Action Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber – 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553
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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
Present
Present
Present
Present
Eric Figueroa, City Manager
Michael Chandler, Assistant City Manager
Lauren Sugayan, Deputy City Manager
Terri Highsmith, City Attorney
Call to Order – Pledge of Allegiance
City Council reconvened from the Closed Session, which started at 6:03 pm in the City Hall 2nd Floor Board Room. Vice Mayor Rob Schroder called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
Urgency Item (00:36 in video)
1. Adopt a resolution, approving the continued use of teleconferencing through end of June 2022, for public meetings by each City legislative body except the City Council, pursuant to the provisions of AB 361.
Speakers: None
Public
Comment: None
Closing
Comment: None
Motion to: Adopt Resolution, approving continued use of teleconferencing for public meetings except City Council, per AB 361
Motion by: Lara DeLaney Seconded By: Brianne Zorn
Motion
passed
5-0
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Aye Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
Public Comment (02:38 in video)
• Donna Allen, hosting Sturgeon baseball player, requests additional housing and extends invitation to see a game(s).
• Chris Carter, hosted Sturgeon player, expresses need for housing and volunteers. • Marta Van Loan thanks Council for workshop on fire map. Supports evacuation planning but notes the evacuation route off of Thomas Drive is overgrown, needing signs and grating.
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
• Flori Robinette addresses the need for abatement of the hills behind Sunrise Court.
Asks why there are no signs designating abatement deadlines.
City Council - Regular Meeting Part 2 (Hybrid) Video
• Kathleen Clancy brings attention to the broken flag pole at the cemetery. • Jim Conrad asks the City Manager/Attorney to request an extension from the state Fire Marshall until new fire maps are released; suggests an Advisory group is formed; concerns over 10 miles of untended land that is a fire hazard. • Jamie Chavez requests that high severity zone property owners be granted a waiver or exemption to building codes to allow them to continue developing lots.
Presentations (07:56 in video)
A. Proclamation – LGBTQIA2S Pride Month
• Council recited Proclamation verbatim.
Consent Calendar (10:46 in video)
2. Waive reading of and introduce and/or adopt all Ordinances by title only.
3. Motion approving City Council Action Minutes, dated May 18, 2022.
4. Motion approving the Check Reconciliation Register, dated May 19, 2022.
5. Motion to reject Claims: Daniel Armijo, Danielle McMillan-Dubinsky
6. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Third Amendment to Grazing License Agreement with Patricia Hornung for 49.09 acres in the Roanoke Open Space.
7. Adopt a resolution requesting and consenting to consolidation with Contra Costa County for the Martinez General Municipal Election on November 8, 2022, and setting specifications of the election order.
8. Adopt a resolution approving an Acquisition Agreement and other Related Actions for Water and Storm Drain Improvements in Subdivision 9358, Traditions at the Meadow.
Speakers: None
Public
Comment: None
Closing
Comment: None
Motion to: Approve staff recommendations on Consent Calendar Items #2 to 8 Motion by: Mark Ross Seconded By: Debbie McKillop
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Motion
passed
5-0
Lara DeLaney Aye Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
General Business Items (12:10 in video)
9. Receive report, hold discussion, provide input to staff and adopt resolution to transfer $60,000 from General Fund Unassigned Reserves to Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project C5047, the Hidden Valley Park Tennis and Pickleball Renovation Project, to establish budget for geotechnical evaluation, topographical survey and environmental analysis necessary for renovation and/or expansion of tennis courts at Hidden Valley Park to accommodate pickleball.
Speakers: • Staff Report by Michael Chandler, Assistant City Manager • James Ingels, Principal Landscap Architect, provided overview of designs, details and costs.
• City Manager clarified this request is not to commit to the project, but to decide at what level the Council would like to consider the project. • Mayor Schroder confirms location of courts and surrounding area. • Councilmembers Zorn clarifies the minimum number of courts needed and if there is sufficient parking.
Public
Comment:
• Wilma Murray thanks the PRMCC for their efforts; provides history and information on the club and game; requests for more than four dedicated courts.
• Kelly Williams encourages Option 3, explains growth of the game within Martinez, and expresses need for 8 courts.
• Briam Lim supports Pickleball and feels Martinez is perfect community for the sport; feels more dedicated courts are needed which will provide nets and make it economical for the Community.
• Sidra shows support for dedicated courts.
• R iz also shows support for dedicated courts and encourages option 3. • Diane Blu expresses wish for dedicated courts to alleviate the need for travel to other cities.
Closing
Comment:
• Vice Mayor is in support of dedicated courts and alternative 3. • Councilmembers Ross and McKillop echoes Vice Mayor’s sentiments. • Councilmember Zorn appreciates the public sharing their interest and expresses hope the City staff will work with other groups to find the next sport to support.
Motion to: Adopt resolution to transfer $60,000 from General Fund Unassigned Reserves to Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project C5047
Motion by: Lara DeLaney Seconded By: Mark Ross
Motion
passed
5-0
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Aye Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Public Hearing Items (50:00)
10. Introduction of Ordinance to Designate A Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the City of Martinez (CONTINUED TO A FUTURE, UNSPECIFIED DATE)
11. A. Accept staff report and open public hearing on proposed grant of easement for a non-exclusive utility and access easement to East Bay Regional Park District over City-owned property identified as County Assessor’s Parcels No. 372-130-003 and 372-140-006 to allow the construction of a water service to the Arabian Heights area of the Franklin Hills to support grazing and wildfire fuel load reduction.
B. Continue the public hearing to June 15, 2022, to allow additional time for public review of the draft resolution approving the easement agreement with East Bay Regional Park District.
Speakers: • Staff Report by Randy Leptien, Engineering Consultant Public
Comment:
• David Kendall, Park Supervisor for East Bay Regional Park, explains lack of water due to drought and this project is of vital importance to manage fuel loading on the hills.
• Allison Roff, Range Line Specialist for East Bay Regional Park, states the project will help preserve grassland and wildlife habitats, and manage fuel loads. Using livestock is an effective and proven tool in high fire zones.
Closing
Comment:
• Councilmember Ross wonders if a water fountain can be included for human and animal consumption.
Motion to: Approve proposed grant of easement a non-exclusive utility and access easement to East Bay Regional Park District over City-owned property identified as County Assessor’s Parcels No. 372-130-003 and 372-140-006, and continue the public hearing to June 15, 2022.
Motion by: Lara DeLaney Seconded By: Brianne Zorn
Motion
passed
5-0
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Aye Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
12. Hold a public hearing to introduce the proposed Military Equipment Use Ordinance and Policy, in compliance with Government Codes 7070, 7071, and 7072.
Speakers: • Staff Report/PowerPoint by Captain Beth Johnson, Martinez Police Department
• Councilmember Zorn confirms how the notice was published with the Gazette; requests clarification on the listed armored vehicle with no cost; inquires how many unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are in inventory; inquires if the report will explain police force options so Council can make an informed decision.
Public
Comment:
• Kathleen Clancy asks if there are any training protocols that are applicable to the use of the items.
Closing
Comment: None
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Motion to: Introduce the proposed Military Equipment Use Ordinance and Policy Motion by: Lara DeLaney Seconded By: Mark Ross
Motion
passed
5-0
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Aye Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
Chief of Police (1:24:00 in video)
Comments/
Updates
• States public safety is everyone’s responsibility and to identify potential threats to the community at large, creating a safer place to live. • County and state has programs available to intercept those who pose a threat, including Gun Violence Restraining Order.
• Addresses the police department’s relationship with the schools and placement of emergency response plans.
City Manager (1:32:50 in video)
Comments/
Updates
• CM Figueroa anticipates the Fire Severity Map to be released in Fall which will establish statewide zones, and from which local maps will be available for Council action; City website has Fire Severity FAQ. • Joe Becker, Public Works Supervisor, provides update on fire prevention measures; working with ConFire and Arborists to clean up the Olive Grove; confirms the cleanup of Green Street exit trail. • Cpt. Beth Johnson speaks on evacuation route planning efforts; partnership with Zone Heaven and remaining work.
Appointments to Commissions and/or Agencies (1:45:56 in video)
13. Adopt a resolution approving the re-appointments of Susan Gustofson, Jason Martin, and Linda Meza to the Martinez Planning Commission with 4-year terms, effective through June 30, 2026.
Speakers: Staff report by Edgar Villanueva, Deputy City Clerk Public
Comment: None
Closing
Comment: None
Motion to: Adopt a resolution approving the re-appointments of Susan Gustofson, Jason Martin, and Linda Meza
Motion by: Mark Ross Seconded By: Lara DeLaney
Motion
passed
5-0
Rob Schroder Aye Debbie McKillop Aye
Lara DeLaney Aye Mark Ross Aye
Brianne Zorn Aye
Subcommittee Reports (1:45:56)
• May 19: Franchise & Public Infrastructure
o VM DeLaney provided summary of discussion items: Grazing License Agreement and introduction of All Electric Building Ordinance for New Construction.
City Council Action Minutes
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
• May 23: Budget & Finance
o CM McKillop provided summary discussion items: Community Group Funding Program, recycling fund issued to John Muir Foundation, expansion of program funding, and identify maximum cap of funding.
o CM Figueroa provided additional details on funding that will be considered at next budget discussion.
• May 25: Economic Development
o CM Zorn provided summary of discussion items: AB1276 and how staff will develop the ordinance, opportunities for downtown plaza beautification and building façade improvement program.
City Council (1:52:20)
Comments/
Updates
• CM McKillop thanks the Veterans Commission and staff for putting together the Memorial Day Ceremony.
• CM Ross echoes same sentiments; expresses sorrow on Deputy City Clerk’s departure from the City and thanks him for his work. • Mayor Schroder thanks DCC Villanueva for his work; the School City Council Joint Subcommittee should convene in the near future to discuss various items.
• VM DeLaney encourages the community to attend the events; congratulates Lauren Sugayan for her Rising Star award from Women’s Leadership Summit; glad the City raised the Pride Flag and relayed public comment/suggestions.
Adjournment
Mayor Schroder adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.
_______________________________
Rob Schroder, Mayor
Kat Galileo, Acting Deputy City Clerk
6/15/22