City Council Minutes
February 13, 2024
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor White called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor White, Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Martinez, Ortiz and Tipton
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Fire Chief Langborg, Police Chief Mixer, Public Works Director Tugel, IT Director Espinosa, City Attorney Thompson, City Clerk Rathbun GUESTS: Gail Stewart-White, Pastor Diana Salinas, Bob Urquides, Efrain Aguilera, Flor B., Maria Bravo, Mayra Ramirez, Edit Ochoa, Gabriel Mejia
INVOCATION
Invocation by Pastor Diana Salinas.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
City Attorney Thompson stated that for Item J-6, the recommended action should be discuss and file report and was only a discussion item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Jessica Bautista, Sober Grad Fundraising Chair, stated they were holding their first fundraiser and it was a limited edition GPD/GFD t-shirt on sale and encouraged everyone to buy one. She stated that the second part of the fundraiser was the proud sponsor yard sign for donating to the Sober Grad. She asked that everyone support this worthy cause.
Stephanie Garcia stated that this was a different fundraiser than the one the seniors were doing. She stated that this fundraiser was for the community to show support for the kids.
Beatriz Diaz asked Councilmember Ortiz why there was so much hate toward Councilmember Martinez and herself and what was the reason that she ran for Council. She stated that Councilmember Ortiz had previously stated that she was displeased with the Oaxaca community because they were ruining the City and left her home in Greenfield. She stated that on social media a couple years ago, Councilmember Ortiz responded to her stating that Elections Department stated that she was allowed to vote because she still had the utilities under her name. She asked why Councilmember Ortiz wanted to bring the character letter to the Council. She asked City Manager Wood what the City was doing for the unhoused.
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
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Councilmember Tipton reminded everyone to spay and neuter their pets. He asked that people walking or on bikes at night to not wear dark clothing. He announced that the police department recently shut down a crop shop in Greenfield and stated that this would lessen the vehicles being stolen. He also asked that people not block the sidewalks or park too close to the ramps because people in wheelchairs would have to go onto the streets to get through. He stated that stop signs and city limits were not an option and must be obeyed. He asked that the Council receive an update on the Welcome to Greenfield signs and wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Councilmember Martinez announced that there was translation services available and asked that staff supply Spanish agendas for the public. She stated that she attended Career Day at Vista Verde School.
She asked that the Council get involved with the youth at an early age. She stated that the students at Vista Verde expressed that they would like to have more businesses to work at as well as places to hang out. She also stated that there was a youth group that wanted to meet with Chief Mixer. She asked about the cannabis odor and if something could be done about it. She announced that the senior social would be taking place tomorrow.
Councilmember Ortiz announced that the Planning Commission selected a new chair, Cynthia Zavala and a new vice-chair, Bob Urquides. She stated that at the last Planning Commission City Attorney Thompson and Community Development Director Mugan gave an overview of the rules of the Planning Commission as well as the conduct that was expected. She stated that the fence was down at the new Magnolia Apartments and stated that residents should be moving in the second week of March. She asked that everyone that was planning to attend the senior social RSVP so that there could be enough food for all. She stated that she would like an update on the Welcome signs and the banners. She thanked Chief Mixer for the presentation on DUIs by Sgt. de la Torre and Officer Ruelas. She stated that she would like a presentation regarding domestic violence and what information and services the police department was offering.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that a resident had reached out to her about some unhoused people behind her lot but it was about safety as well. She thanked Chief Mixer for the quick response on that issue. She suggested that a link to the minutes be posted so that residents would be able to go there to get information on what happened at the City Council meeting. She congratulated everyone that made honor roll that was published including the City’s youth ambassadors. She stated that she would like staff to follow up on the Welcome signs, the festival fees, banners and the ADA swings. She wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Mayor White stated that he participated in the point in time count of the unhoused on January 31st with City Manager Wood, Fabiola Lopez Angela Mejia and the count of unhoused was 10. He stated that he appreciated all the work that had been done on the parks; however, would like to have the swings comply with ADA. He announced that the senior social was tomorrow and that Sober Grad was seeking donations for the event. He stated that there would be a job fair on February 29th.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to approve the consent items including Warrants #320573 through #320721 and Bank Drafts #5836 through #5879 in the amount of $1,188,388.29, approve Minutes of the January 23, 2024 City Council Meeting, Receive and File Monthly Reports – Finance / Science Workshop, adopt Resolution #2024-13, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Supplementally Appropriating $1,815,562 for the Purchase of the Property to be Used for the New Community Center at Apple and 12th Street, (APN/Parcel ID 109-232-006)”. All in favor. Motion carried.
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MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS.
PROCLAMATION – A PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GREENFIELD PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY AS NATIONAL PESTICIDE AWARENESS MONTH Mayor White read the proclamation proclaiming February as National Pesticide Awareness Month.
Mayor White presented the proclamation to Efrain Aguilar, representing UFCW Local 5 and Centro Binancional Para El Desarollo Indigena Oaxaqueno,; a member of Lideres Campesinas; and members of the Safe Ag Safe School committee.
REPORTS – LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES – MAYORS AND COUNCILMEMBERS ACADEMY Councilmember Ortiz stated that she only attended a couple of sessions and unfortunately was unable to attend the rest because she was ill.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez reported on the Academy and stated that social media, Brown Act and effective council and manager team sessions were very informative.
Councilmember Tipton reported on the Academy and stated that the effective council and manager team, land use planning, Brown Act and social media sessions were very informative.
Mayor White stated that the Academy provided a lot of information and enjoyed several sessions including the effective council and manager team, social media and the financial sessions.
PRESENTATION – FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW City Manager Wood gave a powerpoint presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Mid-Year Financial Review.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD RATIFYING AND
EXTENDING THE PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
RESOLUTION #2024-14
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to adopt Resolution #2024-14, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Ratifying and Extending the Proclamation of a Local Emergency”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO APPROVE
THE POSITION OF EMS COORDINATOR AND MAKE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 TO THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET TO FUND THE POSITION OF
EMS COORDINATOR
RESOLUTION #2024-15
Staff report was given by Chief Langborg.
Efrain Aguilera stated that he was always under the impression that the fire department had paramedics and stated that he supported this.
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Beatriz Diaz stated that she was in favor of this and that the City needed it.
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to adopt Resolution #2024-15, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Approve the Position of EMS Coordinator and Make a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $10,000 to the 2023- 2024 Fiscal Year Budget to Fund the Position of EMS Coordinator”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY EMERGENCY GENERATOR GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,011,162.66
RESOLUTION #2024-16
Staff report was given by Chief Langborg.
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to adopt Resolution #2024-16, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Supplemental Appropriation for the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Generator Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the Amount of $1,011,162.66”. All in favor. Motion carried.
REVIEW AND APPROVE – GREENFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL MILITARY
EQUIPMENT REPORT
Staff report was given by Chief Mixer.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to accept and file the Greenfield Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPOINTING
COUNCILMEMBER YANELY MARTINEZ TO THE CALCITIES ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY POLICY
COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION #2024-17
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Gabriella Serrato stated that the Council had previously voted not to appoint Councilmember Martinez to any committees and what message would it send to the public if she would be appointed to this committee.
Beatriz Diaz asked what better person than Councilmember Martinez for this committee and asked that the Council appoint Councilmember Martinez to the committee.
Councilmember Martinez stated that there had previously been representatives from the City Council.
She stated that she had already attended two meetings already.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if there were other Councilmembers that have been representatives on these committees. Councilmember Martinez stated that there were Councilmembers on the housing committee in the past. Councilmember Tipton stated that he had served on the public safety committee. 20 City Council Minutes
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Mayor White stated that he did not have any problems appointing Councilmember Martinez. He stated that he was not asking for removal of the censure; however, wanted to move forward to put this behind them. He stated that more could be accomplished by working together.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that she believed that that this would benefit the community and was in favor of it.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she agreed that the City needed to be represented; however, there needed to be reports regarding the meeting. She stated that currently Councilmember Martinez does not meet with the City Manager and if she doesn’t rely the information what purpose would it serve staff or the public.
City Attorney Thompson stated that this committee would be included in the monthly reports on the agenda.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to adopt Resolution #2024-17, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Appointing Councilmember Yanely Martinez to the CalCities Environmental Quality Policy Committee”. AYES: Mayor White, Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez and Councilmember Martinez, NOES: Councilmembers Ortiz and Tipton.
Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND REVIEW – COUNCILMEMBER ALLEGATION OF MISCONDUCT Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Gabriella Serrato stated that she was not saying anything about Councilmember Martinez writing the letter; however, she should not sign the letter as a Councilmember. She asked how Councilmember Martinez was supporting the victim.
Beatriz Diaz asked about the letter and if it came anonymously.
Councilmember Martinez stated that she did not use city letterhead to write the letter. She stated that she was not defending what the person did; however, the person needed to go through the process and he should not be condemned and given a second chance. She stated that she supported the victim.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez asked which code of conduct rules were violated. City Attorney Thompson cited the section and stated that it was very wide open and not clear.
Councilmember Ortiz explained how she received the letter and what she did with the letter after she received it. She stated that there were a lot of grey areas in the code of conduct and stated that they needed to be reviewed for better transparency.
This was reviewed and filed.
DISCUSSION AND REVIEW – SELECTING A FACILITATOR FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
TEAMBUILDING TRAINING
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward and pick a date for the training. 21 City Council Minutes
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DISCUSSION AND REVIEW – CITY OF GREENFIELD CITY COUNCIL RULES OF ORDER AND
PROTOCOLS AND THE CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT
Staff report and power point presentation was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Stephanie Garcia stated that she agreed that the rules were vague and asked if they could be combined into one document. She stated that there should be something that would include social media and what the consequences would be.
Gabriella Serrato stated that the rules were not enough if the Council was not going to be enforcing them. She wanted to know how someone decided that a rule was violated and how it was enforced. She stated that these rules needed to be equal for all.
City Attorney Thompson stated that this item could be brought back for action at the next meeting and suggested that an ad hoc committee could be formed.
It was the consensus of the Council to bring this item back to the next meeting for discussion and action.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Thompson clarified that the three minute time limit for public comments was for the person to express themselves to the Council; however, their time should not be extended another three minutes if they were interpreting for the public. The additional three minutes would be granted for a person that could not express themselves to the Council and needed an interpreter for that reason.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Wood stated that he attended the ERMA conference in Napa last week and would be attending the League of California Cities conference for City Manager this week in Hollywood.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:59 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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