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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 11, 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, Parker, and Salcido were present.
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.
4.a. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney
5:31 p.m.
5. 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, Police Chief Zamora, Fire Chief Lopez, Administrative Services Director Duran, Community Development Director Merriam, IT Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Police Officer Travers, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
5.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
7.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
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7.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
8. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
8.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (2 MINUTES EACH) Takashi Mizuno, District 7, expressed concerns regarding unsafe conditions on Murphy Crossing Road due to recent storms and flooding.
Maria, District 6, thanked Council for focusing on climate action for its Earth Day celebration and invited everyone to attend.
Andy Gonzalez, District 7, spoke about flooding during the New Year’s Eve storm, function of the water pumps nearby, and requested reports on how many employees were working during the event.
Lisa Martin, District 7, expressed concerns with the City’s response to the New Year’s Eve storm and requested staff work to identify preventative steps to increase its response for future events.
Robin Spring, District 7, requested information regarding why Corralitos Creek overflowed during the New Year’s Eve storm and who was responsible for clearing drains in the area.
Jim Avis, District 7, expressed concerns with function of the pumps, water retention, and potential contamination due to insufficient flood protection.
Tony Ruiz expressed concerns over the delay of levee repairs and the amount of time given to members of the public to address Council.
Woody Rehanek, Campaign for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture (CORA), spoke about agriculture runoff and contamination concerns due to non-organic crops. He invited Council to attend CORA’s workshop regarding reducing pesticide use near schools and neighborhoods.
Kathleen Kilpatrick, District 7, expressed concerns with contaminated mud that infiltrated residences due to flooding and requested it be analyzed to determine contamination levels.
Christine Kelsey, District 7, spoke about the costs to repair storm damage in her home, contamination from flood waters, and expressed concerns over function of the City’s pumps during the New Year’s Eve storm.
Rodger Serpa, District 7, spoke about damages he and his family suffered due to the New Year’s Eve storm and expressed frustration with City and County delays in checking on impacted residents.
Janet Atkins Balvin, District 7, spoke about her experience during the New Year’s Eve storm, challenges she faced when attempting to evacuate, and concerns with emergency response.
Ruth Martin, District 7, requested the City provide credits for utility services to residents affected by the New Year’s Eve storm and spoke about negative impacts of the flooding on her residence and health.
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Patty McKenna, District 2, spoke about her experience assisting family members and residents evacuating their homes during the New Year’s Eve storm and expressed frustration over lack of emergency response.
John Doves, District 7, spoke about his experience during the New Year’s Eve storm and expressed frustration with the City’s response, and the lack of resources and support for affected residents.
? female, District 7, spoke about her experience with the flooding that occurred on New Year’s Eve and expressed frustration with the City’s response. She spoke about the negative impacts on agriculture and farmworkers.
Christina, District 7, spoke about flooding during the New Year’s Eve storm, the lack of assistance from emergency response, and requested aid for impacted residents.
Member Dutra expressed concerns with the City’s process to inform residents about meetings, contaminated mud and debris from floodwater, and conflicting information regarding function of the pumps. He requested a community meeting to allow additional input from affected residents and resources for those in need.
Member Parker spoke about the City’s response and advocacy for resources and requested a community meeting to give residents additional opportunities to provide input. She asked the City to explore providing financial assistance to affected residents and spoke about the potential for adjusting emergency response protocols.
Mayor Montesino requested staff explore the possibility of holding a community meeting in District 7.
At Member Parker’s request, City Clerk Ortiz provided the phone number for the City Clerk’s Office and provided additional information on Council meeting agendas.
Member Salcido spoke about the importance of clear communication and requested a community meeting to present the same information that was provided during the February 21st Council meeting on the atmospheric river event that caused flooding.
Mayor Montesino thanked local organization Gardenia Amor y Bienestar Para la Mujer for their efforts to assist Pájaro residents impacted by the flood.
Member Orozco requested a timeline of the City’s actions since the New Year’s Eve storm, a short- and long-term action plan, and resources offered directly from the City to affected residents.
Member Dutra stated the City Manager’s office could assist with temporary suspension of residential garbage pick-ups.
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.
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9. REPORTS TO COUNCIL -- No Action Required
Mayor Montesino recessed the meeting at 6:36 pm and reconvened at 6:41 pm.
9.a. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE REPORT
City Manager Mendez stated an update on pesticides was scheduled for the following meeting.
He spoke about setting up a community meeting regarding the New Year’s Eve storm as requested by Council.
8.b ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL (2 MINUTES EACH) Member Salcido spoke about her participation in various meetings, including Communities Organized for Relational Power (COPA)’s discussion regarding challenges with housing.
Member Parker spoke about her attendance at Pájaro River Flood Management Agency’s board meeting and expressed concerns with Monterey County staff disseminating misinformation regarding the City’s assistance with flood recovery efforts in Pájaro.
Member Orozco spoke about her participation in Meals on Wheels’ food delivery program and her attendance to the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference, the City’s Annual Awards Dinner, and Girls Inc. of the Central Coast’s Spring Luncheon.
Member Dutra spoke about his participation at various events over the past weeks and stated concerns with Monterey County staff placing blame on the City for collaboration challenges responding to the Pájaro flood. He spoke about the importance of accountability and of jurisdictions making resources available for their residents.
Member Clark stated he attended the Zone 7 Board of Directors meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter spoke about her attendance to the NLC Congressional City Conference and various events she attended over the past weeks. She stated the importance of focusing on providing relief and resources to flooding victims and preparing for future climate events.
Mayor Montesino spoke about staff efforts to assist with response to recent floods. He commended Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter for advocating for the community at the NLC Congressional City Conference.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT – None
MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Parker, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
10.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF MARCH 14, 2023
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10.b. MOTION APPROVING ATTENDANCE REQUEST FOR MAYOR MONTESINO TO ATTEND AN EARTH DAY CELEBRATION ON APRIL 20, 2023, IN WASHINGTON, D.C. BY
INVITATION OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (ESTIMATED COST OF $2,145.65 WILL BE PAID FROM MAYOR MONTESINO'S TRAVEL FUNDS)
10.c. MOTION ACCEPTING WRITTEN REPORT FROM MAYOR PRO TEMPORE QUIROZCARTER REGARDING CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE- AS REQUIRED BY AB 1234-
CIVICWELL POLICYMAKERS CONFERENCE
10.d. MOTION ACCEPTING WRITTEN REPORTS FROM MAYOR MONTESINO, MAYOR PRO
TEMPORE QUIROZ-CARTER, & COUNCIL MEMBERS DUTRA & OROZCO REGARDING CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE- AS REQUIRED BY AB 1234- NATIONAL LEAGUE OF
CITIES CONGRESSIONAL CITY CONFERENCE
10.e. MOTION APPROVING THE SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT FUNDING LEVELS & APPLICATION PROCESS FOR FY 2023/2025
10.f. RESOLUTION NO. 52-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND HYDROSCIENCE ENGINEERS, INC., A CORPORATION, AMENDING THE SCOPE OF
WORK AND ADDING TO THE COMPENSATION (INCREASING THE CONTRACT BY $35,215) FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE FREEDOM BOULEVARD AND GREEN VALLEY ROAD WATER AND SEWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT, NO. SS-20-14623; AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
10.g. RESOLUTION NO. 53-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND 4LEAF, INC., A CORPORATION, AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK AND ADDING TO THE COMPENSATION (INCREASING THE CONTRACT BY $18,500) FOR CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE GREEN VALLEY AND FREEDOM BOULEVARD WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. SS-20-14623; AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
10.h. RESOLUTION NO. 54-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ESRI), INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE PURCHASE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SOFTWARE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $168,400; AND AUTHORIZING
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SERVICES AND PURCHASING AGREEMENT (FUNDED FROM 285-7226 IT SOFTWARE FUND)
10.i. RESOLUTION NO. 55-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF $4,000 FROM AAA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEVADA & UTAH (“AAA”) TO BE USED FOR THE WATSONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANGER TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE DocuSign Envelope ID: FC794EB8-0291-472F-A498-D9D5D94EA793 290
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SPECIAL GRANTS FUND
10.j. RESOLUTION NO. 56-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING A $13,416 GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY GRANT DOCUMENTS;
AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND
10.k. RESOLUTION NO. 57-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE NOMINATING
MEMBER TO THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ LATINO AFFAIRS COMMISSION
11. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
12.a. CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 155,847 SQ. FT. WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION FACILITY ON AN 11.5-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 200 MANABE OW ROAD (Recommended by Community Development Director Merriam)
1) Staff Report by Principal Planner Orbach & Community Development Director Merriam
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, Community Development Director Merriam stated truck bays would not be facing any homes and spoke about potential development in the area, noise mitigation measures, the funding source for installation and design of the roundabouts, and the timeline for construction of the project.
Mayor Montesino inquired about the number of parking spaces included in the project.
Applicant Presentation by Reyes Holdings Construction Manager Pehr Peterson In answering Member Parker, Principal Planner Orbach spoke about the number of jobs the Manabe Ow Business Park Specific Plan was projected to add locally.
Principal Planner Orbach, in answering Member Parker, spoke about challenges overcome by developers of the Manabe Ow Business Park and the importance of flexibility in considering additional businesses.
Construction Manager Peterson answered questions from Member Parker regarding potential for future growth and expansion and the number of parking spaces included in the project.
City Manager Mendez spoke about exploring ways of maximizing use of the Manabe Ow Business Park.
Construction Manager Peterson answered a question from Member Dutra regarding their total number of employees at the Watsonville location.
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In answering Member Salcido, Construction Manager Peterson stated they were not aware of who would occupy the building they would vacate should the project be approved.
Principal Planner Orbach, in answering Member Salcido, stated the view of the building from the road would be obscured by landscaping design.
In answering Member Orozco, Construction Manager Peterson spoke about the number of employees that lived in Watsonville.
Construction Manager Peterson answered Mayor Montesino regarding solar panels that would be installed in the building and stated their truck routes were designed to avoid traveling residential streets.
Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about the number of vacant warehouses in the City.
In answering Member Parker, Principal Planner Orbach spoke about the conditions of approval for the special use permit.
3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Mayor Montesino and carried by the following vote to approve Items 12.a.6. through 12.a.8. listed below.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Parker, Salcido, Montesino
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 58-23 (CM)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING THE INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (APP. NO. 2138) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 155,847 SQ. FT. WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY ON AN 11.5-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 200 MANABE OW ROAD (APN: 018- 711-33); AND ADOPTING CONCURRENTLY A MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE PROJECT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
7) RESOLUTION NO. 59-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT WITH DESIGN REVIEW AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (APP.
NO. 2138) TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 155,847 SQ. FT. WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY ON AN 11.5-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 200 MANABE OW ROAD (APN: 018-711-33) AND A PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE
DESIGN OF TWO ROUNDABOUTS AND FAIR SHARE CONTRIBUTION TOWARD
CONSTRUCTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT
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8) RESOLUTION NO. 60-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (APP. NO. 2138) FOR THE
MANABE-OW BUSINESS PARK SPECIFIC PLAN
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.a. CITY COUNCIL PROTOCOLS UPDATES
1) Staff Report by City Manager Mendez & Assistant City Manager Vides 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter, Assistant City Manager Vides and City Manager Mendez spoke about the proposed protocol for requesting future agenda items.
City Manager Mendez answered Member Parker’s questions regarding requests for items to be placed on future agendas.
Member Parker proposed an amendment to the protocols to allow items to be placed on the agenda with support from a total of three Council members as opposed to four. She spoke in support of other proposed changes.
City Manager Mendez addressed Member Parker’s concerns regarding the proposed agenda review process.
Member Salcido spoke in support of placing items on the agenda for future consideration with the support of three Council members in total.
Member Orozco expressed support for Member Parker’s suggestion for placing items on the agenda for future action with approval from three Council members and voiced concerns with the length of time it could take to consider items for appropriate action.
City Manager Mendez further clarified the proposed process for placing items on the agenda and ensuring they were taken back to Council in a timely manner.
City Attorney Zutler spoke about provisions in the Brown Act that were considered when updating the process for placing items on the agenda.
In answering Member Dutra, Assistant City Manager Vides stated mileage for approved events, such as attending board meetings outside of City limits, was reimbursable.
Member Dutra requested an amendment to allow Council members to request certificates of recognition.
Assistant City Manager Vides and City Manager Mendez spoke about protocols for purchasing tickets to community events.
City Attorney Zutler spoke about possible remedies for complaints against Council members and potential Public Records Act implications.
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address complaints from the public against Council members depending on the severity. 3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Salcido, seconded by Member Orozco to repeal Resolution No. 143-14 (CM), and replace it with a resolution approving an updated version of Council Protocols as amended.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Parker requested an additional amendment to the protocols directing the City Manager to inform Council of potential future agenda items.
City Manager Mendez and Assistant City Manager Vides provided clarification to Member Parker regarding Council being given regular updates on possible agenda items by the City Manager.
Mayor Montesino reopened the Public Comment period.
? male spoke about the importance of Council being informed of possible agenda items, which would help them keep their constituents apprised of City business.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Quiroz-Carter, Parker, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 61-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 143-14 (CM) ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 14, 2014, WHICH ADOPTED COUNCIL PROTOCOLS, AND REPLACE WITH
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED VERSION OF COUNCIL
PROTOCOLS
14. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
15. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Dutra requested an item to discuss updating the design of roundabouts.
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter requested a report on the Science Workshop.
Mayor Montesino requested a discussion on the City’s cruising ordinance and a Cannabis update.
Member Parker requested a report on older adult services.
Member Orozco requested consideration of adopting a health in all ordinance.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
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______________________________ __
Eduardo Montesino, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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