Vol 66 Min-CC062822
21 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 28, 2022 City of Watsonville
City Council Chambers
6:31 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Parker, Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino and Council Members Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, and Quiroz-Carter were present.
1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (IF ANY)
2.a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. INFORMATION ITEM
3.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
3.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
3.c. WRITTEN REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS REGARDING ACTIONS TAKEN ON
THEIR REGIONAL COMMISSIONS/BOARD MEETINGS THAT MAY AFFECT THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE (None)
4. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
4.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Steve Trujillo, District 7, requested the City ban the sale of all fireworks. He spoke about Pájaro Valley Health Care District receiving funding from the State for the sale of Watsonville Community Hospital and the remaining amount still needed.
Fire Battalion Chief Vojvoda provided fireworks safety tips and reminders.
Monike Tone, Pájaro/ Watsonville Homeless Union President, stated concerns with the homeless population residing near Pájaro River not having proper shelter. She spoke about the potential for opening a warming center.
4.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Quiroz-Carter expressed her concerns with various recent rulings of the Supreme Court and their potential negative impacts on citizens’ rights.
Member Hurst thanked Member Quiroz-Carter for speaking up regarding recent Supreme Court rulings and spoke about various events he attended over the past weeks.
Member García spoke about her participation at National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials’ 39th Annual Conference and a session she attended with guest speakers Insurance Commissioner Lara, Secretary of Education Cardona, and Vice President Harris. She stated elected officials she spoke with commended Watsonville’s efforts with climate change, housing, and supporting the arts.
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22 Member Estrada spoke against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, its negative impacts on women, and efforts of minority populations in favor of democracy.
Member Dutra expressed condolences on the passing of Mas Hashimoto. He spoke against the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, the importance of celebrating Pride Month, and his efforts to have the Pride flag displayed during the month of June.
Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino spoke against the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v Wade and the importance of voting. He invited the public to attend the 4th of July Parade, thanked staff for street improvements made on Harkins Slough Road and thanked City Manager Pro Tempore Vides for her work.
Mayor Parker spoke about the significance of Roe v. Wade. She expressed condolences for the passing of Mas Hashimoto and Bibi Radin. She spoke about events she attended over the past weeks and thanked City Manager Pro Tempore Vides for her service.
4.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JULY AS “PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER” MONTH
4.e. MAYOR’S CERTIFICATES RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNUAL QUEER YOUTH
LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS AND NOMINEES
5. REPORTS TO COUNCIL
5.a. 2050 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE BY PRINCIPAL PLANNER MEEK In answering Member García, Principal Planner Meek spoke about the environmental justice aspect of the 2050 General Plan Update.
Principal Planner Meek, in answering Mayor Parker, spoke about the Urban Limit Line and its potential extension in relation to the 2050 General Plan.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides spoke about community engagement in preparing the 2050 General Plan.
In answering Member Estrada, Principal Planner Meek spoke about exploring ways to avoid potential litigation issues.
Principal Planner Meek, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, spoke about Airport operations, funding, and necessary steps to look into its potential closure.
In answering Member Hurst, Principal Planner Meek spoke about collaboration efforts with qualified consultants to draft the 2050 General Plan.
Principal Planner Meek answered a question from Member García regarding the potential cost and funding source of the 2050 General Plan.
In answering Mayor Parker, City Attorney Zutler stated staff was working with proponents of extending Measure U to explore a compromise that would allow for planned growth.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
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23 PUBLIC INPUT
Steve Trujillo, District 7, spoke in support of Item 6.f. and the potential benefits of having School Resource Officers on school campuses.
Karina Moreno, District 5, expressed concerns with the agreement in Item 6.f. and Pájaro Valley School Unified District’s efforts to survey students regarding the topic, and stated funding should come from Police’s budget.
Pam Sexton, District 4, spoke about concerns with Item 6.f and stated funding should come from Police’s budget if the agreement was approved.
Susan Kohen, Showing Up for Racial Justice Santa Cruz County, expressed concerns with the amount of funding that would be allocated towards the agreement under Item 6.f. and spoke about other student programs it could be used for.
Jen Salinas-Holz, District 7, stated there was a need for additional community input regarding the School Resource Officer Program and expressed concerns with having armed Police Officers on school campuses.
Daniel Dodge Jr., District 5, asked Council to approve Item 6.f. and spoke about the benefits of having School Resource Officers at campuses.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Hurst, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino to approve the Consent Agenda.
Member Hurst spoke in support of Item 6.c., 6.d., 6.f., 6.i., 6.j., and 6.k.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Rodriguez spoke about the timeline for Item 6.c.
Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino spoke in support of Item 6.f. He commended staff for their work on Items 6.h., 6.i., and 6.j. and encouraged the public to run for the Council seats that would become vacant at the end of the year.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Parker NOES: MEMBERS: Estrada, Quiroz-Carter (Item 6.f.)
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2022
6.b. RESOLUTION NO. 123-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING FIFTH 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 LOGISTICS/DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT 100 MANABE OW ROAD, IN AN AMOUNT OF $89,171 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $481,557; & EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TO JUNE 30, 2023
6.c. RESOLUTION NO. 124-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH HARRIS & DocuSign Envelope ID: DB00F7A3-F2D3-4445-92D5-068D3DF04014 Vol 65 Min-CC062822
24 ASSOCIATES EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT TO JUNE 30, 2023, FOR
DESIGN OF THE NEXT PHASE OF THE RAILTRAIL
6.d. RESOLUTION NO. 125-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER FUNDING
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY & THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR RECEIPT OF MEASURE D TRANSPORTATION FUNDS
6.e. RESOLUTION NO. 126-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH CHEMTRADE CHEMICALS US LLC,
FOR THE PURCHASE OF ALUMINUM SULFATE USED IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESSES, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $410,000 FOR FY 2022-2023
6.f RESOLUTION NO. 127-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING SCHOOL COMMUNITY POLICING OFFICER PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH PÁJARO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL
COMMUNITY POLICING OFFICER SERVICES AT WATSONVILLE & PAJARO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023
6.g. RESOLUTION NO. 128-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING (1) SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE FROM POLYDYNE, INC., DBA SNF POLYDYNE, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF POLYMER CHEMICALS USED IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT & RECYCLED WATER PRODUCTION FOR FY22/23, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $520,000; & (2) AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO EXISTING PURCHASE ORDER (22000039) WITH POLYDYNE, INC., DBA SNF POLYDYNE, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF POLYMER CHEMICALS USED IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT & RECYCLED WATER PRODUCTION FOR FY21/22, BY $120,000
6.h. RESOLUTION NO. 129-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL UNION NO. 3 (OE3) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022-2025
6.i. RESOLUTION NO. 130-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY & THE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FROM JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2025
6.j. RESOLUTION NO. 131-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF INSPECTIONS REPORT FOR 2021
MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF WITH THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES REQUIRED BY SECTION 13146.2 & 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
6.k. CALLING & ORDERING MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2022 1) RESOLUTION NO. 132-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION CALLING A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FOR DISTRICT NUMBERS 3, 4, 5, & 7 AND DIRECTING THE
PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022
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25 2) RESOLUTION NO. 133-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION ORDERING AN ELECTION; REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF SANTA
CRUZ TO CONDUCT THE ELECTION, & REQUESTING THE CONSOLIDATION OF
THE GENERAL STATEWIDE & MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022
3) RESOLUTION NO. 134-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING POLICIES IN REGARD TO THE CANDIDATE’S
STATEMENTS FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
8.a. CONSIDERING CONFIRMATION OF DIAGRAMS, ASSESSMENTS, & LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 FOR BAY BREEZE LLMAD, VISTA
MONTANA LLMAD, & GONZALES STREET ALLEYWAY LLMAD
1) Staff Report by Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, spoke about potential funding issues for Vista Montaña’s Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District (LLMAD) and possible impacts should the sump pump located within the LLMAD fail.
In answering Member García, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib spoke about the reasons engagement efforts had been focused on residents of the Vista Montaña LLMAD. He added that residents of all three LLMADs were mailed letters informing them of the hearing.
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Member García, spoke about reasons the Vista Montaña LLMAD included assessments for street lighting.
In answering Member Estrada, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib spoke about potential for obtaining input from residents of all LLMADs regarding the assessment process.
Member Estrada requested staff schedule meetings with LLMAD residents next year prior to adopting new assessments.
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about homeowner attendance to LLMAD meetings, responsibility for maintaining clean streets around the LLMADs, and the guidelines used to determine the amount of the assessment increase for each LLMAD.
In answering Member Dutra, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Rodriguez stated any special assessment would need approval from property owners in the LLMADs.
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26 Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Member Quiroz-Carter, spoke about the frequency of maintenance done on the Vista Montaña LLMAD and potential service reduction should funding issues continue. 3) Public Comments
Steve Trujillo, District 7, suggested Vista Montaña property owners form a home owners association and volunteer to clean the area.
Laurie Rubio, District 4, requested exploring potential for stopping increases and spoke about the need for perimeter fencing in the near future. She requested a breakdown of expenses and remaining funding.
Yaret Hernandez, District 4, expressed concerns with the lack of a home owners association in the area where she resides and spoke about the benefits of establishing one. She expressed concerns with the lighting assessment and inquired about potential for modifications to the assessments.
Al Galvan, District 4, inquired about the cost of replacing the water pump that is part of the LLMAD where he resides and requested a broken street light in front of his house be repaired.
Trina Coffman-Gomez, District 6, spoke about developer agreements when the LLMADs were built in order to offset construction costs and the potential for requesting assistance from Caltrans with maintenance of a portion of the roads within the Vista Montaña LLMAD.
In answering Member Dutra, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib spoke about the medians that the Bay Breeze LLMADs maintained.
Member Dutra spoke about potential for not increasing the assessment on all LLMADs and the importance of resident input in the future.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Hurst, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino to approve the resolutions listed below.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Estrada expressed concerns with rising costs of living and the possible impact of the assessment increases.
Mayor Parker requested staff explore the possibility of requesting Caltrans’ assistance with maintenance of the roads in the Vista Montaña LLMAD.
Tony Rubio, District 4, asked why median maintenance was being handled by a contractor instead of City employees and if that could potentially reduce costs.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Parker NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra (Items 8.a.6. and 8.a.7.), García (Item 8.a.7.) ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
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27 6) RESOLUTION NO. 135-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING DIAGRAM & ASSESSMENT & LEVYING
ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 FOR GONZALES STREET
ALLEYWAY LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-94-1
7) RESOLUTION NO. 136-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING DIAGRAM & ASSESSMENT & LEVYING
ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 FOR BAY BREEZE SUBDIVISION LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-03- 02 8) RESOLUTION NO. 137-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING DIAGRAM & ASSESSMENT & LEVYING
ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 20221-2023 FOR VISTA MONTAÑA
SUBDIVISION LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-03-03
JOINT COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
8.b. CONSIDERATION OF BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 & RELATED ACTIONS 1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Czerwin 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member García, Administrative Services Director Czerwin spoke about the number of hotels the City was collecting tax revenue from.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member García, stated the proposed hotel project on Main Street and Freedom Boulevard was not moving forward.
In answering Member García, Administrative Services Director Czerwin spoke about the City’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funding.
3) Public Comments
Steve Trujillo, District 7, spoke about funding that had been allocated towards median beautification and wayfinding signage. He thanked Council for improvements made on Bridge Street, requested additional median beautification, installation of an aviary and additional park spaces.
Pam Sexton, Regeneración Volunteer, asked Council to consider impacts of climate change on future budgets and requested the Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Social Equity’s recommendations be implemented.
Yaret Hernandez, District 4, requested clarification regarding the use of funds labeled as “non-departmental” and “general government.”
Karina Moreno, District 5, requested the City consider increasing Parks & Community Services’ and Library budgets in the future and spoke about the importance of the programs and services they offer residents.
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28 4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Hurst, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino to approve the ordinances and resolutions listed below. 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Dutra and Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino spoke about progress made to increase Parks & Community Services’ budget.
In answering Member Estrada, Administrative Services Director Czerwin spoke about community engagement during the budget preparation process.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Parker NOES: MEMBERS: García (Item 8.b.6. only)
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6) ORDINANCE NO. 1435-22 (CM)
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE INCREASING THE
COMPENSATION FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL, AND THE MAYOR,
PER MONTH, AS PERMITTED BY CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 36516
7) ORDINANCE NO. 1436-22 (CM)
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE INSTRUCTING THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ TO LEVY AND
COLLECT A PROPERTY TAX ON TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022, FIXING THE RATE OF 0.077% THEREOF AND ALLOCATING TAX REVENUES TO THE
RETIREMENT FUND
8) RESOLUTION NO. 138-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TOTAL ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS PURSUANT
TO CALIFORNIA STATE CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XIII-B FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
9) RESOLUTION NO. 139-22 (CM)
RESOLUTION NO. 1-22 (SHA)
RESOLUTION NO. 2-22 (SA)
JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR TO THE HOUSING
ASSETS & FUNCTIONS OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, & THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023, PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN
TRANSFERS OF FUNDS, AND APPROVING THE FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022-23 to 2026-27 10) RESOLUTION NO. 140-22 (CM)
RESOLUTION NO. 2-22 (SHA)
JOINT SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY RESOLUTION FINDS THAT THE USE OF TAXES ALLOCATED FROM THE WATSONVILLE 2000 REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT OUTSIDE THE PROJECT AREA WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO THE
PROJECT AREA
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29 11) RESOLUTION NO. 3-22 (SHA)
SUCCESSOR HOUSING RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF LOW &
MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING FUNDS
CITY COUNCIL
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.a. CONSIDERATION OF A DISPOSITION & DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PÁJARO
VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL, REGARDING THE PORTER BUILDING PROPERTY 1) Staff Report by City Manager Pro Tempore Vides
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, Judy Stabile, Pájaro Valley Arts Council, spoke about the timeline for them to move into the Porter Building and completion of the project.
Mayor Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member García, spoke about conflict resolution provisions in the agreement should any issues arise.
Trina Coffman-Gomez, Pájaro Valley Arts President, added that they would maintain open communication with the City to help avoid any issues.
In answering Member García, Mayor Pro Tempore Vides stated the Disposition & Development Agreement included remedy options in the event its conditions were not met.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, Pájaro Valley Arts President CoffmanGomez stated they would wait to receive the Certificate of Occupancy before moving into the Porter Building.
3) Public Input
The following members of the public asked Council to approve the Disposition & Development Agreement and spoke about the benefits of the Porter Building sale:
Judy Stabile, Pájaro Valley Arts
Trina Coffman-Gomez, Pájaro Valley Arts President
Aurelio González, District 2
Jessica Carrasco
Steve Trujillo, District 7
Pam Sexton, District 4
Karina Moreno, District 5
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member García to approve the resolution listed below.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Quiroz-Carter disclosed her status as a non-voting member of Pájaro Valley Arts’ Board of Directors and expressed support for the project.
Member Hurst and Mayor Parker expressed support for Pájaro Valley Arts’ project.
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30 MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Parker NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 141-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A DISPOSITION & DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
WITH PAJARO VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL, A CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT PUBLIC
BENEFIT CORPORATION, REGARDING THE PORTER BUILDING PROPERTY COMPRISING AN APPROXIMATELY 15,000 SQUARE FOOT PORTION OF ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 017-182-16
9.b. CONSIDERATION OF WHETHER TO APPROVE A ONE-HALF OF ONE CENT SALES
TAX FOR GENERAL SERVICES
1) Staff Report by City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Public Works & Utilities Director Di Renzo, Library Director Martinez, and Administrative Services Director Czerwin
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member García, City Manager Pro Tempore Vides stated Council would make final decisions regarding allocation of funding should the tax measure be approved.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member García, spoke about the potential impact of recent inflation on voter approval of the tax measure.
In answering Member García, Administrative Services Director Czerwin stated funds from the proposed measure would go to the General Fund, and Council had discretion over how they wished to allocate it. She spoke about the definition of the phrase “general government use” in the proposed tax measure ballot question.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member García, stated funding from the tax measure could be used for personnel.
In answering Mayor Parker, Administrative Services Director Czerwin spoke about the benefits of the proposed tax being general tax and allowing flexibility should the needs and priorities of the City change in the future.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the estimated cost of placing the tax measure on the ballot for the upcoming election.
In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Pro Tempore Vides stated campaigning in favor of the measure would be done primarily by residents.
City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Member García, spoke about the potential cost of a campaign.
In answering Mayor Parker, Administrative Services Director Czerwin stated groceries and medicine would not be taxed should the measure be approved and spoke about how Watsonville compared to surrounding cities regarding tax revenue.
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31 City Manager Pro Tempore Vides, in answering Mayor Parker, spoke about reasons why staff did not consider conducting a new community survey after the increase in inflation rates across California.
3) Public Input
Steve Trujillo, District 7, expressed concerns with the “anti-gang” term used in the proposed sales tax measure question that would be placed on the ballot and suggested alternatives.
Karina Moreno, District 5, spoke about concerns with potential negative impacts increasing sales tax could have on local businesses and residents, and with the “antigang” term used in the proposed ballot question.
Trina Coffman-Gomez, District 6, spoke about the possibility of exploring the fiscal impact the measure would have on households based on their income, the effect it could have on the City’s ability to respond to natural disasters, and past discussions around using the Cannabis Revenue Fund for similar purposes. She expressed concerns with the measure having the necessary support from the public to pass.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino, seconded by Member Hurst to approve the resolution listed below.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Mayor Parker listed her concerns with adding a new sales tax for residents, especially those on fixed and low incomes.
Member Quiroz-Carter stated the measure allowed for flexibility in determining funding allocations to address community priorities.
Member Hurst stated the measure would provide sustainable funding and should be put on the ballot for voters to decide on.
Mayor Pro Tempore Montesino spoke about the potential projects that could be funded through the measure and stated the voters should be allowed to decide on it.
Member Estrada stated the reasons he would support the measure.
Member Dutra expressed his concerns with the possibility of the sales tax being increased and the potential negative impacts on local businesses, and spoke about tax measures that had been passed in recent years.
Member García stated she would support the motion to encourage all eligible residents to vote.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Estrada, García, Hurst, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Parker
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
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32 6) RESOLUTION NO. 142-22 (CM)
A RESOLUTION ORDERING AN ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022 TO SUBMIT TO
THE VOTERS AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
TRANSACTIONS & USE TAX (SALES TAX) AT THE RATE OF ONE HALF PERCENT (0.5%) FOR GENERAL MUNICIPAL PURPOSES UNTIL ENDED BY VOTERS;
REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ
TO CONSOLIDATE THE ELECTION REGARDING THE ORDINANCE WITH THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION & TO PERMIT THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT SAID ELECTION;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS &
COORDINATE WITH THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ TO ENSURE PLACEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE ON THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 BALLOT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO REIMBURSE THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ FOR THE COSTS TO CONDUCT THE ELECTION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO AUTHOR THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR AND ANY REBUTTAL ARGUMENT; & DIRECTING THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS
10. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
11. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 p.m.
__________________________ __
Ari Parker, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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