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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 25, 2022 City of Watsonville
Teleconference/Remote
5:30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Parker, Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino and Council Members Dutra, Estrada, García Hurst, and Quiroz-Carter were present through Zoom webinar.
Staff members present through Zoom webinar were City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Flores, Public Works & Utilities Director Di Renzo, Police Chief Zamora, Fire Chief Lopez, Community Development Director Merriam, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Directors Rodriguez and Palmisano, Assistant Chief of Police Sims Assistant, Principal Planner Orbach, Principal Engineer Fontes, City Clerk Ortiz, Executive Assistant Pacheco, and Interpreters Landaverry and Jauregui.
1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (None)
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. INFORMATION ITEMS
3.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
3.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
4. NEW BUSINESS
4.a. CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT COMMUNITY FORUM
1) Staff Report by Maria Hurtado, Peckham & McKenney
2) City Council Clarifying Questions
In answering Member García, Deputy City Manager Manning spoke about outreach efforts to obtain input from Spanish-speaking members of the community.
Consultant Hurtado, in answering Member García, spoke about the similarities between English and Spanish survey responses. Consultant Hurtado spoke about the information that was included in the recruitment brochure.
Deputy City Manager Manning, in answering Member Quiroz-Carter stated focus was placed on electronic distribution of surveys and there were no requests for printed copies. 3) Public Comment
Pedro Castillo stated he would like the selected candidate to be a resident of Watsonville, bilingual, and have three to five years of previous experience serving in the same capacity.
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Monike Tone stated she would like the future City Manager to focus on providing services for the homeless community.
Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Pájaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent, stated she would like the future City Manager to continue the City’s collaboration with the District, and explore additional joint projects that would benefit the community.
Eli stated the appointed candidate should have planning experience and requested the job advertisement be posted in the American Planning Association Northern California’s website.
She asked Council to prioritize appointing a bilingual Latinx candidate with a Master’s Degree in Planning and membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Bernie Gomez, MILPA Collective, stated he would like the future City Manager to be bilingual, have experience in planning, engage with the community, and work with Council.
Xitlali requested the appointed candidate be a member of the American Planning Association and come from a community demographically similar to Watsonville. She spoke about the importance of building relationships with the community.
Karina Moreno, MILPA Collective, asked Council to consider the make-up of the community in searching for a new City Manager. She stated she would like the appointed candidate to explore options for bringing additional resources and work with Council, local organizations, and community members to address various challenges.
6:45 p.m.
5. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
5.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Steve Trujillo, District 7, thanked the three Council members who voted against advancing the Rivera Redistricting Plan, recommended by the Redistricting Committee, for adoption at a future meeting. He spoke about the importance of considering all points of view prior to making a final decision on the City’s district boundaries.
Eli, District 7, stated her concerns with the redistricting map that was selected by Council to be considered for approval. She asked that the list of applicants for the City Manager position be made available to the public.
5.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Hurst spoke about efforts to obtain public input during the redistricting process. He spoke about the need for outside resources and the importance of collaboration to ensure the community’s needs were met.
Member Dutra congratulated County of Santa Cruz workers represented by SEIU Local 521 for reaching an agreement on their labor contract. He thanked teachers and classified staff for their work. He invited the public to attend the City’s World Wetlands Day event.
Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino spoke about Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors’ decision to allocate funding towards Pájaro Valley Healthcare District Project’s efforts to purchase Watsonville Community Hospital. He inquired about the Ramsay Park COVID-19 testing site’s DocuSign Envelope ID: 67823FC5-4A58-460A-89B4-2CA76D0E9A92 13 Vol 66 Min-CC122021
possible relocation and requested Public Works address a sidewalk safety issue on Clifford Avenue.
Member García spoke about her participation at the Monterey Bay New Green Deal meeting.
She spoke about Watsonville being used as a model for its work in addressing climate change.
She spoke about her participation in a radio interview with Senator Laird and former County Supervisor John Leopold regarding redistricting and Watsonville’s change from at-large elections to district elections several years ago.
Mayor Parker spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on local schools. She spoke about Pájaro Valley Unified School District’s self-reporting portal for COVID-19 cases accessible for all schools to use and stated parents were welcomed to call their child’s school with any questions.
5.c ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AWARD FROM LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS
DESIGNATING WATSONVILLE AS A BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY AT BRONZE LEVEL
6. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Bernie Gomez spoke about his concerns with Item 6.g. and requested it be considered separately from the Consent Agenda with a presentation from Police Chief Zamora. He stated his concerns with the distribution of Measure Y funding.
Eli asked Council to remove Item 6.g. from the Consent Agenda and requested a presentation.
She stated her concerns with the size of the Police budget. She asked for additional information regarding Item 6.k. and requested Housing Manager Landaverry be appointed to the Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Partnership Policy Board.
Steve Trujillo requested Item 6.g. be pulled from the Consent Agenda. He stated a presentation by Police Chief Zamora regarding the item would provide him an opportunity to engage with the community.
Karina Moreno, District 5, requested transparency in use of funding related to Item 6.g. She spoke in support of Items 6.i. and 6.k.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Hurst, seconded by Member Estrada, to approve the Consent Agenda.
Chief Zamora stated approval of Item 6.g. would allow Police to upgrade in-vehicle cameras, increasing transparency in police interactions.
Member García stated she and Member Estrada provided input to staff in regards to Item 6.m. as members of the subcommittee on climate change. She spoke in support of the item.
Member Dutra stressed the importance of ensuring the appointee to the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD) Board of Directors would be present at all board meetings.
In answering Member Quiroz-Carter, Police Chief Zamora stated Item 6.g. was for approval of the purchase of a camera system, not weapons.
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SUBSEQUENT MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, seconded by Member Dutra, and carried by the following vote to remove Item 6.l. from the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: Hurst, Parker
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
MOTION: The motion by Member Hurst above, seconded by Member Estrada to approve the Consent Agenda carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2022
6.b. MOTION ACCEPTING JULY 2021 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2021 INVESTMENT REPORT
6.c. RESOLUTION NO. 6-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
6.d. RESOLUTION NO. 7-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH CSG CONSULTANTS, INC., INCREASING CONTRACT COMPENSATION BY $100,000 FOR ON-CALL ENGINEERING PLAN CHECK REVIEW SERVICES
6.e. RESOLUTION NO. 8-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SDI PRESENCE, LLC., ADDING TO SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING COMPENSATION BY $110,600; & EXTENDING TERM TO PROVIDE DIRECTION & RECRUITING SERVICES FOR THE CITY’S
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
6.f FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH MOORE IACOFANO GOLTSMAN, INC. & REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT WITH LONE OAK WATSONVILLE, LLC.
1) RESOLUTION NO. 9-22 (CM):
A RESOLUTION APPROVING FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH MOORE IACOFANO GOLTSMAN, INC., DBA MIG, FOR ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES; ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK TO INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SERVICES FOR A PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT 200 MANABE OW ROAD, IN AN AMOUNT OF $127,386 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $392,386
2) RESOLUTION NO. 10-22 (CM):
A RESOLUTION APPROVING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT WITH LONE OAK – WATSONVILLE, L.L.C., A LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY, FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF A PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION FACILITY AT 200 MANABE OW ROAD, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $127,386, DocuSign Envelope ID: 67823FC5-4A58-460A-89B4-2CA76D0E9A92 15 Vol 66 Min-CC122021
WHICH WILL BE FULLY PAID BY LONE OAK - WATSONVILLE L.L.C., (DEVELOPER)
6.g. RESOLUTION NO. 11-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE & MASTER SERVICES & PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE, INC., DBA AXON (FORMERLY
KNOWN AS TASER INTERNATIONAL) FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWENTY-FIVE IN-CAR CAMERAS, EQUIPMENT UPDATES, & COMMITMENT FOR FIVE YEARS TO AXON’S EVIDENCE.COM DIGITAL MEDIA STORAGE SOLUTION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,672 (FUNDED FROM MEASURE Y FUNDS)
6.h. RESOLUTION NO. 12-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO COMMITTEES FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022
6.i. RESOLUTION NO. 13-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING CITY MANAGER PRO TEMPORE TAMARA VIDES AS
MEMBER TO THE OPERATIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR CENTRAL COAST
COMMUNITY ENERGY FORMERLY KNOWN AS MONTEREY BAY COMMUNITY POWER
AND APPOINTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER JACKIE MCLOUD AS
ALTERNATE
6.j. RESOLUTION NO. 14-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MAYOR ARI PARKER AS ALTERNATE TO THE PÁJARO
REGIONAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT AGENCY JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
6.k. RESOLUTION NO. 15-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING TAMARA VIDES, CITY MANAGER PRO TEMPORE AND
SUZI MERRIAM, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO THE SANTA CRUZ
COUNTY HOUSING FOR HEALTH PARTNERSHIP POLICY BOARD
6.l. A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MAYOR ARI PARKER TO THE SANTA CRUZ
METROPOLITAN TRANSIT DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENCING ON JANUARY 26, 2022, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025- Item removed, see Item 7.
6.m. RESOLUTION NO. 16-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION URGING CALPERS TO INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY’S CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION
PLAN AND DIRECT STAFF TO PURSUE AND SUPPORT STATE AND FEDERAL
LEGISLATION THAT SUPPORTS CLIMATE SAFE CALIFORNIA GOALS
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
6.l. RESOLUTION NO. 17-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MAYOR ARI PARKER TO THE SANTA CRUZ
METROPOLITAN TRANSIT DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENCING ON JANUARY 26, 2022, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025
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Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino spoke about challenges with representation on the SCMTD Board of Directors and advocacy efforts to have the Transit Center renovated and expand transit services.
Member Dutra spoke about his efforts to obtain funding and services for South Santa Cruz County during his time as a member of SCMTD. He spoke about the time commitment needed to serve on the Board.
Member Quiroz-Carter spoke about the importance of public transit and her experience using it.
She added that she felt she could represent Wasonville on SCMTD well.
Member Hurst spoke about the importance of having strong representation on the SCMTD Board of Directors
Mayor Parker stated she was a supporter of public transit and spoke about her commitment to attend all SCMTD Board Meetings.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Hurst, seconded by Member Estrada, and carried by the following vote to approve Consent Agenda Item 6.l.
AYES: MEMBERS: Estrada, García, Hurst, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
8.a. ELLA’S AT THE AIRPORT ASSIGNMENT DENIAL APPEAL
1) Staff Report by Airport Director Williams
2) City Council Questions
In answering Member García, Airport Director Williams spoke about the elements of the assignment checklist that were not provided by the assignee proposed by Ella King.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the difference in requirements between the original lease with the current lessee and the assignment of the lease. He added that Ella’s at the Airport was selected through a request for proposal process, which was different than the process to assign a lease.
In answering Member Dutra, Airport Director Williams stated the reasons why the lease process was administered by the Airport. Airport Director Williams spoke about certifications and trainings relating to leases and developments required to serve as an airport director. He stated the reasons the assignment process could not be handled by Community Development Department’s Planning division.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the reasons the assignment request was denied.
Robert Messinger, attorney with Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, in answering Member Hurst, stated Ella’s at the Airport was currently on a month to month lease. He stated a resolution and new lease would be required should Council uphold the appeal.
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In answering Member Quiroz-Carter, Airport Director Williams spoke about the format in which notification was provided to Ella’s at the Airport regarding denial of the assignment.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member Estrada, stated concerns with language on the lease regarding the City’s landlord rights had not been previously brought up by Tiffany Ella King, lessee.
3) Appellant Ella’s at the Airport Presentation by Attorney Glynn Falcon, Tiffany Ella King, and Keith Simpson
4) City Council Questions
In answering Member García, Ms. King stated she believed the proposed assignee had the experience and financial backing necessary to continue the business.
In answering Member Dutra, Ms. King stated the proposed assignee would keep the restaurant’s current name, menu, and theme.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member Dutra, stated language regarding the City’s rights as landlord was standard in all its leases.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member Dutra, stated the assignment clause was included in both aviation and commercial Airport leases. He spoke about issues experienced with other businesses interested in assigning their leases. He stated the Airport had not received the four items that were originally missing from the assignment checklist.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, Airport Director Williams stated the City would need to release a request for proposal to occupy the space should the appeal be denied.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, City Attorney Zutler stated if Council upheld the appeal, then staff would return with a resolution and a lease at a future meeting with findings as to why the appeal was upheld.
Ella King, in answering Member Estrada, stated her concerns with Airport Director Williams’ reasons for denying the assignment.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides stated Airport Director Williams worked with a consultant to make a determination on the potential assignee. She added that Reuben Helick was hired by the City to help negotiate the terms of a new lease for Ella’s at the Airport.
In answering Member Estrada, City Manager Pro Tempore Vides stated she did not believe City staff acted outside their scope of authority at any point during the process.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member Hurst, stated terms for a new lease were agreed upon by Ella King but the lease was not signed in a timely manner.
In answering Member García, Ella King stated her reasons for not signing the new lease.
She stated she did not receive the new lease until after the lease had expired.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member García, stated a letter outlining the terms that were agreed upon for a new lease was signed in September of 2021.
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In answering Member Quiroz-Carter, Airport Director Williams stated a request for proposal would be needed for a new business to lease the space.
City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Quiroz-Carter, stated there were different processes to be followed for leasing a property and assigning the lease to another party.
In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Pro Tempore Vides spoke about the system used for evaluating request for proposal respondents used when Ella King first applied to lease the space at the Airport.
5) Public Comment
Jeremy Lezin stated his concerns with Airport Director Williams’ reasons for denying the lease assignment.
Steve Trujillo spoke in favor of granting the appeal and stated Ella King was an asset to the community.
Barry J. Porter spoke about the potential issues of putting out a new request for proposal and the benefits of approving the proposed assignee.
Karina Moreno, District 5, spoke in support of Ella King. She stated her concerns with Airport interactions with other small businesses in that area.
Eli stated holding the meeting on Zoom promoted accessibility. She thanked staff and Council for the manner in which the appeal process was conducted.
Emily J. Buchbinder spoke in support of Ella King and asked Council to approve the lease assignment.
Bernie Gomez, District 1, asked Council to support small businesses and Ella King in the assignment of her lease.
Maricruz Santillan, employee of Ella’s at the Airport, asked Council to support Ella’s employees by approving the proposed assignment. She stated that would allow her to keep her job and provide for her family.
6) City Council Deliberation
Airport Director Williams, in answering Mayor Parker, stated his concerns with the missing information from the assignment checklist. He spoke about the process for granting a business lease at the Airport and the various requirements that must be met.
FIRST MOTION (FAILED): It was moved by Member Hurst, and failed due to lack of a second, to uphold Watsonville Municipal Airport Director’s decision to deny a lease assignment and sale to Chielo Apac of Nancy’s Airport Café, Willows/Glenn County Airport.
SECOND MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member García to grant the appeal filed by Tiffany Ella King and Sergio Angeles, individually, and dba Ella’s at the Airport.
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Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino requested Ella King sign the new lease that was previously negotiated with the City.
Member Quiroz-Carter stated reasons for the assignment denial should have been provided in writing and Ella King should have been provided the new lease with sufficient time to sign.
In answering Mayor Parker, City Attorney Zutler stated that if Council supported the appeal, then staff would bring a resolution with findings to support the Council’s decision at a future meeting. City Attorney Zutler added that staff would concurrently negotiate a lease with Ms.
King so that the lease could be assigned.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides stated staff could also negotiate a new lease with the assignee.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, García, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter
NOES: MEMBERS: Estrada, Hurst, Parker
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
9. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA - None
10. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
__________________________ __
Ari Parker, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Beatriz Vazquez Flores, City Clerk
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