Action Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber – 525 Henrietta Street and Zoom Video/Teleconference
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Elected Officials City Staff on the Dais
Mayor Rob Schroder
Vice Mayor Lara DeLaney
Councilmember Debbie McKillop
Councilmember Mark Ross
Councilmember Brianne Zorn
Present
Excused
Present
Present
Present
Eric Figueroa, City Manager
Daniel Pratt, Interim Police Chief
Jeff Walter, City Attorney
Edgar Villanueva Jr., Deputy City Clerk
Call to Order – Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Rob Schroder called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Public Comment (00:57 in video)
• Maria Espindola urged for handicap ramps resurfacing, better night lighting, police patrol by Berrellesa Palms.
• Charles Blair complained of high curb and poor street conditions by Berrellesa Palms; need stop sign on Buckley due to high-speed danger.
• Ray Sloan complained of recent crime activity by Berrellesa Palms, cutting down of palm tree in front as a symbol of apartments; asked which city department gave approval. • Michael Karsh had concerns due to drought in state, urged use of renewable energy. • Tim Platt alleged City failure to implement terms of Measure I in General Plan Update. • Kristin Henderson suggested Historical Society funding go to scanning historical archives • Fred Bialy talked of worsening climate emergency; urged all new houses be fully electric.
Presentations (20:00 in video)
A. Proclamation - Manjit Sappal
• Mayor Schroder recited Proclamation verbatim, in front of dais with rest of Council. • Councilmember (CMB) Ross recited the Plaque verbatim. • Retired Chief Manjit Sappal gave words of farewell, acknowledgement, appreciation. • City Council, CM Figueroa bid farewell to Chief Sappal with last words of appreciation
B. Introduction and Swear-in – Interim Chief of Police, Daniel Pratt [31:39 in video] • Mayor Schroder provided personal and career background of Interim Chief Pratt. • City Clerk, Richard Hernandez sworn in Interim Chief Pratt in front of dais.
C. Proclamation - Arbor Day 2022 [35:15 in video]
• Mayor Schroder recited Proclamation verbatim.
• Recreation Coordinator, Angela Freitag summarized efforts by City for Arbor Day.
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
D. Feet First Foundation [39:13 in video]
• PowerPoint presentation by Dan Dorsett, Executive Director. • Mayor and Council supported foundation’s proposed facility in City. • Counseling Director Amy Specter, Program Director Sean Sharkey added information
Consent Calendar (54:39 in video)
1. Waive reading of and introduce and/or adopt all Ordinances by title only.
2. Motion approving City Council Action Minutes, dated April 6, 2022.
3. Motion approving the Check Reconciliation Register and A/P Wire Transfers, dated April 7, 2022.
4. Adopt a resolution [052-22], authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for consultant services with NCE for on-call pavement management and design services in an amount not to exceed $500,000 annually, contingent on available annual budget appropriations for a total contract period of three years with an option to extend for an additional two years.
5. Adopt a resolution [053-22], authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for consultant services with LCC Engineering and Surveying, Inc. for on-call land surveying services in an amount of $75,000 annually, contingent on available budget appropriations or developer deposit balance, and designating Christine M.
Leptien-Parks, PE/LS as Acting City Surveyor for a total contract period of three years with an option to extend for an additional two years.
Speakers: None
Public
Comment:
None
Closing
Comment:
None
Motion to: Approve staff recommendations on Consent Calendar Items #1 to 5.
Motion by: Debbie McKillop Seconded By: Mark Ross
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
6. Adopt a resolution [054-22], amending the City Attorney Retainer Agreement to increase Hourly Rates and make other modifications.
[Item taken out of Consent for further discussion – 1:21:12 in video] Speakers: • CMB Zorn asked for clarification on hourly rate increase calculations. • City Attorney Jeff Walter clarified inquiry in detail.
Public
Comment:
• Kristin Henderson alleged conflict of interest on extra pay involving lawsuits Closing
Comment:
None
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Motion to: Adopt Resolution [054-22], amending City Attorney Retainer Agreement.
Motion by: Brianne Zorn Seconded By: Mark Ross
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
General Business Items (1:03:07 in video)
7. Discuss, consider, and adopt a resolution [055-22], authorizing the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs LLC (“Pecos”) for the use of Field 3 and associated facilities at the Joe DiMaggio Ballfields at Waterfront Park for professional independent league baseball, and making findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that no further environmental review is required under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 through 15164.
Speakers: • Staff Report by Assistant City Manager (ACM) Michael Chandler. • Andrew Dunn, League Commissioner, added details of upcoming season.
Public
Comment:
None
Closing
Comment:
None
Motion to: Adopt Resolution [055-22], authorizing License Agreement with Pecos League.
Motion by: Debbie McKillop Seconded By: Mark Ross
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
8. Adopt a resolution [056-22], establishing priority areas for the 2022 Marina Dredge Project and approving the transfer of $750,000.00 from General Fund Unassigned Reserves to Capital Improvement Program Project C8012 for dredge construction thereof.
[1:10:31 in video]
(Reso EDIT: Areas 1, 4, 5, and portion of 6)
Speakers: • ACM Chandler introduced Item and provided background. • PowerPoint presentation by Michael Whelan of AnchorQEA. • CMB Zorn asked about bathymetric information on the guest dock in Area 6, and cost-related payables and disposal on the project. • Consultant Whelan answered all inquiries in detail.
Public
Comment:
• Bill Pearson asked about project schedule timeline and possible expediting. • Anja Brey agreed on priority area recommendations; told of petition support • Chad supported Item and urgency to dredge.
• Desmond supported Item and recalled when boat got stuck in marina gap. • Kevin Bacon supported Item, appreciated care and importance of Marina. • Lou Rossi supported Item and enjoy continued Marina use.
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
• Jack Forey supported Item due to marina emergency response capabilities.
Closing
Comment:
• Mayor Schroder reemphasized importance and priorities for the Marina. • CMB Ross asked for alternative innovative solutions on dredging problem. • Consultant Whelan provided thoughts in possible alternative solutions. • CMB Zorn echoed support and importance of Marina and urgent timeline. • CMB McKillop supported Item; reiterated Marina’s importance and effect. • City Attorney Walter confirmed Resolution language change, per Council’s direction on adding a portion of Area 6.
Motion to: Adopt Resolution [056-22], approving 2022 Marina Dredge Project and budget.
Motion by: Brianne Zorn Seconded By: Debbie McKillop
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
9. Receive update on parking meters and parking enforcement in the Downtown area and status of the Downtown Parking Study.
[1:54:20 in video]
Speakers: • CM Figueroa introduced Item and provided background. • Staff Report/PowerPoint by ACM Chandler and Consultant Dana Rubin. • Mayor Schroder advised no more outdoor dining platforms until study done. • CMB Zorn appreciated the continuance of parking enforcement again. • CM Figueroa shared many thoughts for consideration about parking meters • CMB Ross emphasized detrimental effect of lack of parking circulation due to lack of enforcement.
• CMB Zorn asked for more info on community survey for parking study. • ACM Chandler, Consultant Rubin answered inquiries in detail.
Public
Comment:
• Tim Platt noted increased downtown density in General Plan Update would exacerbate parking problems.
• Kristin Henderson missed chance for more parking space with new parking lot at the County building.
Closing
Comment:
• None
10. Adopt a resolution [057-22], electing the standard allowance available under the revenue loss provision of the coronavirus local fiscal recovery fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
[2:15:39 in video]
Speakers: • CM Figueroa introduced Item and provided background. • Staff Report/PowerPoint by Finance Director David Glasser. • CM Figueroa added details to City’s outreach process. • Mayor Schroder noted Budget & Finance Subcommittee’s recommendation. • CMB Zorn supported Item; asked about improved survey outreach process.
Public
Comment:
None
Closing
Comment:
None
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Motion to: Adopt Resolution [057-22], electing standard allowance of ARPA recovery fund Motion by: Debbie McKillop Seconded By: Brianne Zorn
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
11. Adopt a resolution [058-22], allocating the Fiscal Year 2021 surplus in accordance with City Budgeting policy.
[2:25:29 in video]
Speakers: • Staff Report/PowerPoint by Finance Director David Glasser. • Mayor Schroder briefed recent expenses; policy’s positive effect on credit.
Public
Comment:
None
Closing
Comment:
None
Motion to: Adopt Resolution [058-22], allocating FY 2021 surplus per City Budget policy.
Motion by: Mark Ross Seconded By: Debbie McKillop
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
12. Adopt a resolution [059-22], approving a Pension Funding Policy. [2:30:22 in video]
Speakers: • Staff Report/PowerPoint by Finance Director David Glasser. • CMB McKillop supported Item; appreciated direction from staff. • CMB Zorn asked about recent trends on pension obligation bonds. • Finance Director Glasser answered inquiries in detail. • CM Figueroa added direction behind staff recommendations. • CMB Ross asked effects of increased interest rates in recent times.
Public
Comment:
None
Closing
Comment:
None
Motion to: Adopt Resolution [059-22], approving Pension Funding Policy.
Motion by: Debbie McKillop Seconded By: Brianne Zorn
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
13. Receive a presentation summarizing the initial findings of the economic development peer review performed for the Revised Draft General Plan by the Alex Greenwood Group, hold discussion, and provide feedback on the findings. [2:43:00 in video]
Speakers: • CM Figueroa introduced Item and provided background. • Staff Report by Planning Manager Hector Rojas.
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
• PowerPoint presentation by GPU Consultant, Alex Greenwood. • Mayor Schroder appreciated new ideas on mixed use of Alhambra Ave.; potential hotel downtown; different zoning characteristic concepts. • CMB Zorn asked for ‘remote work’ definition; Pacheco corridor influence. • CMB Ross asked if any cities utilize high-speed internet to attract business; flexible zoning mix use; integrating government zoning use to attract retail; mentioned recent updated CEQA thresholds and standards. • Mayor Schroder suggested to develop Sharkey Square into a plaza to tie-in • CMB McKillop supported hotel in downtown area; interested in mixed use on Alhambra Ave. and remote work concept.
• Alex Greenwood, Planning Manager Rojas answered inquiries in detail.
Public
Comment:
• Kristin Henderson complained of Consultant Greenwood’s GPU process input, and alleged lack of transparency in contract and due diligence. • Harlan Strickland told of new County buildings’ impact in downtown; suggested high tech commercial zoning instead of more housing.
Closing
Comment:
None
Public Hearing Items (3:34:44 in video)
14. Motion to Continue the Public Hearing to introduce the proposed Military Equipment Use Ordinance and Policy, in compliance with Government Codes 7070, 7071, and 7072, to a date certain of May 4, 2022.
Speakers: • City Attorney Walter advised for public comment to be on continuance only.
Public
Comment:
None
Closing
Comment:
• CMB Zorn asked for clarification on the reason for continuance. • CM Figueroa clarified in detail.
Motion to: Continue the public hearing to a date certain of May 4, 2022.
Motion by: Brianne Zorn Seconded By: Mark Ross
Motion
passed
4-0,
1 Absent
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Absent Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
Chief of Police (3:37:32 in video)
Comments/
Updates
• Interim Chief Pratt appreciated opportunity to serve and the welcome received from staff and Council alike; recalled PD recent recruitment efforts
City Manager (3:40:41 in video)
Comments/
Updates
• CM Figueroa thanked Acting Chief Beth Johnson for efforts during her brief tenure; updated process for recruitment of new Chief of Police.
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Appointments to Commissions and/or Agencies
None
Subcommittee Reports
None
City Council (3:41:48 in video)
Comments/
Updates
• CMB McKillop welcomed Interim Chief; commended Downtown Martinez for successful beer fest recently.
• CMB Zorn requested additional meeting on General Plan Update Land Use; asked for upcoming GPU meeting schedule.
• ACM Chandler and CM Figueroa answered in detail about GPU direction. • CMB Ross opined on upcoming GPU’s transparent process; presented a slide from BAAQMD CEQA Land Use Development updates.
• Mayor Schroder briefly recapped upcoming Items in future meetings.
Adjournment
Mayor Schroder adjourned the Regular Meeting at 10:53 p.m.
_______________________________
Rob Schroder, Mayor
Edgar Villanueva Jr., Deputy City Clerk 05/04/22