AGENDA
CITY OF WATSONVILLE
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Working with our community to create positive impact through service with heart.
Values: Teamwork, Integrity, Honesty, Service and Respect Mayor Ari Parker, District 7
Eduardo Montesino, Mayor Pro Tempore, District 1
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Council Member, District 2
Lowell Hurst, Council Member, District 3
Francisco Estrada, Council Member, District 4
Rebecca J. Garcia, Council Member, District 5
Jimmy Dutra, Council Member, District 6
Tamara Vides, City Manager Pro Tempore
Samantha W. Zutler, City Attorney
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
Location:
City Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
Watsonville, CA 95076
Anyone addressing the City Council is asked to fill out a speaker card and leave it at the podium for recording purposes
IF YOU CHALLENGE ANY ACTION APPEARING ON THIS AGENDA IN
COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR
SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC MEETING DESCRIBED ON THIS
AGENDA, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY CLERK PRIOR TO, OR AT, THE PUBLIC MEETING.
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The Council Chambers is an accessible facility. If you wish to attend a meeting and you will require assistance in order to attend and/or participate, please call the City Clerk's Office at least three (3) business days in advance of the meeting to make arrangements. The City of Watsonville TDD number is (831) 763-4075.
For information regarding this agenda, please call the City Clerk's Office at (831) 768- 3040
CITY OF WATSONVILLE
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Location:
City Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
Watsonville, CA 95076
Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 8:30 p.m.
Pages
1. ROLL CALL
1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (If any)
2. NEW BUSINESS
2.a. Measure D - Santa Cruz County Greenway Initiative 2 1) Oral Report
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
3) Public Input
4) Motion
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
6) Action on Resolution Opposing Measure D - Santa Cruz County Greenway Initiative on the June 2022 Ballot
3. ADJOURNMENT
This agenda was posted in accordance with the California Brown Act. The agenda packet can be accessed on the City of Watsonville website at https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/2123/City-Council-Agendas-Minutes and available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office (275 Main Street, 4th Floor) during normal business hours). Any materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda packet will be made available to the public in accordance with Government Section 54957.5.
5/10/22, 1:11 PM City of Watsonville Mail - Measure D Opposition is Rapidly Growing https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=b11e076089&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1732470809032214702&simpl=msg-f%3A1732470809… 1/2 Irwin Ortiz <[email protected]>
Measure D Opposition is Rapidly Growing
1 message
Mark Mesiti-Miller <[email protected]> Tue, May 10, 2022 at 1:01 PM To: [email protected], Eduardo Montesino <[email protected]>, [email protected], Lowell Hurst <[email protected]>, "Francisco \"Paco\" Estrada" <[email protected]>, Rebecca Garcia <[email protected]>, [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Greetings Mayor Parker and Councilmembers,
In response to the notice of a special council meeting tonight about Measure D, I wanted to make sure you were aware of the groundswell of opposition rapidly building in the community. Opposition to Greenway’s Measure D, is strong, clear across the geopolitical landscape, and growing stronger every day. It is a rare sight to see so many groups, often diametrically opposed, united against D. As of today, more than 35 organizations have publicly stated their opposition to Measure D including:
Business: The Seaside Company (owners of the Boardwalk); Roaring Camp; Swenson Builders; Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce; San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce; Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California; Liberty Bank; Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing; Shanty Shack Brewing.
Labor: Monterey Bay Central Labor Council; Monterey/Santa Cruz Building and Construction Trades Council; Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers; Cabrillo College Federation of Teachers.
Environment: Regeneración Pajaro Valley Climate Action; Sierra Club; Land Trust of Santa Cruz County; Santa Cruz Climate Action Network; Sunrise Movement to Stop Climate Change; Youth for Climate Justice.
Democratic Clubs: Santa Cruz County Democratic Club; Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club; Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County; Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County; People’s Democratic Club; College Democrats at UCSC.
Non-Partisan Political Groups: League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County; Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley; Indivisible Santa Cruz County; Santa Cruz for Bernie.
Other Groups: Equity Transit; GLBT Alliance of SC County; Friends of the Rail & Trail; Coastal Rail Santa Cruz; Campaign for Sustainable Transportation; Santa Cruz YIMBY.
The latest most up-to-date list can be found here: www.nowaygreenway.com/opposed You should know it is not just community groups that are opposed to Greenway’s Measure D. Many community leaders have stood up and voiced their opposition, including:
Sam Farr, Former US Congressman: “Greenway's harebrained idea should be soundly rejected. It's not green and it's not a way to move forward.”
Mark Stone, CA Assembly Member: “Tearing up the rail line does not set us up for success and makes us vulnerable to future disasters. Vote NO on Measure D”
Fred Keeley, Former CA Assembly Member and County Supervisor: “It must be said that Measure D-Greenway contains elements of race and class. Please join me in rejecting this backward and deceptive Measure D-Greenway.” Greg Caput, County Supervisor: "It does nothing to address Highway 1 gridlock for Pajaro Valley residents traveling north in the morning to work in Santa Cruz. Measure D is bad for the environment. It will also lead to Santa Cruz County losing millions of dollars in freight and public rail transportation funding opportunities.” Ryan Coonerty, County Supervisor: “Measure D is incredibly divisive… We need solutions that bring us together, rather than tear us apart.” Page 2 of 8
5/10/22, 1:11 PM City of Watsonville Mail - Measure D Opposition is Rapidly Growing https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=b11e076089&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1732470809032214702&simpl=msg-f%3A1732470809… 2/2 Ryan Jones, Co-Chair, Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club: “Greenway is bad for Hwy 1 commuters, bad for minorities and low income families, bad for our climate, and bad for Santa Cruz County. We urge all Santa Cruz residents to reject this wealthy special interest scam and vote NO on the Greenway initiative this June.” Rachel Kippen, Ocean/Climate Sustainability Leader: “I’m disappointed we’re even considering Greenway at this point in the climate crisis. Greenway fails to take the crisis head-on to reduce our deadly emissions. We can say yes to a livable future for generations to come - if we say NO to Greenway.” Rae Spencer-Hill, Vice-President, Democratic Club of North SC County: “Greenway isn't actually green. Sure, the Greenway initiative might result in a tree-lined linear park, but it would also derail any possibility of bringing zeroemissions transit to Santa Cruz County, and thus condemn us to continued reliance on cars. Climate change demands we take real action NOW.“
For a full list of all community leaders opposed: www.nowaygreenway.com/opposed If you are still wondering where the community really stands on Measure D, take a quick look at the county’s official ballot arguments and rebuttals. Asterisks next to a person’s name indicate the person is authorized to sign on behalf of that organization. Count how many asterisks are next to names supporting Measure D (zero). Count how many asterisks are next to names opposing Measure D (all ten possible). The Elections Department deliberately adds or omits asterisks to inform voters whether an organization stands behind the signature or not. See for yourself here: https://www.votescount. us/Home/Elections/June2022CaliforniaPrimaryElection/LocalMeasuresJune2022/D-CountyGreenway.aspx Thank you,
Mark
Mark Mesiti-Miller
Co-Chair No Way Greenway Campaign
(831) 818-3660
NoWayGreenWay.com
IG | FB | Twitter
Mark Mesiti-Miller
Co-Chair No Way Greenway Campaign
(831) 818-3660
NoWayGreenWay.com
IG | FB | Twitter
5/10/22, 12:49 PM City of Watsonville Mail - Please vote YES to the resolution in opposition to Measure D! https://mail.google.com/mail/b/ALGkd0xjkLPCIovZNk80YIrPCrGGcPl7BW_HvERkdSZWI8cBjT0P/u/0/?ik=75b13c09ef&view=pt&search=all&permthid… 1/2 City Council <[email protected]>
Please vote YES to the resolution in opposition to Measure D! 1 message
Barry Scott <[email protected]> Tue, May 10, 2022 at 9:16 AM Reply-To: Barry Scott <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, Jimmy Dutra <[email protected]> Dear Councilmembers Garcia and Dutra, and Mayor Parker, Please vote to oppose Measure D so that Watsonville can have access to opportunities and clean rail transit on the rail line, Measure D would kill this, please support the resolution opposing the initiative.
I look forward to the special meeting to be held this evening at 8:30 and will try to attend.
It is imperative that Watsonville join the City of Santa Cruz and several Chambers of Commerce and other organizations in opposing this destructive initiative, Measure D.
Measure D does nothing productive, it only removes options from the County General Plan.
You should never forget that Measure D's creator Bud Colligan told the Watsonville Community that they suffer from diabetes and obesity during a presentation in 2017 which I attended, and I was shocked to hear this.
He went on to say that his Greenway idea would help Watsonville in this manner:
“That is a safe affordable and connected pathway where people could transport between Santa Cruz and Watsonville by bike by foot,” said Santa Cruz County Greenway board member Bud Colligan, “Not just for transit but also for recreation.” https://kion546.com/news/2017/10/31/watsonville-residents-speak-out-on-rail-trail/ By bike, by foot?
He, and Greenway, don't care one bit about Watsonville. We need better Metro but we also need the rail line which would provide congestion-free transit, integrated with Metro routes, providing a robust transit network so that south county residents can finally enjoy some parity with north county people who enjoy greater access to jobs, education, and civic affairs.
I hope you will all vote for equity and opportunity and for keeping ALL options open in our Santa Cruz County General Plan and avoid being associated with Greenway and their "by bike by foot" suggestions for Watsonville.
Please join your fellow councilmembers and make this a unanimous vote, as the City of Santa Cruz did.
Warm regards,
Barry
https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/2123/City-Council-Agendas-Minutes
5/10/22, 12:49 PM City of Watsonville Mail - Please vote YES to the resolution in opposition to Measure D! https://mail.google.com/mail/b/ALGkd0xjkLPCIovZNk80YIrPCrGGcPl7BW_HvERkdSZWI8cBjT0P/u/0/?ik=75b13c09ef&view=pt&search=all&permthid… 2/2 --
Barry Scott
Chair, Mid-County Democratic Club
Member, Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club
Office: 831.612.6574
Mobile: 209.482.5663
www.need.org
REVISED
RESOLUTION No. _________ (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE OPPOSING MEASURE D – SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BRANCH LINE RAIL
CORRIDOR GREENWAY TRAIN INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, businesses in the City of Watsonville have historically enjoyed freight rail service that currently operates within the existing rail corridor and several businesses within the City continue to do so today; and WHEREAS, the City’s current General Plan, adopted in 1994, includes policies that support existing and future use of rail facilities for freight and passenger service and exploring all options for future passenger rail service; and WHEREAS, the City’s current General Plan calls for implementation of measures that encourage discussion and study of passenger rail service on the existing rail corridor, supports AMTRAK/Caltrans Service being added at the Watsonville Junction in Pajaro and supports development of a fixed guideway transportation (passenger rail) system between Santa Cruz and Watsonville; and
WHEREAS, City staff, consistent with the current General Plan, has enforced implementation measures that require that development near the existing rail corridor preserve the existing rail right of way, prevent conflicting land use and require mitigation measures for noise and viewscape protection; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved Resolution No. 141-14 (CM) on October 14, 2014, adopting the Master Plan for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network prepared by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission which calls for preserving the existing rail facilities and constructing a pedestrian and bicycle trail within the rail corridor and adjacent to the tracks; and
REVISED
WHEREAS, the City Council approved Resolution No. 112-20 (CM) on June 23, 2020, urging the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to implement passenger rail service on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line; and WHEREAS, the City Council approved Resolution No. 133-21 (CM) on April 30, 2021, urging the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to accept the Draft Business Plan for electric passenger rail on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line prepared as part of the Analysis/Rail Network Integration Study; and WHEREAS, Measure D, the Branch Line Rail Corridor Greenway Initiative (“Greenway Initiative”), a local measure included on the June 7, 2022 California Primary Election ballot for Santa Cruz County, calls for amending the Circulation Element of the Santa Cruz County General Plan to eliminate planning for and development of rail service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), in that adopting a Resolution taking a position on a ballot measure does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and if a “project,” is exempt under the “common sense” exception (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment.
REVISED
2. That the Watsonville City Council hereby opposes Measure D, the Branch Line Rail Corridor Greenway Trail Initiative, on the June 7 Santa Cruz County ballot. **************************************