City Council Minutes
July 22, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MEETING OF JULY 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz, Jones and Garcia
ABSENT: Mayor White
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Mixer, Economic & Community Development Director Mugan, Public Works Director Tugel, Science Workshop Director Sanchez, Parks and Recreation Manager Perez, Community Engagement Coordinator Lopez, IT Director Espinosa, Sergeant Gutierrez, Captain Gage, City Attorney Thompson, City Clerk Rathbun
GUESTS: Dario Alcantar, Joel Mercado, Cynthia Zavala, Stephanie Garcia, Aaron Chavez, Benavides, Jay Donato, John Huerta, Jr.
EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER ABSENCES
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Jones to excuse Mayor White. All in favor. Motion carried.
INVOCATION BY PASTOR ROBERT MULLEN
Invocation by Pastor Mullen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
No changes made.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Dario Alcantar, resident on 14th Street, stated that the water on his property was contaminated and would like for the City to help. He stated that they could not drink or bathe with the water. He stated that they were working with the State on this situation and was asking for the City to help as well. He stated that his neighbor’s well was dry so he had hooked up a line to provide water to his neighbor even though the water was contaminated.
Joel Mercardo stated that he lives on Apple Avenue and was also experiencing bad drinking water and that it was high in nitrates. He stated that he would like to find a solution to access safe drinking water.
He also stated that he would like the City to work with the residents and the State to get a project started. 44 City Council Minutes
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COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Garcia stated that she attended the workshop today at 1 p.m. in the Chambers hosted by Capital Rivers regarding the future shape of Greenfield. She stated that she was glad she attended and was looking forward to having more conversations like this one in the future.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she also attended the workshop and was hopeful that this was the beginning in order to beautify the City’s downtown area. She stated that she appreciated that the people came to the City Council regarding their drinking water problem and stated that she had met with them.
She encouraged the Council to find out as much as possible regarding the situation and stated that may be the Council could have a discussion on this down the road. She stated that she also met with Gonzalo Coronado, Tabacco Control from the Monterey County Health Department.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that she attended the Rapid Response Network Legal Observer Training at the Greenfield Library. She stated that the organization was a group of volunteers that help to confirm whether or not there was ICE activity in an area and to confirm if it was credible or not in order to quelch rumors and help with the fear that was in the community. She stated that she signed up to be one of the volunteers and recommended that the rest of the Council get information regarding this organization. She stated that she also attended the economic development workshop today via zoom.
She stated that she was happy that there were residents in attendance that they were engaging in the conversations and hoped that things would start to happen soon.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve the consent items including Warrants #325049 through #325217 and Bank Drafts #6766 through #6783 in the amount of $1,460,648.03; approve Minutes of the July 8, 2025 City Council Meeting, Receive and File Monthly Report – Finance / Science Workshop, adopt Resolution #2025-66, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Certifying Compliance with State Law with Respect to the Levying of General and Special Taxes, Assessments and Property-Related Fees and Charges for Fiscal Year 2025-2026” and adopt Resolution #2025-67, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual “Appropriations Limit”. All in favor.
Motion carried.
MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS
PRESENTATION - GREENFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Cynthia Zavala-Chair, Stephanie Garcia-Vice Chair, Aaron Chavez-Secretary, Rosario Benavides-CoTreasurer and Rachel Ortiz-Co-Treasurer gave a presentation regarding the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY
MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRING NEW WASTEWATER
CONNECTION OR THAT WILL RESULT IN INCREASED WASTEWATER FLOW TO THE CITY OF
GREENFIELD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. 45 City Council Minutes
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No comments were received.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez closed the public hearing at 6:35 p.m.
Councilmember Garcia stated that this was critical and thanked staff for all the work they have put into this and stated that she wanted Greenfield to thrive in the future.
Councilmember Ortiz thanked staff for all their work and stated that this had been talked about for a couple of years. She stated that the City was going to try all kinds of different ways to get this done. She stated that the City wanted to move forward; however, this was critical and needed to be done.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that she had been contacted a lot and stated there was a lot of concern and unrest from the community. She asked City Manager Wood to explain what other potential solutions were explored before jumping into a building moratorium. City Manager Wood explained that in 2017 Council approved to have a Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan be done and it was determined that the City needed a new plant. He stated that in talking with the State, they had stated that they could fund the project so staff moved forward with the design but then the State stated that they did not have the funds available anymore. He explained that the State stated that the City could apply for a $15 million dollar grant and would most likely be successful and the rest would have to be paid with loans. He stated that staff then redesigned the plans to be a phased project. He also explained the proposed design and phases. He stated that Mayor White and he have been personally speaking with members in the State regarding this matter and in June staff was notified that the City may qualify for a $75 million dollars grant and the rest could be paid through loans. He stated that the plant had been estimated to cost roughly $111 million dollars. Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez asked if the waste could go to Soledad. Public Works Director Tugel stated that the Council needed to keep in mind that it was not just building a pipeline but also getting easements, getting a permit from CalTrans to bore under the highway and also bore under the Salinas River which could take years and years of work to get it done. Councilmember Ortiz stated that she would like to keep Greenfield independent. Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that she wanted to consider all options.
There was additional discussion regarding the moratorium and rate study as well as the economic development.
A MOTION by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to read by title only, first reading, of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on the Issuance of Building Permits Requiring a New Wastewater Connection or that will Result in Increased Wastewater Flow to the City of Greenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant. All in favor.
Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AMENDING THE 2005 GENERAL PLAN AND ADOPTING THE 2023-2031 CITY OF GREENFIELD HOUSING
ELEMENT
Staff report and power point presentation was given by Planning Consultant Brent Slama.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
No comments were received.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. 46 City Council Minutes
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A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Jones to adopt Resolution #2025-68, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Amending the 2005 General Plan and Adopting the 2023-2031 City of Greenfield Housing Element”. All in favor. Motion carried.
RECEIVE AND FILE – REPORT ON STATUS OF GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Staff report and power point presentation was given by Planning Consultant Brent Slama.
This was an informational item only.
Councilmember Jones left the meeting at 7:56 p.m.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS IN FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,003.32 FROM THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EQUITABLE SHARING PROGRAM RESOLUTION #2025-69
Staff report was given by Chief Mixer.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Resolution #2025-69, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Accepting and Appropriating Funds in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 in the Amount of $73,003.32 from the United States Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program”. AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz and Garcia. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AWARDING A
PURCHASING CONTRACT FOR THE FIRE COMMAND VEHICLE TO WINNER CHEVROLET AND TRANSFER FUNDS FROM CSA-74 FUND TO THE FIRE COMMAND VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
ACCOUNT FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE FIRE COMMAND VEHICLE
RESOLUTION #2025-70
Staff report was given by Chief Mixer.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Resolution #2025- 70, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Awarding a Purchasing Contract for the Fire Command Vehicle to Winner Chevrolet and Transfer Funds from CSA-74 Fund to the Fire Command Vehicle Replacement Account for the Purchase of the Fire Command Vehicle”. AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz and Garcia. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO DISPLAY THE
PRIDE FLAG
RESOLUTION #2025-71
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO AMEND THE
CITY OF GREENFIELD FLAG DISPLAY POLICY
RESOLUTION#2025-72
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
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A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Resolution #2025-71, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Display the Pride Flag’ and Resolution #2025-72, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Amend the City of Greenfield Flag Display Policy”. AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz and Garcia. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AND THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 521, CTW/CLC
RESOLUTION #2025-73
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson.
A MOTION by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2025-73, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Greenfield and the Service Employees International Union, Local 521, CTW/CLC”. AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz and Garcia. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD
ESTABLISHING THE POSITIONS OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR AND COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
Jay Donato, SEIU Local 521, stated that he was here to express the frustration of the membership. He stated that during the budget there were proposed financial takeaways and the Council stepped up and did not allow that to happen. He stated that these promotions were already part of the budget so that would imply that these things were already planned to happen. He stated that as much as these two have made good accomplishments for the City, the rank-and-file work hard but they were told that they had to tighten their belts. He stated that SEIU entered into a one-year contract, and this would be remembered when negotiations came up next year.
John Huerta, Jr., stated that these two employees were outstanding employees and stated that he supported the promotions, especially the Parks & Recreation Manager. He stated that 15 years ago there wasn’t even a recreation department and the City had come a long way in a short time.
City Manager Wood stated that these were promotions and not collective bargaining agreements. He stated that these promotions were in recognition of the hard work that these individuals. He stated that these promotions were very different than collective bargaining units.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he agreed with City Manager Wood and that it was well deserved.
Councilmember Garcia stated that promotions were good and it ensured that the City kept good employees. She stated that this was not in any way meant to disrespect other employees and she stated that the Council would also remember what the bargaining units had agreed to.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez asked that in the future, for positions that have not been approved, they not be included in the budget. She stated that this had not come to Council yet and when it did staff was indicating that there was no fiscal impact because it was already approved in the budget. She stated that this was being done a bit backwards and it was misrepresented in the budget. 48 City Council Minutes
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She also asked what the percentage of increase in pay for each employee was. She also requested that staff bring each position as a separate item on the agenda in the future.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Resolution #2025-74, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Establishing the Positions of Parks & Recreation Director and Community Engagement Manager. AYES: Councilmember Ortiz and Councilmember Garcia. NOES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion died.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to bring the item back with the additional information requested and have the item be considered as two separate items.
AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz and Garcia. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD TO APPROVE
TWO NEW FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS FOR THE WASTEWATER DIVISION AND A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET TO FUND THE POSITIONS AS FOLLOWS: UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR – 1 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE; MAINTENANCE WORKER (WWTP) – 1 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE AND SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $152,000 FROM THE WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND RESOLTUION #2025-74
Staff report was given by Public Works Director Tugel.
A MOTION by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Resolution #2025- 74, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield to Approve Two New Full-Time Employment Positions for the Wastewater Division and a Supplemental Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget to Fund the Positions as Follows: Utility System Operator – 1 Full-Time Employee; Maintenance Worker (WWTP) – 1 Full-Time Employee and Supplemental Appropriation of $152,000 from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund”. AYES: Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, Councilmembers Ortiz and Garcia. ABSENT: Mayor White and Councilmember Jones. Motion carried.
BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Ortiz reported on the TAMC meeting. She stated that she met with Todd Muck yesterday to review things that were going on with TAMC. She reported that at the TAMC they discussed that the California Transportation Commission awarded $90.6 million dollars for the State Route 156 in Castroville, the SURF project was moving forward, the barriers on Highway 68 for the Toro Park residents were removed and that results of the pilot program were forwarded to the County of Monterey for their review, and TAMC’s lease was going to end in 2028 and would be moving.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez stated that MST held their Strategic Planning Workshop on July 14th which included a report from the Better Bus Network, a review of the MST Board and Executive Team survey results and the Board provided feedback on the facilitated discussion and what they wanted to do in the second meeting of the workshop. She stated that they authorized a contract for the SURF project construction, and they received an update on the South County circulators but because it had just gone into effect all they had was for the new line 33, and they had clocked only 6 riders, and it was for only a week. She stated that she asked for another report and that it should show at least a couple months included. She stated that from January to May there were 12 more Greenfield residents that qualified for the RIDES program.
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
No report.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
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City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
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