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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 14, 2023 City of Watsonville
City Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
4:30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Montesino, Mayor Pro-Tempore Quiroz-Carter and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Orozco, and Salcido were present. Member Parker was absent.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Salcido, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to excuse Member Parker’s absence.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker
2. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES & RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
3. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE
4. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the regular meeting to discuss the matters that follow at 4:36 pm:
4.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(b))
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9:
[1 Case]
5:31 p.m.
5. ROLL CALL
Mayor Montesino, Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Orozco, and Salcido were present. Member Parker was absent.
Staff members present were City Manager Mendez, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, Assistant City Manager Vides, Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides, Police Chief Zamora, 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9B75D5B8-8663-4353-B1FB-2C2CE5630F0F Vol 65 Min-CC031423
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Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Public Works Administrative Services Manager Gordo, Sr.
Utilities Engineer Berry, Public Information Officer Pulido, Police Corporal Rodriguez, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Jauregui.
5.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S)
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
7.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
7.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
8. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
8.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (2 MINUTES EACH) Steve Trujillo, Cabrillo Board Area VII Trustee, spoke in support of newly appointed Area V Trustee Martha Vega and spoke about importance of women being represented in government. He stated Cabrillo College would serve as shelter site for flood evacuees and spoke about the importance of providing adequate shelter for those that were evacuated.
Antonio Rivas thanked various jurisdictions, including the Council, for their work providing assistance to flood victims, and thanked all organizations and individuals who were coordinating efforts.
Omar Alvarez, Empower Watsonville Youth Leadership Vice President, spoke about the reasons he became involved with the program and spoke about their efforts for preventative approaches to address substance abuse among youth.
Hector Lopez, Empower Watsonville Youth Leadership, spoke about their mission, efforts to help local youth, and activities which benefited the community.
Daniel Hernandez, District 5, spoke about an accident he suffered near Eight and Main Streets. He requested speed bumps on Southern Circle and Western Drive and requested Member Clark contact him to further address the issue.
Rosalina Sotelo, 100 Amber Court, spoke about humidity issues in her home which she believed were caused by a well that was constructed along with a nearby development and requested assistant to address the issue.
Dr. Nancy Bilicich, District 7, thanked the City for updating its evacuation warning boundaries during the most recent storms.
Daniel Dodge Jr., District 5, thanked Council and all volunteers who were providing resources and assistance to flood victims. He asked Council to support local non-profit Raices y Cariño in their efforts to provide hot food, clothes, and other necessities to victims of the flood.
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Martha Victoria Vega, District 2, thanked staff for their response to the Pájaro Levee breach that caused flooding and spoke about collaboration between the City and various other organizations to assist affected residents. She spoke about the importance of supporting youth and congratulated Pájaro Valley High School Boys’ Soccer Team on their season.
Adam Bolaños-Scow, Pájaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) School Board Area 6 Trustee, congratulated Pájaro Valley High School Boys’ Soccer Team and stated he looked forward to collaborating with the City.
8.b ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL (2 MINUTES EACH) Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter spoke about efforts to assist flood victims, the various locations where resources were available, and the importance of continuing to collaborate to help residents in need.
Member Orozco spoke about volunteer efforts to provide resources and aid to victims of the flood. She thanked everyone who had been involved in the efforts.
Member Salcido thanked Santa Cruz County District 4 Supervisor Hernandez and Monterey County District 1 Supervisor Alejo for their efforts. She spoke about her work with the Police Activities League to assist youth impacted by the flood and congratulated the Pájaro Valley High School Boys’ Soccer Team.
Member Clark thanked staff, volunteers, and all other community members who were working to provide assistance and resources to those affected by the flood.
Mayor Montesino spoke about the extensive community response and efforts to assist those that were impacted by the flood and provide needed items.
Member Dutra thanked all staff and volunteers that had assisted in supporting flood victims, spoke about the importance of scheduled levee repairs to avoid flooding in the future, and about his experience with past floods.
8.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated Council received a report on the item listed in Closed Session but took no reportable action.
8.d. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MARVIN LUNA GARCIA FOR HIS HEROIC
ACTIONS AND WILLINGNESS TO HELP A COMPLETE STRANGER
8.e. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING POLICE CORPORAL ISAAK RODRIGUEZ
FOR HIS HEROIC ACTIONS AND SELFLESS COURAGE
8.f. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MARCH AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
8.g. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MARCH 19, 2023-MARCH 25, 2023 AS
ADULT EDUCATION WEEK
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8.h. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PÁJARO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM AS THE 2022-2023 DIVISION #1 CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST 2ND
PLACE CHAMPIONS
9. REPORTS TO COUNCIL -- No Action Required
9.a. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE REPORT
City Manager Mendez provided updates regarding collaboration with legislators and other organizations, and efforts to keeping the public informed and assisting with flood recovery efforts. He stated staff and part of the Council would be traveling to Washington D.C. and meeting with legislators to discuss the possibility of additional aid and speeding up levee repairs.
9.b. PRESENTATIONS BY ECOLOGY ACTION OF SANTA CRUZ & BIKE SANTA CRUZ
COUNTY FOR THE PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM
Presentation by Bike Santa Cruz County Staff Kymberly Lacrosse, Lupita Rocha, and Jose Castillo
Presentation by Juan Castillo, Ecology Action Program Specialist In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter, Program Specialist Castillo spoke about potential locations for traffic gardens.
9.c. REPORT ON 95 PERCENT DESIGN FOR RAMSAY PARK RENAISSANCE PROJECT Staff presentation by Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Senior Utilities Engineer Berry, and Verde Design Senior Project Manager Young In answering Member Clark, Senior Project Manager Young spoke about parking hours, availability, and enforcement.
Senior Utilities Engineer Berry, in answering Mayor Montesino, spoke about potential for incorporating additional park space or exercise equipment in certain areas of the parking lot.
In answering Member Salcido, Senior Project Manager Young and Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib spoke about graffiti prevention and abatement, materials that would be used for construction, potential for including a gymnasium, funding sources, and usage and design of the sports fields.
Senior Utilities Engineer Berry, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter, spoke about various sources of lighting included in the project.
In answering Mayor Montesino, Senior Project Manager Young spoke about lighting for the sports fields, and soil improvements that would help optimize turf conditions.
Senior Utilities Engineer Berry answered questions from Member Orozco regarding the timeline for completion of the project.
In answering Member Salcido, Senior Utilities Engineer Berry spoke about potential increases in construction costs and working in phases to complete the project.
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Public Input
Steve Trujillo requested plaques with information on the various bird species in the area be included in the project.
Nick Bulaich, District 1, thanked staff for addressing parking in the project design.
Senior Utilities Engineer Berry spoke about environmental education on various subjects, including local bird species that would be part of the City’s new exploration center activities.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Ilia Bulaich, District 1, requested Item 10.l. be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered and voted on separately.
Josh Ripp, Ceiba Head of School, thanked Council for considering their special use permit application and stated they were ready to collaborate with City staff, neighbors, and the business community on implementing the conditions of approval.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker
10.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 18, 21, & 28, 2023
10.b. MOTION APPROVING ATTENDANCE REQUEST FOR MAYOR MONTESINO, MAYOR
PRO TEMPORE QUIROZ-CARTER, & COUNCIL MEMBERS DUTRA & OROZCO TO
ATTEND THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONGRESSIONAL CITY CONFERENCE ON MARCH 25 THROUGH 28, 2023, IN WASHINGTON, D.C. (ESTIMATED COST OF $11,714.24 WILL BE PAID FROM NON-DEPARTMENTAL FUND 150-280)
10.c. MOTION APPROVING ATTENDANCE REQUEST FOR MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
QUIROZ-CARTER TO ATTEND THE CIVIC WELL POLICYMAKERS CONFERENCE ON MARCH 16 THROUGH 19, 2023, IN PACIFIC GROVE, CA (ESTIMATED COST OF $1,085.00 WILL BE PAID FROM MAYOR PRO TEMPORE QUIROZ-CARTER'S TRAVEL FUNDS)
10.d. RESOLUTION NO. 43-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH INFOSEND
INC, A CORPORATION, FOR PROCESSING & PRINTING CITY UTILITY BILLS,
MAILING & ONLINE BILL SERVICES, FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $135,000; & AUTHORIZING & DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE SAME (FUNDED FROM THE WATER, WASTEWATER & SOLID WASTE FUNDS)
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10.e. RESOLUTION NO. 44-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE & MNS ENGINEERS, INC., A CORPORATION, AMENDING THE
SCOPE OF WORK & ADDING TO THE COMPENSATION (INCREASING THE CONTRACT BY $30,000) FOR VARIOUS WATER DESIGN SUPPORT SERVICES; & AUTHORIZING &
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME (THIS ACTION IS NOT SUBJECT
TO REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21000, ET SEQ. & THE CEQA GUIDELINES (14 CAL. CODE REGS. §§ 15000 ET. SEQ.)
10.f. RESOLUTION NO. 45-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SEVEN-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ONE (1)
THREE-YEAR OPTION TERM WITH CORRALITOS PADRES, A CORPORATION, FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 35 BROWNS VALLEY ROAD, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, COMMENCING ON JANUARY 1, 2023, & ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2030
10.g. RESOLUTION NO. 46-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE, DATED JANUARY 1, 2023, BETWEEN PRECISION DYNAMIC MACHINING, INC. & GLOBAL PRECISION MANUFACTURING LLC., & AUTHORIZING & DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE SAME
10.h. RESOLUTION NO. 47-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER’S PROCLAMATION OF THE
EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
10.i. RESOLUTION NO. 48-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING & RECOGNIZING UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES OF CALIFORNIA, LOCAL 792 (UPEC\LiUNA) REPRESENTING THE DIVISION OF MIDMANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS ON MATTERS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF
REPRESENTATION INCLUDING WAGES, HOURS, & OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS
OF EMPLOYMENT
10.j. RESOLUTION NO. 49-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 400-87 (CM) WHICH DESIGNATES
THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEND CLOSED SESSION & KEEP MINUTE BOOK
10.k. RESOLUTION NO. 50-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION NOMINATING MEMBER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE COUNTY OF
SANTA CRUZ HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVISORY COMMISSION
10.l. PASS AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE APPROVING REZONING ON ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 017-161-51 LOCATED AT 215 LOCUST STREET, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, TO ALLOW THE PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT OF A 525-STUDENT CHARTER SCHOOL FOR GRADES 6-12 IN AN EXISTING 27,000± SQUARE-FOOT BUILDING WITH AN 8,500± SQUARE-FOOT MEZZANINE ON A 2.1± ACRE SITE, &
DIRECTING CHANGES TO BE MADE ON THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE – Removed by Mayor Montesino. See Item 11.
11. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
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10.l. ORDINANCE NO. 1454-23 (CM)
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE APPROVING REZONING ON ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 017-161-51 LOCATED AT 215 LOCUST STREET, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, TO ALLOW THE PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT OF A 525-STUDENT CHARTER SCHOOL FOR GRADES 6-12 IN AN EXISTING 27,000± SQUARE-FOOT BUILDING WITH AN 8,500± SQUARE-FOOT MEZZANINE ON A 2.1± ACRE SITE, &
DIRECTING CHANGES TO BE MADE ON THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE
Ilia Bulaich, District 1, expressed concerns with the item including the parking studies performed in relation to the item and requested Council deny the zoning amendment.
Nick Bulaich, District 1, requested Council to vote against the approval of the Ceiba’s zoning amendment request.
Marta Bulaich, District 1, stated concerns with the item, including student drop off and pick up patterns and requested Council deny Ceiba’s zoning amendment request.
Josh Ripp, Ceiba Head of School, spoke about steps being taken to address the concerns that were raised.
Mr. Ripp answered a question from Member Clark regarding the location where student drop off occurred after a field trip.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Montesino, seconded by Member Salcido to approve Consent Agenda Item 10.l.
City Attorney Zutler and City Manager Mendez answered questions from Member Clark regarding the process for enforcing non-compliance of conditions in the special use permit.
Member Orozco stated she would support the item, but expressed concerns with potential expansion by Ceiba in the future.
MOTION: The above motion was approved by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Orozco, Salcido, Montesino
NOES: MEMBERS: Clark, Quiroz-Carter
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
12.a. ESTABLISH IN-LIEU FEE TO REDUCE VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (Recommended by Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides)
1) Staff Report by Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides and Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes
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3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter, seconded by Member Orozco and carried by the following vote to approve Item 12.a.6.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker, Salcido
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 51-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN IN-LIEU FEE TO REDUCE VEHICLE MILES
TRAVELED (VMT) ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS & FINDING
THAT THE VMT IN-LIEU FEE IS NOT CONSIDERED A PROJECT OR IF A PROJECT,
IS EXEMPT UNDER CEQA (THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 & 15061(B)(3))
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.a. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON WHETHER TO AGENDIZE A DISCUSSION
ABOUT TRAFFIC ON GREEN VALLEY ROAD
1) Staff Report by City Manager Mendez
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions – None 3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to place an item on the May 9th, 2023 Council meeting to discuss traffic on Green Valley Road to include the following issues:
Speeding
Visibility and traffic issues
Additional crosswalks
Lane visibility
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker, Salcido
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
13.b. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON WHETHER TO AGENDIZE A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CITY’S STRIPING & POTHOLES PROGRAM
1) Staff Report by City Manager Mendez
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
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Mayor Montesino requested a streamlined process for making improvements.
Member Dutra requested each Council district be given a set amount of funds to address street safety improvements and repairs.
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter spoke about the importance of equity when addressing street safety issues.
Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Vides spoke about staff efforts to address street repair and safety issues.
Mayor Montesino requested striping be consistent throughout the City. 3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore QuirozCarter and carried by the following vote to direct staff to present a report on the City’s striping and pothole program during the April 25th, 2023 Council meeting.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker, Salcido
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
14. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
15. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter requested and update on the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
______________________________ __
Eduardo Montesino, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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