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MINUTES REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING
AGENCY, SUCCESSOR AGENCY, & PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING September 26, 2023
Hybrid Meeting
City of Watsonville
Community Rooms
275 Main Street, Top Floor
& Remote/Teleconference
4:32 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Montesino, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Parker, and Salcido (arrived at 4:35 p.m.) were present. Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter and Member Orozco were absent.
2. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE
3. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the regular meeting to discuss the matters that follow.
3.a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Negotiator: Rene Mendez and Nathalie Manning
Employee Organization: Fire Management
3.b. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
5:30 p.m. Joint City Council/Planning Commission
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Montesino, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, and Salcido were present. Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter was absent.
Chair Dodge, and Commissioners Radin and Veitch-Olson were present. Vice Chair Acosta, Commissioners Rojas, Sención, and Vega were absent.
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Assistant City Attorney Bazzano stated the Planning Commission could not convene until a quorum was present.
Mayor Montesino convened the City Council portion of the meeting and stated the Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting would begin once a Planning Commission quorum was present.
4.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (None)
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Council 5:43 p.m.
7. ROLL CALL
Mayor Montesino, Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter (arrived at 5:48 p.m.) 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, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, Police Chief Zamora, Fire Chief Lopez, Administrative Services Director Duran, Community Development Director Merriam, Assistant Community Development Director Meek, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Deputy City Manager Manning, Police Officer Rodriguez, Principal Planner Orbach, Executive Assistant Castro, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Jauregui.
8. INFORMATION ITEMS
8.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
8.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
9. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
9.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (2 MINUTES EACH) Gary Richard Arnold expressed concerns with the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments’ practices and with lack of local control over policies.
Catalina, District 1, expressed concerns with the proposed tiny homes project planned for construction on the Westview Presbyterian Church property and requested residents be given additional opportunities to provide input. She submitted a petition from resident to that effect. Additionally, she requested Pájaro Valley Loaves & Fishes be relocated.
Steve Trujillo, District 7, stated Governor Newsom had signed legislation allowing for construction of low-cost dormitories for Cabrillo College students. He spoke about the CARE court program, which could aid homeless individuals with accessing mental health services and housing and requested Council’s support for the program.
Fidel M. Soto, Santa Cruz Local and Noticias Watsonville, introduced himself to Council and stated he would request interviews with them in the future.
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Public Information Officer (PIO) Pulido spoke about the road improvements that were completed over the past weeks and presented a video recapping the projects Public Works & Utilities completed over the summer.
9.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL (2 MINUTES EACH) Member Dutra spoke about his participation at the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo and the Central Coast Community Energy’s Joint Policy and Operations Board of Directors meeting in Paso Robles. He spoke about the completion of road improvements on Freedom Boulevard and other City roads as well as future projects.
Member Orozco thanked staff for the road improvements that were completed throughout the City and stated she and her family attended the Santa Cruz County Fair.
Member Salcido spoke about the road improvement projects completed by the City and thanked PIO Pulido for her report. She stated she attended the Santa Cruz County Fair and spoke in support of the CARE court program.
Member Parker spoke about the success of the Santa Cruz County Fair and about the restriping and repaving of various roads in the City. She invited the public to attend the District 7 Storm Preparedness Meeting on October 7th.
Mayor Montesino spoke about his attendance to the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo, and other events he attended over the past weeks. He thanked staff for all the road maintenance and repairs that had been completed. He welcomed Fidel M.
Soto’s participation in the community.
9.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Bazzano stated Council received reports on the items and took no reportable action.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Gary Richard Arnold stated his concerns with the reduction of speaking time to two minutes.
Steve Trujillo, District 7, spoke in support of Item 10.b. and about his participation in activities hosted by the Senior Center.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Clark, to approve the Consent Agenda.
Member Dutra spoke in support of Item 10.i. He thanked Lisa Martin for serving on the Personnel Commission and Alicia Danna for her willingness to serve on the Commission.
Member Parker spoke in support of Alicia Danna’s appointment to the Personnel Commission listed under Item 10.i.
Mayor Montesino spoke in support of Item 10.b.
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MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Montesino NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
10.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
10.b. RESOLUTION NO. 186-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO C2 BUILDERS, INC., A CORPORATION, OF ROYAL OAKS, CA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $447,000 FOR THE WATSONVILLE SENIOR CENTER KITCHEN RENOVATIONS, PROJECT NO. CB-23-04; AND AUTHORIZING CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT
10.c. UPPER STRUVE SLOUGH ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
1) RESOLUTION NO. 187-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AUTHORIZING THE UTILIZATION OF THE INFORMAL BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE UPPER STRUVE SLOUGH ENHANCEMENT PROJECT, NO. SD-23-11092, A
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES GRANT FUNDED PROJECT, AS
ALLOWED UNDER WMC SECTION 7-14.09(b)(2) WHEN NO BIDS ARE RECEIVED
THROUGH THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS
2) RESOLUTION NO. 188-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AWARDING A CONTRACT TO TOP TIER GRADING, LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR THE UPPER STRUVE SLOUGH ENHANCEMENT PROJECT, NO.
SD-23-11092, A DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES GRANT FUNDED PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $299,299; AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM REVIEW
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15333
10.d. RESOLUTION NO. 189-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO KOSMONT & ASSOCIATES, INC. DOING
BUSINESS AS KOSMONT COMPANIES, A CORPORATION, FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000; AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
10.e. RESOLUTION NO. 190-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING
A CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $390,293 FOR THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE VISION ZERO CORRIDOR STUDY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS WHICH MAY BE NECESSARY; AND APPROPRIATING ALL SUCH FUNDS TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND [0260]
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10.f. RESOLUTION NO. 191-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A $180,000 REGIONAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING (REAP) GRANT 2.0 FROM THE ASSOCIATION
OF MONTEREY BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOALS AND POLICIES IN THE DRAFT 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND TO AUTHORIZE
AND DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS AND ANY
EXTENSIONS OR AMENDMENTS THEREOF AND ANY SUBSEQUENT CONTRACT
WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF MONTEREY BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS IN RELATION THERETO; AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND
10.g. RESOLUTION NO. 192-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER’S EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ACCEPTANCE OF THE $475,290 BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW – AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (AIG) PROJECT NO. 3-06-0272-024-2023 FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)
FOR THE AIRFIELD SECURITY ACCESS GATE UPGRADE AT THE WATSONVILLE
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
10.h. RESOLUTION NO. 193-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER’S EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ACCEPTANCE OF THE $83,575 AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP) PROJECT NO. 3-06-0272- 025-2023 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION (FAA) TO PURCHASE A ZERO EMISSIONS VEHICLE AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE AIRPORT ENTERPRISE FUND (0730)
10.i. RESOLUTION NO. 194-23 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPOINTING ALICIA DANNA TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE PERSONNEL COMMISSION FOR DISTRICT 6
11. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
11.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
City Manager Mendez spoke about his attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo and UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Economic Forecast Study, which analyzed future potential economic challenges.
Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about the District 7 and Storm Preparation Meeting on October 7 that would include storm preparedness information and resources, and efforts to inform the community.
City Manager Mendez stated the City was working with other organizations to coordinate storm preparation efforts.
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Member Parker thanked City staff for their efforts in organizing the District 7 meeting and spoke about the work being done to prepare for the storm season.
11.b. PRESENTATION BY POLICE CHIEF ZAMORA ON THE EDUCATION, TREATMENT,
PREVENTION, & ENFORCEMENT OF CRIME
In answering Mayor Montesino, Police Chief Zamora spoke about the importance of community engagement and collaboration to help prevent crime.
Member Parker stated collaboration from the entire community was an important factor in crime prevention. She requested Police Chief Zamora present a focused strategy and action plan at a future Council meeting.
In answering Member Parker, Police Chief Zamora stated time and funding are necessary to implement programs and obtain positive results.
Police Chief Zamora answered Member Salcido’s questions regarding crime statistics, programs for youth, services offered to families of those involved in crime, concerns regarding ghost guns, and gun buyback programs.
In answering Member Dutra, Police Chief Zamora spoke about concerns with youth needing additional assistance in school, and the potential lack of support leading them to make incorrect choices.
Member Parker spoke about the benefits that could be obtained with a program dedicated to addressing truancy issues by providing parents with necessary tools to support their children.
In answering Member Orozco, Police Chief Zamora stated that expanding the Caminos Hacia el Éxito Program was being explored and spoke about the purpose of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
Member Orozco suggested that Police send monthly updates to residents, as well as provide information on available resources and spoke about the importance of accessibility, communication, and proactiveness from Police. She requested exploring expansion of programs and services.
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter spoke about poverty as a root cause of violence and the importance of continuing to collaborate with partners to increase capacity of programs.
Public Comment
Steve Trujillo, District 7, expressed concerns with trauma being experienced by the community, the importance of acknowledging and treating mental illnesses, and challenges faced by community members due to lack of education.
Drew Rodgers, District 5, spoke about the role of those deemed to have progressive points of view in advocating for many of the programs Police Chief Zamora spoke about.
Antonio Rivas, District 3, suggested a criminal justice summit involving community members and various organizations to aid in addressing crime and programs for youth.
Martha Victoria Vega, District 2, spoke about budget constraints posing challenges for programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and School Resource DocuSign Envelope ID: 238B9B41-4518-4903-A7BC-2639C07AB2EB 417
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Officers. She spoke about the importance of sports, music, and entertainment options for youth and about collaboration among all community members.
Eli, District 7, spoke about the youth programs available in the past and requested funding be reallocated from Police towards community programs. She requested Police allocate funding to Pájaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance to fill their need for counselors and disagreed with an earlier speaker regarding the education level of residents.
9.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS CHILDHOOD CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
9.e. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ALICIA ZENTENO – Postponed
9.f. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING STARLIGHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 7:04 p.m. Joint City Council/Planning Commission
6. REPORTS TO COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION – No Action Required
ROLL CALL
Chair Dodge and Commissioners Radin, Vega, and Veitch-Olson were present. Vice Chair Acosta and Commissioners Rojas and Sención were absent.
Chair Dodge spoke about the City being an example of community policing and challenges faced by Police. He stated he attended a rally in support of Assembly Bill 316 regarding autonomous vehicles with the Teamsters Local 912, spoke about the potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence use and about the importance of addressing the need for workforce housing.
6.a. WATSONVILLE DRAFT 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT STUDY SESSION Presentation by Community Development Director Merriam, Principal Planner Orbach, and Kimley-Horn Planning Analyst Bryant De la Torre
In answering Member Dutra, Planning Analyst De la Torre and Community Development Director Merriam spoke about the number of housing units produced by the City for residents of varied income levels in recent years and property owners’ ability to rent homes as low-income units.
Planning Analyst De la Torre, in answering Member Parker, spoke about guidelines for the City to receive credit towards its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements, and potential impacts should the State of California determine requirements were not being met.
In answering Member Parker, consultant and City Manager Mendez spoke about the City’s efforts to meet RHNA allocation requirements and potential impacts should State requirements not be met.
Planning Analyst De la Torre, in answering Commissioner Vega, spoke about the potential for building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to aid with meeting housing allocation requirements.
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Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Mayor Montesino, stated the State had for the first time considered high and low resource areas when assigning RHNA numbers.
Commissioner Vega spoke about the County of Santa Cruz acquiring property in City limits to house various departments, which would allow its employees to avoid needing to commute to work and about the possibility of the City exploring something similar.
Planning Analyst De la Torre and Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Parker, stated the City’s size was, to a certain extent, considered for its RHNA requirements.
Mayor Montesino spoke about smaller jurisdictions expressing concerns about high RHNA numbers.
In answering Member Parker, Principal Planner Orbach stated staff was providing detailed information regarding challenges faced by housing developers and the urban limit line during its Housing Element preparation process.
Member Dutra expressed concerns with the urban limit line posing challenges to meet RHNA requirements and for potentially building single family homes.
Member Parker stated the City was in need of businesses that generated revenue.
In answering Commissioner Radin, Planning Analyst De la Torre and Community Development Director Merriam spoke about organizations the City could partner with to assist with housing needs, and the distinction between non-profits and affordable housing developers.
Planning Analyst De la Torre, in answering Chair Dodge, stated Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence could be designated as such partially due to the rental market.
Planning Analyst De la Torre, in answering Member Radin, spoke about Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence being impacted by communities with large numbers of houses serving as second homes for wealthy owners.
In answering Member Parker, Assistant City Attorney Bazzano spoke about challenges with attempting to regulate property purchase and ownership to prevent corporations from purchasing housing to manage as rental properties.
Community Development Director Merriam, in addressing Member Parker’s earlier question, stated building more housing would aid with lowering demand and rent prices.
Commissioner Radin spoke about the contrast among economic outcomes in various communities in the area.
Commissioner Vega spoke about the importance of having a variety of activities available for the community, which could bring more revenue into the City.
In answering Commissioner Vega, Community Development Director Merriam spoke about existing housing assistance programs that the City would continue to implement and other programs it wanted to implement to expand access to housing.
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Commissioner Radin spoke about the possibility of continuing to explore ADUs as an avenue to increase housing opportunities.
In answering Member Salcido, Community Development Director Merriam spoke about the timeline for having standard ADU plans ready for use.
Planning Analyst De la Torre and Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Commissioner Vega, spoke about jurisdictions that already had approved ADU plans and challenges with the City completing its own ADU plans within a year.
Commissioner Vega requested staff prioritize completion and approval of ADU plans.
Principal Planner Orbach spoke about staff efforts to have ADU plans drafted and approved.
In answering Member Orozco, Community Development Director Merriam stated the City did not control how many future possible housing units would be available for sale versus rental only.
Principal Planner Orbach, in answering Member Orozco, spoke about challenges with providing purchase options for future housing developments.
In answering Chair Dodge, Community Development Director Merriam spoke about addressing community needs for housing, including single family homes and purchase opportunities, through the General Plan.
City Manager Mendez addressed Member Parker’s questions regarding the State’s focus on jurisdictions meeting RHNA numbers and the City exploring ways of meeting the need for various options for housing.
Member Dutra expressed concerns over funding sources for housing projects restricting the City’s ability to prioritize accessibility for local community members and not receiving RHNA credits for certain projects in City limits.
Commissioner Vega stated her concerns over the prices for housing that was considered low income being too high.
In answering Chair Dodge, Planning Analyst De la Torre spoke about low-income job categories and requirements.
Commissioner Vega requested alternative methods for providing input be given to residents to accommodate those who did not use technology.
Mayor Montesino spoke about the State restricting local control over housing by imposing its own requirements and about challenges with funding housing projects.
Commissioner Radin spoke about the importance of communicating with State representatives to express any concerns with requirements for housing.
Chair Dodge stated concerns with community needs for housing not being met due to various factors.
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Community Development Director Merriam and Principal Planner Orbach answered Member Dutra’s questions regarding potential locations for housing sites.
At Commissioner Vega’s request, Community Development Director Merriam spoke about housing projects that were currently under construction.
Member Parker requested information on current housing projects be made available to Council prior to meetings.
Public Input
Alyssa thanked staff for their work on the Housing Element and spoke in support of focusing on low-income housing and addressing needs at all levels.
City Council
11.c. CRUISING ORDINANCE STUDY SESSION
Presentation by Assistant Police Chief Sims
Mayor Montesino spoke about the reasons he requested a study session on the Cruising Ordinance.
In answering Member Salcido, Assistant Police Chief Sims spoke about efforts to improve safety in the streets surrounding schools and the reasons the cruising ordinance was created.
Assistant City Attorney Bazzano, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about the process for repealing the cruising ordinance.
In answering Member Parker, Assistant Police Chief Sims stated he did not believe enacting a cruising ordinance Citywide would enhance safety and spoke about challenges with enforcing it.
Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter provided background information regarding stereotypes on cruising involving Mexican American youth. She spoke in support of repealing the ordinance and about the positive impact of car clubs in the community.
In answering Member Dutra, Assistant Police Chief Sims spoke about the definition of cruising contained in the City’s ordinance and the current state of cruising in the City. He stated there had been no safety concerns with car clubs cruising around the City, but mutual aid could be requested if necessary.
Public Input
Eli, District 7 spoke in support of repealing the cruising ordinance, thanked Mayor Pro Tempore Quiroz-Carter for providing historical context regarding cruising, and spoke about the community advocacy done by car clubs. She requested study sessions on topics including housing to explore the possibility of amending related ordinances.
12. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None
13. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
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14. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Montesino requested an item to address concerns with campers located around schools.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
______________________________ __
Eduardo Montesino, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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