City Council Minutes
December 10, 2024
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 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, Councilmember Martinez and Ortiz ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Mixer, Chief Langborg, Economic and Community Development Director Mugan, Public Works Director Tugel, Captain Paredes, Parks & Recreation Coordinator Perez, City Attorney Thompson, IT Director Espinosa, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Gail Stewart-White, Robert Mullen, Jesus Estrada, Free Luigi Mairoini, David Kong, Avelina Torres, David Orta, Daniel Orta, Guadalupe Cruz, Andres Cruz, Catalina F., Camerino Merino, Connie Lyon, Oscar Hernandez, Margarita Hernandez
EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER ABSENCES
No motion made.
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 Chief Mixer addressed concerns regarding immigration and deportation and how the Greenfield Police Department would be approaching this matter. He stated that there was a lot of fear out in the community and it was not warranted. He stated that the Greenfield Police Department would be enforcing the law; however, they do not ask for immigration status. He stated that they were not here for deportation but for preventing crime and keeping people safe.
Jesus Perez, Parks & Recreation Coordinator, thanked everyone that participated and helped with the Christmas event; especially the Police, Fire, Public Works and Science Workshop departments as well as the event sponsors, Greenfield Union School District and all the volunteers. He stated that each year the event was getting bigger and this year it was amazing. 29 City Council Minutes
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Bob Urquides stated that there was an ordinance adopted in San Francisco and Salinas making it unlawful for vehicles to be parked 20’ from an intersection and crosswalk and asked that the City look into getting this as well. Chief Mixer stated that this was a state law and would be implemented on January 1st.
Alicia Rangel, Jesus Estrada – CCA, Ms. Ochoa, Ms. Chico, Luis Torres, Santiago Torres, Camila Torres, Africa Torres, Avelina Torres, Victor Torres and Daniel Orta all thanked Councilmember Martinez for her years of service on the City Council and for her commitment and dedication to the community, especially the youth. All wished Councilmember Martinez the best for her and her family in the future.
David Kong thanked Councilmember Martinez and Chief Langborg for their service and commitment to the City of Greenfield.
Anna Valesquez, Mayor of the City of Soledad, welcomed all the new members to the City Council and bid farewell to Councilmember Martinez. She read a statement from Sand City Mayor Carbone thanking Councilmember Martinez for her service and dedication to the residents of Greenfield.
Dorothy Jones thanked Councilmember Ortiz for organizing the Day of Thanks dinner. She stated that it was great and looked forward to having it bigger and better next year.
Stephanie Garcia congratulated the new Councilmembers and thanked Councilmember Martinez for her service. She stated that she learned a lot as a candidate for office and now fully supported Belen Garcia.
She stated that she wanted to thank all the volunteers and sponsors for the Day of Thanks event. She stated that the event was very well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Cynthia Zavala thanked Councilmember Ortiz and all the volunteers for making the Day of Thanks a successful event. She thanked Councilmember Martinez for her 8 years of service and congratulated the new Councilmembers.
Adrianna Serrato addressed the new Councilmembers and stated that they needed to stand up for the right thing and be professional on and off the dais. She stated that the position of Councilmember was not for personal gain and that the community needed leaders that took accountability and held each other accountable.
Juan Manuel Morin, United Farm Workers, stated that he has known Councilmember Martinez since high school and she has helped the community in many ways and there were very few other members of the Council that have helped as much as she had. He stated that she has done a lot of work regarding pesticides in the County of Monterey and was proud to be her friend. He wished Councilmember Martinez the best in her future endeavors.
Beatriz Diaz stated that the Day of Thanks was a great success and stated that the Christmas event was also a great success. She thanked Councimember Martinez for her years of service and stated that she made a profound difference in the community. She stated that hard work made a difference and that Councilmember Martinez would be missed.
Gabby Serrato stated that she was happy that the Day of Thanks was very successful and well organized. She gave a warm welcome to the new Council and stated that leadership would be crucial to all.
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COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Martinez stated that she wanted to address the Future Leaders of Change Youth Group that were in the audience and to let them know that they were the next generation of leaders. She stated that one of her visions was to have a youth city council. She stated that there was now two youth commissioners and a youth group in Greenfield and was so proud of them. She read a statement addressing the community expressing her gratitude from the bottom of her heart. She stated that she learned firsthand how someone could make a difference in people's lives just by being present and involved. She stated that as her role was changing, her commitment to this community would never change. She addressed her family and thanked them for being so understanding and for being the reason why she kept going.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she admired Councimember Martinez for all the work that she had done as a Councilmember; especially with the youth. She promised Councilmember Martinez that she would continue to be an advocate for the seniors and get help for those experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s. She thanked everyone involved in the Day of Thanks event and stated that she just came up with the idea and everyone involved did all the work especially the youth, cadets, Greenfield High School football team, Greenfield 4-H members, sponsors and many other volunteers. She stated that there were pamphlets from the YWCA in the back of the Chambers and asked people to read them. She stated that they were regarding domestic violence and wanted people to be aware and how it affected everyone. She stated that the Christmas event was very successful and thanked the Public Works Department, Chief Mixer and Chief Langborg for doing an amazing job. She stated that the community was getting engaged and wanted that to continue. She addressed the comments regarding her residence and stated that she did have a home in Harford; however, lived in Greenfield. She stated that if anyone had questions about where she lived to please contact her. She also stated that she was proud of all the people that ran for office in Greenfield for running a clean race.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez made an announcement regarding the MST services and stated that they would be extending the on-call services until all the stops were in place. She asked that City Manager Wood do the council meeting summary and place it on the website. She stated that she attended the Mary Chapa Career Day event and attended the Film Festival in Watsonville. She stated that the festival was very informative, and the youth did an amazing job. She stated that she was unable to attend the Christmas parade; however, it was good to see that there so many people in attendance and that these types of events were happening in Greenfield.
Mayor White thanked everyone involved in the Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting event. He stated that the Day of Thanks was a huge success and thanked all the volunteers and sponsors. He announced that the Coat Drive and Holiday House Decorating Contest was going on. He stated that on November 23rd the Rotary community yard sale and sausage sale was a huge success. He also congratulated all the new members of the City Council and stated that he was looking forward to working with them in order to continue to move the City forward.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to approve the consent items including Warrants #323090 through #323332 and Bank Drafts #6305 through #6351 in the amount of $2,458,831.92, approve Minutes of the November 12, 2024 City Council Meeting, receive and file the departmental reports – Grant Activity Report and Fire Department, and adopt Resolution #2024-139, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Extending a Professional Services Agreement to G&C Consulting for Utility Infrastructure and Public Works Consulting for an Additional Amount not to Exceed $25,000”. All in favor. Motion carried. 31 City Council Minutes
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CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD CANVASSING
AND DECLARING THE RESULT OF THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
RESOLUTION #2024-140
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun.
A MOTION by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2024-140, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Canvassing and Declaring the Result of the General Election Held in the City of Greenfield on November 5, 2024”. All in favor.
Motion carried.
SWEARING IN COUNCILMEMBERS ARIANA RODRIGUEZ, MARCY JONES AND BELEN GARCIA City Clerk Rathbun administered the oath of office to Ariana Rodriguez, Marcy Jones and Belen Garcia.
Council took a recess at 7:20 p.m.
Council reconvened to open session at 7:32 p.m.
SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO-TEM
Stepanie Garcia, Bob Urquides, Cynthia Zavala and Ms. Campbell stated that Councilmember Ortiz had the experience and suggested that she be selected as Mayor Pro-tem.
Avelina Torres, John Huerta and Beatriz Diaz stated that they supported Councilmember Rodriguez be selected as Mayor Pro-tem.
Gabby Serrato suggested that everyone take turns and that it was only a title.
Mayor White stated that both Councilmember Ortiz and Rodriguez were very qualified.
Councilmember Rodriguez stated that she was grateful to have been appointed Mayor Pro-tem previously and would like the opportunity to continue and stated that she represented the City well.
Councilmember Garcia stated that either one of them would be great.
There was discussion among the Council regarding Councilmember Ortiz and Councilmember Rodriguez experience.
A MOTION by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to select Councilmember Rodriguez as Mayor Pro-tem. AYES: Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Rodriguez and Mayor White. NOES: Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD RECOGNIZING SENATOR ANNA M. CABALLERO’S DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF
GREENFIELD
RESOLUTION #2024-141
Anna Velasquez, representing Senator Caballero, thanked the Council for the resolution. 32 City Council Minutes
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A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2024-141, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Recognizing Senator Anna M. Caballero’s Dedication and Service to the Community of Greenfield”. All in favor. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATION, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS
PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD HONORING
COUNCILMEMBER YANELY MARTINEZ
Mayor White read the proclamation honoring Councilmember Martinez. He also read the resolution from Supervisor Lopez honoring Councilmember Martinez.
Yanely Martinez thanked the Council and city staff for the most amazing and rewarding experience. She thanked her father for attending the meeting. She congratulated the newly elected Council.
UPDATE – COUNCILMEMBER ORTIZ – DAY OF THANKS
Aaron Chavez, Community Engagement Intern, gave an update and presented a power point presentation of the Day of Thanks event.
Councilmember Ortiz thanked Aaron Chavez for all his help. She stated that it was a fun event and that 655 meals were served.
UPDATE – PARKING PILOT PROGRAM
Chief Mixer gave an update and presented a power point presentation regarding the parking pilot program.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AMENDING CHAPTER 3.12 (PURCHASING SYSTEM) OF THE GREENFIELD
MUNICIPAL CODE
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 8:24 p.m.
No comments received.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 8:25 p.m.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to introduce and read by title only, first reading, of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Amending Chapter
3.12 (Purchasing System) of the Greenfield Municipal Code. All in favor. Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO AMEND CHAPTER 17.78 OF THE GREENFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO “DRIVE-IN AND DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES”, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE
DISTANCING REQUIREMENT FOR DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES FROM RESIDENTIAL ZONES Staff report was given by Economic and Community Development Director Mugan. 33 City Council Minutes
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Mayor White opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
John Huerta stated that he was speaking on behalf of developers, a national brand and specifically a drive-thru proposal on El Camino Real and Tyler Avenue. He stated that his understanding was that this ordinance amendment was not project specific; however, he wanted the Council to know that the developers and investors wanted to work with city staff and that he was in full support of the code amendments.
Rosario Benavides, Greenfield Village, stated that this amendment was intended to benefit the community and it was essential for the City to work with developers and to ensure that it does not adversely affect the neighboring residents.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to introduce and read by title only, first reading, of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Amend Chapter
17.78 of the Greenfield Municipal Code Related to “Drive-In and Drive-Through Facilities”, Including Modifications to the Distancing Requirement for Drive-Through Facilities from Residential Zones. All in favor. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS – CONTINUED
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AUTHORIZING
THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF STEPHANIE GARCIA TO THE GREENFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 2027
RESOLUTION #2024-142
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun.
Cynthia Zavala, Chair of the Planning Commission, and Bob Urquides, Vice Chair of the Planning Commission, encouraged the City Council to reappoint Stephanie Garcia to the Greenfield Planning Commission.
Gabby Serrato stated that the decision should be made based on experience not because they were friends.
Beatriz Diaz stated that Stephanie has done a great job on the Planning Commission.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez asked about the process of appointing Planning Commissioners. She stated that this was not personal; however, there was no notice given to the public that there was an opening and the Council needed to be transparent. She stated that this needed to be opened to the public and the Council shouldn’t just re-appoint. City Manager Wood read the section in the Municipal Code regarding the appointment of the Planning Commission and explained previous practices in appointing a Planning Commissioner.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Jones to adopt Resolution #2024-142, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Authorizing the ReAppointment of Stephanie Garcia to the Greenfield Planning Commission for a Three-Year Term Expiring December 2027”. AYES: Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Ortiz and Mayor White. NOES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez. Motion carried. 34 City Council Minutes
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Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez requested that an item be placed on the next agenda regarding appointments to city boards.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING $60,000 FROM THE OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM RESOLUTION #2024-143
Staff report was given by Chief Mixer.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councimember Jones to adopt Resolution #2024-143, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Accepting and Appropriating $60,000 from the Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
PURCHASE A DRONE
RESOLUTION #2024-144
Staff report was given by Chief Mixer.
Stephanie Garcia asked if the drone could be used during community events. Chief Mixer stated yes.
Beatriz Diaz stated that it was pricey, but it would be worth it.
There was discussion among the City Council and staff regarding the drone’s maintenance, size, how long it has been sold, etc.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2024-144,” A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Purchase a Drone”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ACCEPTING THE GREENFIELD WILDFIRE PREVENTION GRANT AND APPROPRIATE $182,263.74 TO FUND
THE FORTHCOMING PROJECT
RESOLUTION #2024-145
Staff report was given by Chief Langborg.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Resolution #2024-145, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Accepting the Greenfield Wildfire Prevention Grant and Appropriate $182,263.74 to Fund the Forthcoming Project”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO A COMMUNITY GENERAL
PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE COUNSEL AND GUIDANCE FOR PREPARATION OF THE CITY’S GENERAL PLAN UPDATE 2025 – 2045
RESOLUTION #2024-146
Staff report was given by Economic and Community Development Director Mugan.
Councilmember Ortiz asked how soon and how many people would be appointed. Economic and Community Development Director Mugan stated that they would like to appoint 4 to 5 members by January.
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A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Jones to adopt Resolution #2024-146, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to Appoint Members to a Community General Plan Steering Committee to Provide Counsel and Guidance for Preparation of the City’s General Plan Update 2025 – 2045”.
All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD MAKING
APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRANSPIRATION AGENCY FOR MONTEREY COUNTY (TAMC),
ASSOCIATION OF MONTEREY BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS (AMBAG), SALINAS VALLEY SOLID
WASTE AUTHORITY (SVSWA), MONTEREY-SALINAS TRANSIT (MST), ARROYO SECO
GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY (ASGSA) AND THE SOUTH SALINAS VALLEY
BROADBAND AUTHORITY
RESOLUTION #2024-147
Staff report was given by City Clerk Rathbun.
Cynthia Zavala stated that just for transparency reasons she would like to know how many meetings Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez had missed. She stated that she was aware that Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez had missed quite a bit of meetings and maybe a councilmember could put it on a future meeting to see how many meetings had been missed.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that she would like to response and stated that she hoped that an attendance log was kept of Councilmember Ortiz’s attendance of the TAMC meetings as well. She stated that she could produce the emails that she sent to MST stating that she would be absent and that they were always due to medical reasons. She stated that even if she missed meetings, she was a strong advocate for the residents of Greenfield. She stated that it was a great idea to disclose the attendance records for the outside agencies for the Council.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she believed her attendance for the TAMC meetings were: attended one meeting remotely, two missed and the last one she was about 5 minutes late.
The following appointments were made:
TAMC – Rachel Ortiz, member / Robert White, alternate
AMBAG – Robert White, member / Ariana Rodriguez, alternate SVSWA – Marcy Jones, member / Belen Garcia, alternate
MST – Ariana Rodriguez, member / Robert White, alternate Arroyo Seco GSA – Robert White, member / Marcy Jones, alternate South Salinas Valley Broadband – Marcy Jones, member / Belen Garcia, alternate A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez to adopt Resolution #2024-147, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Making Appointments to the Transpiration Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA), Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), Arroyo Seco Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ASGSA) and the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority”. All in favor. Motion carried.
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BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez attended the League of California Cities Conference and was the City’s league delegate for the business meeting; however, there was no quorum, and the business meeting did not occur. She gave a report on the sessions she attended at the League Conference.
Councilmember Ortiz reported on the TAMC meeting and stated that they discussed the budget update and regional transportation study.
Mayor White reported on the AMBAG meeting and stated that they discussed the 2025 Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
Councilmember Ortiz reported on the Salinas Valley Waste Authority meeting. She stated that the Board selected two members to serve as president and vice president of the board. She also stated that they were introduced to the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Youth Council.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez reported on the MST meeting and stated that she wanted to let people know that if they were need of rides to medical appointments, the RIDES service was still available.
Mayor White reported on the Monterey County Mayors’ Association. He stated that they received a report from Nick Chulos, Monterey County, regarding the sales tax and stated that the County was still on a hiring freeze.
Mayor White reported on the Salinas Valley Mayors/Managers meeting and stated that they discussed efforts to have a regional safety officer for south county. He stated that the sales tax measure in King City did not pass.
Economic and Community Development Director Mugan reported on the Planning Commission. He stated that the Slama project was approved for an additional 64 spaces for RV parking at the self-storage on El Camino Real.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Wood stated that he was working on the teambuilding session for the Council for January or February and once he secured a date it would come back to the Council for approval.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
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City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
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