CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 25, 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 and Councilmember Tipton
ABSENT: Councilmember Martinez and Ortiz
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Fire Chief Langborg, Community Development Director Mugan, Public Works Director Tugel, Parks & Recreation Manager Perez, Sgt. de la Torre, City Attorney Thompson, Planning Consultant Slama, City Clerk Rathbun GUESTS: Gail Stewart-White, Lourdes Villarreal, Maria Camarena, Jessica Bautista, Stephanie Garcia, Juan Mendoza, Luis Martinez
EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER ABSENCES
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to excuse Councilmember Ortiz. All in favor. Motion carried.
INVOCATION
Invocation by Pastor Robert Mullen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Dr. Lourdes Villarreal stated that this was the fourth time she had come before the Council to advocate for solutions to two issues; one the creation of a city ordinance allowing for trash bin placement on the curb side in a safe manner on our streets and the second one for a revision of the existing RV ordinance that she believed that was never meant to allow people to store such vehicles on the streets. She stated that it had been weeks since the trailer had been stored on her street and stated that she doesn’t feel safe and asked that the Council place an item on the agenda regarding these matters.
Maria Camarena stated that she had been trying to do an addition to her home for the last two and a half years and had been denied. She stated that the first time it was denied due to lack of parking and stated that she had been given many regulations. She stated that according to the City’s regulations she had the space to do the addition and asked if Council could look into this matter so that she could move forward with the addition.
23 Jessica Bautista, Sober Grad Committee, stated that the event was very successful and they had over 100 participants plus volunteers. She stated that they gave out a lot of prizes and the kids had a great time. She thanked the Greenfield Police Department, Chief Langborg, the donors and the community for all their support and provided the Council with an income/expense report.
Stephanie Garcia, Sober Grad Committee, thanked the City Council for their generosity, Chief Langborg, for being a key player in helping us get this going, Greenfield Police Officers and Sergeants Association for their donation and the Class of 2002 for donating some neon signs. She stated that the event was successful and that there were lots of smiles and laughter. She gave all the Council a key chain.
Juan Mendoza stated that he had been having a lot of problems with the City regarding building an addition to his home. He stated that his plans were sent to a company for review and they would say the plans passed and then they didn’t because the codes changed. He asked why were large companies coming into town allowed to build and he was not and stated that the codes should be applied to everyone the same.
Chris from E&L Designs stated that Mr. Mendoza had been trying to get a permit for a ADU and stated that he understood that the plans needed to be reviewed; however, there were some irregularities in the way that the files have been managed in Greenfield and wanted to raise this concern and asked that Council look into how things were being managed. He asked that people be allowed to get their permits.
Luis Martinez, E&L Designs, stated that they were a ADU provider and stated that they came to Greenfield about two years ago and started providing services. He stated that the reason they were here today was because the ADU process was taking a lot longer than other cities. He stated that he understood that Greenfield was understaffed; however, wanted the Council to be aware on how their constituents were suffering because of it. He stated that it usually would take 3 to 5 months to get a permit but a lot of these files were about a year old. He stated that they were here for their clients which were very upset and frustrated and hopefully something could be done about it.
Gabby Serrato stated that she wanted to make the Council aware that there was another child sexual abuse case. She stated that it had been about a month since she had been advocating for the City to provide workshops and outreach to the community to provide spaces for survivors or for people to be aware of how to support survivors. She asked if the Police Department could provide the statistics that she had been asking for in order to understand the magnitude of the problem.
Jesus Zavala stated that he was curious as to why there was not a proclamation for Pride Month. He stated that it was important to acknowledge the real reason and meaning behind Pride Month. He stated that he understood that the LGBTQ Plus Community was a minority in town; however, they were here and having the City acknowledge Pride Month would send a message that they were accepted, welcomed and part of the community.
Beatriz Diaz stated that Dr. Villarreal had a good point regarding the garbage and the City Council should pay attention to the public comments and follow through. She stated that she wanted to report the pothole on Madera Avenue and stated that she reported it to her district Councilmember, Mr. Tipton, by email and never received a response. She stated that she had reported a water hydrant that was leaking and stated that they fixed the leak; however, staff put tape around it and now it was not working.
Yanira Bailon stated that she wanted to bring awareness to the process of submitting applications for ADUs and additions. She stated that she submitted her application on November 30th of last year and paid the plan check fee; however, unfortunately they City had not been able to approve the garage conversion. She stated that she just moved from Monterey and their process was much faster and easier and was very surprised that in Greenfield it was such a challenge to get approval. 24 COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Tipton stated the Welcome to Greenfield signs looked good now that the area had been cleaned and thanked Public Works. He reminded everyone that stop signs and stop lights were not optional. He asked that residents spay and neuter their pets. He reminded everyone to check on the elderly, children and pets during the hot weather. He also stated that SNUGSafe.com was a free program that checked in with the elderly to make sure they were okay. He stated that the Community Services Officers were out there and if anyone needed to get a hold of them they should contact the nonemergency number. He asked that Council be provided with a report that outlined call-ins and selfinitiated calls for code enforcement. He also asked that the parking ordinance regarding trailers, street parking, parking on trash day and street sweeping day be brought to the Council for discussion.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez thanked LULAC for inviting her to the scholarship ceremony but unfortunately she was unable to attend. She announced that Supervisor Lopez would be having a Listening Session on July 17th at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenfield Library. She stated that she would like to see something on the agenda addressing Dr. Villarreal’s concerns. She also stated that she would like to close this meeting in recognition of Pride Month.
Mayor White announced that First Night Monterey was offering free art classes at the Art Center and that there was day camp being offered at the Recreation Center. He reminded everyone to attend the 4th of July festivities at Patriot Park. He also announced that the Torch Run was tomorrow for the Special Olympics and National Night Out was on August 6, 2024 at the Gazebo. He thanked the Public Works Department for cleaning up around the Welcome to Greenfield signs. He asked that an item be placed on the agenda regarding sidewalk repairs.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to approve the consent items including Warrants #321766 through #321841 and Bank Drafts #6072 through #6088 in the amount of $598,556.88, approve Minutes of the June 6, 2024 City Council Special Meeting and June 25, 2024 City Council Meeting, Receive and File – Department Reports – Police Department /Finance Department and adopt Resolution #2024-81, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield for the Supplemental Appropriation of Funds and for an Increase in Revenues in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the Amount of $500 to Accept the Donation from CHISPA Housing Intended to Cover Costs for the 2024 South County Youth Summitt”. All in favor. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATION, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS
PROCLAMATIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD RECOGNIZING
GREENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES IN TRACK & FIELD, SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL Parks & Recreation Manager Perez gave a brief description of the Greenfield High School athletes. He stated that most of the athletes were unable to attend; however, would make sure that each athlete received their certificate.
Coach Villagomez introduced Latai Matelau, qualified to Central Coast Section, Shot Put and Discus – Greenfield High School Track & Field: Santa Lucia Division.
Mayor White read and presented the certificate to Ms. Matelau. 25 PRESENTATION – 4TH OF JULY EVENT
Parks & Recreation Manager Perez gave a presentation regarding the 4th of July.
PRESENTATION – YANKS UPDATE
Community Development Director Mugan gave an update of the Yanks project.
PUBLIC HEARING
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP FOR THE ROBASCIOTTI COMMERCIAL PHASED SUBDIVISION
PROJECT
RESOLUTION #2024-82
Staff report was given by Planning Consultant Slama.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Dr. Lourdes Villarreal addressed her concerns about the traffic on the Walnut Avenue Bridge. She stated that this would impact this area and she was concerned about the traffic and safety of the residents.
John Huerta, Jr. expressed his support for the approval of this project.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Councilmember Tipton asked about how many residential units were left. Planning Consultant Slama stated that he would have to look into the matter; however, that at this point bridge improvements would have to be done and that would be very costly. He stated that the City would have to look for funding sources such as grant funds, TAMC funds, etc. City Manager Wood stated that the City did have a grant of approximately $800,000 to do a study on the bridges in Greenfield.
Mayor White asked if the City had enough infrastructure to accommodate building in this location.
Planning Consultant Slama stated that he had been working with City Engineer Pike and that all the lots would have to be reviewed.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to adopt Resolution #2024-82, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Tentative Tract Map for the Robasciotti Commercial Phased Subdivision Project”. All in favor. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD OVERRULING
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL REMOVAL OF WEEDS, RUBBISH, AND REFUSE, AND
ORDERING THE FIRE CHIEF TO ABATE NUISANCES BY CAUSING THE REMOVAL OF SUCH
WEEDS, RUBBISH AND REFUSE
RESOLUTION #2024-83
Staff report was given by Fire Chief Langborg.
26 A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to adopt Resolution #2024-83, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Overruling Objections to the Proposal Removal of Weeds, Rubbish, and Refuse, and Ordering the Fire Chief to Abate Nuisances by Causing the Removal of Such Weeds, Rubbish and Refuse”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ACCEPTING THE
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $120,000 AND APPROVE A $120,000 BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR THE GRANT RESOLUTION #2024-84
Staff report was given by Sgt. de la Torre.
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2024-84, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Accepting the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Funds in the Amount of $120,000 and Approve a $120,000 Budget Appropriation for the Grant”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING
AMENDMENTS TO THE COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND COUNCIL RULES OF ORDER AND
PROTOCOLS
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Dr. Lourdes Villarreal stated that it would be helpful for the residents to know what the Council was voting on because she did not have the documents.
Mayor White asked that minor changes be made to the Code of Conduct and the Rules of Order.
Councilmember Tipton announced that the agenda packet was on the City’s website and anyone could look at the entire agenda.
It was the consensus of the Council to have this item be brought back to the Council for approval.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD RECLASSIFYING
THE CURRENT PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT FTE CLASSIFICATION TO PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER – PARKS & STREETS FTE CLASSIFICATION AND ASSOCIATED SALARY SCHEDULE RESOLUTION #2024-85
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
A MOTION by Councilmember Tipton, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2024-85, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Reclassifying the Current Public Works Superintendent FTE Classification to Public Works Manager – Parks & Streets FTE Classification and Associated Salary Schedule”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD CANCELLING
THE REMAINDER OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SPRAY FIELDS ENVIRONMENTAL 2022 CIP (503-390-89131) AND SUBSEQUENT CONTRACT WITH DENISE DUFFY & ASSOCIATES, AND RELEASING THE REMAINING FUNDING OF $86,219.88
RESOLUTION #2024-86
27 ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ENVIRONMENTAL 2022 (503- 390-89132) TO INCLUDE A PORTION OF THE SOD FARM (GREENFIELD’S TURF) AND INCREASING THE PROJECT BUDGET BY $86,219.88
RESOLUTION #2024-87
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to adopt Resolution #2024-86, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Cancelling the Remainder of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Spray Fields Environmental 2022 CIP (503-390-89131) and Subsequent Contract with Denise Duffy & Associates, and Releasing the Remaining Funding of $86,219.88”. All in favor. Motion carried.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Tipton to adopt Resolution #2024-87, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Amending the Scope of Work for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental 2022 (503-390-89132) to Include a Portion of the Sod Farm (Greenfield’s Turf) and Increasing the Project Budget by $86,219.88”. All in favor.
Motion carried.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez requested that she attend the next meeting remotely; however, if she was unable to attend, she asked that she be excused due to a medical procedure that she would be having.
Mayor White adjourned the meeting in recognition of Pride Month.
Meeting adjourned at 8:03 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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