City Council Minutes
July 14, 2026
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MEETING OF JULY 14, 2026
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 Ortiz, Moreno-Mares, and Garcia
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Manager Wood, Chief Mixer, Captain Paredes, IT Director Espinosa, Science Workshop Director Sanchez, Asst. Administrative Services Director Mullen, Community Engagement Director Lopez, City Attorney Thompson, City Clerk Rathbun GUESTS: Gail Stewart White, Diana Salinas, Dorthy Jones
INVOCATION BY PASTOR DIANA SALINAS
Invocation by Pastor Salinas.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVIEW
No changes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Dorothy Jones stated that the downtown was looking bad and the sidewalks needed to be fixed. She stated that the downtown was dirty and something needed to happen.
Laura Mireles stated that she wanted to address the utility billing and the meter readings and wanted to know what had been done about it. She asked that the City address this and everyone should be charged actual usage and not an average.
Beatriz Diaz asked that the Mayor adjourn the meeting in honor of Maria Guadalupe Herrera de Cortez who reached 100 years of age and recently passed away. She stated that she was disappointed because the City did not inform the residents that the City had received the grant for the wastewater treatment plant and would like a meeting with city staff so that she could understand the rates.
COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Garcia stated that our country was facing many serious situations including the safety of our country, nonetheless, the City Council has been charged to take care of our City and the people of Greenfield. She stated that she had received concerns regarding garage sales and asked that the citywide garage sale be set for a specific weekend every year so that residents could plan to participate better and maybe even have it twice a year. She also addressed the yellow strips that were on some of the sidewalks and asked if this was something that the City had done and she was told no, so she asked 40 City Council Minutes
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that staff look into that. She stated that there were concerns regarding graffiti in the alleys and was wondering if the City could help the owners by letting them know how to report it and letting them know that was their responsibility to clean it up. She suggested that the City support the owners and may be get some paint donated to give to the owners. She also stated that another important concern was the matter of water and billing and stated that she would like to have some sort of workshop or training to understand the whole process from getting the water to our home, how the water was metered and billed and the collection of the funds. She stated that she wanted to be transparent and would like for all residents’ concerns to be heard. She also stated that she wanted to address the bathrooms and being closed at the little league field during city events like tee-ball games, practices and during little Giants games. She stated that the bathrooms need to be opened during the City’s events and asked if staff could open them or maybe someone could volunteer to open and close them. She thanked staff for flying the American flag at half-staff in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham who served our country.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that she, Mayor White and Councilmember Garcia attended the 4th of July event and stated that the show was really good and it was a great turnout. She stated that lately she had been walking a lot and there were a lot of issues with sidewalks, cleanliness of the City and a lot of graffiti. She stated that the cleanliness was very concerning to her, especially down El Camino Real. She stated that the businesses need help and the City does have codes; however, why were they not being enforced. She stated that she loved Greenfield but that it was looking runned down and needed care; not just the City but residents, business owners and organizations. She stated that she would like to form a committee to start some sort of process for this and asked that it be placed on the agenda. She stated that she also had concerns about the water billing and stated that there were a lot of comments on social media about it and stated that she also would like to know how meters were read and the billing.
She addressed the garage sales and stated that she liked Councilmember Garcia’s ideas. She addressed houses that had garbage in front of their homes and that the owners were not able to clean it up and stated that she would like to get Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority involved and may be they could supply containers for people to put their stuff in it or at least start a conversation. She asked if Council could approve an item regarding sponsored events on a future agenda. She announced the Relay for Life Event that was going to take place on August 8th at Parkside Park, and would start at 10 a.m. She stated that Supervisor Lopez, Mayor White, a representative for Relay for Life and a survivor speak during the event.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez gave an update on MST and stated that the Board approved a contract with Uber, a $50,000 contract, where they would be providing services with 10 vouchers per person per month, specifically for seniors, people with disabilities and Veterans. She explained that the rides were just like a regular Uber ride. She asked that everyone spread the word because they wanted it to be successful and encourage people to sign up to be Uber drivers because there were not many. She also asked for an update on the taxi provider that was approved by Council. She stated that the inclusive parks communication boards that the Council had discussed had been delivered and it was her understanding that they were either installed or going to be installed this week. She stated that Greenfield’s would be installed at Patriot Park and there would be a ribbon cutting event on July 20th at 5 p.m. at Orchard Lane Park in Soledad. She also addressed the water issues and stated that she would like to echo the request to have a presentation on water meters, how and when were they were read, and about the billing.
Mayor White stated that he got an email from Megan Range, PG&E, to notify us that PG&E emergency operations center was activated and stated that it should not affect the residents within the city limits; however, it could affect residents from Arroyo Seco and Metz Road. He thanked everyone for a successful 4th of July event, especially Jesus Perez and the Recreation Department. He announced that the Greenfield Recreation District was having a Sunday Fun Day this Saturday, July 19th at Oak Park, National Night Out would be on August 4th at the Gazebo; and Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce would be hosting a Boots and Business event on August 7th (line dancing lesson) at the Greenfield Memorial Hall. He stated that he had some folks approach him regarding having bingo in Greenfield at the Memorial Hall and asked for a report on that. He also stated that City Manager Wood 41 City Council Minutes
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and he were interviewed by KSBW about our wastewater treatment plant project and thanked everyone that was involved with getting such great financing for the project.
CONSENT ITEMS
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to approve the consent items including Warrants #327435 through #327563 and Bank Drafts #7331 through #7348 in the amount of $1,007,460.98; approve Minutes of the June 23, 2026 City Council Meeting; and Receive and File Monthly Departmental Reports – Finance / Science Workshop; adoption of Resolution #2026-70, “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 PropertyRelated Fees and Charges for Fiscal Year 2026-27”; and adoption of Resolution #2026-71, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Declaring a One-Month Recess Commencing August 1, 2026 Through August 31, 2026”. All in favor. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AMENDING SECTIONS 10.12.030 AND 17.58.040 OF THE
GREENFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE
Staff report was given by City Attorney Thompson,
Mayor White opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m.
No comments were received.
Mayor White closed the public hearing at 6:42 p.m.
There was discussion among the City Council and staff regarding where the vehicles were allowed to park and the safety concerns that it could cause. It was the consensus of the City Council to get clarification regarding this before action was taken on this item.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to continue this item to the July 28, 2026 City Council Meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A
DECREASE TO WASTEWATER RATES
RESOLUTION #2026-72
Staff report was given by City Manager Wood.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2026-72, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Decrease to Wastewater Rates”.
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 $200,732 AND APPROVE A $200,732 BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR THE GRANT RESOLUTION #2026-73
Staff report was given by Chief of Police Mixer.
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A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2026-73, “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 $200,732 and Approve a $200,732 Budget Appropriation for the Grant”. All in favor, Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING AN
ADMINISTRATIVE VEHICLE LEASE FROM HEDLAND AUTOMOTIVE LLC FOR A DETECTIVE VEHICLE
FUNDED THROUGH THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA
PROGRAM
RESOLUTION #2026-74
Staff report was given by Chief of Police Mixer.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2026-74, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving an Administrative Vehicle Lease from Hedland Automotive LLC for a Detective Vehicle Funded through the Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ADOPTING A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,661.54 FOR THE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION LOAN INTEREST PAYMENT AND EQUIPMENT
LEASE INTEREST PAYMENT
RESOLUTION #2026-75
Staff report was given by Asst. Administrative Director Mullen.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2026-75, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Adopting a Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in the Amount of $51,661.54 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Loan Interest Payment and Equipment Lease Interest Payment”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD APPROVING A
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE INTERNAL SERVICE FUND FOR HEALTH SERVICES, SELF INSURANCE, AND LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 RESOLUTION #2026-76
Staff report was given by Asst. Administrative Director Mullen.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2026-76, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Approving a Budget Adjustment in the Internal Service Fund for Health Services, Self Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance for Fiscal Year 2026-2027”. All in favor. Motion carried.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD ACCEPTING THE
MEASURE X SENIOR AND DISABLED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM GRANT FROM THE
TRANSPORTATION AGENCY FOR MONTEREY COUNTY (TAMC) AND APPROVING A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
RESOLUTION #2026-77
Staff report was given by Community Engagement Director Lopez.
A MOTION by Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to adopt Resolution #2026-77, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Greenfield Accepting the Measure X Senior and Disabled Transportation Program Grant from the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) and Approving a Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year 2026-2027”. All in favor. Motion carried. 43 City Council Minutes
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BRIEF REPORTS ON CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL
Mayor White reported on TAMC. He stated that they adopted the Regional Transportation Plan in order for projects to be eligible to receive state and federal funds. He also stated that they heard another report on the adaptive traffic signals in order to continue to analyze whether or not to use this technology versus investing in roundabouts which were very expensive.
Councilmember Garcia reported on the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority. She stated that they had a recap on the Earth Day cleanup event as well as the Re-Use Special Event.
Mayor Pro-tem Rodriguez reported on MST. She stated that they starting with showing appreciation of the outgoing leadership and welcoming the new leadership. She also stated that they approved grant documents for sustainable transportation planning; entered into an agreement with CalTRANS to receive $592,000 to fund the MST comprehensive operational analysis study, received the new assignments; received a presentation regarding the Uber voucher program; authorized a contract as part of the SURF project for the maritime restoration project, and approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding trespassing and use of cameras ordinance.
Mayor White reported on the Salinas Valley Mayors/Managers meeting on June 22nd. He stated that they discussed sharing county resources and collaboration between the cities as well as discussion regarding the FLOCK cameras. He stated that they continued discussions regarding the cost of animal control throughout the area and how to reduce it.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representative: City Manager Paul Wood Employee Organizations: Service Employee’s International Union Local 521, Greenfield Police Officers Association, Greenfield Police Sergeants’ Association, International Association of Fire Fighters - Local 4656
No comments were received.
Meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:29 p.m.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened to open session at 7:42 p.m.
There was no reportable action taken.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Wood reviewed the requests from City Council: presentation/workshop on water meters/billing; community clean-up/beautification committee; garage sales; bingo application; city sponsored events presentation; and restrooms at city parks.
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ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
_________________________
Mayor of the City of Greenfield
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City Clerk of the City of Greenfield
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