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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 11, 2022 City of Watsonville
Teleconference/Remote
4:30 p.m.
1. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE
2. CLOSED SESSION
(City Council Conference Room, 275 Main Street, 4th Floor) (a) Public Comments regarding the Closed Session agenda were accepted by the City Council at that time.
Eli spoke in opposition of City Manager Pro Tempore Vides being permanently appointed as City Manager. She requested information about the cost for fencing the lot where the Bridge Street homeless encampment was located and asked Council to invest those funds into services for the homeless instead.
Xitlali expressed gratitude for the hotel vouchers that were provided to residents of the homeless encampment on Bridge Street and asked for a permanent solution to homelessness. She spoke in opposition of City Manager Pro Tempore Vides being permanently appointed as City Manager.
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the regular Council Meeting to discuss the matters that follow:
2.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Name of case: Pájaro/Watsonville Homeless Union et. al. v. City of Watsonville et. al. (U.S. District Court- Case No. 5:2021cv09778)
2.b. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
1. Public Employee Appointment/ Employment
Title: City Manager, City Clerk
6:35 p.m.
3. ROLL CALL
Mayor Parker, Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino and Council Members Dutra, Estrada, García and Hurst were present through Zoom webinar.
Staff members present through Zoom webinar were City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Vázquez Flores, Public Works & Utilities Director Di Renzo, Police Chief Zamora, Fire Chief Lopez, Administrative Services Director Czerwin, Community Development Director Merriam, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public DocuSign Envelope ID: 67823FC5-4A58-460A-89B4-2CA76D0E9A92 2 Vol 66 Min-CC011122
Works & Utilities Director Rodriguez, Assistant City Clerk Ortiz, Executive Assistant Pacheco, Interpreter Landaverry, and Consultant Todd Young.
3.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (None)
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
5.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Gabriel Medina congratulated Vanessa Quiroz-Carter for being elected Council Member representing District 2.
Eli expressed support for Item 6.f. She spoke about the importance of making meetings accessible for the community while promoting health and safety. She requested equity and transparency in regards to decisions relating to public health.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Hurst, seconded by Member Montesino, to approve the Consent Agenda.
Member Dutra expressed his concerns with Item 6.f. He stated other organizations and boards were still meeting in person. He said he was willing to have virtual Council meetings for a short period of time but requested a return to in-person meetings in the near future.
In answering Member García, City Clerk Vázquez Flores stated the planned technology upgrades for the Council Chambers would allow for hybrid meetings. She added that the upgrades were scheduled to begin in the summer.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Parker NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14 & 20, 2021
6.b. RESOLUTION NO. 1-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO K. J. WOODS CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE GREEN VALLEY & FREEDOM BOULEVARD WATER & SEWER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. SS-20-14623 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,742,000; APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL 10% CONTINGENCY FOR UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS; AUTHORIZING $187,100 BUDGET APPROPRIATION FROM WATER ENTERPRISE FUND AND $187,100 FROM SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND (ESTIMATED DocuSign Envelope ID: 67823FC5-4A58-460A-89B4-2CA76D0E9A92 3 Vol 66 Min-CC011122
COST OF $4,116,200: $1,727,785 WILL BE FUNDED FROM WATER ENTERPRISE FUND AND $2,388,415 FROM SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND)
6.c. RESOLUTION NO. 2-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO 4LEAF, INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT & INSPECTION SERVICES FOR GREEN VALLEY & FREEDOM BOULEVARD WATER & SEWER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. SS-20-14623 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $304,641
6.d. RESOLUTION NO. 3-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH VERDE DESIGN, INC., EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT TO
PROVIDE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE
WATSONVILLE CITY PLAZA ADA RESTROOM PROJECT
6.e. RESOLUTION NO. 4-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION DECLARING CANVASS OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2021
6.f. RESOLUTION NO. 5-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TELECONFERENCED PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR CITY
COUNCIL & ALL CITY COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, & BOARDS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
6.g. RESOLUTION NO. 1-22 (SA)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, PURSUANT TO HEALTH & SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 34171(j) AND SECTIONS 34173, APPROVING A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING JULY 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2023, AS REQUIRED BY HEALTH & SAFETY CODE SECTION 34177(l)(1)
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA (None)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
8. OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBER QUIROZ-CARTER
ADMINISTERED BY SANDRA QUIROZ-CARTER
8.a. COMMENTS FROM NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBER QUIROZ-CARTER Member Quiroz-Carter spoke about effects of the pandemic and the importance of following guidelines to keep everyone safe. She spoke about the diversity of the community and stated she was looking forward to working with Council, City staff, and members of the community.
9. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
9. a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (2 MINUTES EACH) Steve Trujillo congratulated Member Quiroz-Carter on her election to Council. He spoke about the importance of equal representation in government. He expressed concerns regarding the lack DocuSign Envelope ID: 67823FC5-4A58-460A-89B4-2CA76D0E9A92 4 Vol 66 Min-CC011122
of progress of the organic farm on Airport Boulevard and about the negative effects of spraying pesticides.
Xitlali, District 2, congratulated Member Quiroz-Carter on her election to Council. She expressed concerns regarding displacement of the homeless population and spoke about challenges they face.
Yesi spoke about the clearing of the homeless encampment near the Pájaro River and asked Council to prioritize affordable housing and resources for the homeless population.
Bernie Gomez spoke about Project Homekey in Salinas and a potential collaboration between the City and County to address homelessness. He spoke about the need for Council and the community to work together to address various issues.
Ricky Carmona stated he was a resident of the Bridge Street encampment that was recently cleared out. He stated community volunteers were giving aid to members of the homeless population. He requested Council work towards providing permanent housing.
Jessica Carrasco stated she was looking forward to collaborating with Member Quiroz-Carter in the future.
Sophie inquired about the signs placed around the City regarding overnight camping regulations.
She expressed concerns with the challenges faced by the homeless.
Zurya Rodriguez, District 1, requested Council provide adequate shelter for the homeless population.
Edgar Ibarra, District 2, asked Council to collaborate with the community to find creative solutions for City issues. He spoke about the importance of working together despite differing points of view. He asked Council to address homelessness.
Eli, District 7, congratulated Member Quiroz-Carter on her election to City Council and thanked Council members who endorsed her. She asked Council to provide adequate shelter for the homeless population. She spoke about the potential of purchasing land for the homeless and the need for permanent solutions.
Karina Moreno, District 5, congratulated Member Quiroz-Carter and welcomed City Attorney Zutler. She invited Council to speak with Families in Transition regarding the services they provide for the homeless population.
9.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL (2 MINUTES EACH) Member Dutra thanked school faculty and classified workers for their efforts to support students in their return to school. He congratulated Member Quiroz-Carter on her election to Council. He spoke about his meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to discuss community needs. He invited the public to attend the E.A. Hall sports field ribbon cutting event.
Member Estrada thanked Member Dutra for his work during his year as Mayor. He congratulated Member Quiroz-Carter on her election to Council and Police Chief Zamora and Mayor Parker on their recent appointments. He spoke about the importance of communication among all members of the community.
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Member García spoke about her meeting with several local non-profit organizations and members of Santa Cruz County’s Health and Human Services Department to discuss homelessness in the community. She spoke about County resources available for the homeless population. She spoke about her meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren regarding the City’s need for federal assistance in different areas.
Member Hurst welcomed Member Quiroz-Carter and congratulated Mayor Parker. He spoke about the issues the City would address in 2022. He spoke about Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s upcoming meeting and concerns expressed by the public regarding use of the rail.
Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino congratulated newly appointed Police Chief Zamora and recently elected Council Member Quiroz-Carter.
Mayor Parker thanked teachers and school staff for their work. She congratulated newly appointed Police Chief Zamora and recently elected Council Member Quiroz-Carter. She spoke about her meeting with Assembly Member Rivas and stated she would be attending an upcoming meeting with him Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and other Council members. She spoke about the completion of the E.A. Hall sports field.
9.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION no action taken
City Attorney Zutler stated that Council received reports on all items, but took no final action.
9.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION FOR ROBERT P. GÓMEZ
10. REPORTS TO COUNCIL (No Action Required)
10.a. RAMSAY PARK RENAISSANCE 30 PERCENT DESIGN UPDATE
1) Oral Report by Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib & Verde Design Senior Project Manager Todd Young
2) Council Questions
Member Dutra spoke about the possibility of adding a media room to the Nature Center, which would allow attendees to learn about Watsonville’s history.
In answering Member García, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib spoke about the continuation of the wetlands trail walks guided by Nature Center staff.
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Member Estrada, spoke about the City’s partnership with Pájaro Valley Unified School District for joint use facilities.
He stated the District asked the City to manage the community usage and rental of the new E.A. Hall sports field.
In answering Member Estrada, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib and Senior Project Manager Young spoke about the plans to address lighting and drainage issues on the parks’ soccer field.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, Senior Project Manager Young stated the soccer field renovations would allow for youth and adult fields. He spoke about potential issues with having both synthetic and natural grass sections on the field.
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Senior Project Manager Young, in answering Mayor Parker, spoke about the proposed spin and climb zone.
11. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA - None
12. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member García requested a study session to explore potential solutions to address homelessness.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
__________________________ __
Ari Parker, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Beatriz Vazquez Flores, City Clerk
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