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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 21, 2023 City of Watsonville
City Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
4:31 p.m.
1. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE (IF ANY)
2. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments – None
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the regular meeting to discuss the matters that follow:
2.a. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES
Government Code Section 54957(a)
Consultation with: Watsonville Police Department, Police Officers Hernandez, Rodriguez, and Strong
5:32 p.m.
3. ROLL CALL
Mayor Montesino, Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker and Salcido were present.
Staff members present were City Manager Mendez, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, Assistant City Manager Vides, Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides, Fire Chief Lopez, Administrative Services Director Duran, IT Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Police Chief Sims, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Environmental Sustainability Manager McCloud, Senior Environmental Projects Analyst Stolzenthaler, Assistant Finance Manager Rodriguez, Police Detective Strong, Police Officer Rodriguez, Police Officer Hernandez, Police Captain Rodriguez, Police Office Lopez Jr., Principal Planner Meek, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
3.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. REPORTS TO COUNCIL -- No Action Required
5.a. 2023 ATMOSPHERIC RIVER WEATHER EVENT - FLOODING REPORT AND
RECOVERY EFFORTS
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Staff Report by Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Environmental Sustainability Manager McCloud, Pájaro Flood Management Agency (PRFMA) Executive Director Strudley, Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery, & Resilience (OR3) Director Reid, and County of Santa Cruz Public Works Director Machado
In answering Member Parker, PRFMA Executive Director Strudley spoke about the reasons behind the sudden flooding of Corralitos Creek during the New Year’s Eve storm.
Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides, in answering Member Parker, spoke about response time, staffing levels, and collaboration with Police and Fire to assist residents whose homes flooded during the New Year’s Eve storm.
In answering Member Parker, PRFMA Executive Director Strudley explained the various measures considered to stop the flooding of Corralitos Creek and potential negative impacts of attempting to redirect water flow.
County of Santa Cruz Public Works Director Machado spoke about work done to maximize capacity of existing creeks and other mitigation efforts to reduce potential for flooding.
PRFMA Executive Director Strudley added staff walked along the Corralitos Creek as part of routine maintenance activity prior to the storms.
In answering Member Orozco, Santa Cruz County OR3 Director Reid spoke about the after action review that would take place to analyze response efforts and identify areas where improvements could be made.
Environmental Sustainability Manager McCloud added the City had met with PRFMA and other County agencies to discuss river gage monitoring and the pump stations. She stated staff was exploring moving to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauging model.
In answering Mayor Montesino, Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides spoke about the importance of residents being signed up for emergency alerts and notifications.
PRFMA Executive Director Strudley spoke about challenges in accelerating repairs on Corralitos Creek.
In answering Member Parker, Santa Cruz County OR3 Director Reid spoke about reasons why installation of warning sirens for use in emergency situations was not a recommended solution and the importance of residents being registered to receive alerts from CodeRED.
Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides, in answering Member Parker, spoke about efforts to improve alerting methods for the senior village during subsequent storm events.
Public Input
Steve Trujillo, District 7, commended staff and Council for their response and efforts to alert and assist residents in impacted areas.
5.b. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE REPORT – None
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5.c. COMMUNITY COMPOST GIVE BACK PRESENTATION BY THE PUBLIC WORKS &
UTILITIES SOLID WASTE DIVISION
Staff Report by Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green and Senior Environmental Projects Analyst Stolzenthaler
In answering Member Dutra, Senior Environmental Projects Analyst Stolzenthaler spoke about the amount of organic waste collected and the procurement credit guidelines set by the State.
Senior Environmental Projects Analyst Stolzenthaler, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about issues with the quality of the compost when bags were placed into the green compost bins.
Member Parker stated challenges faced by the senior community in using the green compost bins.
In answering Member Orozco, Senior Environmental Projects Analyst Stolzenthaler spoke about potential for expanding the Community Compost Give Back Program.
6. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
6.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (2 MINUTES EACH) Steve Trujillo, District 7, thanked Mayor Montesino for the article he wrote in the Register Pajaronian, requested a ballot measure to change the City’s name, invited Member Parker to assist the senior community in understanding the importance of using the green compost bin, and requested follow up on the ban of single use plastic.
Kirby Harris, District 7, thanked Parks & Community Services’ and Public Works & Utilities’ staff for assisting residents during the recent storms. She expressed concerns over street lights on Bridge Street and inquired about public access stations for the Council meetings.
She spoke in support of the Community Compost Give Back Program.
Marta Bulaich, District 1, expressed concerns over the zoning amendment request made by CEIBA Preparatory College (CEIBA).
Nick Bulaich, District 1, thanked City Manager Mendez and Mayor Montesino for meeting with him regarding his concerns with CEIBA’s zoning amendment request. He spoke about boards he had previously been part of and expressed concerns with CEIBA’s request.
Hector Carrillo, District 5, expressed concerns over gatherings that were taking place near East High and Lincoln Street that were causing increased traffic and litter in the area.
Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes invited the Council and public to attend the Annual Egg Drop Contest and stated utility work on Freedom Boulevard was near completion and spoke about the progress of future projects.
6.b ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL (2 MINUTES EACH) Member Dutra stated the Sister City Committee for Velas in Portugal would travel with a delegation from the City to sign the Sister City Agreement in Portugal. He thanked staff for DocuSign Envelope ID: 49BD53C8-EBC6-4953-83DF-C887EF8B70C6 Vol 65 Min-CC022123
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presenting an update on the Strategic Plan during a recent Special Council Meeting. He spoke about Allyne Hammer’s work in support of the End of Life Option Act and expressed condolences for her passing.
Member Parker invited the public to attend the Slavic American Cultural Organization’s fundraiser dinner. She commended Parks & Community Services for installing pickleball courts and thanked Assistant City Manager Vides for her work during the December and January storms.
Member Orozco spoke about her participation in the Special Council Meeting regarding the Strategic Plan. She stated she met with CEIBA staff and area residents to hear their concerns. She thanked all residents who volunteered to serve on the City’s boards and commissions.
Member Clark spoke about events he attended over the past weeks. He stated he was working with staff on exploring dates for a future town hall meeting for District 5 residents.
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter spoke about various events she attended in the past weeks. She asked drivers to be mindful of pedestrians and listed board meetings she would be attending in the coming weeks. She congratulated her sister on the birth of her child.
Member Salcido stated she met with residents and toured CEIBA. She spoke about the importance of all perspectives being heard in the matter. She thanked staff and Council being accommodating with her.
Mayor Montesino spoke about Council efforts to engage with the community and expressed condolences for the passing of Allyne Hammer.
6.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Bazzano stated Council took no reportable action.
6.d. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS NATIONAL CAREER
TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
7. CONSENT AGENDA
In answering Member Parker, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib spoke about the status of the lease renewal for Corralitos Padres.
Member Orozco thanked Lizett Zuñiga for volunteering to serve on the Personnel Commission.
PUBLIC INPUT – None
MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Orozco and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
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7.a. MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY ATTORNEY TO SIGN ON TO AMICUS BRIEF PREPARED
BY CITY OF SANTA CRUZ
7.b. A RESOLUTION APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GRIFFIN STRUCTURES, INC., ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING CONTRACT COMPENSATION BY $283,700; EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT TO DECEMBER 31, 2024 – Removed by Mayor Montesino. See Item 8.
7.c. RESOLUTION NO. 30-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO CALLANDER ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, INC., FOR A PARKS FACILITY ASSESSMENT STUDY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $199,238.38
7.d. RESOLUTION NO. 31-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING COST SHARING AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE
CITY OF WATSONVILLE, SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT – ZONE 7, MONTEREY COUNTY WATER RESOURCES AGENCY AND THE PÁJARO REGIONAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT AGENCY (PRFMA) TO FUND THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PÁJARO REGIONAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT AGENCY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $49,000; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME AND AUTHORIZING THE BUDGET
TRANSFER OF SAID AMOUNT FROM EXPERT & CONSULTATION SERVICES ACCOUNT 710-543-7307 TO OTHER CONTRACT SERVICES ACCOUNT 0710-543-7361
7.e. RESOLUTION NO. 32-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SEVEN-YEAR LEASE AREEMENT WITH ONE (1) THREE-YEAR OPTION TERM WITH CORRALITOS WOMAN’S CLUB, A
CORPORATION, FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 33 BROWNS VALLEY ROAD, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, COMMENCING ON JANUARY 1, 2023, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2030
7.f. ACCEPTING & APPROPRIATING STATEWIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY
REVITALIZATION PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS & AWARDING CONTRACT TO SSA
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES
FOR THE CITY PLAZA
1) RESOLUTION NO. 33-23 (CM):
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE STATEWIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT AND
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,349,595; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS
TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND
2) RESOLUTION NO. 34-23 (CM):
A RESOLUTION AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO SSA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, INC., FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
SERVICES FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF THE WATSONVILLE CITY PLAZA PROJECT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $499,924
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7.g. DIRECTING FILING OF THE 2023-24 ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE
LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
1) RESOLUTION NO. 35-23 (CM):
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE 2023-2024 ANNUAL
ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE BAY BREEZE SUBDIVISION LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-03-02 (LLMAD)
2) RESOLUTION NO. 36-23 (CM):
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE 2023-2024 ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE VISTA MONTAÑA SUBDIVISION
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO.
PK-03-03 (LLMAD)
3) RESOLUTION NO. 37-23 (CM):
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE 2023-2024 ANNUAL
ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE GONZALES STREET ALLEYWAY
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO.
PK-94-1 (LLMAD)
7.h. RESOLUTION NO. 38-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING LIZETT ZUÑIGA ZAMUDIO TO THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE PERSONNEL COMMISSION
8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
7.b. RESOLUTION NO. 39-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GRIFFIN STRUCTURES, INC., ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING CONTRACT COMPENSATION BY $283,700; EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT TO DECEMBER 31, 2024
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Mayor Montesino, spoke about the reasons the contract amendment was requested.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Dutra and carried by the following vote to approve Consent Agenda Item 7.b.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
9.a. ESTABLISHMENT OF A VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN LIEU FEE (This item was previously published in the newspaper to be heard, but has since been removed from the agenda and will be considered at a future meeting. A new public hearing notice will be published in the newspaper.)
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9.b. CONSIDERATION OF COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND MID-YEAR REPORT FOR FY 2022-23
1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Duran and Assistant Finance Manager Rodriguez
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Clark, Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about the additional donation made for purchase of Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH) using funds received from the sale of the Porter Building.
Administrative Services Director Duran, in answering Member Parker, stated the County of Santa Cruz already repaid the loan made by the City to assist with the purchase of WCH.
Deputy City Clerk Pacheco answered a question from Member Parker regarding increased costs for various software used by the City Clerk’s Office.
In answering Member Parker, Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about storm related costs.
City Manager Mendez stated staff worked with community partners to offset part of those costs.
3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Parker, seconded by Mayor Quiroz-Carter and carried by the following vote to approve Item 9.b.6.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 40-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2022-23 BUDGET TO AUTHORIZE $1,789,759
BUDGET APPROPRIATION INTO VARIOUS FUNDS AND TO AUTHORIZE FOUR
ADDITIONAL POSITIONS
10. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
11. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
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______________________________ __
Eduardo Montesino, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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