP, 2017 ELIZABETH THORP
REVOCABLE TRUST, AND MARSHALL TOOD AND AKIKO THORP TO PURCHASE THE PARCEL LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF APPLE AVENUE AND 12TH STREET FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSITION 68 GRANT FUNDED COMMUNITY CENTER AND PARK RESOLUTION #2023-139
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2023- 139, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Purchase and Sale Agreement Between the City of Greenfield and 1994 Panziera Revocable Trust, Michael Joseph Thorp, 2017 Elizabeth Thorp Revocable Trust, and Marshall Tood and Akiko Thorp to Purchase the Parcel Located at the Northwest Corner of Apple Avenue and 12th Street for Construction of the Proposition 68 Grant Funded Community Center and Park”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 AND APPROVE A $50,000 BUDGET
APPROPRIATION FOR THE GRANT
RESOLUTION #2023-140
Staff report was given by Chief of Police Mixer.
Councilmember Martinez asked about a sobriety center. Chief Mixer stated that realistically it would be very expensive to do; however, the officers do show compassion and do transport individuals to their homes.
Beatriz Diaz stated that the City might want to do a workshop regarding the consequences of drinking and driving and educate the residents of Greenfield. Chief Mixer stated that they were doing outreach and working with Lideres Compasenias for more outreach. Councilmember Martinez suggested that the education include young kids as well.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to adopt Resolution #2023-140, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Accepting Grant Funds in the Amount of $50,000 and Approve a $50,000 Budget Appropriation for the Grant”. All in favor.
Motion carried.
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ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUPPLEMENTALLY APPROPRIATING IN FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,836 TO FUND CITY
COUNCIL BUSINESS AND TRAVEL EXPENDITURES
RESOLUTION #2023-141
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2023-141, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Supplementally Appropriating in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the Amount of $8,836 to Fund City Council Business and Travel Expenditures”.
All in favor. Motion carried.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION – GOVERNMENT CODE SESSION 54956.9(D)(1)
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Andrew Sandoval v. City of Greenfield, Case Number 23CV003551 CLOSED SESSION – GOVERNMENT CODE SESSION 54957
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Attorney
No comments received.
Meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:30 p.m.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened to open session at 8:09 p.m.
There was no reportable action.
BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Ortiz reported on the TAMC meeting. She stated that last week TAMC approved $8.8 million for the rail system. She also stated that there was $35 million dollars available for projects.
Councilmember Tipton stated that he would be attending the SVSWA retreat this Friday.
Mayor White reported on the Monterey County Mayors’ meeting. He stated that they heard a report from Sonia de la Rosa, Chief Administrative Office for Monterey County, and stated that some of the things she reported on was to expect extreme weather this winter and preparation and that the County was having recruitment problems like everyone else and stated that Sheriff Department was having a difficult time with recruitment.
Mayor White reported on the Salinas Valley Mayors/Managers meeting on November 27th and stated that they discussed ag mitigation and a homeless housing assistance program. City Manager Wood stated that they also discussed the valley cities having places for homeless families.
City Attorney Thompson reported on the Planning Commission. She stated that they had two informational items: the economic update that was heard tonight and an update on the cannabis industry. 35 City Council Minutes
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 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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